Greg Gutfeld: Let's check in on Elon Musk closeVideo Greg Gutfeld and his guests weigh in on Elon Musk's Twitter takeover and the downfall of FTX on 'Gutfeld!' NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Happy Tuesday, everyone. You know, I have to say, this is the best looking audience we have had so far. Yummy. There's more tens than in the Christmas cards I give my staff. They smile so much when they open it. But you people at home can't see this audience. But trust me, it's like looking at a sea of Larry Kudlow's. The only man who can make sock garters sexy. But speaking of rich people, let's check in on Elon Musk, who may just be the best tweeter since Trump. It began Sunday with Musk tweeting about Twitter being super slow in other countries. That's when a Twitter engineer called out the Musk tweet, adding, quote, "I have spent six years working on Twitter. I could say this is wrong." When someone pointed out you probably shouldn't call out your boss publicly, he kept going. And that's when Musk hit back, "He's fired." Well, now, if you don't find that hilarious, then you're not my friend and you've never fired anyone who really deserves it. It's why I had a trap door installed in my office and hired a contractor who could keep a secret. But if I tweeted about how I run this show, I'd probably be arrested, possibly for murder. If you guys had any idea what I spent on bleach and rope alone last month, and that's just on the interns who made eye contact. GREG GUTFELD: RECREATIONAL DRUG USE IN US IS LIKE RUSSIAN ROULETTE But for Musk, it only gets better. On Sunday, he announced plans to end free lunches at Twitter headquarters, saying the meals cost the company 13 million bucks a year. That's still $2 million less than "The View" spends on feeding Joy Behar. Hey, they don't like Joy. The problem was no one was coming to the office, and that was driving up the cost. They were throwing food away like it had been cooked by Kat. But Musk making a sound business call made him even more evil. One Democrat activist wrote, quote, "He fired three fourths of the employees. Now he's planning to starve the rest of them." Yeah, yeah. They're all going to die because their bosses won't cover their sushi. What lame-o's? Here's a tip. You want a free lunch? Then, brown bag it, you losers. It's what my staff does. It's great. I just take a bite from each one of their sandwiches. I haven't bought a lunch in years. They all got hepatitis. And what does Elon know about business, anyway? I mean, he's just the world's richest man. Unlike some unemployed 32-year old activist moaning on Twitter about food. The bottom line, it's great watching someone run a company with full transparency. He does everything with the door open. Like when Doocy uses the bathroom on the plane. Even more, Musk is willing to ask seemingly obvious questions that no one ever had the guts to ask. Does that remind you of anyone? Yeah. When Trump was in charge, he would question everything from trade with China to the water pressure of showers. [VIDEO] DONALD TRUMP:But how about the shower? You go into a shower and I have this beautiful head of hair. You turn on the water. Drip, drip, drip. And the water comes dripping out, just dripping out very quietly. So what do you do? You just stand there longer. You take a shower longer. Because my hair. I don't know about you, but it has to be perfect. He sounds like Joe talking about taking a leak. Oh. But no wonder Musk has taken Trump's place as the Left's top target. The only difference is Musk can't run for president, which is probably a good thing for the Dems, because he'd probably win. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP And speaking of the Dems, oddly, they're obsessed with bringing Musk down, but they don't seem to care about the Bitcoin bandit, Sam Bankman-Fried. The founder of a crypto exchange called FTX, resigned last week after his company went belly up quicker than a five-year old's goldfish. So why no concern over him? Why haven't you heard of him until now? Well, he was Biden's second biggest donor and pumped millions into the Democratic Party. So imagine that coincidence. But it turns out he used his crypto company to borrow real dollars that he couldn't pay back. Reuters reported that between one and $2 billion of customer funds are gone, but not before the Dems spent $40 million of his money just in time for the midterms. Yeah, the timing is impeccable. Kind of like vanishing a story on the Biden family before the 2020 election. You know, I'm sensing a pattern here. So now his company is under investigation for a scam that could make Bernie Madoff look like an Eagle Scout. And where is the media? Well, they suspended their skepticism when it was so obvious this guy's a clown. [VIDEO] NAS DAILY YOUTUBER:Sam is not a traditional billionaire because he believes in the concept of earn to give. SAM BANKMAN-FRIED:Earning to give is thinking about which causes, which charity save the most lives per dollar. NAS DAILY YOUTUBER:Next year, he's planning to donate $500 million a year. And next decade, he will probably give away more than $10 billion. And he is funding everything you can think of. Global warming. SAM BANKMAN-FRIED:It's one of the biggest problems that we have to tackle together as a world. NAS DAILY YOUTUBER:COVID 19 preparedness. SAM BANKMAN-FRIED:We have to be ready for the next pandemic. NAS DAILY YOUTUBER:And of course, animal welfare. SAM BANKMAN-FRIED:Animals deserve to live just like we do. It's also why I'm vegan. Dude. If you're that rich, buy a bra. Oh, my God. Terrible. It's not body-shaming. I'm just concerned. Now, if you believe anything that fruitcake says, maybe you should lose all your money. But he tricked them all with the right virtue signals. You've heard them. The right left-wing causes and all the right cash. So will the media have any interest in digging further into a story filled with sex, drugs and corruption? Well, maybe they should read Harris Faulkner's new book. I want to talk about it, but who am I kidding? The media has about as much chance of covering that story as a belly shirt does Jerry Nadler's navel. Greg Gutfeld currently serves as host of FOX News Channel's (FNC) "Gutfeld!" (weekdays 11PM/ET) and co-host of "The Five" (weekdays 5PM/ET). He joined the network in 2007 as a contributor. He is the author of several books. His latest is "The Plus: Self-Help for People Who Hate Self-Help." Click here for more information on Greg Gutfeld. Ten Indian passengers among more than 300, including unaccompanied minors, on a Nicaragua-bound plane held in France over suspected human trafficking have applied for asylum, a source close to the case told AFP Saturday. The plane has been held at Vatry airport, 150 kilometres (95 miles) east of Paris, since arriving from Dubai on Thursday following an anonymous tip-off that it was carrying potential victims of human trafficking. The Paris prosecutor's office said there was 11 unaccompanied minors on board the Airbus jet, although regional authorities earlier pinned the number at 13. Six of the minors also expressed an interest in applying for asylum, Aurore Opyrchal, a lawyer appointed by the region to represent some of the passengers, told AFP. French authorities have not yet confirmed the passenger details. The 303 passengers of the flight operated by Romanian company Legend Airlines were still in the airport's entrance hall on Saturday morning, an AFP reporter saw. Hearings are due to be held Sunday before a judge who has the authority to extend the detention order being use by border police by another eight days. Tarpaulin covered the entrance hall's glass exterior and nearby administrative buildings, while police and gendarmes prevented access. - Detention for two extended - Two passengers in custody since Friday had their detention extended Saturday evening for up to 48 hours, according to the Paris prosecutor's office. They were being held "in order to verify" whether their role "may have been different than the others in this transport, and under what conditions and with what objectives", they said. Investigators have checked the identity of passengers and flight crew, and are verifying the "conditions and purposes" of their travel, the prosecutor added. The Indian Embassy in Paris said Saturday that it was working for "a rapid resolution of the situation", posting on X that "consular officials are on site". Liliana Bakayoko, a lawyer for the airline, said all crew members had been questioned and allowed to leave. A source close to the inquiry told AFP that some of the Indian passengers were likely workers in the United Arab Emirates who may have sought to go to Nicaragua on their way to the United States or Canada. Authorities said they have installed camp beds and portable toilets at the airport and are providing meals for the passengers as the inquiry continues. According to the Flightradar tracking site, Legend Airlines has a fleet of just four aircraft, and its unmarked Airbus jet remained immobilised on the Vatry tarmac on Saturday. Legend "has operated only a few flights on this route, always for the same client" that is not based in Europe, the airline said in a statement. It added that it would join any suit as a plaintiff if prosecutors open a case on trafficking charges. cor-kau/giv/jj For former Navy sailor Annie Reyes, seeing the words on paper still stings: "Reason for discharge: homosexual conduct." "We were in Bahrain in the middle of the ocean, and they're like, 'This is the perfect time to kick someone out for being gay,'" Reyes, 40, said of her 2009 dismissal from the USS Bataan under the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy. "Even right now, I don't qualify to get my full benefits because I didn't get a chance to serve the four years," said the former electrician's mate and married mother of two in an interview. "There are so many people that this happened to that it's ridiculous." PHOTO: Former Navy electricians mate Annabel (Annie) Reyes successfully applied to have her discharge status upgraded after being removed from the military because of her sexual orientation. (ABC News) More than a decade after Congress ended the military's ban on gay service members, Reyes and thousands of other LGBTQ veterans like her are still fighting to restore their dignity -- and obtain full access to veteran benefits like health care, home loans, and college tuition that were denied after less-than-honorable discharges. An estimated 100,000 service members since World War II were kicked out of the military because of their sexual orientation, officials say, including more than 13,000 under the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy between 1994 and 2011. Some received honorable discharges -- the military's top designation for satisfactory service and a key to unlocking a full spectrum of veterans' benefits -- but many received a lesser designation, with the added stigma of their sexual orientation documented as the reason for removal. PHOTO: Dana Montalto, an attorney with the Harvard Veterans Legal Clinic, says thousands of service members involuntarily discharged from the military under Dont Ask, Dont Tell still have not received upgraded benefits. (ABC News) "It was a really significant victory to have Don't Ask, Don't Tell finally repealed, but that wasn't the end of the story. There's so much work that needs to be done," said Dana Montalto, an attorney and instructor at the Veterans Legal Clinic at Harvard Law School. While many of the most valuable veterans' benefits are administered by the federal government, states also extend financial and educational perks for military service. In both cases, benefits are dependent on a veteran's official discharge status as recorded by the Pentagon. "It is lifesaving for veterans to have access to some of these programs, especially those who have experienced harm during their service, and to deny them access to these benefits, that's a huge problem and something that we really need to fix," Montalto said. PHOTO: Christie Bhageloe is director of the Veterans Consortium discharge upgrade program which helps service members kicked out of the military because of their sexual orientation. (ABC News) Since 2012, service members who were kicked out have been able to apply to a military board for a chance to have official records upgraded to remove references to sexual orientation and qualify for more benefits. But only one-in-four eligible veterans has done so, according to the Pentagon. "The bottom line is the veteran has to know to ask for it, and they have to know how to file it, and it's not simple," said Christie Bhageloe, director of the Discharge Upgrade Program at The Veterans' Consortium, a nonprofit group that provides pro bono legal services. Earlier this year, the Biden administration announced that the military would for the first time begin proactively reviewing discharge records to identify and help those who were kicked out and have not come forward. PHOTO: Annabel Reyes, a Navy veteran living in central Massachusetts, was kicked out of the military in 2009 for being gay. She is still fighting to receive full access to benefits earned by her service. (ABC News) The Pentagon confirmed to ABC News that its new initiative is underway and that staff have begun identifying veterans eligible for review, but a spokesperson could not say how many personnel are involved with the outreach or when the process is expected to be completed. "I don't know why it is that it's taken this long for DOD to take the affirmative step," Montalto said. "The burden should be on [the military] to ask [the veteran] what they need and not to have it be on them to figure out how to navigate all these different processes." Several states in recent years have moved to take matters into their own hands and rectify what advocates have called a "historic injustice" to thousands of LGBTQ veterans who served. PHOTO: Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healy, the states first woman and first openly gay chief executive, speaks with ABC News at the statehouse in Boston. (ABC News) "Here in Massachusetts we said, 'No, that's not right. We're going to set up a board. We're going to make sure that any veteran who served, who is discharged because they were gay, is going to be in line and receive state benefits,'" said Gov. Maura Healey, the state's first woman and openly gay governor, in an interview. "I appreciate what the Biden administration is doing, but we want to make sure though that we are moving quickly," Healey said. "The stigma that came from that discriminatory law -- Don't Ask, Don't Tell -- is something that continues to live with our gay veterans to this day." In September, Healey announced the creation of a new Veterans Equality Review Board led by Army Reservist Dr. Jon Santiago. PHOTO: Gov. Maura Healy of Massachusetts helped establish a state review board aimed at helping LGBT veterans access the full array of state benefits, even if they received a less than honorable discharge. (ABC News) "We have about 10- to 15,000 that could benefit from this," Santiago said. "But the point is, we want to send a message to the veteran community that we hear you, that we see you, we want to work closely with you, and that if you were denied benefits, we are here to rectify that." But even in Massachusetts, the burden is still on the veteran to file a claim, and the effort alone cannot rectify a veteran's official discharge status with the Pentagon. "Why do we have to keep coming back and coming back for you to give justice to us?" asked Reyes. "You have our name. You know where we are." Reyes calls the new outreach a positive, if small step, toward making things right and says she has had success in her own pursuit of justice. PHOTO: Dr. Jon Santiago, an Army reservist, is Massachusetts secretary of veterans services, leading an effort to reach out to LGBT veterans who were kicked out of the military because during Dont Ask, Dont Tell. (ABC News) In 2009, with help from the Harvard Veterans Clinic, Reyes was able to upgrade her discharge records to "honorable" and remove a reference to her sexual orientation. Tens of thousands of others are still waiting. "I'm willing to risk my life. I'm sitting here, still standing, willing to risk my life for you. You're wondering who I'm sleeping with? It's the stupidest thing," Reyes said. "I don't need an apology. I need them to fix the things they broke." Pentagon, states begin new push to help LGBTQ veterans kicked out of military originally appeared on abcnews.go.com The next generation of billionaires will not be entrepreneurs but those who inherit multigenerational family wealth. Billionaires have accumulated more wealth through inheritance than entrepreneurship, indicating that the great wealth transfer is gaining momentum, according to a UBS study. By the numbers: In just the last year, 53 heirs have inherited $150.8 billion. By contrast, 84 new self-made billionaires created a total of $140.7 billion. Thats a lot of billions, and while that level of wealth far exceeds most peoples financial dreams, the money transfer has implications for businesses and brands whose founders dont want to see their lifes work evaporate. As baby boomers are well into their golden years, there is an increased desire to help the next generation manage their inheritance, [but also] a fear they will squander their legacy, Tom OSaben, an enrolled agent and director of tax content and government relations at the National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP), previously told Yahoo Finance. Yahoo Finance spoke with Peter Mondavi Jr., third-generation co-proprietor of the Charles Krug winery in Napa Valley, about how the business has evolved to incorporate the fourth generation to continue a 75-year family legacy. The conversation has been edited for length and clarity. Mondavi Charles Krug 75 year legacy over four generations. Source: Charles Krug Winery (Charles Krug Winery) Yahoo Finance (YF): Most readers are familiar with your uncle, Robert Mondavi, but probably unaware of the family legacy that is the Charles Krug Estate. Can you give us background on the family history? Peter Mondavi Jr. (PMJ): My grandfather, Cesare Mondavi, didnt have previous wine experience. When he immigrated to New York City in 1908 with my grandmother, he was the broker to secure grapes for Italian immigrants who made their own house wines. Getting the right grapes led to the family going west to Napa Valley. In 1943, he acquired the Charles Krug Winery, the oldest in Napa Valley. When my grandfather passed, my father Peter Sr., and uncle, Robert, inherited the family business. My uncle left to start his own company and my father acquired full ownership of Charles Krug Winery in 1976. YF: After your uncle left the family business, what did your father do to prepare you and your brother Marc to take over? PMJ: We were exposed to the family business as young kids, working odd summer jobs as teens in hospitality and the vineyards, understanding the ground level aspects of the business. Over time, we became more immersed and involved. I started working full-time after college. When my uncle Robert cashed out, my father gave us the option to cash out or continue with business. We decided to continue with the business. YF: You are co-proprietor with your brother Marc and are the third generation. Did you change how the business operated? PMJ: My father was president until 1998. Marc and I split operation of the company by brands with me handling the Charles Krug brand and Marc the CK Mondavi brand. YF: Your children are the fourth generation. What did you do to prepare them to be part of the family business? PMJ: When the fourth generation became more of a presence, we developed explicit family governance because they were very young and needed to be educated as owners and shareholders. Around 2015, we formalized a structure using a family office, with the goal to sustainably grow and transfer the branded wine business across generations, with continuous family ownership. Members of the third and fourth generations hold various roles, from positions in the winery, brand ambassadors to board members. Four of the seven board members are family members. We require family members to get experience outside and within different facets of Charles Krug and the CK Mondavi Family Portfolio if they desire to work here. Charles Krug Redwood Cellar in Napa Valley (Charles Krug Winery) Things to consider when passing down multigenerational wealth Heirs inheriting billions may not want to be part of the family business, or they may have ideas about changing it to make their mark on the legacy. That puts succession planning at the forefront. When managing a multigenerational business, employment in the family business and ownership in the family business are two different things, Marguerite Weese, chief operating officer of Wilmington Trusts Emerald Family Office & Advisory and National Director of Family Legacy Strategies, told Yahoo Finance. Initially, the family business is what keeps the family together, but as generations go on and other members arent actively involved, thats where the family office steps in, Weese said. Typically, ultra-high-net-worth individuals will use a family office structure to manage wealth with a dedicated in-house staff of lawyers, accountants, and wealth managers to maintain privacy and confidentiality. A family office avoids future conflict and division to help keep things cohesive, like passing down assets and educating the next generation on business management and philanthropy to continue legacies, Petar Arizanov, CFP, who is an executive director and an OMEGA portfolio manager at Oppenheimer & Co. Inc., told Yahoo Finance. Every family office does something slightly different because they have different objectives. Continuing the family legacy is important for us, which is why the fourth generation is putting together a charter for future generations to keep the family culture with a flexible management structure, Mondavi Jr. said. Ronda is a personal finance senior reporter for Yahoo Finance and attorney with experience in law, insurance, education, and government. Follow her on X @writesronda. Read the latest personal finance trends and news from Yahoo Finance Former Trump communications director Anthony Scaramucci claimed former President Trumps remarks that drew comparisons to Adolf Hitler, Mein Kampf and Nazi Germany are a total dog whistle. Scaramucci, who served on the former presidents campaign team and just 11 days in the administration, said Trump knows exactly what hes doing with his comments. He also argued his former boss would promote lies or random pieces of information because he thought it sounded good at the time. Listen, its a total dog whistle for him, Scaramucci told CNNs Abby Phillip. So, he knows exactly what hes doing, he added. He puts things out there, sort of with a forked tongue. Hell say one thing and say, Oh geez, I didnt realize that that was from that, but he does know that its from that. Trump has come under fire in recent days after he repeatedly claimed immigrants coming to the U.S. are destroying the blood of our country and critics argue he is parroting Nazis. The Anti-Defamation League has said the phrase echoes Hitlers rhetoric in his book Mein Kampf that asserted German blood was poisoned by Jews. The former president later said he is not a student of Hitler, despite repeating the claim denying that he intended any racist sentiment with the phrase. Trump said he knows nothing about Hitler and had never read his works. Scaramucci suggested that someone likely wrote the speech knowing that Hitler said it. I do believe him that he has not read Mein Kampf, okay, because I dont think this guys ever read a book, the former Trump aide said in the clip highlighted by Mediaite. The joke on the campaign is that hes written more books than he read. He knows he has a base some of them of which are white supremacist, he added. Scaramucci said the elites in the country must understand that there are many people suffering across the country that feel rejected by the establishment. So they use President Trump as an avatar for their anger, he said, adding that the former president will blow that whistle very hard because he knows theyre gonna come out and vote for him. Theyll vote in the rain, theyll vote in the sleet and the snow, Scaramucci argued. They dont care, he knows that. Thats why hes blowing very hard on that whistle. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. What's a number worth? To the Los Angeles Dodgers' new do-everything star Shohei Ohtani, apparently a Porsche. Ashley Kelly, the wife of Dodgers reliever Joe Kelly, shared a video on social media Saturday night of her opening the front door to see a Porsche at the end of their driveway. Confused, Ashley Kelly asks a man at the door, "Yes?" The man points to the car and another voice off camera says, "That's yours. From Shohei. He wanted to gift you a Porsche." "Shut the ," Ashley Kelly says immediately after. Its yoursfrom Shohei. Shohei gifted Joe Kellys wife Ashley with a new car for her Ohtake17 campaign. pic.twitter.com/Vsb3PqMthF Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) December 24, 2023 Ashley Kelly staged a viral campaign she called #Ohtake17 to lure Ohtani to the Dodgers during which she offered to hand over all of the the household's Dodgers No. 17 gear and even change her baby's name from Kai to ShoKai if the two-way star agreed to put on Dodger Blue. Shortly after the historic deal was announced, Ashley Kelly celebrated the news with a hilarious social media post during which she made good on her offer, tossing a bunch of No. 17 Kelly jerseys and T-shirts on the front lawn. At the end of the video she summons her husband and writes "Kelly 99" on the back of his white T-shirt. Wham's "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" is played in the background. Ohtani, who announced he would be signing a 10-year, $700 million deal on Dec. 9, wore No. 17 during each of his six MLB seasons with the Los Angeles Angels. Joe Kelly has worn No. 17 since 2019, 3 of those seasons with the Dodgers. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Shohei Ohtani gifts Joe Kelly's wife, Ashley Kelly, Porsche for number New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu (R) went after former President Trump on Saturday after Trump claimed Sununu had low approval ratings, with the governor instead pointing to their electoral records. One of us has never lost an election, the four-term governor said on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. The other currently polls at 40% in NH and apparently doesnt know how to turn his caps lock off. Despite what Trump claimed in a Friday Truth Social rant, polls show Sununu as one of the countrys more popular governors. He had a 63 percent approval rating in one August poll, compared with Trumps 42 percent average favorability. He followed the dig with the hashtag #WhyAreYouSoObsessedWithMe. Sununu has backed former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley for the 2024 primary, pointing to rising polls as proof of her superiority over the former president. Haley is the first primary challenger to be within striking distance of Trump in any early primary state. Trump has raised the pressure on Haley in recent weeks as her profile rises, turning attention to an increasing threat in the Granite State primary. A pro-Trump super PAC rolled out an anti-Haley ad in New Hampshire this week, the first of its kind, with Haleys campaign celebrating. Donald Trumps false attack ad sends a loud and clear message: Nikki Haley is surging and Trump is scared, Haley spokesperson Olivia Perez-Cubas said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A man who appears to be obsessed with the Unabomber has been arrested for threatening to blow up an FBI office in Los Angeles. Mark William Anten, a 52-year-old man from Sun Valley, California, is accused of sending multiple threatening emails to the bureau dating back to July including warning that he would bomb the FBIs Los Angeles Field Office. Some of the messages were allegedly signed off referring to himself as the notorious Unabomber. In a press release, the US Attorneys Office for the Central District of California, said that Mr Anten emailed FBI agents on 2 November and claimed that he had been voted most likely in his graduating class to become the next Unabomber. He allegedly went on to list similarities between himself and Ted Kaczynski the man who terrorised America for 17 years, by carrying out a bombing campaign that killed three people and injured 23 others. Mr Anten also told the agents that he was working on a manifesto much like Kaczynski signing off the email Unabomber. After receiving the email, FBI agents visited Mr Antens home later that month where he allegedly confessed to sending the messages. He was told the stop but the communications continued and escalated, according to the criminal affidavit. On 5 December, the suspect allegedly sent a string of threatening emails to FBI agents, threatening to Unabomb the LA field office. Ted Kaczynski flanked by federal agents in 1996 (AP1996) The next day, prosecutors say he sent another email threatening a mass murder spree. I can go on a mass murder spree. In fact, it would be very explainable by your actions, the email read. It was signed off SuperMax or Death an apparent reference to the federal prison where Kaczynski spent the final two decades of his life. Another email featured an image of a Google search for how to make a dirty bomb, according to prosecutors. That same day, Mr Anten then allegedly visited the LA field office a visit that was captured on surveillance footage and sent an email taunting agents that he had been there. Mr Anten was arrested at his home on Thursday morning and charged with a federal felony count of making threats by interstate communication. He appeared in court in downtown Los Angeles that morning where he was ordered to be held without bond. He faces up to five years in federal prison if convicted and is scheduled to appear in court for his arraignment on 11 January. His apparent campaign is said to have begun soon after Kaczynski died by suicide in federal prison back in June. The 81-year-old had been held in Colorados federal Supermax prison since 1998, when he was sentenced to life in prison for carrying out at least 16 bombings between 1978 and 1995. He was transferred to the Federal Medical Center in Butner, North Carolina, in 2021 due to ill health and was found dead in his cell there in June. The shift of enrolment from private schools to government schools is evidence of its efficacy Lady Lewis Girls High School in Sambalpur witnessed a 50 per cent increase in enrolment in two years. (Image by Arrangement) HYDERABAD: In 2021, when the Odisha government introduced its 5T (teamwork, transparency, technology, time and transformation) promise to over 8,000 state-run schools, there was skepticism among teachers. But the shift of enrolment from private schools to government schools is evidence of its efficacy. Lady Lewis Girls High School in Sambalpur witnessed a 50 per cent increase in enrolment in two years. School headmistress, Kamalini Acharya, attributes this surge to the swift execution and clear future plans under the 5T programme. "A budget increase of 55 per cent from 2018-19 to 2023-24, amounting to Rs 1,268 crore is testament to the government's commitment," the teacher said. Aswathy S, commissioner-secretary, school and mass education department, speaking to the media, pointed to a 1.5 per cent increase in enrolment for Class 1 to 12 since 2021. Asked if she knew of any student who had left a private institution to join a government school, Jyotirmayee Mishra, headmistress of Puri Zilla School, said with a smile: "My son." Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan had said that Odisha had a drop-out rate of 49.9 per cent, the highest. against a national rate of 20.6 per cent for Class 10 in 2021-22. Odisha's school minister Sudam Marndi contested the figure and wrote to the Central government. "The calculation based on Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE) data is inaccurate, as it excluded information on 1.4 lakh students in technical, vocational, open and distance courses. Second, the method of comparing Class 11 admissions with the previous year's Class 10 does not consider students pursuing alternative courses after Class 10," Aswathy told Deccan Chronicle. She added that using updated UDISE data would bring Odisha's dropout rate down to 20 per cent, and including the 1.4 lakh students in various courses would reduce it to 15. The Odisha government plans to integrate AI into the curriculum at its 8,800 well-equipped high schools, A knowledge team is working with organisations like Intel and Nasscom to develop the curriculum, 5T chairman V.K. Pandian told DC. The government has hired 4,166 teachers to ensure that not no class is missed. Aswathy said the next phase would be middle and primary schools, with focus beyond infrastructural development. "High school shows the highest impact, which is also what countries like China are doing," she explained. Pandian and Aswathy said that they will work around the hiccups of electricity disruptions to a fragment of schools in remote areas of the state and issues with schools that get their mid-day meals from Akshaya Patra missing out on eggs. The Indian Consulate in San Francisco said the incident has hurt the sentiments of the Indian community According to media reports, Swaminarayan temple was defaced with pro-Khalistan slogans against India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the wall of the temple. (@BrandedAthoubi) New Delhi: India has strongly condemned the defacing of the Swaminarayan Temple at Newark in California with anti-India graffiti and has asked American authorities to take prompt action to bring the culprits to book. The Indian Consulate in San Francisco said the incident has hurt the sentiments of the Indian community. It added, We have pressed for quick investigation and prompt action against the vandals by the US authorities in this matter. Reacting to the incident, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said on Saturday that anti-India extremist and separatist elements should not be given space outside the country and that the Indian mission has complained to the police and authorities in the US following which a probe is on there. According to media reports, the temple was defaced with pro-Khalistan slogans against India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the wall of the temple. The American Hindu Foundation has reportedly insisted that the incident should be investigated as a hate crime and said the Newark Police Department and the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division were informed about it. It may be noted that pro-Khalistan elements in the US and Canada have been targeting Indian diplomatic missions and Hindu Temples but authorities in these countries have not yet taken adequate action to tackle such elements. It may be noted that far from adequately cracking down on such elements, the United States has instead expressed concerns on an alleged plot to kill US citizen and pro-Khalistan extremist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil in which it claims two Indian nationals were involved. The US is yet to take any significant action against Pannun who has been spewing terror threats against India including against airline Air India and the Indian Parliament. So far as Canada is concerned, the MEA Spokesperson had this Thursday once again referred to the core issue of the space provided to extremists, terrorists and anti-India elements in Canada. New Delhi had earlier this month also said it is taking the threats issued against India by Pannun seriously and has taken up the matter both the US and Canada. India had also said that Pannun is wanted by Indian (investigative) agencies and that India has flagged concerns (with the US) about threats made by extremists. Pannun has both American and Canadian citizenship. The American Hindu foundation has reportedly insisted that the incident should be investigated as a hate crime and said the Newark Police Department and the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division were informed about it. It may be noted that pro-Khalistan elements in the United States and Canada have been targeting Indian diplomatic missions and Hindu Temples but authorities in these countries have not yet taken adequate action to tackle such elements. It may be noted that far from adequately cracking down on such elements, the United States has instead expressed concerns on an alleged plot to kill United States citizen and pro-Khalistan extremist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil in which it claims two Indian nationals were involved. The United States is yet to take any significant action against Pannun who has been spewing terror threats against India including against airline Air India and the Indian Parliament. So far as Canada is concerned, the ministry of external affairs spokesperson had this Thursday once again referred to the core issue of the space provided to extremists, terrorists and anti-India elements in Canada. New Delhi had earlier this month also said it is taking the threats issued against India by Pannun seriously and has taken up the matter both the United States and Canada. India had also said that Pannun is wanted by a number of Indian (investigative) agencies. Moreover, India has flagged concerns (with the United States) about threats made by extremists. Pannun has both American and Canadian citizenship. Saffron party looking to sweep Hindu votes NEW DELHI: With the 2024 general elections only a few months away, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has exhorted the party to increase the BJPs vote share by over 10 per cent. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the NDA's vote share was 44.87 per cent, while the BJP bagged 37.36 per cent of the votes. In comparison, the UPA managed just 26.74 per cent and the Congress vote share was 19.49 per cent. The BJPs target for the 2024 general elections will be to grow its vote share from 37.86 per cent to over 50 per cent, Modi said. For this purpose, the saffron party plans to win over 80 per cent of Hindu votes. Addressing the BJP national office-bearers meeting, Modi said the party needs to secure at least 50 per cent of the total votes polled in next years general election for its third consecutive victory, sources said. The Prime Minister said that the BJP will be able to register a more decisive victory if it gets more than 50 per cent of the total votes polled and gave suggestions to achieve it, sources said. With 37.36 per cent votes in the 2019 general elections, the BJP had won 303 seats in the Lok Sabha. Now the saffron party is aiming to win over 350 or nearly 400 seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The BJP feels that by getting over 50 per cent of the total votes polled, the target of winning around 400 seats can be easily achieved. It is learnt that the saffron party believes that getting 80 per cent of its core vote bank (Hindus) will help them achieve the target of 50 per cent set by the Prime Minister. Another leader noted that getting 80 per cent of the Hindu votes would translate to the BJP easily getting around 60 per cent of the votes polled, about 10 per cent more than the target of 50 per cent. He added that while the BJP is eyeing the majority community votes, the party, as per the vision laid down by the Prime Minister, is also working to make inroads among other minority communities. With an eye on majority votes in next years Lok Sabha polls, the BJP has already started organising several programmes to make the opening of Ram Mandir on January 22 a mega event across the country. An insider told this newspaper that the opening of the Ram Mandir to devotees, along with the welfare and development works of the Modi government, will be a crucial part of the BJP's 2024 general election campaign. Ram Mandir will dominate our electoral agenda from January 1. Several programmes and events will be held across the country to reach out to Hindu voters across the country, a BJP leader said. Some academics are now trying to find out the exact age when children actually begin to doubt that Santa exists Merry Christmas! That is if one can be merry whilst battling the usual chaos at the airports and train stations trying to get away if one can afford it. But I must confess that the colder it gets the happier I am, as there is nothing more beautiful than a white Christmas-even though there is no chimney in our apartment for Santa Claus to drop in from, and by the way, who believes in Santa, anymore? Naturally some academics are now trying to find out the exact age when children actually begin to doubt that Santa exists, and reach the painful realisation that adults can lie. Ergo, should one tell them the truth from an early age and still break their little hearts? Or should one continue to lie about a man with a white beard who leaps around the world with reindeers and wriggles through chimneys, and let them find out that we too can be dishonest I am sure that the woke police will find something wrong and cancel Santa but till then lets enjoy our childhood fantasy! Because what is real is that people do get lonely at Christmas, when the temperatures drop. And this is especially true for the older generation when times are tough. Now an advertisement made for just 700 pounds from Charlies Bar in Northern Ireland has gone viral: It shows an elderly man who is alone, walking into a pub at Christmas and being joined by two strangers and their dog. They begin speaking and suddenly the world is a better and friendlier place. The message is being appreciated by all, as especially after the pandemic there has been an epidemic of loneliness, and it is a mental health issue which can no longer be ignored. The ad ends with the words there are no strangers here, only friends you havent yet met. Charlies Bar has a grand tradition of remaining open on Christmas so that people continue to meet and do not spend the day alone. Basically the spirit of Christmas is to give and share and thats what the ad (and dear old Santa) capture beautifully. But, folks, things are not so great here with the cost of living crisis and every day the papers are full of a strange phenomenon that has gripped the nation. Shoplifting! One had thought that with CCTV cameras and security it would be difficult to steal, but sadly, it seems that more than one billion pounds worth of commodities mostly food, according to the British Retail Consortiums estimates, is disappearing off the shop shelves, without being paid for. Most of this is confectionary, meat and cheese of course. But the matter does not end there as investigation shows that these goods are resold to unsuspecting customers. It is a very sad day indeed because I have always had this naive feeling that we live in a very safe society here (even though I have been pickpocketed thrice!) and to think that is not the case makes one wonder! Who would have imagined a few years ago that there could ever be a black market for food! And talking about disappearances this must be quickest art theft ever! A piece of art by the graffiti artist Banksy which was placed on the street side in South London vanished within an hour of its installation. It was a traffic stop sign designed by the artist with three military drones on it and, no, the disappearance was not a prank by the artist. If one recollects that one of his artworks literally went up into thin air after it had been auctioned. But that had been deliberately masterminded by the artist who often makes political and social statements through his art. Obviously this will be yet another black marketed item, because who could ever openly display such a well-known piece of art? Christmas is also the time to greet friends and renew friendships. We remember our long forgotten friends and send them warm greetings to wherever they may be. A Christmas card adorns our Christmas tree and the more cards festooned over the mantelpiece the better. The Post Office has been advertising that we must not forget to send our cards. After all as many as 8 billion Xmas cards are posted each year. There are as many as 14 billion parcels at seasonal times. But the shock and surprise is that the Post Office in its infinite wisdom gives priority to parcels at festival times and neglects cards! This was discovered by journalists who pretended to be casual staff for Xmas and were told to leave the letters for a while. No wonder the Post Office, privatised a decade ago, is making a loss. Hmmmmm no wonder we rely on WhatsApp! Yet, hopefully, your card will reach you, children will continue to believe in Santa and this will be a merry Christmas! The Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard rushed their aircraft and ships to aid the merchant vessel An Israel-affiliated merchant vessel, MV Chem Pluto, that was moving towards India with crude oil was hit by a drone on Saturday in the Arabian Sea off India's west coast. The Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard rushed their aircraft and ships to aid the merchant vessel. (Representational Image: DC) New Delhi: An Israel-affiliated merchant vessel, MV Chem Pluto, that was moving towards India with crude oil was hit by a drone on Saturday in the Arabian Sea off India's west coast. The Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard rushed their aircraft and ships to aid the merchant vessel. As per reports, the ship had around 20 Indian crew members. According to UK maritime body UKMTO, the incident happened 200 nautical miles about 370 km southwest of Veraval, in Gujarat. The drone-fired missile caused an explosion and fire on the vessel. However, there were no casualties and the crew was able to bring the fire under control. Incidentally, an area of 200 nautical miles is considered to fall in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of a nation, as prescribed by the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The country has exclusive rights regarding the exploration and use of marine resources, including energy production from water and wind. The EEZ is considered to stretch from the outer limit of the territorial sea (22.224 km from the baseline) to 370.4 kilometres (or 200 nautical miles) from the coast. The Liberian-flagged oil tanker had last called Saudi Arabia and was destined for India at the time of the incident, as per another maritime body. The vessel was carrying crude oil and was going towards Mangalore. "The Indian Navy had dispatched an aircraft, which arrived overhead the merchant vessel. The safety of the crew and ship was ascertained. A warship has also been dispatched to provide any assistance as required," said sources in the Indian Navy. The attack could signal a spillover of the Red Sea crisis near the Indian coast. The Houthi rebels have been attacking Israel-bound commercial shipping with drones and missiles in support of the Palestinians, forcing shippers to change course and take longer routes around the southern tip of Africa. The incident could affect trade in the Indian Ocean region and also sharply increase ship insurance. This could make importing oil and other products more expensive. The UKMTO that operates under Britain's Royal Navy said it received a report of an attack by uncrewed aerial system (UAS) on a vessel causing an explosion and fire. It said the fire was extinguished and there were no casualties. The UKMTO said authorities are investigating the incident. Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO, it said. he UKMTO provides maritime security information and largely acts as the primary point of contact for merchant vessels involved in maritime incidents. It receives reports and information on suspicious incidents from merchant shipping and shares that information with its regional, national contacts, as well as industry and vessels operating in that area, according to UKMTO. The Indian Navy's deployment of the maritime patrol aircraft and the warship came days after it swiftly responded to the hijacking of a Malta-flagged cargo vessel by pirates in the Arabian Sea. The hijacking of the cargo vessel was reported on December 14. Days later, it evacuated one of the 18 crew members onboard the vessel off the coast of Somalia to provide medical care after he was injured by the pirates. The GM brand shipped close to 350,000 units, with the SS model again recording strong demand. The carmaker installed the Super Sport package on 12,309 Novas, showing the world that customers were still interested in the performance side of its car.However, the six-cylinder Nova, which many considered the perfect choice, given the mix of great economy and looks, was still the best-selling configuration. Chevrolet installed the lazy yet efficient straight-six on nearly 140,000 Novas.The 1972 example in these photos rolled off the assembly lines with a 350 V8 under the hood, delivering 225 horsepower thanks to a 3-speed Turbo 350 automatic transmission sending the power to the front wheels.I won't spend too much time describing what the eyes can see, as the Nova is nearly a perfect car, but if you wonder how it ended in such a great shape after all these years, the answer comes down to a climate-controlled garage. The vehicle has been sitting in California storage, where it was parked by the one and only owner it ever had.The car is a survivor in all regards, coming with the stock setup installed by Chevrolet when the car rolled off the assembly lines. It flexes the same paint, the same interior, and the same engine. The only change that it received was "one minor repair" on the fenders, but otherwise, the Nova is unrestored, original, and unmolested.The Nova wears the correct Cream Yellow (paint code 56) finish with the original black vinyl top. Everything is almost like a new car, with the Nova ready for the road.However, whoever buys the car will probably want to keep it in storage for a little longer. The mileage is impressive, and nobody wants to ruin the great numbers on the odometer. The car has 43,500 miles on the clock, and they are all original, considering the Nova spent many years in storage.As a survivor, the Nova should find a home in someone's collection, especially as it doesn't require any repairs. It has already received proper maintenance, so it comes with a newer gas tank, clean floors, and no rust overall.Unsurprisingly, this Nova V8 won't sell cheaply. Past and Present Motor Cars, the garage in charge of finding a new owner for this otherwise very appealing car, expects to get close to $44K. However, they also enabled the Make Offer button, so customers interested in the car can contact the dealer for additional information. You can find it in person in Florida, and while the Nova is ready for the road, you should take it on a trailer to preserve its mileage. If you're interested in trying out van life, there's undoubtedly a sense of adventure inside you. Most van dwellers I've written about build their van back home and start traveling in their native country. But the Irish couple I'm covering today has taken things to the next level. Photo: YouTube Screenshot / Philly & Keely | Chapter by Chapter Photo: YouTube Screenshot / Philly & Keely | Chapter by Chapter Photo: YouTube Screenshot / Philly & Keely | Chapter by Chapter Philly and Keely have been living in vans for the past four years. However, they recently set quite a challenge for themselves: fly to Australia, buy a bone-stock van, and convert it from scratch in just 30 days. Their base vehicle of choice was a 1997 Toyota Hiace, which they named "Dingo." Depending on the vehicle's equipment, you can find 1997 Hiaces priced between $7,000 and $16,000 (6,386 and 14,597) in the United States.This unit is dual fuel, mainly running on LPG. Moreover, it boasts a backup petrol tank, but to be extra prepared, the couple carries two 20-liter (5-gallon) gas canisters on the roof, attached to a roof rack alongside a spare tire and solar panels. Another notable element is an awning.Dingo rides on all-terrain tires, which helps it go off the beaten path even though it's not a 4x4. Given that the van will be a full-time home and office for the couple, everything inside is designed to be comfortable and accessible. Philly and Keely kept the interior as natural, open, and flowy as possible while also prioritizing functionality and storage spaces. Of course, the rig is built to withstand the rough Australian environment.Another key design feature was to not have a significant difference between inside and outside. Basically, they wanted the interior to flow outside and vice-versa. One of the things they did in this regard was to use a natural earth color scheme with a wood ceiling, a solid wood countertop, linen curtains, and more.One of the most distinctive parts of the Dingo's interior is the bed setup: there are three ways you can arrange the bed. The most comfortable setup consists of a full-length double bed, providing plenty of space for both to sleep. Then, there's the bed mode, which they mostly use. It's a tighter fit for both to sleep, but it leaves some room between the bed and the counter for the couple to walk. And lastly, during the day, the L-shaped sofa mode leaves plenty of maneuvering room around the bed.Underneath one of the bed's sections, you'll find a space where the duo stores the bed linen and all the tools they used to build the interior. One thing the couple had to consider was that the vehicle's engine wasn't at the front like in most vans. It's actually housed underneath the driver's seat, so they devised the bed frame in such a way that it can be removed in case they need to work on the engine.Underneath another bed section, you'll discover an enormous Bushman 35-liter (9-gallon) fridge/freezer box. Right next to it, Philly and Keely added a Bluetti power station, which powers everything in the van.For cooling, which is especially important when traveling in the Australian outback, the couple uses a portable 12 V A/C and the vehicle's A/C. Moreover, extra ventilation is provided via a tiny ceiling vent.The Bluetti power station is charged solely by solar. It came with a 350 W portable solar panel, but the couple also installed two 110 W solar panels on the roof, ensuring they do not run out of power.So, how do you cook in a van this small? Well, Philly and Keely devised two counters toward the rear. The driver's side integrated a sink, which was actually made from a $5 salad bowl. By the way, the sink is operated through a foot pedal. Moreover, water is supplied by a 15-liter (4-gallon) water container in a cabinet underneath, and it's then drained underneath the vehicle.On the opposite side, the other counter holds a portable Dometic stove with a grill powered by a propane tank. Other notable elements in the kitchen are a rack that holds dried goods, a towel holder, a mirror, cabinets, and ceramic tile splashbacks behind both countertops. Furthermore, there's an additional storage spot underneath the countertop, hidden behind a curtain.One must when traveling through Australia is to have a bug net or else your van will quickly get filled with insects. Philly and Keely have a large one covering the entire main entrance.Regarding lighting, the duo installed magnet-mounted LED ceiling lights. They can be recharged via USB-C, and because they use magnets, they can be attached in many places inside and outside the van.There was no space left inside the van to fit a conventional bathroom with a toilet and shower. So, the couple uses public restrooms or simply do their needs in the wild when possible. Even though they don't mention a shower, it's safe to assume the duo showers at campsites or gyms.All in all, Philly and Keely have done an outstanding job with this conversion. It's simple yet practical and seems to be the perfect fit for them. Engine, Platform, and Suspension Overtrail and Off-Road Performance 4WD Technology Pricing and grades However, there's no chance of mistaking one for the other, even though they share the same off-road capabilities. Luckily, Lexus always wanted to position the GX separately from the Land Cruiser Prado; thus, the design is quite different. It easily allows the luxury Japanese carmaker to ask much more for the GX than Toyota does for the equivalent Land Cruiser.We are pretty sure the tendency will remain the same in North America, where the GX 550 is available with a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 mill that's good for 349 horsepower starting in early 2024. On the other hand, the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser will arrive next spring with a 326-hp inline-four electrified i-Force Max powertrain under the hood.Introduced in 2002, the Lexus GX quickly gained a next-generation model in 2009, but from then on, both Toyota and Lexus slacked, and that's why the J150 evolution remained on the market until 2023. Now, though, we are about to welcome into the fold the J250-based, all-new TNGA-F Lexus GX 550 with eagerly-anticipated Premium, Premium+, Luxury, Luxury+, and first-ever Overtrail and Overtrail+ grades.Lexus promises two powertrain options for the new GX series. The first to arrive is the GX 550, equipped with the 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6, a ten-speed Direct Shift Automatic Transmission, and 349 hp (instead of 301 for the previous generation's V8) plus 479 lb.-ft. With the standard tow hitch, towing capacity for the Premium, Premium+, and Overtrail grades has now surged to 8,000 lbs. The company promises a hybrid powertrain will also become available in the US though it doesn't exactly say when.The 2024 GX shares the TNGA-F platform with all the latest rugged releases from Toyota and Lexus: J300 Land Cruiser, J310 Lexus LX 600, J250 Land Cruiser (Prado or 250), XK80 Sequoia, N400 Tacoma, or XK70 Tundra. The robust frame allows Lexus to offer a vast catalog of essentials through the Associated Accessory Parts (AAP) program; a new double-wishbone front suspension is mixed with the multi-link rear suspension, and there's also an optional Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) plus standard Electronic Power Steering (EPS).The all-new Overtrail and Overtrail+ grades are part of the brand's "Overtrail Project," an initiative announced at the 2023 Tokyo Outdoor Show to "inspire customers around the world to explore nature through refined adventures." Naturally, full-timeis the standard available on all GX trims and includes a Torsen limited-slip locking center differential.The Overtrail and Overtrail+ models also have an electronically controlled locking rear differential and a standard Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) with locking front and rear stabilizer bars. The performance of the off-roader is up to a 26-degree approach, 24-degree breakover, and 21-degree departure angles. MTS - Multi-Terrain Select returns on the new generation and switching between high and low range is much faster than before. Additionally, the low range has four modes - Auto, Sand, Mud, and Rock while the high range has five - Auto, Dirt, Sand, Mud, and Deep Snow.The Multi-Terrain Monitor is also present with MTS and "offers underfloor, both-side, front and rear underfloor views to allow the driver to check conditions, blind spots and distance between obstacles." Overtrail grades are more comprehensive than standard trims, and they also get exclusive dual-tone paint jobs like Atomic Silver/Black Roof, Incognito/Black Roof, Nori Green Pearl/Black Roof, and Lexus-first Earth/Black Roof. The other exterior colors are Eminent White Pearl, Nebula Gray Pearl, Atomic Silver, GX-first Incognito, Caviar, Nori Green Pearl, and Nightfall Mica.Inspired by the cockpit of the all-new RX, the interior of the GX has an "all-new, lower, horizontal instrument panel design" with a cleaner interface arrangement of the digital 12.3 Multi-Information Display (MID), available Head-Up Display (HUD), and the standard 14-inch Multimedia Touchscreen Display with Lexus Interface. Some folks will be happy to hear that Lexus has not abandoned physical controls for AC or audio volume, while all off-road controls are located near the gear shifter.There is seating for up to seven people on board, standard wireless Apple CarPlay integration and Android Auto compatibility, a 60:40 split-folding bench or captain's chairs configuration for the second row, heated and ventilated front seats plus heated second-row seats, a powered or manual third row, and "earth-tone focused interior color design:" semi-aniline leather and NuLuxe trim in Black, Dapple Gray, or Saddle Tan plus Black NuLuxe with Olive Ultrasuede accents or Chateau NuLuxe with Olive Ultrasuede accents and black ornamentation for the Overtrail models.A ten-speaker premium sound system is standard, or a 21-speaker Mark Levinson Surround Sound comes from the list of extras; there are also six illuminated charging ports, a 120V AC inverter, Digital Key with SmartAccess Card Key, Cool Box, or Cold Area Package and Tonneau Cover among the list of additional features. The infotainment system includes perks such as Cloud Navigation, an Intelligent Assistant, Traffic Jam Assist, or the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0.With a starting MSRP of $64,250 (including delivery), the 2024 Lexus GX 550 is over $4k more expensive than its GX 460 predecessor - but also a lot better, promises Lexus. The base Premium model has seven exterior colors, three interior trim choices, 20-inch Dark Gray wheels, and five packages and options. The accessories are mostly the same across grades with few exceptions there's also a staggering amount of items: 96!Next comes the 2024 GX 550 Premium+ from $69,250, which adds the Panoramic View Monitor, a power rear door with kick sensor, LED fog lamps, heated second-row outer seats, and more. The GX Overtrail has the same starting MSRP but is exclusively offered with seating for five, an Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS), Crawl Control with Turn Assist, a Panoramic View Monitor with Multi-Terrain Monitor, and 33-inch all-terrain tires, among others.The GX Overtrail+ costs $77,250 and adds Intuitive Parking Assist with Auto Braking and Rear Pedestrian Detection, the Power Rear Door with Kick Sensor, and even some creature comforts like front massaging seats. The same MSRP is valid for the Luxury trim, which has stuff like a ten-way heated and ventilated power driver's seat, 22-inch wheels instead of 20-inch or 18-inch on Premium and Overtrail, respectively, a semi-aniline leather-trimmed interior, and front massaging seats but the towing capacity decreases to 7,145 lbs.Last but not least arrives the 2024 Lexus GX 550 Luxury+ from $81,250, and you're pretty much set with all the aforementioned perks and stuff like the 1,800-watt Mark Levinson system, adaptive variable suspension, digital rearview mirror, and an even lower towing capacity of 'just' 6,955 lbs if you want to do some nitpicking. I've bought way too many Hot Wheels cars this month. For the price I paid for them, I could have almost bought a set of tires for the RX-7. Juggling with two expensive hobbies is tricky if you don't make six figures a year. 1965 Pontiac Bonneville Photo: eBay/User 2bigteeth Cadillac Cien Photo: eBay/User bluebandit24 Super Smooth Photo: eBay/User mqtsportscards Splittin' Image Meyers Manx Photo: eBay/User onestophobbyca But toning down the appetite for more tiny cars is impossible if you spend multiple hours a week looking at them online. The Hot Wheels Universe is seemingly infinite, and there's always an exciting car to discover that you did not know about previously. My trip down memory lane led me to the 2004 Treasure Hunt series, which wasn't as good as the 2005 one.Still, some hope is left here, so I've handpicked the five best collectibles from that year for a more extensive analysis. Let me fill in the blanks if you need help remembering what 2004 was like. Dubai started the ambitious Burj Khalifa project, which would become the world's tallest building. Mark Zuckerberg launched Facebook, and Rockstar Games introduced Grand Theft Auto : San Andreas.I spent countless hours playing that game and Need for Speed: Underground 2 that year. And Japanese gamers got their first taste of Gran Turismo 4 several days before New Year's Eve. Usher's "Yeah" topped the Billboard charts, but I'm sure motoring enthusiasts will fondly remember "Get Low" by Lil Jon and the East Side Boyz.Meanwhile, Hollywood gave the world some good movies, including Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, The Incredibles, I Robot, and one of my all-time favorites: The Chronicles of Riddick. Michael Schumacher's iconic series of victories ended in 2004, as he scored his last F1 World Title. Mattel's line of Hot Wheels Treasure Hunt models that year featured more fantasy castings than anyone would have wanted.Some were better than others, and I came close to including the Altered State collectible on this list. It's a replica of a car that Hot Wheels expert Mike Zarnock owns, but that didn't feel like a good enough reason to me. The best part about the 2004 collection is that you can pick all 12 cars up for $200 or less.Let me start by saying that Mattel doesn't make any of the five castings on this list. The diecast manufacturer has shelved all these projects, so finding each collection can take time and effort. The 1965 Pontiac Bonneville was the first Hot Wheels Treasure Hunt item for 2004. Mark Jones designed this casting, and the world had only seen three variations before the TH release.It was the first time it featured Real Riders wheels, and there are reportedly two slightly different models to look for. One has the TH decal flipped upside down, and some people ask as much as $100 for this iteration. You can still get the Flat Lavender Bonneville for $20 or less if you don't care about that "feature."But if you're like me, you might like the Hot Wheels Whips: West Cost Customs (Old School) release much better. Mattel painted this red and fitted it with Bling Real Riders wheels, and it's just what you'd want to see with a vehicle like this. It will cost about as much as the TH Bonneville, so it's up to you how you'd best like to spend your money.I have never seen the Cadillac Cien concept car live, which I cannot say about many cars of the 21st century. I still remember watching photos of it growing up, and it's a real shame that the automotive manufacturer canceled the project. It looked like an F-22 Raptor on four wheels, featured a 750 hp V12 engine, and likely cost around $200,000.But we can be thankful that Mattel followed up on the idea. Using Phil Riehlman's design, the Cien casting debuted in the 2003 First Edition series, featuring a silver paint job with a black hood and roof. It had red-tinted windows and 5-spoke wheels, and it did have some potential. So the next step was to move it up to the Treasure Hunt series in 2004, where it sported a black finish, red flames, and Deep Dish Real Riders wheels.Despite everything, the Cadillac Cien is one of the most affordable Treasure Hunt models I've ever encountered: several listings for $7 or less. You can set up a TH collection on a budget if you want to. Mattel only made one more variation of this casting with Real Riders wheels, and it appeared that same year as part of the Auto Affinity: Got Speed? Series.Judging by its name, this might sound like a fantasy casting. But Alec Tam drew inspiration from Tucci Engineerin's 1939 GMC pickup truck, built over 20 years ago. Mattel used this casting for a short time between 2002 and 2006. A total of ten variations ever left the factories in Malaysia and Thailand, and three of them featured Real Riders wheels.The first one came up in the 2003 Early Times series, but it had a strange mixture of colors, including silver, pink, yellow, and blue. A second, almost identical variation followed, albeit it used different colors for the same type of livery. The 2004 Treasure Hunt model had a more traditional look, with a Metallic Copper and Light Gold finish.With gold flames and RR Wheels, though, this might be less appealing by today's standards. Its current market value ranges between $10 to $50, so keep that in mind if you ever decide to add it to your collection.Occasionally, I see a Hot Wheels fantasy casting that makes me forget I only collect licensed vehicles. Ira Gilford designed the Splittin' Image for its 1969 debut in Spectraflame Antifreeze: the first of 18 variations to appear that year. It popped up again in 1973 for the Shell Promos series and vanished for almost 20 years. Having two cockpits for one car sounds like something we might see in the future and could work well for ride-sharing services.Imagine people's reactions to seeing a 1:1 scale version of this casting driving down the road. That thought alone makes this casting a lot more appealing. And there are plenty of variations to look for if you're interested, most of which even feature a metal base. One of the key selling points for the 2004 Splittin' Image is that it is the first and only variation to have ever had Real Riders wheels.The Metallic Pearl White paint job might have been tedious without the lavender flames and the purple-tinted windows, but I feel Mattel could have come up with a more futuristic livery than that. For a price of $10 or less, it could be worth picking this up, even for the RR wheels.The Meyers Manx was the last Treasure Hunt model for the 2004 series, and it's also the final item on our list today. I came close to renting a replica of this car in September, but it was all booked out by the time I decided. I also remember driving one of these in an old Grand Theft Auto game, probably the third one in the series.As for Mattel's tiny version of this somewhat iconic vehicle, it survived between 2003 and 2014. There are 24 variations to look for if you're into the whole beach-going theme here, all featuring a metal base. This entire collection should cost less than $400, depending on your negotiation skills. The 2004 Treasure Hunt was the second iteration ever, and it looked great in blue with a white interior and Real Riders wheels.There are plenty of surprisingly cheap options online, and you can get some figurines to accompany it for the perfect diorama. I've already taken notice of the two Auto Affinity: Down & Dirty variations, which look great in Lime Green and Orange. Would your Five Best Hot Wheels Treasure Hunt Cars of 2004 list look differently than mine? SUV EV Even if we only look at the most important introductions this year for the American car market, Toyota still revealed the Corolla Cross Hybrid, Prius Prime plug-in hybrid, an extensive roster of Nightshade special editions, a trio of limited GR series (GR86 Trueno, GR Corolla Circuit, GR Supra 45th Anniversary), the first-ever Grand Highlander three-row, the all-new N400 Tacoma and the return of the 2024 Land Cruiser, plus the 2025 Camry and Crown Signia crossover SUV.Of course, that's hardly enough for the rumor mill and its friends from across the imaginative realm of digital car content creators. For example, the good folks over at the AutomagzPro channel on YouTube have some AI-assisted CGI thoughts about the next generation of the off-road-focused 4Runner mid-size SUV after ranting for a while about compact Toyota stuff like the Corolla Cross Hybrid & Electric or the RAV4, plus highly hypothetical models like the Toyota Land Hopper / Land Cruiser FJ.Now, though, they are settling in with a most logical design project from the resident pixel master the upcoming sixth generation of the 4Runner . The SUV, also known as the Toyota Hilux Surf until 2009, has remained in fifth-generation (N280) attire ever since and subsequently turned into a staple of the American car market alongside other rugged models like the Jeep Wrangler and the reborn sixth-generation Ford Bronco.Currently, the oldest representative of the rock-crawling and dune-bashing mid-size SUV sector, the 2024 Toyota 4Runner was subtly upgraded to resist until it gets an all-new generation. Logic also dictates it will adopt the TNGA-F body-on-frame architecture of all the other rugged Toyota models Tacoma, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Tundra, etc. As for the design, the channel's resident pixel master has come up with a couple of different variants all thanks to some nifty AI software assistance.The first variant presented in the video embedded below is subtly piggybacking on the rugged design of the current iteration there are many contemporary cues like LED head- and taillights plus ritzy touches like black plastic trim pieces. The second version is a lot more rugged and seemingly prepared for any adventure, so we could easily consider it a proper (albeit unofficial) representative of the Trailhunter series.As for what's under the hood, the host quickly speculates that Toyota will give it access to one or more of its hybrid powertrains. However, don't expect 326 horsepower and a standard i-Force Max powertrain, as we will see under the hood of the 2024 Land Cruiser SUV . Instead, we might see the 2.0-liter option from the Corolla Cross Hybrid updated for more than 200 ponies rather than just 196 like on the crossover SUV. SUV CVT AWD While it lacks the tremendous power of a Japanese powerhouse like Toyota, that does not mean Subaru is neglecting its duties. If you look at its US roster, most nameplates already received the 2024MY upgrades Crosstrek, Forester, Outback, Ascent, Impreza, Legacy, and BRZ. Only the Solterra all-electric and WRX are still waiting for them as 2023 model-year cars.Even better, Subaru presented at the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show the sixth generation 2025 Forester compact crossoverwith a "completely redesigned style, updated technology, and convenient new features." There's also the company's signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, upgraded standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, an 11.6-inch high-resolution touchscreen inside, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance on the outside.That's a great package, right? And it is all complemented by the classic 2.5-liter boxer engine with 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, all sent to the wheels through a traditionalgearbox. So, what comes next after the 2025 Forester arrives at nationwide dealerships in spring 2024? While no one but the Subaru corner office head honchos knows best, outside of the real world, the imaginative realm of digital car content creators has an idea or two they love fleshing out. And, not necessarily concurring with reports from across the rumor mill, these virtual projects usually revolve around the resurrection of Subaru's light truck nameplate to fight the Ford Maverick king of the unibody compact pickup truck sector.Generally speaking, there are two options to discuss the old-school Subaru BRAT (which is an acronym for "Bi-drive Recreational All-terrain Transporter") produced from 1978 to 1994 and the newer Subaru Baja (2003-2006). However, slowly yet steadily, everyone is focusing on the latter because the BRAT was a light-duty, four-wheel drive coupe utility (Ute) version of the Subaru Leone. Meanwhile, the fresher Baja was precisely what's needed now a unibody design with four doors borrowing heavily from an existing model, aka the Subaru Legacy and Outback station wagon.The good folks from the AutomagzPro channel on YouTube, too, have some AI-assisted CGI thoughts about a much-debated rebirth of Subaru's light truck nameplate, and they have chosen the Baja as the definitive representative of the company's pocket-sized truck that will revolutionize the compact sector. Interestingly, the resident pixel master isn't satisfied with just one unofficial design project and the video feature embedded below has no less than three different styling options. So, which is your favorite and would you buy one if it's based, as the host says, on the $29k 2024 Outback rugged station wagon crossover, complete with the 2.5-liter boxer and CVT plus 'symmetrical' Volkswagen was the biggest carmaker in the world for some time, but things went downhill in 2020. This coincides with the rise of electric vehicles, a wave that the German company was supposed to ride like a pro. However, a series of bad decisions brought the giant company to its knees, and the cost-cutting measures announced recently might not be enough to save it. EV ICE A great EV plan that was badly executed Photo: Volkswagen Volkswagen ID.7 Chinese sales disappoint Photo: Volkswagen Rearranging the deckchairs on the Titanic Photo: Volkswagen When Volkswagen was caught red-handed in the 2015 emission scandal, many thought it would have a tough time recovering. To anyone's surprise, the German carmaker navigated the troubled waters masterfully while getting to the other side stronger than ever before. In 2018, Herbert Diess was named the Volkswagen Group's CEO, and a grandiose plan was set in motion to turn the company into the largestmanufacturer in the world.Everyone, including yours truly, knew that Diess was the right man to turn Volkswagen's fortunes around. And so he did, with the MEB platform as the first EV-dedicated architecture to spawn a large number of EV models across Volkswagen's many brands. The plan was to slowly replace allvehicles with electric equivalents by 2030. Volkswagen also announced a new ID. branding for its electric vehicles to better differentiate them from their ICE counterparts.The MEB platform wasn't perfect, but it was the first step in a long-term strategy with the end goal of surpassing Tesla as the world's EV leader. Diess was a visionary and also a fan of Elon Musk, which helped him draw a good plan to bring the Volkswagen Group in pole position in the EV race. However, executing this plan was more difficult than Diess had imagined.Diess was never a popular leader, and his decisions rattled a lot of people, from those on the Volkswagen Group's board to the influential German Unions. Going electric was a necessary step to keep Volkswagen relevant in the years to come, but that also meant Volkswagen would've needed fewer factories, fewer workers, and a leaner structure. However, it wasn't electric vehicles that brought Diess's demise, it was software.Diess saw how Tesla leveraged software to make its vehicles state-of-the-art computers on wheels. The software-defined vehicle (SDV) concept was in its infancy at the time, but Volkswagen wanted to lead the way. In 2019, Diess established a dedicated subsidiary, Cariad, to develop and manage the software for all-electric vehicles produced by Volkswagen Group's brands. However, Cariad failed monumentally, providing Diess's enemies with enough ammunition to topple him.Cariad botched the ID.3 and ID.4 software, which is still not up to snuff today after four years of tinkering. Worse, Cariad's failure led to the delay of the group's Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture, with the Porsche Macan EV, Audi Q6 e-tron, and Audi A6 e-tron as the affected models. These EVs are still not production-ready, software-wise, even though the hardware development was completed a long time ago. That was the last straw that caused Diess to lose his job , but that didn't end Volkswagen's troubles.The new management put a hard stop to all the plans that Diess started, including a multi-billion EV factory in Wolfsburg. Volkswagen Group also halted all EV-dedicated platform development. Although the PPE is still in the works because the vehicles it underpins are too close to production, the Scalable Systems Platform (SSP) is now on the back burner. SSP is a more advanced EV architecture set to replace both the MEB and PPE and give Volkswagen Group an edge over its competitors, including Tesla.However, the pause that Oliver Blume, currently Volkswagen Group's CEO, imposed on the EV plans is harming the company. The aging MEB platform will continue its career with minor improvements despite already being outdated. Halting EV plans at a time when other carmakers are stepping up their EV game risks getting Volkswagen steamrolled by the competition in the near future.Volkswagen's EV sales are quickly losing steam in all core markets, but especially in China, its biggest single-country market. China accounts for 40% of Volkswagen's global sales, and losing the grip on this market is very bad news. China is adopting electric vehicles faster than any other country on earth except Norway. However, this market is now dominated by Tesla and Chinese carmakers. Volkswagen invested in Xpeng Motors as a desperate measure to remain relevant, but that might not be enough.As the ID.7, Volkswagen's electric flagship model, launched in China, it became clear that the German carmaker was heading for disaster. The ID.7 is still using Volkswagen's outdated MEB architecture and has few qualities to lure buyers who are more impressed with the advanced EVs built by BYD, Zeekr, NIO, or Tesla. It's no wonder that the ID.7 looks like a major flop, with only 300 orders received after its first 72 hours on the market.According to the Chinese consumer research agency CarFans, the consumers are put off by the ID.7's high price and perceived lack of value. Undoubtedly, the latter must have weighed more in the buying decision since the similarly-priced Zeekr 007 received 25,000 preorders in nine days. It's hard to believe that Volkswagen ID.7 will match this if given six more days. It's not only the ID.7 sales that disappoint because Volkswagen was forced to also offer deep discounts on the ID.3 and ID.4 models.Volkswagen's EV sales in Europe don't look much better, a new reality that was reflected by the recent production halts at its main EV plants. Volkswagen brand's CEO Thomas Schaefer warned earlier this year that "the roof is on fire," and drastic measures needed to be taken to save the company. Although Volkswagen acknowledged the problems, it took almost half a year until a cost-cutting plan was announced.According to this plan, Volkswagen aims to cut development time for new models from 50 to 36 months to bring them to the market faster. This will save Volkswagen over 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion) per year over the next five years. This will be further boosted by cutting the number of test prototypes in half. More tests will be simulated in software, saving the company another 400 million euros per year.Volkswagen also aims to save 320 million euros per year by squeezing its suppliers and another 200 million euros by improving production times. By reorganizing its after-sales business, Volkswagen also wants to generate over 250 million euros per year. All these measures aim to bring more than 10 billion euros ($11 billion) in savings by 2026, with 4 billion euros ($4.4 billion) in 2024 alone. The plan also includes selective layoffs across the company to reduce headcount if deemed necessary.Although the savings will probably keep Volkswagen afloat for the time being, nothing about this plan makes me believe it will turn the brand into an industry leader again. The cuts will likely lead to worse vehicles while also hampering the development of more advanced electric models. This is not Volkswagen promising to lead the way. It's more like rearranging the deckchairs on the Titanic. 24 December 2023 08:30 (UTC+04:00) Asim Aliyev Read more Digital modernization is one of the key directions of the state project in Azerbaijan. As is known, digitalization is the process of converting analogue data and work processes into a digital format. It includes the use of digital technologies to automate business processes, improve the quality of services, optimise production, and increase the efficiency of organisations and enterprises in general. In Azerbaijan, digitalization is developing in several major directions, such as the economy and education, and is currently at the stage of implementation in the system. Digitalization of economy and education The digitization of the economy in Azerbaijan is already accelerating. For this, Azerbaijan actively participates in international forums promoting the exchange of experience and cooperation in digital transformation and the reintegration of the economy. Besides, it is believed that the digitalization of the economy in Azerbaijan will contribute to sustainable development and the well-being of citizens. Advances in digital consciousness and reintegration processes make Azerbaijan an example for other countries striving for digital progress and human capacity building. Generally, the digitalization of the economy is a modern stage in the development of scientific and technological progress, which consists in the introduction of a certain type of innovation in real economic practice. The concept of the digital economy appeared in the last decade of the 20th century. In 1995, Nicholas Negroponte used the metaphor of the transition from processing atoms to processing bits, noting the disadvantage of classical goods in their "physical" embodiment (weight, raw materials, transportation) and the advantages of the new economy. The digital economy also qualifies as "intangible capitalism," which promotes inequality and social division. In 2017, Haskell and Westlake published the book Capitalism without Capital, which raises concerns about the inability of policymakers to adapt to the transition from the traditional economy to the new economy based on intangibles. The digitalization of education is an educational and upbringing activity based on a predominantly digital form of presentation of educational and management information, as well as modern technologies for its storage and processing, allowing for significant improvement in the quality of the educational process and its management. According to some proven analysis, the digital education system can make students' knowledge more transparent and informative. This is facilitated by real-time knowledge checks and automatically generated reports. For example, the Digital Skills project is implemented in 202 educational institutions in Azerbaijan. The implementation of this project makes it possible to make the learning process differentiated, to build it taking into account the needs of each individual student, corresponding to the level of training, and thus improve the quality of education. Advantages of digitalisation in government system Experiences prove that the digitalization of government bodies and systems makes it possible to increase the efficiency of public administration and significantly improve the quality of public services provided to citizens. Given the above-mentioned facts, over the past few years, the market for IT solutions for the digitalization of public authorities has significantly grown in Azerbaijan. For example, in 2010, the E-gov.az service was created, and on March 28, 2011, it was put into permanent operation on the Internet. Currently, ministries and other state bodies in Azerbaijan provide online services through the Egov portal. Egov provides an opportunity to obtain state licences, make payments to state bodies, and receive official documents and certificates from various state bodies online. After Egov.az, one of the most famous digitalizations can be called the state service ASAN (Azerbaijan Service and Assessment Network). ASAN service was established by the decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, on July 13, 2012, with the aim of reducing additional costs and time wastage for citizens, observing ethical norms and polite communication with them, and further increasing professional level and transparency. ASAN includes several state bodies serving citizens. Also, the creation of online portals and systems such as Asan and Egov.az prevents corruption. Using the above-mentioned portals, to obtain any document, one has to pay only the state fee and not any other amount. This has a good effect on the economy of the state. Digitalization aims to complete the digital transformation of the entire human life by adopting digital technologies. If the goals of digitalization are successfully achieved, human civilization will reach a qualitatively new level. Digitalization will also play an important role in Azerbaijan's successful policy of transitioning to green energy. After the liberation of Azerbaijani lands (Garabagh) from Armenian occupation, Azerbaijan has been actively working on digitalization and building infrastructure in the liberated territories of Azerbaijan, including Garabagh and East Zangazur economic regions. Azerbaijan aims to increase the level of internet connectivity among the population by 2024. A cybersecurity strategy has been developed, emphasising data privacy legislation. This will facilitate the process of digitalization in the regions as well. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 24 December 2023 10:40 (UTC+04:00) As part of her visit to Azerbaijan, Executive Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN-Habitat) Maimunah Mohd Sharif has held a meeting on Current Challenges in Building Sustainable Cities with students studying urban planning, architecture and engineering at ADA, Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Construction and Baku Engineering University. The meeting was co-organized by the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture and ADA University. Addressing the meeting, Vice Rector at ADA University Fariz Ismailzade stressed the importance of training a new generation of specialists in building sustainable cities. During the meeting, Maimunah Mohd Sharif and Chairman of the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture Anar Guliyev shared insights into global experience in urbanism and modern approaches to shaping the urban environment. They emphasized the significance of urban planning in today's world. The guests also provided updates on joint projects and cooperation between Azerbaijan and UN-Habitat in recent years. They described Baku's hosting of the World Urban Forum in 2026 as an important achievement for the country. The meeting also addressed key issues concerning the education and professional development of specialists, exploring the perspective of the profession and future challenges faced by young individuals specializing in architecture, urban planning and engineering. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 24 December 2023 12:09 (UTC+04:00) Azerbaijan Non-Governmental Organizations congratulate President Ilham Aliyev on his birthday, Azernews reports. The statement reads: "Dear Mr. President! Victorious Commander-in-Chief! We - the representatives of Azerbaijan's civil society - appeal to you as a national leader. You have gained the love of the entire nation, the Azerbaijanis of the world, and have risen to national leadership, fully achieving the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and creating the most powerful state of Azerbaijan in history. You raised the Azerbaijani flag in Shusha, Khankendi, Khojaly! Since 2003, the people of Azerbaijan have chosen only you in all presidential elections and have entrusted their future only to you. You have fulfilled all your promises. You are born for the civil society as a person who brought the people of Azerbaijan to their greatest dreams and national ideal. Your calls and opinions regarding the activities of NGOs increase public trust in Azerbaijani NGOs and encourage the active participation of civil society in decision-making processes. Encouraged by your support, we approach the issues more decisively, we do not hesitate to demonstrate perseverance in the implementation of initiatives for the development of society. The free and liberating environment you create is a great contribution to civil society. We take this opportunity to express our deep gratitude to you for your selfless activity on this significant day. We are surrounded by the most diverse categories of people every day. On behalf of the non-governmental organizations operating in Azerbaijan, we declare that the continuation of the great victories of Azerbaijan under your leadership is the common desire of every Azerbaijani. We are proud of you - the victorious leader of the victorious people! Happy Birthday!" --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 24 December 2023 12:32 (UTC+04:00) President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin made a phone call to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on December 24. Vladimir Putin extended birthday congratulations to the head of state, conveying wishes for good health and continued success in his presidential activities. President Ilham Aliyev expressed his gratitude for the attention and congratulations extended to him. During the telephone conversation, both leaders hailed successful development of bilateral friendly relations across various fields, expressing confidence in further expanding these relations. The heads of state shared their opinions on the prospects for bilateral relations. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 24 December 2023 12:52 (UTC+04:00) GUAM Secretary General has sent a congratulatory letter to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on occasion of his birthday, Azernews reports. The letter reads: "His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Your Excellency, On behalf of the International Secretariat of the Organization for Democracy and Economic Development GUAM and me personally, I would like to extend our most sincere congratulations on your birthday. Today, your birthday is being marked in completely new national and international contexts shaped and crafted by the national policy under your leadership based on national interests, international law, strategic vision, wisdom, dedication, and patience. This year, the Republic of Azerbaijan fully liberated occupied lands and restored its sovereignty over its whole territory within internationally recognized borders. The gains of the glorious victory in the 2020 patriotic war have been completed by the cleaning anti-terrorist operation conducted in September of 2023. Nowadays, the nation has embarked on a large-scale, intensive process of reconstruction and rehabilitation of the liberated lands, return of the people to their native hearths, and reintegration of these vast territories into the national and regional economy. Thus, 2023 will pass into the republic's history as a year closing a 30-year cycle in the dramatic period of independent Azerbaijan that triumphally culminated with the liberation of its lands and restoration of sovereignty. It is quite symbolic in this context that this year, the nation is also marking the 30th anniversary of Heydar Aliyev's return to the republic's helm at a critical time when the country's survival was under question to launch the process of national revival. These remarkable 30 years in the history of new Azerbaijan also manifest the importance of national unity, continuity, and consistency in the policy pursued by the leadership of Azerbaijan, which were the prerequisites and guarantees of the victories and overall success of Azerbaijan. Celebrating this year the 100th Anniversary of the National Leader adds a special meaning to all mentioned above. As the nation is entering a new era in its development, we also praise your persistent and tireless efforts in searching for a just and lasting peace in the region. We highly appreciate Azerbaijan's contribution to regional stability, security, and development through realizing vital regional initiatives and projects in multilateral cooperation. We wish you further success in your efforts and are ready to contribute to these strives to fully unleash and utilize regional potential by implementing inclusive regional initiatives and projects of global importance. We wish you further success in your mission of leading Azerbaijan into a new phase in its development that will also encompass comprehensive reforms, modernization, and democratization of all aspects of the economic and social life of the nation, further improving the well-being of the people to fit the challenges of the evolving global environment and strengthen its leading international stance and role. Excellency, On this special occasion, once again, we wholeheartedly congratulate you on your historic accomplishments in the development of independent Azerbaijan and wish you strong health, inexhaustible energy, and new great victories in the name and for the good of your people and your country! Sincerely yours, Altai Efendiev" --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Giuseppe M. Caniglia, President of Napoli-Baku Association has sent a congratulatory letter to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on occasion of his birthday, Azernews reports. The letter reads: "His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Dear Mr. President, On the occasion of your birthday, I wish you to extend our warmest greetings. We are grateful for your service to your country and your commitment to its citizens, and we will always support you. We wish you a year filled with success and happiness, both personally and professionally. Sincerely, Giuseppe M. Caniglia From President of Napoli-Baku Association" --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 24 December 2023 14:30 (UTC+04:00) The State Tax Service under the Ministry of Economy held another online meeting with consulting companies, Azernews reports. Leyla Huseynzadeh, head of the department of the State Registration Department of the State Tax Service of Ukraine, made a presentation on State registration of commercial legal entities, reforms in this field and talked about the work done and the results achieved in the field of improving the business environment in our country. informed, talked about the one-stop shop system and the practice of business registration. The work done in the direction of simplifying registration since 2008, the achievements, the increase in statistics on the registration of business entities, the opportunities created for the activity of legal and natural persons were brought to the attention of the participants of the meeting. At the meeting, information was given on the implementation of improvements in the relevant field related to the indicator Entering into Business of the World Bank Group's Favorable Business Environment project. It was noted that the relevant legislation, digital public services for startups and the transparency of information, evaluation directions have been determined in the direction of the effectiveness of entering into business in practice. The assessment will be conducted in Baku, the largest city of our republic in terms of population, and limited liability companies will be selected as targets, which are the majority according to their organizational and legal form. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Stjepan Mesic, former President of the Republic of Croatia has sent a congratulatory letter to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on occasion of his birthday, Azernews reports. The letter reads: "His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Dear President, Dear Friend, Please accept my sincere congratulations on your birthday! Your active work, the ability to effectively solve major state problems and find compromises in solving international issues have rightfully earned you a high reputation and respect around the world. I am grateful to fate that I can tell you a friend, and be able to communicate with you. Allow me, Mr. President, to wish you success in your multifaceted work, good health and long life, and happiness and prosperity. I also take this opportunity to wish you, your family and your country all the best in the New Year. Sincerely, Stjepan Mesic Former President of the Republic of Croatia (2000-2010)" --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Grabar-Kitarovic, former President of the Republic of Croatia has sent a congratulatory letter to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on occasion of his birthday, Azernews reports. The letter reads: "His Excellency Mr. llham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Your Excellency, Dear Mr. President, I wish you a happy birthday, health and all the personal best, as well as a lot of success in leading the great country of Azerbaijan and the whole region to lasting peace, security and prosperity. With deep respect and friendship, Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic, Former President of the Republic of Croatia" --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 24 December 2023 14:54 (UTC+04:00) On December 24, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev made a phone call to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Azernews reports. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev congratulated the President of Azerbaijan on his birthday, wished him continued success in his presidential activities and good health. President Ilham Aliyev thanked Kassym-Jomart Tokayev for his attention and congratulations. The Presidents of Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan hailed the successful development of friendly and brotherly relations between the two countries across various areas. During the telephone conversation, they commended the successful implementation of all agreements reached during a meeting between the heads of state of Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan on the sidelines the SPECA Summit held in Baku this November, and expressed confidence that the upcoming state visit of the President of Kazakhstan to Azerbaijan next year will provide momentum for the comprehensive development of bilateral ties. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 24 December 2023 16:27 (UTC+04:00) President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has examined the ongoing works on the internal roads of the city of Aghdam. Chairman of the Board of the State Agency of Azerbaijan Automobile Roads Saleh Mammadov briefed the head of state on the progress of the construction progress. As outlined in the General Plan of the city of Aghdam approved by the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture, the total length of internal roads in the city is 189.7 kilometers. The foundation stone for the internal road and communication network of the city was laid on October 4, 2022, with the participation of President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva. The city`s highway spans 17.5 kilometers, with a width of 55-60 meters and comprising 6-8 traffic lanes. Under the auspices of the First State Program on the Great Return, the construction of Aghdam`s internal roads is slated for completion by 2026. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 24 December 2023 16:43 (UTC+04:00) President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has attended the opening of the Barda-Aghdam highway. The head of state was informed about the accomplished works. The foundation stone for the Barda-Aghdam highway was laid by President Ilham Aliyev on May 28, 2021. Stretching over 44.5 km from the city of Barda, the highway project included the construction of significant infrastructure elements, such as 91.3 meter and 18.2 meter motorway bridges, 66 meter and 43 meter road junctions, and three pedestrian overpasses. The highway will traverse over 20 residential areas. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 24 December 2023 16:24 (UTC+04:00) President of the Republic of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan made a phone call to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on December 24. The President of Turkiye congratulated President Ilham Aliyev on his birthday, wished him success in his activities and robust health. The President of Azerbaijan thanked Recep Tayyip Erdogan for his attention and congratulations. The heads of state expressed confidence that the friendly and brotherly relations between the two countries would continue to develop comprehensively, and exchanged views on the prospects for cooperation. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 24 December 2023 17:40 (UTC+04:00) In accordance with the 2023 event plan, an event was held on the occasion of the 2nd anniversary of the establishment of military unit No. N, Azernews reports. This was informed by the Ministry of Defense. First, the memory of National Leader Heydar Aliyev and those who died for the independence and territorial integrity of our Motherland was commemorated with a minute of silence. The National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan was played. At the event, the participants were informed about the creation of the military unit and the way of fighting, and it was noted that the military unit has always fought courageously for the territorial integrity of our lands since its inception. Dozens of servicemen of the military unit were awarded with various orders and medals of the Republic of Azerbaijan for their well-deserved performance in the defense of our homeland. Those who spoke at the ceremony congratulated Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev on his birthday and emphasized that his celebration of this day two years ago with commando military personnel caused great enthusiasm among the personnel of the Azerbaijan Army and is always remembered with pride. The congratulations of the Minister of Defense and other management staff of the Ministry were conveyed to the personnel of the military unit. Under the leadership of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, the day by day strengthening of the Azerbaijani Army, the increase in its combat capability was noted, and it was emphasized that our Army is always capable of protecting the territorial integrity of our country. A group of military personnel who distinguished themselves in military service were awarded with an honorary order and valuable gifts. The festive event ended with a concert program and a ceremonial passage of the staff in front of the tribune. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 24 December 2023 18:19 (UTC+04:00) On December 24, the Azerbaijan Trade Unions Confederation (ATUC) provided food for 4,300 low-income families living in the regions of the republic, including the families of martyrs and veterans, on the occasion of the birthday of president, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, and the upcoming December 31 - World Azerbaijani Solidarity Day and the New Year a full car convoy has been set off. Azernews informs that in addition, holiday gifts will be given to 1,250 families of the same category living in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. With this, the number of families assisted by ATUC since 2020 has exceeded 70,000. It should be noted that field trade unions and their local organizations also provide food assistance to families of the mentioned category in all regions on this eve. Sattar Mohbaliyev, chairman of ATUC, member of the Milli Majlis, who participated in the launch ceremony, told journalists that trade unions always take care of vulnerable population groups, carry out various measures to meet their social needs on all holidays and other significant days, including giving gifts : "This has already become a tradition for us. This time, we are sending holiday gifts to 5,550 low-income families living in the regions of Azerbaijan, including Nakhchivan, in connection with the birthday of our honorable President Mr. Ilham Aliyev, the upcoming Solidarity Day and the New Year holiday. You know that Solidarity Day is one of our dearest holidays. Every year, Azerbaijanis around the world celebrate this holiday solemnly and with good mood. In general, Solidarity Day plays a very important role in connecting with more than 50 million Azerbaijanis living in more than 70 countries of the world, creating unity and solidarity among them. Everyone is a witness that our compatriots are united and show a united position in almost all the fateful issues of our people and state. On September 27, 2020, under the leadership of Commander-in-Chief Mr. Ilham Aliyev, our compatriots living in foreign countries mobilized and demonstrated unique unity when the Azerbaijan Army set out on the Victory Road. They resolutely fought to prevent biased provocations of anti-Azerbaijani circles and to convey the truths of the war to the world. We believe that regardless of where they live in the world, all our compatriots will be loyal to this solidarity and will work for the deeds of our single Motherland. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 24 December 2023 19:25 (UTC+04:00) A chemical tanker was hit by a drone launched from Iran in the Indian Ocean on Saturday, the US military says, Azernews informs citing BBC. The Pentagon said the Chem Pluto vessel was struck "200 nautical miles (370km) from the coast of India" at 10:00 local time (06:00 GMT). A fire on board the ship was extinguished. There were no casualties. Iran has not commented. There has recently been a series of drone and rocket attacks on ships in the Red Sea by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. In a separate development, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said that on Saturday "two Houthi anti-ship ballistic missiles were fired into international shipping lanes in the Southern Red Sea from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. No ships reported being impacted by the ballistic missiles". It also said the USS Laboon warship patrolling the area "shot down four unmanned aerial drones originating from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen that were inbound" to the American vessel. Later that day, a crude oil tanker reported being hit by a Houthi drone in the southern Red Sea, while another tanker saw a near miss. The rebels, who control, much of Yemen, claim to be targeting Israel-linked vessels over the continuing war in Gaza. Many large global shipping groups have suspended operations in the Red Sea due to the increased risk of attacks. In a statement, the Pentagon said that Chem Pluto was hit by "a one-way attack drone fired from Iran". It said it was "a Liberia-flagged, Japanese-owned, and Netherlands-operated chemical tanker". Earlier, maritime security firm Ambrey said the vessel was linked to Israel, and was heading from Saudi Arabia to India. The incident took place 200 nautical miles south-west of the city of Veraval in India's Gujarat state, according to United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The hit caused structural damage to the tanker and water was taken onboard. Ambrey said the event, which is the first of its kind so far away from the Red Sea, fell within an area the firm considered a "heightened threat area" for Iranian drones. The Indian navy sent an aircraft and warships to offer assistance. Earlier on Saturday, the US accused Iran of being "deeply involved" in planning operations against commercial vessels in the Red Sea. National security spokesperson Adrienne Watson said it was "consistent with Iran's long-term material support and encouragement of the Houthis' destabilising actions in the region". Later, an Iranian Revolutionary Guards commander warned it would force the closure of waterways other than the Red Sea if "America and its allies continue committing crimes" in Gaza. Brig Gen Mohammad Reza Naqdi said these could include the Mediterranean Sea and Strait of Gibraltar - but offered no details of how this would happen. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 24 December 2023 20:59 (UTC+04:00) The Czech Republic observed a minute's silence at midday (11:00 GMT) to commemorate those killed in Thursday's mass shooting at a Prague university, Azernews reports citing BBC. Flags on official buildings were flown at half-mast to mark a day of national mourning. Fourteen people were shot dead at the Faculty of Arts building of Charles University in the capital by a student who then killed himself. Police are working to uncover the motive behind the attack. It is one of the deadliest assaults by a lone gunman in Europe this century. Those killed in Thursday's attack included Lenka Hlavkova, head of the Institute of Musicology at the university. Other victims were named as translator and Finnish literature expert Jan Dlask and student Lucie Spindlerova. The shooting began at around 15:00 local time (14:00 GMT) at the Faculty of Arts building off Jan Palach Square in the centre of the Czech capital. The gunman opened fire in the corridors and classrooms of the building, before shooting himself as security forces closed in on him, police say. US tourist Hannah Mallicoat told that she and her family had been 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," she said. "I saw a bullet hit the ground on the other side of the square about 30ft [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." In a statement, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala said the country had been shocked by this horrendous act. "It is hard to find the words to express condemnation on the one hand and, on the other, the pain and sorrow that our entire society is feeling in these days before Christmas." The gunman is thought to have killed his father at a separate location. He is also suspected in the killing of a young man and his two-month-old daughter who were found dead in a forest on the outskirts of Prague on 15 December. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 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. Oxford English Dictionary's 2023 word of the year was "rizz": a colloquial shorthand of "charisma" that Generation Z set on a viral spiral. "Rizz" is defined by Oxford as "charm, style or attractiveness," particularly in verbal communication. Alternatively, it can be defined as "the ability to attract a partner." A person's magnetism, their star power, their "it factor" could all be bolstered by a healthy dose of rizz. The word of the year came as a surprise to many; one reporter for The New York Times admitted she had to look it up. Its selection in the age of social media indicates a broadening cultural fascination with self-presentation, one that CEOs grappled with this year, right alongside Gen Zers. New challenges have climbed into the corner office in recent years, leading CEOs to reconsider how they project themselves. Chief executives have always been expected to give guidance through tough times, but during the COVID-19 pandemic, many faced unprecedented headwinds; they did not have all the answers. The mirage of an all-knowing CEO dissolved, and leaders had to contend with something new publicly admitting their own limitations. In the pandemic's wake, humble, emotionally intelligent leaders remain in high demand. However, a June survey of 3,000 human resources professionals found that one-third do not consider their CEO to be empathetic a 16% decline from the same survey in 2022. Margie Warrell, PhD, a senior client partner in Korn Ferry's CEO Succession and Executive Leadership practice, attributed this to executive burnout. "People running on empty don't have a lot of empathy, because they're phantom selves," Dr. Warrell said. Jeff Comer, PsyD, CEO of Show Low, Ariz.-based Summit Healthcare, has also studied the evolutionary, psychoneuroimmunological concepts underlying stress reactivity; in November, he told Becker's many CEOs are suffering in silence, concerned about how any weakness might be perceived. "We feel as leaders that we have to be confident, we have to walk into a room and we have to take command, we have to show that we know what we're doing, we have to have all the answers," Dr. Comer said. "And of course we can't; that's not possible. But that's kind of the story we tell ourselves. And when we have burnout, a lot of us executives feel shame because we don't feel strong. We feel that we're weak." CEOs know they must maintain a contagious confidence even when their own is waning so as not to strip morale. But CEOs who don too much armor may come across as "stuffy" to their teams; they must prove themselves to be down to earth, acknowledging both their organization's shortcomings and their own. A January study conducted by business professors at Washington, D.C.-based George Washington University, Evanston, Ill.-based Northwestern University and Cambridge, Mass.-based Harvard University found that leaders who disclose their own weaknesses are perceived as more authentic. The higher the leader's status, the stronger the positive response to an admission of fault. Despite this, most leaders only present their strengths to employees, the researchers found. They agreed that honest disclosures should be somewhat strategic; for example, a CEO who admits they are bad with technology is likely to win some brownie points for relatability. A CEO who admits they do not have time to seriously consider an employee's concern is not. CEOs continue to grapple with just how much of themselves to reveal and just how much authority to exercise as they implement return-to-office policies and navigate a "new normal" post-pandemic. There is no guidebook for how to present oneself particularly when one is expected to appear both stoic and sympathetic. Between 2012 and 2022, executives' prioritization of confidence, decisiveness, command of a room and polished appearance has remained the same while the weight placed on authenticity, inclusiveness, vision, fitness and willingness to show up in person has intensified, according to a recent Harvard Business Review report. In other words, CEOs are trying to be the best of both: displaying themselves as the classic, confident leader that commanded respect in the past, and the genuine, kind-hearted leader that commands trust in the present. However, a September paper from Stanford (Calif.) Graduate School of Business and Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge found that both approaches yield their own benefits. Researchers used a natural language algorithm with earnings call data to assess the personalities of 460 CEOs at more than 300 companies through the Big Five model, which measures traits of openness, agreeableness, conscientiousness, extraversion and neuroticism. They then analyzed 1.2 million Glassdoor reviews written by employees to calculate the firms' organizational cultures, including factors such as collaboration, execution and performance. Their conclusion: There is no such thing as a "perfect" CEO personality. "Although the larger picture suggests that extraversion and agreeableness have the most positive effects on organizational culture, the perfect combination of CEO personality traits does not exist," according to an article on the study from Stanford GSB. "Each of the nearly infinite combinations of the Big Five comes with trade-offs boosting one trait consequently diminishes another. This means that the ideal personality of a CEO will largely depend on their company." As the year of "rizz" draws to a close, contemporary CEOs will continue to explore the balance between conviction and compassion. This question of how to present oneself nods to a shifting social dynamic, Casper Grathwohl, president of the Oxford languages division at Oxford University Press, said on a Dec. 5 episode of NPR's "Morning Edition." "Something like rizz, where it's about your energy and your ability to sort of attract and to strut, says something about human interaction again and how we're kind of ready again to take part and really connect," Mr. Grathwohl said. For leaders looking to rally teams regardless of their charisma score that's promising news. Judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith have a trio of challenges in store (Channel Four/PA) Sophie Faldo has held on to her Great British Bake Off crown after winning the 2023 Christmas special. The Christmas Eve special of the Channel 4 show saw six previous contestants return to the tent to take on a signature challenge of mince pies, a technical task of cinnamon snowflake loaves and a showstopper redemption cake. After the three festive rounds it was announced that Faldo, who won series eight of the competition in 2017, had maintained her reign. Following the presentation of her winners dish, she said: What a lovely way to start Christmas. Im going to take this home and enjoy some mince pies on it. The special opened with a sketch which paid homage to Charles Dickenss A Christmas Carol as judge Paul Hollywood was awoken from his sleep in a bed outside the tent by host Alison Hammond saying: Ebenezer Hollywood. She revealed he would be visited by six bakers from previous series, with co-host Noel Fielding adding that they were the ghosts of Bake Off past. For the first challenge, the bakers had to make 12 mince pies with any pastry but the mincemeat had to contain flavours which had held festive memories for them. Carole Edwards from series 13 opted for a tropical variation on the Christmas classic with orange flavoured pastry and a tropical fruit filling which received high praise from Hollywood who said: Fantastic, what a great way to start Christmas. A number of bakers went for a Cherry Bakewell inspired batch with George Aristidou from series 12 utilising almond lacquer, cherry and pistachio in his mincemeat with orange and cinnamon pastry, which Hollywood said was delicious. Sophie Faldo, who won the competition in series eight, added frangipane to her cherry and almond pies which impressed judge Dame Prue Leith who said she loved the combination of flavours. Dan Beasley-Harling, who got three handshakes when he competed in series nine, had some difficulties with his cherry and almond pies as Hollywood said he was not overly keen on the filling. Elsewhere, Linda Rayfield, from series 11, went for a traditional shortcrust and mincemeat with 3D marshmallow snowman piped on top. Hollywood noted that she was so petrified about overdoing the pastry that she had underdone it while Dame Prue said the combination of flavours was delicious. Amelia Le Bruin from series 10 went for a panettone-infused pastry and spiced apple mincemeat which Hollywood said was rough and ready but felt the zest in the flavour was perfect. For the technical, the bakers were tasked with creating an intricately-shaped cinnamon snowflake tear-and-share loaf. Faldo came out on top with Hollywood praising her bake for having consistency throughout, good height and great flavour. While Edwards came last with Dame Prue describing it as the worst of a very good bunch and noted that her shaping of the loaf was a bit all over the place. The showstopper task allowed the bakers four hours to make a cake which was inspired by a themed week or bake which previously let them down in the tent. Faldo sought to redeem her lack of experience in bread week by making a chocolate, hazelnut and spiced pear loaf in the shape of a wreath with a Russian honey cake in the middle. Hollywood said the bread was dry as it was overbaked but felt the cake was exceptionally good. Edwards opted for a five-tier plum and ginger cake in homage to her failed steamed pudding which Dame Prue said looked absolutely sensational and that the flavour was very nice. Beasley-Harling remade a spiced pear and chocolate cake, which previously melted on him, that Hollywood branded as delicious. Rayfield attempted an elaborate creation of a pineapple opposite-down-cake and a chocolate, chilli and ginger cake which were put on top of a lemon cake alongside choux pastry swans, having previously struggled with a number of components. Dame Prue said the design was effective and simple and Hollywood felt the cake redeemed her from her previous bakes. Aristidou improved on the mini-rolls which melted in her series by creating a vertical, ginger swizz-roll topped with a spiced apple cake. Hollywood said the presentation was a bit wonky but effective and that he had never had the flavours before but he enjoyed them. Le Bruin hoped to redeem her chocolate biscuit bars which previously did not set with a pistachio and orange cake decorated in ganache, with Hollywood describing the taste of the final outcome as beautiful. Tributes have been paid after the death of a prominent Northern Ireland solicitor. Sam Creighton passed away on Saturday. He was principal at Creighton & Company Solicitors in east Belfast. The Law Society of Northern Ireland led tributes. It said: It is with deep regret that the Law Society of Northern Ireland notifies members of the passing of Mr Samuel J Creighton, Solicitor on December 23 2023. Sam was the principal at Creighton & Company Solicitors which he established in 1987 and which was located on Bloomfield Avenue in Belfast. He was well known and respected for his passion for family law, human rights and supporting asylum applicants. The Law Society of Northern Ireland offers its deepest condolences to his family, colleagues and friends. Funeral arrangements have not yet been released. Officers urge people not to share footage of violent incident Suspected gunman dead after Dublin restaurant attack, another man in serious condition Irish premier Leo Varadkar led condemnation after a man died and another suffered serious injuries in a Christmas Eve gun attack in a Dublin restaurant. A high velocity weapon was reportedly used in the gang-related shooting which led to terrified customers, including women and children, fleeing the premises. The gunman was tackled at the scene and injured. He later died in hospital. Distressing mobile phone footage captured the aftermath of the incident. Gardai appealed to people not to share the images. They have increased uniform patrols in the Dublin region, and warned that significant misinformation is circulating. The shooting took place around 8.10pm on Sunday at Browne's Steakhouse on the Main Street in Blanchardstown. The men were taken to James Connolly Memorial Hospital to receive medical treatment. One man, aged in his 20s, was pronounced dead in hospital a short time afterwards. A post-mortem of the deceased will take place on Boxing Day by the Irish State Pathologist. The other man, who is in his 40s, is receiving treatment for gunshot wounds. He remains in a serious condition. It is believed the suspected gunman was overpowered at the scene and suffered fatal injuries. He sustained fatal stab wounds, RTE reported. Sources said the target was a local man, aged in his 40s, who suffered a gunshot wound to the neck. One line being investigated is that the shooting is linked to the bitter Corduff feud, which has been brewing since 2019, and which has seen numerous violent incidents. Two suspects in the case fled the scene in a white Audi car. Mr Varadkar said he was shocked to hear of the shooting at a well known family restaurant Ive visited many times. He said a "full Garda investigation is under way, adding: My thanks to them and solidarity to staff and customers. Irish Justice Minister Helen McEntee said the fact the attack took place where families had gathered was disgusting. I deplore the violence in Blanchardstown, she said. This viciousness has resulted in unimaginable human suffering this Christmas. That anyone could perpetrate such violence as families gathered together is especially disgusting. Im thinking of the bereaved, those who were at the scene and indeed all the emergency service personnel working tonight and over Christmas who have to deal with this senseless violence. I call on anyone with information of any kind to contact An Garda Siochana. A Garda spokesperson said on Monday: Gardai are continuing to investigate an incident that occurred at premises on the Main Street in Blanchardstown Dublin 15 at around 8pm on Sunday. A man in his 20s was fatally injured. A second male (aged in his 40s) continues to receive treatment for gunshot wounds. His condition remains serious. The scene remains preserved at this time. A technical examination is being carried out by the Garda Technical Bureau. They added: An incident room has been established at Blanchardstown Garda Station. Local Gardai are being assisted by the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (GNBCI). The investigation is being led by a Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) and a Garda Family Liaison Officer (FLO) has been appointed to liaise with both families. An Garda Siochana is aware of videos of the incident and immediate aftermath which are in circulation on social media and messaging apps. We are appealing to the public for these videos not to be further distributed. We are also appealing to the public to be aware of a significant level of speculation, misinformation and disinformation which is in circulation. Gardai have increased uniform patrols in the Dublin region, with support from armed patrols, including the Garda Armed Support Unit. Traffic queues for ferries at the Port of Dover in Kent (Gareth Fuller/PA) Millions of people are setting off on a Christmas getaway but travel disruption is expected on the roads and rail, with strong winds set to batter parts of the country. The AA has warned of lengthy jams for traffic, while the Met Office has said Christmas Eve travel plans could be affected with gusts of up to 70mph due to hit. And rail disruption is likely on Sunday as two of Londons railway stations, Kings Cross and Paddington, will be shut due to engineering works. The closure of London Paddington will continue until Wednesday, meaning no mainline trains will serve Heathrow Airport. High winds are due to hit the north of Scotland and northern and central areas of England as people embark on their last journeys before Christmas Day. Two separate yellow weather warnings for wind have been issued, saying people should expect travel disruption, damage to buildings and power cuts, while the rest of the country may see showers. Meteorologist Liam Eslick said: People should make sure to leave more time, especially in exposed areas, it could affect rail networks and ferries. People travelling on roads should take care and stay away from high-sided vehicles, and for people who are at home and are going for walks, stay away from coasts. A yellow weather warning for rain is currently in force covering much of Wales, with forecasters warning that flooding and travel disruption is possible, and will last until 6pm on Christmas Eve. Between 20 to 40mm of rain is expected widely and 60 to 80mm on higher ground. (PA Graphics) Motorists have been advised by the RAC to travel before 11am or after 6pm if possible to reduce the chance of being stuck in long queues. At the Port of Dover, waiting times reached 90 minutes at border control on Saturday morning, but the queues cleared by the afternoon. The port said there had been a surge in demand for ferries after the Channel Tunnel rail link was closed on Thursday due to unscheduled industrial action by French workers, which ruined the travel plans of tens of thousands of people. Meanwhile, a number of serious crashes closed roads across the country on Saturday. The A1 in Northumberland was closed in both directions on Saturday morning after a crash between the A1167 and B1340 near Belford. Traffic queues for ferries at the Port of Dover (Gareth Fuller/PA) A multi-vehicle crash closed the M62 in the East Riding of Yorkshire, westbound between J38 near Hull and J37 near Howden on Saturday. And the M25 in Essex was expected to be closed overnight into Sunday clockwise between J27 for the M11 and J28 for the A12, near Brentwood, due to a crash involving a car. Eurostar, which operates passenger rail services to and from London St Pancras, has been operating two extra trains per day between London and Paris including on Christmas Eve to help people whose trains were cancelled on Thursday. Vehicle-carrying train service Eurotunnel is running its usual timetable but is only accepting customers who have pre-booked. Parish minister Rev Peter Sutton stands alongside the Nativity scene in St Cuthberts Church, Edinburgh, which has been made using camouflage nets (Jane Barlow/PA) Life-saving camouflage nets made by Ukrainian refugees in Scotland are playing a starring role in a special nativity display. Shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine last year, St Cuthberts Church of Scotland in Edinburgh hosted the Edinburgh Spiders, a team of volunteers who make camouflage nets that are sent to Ukraine to help protect Ukrainian soldiers. Despite limited numbers and resources, the group has now created more than 100 nets. And this year, St Cuthberts nativity scene is centred around the plight of Ukrainians who have been affected by the war. Parish minister Rev Peter Sutton stands alongside the Nativity scene in St Cuthberts Church, Edinburgh, which has been made using camouflage nets (Jane Barlow/PA) The nativity scene is shrouded with camouflage netting created by the spiders, and Hanna Tekliuk, co-organiser for the Edinburgh Spiders, encouraged people of all faiths and none to visit the display as a reminder that, like many Ukrainians today, Jesus, Mary and Joseph were also displaced and persecuted during their lives. She said: When people celebrate Christmas they remember Jesus and his mother, how they were travelling and that they themselves were refugees and needed shelter. So when people come and see the nativity covered with camouflage nets, it symbolises shelter. The Spiders also operate from the Morningside United Church and the Heart of Newhaven Community, both of which are also in Edinburgh. Ms Tekliuk says the idea to make the nets came from her daughter, Sofia. Having fled Ukraine themselves following the invasion, the pair and the team of dedicated volunteers wanted to do anything they could to help Ukraine in any way possible. The nets provide cover from planes, drones, and infantry, and are often used to cover vehicles, people, medical shelters and more. Ms Tekliuk said: Even civilians are using them now because theyre often targeted, so they use the nets for camouflage and they are saving a lot of lives. Its a very important thing for us to make them, and we are taking orders from lots of different people. She added: We are looking for more volunteers. We are more or less fine at the Morningside location, but we need more people at the other locations and need some more funding to buy materials to make the netting. The Spiders have members from many countries, Ms Tekliuk said, including Poland, Georgia, the UK, America and more. She encouraged anyone who wants to help to get involved, stating they are now receiving so many orders they cannot fulfil them all as they need more bodies on board. She also said the situation in Ukraine, from what she has seen, is worsening. Its definitely not getting any better because hundreds of people are being killed every day, she said. Unfortunately we lack weapons and people, and Russia is way too powerful to be defeated quickly and easily because its one of the biggest countries in the world. They have limitless resources and over 140 million people so they have many soldiers and could continue this war forever. If people dont help us around the world, I dont think Ukrainians will cope. Ms Tekluik also helps run a Saturday school for Ukrainian children who have fled with their families to Scotland. Held at George Heriots School in Edinburgh, it offers the children a place not to feel isolated and to remember their language, traditions, culture and heritage, she said. Reverend Peter Sutton, parish minister for St Cuthberts, is no stranger to the horrors of war. Before serving as a clergyman in the Church of Scotland, the reverend was in the Black Watch in the British Army. He has worked closely with Edinburghs community of Ukrainians who have fled the war since they first began coming to the city. Reverend Sutton is to host a service at 10.30am on Christmas Eve at St Cuthberts, centred on the plight of the Ukrainians who have suffered due to the war. He said: What they are doing is unreal and they also have a deep appreciation for this time of year. If you want to see Christmas from the perspective of vulnerable people, this service allows us to come together around the Holy Family. Ukrainian people need protecting and this service will talk about protecting them. People of all faiths and none are welcome to attend the service or view the nativity display. To donate or volunteer for the Edinburgh Spiders, contact St Cuthberts on 0131 229 1142. Russian shelling in southern Ukraines Kherson region has killed four people as Ukraine prepares to officially celebrate Christmas (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka) Russian shelling in southern Ukraines Kherson region killed four people on Sunday. Among those killed were an 87-year-old man and his 81-year-old wife who died following a strike on their apartment building. Oleksandr Prokudin, the head of the regional military administration, said that the barrage injured nine other people, including a 15-year-old, sparked fires in homes and at a private medical facility and set a local gas pipeline alight. A woman prays inside the church during a Christmas celebration in Kryvorivnia village (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka) Andrii Yermak, the head of the Ukrainian presidents office, wrote: There are no holidays for the enemy. They do not exist for us as long as the enemy kills our people and remains on our land. The shelling across Kherson reached the centre of the regions capital city of the same name. The assault took place as Ukraine prepared to officially celebrate Christmas for the first time on December 25, having previously marked the date on January 7. The Russian Orthodox Church observes the birth of Jesus on January 7. Some Orthodox Ukrainians observed Christmas on December 25 last year in response to Russias February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The cathedral in the Monastery of the Caves, a Unesco World Heritage Site in Kyiv, held its Christmas celebration on January 7 of this year, but the service was held in the Ukrainian language for the first time in the 31 years of Ukraines independence from the Soviet Union. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed legislation in July moving the public Christmas Day holiday to December (AP Photo/Felipe Dana) President Volodymyr Zelensky signed legislation in July moving the public Christmas Day holiday to December 25. However, one of Ukraines two competing Orthodox church organisations is sticking with the January date dictated by the Julian calendar. To mark Christmas Eve on December 24, Mr Zelensky addressed the nation in a video filmed before the floodlit St Sophia Cathedral in central Kyiv. He reassured Ukrainians fighting against Russias full-scale invasion of the country that step by step, day by day, the darkness is losing. Today, this is our common goal, our common dream. And this is precisely what our common prayer is for today. For our freedom. For our victory. For our Ukraine, Mr Zelensky said. The president gave an address to the nation on Christmas Eve in front of the St Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka) Kherson was not the only region of Ukraine to come under attack Sunday. Russian forces launched 15 drone strikes overnight. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that 14 of the Iranian-made Shahed drones were destroyed over the Mykolaiv, Kirovohrad, Zaporizhzhya, Dnipropetrovsk and Khmelnytskyi regions. Meanwhile, Governor Oleh Syniehubov said that two people were wounded during the Russian shelling of 20 towns and villages across northern Ukraines Kharkiv region. In Russia, a man was injured in the Bryansk region after a village close to the Ukrainian border came under fire, the regions governor, Alexander Bogomaz, said. Police in Serbia fired tear gas to prevent hundreds of opposition supporters from entering the capitals city council building on Sunday. The demonstrators were gathered in protest of what election observers said were widespread vote irregularities during a general election last weekend. The countrys populist authorities have denied rigging the vote and described the election to fill parliament and local offices as fair. A Serbian opposition supporter waves the countrys national flag during a protest outside the electoral commission building in Belgrade (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic) President Aleksandar Vucic said on Sunday that those claims were blatant lies promoted by the political opposition. Mr Vucic also suggested the unrest was instigated from abroad. Addressing the nation during the protest outside Belgrade city hall, he called the demonstrators thugs who would not succeed in destabilising the state and said, This is not a revolution. They will not succeed, Mr Vucic said. We are doing our best with our calm and mild reaction not to hurt demonstrators who came to the event to protest peacefully. Shielded riot police barricaded themselves inside Belgrades city hall, firing tear gas as hundreds of opposition protesters broke windows on the entrance. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic called the demonstrators thugs (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic) The protesters shouted Open the door and Thieves. They also pelted the building with eggs. Some chanted Vucic is Putin, comparing the Serbian president with Russias leader. Later, the police pushed the crowd from the downtown area and made several arrests. There were no immediate reports of injuries. Results from the December 17 election showed victory for Mr Vucics Serbian Progressive Party in both the parliamentary and Belgrade city ballots. The partys main opponent, the Serbia Against Violence alliance, said it was robbed of a win, especially in Belgrade. Shielded riot police barricaded themselves inside the city government building (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic) The vote has caused political tensions in the troubled Balkan nation, which is seeking close ties with Russia but also European Union membership. In a letter sent to EU institutions, officials and member nations, Serbia Against Violence said it would not recognise the outcome of the elections. The alliance called on the EU to do the same and to initiate an investigation. The Great Pottery Throw Down host would be happy doing nothing for the holidays Siobhan McSweeney's role as the disgruntled Sister Michael in Derry Girls has been widely acclaimed Shes best known for playing stern-faced battleaxe Sister Michael in Derry Girls, so maybe we shouldnt be surprised that Siobhan McSweeney is a self-confessed Grinch. The actress is heading home to Ireland for Christmas, even if shes not really a fan of the festive season. Siobhan (43) said: Ill be back in Cork, where Im from, with my brother and his family. To be honest with you, Im a little bit of a Grinch and Id be very happy doing nothing for Christmas, but hes got kids and its nice. Were still able to do the whole Santa Claus thing. Derry Girls stars Jamie-Lee O'Donnell, Siobhan McSweeney, Saoirse-Monica Jackson, Nicola Coughlan, Dylan Llewellyn, Kathy Kiera Clarke and Louisa Harland After the success of Derry Girls, Siobhan was one of many stars of the show who landed more work in TV and films. She now hosts The Great Pottery Throw Down, which is returning to our screens for a Christmas Day special that was recorded in August. Siobhan said: It wasnt as hot as last year that was particularly grim but I do think Gladstone (the pottery museum in Stoke-on-Trent, where the show is filmed) has that sort of Dickensian feel. It was beautiful, with fake snow and loads of Christmas trees. Its only our second festive episode,and I think its a lovely thing to do. You get these brilliantly funny, charming and beloved celebrities usually making an absolute pigs ear of it. Viewers will also get to see Siobhan have another crack at the potters wheel in the Christmas special. She said: People think that I have access to loads of pottery, or that I make loads. The plan was to do whatever our potters were doing, but everything I made ended up being soap dishes and I lost my mojo. Last year, I got excited about tiles, but they were too hard. Im very of the personality, If at first you dont succeed, give up. The Festive Pottery Throw Down is on Christmas Day at 7.30pm on Channel 4 Comic claims camera-shy cops backed out of chance to hear infamous joke for themselves Lycett was allegedly reported to the PSNI by an off-duty officer Joe Lycett has claimed the police wanted to attend his show as part of their investigation into his infamous joke at the Waterfront Hall, only to back out after he asked to film them. The 33-year-old Birmingham comedian was reported to the PSNI allegedly by an off-duty police officer after performing a routine in Belfast last June about his fondness for nudity as a child. He told the Adam Buxton podcast the PSNI made a request to attend his show, later pulling out and agreeing to merely review footage after he asked for permission to film them. Lycett, who described the routine as his funniest joke, said: This was the gag that was in my stand-up show which inspired a short police investigation. An off-duty police officer came to the show in Belfast, saw it and basically said I had committed a crime. I found it very funny. What happened was they wanted to come to the show to check the joke I had a show in Derry which they wanted to come along to. I said Oh great, can I film you watching the footage? They went quiet before asking me to send them the footage so they could just go over it. So, I sat over lunch in Belfast waiting for this detective to go through it. He eventually came back and said no crime had been committed and to have a good day, essentially. Read more Comic Joe Lycett thought call from PSNI investigating complaint after Belfast gig was a joke Lycett told the joke at the Waterfront Hall Lycett also dipped into how he had back-and-forth conversations with lawyers about the routine before even performing it in Belfast. He said: The premise is and I do think its the funniest thing Ive produced its a visual gag in which I talk about how Im camp. Ive always been camp since I was a little boy. I found this old footage of me as a boy, and Im very camp in it. I wanted to show it to the audience, but unfortunately Im naked in it. Im about five or six years old, and I asked a lawyer if it was possible to show this to an audience, to which they said No because you cant show a childs penis in your show. I pointed out it was my penis and I didnt mind, but they still said it wasnt possible. I then asked if we could show an adults penis, and they said I could. So, I paid an animator to put a pixelated giant adult penis onto my child body. I thought it would be funny. Lycett was allegedly reported to the PSNI by an off-duty officer During the podcast, the pair can be heard watching footage of the routine in fits of laughter, with Buxton describing it for listeners. He said: So, this is young Joe dancing around in the front room, wearing a little pair of red pants and then he pulls his pants down and theres a huge great [penis] there. Hes sort of dancing around innocently with this great big c*** swinging around, while Mum is sitting on the sofa. And the police officer thought this might be illegal? Well, youre cancelled. Following the controversy last year, Lycett said the joke would remain firmly and proudly in his stand-up routine for the remainder of his UK and Ireland tour dates. Asked for a comment on the routine, the PSNI said: Police received one complaint following a show in Belfast on June 8, 2022. Inquiries were made and no offences were detected. We have no further comment to make. From fairy tales to Shakespeare, all the world is a stage for Glengormley actor Robert McGregor A pantomime dame is a role synonymous with Christmas and for Robert McGregor, its one of many on his acting bow. Robert (74), who lives in Glengormley, will be playing Madame Fifi in Beauty and the Beast by Belvoir Players Amateur Dramatic Society in south Belfast and its his 25th outing as the popular panto inclusion. When I first joined (the Players) there was a guy called Sammy Mackie, he was a local comedian and professional actor and entertainer, recalls Robert. He was playing the dame with the Players. He was coming to near retirement age, and when he retired, the director, Richard Mills, asked if Id like to have a go at doing the dame. I said yes, great. I did it the first year and they must have liked what I did. Its great fun. People give me a lot of stick about it but its all part of the fun. Its Christmas and I love doing the part. Robert McGregor The father-of-two got into drama by accident after being encouraged to do a comedy sketch while playing in a brass band. At the end of the evening when the compere was asking for a round of applause for all the different solos that came on, when it came to me, I got the loudest cheer of the lot. I thought to myself, Im in the wrong business. I should be on the stage doing something. After that I met a girl through work who was a drama teacher. She told me about a girl who ran a community drama group. I got involved and loved it from the word go. A couple of years after being with them I moved to the Belvoir Players because I wanted to do what I call proper acting on the stage with the set and curtains. I havent looked back from that. Robert as a panto dame In Beauty and the Beast, Robert is playing Madame Fifi, housekeeper to Belle the sweetest girl in the village her sisters and her father, Monsieur Alphonse. We start from about September, reading it, then selecting the parts, he explains. Nearly all the cast would double up; it gives everybody a chance to play the part. Normally it was just me that did all the parts but Im getting a bit long in the tooth so this year Ive been double cast and its making it a bit easier for me. Robert (in white) on stage with Belvoir Players But its not just panto in which Robert is involved, winning a Best Actor award for his role in Purgatory, which is available to watch on YouTube. In 2016, however, the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) visited, conducting a play for the nation in this case, A Midsummer Nights Dream. In the play, theres a play within the play with a group called the Rude Mechanicals, explains Robert. We played them; the company came over and held auditions. The Players passed the auditions and were selected to play with the RSC. They gave us workshops for about six months which was a great experience. Then we did a week in the Grand Opera House with them, then went to Stratford-upon-Avon and did three shows. To be on the main stage in Stratford with the RSC, thats my claim to fame. Robert, who says hell continue to act until I cant do it anymore, is involved in other groups, including Bright Umbrella in east Belfast. Robert on stage Theyre semi-professional, and Ive done some professional work, as an extra. I was in Game of Thrones and the movies years ago, says Robert, who worked in the voluntary sector for over 20 years. Lack of flexibility meant he had to stop chasing the professional end of the industry, though he maintained working on the amateur end. Now retired, hes trying to get back into it. I take it very seriously, he says of his work with the Players. Some come along and its just a bit of a laugh. I said, were not here for a laugh, we make the audiences laugh so weve got to take it seriously. Hes also mindful of the differences that acting can bring, saying with a smile: With the Royal Shakespeare Company, we finished on the Saturday night and I was playing in front of 2,500 people. The following Saturday night, I was in Belvoir and we had one of our youth shows on, and I was selling ice-cream. Beauty and the Beast: The Pantomime is performed by the Belvoir Players until January 6, 2024. For more information, see www.belvoirplayers.org Former leader of the PUP wanted to steer clear of our violent past in new collection of short stories Writer and former PUP leader Brian Ervine has claimed people are sick and tried of reading about the Troubles. Broken Stones, his new book, has only passing references to the conflict, and none of its 10 tales are overtly linked to his late brother David, who led the PUP before him. The ongoing tensions within the UVF are not mentioned either. David Ervine Former teacher Ervine (71) said: So much has already been penned about the Troubles that I think a lot of folk start yawning after a while. I reckon its time for books to move on. I tried to steer away from the conflict in my book, though it does provide a backcloth to some of the stories, which are fictional but inspired by real-life events. Nine of the stories actually happened, but I have not included the names of any of the people involved. Some of the stories are funny, some are tragic, some of them are tragic and funny and the tenth one stretches forward into the future. Some of the stories made me laugh and cry, and I hope that will be passed on to readers. Many people will recognise some of the scenes because theyre all set in east Belfast. I wanted to reflect the flavour of the area that I live in, but I hope readers dont recognise the people at the heart of the stories because I dont want to embarrass anyone. I knew everyone that I write about. Some of them are an amalgam of characters. I actually approached two people to get their permission to base my stories on them. Among the stories is one about a young man who is studying for the ministry and is blackmailed for sex. Theres another one about a guy who believes his little nephew is the anti-Christ and tries to kill him. One of the only stories has a Troubles slant. (Its) about a young man who is about to be shot dead by an organisation, but a rival group subjects him to a punishment attack before hes murdered. I call that one The Good Turn. Ervine, whose book also contains a ghost story for good measure, is no stranger to writing, with multiple plays, works of poetry and songs already under his belt. He also works as a tour guide in east Belfast. Ive had it in my mind to write a book of short stories for a long time, he said. People regularly ask if theres a memoir in me, but I didnt want this to be about me. A memoir is, by definition, a fact-based project, and that doesnt leave much room for creativity. Brian and wife Linda The author is married to the high-profile Irish language activist Linda Ervine. He shares her passion for Gaelic, and there is tentative talk that Broken Stones could be translated into Irish. Ive been learning Irish myself, but Im more effluent than fluent, he joked. Its a difficult language to learn, but Im persevering. There are hundreds of people learning here in east Belfast, and I firmly believe that its a language that can be a language of reconciliation. One guy once said that every word spoken in Irish was a bullet in the cause of freedom, but his head was up his backside. A lot of friendships have been made here in east Belfast between people from this part of the city and folk from other areas who might never have come here in the past. Broken Stones by Brian Ervine Ervine worked on his book for almost a year, but rarely in his own house. There are too many distractions for me in the house, with people calling and the phone ringing, he said. So, I took myself off to a quiet room in the East Belfast Missions Skainos Centre on the Newtownards Road where I could focus on the writing, which doesnt always come easy anyway. I met him at the centre around the time it emerged that leadership figures in the East Belfast UVF had been stood down over their links to the deadly drugs trade. Asked for his opinion on the matter, Ervine chose his words carefully. As far as Im concerned, the East Belfast UVF had a lot of men in it who were principled men and who wanted to do something for their country, but there was an element within it who were gangsters, he said. He was more interested in talking about the many positives of east Belfast. He was raised in the area alongside his future politician brother, for whom he still has huge admiration, especially for what he did in the run-up to the signing of the Good Friday Agreement. Speaking at his funeral, Ervine said his brother was able to translate the bloodstained tragic prose of violence and hatred to the poetry of peaceful co-existence. He continued: He had the guts and the courage to climb out of the traditional trenches, meet the enemy in no-mans land and play ball with him. Ervine drew no small measure of satisfaction from the writing the selection of stories, saying it had whetted his appetite to write more. Maybe my next project will be a novel, who knows? he said. Before we talked, he was engaged in facilitating another of his passions, a prayer meeting We had about 16 guys and a lady there. They come from all sorts of different backgrounds, he explained. Some of them are ex-paramilitaries and some of them were converted in Long Kesh and ended up doing missionary work all over their world. Their lives have been redeemed by God, and they are doing something to glorify God. I wouldnt describe myself as a preacher. I am a believer in Jesus Christ, and every opportunity that is given to me, I will utilise it to talk and extend the Kingdom of God. At Stranmillis Training College, they used to call me the savage messiah. Sounds like the perfect title for his next book if you ask me. UDA hits barber shop where dissident prisoner worked Loyalists smash windows after learning staff member had been jailed for New IRA membership The Turkish Barber Shop which was targeted in Ballymoney Ciaran Barnes Sun 24 Dec 2023 at 08:35 The UDA smashed up a barber shop after finding out one of the workers was a convicted New IRA member. Violent drinker confessed to crime after cop claimed to have taken life in Belfast 40 years ago Darren Osment was jailed for at least 20 years A chef jailed for life for killing his partner was snared by an undercover cop who won his confidence by claiming to have murdered someone in Belfast 40 years ago. Darren Osment was sentenced to a minimum of 20 years in prison at Bristol Crown Court last week for the murder of Claire Holland in 2012. The 32-year-olds body has never been found. Osment (40) was brought to book after a lengthy and sophisticated undercover operation by Avon and Somerset Police lasting more than 18 months. The force amassed 1,200 hours of recordings made by an officer who, using the alias Paddy OHara and claiming to be a petty thief, befriended the violent drinker. He would eventually get Osment on tape admitting to having killed Claire, dismembering her and disposing of her body. As the officer managed to win his confidence, he became more and more candid in their conversations. When his former partner and mother of his child came up in conversation, he would only refer to her in angry, expletive-laden terms, calling her a stupid b**** and blaming her for their son being taken into care. On one occasion, OHara told Osment he had killed a man in Belfast in the 1980s, which prompted Osment to reply he did what he did, but left it at that. Eventually, Osment became more open with OHara as the policeman got him involved in made-up criminal scenarios devised by the force to win his trust. In June last year, Osment said he had specifically lured Claire to the Bristol pub where she was last seen alive because it had no CCTV and claimed he had used his knife skills. Osment said on one recording: Its all done and dusted, all the work, clothes burnt outside as far as I am aware, the bits and pieces are scattered. Keeping up the pretence of friendship, OHara reassured him: Youre sharing the burden, mateits you and me against everything. Claire Holland The undercover operation was sparked by a drunken Osment confessing to a police call handler that he had murdered someone in 2019. But the morning after, when he was brought in for questioning, he retracted his admission, saying it was made because he was suicidal after a heavy drinking session. However, he also admitted to a former girlfriend, her brother and a fellow inmate while he was being held on remand that he had killed Claire. Despite that, he pleaded not guilty, claiming his admissions were either caused by drunkenness or an attempt at bravado. That sparked a two-month trial that ended with the jury returning a guilty verdict by a margin of 10 to two. It was said during Osments trial that at the time she went missing, Claire was turning her life around, had re-established contact with her family and was looking forward to the prospect having her children stay with her again. Sentencing Osment last week, the Honourable Mrs Justice Cutts said statements from Claires family showed she was warm, vivacious and deeply loved. She was happy and optimistic about the future, a fresh start was ahead. You robbed her of that, she added. You left her family in limbo, yet it is clear that you were haunted by what you did. I am sure that you killed her yourself. For Claires familys sake, I urge you to stand up to what youve done. Prior to sentence being passed, Claires half sister asked Osment directly to tell her family what he did with her body. Activists display posters and defaced portraits of Burmese Commander-in-Chief Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing during a rally against the military coup in Myanmar, in Jakarta, April 24, 2021. Southeast Asian leaders met Myanmars top general and coup leader in an emergency summit in Indonesia. The story Southeast Asia likes to tell itself is that, by the late 1990s, it had something like its end of history moment. By 1999, the region was free of colonialism, with the last push made by Timor-Leste, which that year held a referendum to throw off Indonesian imperialism. With that development, the regions national borders appeared to be finally decided and revanchism, although it was still voiced on the fringes, had ended. All Southeast Asian countries, except Timor-Leste, were members of ASEAN. Communist Vietnam and Laos were stable and internationally accepted. Anti-communist tyrants like Indonesias Suharto, Burmas Ne Win and Ferdinand Marcos in the Philippines had either resigned or been ousted. And the worst crimes of the Cold War-era, including the Khmer Rouge genocide in Cambodia, were not just over but there was to finally be some sort of justice. In 1999, the holdout Khmer Rouge leaders finally surrendered and Ta Mok, its former army chief, was symbolically arrested by the local authorities. Today, however, Southeast Asia finds itself trapped by history. On the one hand, it became evident in February 2021 that not all of 20th-century history was over. The military coup in Myanmar that month awakened many to the reality that some elements of the pre-Cold War period had not been solved. Indeed, Myanmar has been trapped in the early 20th century since independence from Britain in 1948. Whereas all other Southeast Asian threw off their colonial powers and then resolved their internal battles over what form of government would follow, Myanmar did not. Myanmar as outlier Anti-colonial struggles are conflicts against a foreign aggressor and civil wars at the same time. It is not enough to claim self-determination; it must be determined what sort of self you want once free. The partition of Vietnam was both things at once. Many historians date the Cambodian Civil War as beginning in either 1967 (with the Samlaut Uprising) or 1979 (with the Lon Nol coup) but those same political schisms were latent, though blanketed, under Nordom Sihanouks regime that ruled after independence. Myanmar former military ruler Senior Gen. Than Shwe reviews troops in Resistance Park on the 60th anniversary of the Myanmar Armed Forces Day in 2005. [Adrees Latif/Reuters] The Peoples Power uprising in the Philippines in 1986 was essentially the answer to the question constitutional or personalist rule that was posed when the country gained independence from Spain in 1898, and, indeed, was the internal debate within almost all of Jose Rizals writings. But Myanmar never went through this process or, rather, successive military juntas never allowed the question to be seriously explored. The 1962 coup effectively froze in time the question of self-determination of Myanmars myriad ethnic minorities, a remnant of colonial rule. In two ways, Myanmar under the military remained a colonial holdout: The Bamar center colonized the ethnic periphery and the anti-colonial struggle was never allowed to fully run its course. The cataclysm of the 2021 military coup appears to be the event that will finally bring this historical question to a proper solution. The answer offered by the anti-junta movement, centered on the National Unity Government, is a revolutionary federal state, in which Myanmar maintains its same territorial borders but vastly more power and autonomy is given to the ethnic areas, while at the same time the national army, a product of anti-colonialism, will be dissolved and something (perhaps a network of militias) will take its place. The juntas answer, the same that its predecessors offered, is devolution based on the permission of a central authority, implemented through peace talks. The problem with this answer, as has been the case in the past, is that it is dependent not upon rules or laws but the whims of whichever general is sitting in Naypyidaw, so essentially yet another delay in answering the post-colonial civil war question. Yet, for now at least, according to some hopeful observers, the forces of revolution are prevailing over the forces of reaction in Myanmar. Baked-in crisis Alas, the rest of Southeast Asia seems unwilling to accept that a historical reckoning must happen in Myanmar for there to be any progress. One can put aside the fatuousness of permitting Myanmar entrance into ASEAN in 1997 before those civil-war conflicts were solved, yet ASEAN still doesnt accept that by doing so it institutionalized those conflicts into the regional system. In other words, by accepting Myanmar into the ASEAN bloc, the rest of the region (perhaps) unwittingly accepted a share of responsibility for solving those historical conflicts. This point is still not appreciated by ASEAN in its continued insistence that the solution to the current crisis is to return to a point in time: the status quo ante. U.S. President George W. Bush meets with Chairman Deng Xiaoping in 1989 at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. [Doug Mills/AP] Yet, even if that return was feasible, which it isnt, ASEAN would still be left with the situation of Myanmars 20th-century conflicts sparking another similar crisis at some point in the future. ASEAN is, therefore, trapped in apparently thinking that Myanmar is unique in that it wont have to go through the same bloody processes that the rest of the region did a final reckoning of post-colonial civil wars and clearly thinks that the regions responsibility is to forestall, not assist, this process. On the other hand, Southeast Asia is also in a history trap of believing that the post-Cold War era is still alive. It can be fairly said that the region, aside from China, was the biggest beneficiary of the world order left after the collapse of communism in Europe. A cursory look at how the region has developed economically, culturally and socially since 1989 is enough to make that argument. But what should we call the period between 1989 and, roughly, 2019? The Chimerica Era, that chimera when the United States and China thought they could get along and when the West thought that Beijing was playing by the same rules? Or, perhaps, the Inter-Cold War Era? Nostalgia not enough In any case, that period is now over. Yet, Southeast Asias leaders still think that they can deny its disappearance by repeatedly stating their opposition to what has come after a New Cold War as if denying somethings existence makes it not exist. They hold onto the hope that Washington and Beijing will finally see sense and agree that because things were much better for all in the 2000s that should be their shared vision for the future. If there is a purpose to hedging, it is presumably to play both superpowers off against one another to extract the most benefits. Yet the downside is that you make yourself dependent on both sides, as has been the case: As a share of overall ASEAN trade, the United States and China have taken on a larger, not smaller, percentage in recent years. Myanmar military troops take part in a military exercise in Ayeyarwady delta region in Myanmar in 2018. [Lynn Bo Bo/Pool via Reuters] Hedging, as manifested today, is to take both sides, rather than to take neither side. That is problematic, to say the least, if there is a possibility of both sides going to war, when you will be forced by events outside your control and at a time not of your choosing to decide which side to take. None of this is unreasonable from an emotional level; its only natural for Southeast Asian leaders, by 1999, to have been jubilant that the horrors of the 20th century were over and that their societies could finally have the stability to become prosperous thanks to the Inter-Cold War Era. Its only natural to want the good times to continue. Sadly, theyre over and the world is once again a far more unstable and unpredictable place, including in ASEANs northwest. Nostalgia for times past will only get you so far. David Hutt is a research fellow at the Central European Institute of Asian Studies (CEIAS) and the Southeast Asia Columnist at the Diplomat. As a journalist, he has covered Southeast Asian politics since 2014. The views expressed here are his own and do not reflect the position of Radio Free Asia and RFA sister organization BenarNews. Three workers look on as a fire engulfed a furnace at PT Indonesia Tsingshan Stainless Steel in Morowali Regency, Central Sulawesi, Dec. 24, 2023. A deadly furnace fire at a majority Chinese-owned nickel plant in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, claimed the lives of 13 workers nine Indonesian and four Chinese nationals and injured 46 others Sunday, a plant official said. Dedy Kurniawan, a spokesperson for the industrial complex where the smelter is located, said the fire broke out around 5:30 a.m. during repair work, which had ignited flammable materials, and the blaze was brought under control by 4 p.m. local time the same day. We have formed a team to handle the impact of the accident, Dedy told BenarNews. Preliminary investigations suggest that molten metal residue, or slag, leaked from the smelters furnace and contacted flammable materials, which caused a furnace wall to collapse and the subsequent blaze, according to Dedy. The incident at the Indonesia Tsingshan Stainless Steels facility in Morowali regency marks the latest in a series of accidents raising safety concerns in Indonesias largest nickel processing area. The PT Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park (IMIP), where the facility is located, is a joint venture between Chinas Tsingshan Steel Group and Indonesias Bintang Delapan Group. The integrated nickel-based industrial park covers 2,000 hectares (4,942 acres) and employs more than 81,000 people, including 10,000 foreign workers, mostly from China. At least 30 workers died at two nickel plants with majority Chinese ownership in Morowali and North Morowali regencies from 2019 to 2023, with 20 fatalities occurring at IMIP, according to Muhammad Taufik, the director of the Central Sulawesi Mining Action Network, an Indonesian environmental group. This is a big incident, he told BenarNews. An evaluation is necessary to find out the extent of the implementation of the safety and health management system in nickel plants. In April, two workers at IMIP died after being buried under a heap of nickel waste at a processing plant. In January, a Chinese and an Indonesian worker were killed in a riot at a plant. Meanwhile, Arnold Firdaus, who heads the provincial labor department, vowed an investigation into the latest accident. A team has been formed and will soon depart for Morowali to investigate with a team from the Manpower Ministry, he told BenarNews. Of course, an evaluation will be carried out so that similar incidents do not happen again in the future, he said. Nickel powerhouse Indonesia holds the worlds largest reserves of nickel, crucial for electric vehicle batteries, and wants to become a global leader in nickel production. In a speech at Georgetown University during his U.S. visit in November, President Joko Jokowi Widodo strongly pitched the countrys nickel industry as a way to advance the green economy. But concerns about environmental and safety practices and working conditions have dogged the Southeast Asian nations nickel industry, where China is a big investor. The Chinese investment came with technology transfer, helped create jobs and developed local infrastructures, but a report from the Paramadina Public Policy Institute, a Jakarta-based think tank, also described environmental degradation, social conflict and unfair competition as a result of the investment. China is also funding projects in Indonesia as part of Beijings Belt and Road Initiative, a worldwide infrastructure-building program. In 2022, Indonesia had more than 42,000 Chinese workers, accounting for about 44% of all expatriates in the country, according to Indonesias Ministry of Manpower. Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The restaurant, to be named Paiges Place, will be open Friday through Monday, just as the diner did post-pandemic under prior owner Lynn Pyenson, but there will be some new items on the menu. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Christmas Eve celebrates the most important event in history: The Creator entered creation to save it. God expressed his great love for humanity by becoming Immanuel (which means God with us) on the first Christmas in Bethlehem. Christmas Eve prayers can help you experience the peace and joy of Gods presence with you. By praying on Christmas Eve, you can take in the wonder of Christmas and enjoy Gods gifts to the fullest. Make time for prayer this Christmas Eve. When you pray during this holy night, the true meaning of Christmas will come alive for you. Here are 4 inspiring Christmas Eve prayers for you and your family. Christmas Eve Prayer to Take in the Wonder of Christmas Dear God, help me experience Christmas wonder on this holy evening. May I feel awe for the ultimate gift youve given humanity. Reach out to me so I can perceive your wonderful presence with me. Help me perceive the everyday miracles of your work around me during this most wonderful time of the year. May the light of hope you offer help me transcend my worries and inspire me to trust you. Light broke through the darkness of night as angels announced Jesus Christs birth on the first Christmas. As I look at Christmas lights tonight, may I remember the wonder of that Christmas, when shepherds received that good news from your messengers. Let every burning candle and twinkling light bulb in my home remind me that you are the light of the world. When Im outside this evening, remind me to look up at the sky. Let the stars I see help me ponder the wondrous Star of Bethlehem that guided people to you. This Christmas Eve, may I see you in a new light because of wonder. As I savor the wonderful foods of Christmas, may I be inspired to taste and see that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8). When I eat a variety of wondrous foods at Christmas dinner tonight, remind me of your awesome creativity and generosity. Let the Christmas candy and cookies I eat remind me of the sweetness of your love. Im thankful for the people around the table with me on this holy night. Bless us all as we celebrate together. May the Christmas carols I listen to help me encounter wonder. Music is a universal language that goes beyond words to express your messages. When I hear Christmas music, let it resonate in my soul and evoke feelings of awe within me. Let me feel free to enjoy playful fun, with childlike wonder, when Christmas songs move me to do so. Encourage me to turn up the volume for Christmas carols, and even sing and dance along, with the wonderful awareness that youre celebrating with me. A Christmas Eve Prayer to Say as a Family before Bed Happy birthday, Jesus! Thank you for coming from heaven to earth to save the world. Thank you for being with us now through your Holy Spirit. Lord, it was your love that led you to be with us. Help us to respond to your great love together. Show us how to love ourselves, each other, and you more. Inspire us to choose words and actions that reflect your wisdom. When we make mistakes, help us learn from them and ask for forgiveness from you and those weve hurt. When others hurt us, may we not let bitterness take root in us, but instead forgive them with your help, as you call us to do. Give us peace in our home and in all our relationships. Guide us so we can make the best choices and fulfill your good purposes for our lives. Help us notice signs of your work in our lives together and be encouraged. Fill us with hope for our future as a family together with you. As we prepare to sleep on this holy night, we trust you with all of our concerns and ask for your peace in return. Inspire us through our dreams this Christmas Eve. When we wake up tomorrow on Christmas morning, may we experience great joy. A Prayer to Let Go of Stress and Enjoy God's Gifts on Christmas Jesus, our Prince of Peace, please clear worries out of my mind and calm my heart. As I breathe in and out, let my breath remind me to appreciate the gift of life youve given me. Help me exhale my stress and inhale your mercy and grace. Through your Holy Spirit, renew my mind so I can shift my focus away from Christmas commercialism and toward worshiping you. May I rest in your presence and enjoy uninterrupted time in prayer and meditation with you. Thank you for your promise in John 14:27: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. Your presence with me is the ultimate gift, which leads me to true peace and joy. A Prayer of Thanks on Christmas Eve for Christ Our Savior Wonderful Savior, thank you for incarnating on earth to save the world. Through your redemptive earthly life that began on Christmas Eve and finished on the cross, you have made it possible for me and all of humanity to connect with God for eternity. As 2 Corinthians 9:15 declares, Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! I would still be lost in sin without my relationship with you. Thanks to you, Im free free to live with faith rather than fear. Im grateful beyond words for all youve done to save my soul from death and give me eternal life, Jesus. Thank you for loving me, forgiving me, and guiding me. This Christmas Eve, Im celebrating the good news of your birth as I remember the angels announcing it to the shepherds. Im pondering your incarnation and treasuring it, as your earthly mother Mary did. Im seeking you and worshiping you like the wise men did. I give you thanks for your saving love, tonight and always. Christmas Eve Bible Verses Matthew 1:23: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means God with us). John 1:14: The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. Isaiah 9:6: For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Luke 2:4-14: So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests. Luke 2:17-21: When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. Praying on Christmas Eve connects you with Jesus as you prepare to celebrate his birth. When you pray, you can discover the wonder of his presence with you. That will help you open the gift of Christmas on this holy night and beyond. Photo Credit: GettyImages/Halfpoint Whitney Hopler is the author of the Wake Up to Wonder book and the Wake Up to Wonder blog, which help people thrive through experiencing awe. She leads the communications work at George Mason Universitys Center for the Advancement of Well-Being. Whitney has served as a writer, editor, and website developer for leading media organizations, including Crosswalk.com, The Salvation Army USAs national publications, and Dotdash.com (where she produced a popular channel on angels and miracles). She has also written the young adult novel Dream Factory. Connect with Whitney on X/Twitter and on Facebook. LISTEN: A Prayer for a Fresh New Start 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. This article is part of our Prayer resource meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Visit our most popular prayers if you are wondering how to pray or what to pray. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, and God knows your heart even if you can't find the words to pray. Serenity Prayer The Lords Prayer Prayer for Peace Morning Prayers Good Night Prayers Prayer for Healing Prayer for Protection Prayer for Gods Help Prayer for Anxiety Prayer for Strength WATCH: Daily Prayers of Thanksgiving Stock Footage & Music Courtesy of Soundstripe.com Thumbnail by Getty Images Now available is our new Daily Prayer devotional! An easy way to start your day with prayer: read todays prayer and sign up to receive it by email. And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you (Matthew 6:5-6). Several years ago, there was a highly acclaimed movie that came out called War Room, which centered on the importance of the personal prayer closet. If you haven't seen it yet, I highly recommend renting it tonight and watching with your whole family! In the movie, a woman is confronted with a crisis which forces her to get truly serious about her relationship with God, and to experience the power of prayer to change things. She takes the King James Scripture translation literally (...when thou prayest, enter into thy closet...), and empties out her bedroom closet of clothes, shoes, jewelry and other personal items, and replaces them with a chair, post-it notes with Scriptures and family photos. Thereafter, the movie revolves around her regular and routine visits to this prayer closet, now effectively transformed into a spiritual war room, where she fights against the enemy's attack on her family. I promise you that after you see this inspirational movie, you will consider cleaning out your closet. But before you box up your coats and shoes, you should understand a few basic things about what a prayer closet is and what actually should happen there. Where We Meet with God With all due respect to the traditional King James translation, most modern versions don't use closet anymore, but rather room, private room or inner room. The Greek word is tameion, which simply means an inner storage chamber or secret room. We might describe it today as a safety deposit box or vault. It describes that place where one's most valuable possessions and treasure can be kept safe. So Jesus is telling us in Matthew 6:6, that we all need a place where we regularly and routinely meet with our most valued treasure in this life... our heavenly Father! He is the One whose resources never run out or run dry, the One who can solve any problem we have and deliver us from every demonic attack. There is nothing more valuable to us than our relationship with God. Where We Become Vulnerable Over time, this word translated as closet was used to describe a bedchamber where a husband and wife were able to be intimate. The very act of disrobing makes a person vulnerable and exposed to their spouse. So the idea of Matthew 6:6 also includes going to a place where we let down our guard before God and allow Him to examine our hearts without shame. It's a place where we cannot hide our hurts, lie about our failures or pretend to have all the answers. Where We Change Clothes King James' residence in Edinburg, Scotland, is reported to have an interior room in the master bedroom. Much like a large walk-in closet of today, its where the king changed his clothes. So to extend the illustration, our prayer closet of Matthew 6:6 will be a place where we experience change; it's where we go to remove the soiled rags of this life and be clothed in His righteous image and His spiritual armor. We exchange clothes of fear for the shield of faith, the clothes of confusion for the helmet of salvation, and the clothes of hurt and shame for the breastplate of righteousness. Ultimately, the private time we spend with God in our prayer closet will pave the way for public success. I promise you, you may walk in like Clark Kent, but you will come out like Superman! But Why Do We Need a Prayer Closet? So by now it should be pretty clear that you don't really need to hire an architect to redesign your bedroom closet. The prayer closet is not as much about place as it is about attitude and commitment. Your particular prayer closet could indeed be a cleaned-out closet, or a small guest room. It could be the man cave or the she shed. Perhaps it's an attic or bonus room or a even a particular chair in the corner of the living room. It can be wherever you chose to spend time with God in prayer, without the interruption of family or daily life. So why should we select one, dedicated spot to become our prayer closet? 1. We Need to Shut the Door ...go into your room, close the door (Matthew 6:6). The real power of the prayer closet comes from claiming a space that you can inoffensively close off the entrance of others (children, pets, phone and social media notifications), and get quiet enough to hear His still, small voice speaking wisdom and direction. It also protects you from being hushed by the unbelieving attitudes of others, as you stand and loudly declare in faith the promises of God over your situation. In short, closed doors make for a more powerful and successful prayer life. Whether we realize it or not, one of the primary ways the enemy brings destruction into our lives is through constant interruptions and distraction in our pursuit of God. Any of this sound familiar? - I would pray... but Im exhausted trying to make ends meet. - I would pray... but the kids keep pestering me. - I would pray... but I really need to study. - I would pray... but this business meeting just came up. - I would pray... but my husband needs my attention. - I would pray... but I have a deadline I just can't miss. - I would pray... but I don't have enough time in the morning as it is. - I would pray...but I must keep up with social media to stay relevant. Short answer? No, no, no... just no! Actually, I must check in with my heavenly Father and get His power and wisdom for every task I need to accomplish in the day. I need to confirm that He likes what I am doing, and that I get the inside scoop on what's trending in Heaven. I need to be filled with supernatural energy to perform with excellence in life, and to be a source of strength to my family and children. And to do all that, I must shut the door on every distraction when I go to God in prayer. Photo credit: Getty Images/Kieferpix 2. We Need Private Time for Public Success ...pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly (Matthew 6:6). Too often when we pray openly around other people, we become self-conscious and spend more time trying to impress them with our words, than we do truly pressing into God. I'm sure you know what I'm talking about: those long, arduous prayers said in King James English... to bless the church potluck lunch! These are the modern equivalent of the hypocrite's prayers of Matthew 6:5: And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. True prayer is not a time to impress people its meant to lock in and join forces with God; to wage war against an enemy which seeks our defeat and destruction. And as Jesus said, it's what we do in private that paves the way for what people will see in public. One of my life mentors once told me, If you want the anointing on your life, make sure your private time in prayer exceeds your public time on the platform. I believe it's the foundation of a Christian's success in life, not just in ministry. And here's a little observation: it seems you can always tell who has a powerful prayer life and who doesnt, simply by the fruit that is evidenced in their life! Selah. Prayer is the spiritual discipline that is practiced in private, but the rewards are manifested in public. It manifests in our character, our wisdom, our attitude, our blessings, our joy, our favor, our peace and our power! Jesus said we need a prayer closet because that private place paves the way for our public success! 3. We Want to Know Gods Will for Our Lives For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). Clearly, our loving heavenly Father has amazing things for each of us to do and experience in this life. And if I were to ask, I believe everyone would want to know those plans, so we can make appropriate decisions to cooperate with His will. We know intuitively and from Scripture that Gods will for us is good and acceptable and perfect, so we really should do all we can to discern what His will is! However, between us and the manifestation of Gods good plans there is a cross that we must bear. Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me (Matthew 16:24). Gods good plans for us are often dependent on denying ourselves and doing things Gods way. Whats that look like for you? Is it... - a habit you need to kick? - an offense you need to forgive? - a relationship you need to exit? - a discipline you need to develop? - an act of obedience you need to practice? - a wound you need to allow God to heal? What is it that is standing in the way of Gods will for your life? And more importantly, how can you surrender your will in that area to Gods will, especially when everything in you doesnt want to do it Gods way? Surrender through prayer. Run to that prayer closet, shut the door and ask God to do heart surgery on you so that you can say, Not my will but Yours, Lord Jesus! Its in that place that you will receive the supernatural help that you need to fight that battle and every future one that you face in life. His supernatural help comes when I enter my prayer closet and meet with the Source of my strength, and the strength of my life God, my Father! Related articles 5 Steps to Become a Prayer Warrior 7 Encouraging Morning Prayers to Center Your Day in the Lord How Can We Embrace the Power of Prayer? Photo credit: Getty Images/Tinnakorn Jorruang Frank Santora is Lead Pastor of Faith Church, a multi-site church with locations in Connecticut and New York. Pastor Frank hosts a weekly television show, Destined to Win, which airs weekly on the Hillsong Channel and TBN. He has authored thirteen books, including the most recent, Modern Day Psalms and Good Good Father. To learn more about Pastor Frank and this ministry, please visit www.franksantora.cc. Photo by Michele Roman. Theres a holiday for every season at the Brandon White House. You might recall Easter 2022, when the Easter Bunny directed its charge after the Brandon entity got distracted. Then there was Halloween earlier this year, when it was let loose to shower children with candy. Related: Halloween Horror: Brandons Mummified Corpse Rolled Out for Holiday Festivities, Given Unlimited Access to Children The constant, we will see (aside from the distracting sign language lady conducting a cacophonic symphony with her flailing arms) among government holidays is always children Brandons raison d'etre. In that tradition, here he is with his wife, Dr. (not a medical doctor) Jill, as she reads a Christmas tale to sick kids at Childrens National Hospital while Brandon looks on awkwardly with that thousand-yard stare into the abyss, almost certainly with unholy impulses pulsing through the well-trafficked neural pathways of whats left of his still-functioning reptilian brain running, even on and maybe especially on the eve of Baby Christs birth. Come on, get up here, Brandon instructs one of the hospital kids after Dr. Jill finishes. Sit in my lap. He goes on to declare his hopes to see them all in the White House soon. The question must be asked: Have you no decency, sir? Havent these children been through enough to not endure demands for special lap time from the president? Isnt it satisfying enough to run hog-wild with the able-bodied children whose Democrat parents offer them up as sacrificial lambs to the Brandon entity at the altar of neoliberalism? Of course, thats a rhetorical question; the degeneracy is never enough. See: Caligula. Then sprinkle in some adrenochrome and pharmaceutical speed, and you have our current crop of government leadership. Ben Bartee, author of Broken English Teacher: Notes From Exile, is an independent Bangkok-based American journalist with opposable thumbs. Follow his stuff Substack. Also, keep tabs via Twitter. For hip Armageddon Prose t-shirts, hats, etc., peruse the merch store. Insta-tip jar and Bitcoin public address: bc1qvq4hgnx3eu09e0m2kk5uanxnm8ljfmpefwhawv This will be part of the more than 160 meetings to be held during the Peruvian Presidency of APEC, and is framed within the priorities promoted by the cooperation forum. Ambassador Carlos Chavez-Taffur, Chair of the APEC Peru 2024 Presidency Working Group, stated that the ministers of both sectors are expected to issue a joint statement to establish a mandate to empower women in trade. "We have been working on this goal with both the Ministry of Women and the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism. It will be an unprecedented meeting," he said. formal economy. Chavez-Taffur remarked that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs seeks to empower APEC economic actors, in this case women, as a preliminary step to ensure their inclusion in the An estimated 600 million women work in the Asia-Pacific region, and about 40% of the total work in the informal sector. Furthermore, according to a report by the International Labor Organization (ILO) , three out of every four jobs are informal in Peru. (END) RMCH/JCC/RMB/MVB The Foreign Trade and Women ministers of the 21 economies that comprise the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum will hold a joint meeting in the Andean region of Arequipa next year, as part of APEC 2024 hosted by Peru.Published: 12/24/2023 The Washington Post on Saturday mapped out the complete and utter devastation of Gaza by Israel through their relentless, indiscriminate bombing campaign. From The Washington Post, "Israel has waged one of this century's most destructive wars in Gaza": The Israeli military campaign in the Gaza Strip has been unlike any other in the 21st century. In response to the unprecedented assault by Hamas on Oct. 7, Israeli airstrikes and a ground invasion that began 20 days later have destroyed large swaths of the besieged territory, killed at least 20,057 people and displaced a vast majority of the population. The most ferocious attacks have come from the air, flattening entire city blocks and cratering the landscape. The Washington Post analyzed satellite imagery, airstrike data and U.N. damage assessments, and interviewed more than 20 aid workers, health-care providers, and experts in munitions and aerial warfare. The evidence shows that Israel has carried out its war in Gaza at a pace and level of devastation that likely exceeds any recent conflict, destroying more buildings, in far less time, than were destroyed during the Syrian regime's battle for Aleppo from 2013 to 2016 and the U.S.-led campaign to defeat the Islamic State in Mosul, Iraq, and Raqqa, Syria, in 2017. The Post also found that the Israeli military has conducted repeated and widespread airstrikes in proximity to hospitals, which are supposed to receive special protection under the laws of war. Satellite imagery reviewed by Post reporters revealed dozens of apparent craters near 17 of the 28 hospitals in northern Gaza, where the bombing and fighting were most intense during the first two months of war, including 10 craters that suggested the use of bombs weighing 2,000 pounds, the largest in regular use. "There's no safe space. Period," said Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, the president of the International Committee of the Red Cross, who visited Gaza on Dec. 4. "I haven't passed one street where I didn't see destruction of civilian infrastructure, including hospitals." The war has wounded more than 53,320 people, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. More than 7,700 Palestinian children have been killed, and women and children make up around 70 percent of the dead, according to the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, which also says that 1.9 million people have been displaced, equivalent to 85 percent of the population. The vast majority of Gazan civilians fleeing the invasion are not allowed by Israel and Egypt to leave. "The scale of Palestinian civilian deaths in such a short period of time appears to be the highest such civilian casualty rate in the 21st century," said Michael Lynk, who served as the U.N. special rapporteur on human rights in the Palestinian territories from 2016 to 2022. Though the Post was too cowardly to say it outright, they strongly implied the purpose of leveling Gaza and crippling their hospitals was to ethnically cleanse the Palestinians from their land (Israel drew up secret plans to send everyone to Egypt, Europe and Canada at the start of the war and Israeli officials later publicly announced their intent to foist their refugees on the West in the Wall Street Journal): Several humanitarian workers interviewed by The Post noted that Israel's campaign in Gaza, and its destruction of hospitals and homes, will likely create additional suffering, such as hunger, lack of shelter and the spread of communicable diseases, that could eventually kill more people than the bombs and fighting. Sahloul said he believed the only explanation for so many attacks on civilian sites, which should have been protected by the laws of war, was that such attacks were intentional. "People in Syria told me they can tolerate bombs and missiles, but if there's no doctors in town and no hospitals, they usually leave," he said. "So I would have to assume that if it is intentional, the goal is to force the population to leave. And when they leave, they don't come back." The AP on Friday released their own map of the devastation in Gaza, noting that "the vast majority of bombs dropped on the besieged enclave are U.S.-made": As I reported on Friday, Israel's war on Gaza is killing children at 100 times the rate of Russia's war with Ukraine. Follow InformationLiberation on Twitter, Facebook, Gab, Minds and Telegram. A controversial forecast by Deagel, a global intelligence and consulting firm, gained attention in 2020 for its startling prediction of a significant depopulation event across the Western World by 2025. This was a very bold claim to make. Your Government is trying to kill you is even bolder. But unfortunately, these bold claims are now backed up with a mountain of evidence, and most of that evidence can be found in the confidential Pfizer documents that the U.S. Food & Drug Administration has been forced to publish by court order. And sadly, the evidence strongly suggests that Covid-19 vaccination is causing mass depopulation. What is Deagel? The Deagel corporation is a minor branch of US military intelligence, one of the many secretive organizations which collect data for high-level decision-making purposes and prepares confidential briefing documents for agencies like the National Security Agency, the United Nations, and the World Bank. It is known to have contributed to a Stratfor report on North Korea. With this kind of pedigree, Deagel should be seen as a legitimate player in the intelligence community and not merely a disinformation asset. This means its population predictions for 2025, as well as its industrial output predictions on a nation-by-nation basis, are not mere fantasy but instead based on strategic assumptions which are shared and well understood by other players in the intelligence community. What has Deagel Predicted? Deagel.coms [infamous] 2025 forecast was removed from their website sometime in 2020. However, thanks to the Wayback Machine / Internet Archive, we are able to view the original predictions before discovered by critical thinkers. Deagel predicted in 2020 that the United Kingdom would see its population decline by 77.1% by the year 2025. Deagel predicted in 2020 that the United States would see its population decline by 68.5 % by the year 2025. Deagel predicted in 2020 that Germany would see its population decline by 65.1% by the year 2025. Deagel predicted in 2020 that Australia would see its population decline by 34.6% by the year 2025. While also predicting a huge decline among many other Western countries. A full list of Deagels original apocalyptic depopulation predictions can be viewed here. Sadly, the confidential Pfizer documents coupled with staggering deaths among children suggest Deagels depopulation figures were not just an estimation, but a target. The Confidential Pfizer Documents The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) attempted to delay the release of Pfizers COVID-19 vaccine safety data for 75 years despite approving the injection after only 108 days of safety review on December 11th, 2020. But in early January 2022, Federal Judge Mark Pittman ordered them to release 55,000 pages per month. They released 12,000 pages by the end of January. Since then, PHMPT has posted all of the documents on its website. The latest drop happened on 1st June 2022. One of the documents contained in the data dump is reissue_5.3.6 postmarketing experience.pdf. Page 12 of the confidential document contains data on the use of the Pfizer Covid-19 injection in pregnancy and lactation. Confidential Pfizer Documents reveal 90% of Covid Vaccinated Pregnant Women lost their Baby Pfizer state in the document that by 28th February 2021 there were 270 known cases of exposure to the mRNA injection during pregnancy. Forty-six-percent of the mothers (124) exposed to the Pfizer Covid-19 injection suffered an adverse reaction. Of those 124 mothers suffering an adverse reaction, 49 were considered non-serious adverse reactions, whereas 75 were considered serious. This means 58% of the mothers who reported suffering adverse reactions suffered a serious adverse event ranging from uterine contraction to foetal death. A total of 4 serious foetus/baby cases were reported due to exposure to the Pfizer injection. But heres where things get rather concerning. Pfizer state that of the 270 pregnancies they have absolutely no idea what happened in 238 of them. But here are the known outcomes of the remaining pregnancies There were 34 outcomes altogether at the time of the report, but 5 of them were still pending. Pfizer note that only 1 of the 29 known outcomes were normal, whilst 28 of the 29 outcomes resulted in the loss/death of the baby. This equates to 97% of all known outcomes of Covid-19 vaccination during pregnancy resulting in the loss of the child. When we include the 5 cases where the outcome was still pending it equates to 82% of all outcomes of Covid-19 vaccination during pregnancy resulting in the loss of the child. This equates to an average of around 90% between the 82% and 97% figure. So here we have our first piece of evidence that something is amiss when it comes to administering the Pfizer Covid-19 injection during pregnancy. Heres the guidance taken from the UK Governments REG 174 INFORMATION FOR UK HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS document Thats how the guidance read in December 2020 anyway. Unfortunately, just a month or so later, the UK Government and other Governments around the world revised that guidance to read as follows This is still the official guidance as of June 2022, and leads to several questions requiring urgent answers when we consider since early 2021 pregnant women have been told Covid-19 vaccination is perfectly safe. You only have to look at the things women were told to avoid during pregnancy prior to being told its perfectly safe to take an experimental injection to realise something just isnt right here Smoked fish, Soft cheese, Wet paint, Coffee, Herbal tea, Vitamin supplements, Processed Junk foods. These are just to name a few, and the list is endless. So lets start with the Pregnancy section of the official guidance. In December 2020 the guidance stated Covid-19 vaccination is not recommended during pregnancy. Just a month or so later this guidance stated Animal studies do not indicate harmful effects with respect to pregnancy etc. So lets take a look at the animal studies in question. But before we do its worth pointing out that the official guidance states, as of June 2022, that administration of the COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine BNT162b2 in pregnancy should only be considered when the potential benefits outweigh any potential risks for the mother and foetus. So why on earth has every single pregnant woman up and down the land been actively coerced into getting this injection? Pfizer and Medicine Regulators hid dangers of Covid-19 Vaccination during Pregnancy due to Animal Study finding an increased risk of Birth Defects & Infertility The limited animal study talked about in the official guidance actually uncovered the risk of significant harm to the developing foetus, but medicine regulators in the USA, UK and Australia actively chose to remove this information from public documents. The actual study can be viewed in full here and is titled Lack of effects on female fertility and prenatal and postnatal offspring development in rats with BNT162b2, a mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine. The study was performed on 42 female Wistar Han rats. Twenty-one were given the Pfizer Covid-19 injection, and 21 were not. Here are the results of the study The results of the number of foetuses observed to have supernumerary lumbar ribs in the control group were 3/3 (2.1). But the results of the number of foetuses to have supernumerary lumbar ribs in the vaccinated group were 6/12 (8.3). Therefore on average, the rate of occurrence was 295% higher in the vaccinated group. Supernumerary ribs also called accessory ribs are an uncommon variant of extra ribs arising most commonly from the cervical or lumbar vertebrae. So what this study found is evidence of abnormal foetal formation and birth defects caused by the Pfizer Covid-19 injection. But the abnormal findings of the study dont end there. The pre-implantation loss rate in the vaccinated group of rats was double that of the control group. Pre-implantation loss refers to fertilised ova that fail to implant. Therefore, this study suggests that the Pfizer Covid-19 injection reduces the chances of a woman being able to get pregnant. So, therefore, increases the risk of infertility. So with this being the case, how on earth have medicine regulators around the world managed to state in their official guidance that Animal studies do not indicate direct or indirect harmful effects with respect to pregnancy? And how have they managed to state It is unknown whether the Pfizer vaccine has an impact on fertility? The truth of the matter is that they actively chose to cover it up. We know this thanks to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request made to the Australian Government Department of Health Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). A document titled Delegates Overview and Request for ACVs Advice that was created on 11th January 2021 was published under the FOI request. Page 30 onwards of the document shows a review of the product information, and highlights changes that should be made to the Non-clinical evaluation report prior to official publication. The changes were requested to be made by Pfizer prior to the next product information update. Some of those requested changes were as follows The Module 4 evaluator requested Pfizer remove their claim that Animal studies do not indicate direct or indirect harmful effects with respect to reproductive toxicity. Why? The Module 4 evaluator told Pfizer that Pregnancy Category B2 was considered appropriate and requested that they added the following line A combined fertility and developmental toxicity study in rats showed increased occurrence of supernumerary lumbar ribs in fetuses from COMIRNATY- treated female rats. But heres a reminder of how the official document issued to the general public reads The pregnancy category was changed to B1, no line was included on the increased occurrence of supernumerary lumbar ribs in fetuses, and they instead included the line that was requested to be removed claiming Animal studies do not indicate direct or indirect harmful effects with respect to pregnancy. Heres the official description of the pregnancy categories Thats quite a big difference between the two categories. But the fact that the Module 4 evaluator even thought Pregnancy Category B2 was appropriate is highly questionable when you consider the results, as we revealed above, of the inadequate and extremely small animal study that was performed to evaluate the safety of administering the Pfizer Covid-19 injection during pregnancy. So not only do we have evidence that the Pfizer vaccine may cause between 82% and 97% of recipients to lose their babies, we also now have evidence that the Pfizer vaccine leads to an increased risk of suffering infertility or birth defects. Both of these examples alone support the suggestion that Covid-19 vaccination is going to lead to depopulation. But unfortunately, the evidence doesnt end there. Confidential Pfizer Documents reveal the Covid-19 Vaccine accumulates in the Ovaries Another study, which can be found in the long list of confidential Pfizer documents that the FDA have been forced to publish via a court order here, was carried out on Wistar Han rats, 21 of which were female and 21 of which were male. Each rat received a single intramuscular dose of the Pfizer Covid-19 injection and then the content and concentration of total radioactivity in blood, plasma and tissues were determined at pre-defined points following administration. In other words, the scientists conducting the study measured how much of the Covid-19 injection has spread to other parts of the body such as the skin, liver, spleen, heart etc. But one of the most concerning findings from the study is the fact that the Pfizer injection accumulates in the ovaries over time. An ovary is one of a pair of female glands in which the eggs form and the female hormones oestrogen and progesterone are made. In the first 15 minutes following injection of the Pfizer jab, researchers found that the total lipid concentration in the ovaries measured 0.104ml. This then increased to 1.34ml after 1 hour, 2.34ml after 4 hours, and then 12.3ml after 48 hours. The scientists, however, did not conduct any further research on the accumulation after a period of 48 hours, so we simply dont know whether that concerning accumulation continued. But official UK data published by Public Health Scotland, which can be found here, offers some concerning clues as to the consequences of that accumulation on the ovaries. Figures for the number of individuals suffering from ovarian cancer show that the known trend in 2021 was significantly higher than 2020 and the 2017-2019 average. Ovarian Cancer Source The above chart shows up to June 2021, but the charts found on Public Health Scotlands dashboard now show figures all the way up to December 2021 and unfortunately reveal that the gap has widened even further with the number of women suffering Ovarian cancer increasing significantly. Click to enlarge That concludes our third piece of evidence. So now we know Confidential Pfizer documents show a miscarriage rate between 82 and 97%, The only animal study performed to prove the safety of administering the Pfizer vaccine during pregnancy indicated an increased risk of infertility and birth defects, and further confidential Pfizer documents reveal the vaccine accumulates in the ovaries. Unfortunately, we also have evidence that Covid-19 vaccination increases the risk of newborn babies sadly losing their lives, and it also comes from the Public Health Scotland Covid-19 Wider Impacts dashboard. Newborn Baby Deaths hit critical levels for 2nd time in 7 Months in March 2022 Official figures reveal that the rate of neonatal deaths increased to 4.6 per 1000 live births in March 2022, a 119% increase on the expected rate of deaths. This means the neonatal mortality rate breached an upper warning threshold known as the control limit for the second time in at least four years. The last time it breached was in September 2021, when neonatal deaths per 1000 live births climbed to 5.1. Although the rate fluctuates month to month, the figure for both September 2021 and March 2022 is on a par with levels that were last typically seen in the late 1980s. Click to enlarge Source Public Health Scotland (PHS) did not formally announce they had launched an investigation, but this is what they are supposed to do when the upper warning threshold is reached, and they did so back in 2021. At the time, PHS said the fact that the upper control limit has been exceeded indicates there is a higher likelihood that there are factors beyond random variation that may have contributed to the number of deaths that occurred. Our final piece of evidence to support the claim that Covid-19 vaccination is going to lead to depopulation comes in the form of more real-world data, but this time from the USA. Covid-19 Vaccination increases risk of suffering Miscarriage by at least 1,517% According to the Centers for Disease Controls (CDC)) Vaccine Adverse Event Database (VAERS), as of April 2022, a total of 4,113 foetal deaths had been reported as adverse reactions to the Covid-19 injections, 3,209 of which were reported against the Pfizer injection. The CDC has admitted that just 1 to 10% of adverse reactions are actually reported to VAERS therefore the true figure could be many times worse. But to put these numbers into perspective, there were only 2,239 reported foetal deaths to VAERS in the 30 years prior to the emergency use authorisation of the Covid-19 injections in December of 2020. (Source) And a further study which can be viewed here, found that the risk of suffering a miscarriage following Covid-19 vaccination is 1,517% higher than the risk of suffering a miscarriage following flu vaccination. The true risk could however actually be much higher because pregnant women are a target group for Flu vaccination, whereas they are only a small demographic in terms of Covid-19 vaccination so far. 63,060% increase in Child Excess Deaths across Europe In the scorching summer of 2021, a momentous decision swept across Europe, sparking a whirlwind of emotions among parents, who had fallen for the 24/7 propaganda, eagerly awaiting a ray of hope for their children. According to recent sources, the United Kingdoms SAS (Special Air Service) has conducted secret British military operations in Lebanon, including training aimed at rescuing Britons in West Asia. Veteran British journalist Robert Peston wrote an amazing article on the social media site X on October 8. Peston claimed that the Palestinian resistance operation Al-Aqsa Flood will unavoidably turn into a full-fledged regional conflict, which would be as destabilizing to global security as Putins attack on Ukraine, citing insider information from government and intelligence sources. The writer cautioned: WE ARE IN THE EARLY STAGES OF A CONFLICT WITH RAMIFICATIONS FOR MUCH OF THE WORLD. This finding is all the more startling in light of how quickly British intelligence learned that there would be unrest in West Asia, less than twenty-four hours after the historic Palestinian freedom fighters attacked Israel. A deeper story that suggests London may have played a role in sparking strife throughout the region and that a sinister plot has been playing out ever since is hinted at by the haste with which Western audiences must be prepared for the impending crisis. Covert military alliances: SAS in Gaza It should go without saying that there is a great deal of secrecy around Britains role in Israels genocide in Gaza. The Ministry of Defense described the December 2020 signing of a military cooperation agreement between London and Tel Aviv as a significant piece of defense diplomacy that strengthens military ties between the two nations and offers a mechanism for planning our joint activity. However, neither elected MPs nor regular British citizens are aware of the provisions of this pact. There is conjecture as to whether the pact requires Britain to protect Israel in the case of an attack, which could account for the infamous SASs apparent involvement in the occupying armys attack on Palestinians. Reports from the mainstream media in late October said that the elite squadron was on standby at British military and intelligence facilities in nearby Cyprus, ready to launch audacious hostage rescue missions in Gaza. According to later sources, the special operations forces of the United Kingdom were training in Lebanon to rescue Britons in West Asia in case they were involved in the conflict in Gaza or taken hostage by Hezbollah or the Lebanese resistance. Having built up a very close relationship with their counterparts in Beirut, these forces provide an insight and influence on Lebanese decision-making and seeing things from the other side of the northern border, which concerns Israel, a senior British Army official boasted. A Politico correspondent has reported that the Pentagon has launched Operation Prosperity Guardian, which is a naval coalition to defend the Red Sea Passage. Because of the secrecy surrounding these operations, British press outlets received D-notices from the Defense and Security Media Advisory (DSMA) Committee from Britain warning them not to reveal any sensitive information concerning SAS operations in West Asia. As expected, the British media has not reported on the SASs interest in Gaza anymore. However, the DSMAs mention of security, intelligence, and counter-terrorism operations suggests that its presence in the area serves far more important goals than just rescuing hostages. This notion is supported by independent studies conducted by Declassified UK, which show that 33 military transport aircraft from the same British facilities in Cyprus, home to SAS operators, are routed to Tel Aviv. These flights are not a coincidence; in fact, they have been occurring regularly in the two weeks after Israel attacked Gaza. The independent media site recently disclosed, on December 12, how, in response to Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, Britain had surreptitiously sent an additional 500 troops to its facilities in Cyprus. A UK government minister told a member of parliament this information. It was also discovered that Britain had sent more troops to Egypt, Lebanon, and the occupation state, with only hazy allusions to operational security reasons serving as justification. Unrestricted access to Lebanon? On November 21, The Cradle revealed a secret British plan to guarantee its military personnel unrestricted entry into Lebanese land. A paper containing the suggestions was leaked; it did not provide an explanation for Londons actions or outline the precise task that British Army soldiers would be performing in Beirut, departing from the usual openness associated with a memorandum of understanding of this kind. If the memorandum had been accepted, it would have eliminated the requirement for prior diplomatic authorization for emergency missions and given all [British] military personnel unprecedented access to Lebanons air, ground, and sea territory. It was unclear what those missions entailed. In essence, British soldiers would have had immunity from arrest or prosecution for any crime they committed and could have traveled across Lebanon in uniform with their weapons clearly visible. These bold demands bear disturbing resemblances to the 1999 Rambouillet Agreement written by NATO and offered to Yugoslavia when Yugoslavias refusal served as cover for a military assault spearheaded by the US. A top State Department official at the time enthusiastically confessed to deliberately [setting] the bar higher than what the government of Yugoslavia could realistically accept. However, London had good reason to assume that Beirut would bow to its outrageous demands this time. According to a wealth of documented evidence, British intelligence has carried out numerous covert operations over a long period of time to infiltrate Lebanese intelligence, security, and military institutions at the highest levels while smuggling its operatives and sympathizers into important state ministries. The specifics of the memorandum of understanding supporting any of these operations have never been made public by either party. Britain has branded the well-known Lebanese political party Hezbollah as a prohibited terrorist organization, and from a listening post atop Mount Olympus in Cyprus, it keeps a close check on the resistance groups armed component. This calculated mistake is explained by the expectation that should a war of annihilation break out in Gaza, we will fight alongside Iran. East of Suez The war of annihilation has already begun. If the leaked UK-Lebanon agreement had been implemented, British forces might have been strategically positioned in the Levantine state, raising the possibility of tensions reaching a breaking point. A new theater of conflict in the Red Sea may be taking focus away from the memorandum, even though the reasons for its non-enactment are yet unknown. The US and its allies, notably Britain, have launched a maritime security mission in reaction to actions carried out by Yemens Ansarallah-aligned military forces against commercial vessels that were headed toward Israel. These activities have severely disrupted important commerce lanes. Despite its display of might, the international coalition faces difficulties because Sanaa is not exhibiting any signs of capitulating. Senior Pentagon officials are growing increasingly concerned about the missions success due to the operational expenditures associated with intercepting low-cost attack drones. In Britains eyes, the US-led effort fits in with its strategic objectives as stated in the integrated defense review from March 2021, which serves as a roadmap for regaining control of the seas and guaranteeing freedom of navigation in the Gulf of Aden. This newfound naval emphasis contrasts sharply with Britains 1967 retreat from the area, known as East of Suez, which was seen as a sign of the British Empires demise. As was made public in April, Yemenis were forced to accept a deplorable UN peace proposal by British intelligence, which was used to justify Saudi Arabias destructive air campaign against Sanaa. Robert Pestons intelligence sources on October 8 hinted at an unnerving prospect of confrontation with possibly far-reaching effects, given Ansarallahs tenacity against neocolonial pressures and the failure of such psychological methods. GreatGameIndia is being actively targeted by powerful forces who do not wish us to survive. Your contribution, however small help us keep afloat. We accept voluntary payment for the content available for free on this website via UPI, PayPal and Bitcoin. Support GreatGameIndia LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 18: Disney Executive Chairman Bob Iger attends the Exclusive 100-Minute Sneak Peek of Peter Jackson's The Beatles: Get Back at El Capitan Theatre on November 18, 2021 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Disney) Since Elon Musk purchased X (formerly Twitter) in the fall of 2022, the service has been losing corporate advertisers that it relies on to fund operations. By February of 2023, hundreds of major corporations had pulled their advertising from the platform. While each of these companies have their own decision-making process about why they pulled their advertising, reporting suggests that their main concern was over changes to Xs content moderation policies. While other social media firms continued to narrow the range of acceptable speech, X was broadening them. As Vox reported earlier this year, advertising executives were skittish about the services greater commitment to freedom of expression, fearing that it would associate them with unsavory content. Major corporations dont want to jeopardize what they call brand safety by associating with offensive content, the publication wrote after speaking to a range of industry insiders. As Public has reported, the presence of much of that offensive content has been exaggerated. But the hundreds of firms that have reduced or eliminated advertising on X felt differently, fearing that their ads may be placed next to content that some may find offensive. In other words, they were offended by being somewhere on the Internet that people are speaking to each other relatively freely with little censorship. Bob Iger, the head of Disney, explained that he withdrew ads in opposition to a Tweet made by CEO Elon Musk. By him taking the position he took, we felt that the association with that position, and Elon Musk and X, was not a positive one for us, he said. But Iger and Disney are less offended by associating themselves with places that have little free speech at all. For instance, Disney is heavily invested in China, where political dissent is heavily suppressed and citizens are monitored by one of the worlds most comprehensive surveillance regimes. Those investments include not just manufacturing many of Disneys products but also the sprawling Shanghai Disneyland, which opened under Igers watch. Iger and Disneys passion for entering the Chinese market was so intense that in 2010, he met with the countrys propaganda minister and promised to help introduce more about China to the world through the companys products and platform. Disneys case is not unique. Many of the firms that pulled out of Twitter maintain robust presence in countries that maintain repressive speech environments. Take for instance IBM, which pulled ads in November. The company has a wide range of economic partnerships in Saudi Arabia, which last year was ranked 170 out of 180 on Reporters Without Borderss index of press freedom. Apple, which also pulled ads in November, struck a deal to invest hundreds of billions of dollars in China, making a promise to do its part to develop China's economy and technological prowess through investments, business deals and worker training. The message these firms are sending is that free speech which includes speech that some people may find offensive makes X too reputationally damaging for them to associate with. But associating with countries that are virtual police states isnt. This suggests that free speech, warts and all, is more intolerable to these companies than even dictatorship. Why is that? Why have corporations turned against free speech? From Championing Free Speech to Running Away From It The World Economic Forum (WEF) and its founder Klaus Schwab are pushing to usher in their globalist agenda that seeks to control every aspect of public life. In 1971, Schwab took $6,000 in seed money and transformed the WEF from a humble gathering of economists into the worlds most exclusive club for global elites. The WEF started as a not-for-profit organization but now rakes in a staggering $390 million, annually. A new book from investigative journalist Seamus Bruner has shone a light on the WEFs agenda and how Schwab has positioned himself as a global puppeteer. Bruner has led the teams whose findings sparked multiple FBI investigations and congressional probes into the Clintons and the Bidens. Now he is exposing the billionaires who control the levers of power that dominate every aspect of your life. The book, Controligarchs: Exposing the Billionaire Class, Their Secret Deals, and the Globalist Plot to Dominate Your Life, follows the money beyond the politicians in the Washington D.C. swamp and goes straight to the top: Davos. It is in this tiny Alpine town in Switzerland that the jet-setting billionaires and shadowy bureaucrats are plotting out the next decade of our lives. The market capitalization of WEFs top memberscorporate behemoths like Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Meta, Google, Comcast, and Pfizertops $10 trillion. Double that if you include $10 trillion asset manager BlackRock. BlackRocks founder and CEO Larry Fink is a WEF board member. So, with more than $20 trilliongreater than the GDP of every nation in the world except that of the United Statessloshing around in its member coffers, it is easy to grasp why the WEF can exert extraordinary influence. But WEFs ongoing dominance over world governments has achieved much more than mere money ever could. The organizations economic power achieves political and social control. The many ways in which the WEF is plotting to control societys future are bone-chilling. Key items on the agenda include the globalist takeover of not just finance, but also energy, food, health, personal information, and technology. Controligarchs pulls back the curtain and comprehensively reveals the dystopian systems and tactics that the WEF is ratcheting up. Key components of the WEFs agenda include: Schwabs infamous Great Reset declaration amid COVID-19 demonstrated that the WEF was intent on using the pandemic to influence the present and command the future. With control over critical industries and infrastructure, the WEF and its unelected globalist allies such as the United Nations (UN), the World Bank, and the World Health Organization (WHO) will have unprecedented control over every aspect of our lives. These are not plans for a distant future, however, as the WEFs campaign is already underway. The Bank of International Settlements, which is the central banker for the central banks, is working hard on rolling out central bank digital currencies (CBDCs). According to BIS chairman Agustin Carstens, CBDCs offer total control over the money supply and the public, as Slay News reported. With a CBDC, the globalist financial system could financially cancel (or de-bank) an individual, a corporation, a whole town, or even an entire country. The WEF proclaims there has been exponential growth in CBDC exploration. Last month, the Atlantic Council confirmed the momentum behind CBDCs remained strong throughout 2023. Since there is no crisis lending itself to CBDC urgency, they are being touted for their convenience. Both the WEF and BlackRocks Larry Fink have touted the fact that migrants can cut their cross-border transaction times when sending money back to their home countries. When Schwab announced the Great Reset, he told the world that, after everyone got vaccinated, the lockdowns would end and the world would rebuild in a greener way. It was not obvious what the pandemic had to do with climate change then. The relationship has now become clear, however. The concept of a climate lockdown is not farfetched. In California, Democrat Gov. Gavin Newsom, who is closely aligned with the WEF, has lectured his constituents that their behavior must change and their comfort and freedom must be sacrificed for the greater good. Newsoms methods include limiting access to home thermostats, curtailing long-distance travel, and, soon, eliminating gas vehicles and stoves. The alleged threat of climate change has also allowed governments around the world to upend long-established methods of agriculture by banning traditional fertilizers and flatulating protein sources like cattle. WEF-backed restrictions are regulating farmers out of existence. To solve the self-manufactured, forthcoming global food shortage, WEF members and allies like Bayer-Monsanto, Beyond Meats and Impossible Foods, and innovative insect-based protein startups, have entered the fold. The controligarchs heavily investing in this sector are Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, and Virgin Galactics Richard Branson. Just last month, WEF partners, including the UN and the Gates Foundation, hosted an event titled 50-in-1 in which allies pledged to roll out digital ID systems across 50 countries within five years. Why? Digital IDs linked to digital medical records stored on your cell phone are an incredibly effective way to track your vaccination status. Multiple WEF partners including Bill Gates have had a mandatory digital ID system in the works for more than a decade. But COVID-19 vaccine passports demonstrated how digital IDs can be used to ruthlessly enforce citizen compliance. In fact, the European Unions WEF-linked digital ID is an expansion of the system developed for Europes vaccine passport. At a 2010 event sponsored by the UN, Gates said that vaccines are going to be the key, because you could register every birth on the cell phone, get fingerprints, get a location, then you could take these systems where you go around and make sure the immunization happens, thereby running healthcare in a more effective way. The WEF often sugarcoats the dystopian plans its partners are shaping. However, Controligarchs sifted through hundreds of hours of forgotten videos and thousands of pagesmany of which have been scrubbed from the internetto reveal that WEF visionaries like Yuval Noah Harari boldly tout innovations like brain microchips, happy pill-style complacency drugs, and eugenics-style gene editing. Make no mistake, digital IDs plus CBDCs equals a de facto social credit score. Harari, meanwhile, believes that the entire human body can and will be hacked. Harari has remarked that COVID-19 was critical because it convinced people to accept and legitimize total biometric surveillance. But simply monitoring everyone is not enough. In the future, we need to monitor whats happening under their skin. Subdermal microchips are only the beginning as the entire human body is the canvas for bizarre globalist experimentation and centralized rule. For all history, death was the great equalizer, Harari continued. Yet the so-called Fourth Industrial Revolution proposed by Schwab will give birth to a new caste system in which poor people still die off. The worlds wealthy elites, meanwhile, in addition to all the other things they get, also get an exemption from death, Harari gloats. Elites then will be able to purchase immortality through biotechnological upgradesto transcend humanism itself. These are just a few of the shocking, freedom-crushing plans the WEF has begun to roll out. Other sectors subject to WEF-aligned takeover include housing in 15-minute cities, education through AI advancing social-emotional learning, the information flow via the crackdown on so-called disinformation, and more. A selfless couple have raised more than $30,000 by hosting garage sales out off their country home in Victoria but they havent kept a cent. Retirees Ron and Maureen Gardner have rallied their community southwest of Melbourne together three times a year for almost a decade, with locals flocking to the weatherboard home to snap up a bargain for a good cause. Rom and Maureen have held three garage sales a year at their home in Victoria for almost a decade, raising more than $30,000. Source: A Current Affair Maureens got it [garage sales] down to a fin art nowwe just follow the directions, Ron, 85, told A Current Affair. The proceeds over eight years a whopping $30,000 has gone towards helping change the lives of three young girls who they sponsor in a small village in Bangladesh, as well as their families and community. The couple have visited them six times, with Maureen describing the girls as their extended family who bring them great joy and love. The couple have sent the money to help young girls they sponsor through World Vision in Bangladesh. Source: A Current Affair "With us, weve been so many times and you see the improvements each time...we put solar on their house, we haven't got solar, but we supplied them with solar, because there was no power around at the time," she said, adding they they have helped pay for school supplies, clean drinking water, cows and anything that can help families generate an income. Garage sale funds pay for new school During one of their many trips, the retirees noticed the local school, which they described as a tin shed with a dirt floor and no furniture, was in desperate need of improvement. Well we had to do somethingwe looked at each other and said we want to improve the school or make a new one, Ron told A Current Affair. Ron and Maureen spent $3,000 to fund a new school after noticing the current one was in need of improvements. Source: A Current Affair The couple spent $3,000 to build a new school and toilet for the entire community to use. Tragically, as they are getting older, Ron and Maureen recently held their last garage sale, but have issued a plea to other Aussies: If we can do it, anyone can. Story continues It is $48 a month to sponsor a child through World Vision. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. Tensions between neighbours Venezuela and Guyana have ratcheted up in recent weeks over a long-running territorial dispute. At issue is a 160,000-square-km border territory around the Esequibo river, which is mostly jungle, and an offshore area where massive discoveries of oil and gas have been made. Advertisement Both countries claim ownership of the territory, which is sparsely populated and whose much-disputed border was agreed under an 1899 decision when Guyana was still part of the Commonwealth. What has sparked the tensions? Venezuela reactivated its claim to the territory in recent years after the finding of some 11 billion barrels of recoverable oil and gas off Guyana's coast. Advertisement Venezuela won backing in a referendum in early December to create a new state and Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro has pledged oil and mining exploration in the claimed area. Advertisement Analysts and sources in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas have said the referendum, in which voters also rejected the International Court of Justice's (ICJ) jurisdiction over the case, will not translate to an actual invasion. It is, they say, an attempt by Maduro to show strength and gauge support for his government ahead of 2024 presidential elections. Why is the territory important? Though the onshore area of the Esequibo is largely undeveloped jungle, there have been major offshore discoveries of crude and gas nearby in recent years, putting Guyana on the world map of oil producers. A consortium by Exxon Mobil, China's CNOOC and US Hess began oil production in Guyana in 2019. Advertisement Oil production is currently at some 400,000 barrels-per-day (bpd) of oil and gas and is expected to rise to more than 1 million bpd by 2027. It has sharply boosted Guyana's economy and promises huge income for the country over the coming years. Though Venezuela sits on the world's largest crude reserves and also has massive deposits of natural gas, its production has fallen significantly in recent years on US sanctions, alleged corruption and deteriorated infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement Photo: Graphic News Earlier this month, Maduro said he would authorise oil exploration in the Esequibo, with state oil company PDVSA and state iron-and-steel maker CVG creating divisions for the disputed region. His office has said Guyana should not be allowed to grant concessions in "to-be demarcated" ocean areas. It is not entirely clear which offshore areas Maduro is claiming for Venezuela, but he has said all companies already operating offshore Guyana have three months to leave. Exxon has said border disputes are for countries and relevant international bodies to solve. What has the International Court of Justice said? Guyana had asked the ICJ to bar the referendum. Advertisement The court did not go that far in a ruling last week, but it prohibited Venezuela from taking any action that would change the status quo. Maduro has repeatedly said the referendum is binding, though the vote was previously referred to by his government as "consultative." What has been Guyana's response? Guyana reported Maduro's comments about proposed oil development to the United Nations and the ICJ and Guyanian president Irfaan Ali has spoken with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres. His country's armed forces are on high alert, Ali added, saying Venezuela had declared itself an "outlaw nation" and blatantly disregard ICJ orders. Ali also sought to calm potential investors, saying Guyana has been assured of support by partners and the international community. Venezuela's foreign minister said on social media on Wednesday he spoke to his Guyanese counterpart about what he called Venezuela's "unappealable mandate". Guyana's government has questioned turn-out figures given by Maduro's government for the referendum. Electoral authorities spoke about 10.5 million votes on the five referendum questions, but later said that figure referred to total voters. Reuters witnesses saw several poorly-attended polling places during the vote. What's the latest update? On Sunday, the UK confirmed it will send a British navy warship to the region in a show of support towards Guyana. HMS Trent will take part in joint exercises with Guyana after Christmas. A UK Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: HMS Trent will visit regional ally and Commonwealth partner Guyana later this month as part of a series of engagements in the region during her Atlantic patrol task deployment. -Reuters A church primarily used by the Brazilian community has donated toys to an Irish childrens hospital to give thanks for being made very welcome in Ireland. The Assembly of God church in Carlow is collecting new toys and financial donations for Crumlin Childrens Hospital, as well as for a mission providing food and support to orphaned children in Mozambique. Advertisement Project leader Marcio dos Santos explained that Crumlin Childrens Hospital was chosen to express gratitude for the treatment it provided to a child at the church who was diagnosed with cancer. Dozens of toys were collected by the church (Niall Carson/PA) The Crumlin Childrens Hospital did a great service for her, it was amazing. Shes very well now and this is just to be thankful for the service they did for them. Advertisement The church, which is predominantly attended by Brazilians, is established in various other locations across Ireland and is led by pastor Lincoln Pilar. Advertisement In previous years, the group previously ran Christmas donation drives for womens refuges and children in Ukraine. Mr dos Santos said: The majority of people in the church are all Brazilians but we feel very thankful. And we feel very welcome as well in Ireland because its a big challenge for us to leave our country and start a new life in your country. Advertisement But in Ireland we feel very, very, very welcome and we are very thankful for all the Irish people that helped us here and we do whatever we can do in Ireland to help because we feel were in our own country. Jessica Ferrerira of the Assembly of God church in Carlow (Niall Carson/PA) The group collected dozens of new toys and giftwrapped them for delivery to children of all ages at the hospital. Advertisement In addition, the group also collected hundreds of euro for its chosen charitable causes through a GoFundMe campaign. The churchs GoFundMe campaign is at https://www.gofundme.com/f/jesus4all-a-christmas-of-solidarity The Taoiseach and Tanaiste have heavily criticised social media platform X, saying it is not doing enough to take down harmful content. Leo Varadkar and Micheal Martin both questioned the direction the platform, formerly known as Twitter, has taken since it was taken over by Elon Musk. Advertisement The European headquarters of X are based in Dublin. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar speaks to the media at the Government Buildings in Dublin (Niall Carson/PA). Twitter, as it used to be called, has always been a bit of a sewer as far as social media goes, Mr Varadkar said. Advertisement Despite what other people may say, I am actually somebody who believes in free speech, but there have to be limitations and standards. I dont believe that Twitter, or X, implements its own community standards. Other social media platforms do, and I think if youre not even able to live up to your own standards it doesnt reflect very well on any organisation. Advertisement Mr Varadkar, who was asked about Mr Musks stewardship of X at his end-of-year media briefing, said the Government had a role to play in regulating social media platforms. Advertisement We said very clearly a year or two ago that the era of self-regulation was over, he added. We have laws and theyre European laws. We have an online safety commissioner now and we have Coimisiun na Mean, and I think things are going to change. Tanaiste Micheal Martin said he had real concerns about X (PA) Advertisement At his pre-Christmas roundtable with political reporters, Mr Martin was also asked about the claims X had watered down its content moderation policies. The Tanaiste referred to the recent riots in Dublin and claims that X did not do enough to take down content that was posted during the disorder. I would have real concerns about what is happening at X, he said. The degree to which, under the cover of free speech, it essentially is allowing, in my view, unacceptable material in terms of hate, bile and attacks, and so on. I have noticed it, yes. Advertisement If you recall in the aftermath of the rioting in Dublin, it was communicated to me by Minister [for the Media Catherine] Martin and others that X were not as responsive to the authorities as the other platforms were. Advertisement I will talk to my government colleagues in respect of this and it is a serious issue. I would like to get an assessment of the platforms agenda and its potential impact on democracy and society, then for us to have an engagement with X, whether that would be fruitful or not given the position adopted by its owner, I would have concerns. X has been approached for comment. Palestinian health officials say dozens of people have been killed in an Israeli airstrike in central Gaza. It is one of the deadliest strikes since Israel declared war against Gazas Hamas rulers following a deadly cross-border attack by the Islamic militant group. Advertisement The strike took place on Sunday night in the Maghazi refugee camp, east of Deir al-Balah. Israeli army troops are seen near the Gaza Strip border (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit) Gaza Health Ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qidra said at least 68 people were killed. Advertisement The Israeli military had no immediate comment. The strike comes on a weekend that has seen more than a dozen Israeli soldiers killed in combat in the Gaza Strip in some of the bloodiest days of battle since the start of Israels ground offensive in late October and a sign that Hamas is still putting up a fight despite weeks of brutal war. Advertisement Smoke rises following an Israeli bombardment in the Gaza Strip (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit) Advertisement The mounting death toll among Israeli troops, confirmed by authorities, is likely to play an important factor in Israeli public support for the war, which was sparked when Hamas-led militants stormed communities in southern Israel on October 7, killing 1,200 and taking 240 hostages. The war has devastated parts of the Gaza Strip, killed more than 20,000 Palestinians and displaced nearly 85% of Gazas 2.3 million people. Israelis still stand firmly behind the countrys stated goals of crushing Hamas governing and military capabilities and releasing the remaining 129 captives. That support has remained steady despite rising international pressure against Israels offensive and the soaring death toll and unprecedented suffering among Palestinians. Advertisement A Palestinian woman stands in her home after an Israeli strike in Rafah (AP) But the growing number of dead soldiers could undermine that support. Soldiers deaths are a sensitive and emotional topic in Israel, a country with compulsory military service for most Jews. The names of fallen soldiers are announced at the top of hourly newscasts, and in a small country of about nine million people, virtually every family knows a relative, friend or co-worker who has lost a family member in war. Advertisement Advertisement The 14 Israeli soldiers killed on Friday and Saturday died in battles in central and southern Gaza, an indication of how Hamas is still putting up tough resistance against advancing Israeli troops, even as Israel claims to have dealt a serious blow to the militant group. According to Israeli Army Radio, four soldiers were killed when their vehicle was struck by an anti-tank missile. The others were killed in separate, sporadic fighting. Another soldier was killed in northern Israel by fire from the Lebanese Shia militant group Hezbollah, which has kept up low-level fighting with Israel since the war with Hamas erupted, raising fears of a wider regional conflict. Their deaths bring the number of Israeli soldiers killed since the ground offensive began to 153. Tens of thousands of Palestinians have been killed (AP) Even if Israelis have been supportive of the war effort, there has been widespread anger against the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which many criticise for failing to protect civilians on October 7 and promoting policies that allowed Hamas to gain strength over the years. On Saturday night, thousands of people demonstrated in pouring rain in Tel Aviv, chanting Bibi, Bibi, we dont want you any more, referring to Mr Netanyahu by his nickname. Advertisement The Israeli Prime Minister has avoided claiming responsibility for the military and policy failures leading up to October 7, saying he would answer tough questions once the fighting is over. On Saturday, Israeli military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said forces were expanding their offensive in northern and southern Gaza and troops were fighting in complex areas in Khan Younis, Gazas second-largest city, where Israel believes Hamas leaders are hiding. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told a Cabinet meeting: The war exacts a very heavy price from us but we have no choice but to continue fighting. There has been widespread anger against Mr Netanyahus government, which many criticise for failing to protect civilians on October 7 and promoting policies that allowed Hamas to gain strength over the years. Mr Netanyahu has avoided accepting responsibility for the military and policy failures. An Israeli Apache helicopter fires flares over the Gaza Strip (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit) Meanwhile, efforts towards another ceasefire continued. On Sunday, the head of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group also involved in the October 7 attack, Ziyad al-Nakhalah, arrived in Cairo for talks. The militant group said it was prepared to consider releasing hostages only after a ceasefire. Hamas top leader Ismail Haniyeh travelled to Cairo for talks days earlier. Advertisement Egypt and Qatar have been key mediators in the conflict. Israels offensive has been one of the most devastating military campaigns in recent history and has claimed a staggering toll on Palestinian civilians. More than two-thirds of the 20,000 killed were women and children, according to the health ministry in Hamas-controlled Gaza, which does not differentiate between civilians and combatants. The Palestinian Red Crescent said Sunday morning that a 13-year-old boy was shot and killed by an Israeli drone attack while inside the building of al-Amal hospital, which is run by the charity, in Khan Younis. The current conflict is having an unspeakable impact on civilians. We reiterate our call for the release of, and access to, all hostages. pic.twitter.com/joMThk5AqE ICRC in Israel & OT (@ICRC_ilot) December 23, 2023 Palestinians reported heavy Israeli bombardment and gunfire Sunday morning in the town of Jabaliya, an area north of Gaza City that Israel had previously claimed to control. Sounds of explosions and gunfire echoed across the town with Israeli warplanes flying over the area, they said. Israel blames Hamas for the high civilian death toll, citing the militants use of crowded residential areas and tunnels. Israel has launched thousands of airstrikes since October 7, and has largely refrained from commenting on specific attacks. Advertisement The mounting casualties on both sides came days after the United Nations Security Council passed a watered-down resolution calling for the speedy delivery of humanitarian aid for hungry and desperate Palestinians and the release of all the hostages, but not for a ceasefire. Following the UN resolution, it was not immediately clear how and when aid deliveries would accelerate. Trucks enter through two crossings Rafah on the border with Egypt and Kerem Shalom on the border with Israel. On Friday, fewer than 100 trucks entered, the UN said far below the daily average of 500 before the war. Both crossings were closed on Saturday by mutual agreement among Israel, Egypt and the UN, Israeli officials said. With elections looming and the forthcoming 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, 2024 is set to be a big year for politics and history in the world of books. With politics, there will be a lot of books which are examining the state of things at the moment, says Caroline Sanderson, associate editor of trade publication The Bookseller. Advertisement Notable political autobiographies include British MP Nadhim Zahawis The Boy From Baghdad (HarperCollins, March 14th), charting his journey from boyhood in Baghdad to British, she predicts. In other genres, celebrity memoirs featuring everyone from RuPaul to George the Poet, Jill Halfpenny, Earl Spencer and Tom Selleck will hit book shops, while new offerings from big name novelists including David Nicholls, Alex Michaelides, Marian Keyes, David Baldacci and Peter James should be flying off the shelves. Advertisement Here are just some of the titles which may be creating a buzz in 2024. Advertisement Romance Top choice: You Are Here by David Nicholls (April 23rd) For fiction, this is our biggest title at the moment, and very much along the same lines as his bestseller One Day, says Bea Carvalho, Waterstones head of books. Advertisement Its a love story which develops on the Coast to Coast footpath in the north of England, in which two single people who are introduced by mutual friends find themselves together on the most epic of walks. Ones to watch: Irish author Colm Toibin, with Long Island, his long-awaited sequel to Brooklyn (Picador, May 23rd); TikTok star and bestselling novelist Emily Henrys joyful new novel, Funny Story (Viking, April 25th), about a pair of opposites with the wrong things in common. Thriller Top choice: The Fury by Alex Michaelides (Michael Joseph, February 1st) The bestselling author of The Silent Patient brings readers a locked room-style mystery set on a Greek island, featuring an unreliable narrator and a tale full of twists and turns. Its out in February, but Waterstones is predicting its also going to be a real staple of summer reading. Advertisement Ones to watch: All The Colours Of The Dark by Chris Whitaker (Orion, July 16th), which is part missing persons mystery, serial killer thriller and part powerful love story; Anthony Horowitzs new novel, Close To Death (Century, April 11th), which sees an unpopular resident shot dead with a crossbow, while all his neighbours have the motive to kill him. Historical Top choice for fiction: Clear by Carys Davies (Granta, March 7th) (Granta/PA) Set against the rugged backdrop of Shetland, this short, powerful, historical novel set in 1843 during the final stages of the Scottish Clearances, sees a minister dispatched to a remote Scottish island to clear the last remaining inhabitant, who has no intention of leaving. Its an unforgettable tale of resilience, change, and hope, from the award-winning writer. Top choice for non-fiction: Empireworld by Sathnam Sanghera (Viking, January 25th) Following on from his bestselling Empireland, the award-winning author and journalist extends his examination of British imperial legacies beyond Britain. Travelling the globe to trace its international legacies from Barbados and Mauritius to India and Nigeria and beyond he demonstrates how deeply British imperialism is baked into our world. D-Day anniversary Top choice: Sword Beach by Stephen Fisher (Bantam, May 23rd) Advertisement (Bantam/PA) This book from the marine historian focuses on the untold stories of D-Days forgotten battle, providing fresh insight into one of the least well-known of the D-Day landings. Often overshadowed by the more famous American landing at Omaha, Fisher now shines a light on the capture of Sword Beach, which was crucial in securing the Normandy Landings, he says. Fantasy Top choice: House Of Flame And Shadow by Sarah J Maas (Bloomsbury, January 30th) This is the third book in the Crescent City series, which has been described as Game Of Thrones meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer, from the New York Times bestselling author. Shes a leading voice in the genre, our sales of that series are absolutely extraordinary and pre orders are enormous, says Carvalho. One to watch: Jasper Ffordes Red Side Story (Hodder & Stoughton, February 6th) is set in a world where your social status depends on which colours you can see. Politics Top choice: Head North by Andy Burnham and Steve Rotheram (Trapeze, February 22nd) (Trapeze/PA) For the first time, the Mayors of Greater Manchester and the Liverpool City Region, Andy Burnham and Steve Rotheram, speak out about their experiences of modern British politics, and the fight for Northern voices to be heard. They offer a new vision for Britain which centres a Northern perspective and reimagines our country beyond the Westminster bubble. Advertisement Ones to watch: Keir Starmer: The Biography by Tom Baldwin (William Collins, February 15th), taken from more than 100 hours of interviews with the man himself; Another England by Green Party MP Caroline Lucas (Hutchinson Heinemann, April 18th) aims to offer a progressive vision of what Englishness is. Debut Top choice: The Cautious Travellers Guide To The Wastelands by Sarah Brooks (Weidenfeld & Nicolson, June 20th) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sarah Brooks (@sarah_l_brooks) This intriguing fictional tale tells the story of a curious cast of characters on board the Great Trans-Siberian Express in the 19th century as they cross the Wastelands, a vast terrain that lies between Russia and China. The Great Trans-Siberian Express, an impenetrable train built to carry precious cargo across continents, now also transports anyone willing to cross the irresistible Wastelands. It is thought to be completely safe except something happened on the last journey. Ones to watch: The Kellerby Code by screenwriter Jonny Sweet (Faber & Faber, March 21st), a manor house mystery and part-spin on the classic golden age thrillers with a mixture of crime and comedy and a nod to P.G. Wodehouse; The Fellowship Of Puzzlemakers by Samuel Burr (Orion, May 9th), an uplifting and joyful debut about a bright young man finding his place in the world. Advertisement Real life Top choice: Knife by Salman Rushdie (Jonathan Cape, April 16th) (Jonathan Cape/PA) The bestselling author details for the first time the dramatic, traumatic events of August 12, 2022, when he was stabbed multiple times as he was about to give a public lecture in New York. He uses the power of words to make sense of the unthinkable, in a gripping, personal and life-affirming meditation on life, loss, love, art and finding the strength to stand up again. Maurice And Maralyn by Sophie Elmhirst (Chatto & Windus, February 29th) Recommended by both Carvalho and Sanderson, this is a true story written by journalist Sophie Elmhirst, about a couple who in the Eighties set sail around the world until their beloved boat was struck by a whale and they were cast adrift in the Pacific Ocean, battling to survive on a tiny life raft. This is the story of their 117 days at sea, when their love was really put to the test. Ones to watch: To celebrate his 80th birthday, veteran explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes showcases his greatest adventures in Around The World In 80 Years (Hodder & Stoughton, March 7th); A Thousand Threads by Neneh Cherry (Fern Press) sees the Swedish singer-songwriter and pop icon of the Eighties and Nineties delve into her story, artistic collaboration, family and love; and Track Record by George the Poet (Hodder & Stoughton, April 25th) follows the story from one of our most unique voices, as he explores the forces that restrict black creativity and interrogates the history of colonialism, delving into the music scene and films from his childhood. UK home secretary James Cleverly is facing calls to quit after joking about spiking his wifes drink with a date rape drug. Mr Cleverly apologised after his ironic joke at a No 10 reception, which came just hours after the Home Office announced plans to crack down on spiking. Advertisement But womens rights group the Fawcett Society said the comments were sickening and called for Mr Cleverly to resign. Advertisement Domestic abuse charity Womens Aid said it was vital for ministers to take the problem of spiking seriously. Mr Cleverly told female guests at the Downing Street event that a little bit of Rohypnol in her drink every night was not really illegal if its only a little bit, the Sunday Mirror reported. Advertisement Mr Cleverly also laughed that the secret to a long marriage was ensuring your spouse was someone who is always mildly sedated so she can never realise there are better men out there. Advertisement Mr Cleverly met his wife Susie at university and the couple have two children. Conversations at Downing Street receptions are usually understood to be off the record, but the Sunday Mirror decided to break that convention because of Mr Cleverlys position and the subject matter. Advertisement James Cleverly with his wife Susie (Victoria Jones/PA) Allies of Mr Cleverly said his comments were made in a private setting, but he recognises they were inappropriate. Mr Cleverly has previously described tackling violence against women and girls as a personal priority and called spiking a perverse crime. Advertisement A spokesperson for the home secretary said: In what was always understood as a private conversation, James, the Home Secretary tackling spiking, made what was clearly meant to be an ironic joke for which he apologises. But Fawcett Society chief executive Jemima Olchawski said: Its sickening that the senior minister in charge of keeping women safe thinks that something as terrifying as drugging women is a laughing matter. No wonder women dont feel safe. We know that banter is the excuse under which misogyny is allowed to thrive. How can we trust him to seriously address violence against women and girls? We deserve better than this from our lawmakers and Cleverly should resign. Advertisement In a statement, Womens Aid said: We rely on political leaders to take action to end violence against women and girls, and the misogyny that underpins it. It is vital that spiking survivors see ministers treating the subject seriously and not downplaying the reality so many women face. Senior Labour figures also condemned Mr Cleverlys appalling comments. Susie Cleverly accompanied her husband to state banquets while he was foreign secretary (Victoria Jones/PA) Alex Davies-Jones, shadow minister for domestic violence and safeguarding, said: It was a joke is the most tired excuse in the book and no-one is buying it. If the home secretary is serious about tackling spiking, and violence against women and girls, then that requires a full cultural change. The banter needs to stop and it has to start at the top. Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper said: Spiking is a disturbing and serious crime which is having a devastating impact on young womens lives. It is truly unbelievable that the home secretary made such appalling jokes on the very same day the government announced new policy on spiking. It suggests that despite being the Cabinet minister ultimately responsible for tackling violence against women and girls he doesnt get how serious this is. Victims will understandably be questioning if they can trust him to take this vile crime seriously. Advertisement UK ministers have pledged to modernise the language used in legislation to make clear spiking is a crime and announced a series of other measures as part of a crackdown. But they stopped short of making spiking when someone puts drugs into anothers drink or directly into their body without their knowledge or consent a specific offence. James Cleverly has found himself in hot water over unguarded comments for the third time in just six weeks as UK home secretary. He faced calls to resign after an ironic joke at a No 10 reception about using a date rape drug on his wife was made public by the Sunday Mirror. Advertisement The British home secretary apologised as he had previously been forced to do in November after swearing in the Commons. Advertisement He admitted calling a Labour MP shit in a Commons heckle, but denied describing Alex Cunninghams Stockton North constituency as a shithole. Mr Cleverlys colourful use of language was also highlighted when shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper claimed he had privately described the Rwanda asylum plan as batshit a term he said he did not remember using. Advertisement The UK home secretary was given the crucial law and order role by Rishi Sunak in the reshuffle which saw David Cameron replace him as British foreign secretary in November. Advertisement It is an honour to be appointed as Home Secretary. The goal is clear. My job is to keep people in this country safe. James Cleverly (@JamesCleverly) November 13, 2023 Advertisement He had been viewed as a confident operator, adept at handling the media and is seen as a potential future Tory leader. The senior Conservative has shown loyalty to Mr Sunak since the UK prime minister decided to keep him on as foreign secretary when entering Downing Street just over a year ago. Mr Cleverly was a staunch backer of Liz Truss before her short-lived stint in No 10. Ms Truss rewarded Mr Cleverly by making him foreign secretary, with Mr Sunak re-appointing him in October 2022. Advertisement UK home secretary James Cleverly at 10 Downing Street (James Manning/PA) During his time leading the UK Foreign Office, he dealt with a series of international crises, including the start of the Israel-Hamas war in the wake of the October 7th atrocities. The 54-year-old visited China in August, becoming the first British foreign secretary to make the trip in five years a move criticised by Tory MPs who want Mr Sunaks administration to take a more hawkish approach to relations with Beijing. Advertisement The MP for Braintree also played a central role in the evacuation of UK nationals from Sudan when fighting broke out between two separate factions in the central African country in spring 2023, while being one of the main UK government spokesmen on the Ukraine conflict. Before his Foreign Office stint, he briefly held the position of education secretary making him the third person in that role in 48 hours as Mr Johnsons premiership collapsed around him in July 2022. He has also been co-chairman of the Conservative Party and held lower ranking ministerial positions in the UK Cabinet Office, Foreign Office and the defunct department for exiting the European Union. Mr Cleverly is the son of a midwife and a businessman, and was born in Lewisham, south-east London. James Cleverly with his wife Susie (Victoria Jones/PA) He spent much of his childhood with family in Chelmsford, Essex, and joined the Army when he left school. But his ambition hit the rocks when injury struck, and he returned to education to get a business degree. He then signed up for the Territorial Army, where he has served for about 20 years. Mr Cleverly, married to Susie and a father of two, had a career in magazine and digital publishing, and says he worked on a number of market-leading titles before setting up his own company. Advertisement He ventured into the world of politics, with an unsuccessful bid to serve on Lewisham council in 2002. He also stood for the Lewisham East parliamentary seat in 2005, but lost to Labour. James Cleverly has been rewarded by British prime minister Rishi Sunak after dealing with a host of international crises while in the Foreign Office (Leon Neal/PA) Mr Cleverly was elected to the London Assembly as the member for Bexley and Bromley in 2008. In 2012, Boris Johnson, then mayor of London, made him chairman of the London Fire Authority. Mr Cleverly stepped down from that role in 2015 after being selected to run for Parliament at the next British general election, and secured his Braintree seat for the first time that year. While serving as a Brexit minister, he joined the Tory leadership race to replace Theresa May in 2019 but pulled out, saying his fellow MPs were not comfortable with the idea of picking a relatively new colleague. Aussies have been warned to slow down and "stop rushing" this Christmas as hospital admissions soar in the lead-up to the big day. People severing fingers, injuring themselves on nail guns, cutting themselves on knives and broken glass and even penile fractures from "wild sex" have been all reported this festive season, with one Queensland doctor advising there'd been a 50 per cent spike in patients he'd seen in recent weeks. Surgeon at Brisbane's Mater Hospital, Dr Andrew Hadj, urged Aussies to take care and stop hurrying throughout the holidays, although he expects the trend will continue anyway. Hadj said in particular, people had been presenting with wounds to their hands. Hospitalisations skyrocket in Christmas run-up We are seeing a spike in both industrial and domestic incidents, often involving severed or crushed hands and fingers, he said. Most patients tell me they were in a rush, hurrying or running late when they sustained an injury and werent paying attention. A Queensland doctor is urging Australians to stop rushing in the Christmas run-up, as hospitalisations soar. Source: Supplied. These are factors that really come to the fore during the run-up to Christmas, as so many people are trying to finish lots of tasks, and are not always fully concentrating. People need to slow down and take their time, especially when items like knives and power tools are involved. Please dont give yourself a hand injury for Christmas. Surgeon flags recurring injuries According to the doctor, the most common type of hand injuries that he'd seen recently were from nail guns, followed by animal bites, angle grinders, sharp knives and glass. With some cases requiring up to two years of rehabilitation, in addition to complex reconstructive surgery. Hadj said the risks of rushing often aren't worth it. Story continues Despite the significant advances in reconstructive repair, these patients will always have a degree of major impairment, so prevention is the best remedy, Hadj said, adding that plenty of activity in home kitchens leading up to Christmas, with stress and time constraints, had added to knife-related wounds. Knives and broken glass can be very unforgiving to the human hand, so please take care in the kitchen and throughout the home, he said. Wild bedroom antics causing penis injuries Meanwhile, a Munich-based doctor told men in particular to exercise caution in the bedroom during the Christmas excitement, after a notable uptick in penile fractures an extremely painful condition in which the erection-producing regions of the penis snap had been reported. Mater trauma hand surgeon Dr Andrew Hadj said he had seen a 50 per cent spike in patients in recent weeks. Source: Supplied. This injury tends to occur during wild sex particularly in positions where youre not in direct eye contact [with your partner], such as the reverse cowgirl, Dr Nikolaos Pyrgides told The Guardian. Pointing to data that suggested that penis-related injuries increased over the festive period, Pyrgides said "the risk increased at weekends and over the summer holidays". It would be interesting to see data from other countries, but in Germany, Christmas week is widely celebrated, while New Years Eve tends to be a bit quieter, he added. In England, the Christmas tree is one of the most common sources of accidents during the holiday season, with approximately 1,000 Britons sustaining tree-related injuries each year, according to the The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. A man has died in a targeted shooting at a shopping mall in central Florida two days before Christmas, police said. Police chief Mike Balken told reporters that the man was killed after he was shot multiple times in a common area at Paddock Mall in Ocala, about 79 miles north-west of Orlando. Advertisement A woman also was shot in the leg. She was treated at a local hospital and is expected to recover, Mr Balken said. The suspect fled the scene and left behind the firearm. The suspect fled the scene, leaving the gun behind (Jeff Walczak/Ocala Police Department via AP) Advertisement Police arrived at the mall at around 3.40pm (8.40pm GMT) on Saturday after reports of multiple shots being fired. Officers immediately made entry into the mall (and) ultimately discovered that this was not what we would consider an active shooter, Mr Balken told reporters. Advertisement The attack was likely a targeted act of violence against the man, Mr Balken said. Several other mall patrons suffered injuries during the shooting, with one person having chest pain and another reporting a broken arm, police said. Advertisement The Ocala police posted photos overnight of a person of interest that appear to be taken from a mall security camera. The three images show a male with a red cap and dark clothing. On Sunday, the police department urged a person who took the suspects hat from the crime scene to turn it over to investigators or they would be charged with tampering with evidence. That hat may contain valuable DNA evidence, and we need it back, the Ocala Police Department said on social media. We urge you to do the right thing and come forward immediately. Time is of the essence. Advertisement The police also asked the public for assistance by submitting mobile phone video of the shooting scene. Advertisement The malls corporate owner, WPG, said in a statement that they were working with the Ocala Police Department in the investigation of what happened. We are deeply saddened by this tragedy. Our thoughts are with all those involved, the statement said. The safety of our guests, retailers and employees is our top priority. Recalling Jesus birth in a stable in Bethlehem during a Christmas Eve homily, Pope Francis said that the clash of arms even today prevents Jesus from finding room in the world. The pontiff presided over Sundays evening Mass, which was attended by about 6,500 faithful who took their place amid the splendour of St Peters Basilica behind rows of white-clad prelates. Advertisement Our hearts are in Bethlehem, where the Prince of Peace is once more rejected by the futile logic of war, the pope said, referring to the war sparked by Hamas deadly October 7 rampage and hostage-taking in Israel. Pope Francis led the Mass standing at the foot of one of St. Peters grand columns (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia) As Mass began, a statuette of the Christ child was unveiled before the altar bedecked in greenery and white flowers, and children representing all corners of the globe placed flowers around a gilded throne. Advertisement Advertisement Francis, draped in white robes, led the Mass standing at the foot of one of St Peters grand columns. Recalling that Jesus was born during a census meant to reinforce King Davids power, Francis warned against the quest for worldly power and might, fame and glory, which measures everything in terms of success, results, numbers and figures, a world obsessed with achievement. By contrast, Jesus entered the world humbly, taking human flesh. Here, we see not a god of wrath and chastisement, but the God of mercy, who takes flesh and enters the world in weakness, the pope said. Advertisement A pagan deity is linked to power, worldly success and idolatry of consumerism, the pope said. Pope Francis has been using a wheelchair to navigate long distances due to a painful knee ligament (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia) God, on the other hand, waves no magic want; he is no god of commerce who promises everything all at once. He does not save us by pushing a button, but draws near us, in order to change our world from within. Advertisement When the Christmas Eve Mass ended, the pope, who was pushed in a wheelchair, moved down the basilica with the life-sized statue of Baby Jesus on his lap and flanked by children carrying bouquets. The statue was placed in a manger in a nativity scene in the basilica. Advertisement Francis, 87, has been using a wheelchair to navigate long distances due to a painful knee ligament and a cane for shorter distances. During the traditional Angelus blessing overlooking St Peters Square at midday, the pontiff remembered those suffering from war, recalling specific fighting in Ukraine and Israels bombardment and siege of the Gaza Strip in response to Hamas attack. Advertisement Pope Francis holds a statue of Baby Jesus as he presides over Christmas Eve Mass (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia) We are close to our brothers and sisters suffering from war. We think of Palestine, Israel, Ukraine. We also think of those who suffer from misery, hunger, slavery, Francis said. May the God who took a human heart for himself infuse humanity into the hearts of men, he added. Speaking from the window of his studio to the thousands of faithful gathered in St Peters Square for the Angelus prayer, the pontiff also invited the faithful not to confuse celebration with consumerism. He said: One can and, as a Christian, must celebrate in simplicity without waste and by sharing with those who lack necessities or lack companionship. A statue of Baby Jesus was unveiled as Pope Francis presides over Christmas Eve Mass, at St Peters Basilica (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia) Traditionally, Catholics mark Christmas Eve by attending Mass at midnight but over the years, the starting time at the Vatican has crept earlier, reflecting the health or stamina of popes and then the pandemic.On Christmas Day, tens of thousands of Romans, tourists and pilgrims were expected to crowd into St Peters Square to hear Pope Francis deliver an address on world issues and give his blessing. Advertisement The speech, known in Latin as Urbi et Orbi (to the city and to the world), is traditionally an occasion to review crises including war, persecution and hunger, in many parts of the globe. Russian shelling in southern Ukraines Kherson region killed four people on Sunday. Among those killed were an 87-year-old man and his 81-year-old wife who died following a strike on their apartment building. Advertisement Oleksandr Prokudin, the head of the regional military administration, said that the barrage injured nine other people, including a 15-year-old, sparked fires in homes and at a private medical facility and set a local gas pipeline alight. A woman prays inside the church during a Christmas celebration in Kryvorivnia village (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka) Andrii Yermak, the head of the Ukrainian presidents office, wrote: There are no holidays for the enemy. Advertisement They do not exist for us as long as the enemy kills our people and remains on our land. The shelling across Kherson reached the centre of the regions capital city of the same name. Advertisement The assault took place as Ukraine prepared to officially celebrate Christmas for the first time on December 25, having previously marked the date on January 7. The Russian Orthodox Church observes the birth of Jesus on January 7. Advertisement Some Orthodox Ukrainians observed Christmas on December 25 last year in response to Russias February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The cathedral in the Monastery of the Caves, a Unesco World Heritage Site in Kyiv, held its Christmas celebration on January 7 of this year, but the service was held in the Ukrainian language for the first time in the 31 years of Ukraines independence from the Soviet Union. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed legislation in July moving the public Christmas Day holiday to December (AP Photo/Felipe Dana) Advertisement President Volodymyr Zelensky signed legislation in July moving the public Christmas Day holiday to December 25. However, one of Ukraines two competing Orthodox church organisations is sticking with the January date dictated by the Julian calendar. To mark Christmas Eve on December 24, Mr Zelensky addressed the nation in a video filmed before the floodlit St Sophia Cathedral in central Kyiv. He reassured Ukrainians fighting against Russias full-scale invasion of the country that step by step, day by day, the darkness is losing. Advertisement Advertisement Today, this is our common goal, our common dream. And this is precisely what our common prayer is for today. For our freedom. For our victory. For our Ukraine, Mr Zelensky said. The president gave an address to the nation on Christmas Eve in front of the St Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka) Kherson was not the only region of Ukraine to come under attack Sunday. Russian forces launched 15 drone strikes overnight. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that 14 of the Iranian-made Shahed drones were destroyed over the Mykolaiv, Kirovohrad, Zaporizhzhya, Dnipropetrovsk and Khmelnytskyi regions. Meanwhile, Governor Oleh Syniehubov said that two people were wounded during the Russian shelling of 20 towns and villages across northern Ukraines Kharkiv region. In Russia, a man was injured in the Bryansk region after a village close to the Ukrainian border came under fire, the regions governor, Alexander Bogomaz, said. Police in Serbia fired tear gas to prevent hundreds of opposition supporters from entering the capitals city council building on Sunday. The demonstrators were gathered in protest of what election observers said were widespread vote irregularities during a general election last weekend. Advertisement The countrys populist authorities have denied rigging the vote and described the election to fill parliament and local offices as fair. A Serbian opposition supporter waves the countrys national flag during a protest outside the electoral commission building in Belgrade (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic) President Aleksandar Vucic said on Sunday that those claims were blatant lies promoted by the political opposition. Advertisement Mr Vucic also suggested the unrest was instigated from abroad. Addressing the nation during the protest outside Belgrade city hall, he called the demonstrators thugs who would not succeed in destabilising the state and said, This is not a revolution. They will not succeed, Mr Vucic said. We are doing our best with our calm and mild reaction not to hurt demonstrators who came to the event to protest peacefully. Advertisement Advertisement Shielded riot police barricaded themselves inside Belgrades city hall, firing tear gas as hundreds of opposition protesters broke windows on the entrance. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic called the demonstrators thugs (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic) The protesters shouted Open the door and Thieves. They also pelted the building with eggs. Advertisement Some chanted Vucic is Putin, comparing the Serbian president with Russias leader. Later, the police pushed the crowd from the downtown area and made several arrests. There were no immediate reports of injuries. Results from the December 17 election showed victory for Mr Vucics Serbian Progressive Party in both the parliamentary and Belgrade city ballots. Advertisement The partys main opponent, the Serbia Against Violence alliance, said it was robbed of a win, especially in Belgrade. Shielded riot police barricaded themselves inside the city government building (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic) The vote has caused political tensions in the troubled Balkan nation, which is seeking close ties with Russia but also European Union membership. In a letter sent to EU institutions, officials and member nations, Serbia Against Violence said it would not recognise the outcome of the elections. The alliance called on the EU to do the same and to initiate an investigation. Security at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl will be reviewed after pro-Palestinian protesters stormed the stage during a live broadcast of Carols by Candlelight on Sunday night. Children were rushed off the stage as two protesters ran across it waving Palestinian flags about 8pm. A 21-year-old woman from Brunswick was arrested and police moved on a second person following the Christmas Eve demonstration. An Arts Centre Melbourne spokesperson said on Monday that everyone had the right to protest peacefully but not at the expense of the safety of others. Deir Al-Balah/Jerusalem: Dozens were killed in Gaza overnight in one of the deadliest strikes of the war, while Israels leaders acknowledged the very heavy price after 15 soldiers were killed in combat over the weekend. The strike hit the Maghazi refugee camp, east of Deir al-Balah. Gaza Health Ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qidra said at least 60 people were killed and the toll was likely to rise. An AP reporter on the scene watched bodies and wounded being carried in, including children. Palestinians wounded in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip arrive at the hospital in Deir al-Balah. Credit: AP Smoke rose over the besieged territory on Christmas Eve, while in the West Bank, Bethlehem was hushed, its holiday celebrations called off. In neighbouring Egypt, tentative efforts continued on a deal for another exchange of hostages for Palestinians held by Israel. The mounting death toll among Israeli troops 154 since the ground offensive began could erode public support for the war, which was sparked when Hamas-led militants stormed communities in southern Israel on October 7, killing 1200 people and taking 240 hostages. Washington: The US government is preparing for its adversaries to intensify efforts to influence American voters next year. Russia has huge stakes in the presidential election. China seems poised to back a more aggressive campaign. Other countries, like Iran, might again try to sow division in the United States. As Washington looks ahead to the 2024 vote, US intelligence agencies last week released a report on the 2022 midterm elections a document that gives us some hints about what might be to come. Next years election looks set to be Biden vs Trump round two. Credit: Marija Ercegovac Spy agencies concluded Russia favoured Trump in 2016. What about in 2024? Russia appears to be paying close attention to the election, as its war in Ukraine is soon to enter a third year. The accusation is baseless, Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said in a news conference in Tehran cited by state television. The attacks are a completely Yemeni decision in support and defense of Gaza, he said. By Arsalan Shahla Irans foreign minister denied that his country is helping Yemens Houthi rebels attack commercial ships traveling through the Red Sea, warning the waterway wont be safe as long as Israel maintains its offensive in Gaza. The White House, citing newly released intelligence, said Friday that Iran was deeply involved in the planning of the Houthi attacks and has supplied weapons, financial support and training. The accusation is baseless, Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said in a news conference in Tehran cited by state television. The attacks are a completely Yemeni decision in support and defence of Gaza, he said. His comments on Saturday come as the Pentagon said a one-way drone fired from Iran struck a chemical tanker in the Indian Ocean, raising the question of whether a new risk area is opening to global vessels. The attack struck the Chem Pluto a Liberia-flagged, Japanese-owned and Netherlands-operated vessel on Saturday about 200 nautical miles from the coast of India, according to the Pentagon statement. There were no casualties and a fire on board the tanker has been extinguished. Separately, US Central Command said two Houthi ballistic missiles were fired into the Southern Red Sea on Saturday, though no ships were reported to be impacted. US and UK forces also reported several incidents of ships being targeted by Houthi drones in both the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. The Houthi attacks in the Red Sea on ships the group believes are supportive of Israel have caused chaos in an area that accounts for some 12 per cent of global maritime trade. The worlds major container and oil shippers have been rerouting vessels away from the waterway. The strikes have roiled shipping markets and helped push up oil prices. President Joe Biden said Saturday he had a long conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. I did not ask for a cease-fire, he said in response to a reporters question while departing the White House for Camp David, where hes spending the Christmas holiday. Amirabdollahian said a US-led coalition to protect naval traffic in the Red Sea isnt a solution. Theres no need for a coalition. They stop supporting the murderous Israeli regime and they will see a safer region and a better situation even for the transfer of energy, Amirabdollahian said. Bank Nizwa, a leading Islamic bank in Oman, said it has signed a financing agreement with Renaissance Duqm Accommodation Company (RDAC), a subsidiary of leading accommodation solutions, facilities management and services solutions company, Renaissance Services, to extend $90 million in sustainability linked financing to support its projects. RDACs efforts at the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (Sezad) have culminated in the establishment of the world-class Renaissance Village Duqm, a pioneering enabler of the government's vision for Duqm as a smart city and global logistics hub driving economic diversification in the sultanate. The integrated workforce accommodation facility provides premium living standards to workers of all segments, in full compliance with the standards of Sezad and the International Labour Organization (ILO). "At Bank Nizwa, sustainability is a core concept shaping our product and service offerings, in alignment with Omans Vision 2040," remarked Khalid Al Barwani, the DGM & Head of Wholesale Banking Group at Bank Nizwa, after signing the deal with Raashid Ali, Chief Financial Officer, Renaissance Services, in the presence of senior officials from both organizations. "As the leading and most trusted Islamic Bank in the country, we are keen to forge partnerships with corporates and entities that share our dedication to the adoption of green practices and eco-conscious endeavours to guarantee the socio-economic progress of the sultanate. Our partnership with Renaissance signifies more than just a financial pledge; it marks a strategic alliance toward a sustainable future," noted Al Barwani. "Through this partnership, Bank Nizwa will be supporting the development of sustainable workforce accommodation projects undertaken by Renaissance Duqm Accommodation Company SAOC," he added. On the Nizwa partnership, Ali said it was in line with Renaissance's commitment to sustainability and alignment with the sultanate's Net Zero target. "This innovative collaboration is a testament to continuous efforts to meet sustainability benchmarks. We believe collective efforts are essential to achieving ambitious targets that benefit future generations, and our partnership aims to encourage a strategic shift towards a more sustainable future for corporates in the sultanate," he noted. Under its wholesale banking arm, this partnership exemplifies the banks commitment to supporting key national projects that aid in the socio-economic development of the country, and to fostering the development of a green and circular economy, he added.-TradeArabia News Service An outdoorsman's unusual discovery has blown minds after he realised that a large black ball of hair he had in his hands was coughed up by a crocodile. Queenslander Nick Fry shared a video of his hairy find, stating that he'd stepped over the object while he was exploring a lake with his friend. "I wouldn't have had a clue in the world what this is, but apparently this is a croc hairball," Fry told his Instagram followers. "So basically they struggle to digest hair, hooves and things like that, and it accumulates in their stomach and they end up coughing up, basically, a hairball. So this is a whole chunk of pig hair that was in a croc's gut that I hold in my hand right now. I didn't know crocs did that. That is insane." The Queenslander was shocked to learn crocodiles cough up hairballs. Source: Getty, Instagram/@_nickfry The clip was subsequently shared in a Facebook group for crocodile enthusiasts, including many who didn't realise the reptiles had something in common with domestic cats. "Now crocs are a little more cute than they were before I knew this. Only a little though," one fan responded, while another commented, "Learn something new every day!" 'Natural behaviour' Wildlife expert Brian Coulter, former apprentice to Steve Irwin, confirmed this behaviour is perfectly normal for crocodiles. "It definitely is because they can't digest stuff like feral pig hair," Coulter told Yahoo News Australia, confirming that hairballs sit in a croc's gut before being regurgitated. Saltwater crocodiles, Coulter added, are more likely to cough up hairballs as they tend to feed on mammals and relatively large prey like feral pigs. "Salties definitely cough up big hairballs or undigestible matter. It's very natural behaviour to cough those up." Story continues Saltwater crocs are the largest living reptiles in the world, with adult males growing up to six metres in length and weighing anything from 1,000 to 1,200 kilograms. They're also expert hunters, thanks to millions of years of evolution, and can live up to 70 years. They are usually found in coastal waters, estuaries, lakes, inland swamps and marshes across Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australia. While they mostly eat fish, saltwater crocodiles tend to eat anything they can overpower, which can include snakes, birds, cattle and wild boar. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new weekly newsletter showcasing the week's best stories. A teenager has spoken out about a mysterious illness that is causing her to bleed from her eyes, nose, and mouth. Leyanis Montero has been living with the frightening condition for a decade but recently chose to go public with it for the first time after baffled medics repeatedly failed to diagnose her. I already feel bad about living day after day with this sentence, the 19-year-old said. Knowing that I dont have a diagnosis and that the doctors have given up on my case. Leyanis Montero has been living with the mystery illness which causes her to bleed from eyes, nose, and mouth for 10 years. Source: Jam Press She has been seen by several professionals in her native Cuba over the years and event had samples of her blood sent to Spain for analysis. But I still dont have an answer, Leyanis who lives in Pinar del Rio, west of Havana revealed. Im already 19 years old, and both my parents and I are desperate. We need an answer. No human being can live like this with a disease and without a diagnosis or treatment, and its been 10 years, for Gods sake. She shared a series of graphic snaps showing blood streaming down her face. Teen pleads for help online Leyanis said doctors provide no answers and she often struggles to get proper rest. Its very sad to be sleeping and feel like youre choking on blood clots in your throat, she explained. Please help me by sharing this, lets see if it can reach someone who can assist me. Leyanis has pleaded for help, claiming doctors have given up on her. Source: Jam Press After posting online, some social media users suggested the teen is suffering from immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) a blood disorder characterised by a decrease in the number of platelets in the blood. This can cause easy bruising, bleeding gums, and internal bleeding. Others said she might have haemophilia, a vitamin K deficiency, or Von Willebrand disease a lifelong bleeding disorder in which your blood doesnt clot properly. Story continues But Leyanis remains undiagnosed by professionals. She recently shared a post asking Saint Lazarus, a celebrated saint among Cubans, for help and peace in our lives. Jam Press Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. At 3:19 p.m., officers working the mall were alerted about a fight inside the mall. The officers were informed one of those involved in the fight had a gun. The officers immediately ran toward the location of the fight. Several witnesses provided officers with the suspect description and the direction he went after the fight.Again, officers ran toward the location of the suspect and quickly located him. Upon locating him, he began to run from the officers, but they were able to apprehend him. Officers identified the suspect as 23-year-old Mikel Johnson. Officers also located a handgun where Johnson fell while he was running from officers. The preliminary investigation reveals a fight started inside the mall between three males, including Johnson. Johnson was the victim of an assault by two unknown males. After he was assaulted, Johnson pulled out a handgun. The witnesses provided Johnson's description as the person who pulled out a gun during the fight. The officers who were inside the mall when the incident occurred advised they did not hear any shots fired. The handgun that was recovered by the CPD officers had a round chambered and a full magazine which supports the other evidence that no shots were fired during the incident. One bystander received minor injuries when others started running away from the area of the fight. Hamilton County EMS responded to the scene, but the bystander was not transported to a hospital. Herbert L. Broadwater Jr., a former pastor at Hixson Presbyterian Church and later the founder and president of the Hixson investment firm Monarch Financial, died peacefully on December 17 at his home on Big Ridge in Hixson. He was 81. As a pastor Herb was influenced by the Reformed doctrine that was a part of the education he received at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. A friend observed that Herb appreciated the perspectives of those who espoused Reformed beliefs and its impact on the culture. He also valued the Augustinian perspective of the two cities one of the world and one of heaven. Coincidentally, his faith undergirded his sensitive spirit; his good nature enriched the many close friendships he developed which led to the breadth of loss with his passing. Herb was born on August 14, 1942 in Canton, Ohio, the only child of Herbert and Sarah Broadwater. His mother was a homemaker and his father worked for the Diebold Company, which involved numerous moves. After his father was transferred to Miami, Florida, Herb graduated from Coral Gables High School in 1960. In high school Herb complemented his academic achievements with a talent for music. When he and several friends formed a successful band, The Prowlers, Herb was its drummer. He was also an accomplished trumpeter, and developed lifelong interest in jazz, especially the Dave Brubeck Trio, Ella Fitzgerald, Stan Kenton and many others. After graduating from high school Herb earned a business degree at the University of Miami in 1966. It would prove valuable nearly 20 years later when he founded Monarch Financial. As new Christians, Herb and Eileen Link were attending Key Biscayne Presbyterian Church when they met at a potluck dinner at the church. They were married on September 5, 1964. Their marriage lasted more than 55 years, until Eileens death in 2019. Ben Haden, the pastor at Key Biscayne was influential in leading Herb to enroll at Westminster Seminary; after his graduation in 1970 he and Eileen moved to Chattanooga when he was called to pastor Hixson Presbyterian Church only a few years after its founding. He left Hixson in 1977 to pastor LeJeune Presbyterian Church in the Miami area before returning in 1979 to the Hixson church where he served until 1989. A few years later Herb founded Monarch Financial, a successful business from which he eventually retired after selling it to his partners. Herb was an avid reader, as the several book shelves in his house showed. He read many books on the Christian faith, including biblical commentaries. But he also enjoyed biographies, histories and fiction, including books by Michael Connelly, David Baldacci, John Grisham, and others. (Later in life Herb began buying boxed sets of old radio shows, including Jack Benny, The Shadow, Johnny Dollar Private Eye, and many others. Friends might consider their own such purchases in his memory. He would be pleased.) Herb was predeceased by his parents, and his wife Eileen. He is survived by his son, Mark Broadwater (wife Vanja) of Charleston, SC; daughters Melanie Broadwater of Hixson, and Bethany (husband Scott Sapoznick) of Atlanta, his granddaughters Lexi Broadwater of Hixson, and Milla Broadwater of Charleston; grandson Ari Sapoznick of Atlanta, and two step-grandchildren, Finn and Evelyn Sapoznick, also of Atlanta, and his brother-in-law, Dr. William Link (wife Linda), of Fairmont, NC. A memorial service for Herb Broadwater will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 6, at Hamilton Funeral Home, 4506 Hixson Pike at Hamill Road). It will be preceded by visitation from noon until 2 pm. The service will be conducted by the Rev. Robert Johnson, the senior pastor at Hixson Presbyterian Church. On Dec. 18, Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin speaks at a press conference in Bascom Hall to announce the Wisconsin Tribal Educational Promise program. Seated, from left, are Carla Vigue, director of tribal relations for UWMadison; Shannon Holsey, president of the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians and chairwoman of the Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council; Jon Greendeer, president of Ho-Chunk Nation; and Kalista Memengwaa Cadotte, UW student and member of Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe. Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 Heroes are all around us, and they dont have supernatural abilities. Theyre just ordinary human beings saving lives through the power of compassion and goodwill. A mailman from Salem, Massachusetts, is being applauded as a hero after rescuing a toddler who was walking alone near a busy street. The U.S. Postal Service worker, David Moulton, spotted a three-year-old boy roaming the sidewalks in the Palmer Street area around 11:15 one chilly December morning. The child had no shoes or jacket on and was wearing only a pair of socks on his feet. When Moulton scooped him up, he noticed that the boy was shivering from the cold. Initially, he believed the toddler had wandered over while playing at a nearby park, but when he saw the boy headed toward the bustling main road, he decided to interfere. I was just in the right place at the right time, said Moulton. I did what I hope any other decent person would dogo and help the little kid. He kept the child safe as he notified authorities of the situation. The boys parents were also informed about the incident. It turned out that the toddler had escaped from his daycare center, Salem Community Childcare, around 10:45 in the morning. He was taken to the hospital as a precaution to get checked out and was fine. The childs mother, Martha Esquivel, was relieved to see that her son was unharmed when she arrived at the hospital. She claimed that in the surveillance footage at the daycare center, her son had not been watched for more than thirty minutes and that he had attempted to open the heavy door several times until he eventually succeeded. Esquivel is extremely grateful to Moulton for helping her son. Sign up for Chip Chicks newsletter and get stories like this delivered to your inbox. As we get deeper into the holiday season, it can be really easy for some people to feel incredibly lonely. Some people are far away from home over the holidays or have lost some of their closest friends or family over the years and dont have anyone to celebrate with. Thats why its very important that we use this time of year, a time of meaningful interactions with others, to take advantage of the people we can still connect with. Since early December, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has been promoting the 5-for-5 Connection Challenge, a challenge encouraging Americans and those across the globe to make five meaningful connections in five days. People wanting to participate in the challenge, which was originally scheduled for December 4th through the 15th this year but could be completed at any time, can print out the Connection Card Deck and Connection Postcard to guide them through it. The Connection Card Deck contains cards with exercises that will help you reflect on and strengthen your social connections and relationships. For instance, one of the cards encourages you to reach out to someone you havent spoken to in a while and share some good news or a favorite memory with them to rekindle your connection. Then, you can choose five of those exercises to do over five days, completing a new one and involving new connections every day. You can reflect on how those connections went over each of the five days on the Connection Postcard, which the Surgeon General encourages participants to share on social media. Sign up for Chip Chicks newsletter and get stories like this delivered to your inbox. Leaders of the International House of Prayer, an influential charismatic evangelical prayer and mission group based in Kansas City, announced Friday that they have cut ties with founder Mike Bickle. In late October, a group of former IHOPKC leaders accused Bickle of a pattern of alleged clergy sexual misconduct. Earlier in December, Bickle admitted some past misconduct but said that many of the allegations against him were false. With a very heavy heart I want to express how deeply grieved I am that my past sins have led to so much pain, confusion, and division in the body of Christ in this hour, Bickle said in an online statement. I sadly admit that 20+ years ago, I sinned by engaging in inappropriate behaviormy moral failures were real. On Friday, IHOPKC announced that Bickle was no longer part of the group. Since taking over management of the crisis, the Executive Committee has received new information to now confirm a level of inappropriate behavior on the part of Mike Bickle that requires IHOPKC to immediately formally and permanently separate from him, said spokesman and crisis management consultant Eric Volz in a video posted on YouTube. Volz said that IHOPKC leaders did not have permission to share details about Bickles alleged misconduct, only saying an investigation into allegations against him is in process. The spokesman also announced that Stuart Greaves, executive director of IHOPKC, had resigned, without giving any reason for why he had done so. Bickle has long been an influential figure in charismatic Christian circles. An early leader in the Vineyard movement, he split with the group in the 1990s over theology and clashes with its founder, John Wimber, and other leaders. Bickle is perhaps best known for founding IHOPKC, which began holding round-the-clock prayer seven days a week in 1999 and later became a missionary movement. Bickle has also been a leader in the New Apostolic Reformation, which stresses the idea the church should be led by modern-day prophets and apostles. IHOPKC leaders released an initial report in November casting doubt on the allegations against Bickle, based on an internal review. But Volz announced earlier this month that IHOPKC had hired the Lathrop Group to investigate further. IHOPKC, which is paying for the review and signed the contract with the Lathrop Group, says the investigation is independent. Volz said the decision to cut ties with Bickle shows why an independent investigation is needed. He also said IHOPKC leaders have pledged to implement any and all changes necessary to church policies, procedures, and culture to ensure that IHOPKC does not travel down this difficult road again. Advocates for alleged survivors of abuse, including attorney Boz Tchividjian, say they want the truth about the allegations but are skeptical that the Lathrop Group investigation will be independent. They cite a statement on the firms website that boasts of its work to defend religious groups dealing with abuse allegations. Meanwhile, CT reported this month how the allegations against Bickle have shaken evangelicals in Brazil, where he and his prayer movement have a large following, and forced a conversation on how Brazilian churches handle abuse. [ This article is also available in Portugues, , and . ] Ethan Simpson was looking forward to what might be his last ever Christmas after receiving a life-threatening diagnosis last December. And to help make it "extra special" the nine-year-old, with help from his mum, decided to light up their front yard with an impressive Pokemon-themed festive display. But in the early hours of Wednesday morning, the light-up boards, adorned with characters he helped paint, were destroyed. The distraught Victorian family captured the crime on CCTV. Ethan Simpson is battling a life-threatening brain tumour and was looking forward to what might be his last Christmas. Source: Supplied "He felt very angry and upset and doesn't understand why someone would do that," Ethan's mother Tiffany Motton told Yahoo News Australia. "I believe [the culprit] saw an opportunity to show off, and took it". Family finally home for Christmas Ethan was diagnosed with Grade 3 Ependymoma PFA, a cancerous brain tumour, last December. He was immediately flown to Melbourne from their home in Wodonga for surgery. Since then he's rarely been home and has spent the majority of time in hospital, so he was looking forward to finally being home for Christmas. In the early hours of Wednesday morning, light-up boards, adorned with characters Ethan helped paint, were destroyed at their home. Source: Supplied "We are back home for Christmas but will be down a few days after for another MRI at the children's hospital," Tiffany said. "Ethan said he is most excited to see people being happy about what they get [for Christmas]" Furious by the senseless act, the mum of two said she doesn't know "why they felt the need to destroy one thing that has made our little man's life happier" and has since been on a mission to identify the person who she says "ruined what could be my son's last Christmas". CCTV captures culprit in the act CCTV footage provided to Yahoo News shows a group of people walking by the Wodonga home at 2.47am when suddenly a person wearing a grey hoodie breaks away from the group and heads for the erected boards. One by one they yank and pull until most have fallen. Story continues Ethan's mother Tiffany Motton shared her devastation over the vandalism. Source: Supplied Family friend Katrina Hosie said it's been a "stressful" time for the family and seeing this happen so close to Christmas has been "extremely sad". She set up a GoFundMe page to help raise a small fund which could see the family through the Christmas period. "I seen that they did that, and I just felt really sorry for her because I've seen that her son's gone through a bit and she's gone through a bit as well (sic)," Katrina told Yahoo. Tiffany claims she's since identified the person in the picture thanks to help from the community, and will be passing it on to Victorian police. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new weekly newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories. Home World Europe on high alert as Christmas terror plots foiled in France, Germany, Austria Several Muslim suspects have been arrested in France, Germany and Austria for allegedly planning Christmas terror attacks, according to reports, which say theres a very high level of terrorist threat from Islamic terrorists in France. Spain is also on alert. In France, five men, aged 20 to 23, were apprehended in Meurthe-et-Moselle, Le Parisien reported, saying French intelligence services had been surveilling the men for links to criminal terrorist associations and they were found scouting Strasbourg Christmas market. A video filmed at the market featuring one suspect saying, And there, we shoot, was found during a raid. These men are believed to be part of the Salafist movement, a sect of Sunni Islam linked to various Islamic terrorist groups. French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin emphasized the need for extreme vigilance during the Christmas season, citing a very high level of terrorist threat from Islamic terrorists. France has the largest Muslim population in Europe. In Germany and Austria, law enforcement apprehended multiple suspects allegedly linked to the Islamic State in Khorasan Province, or ISIS-K. Arrests in Viennas Ottakring district and Saarland, Germany, were part of efforts to thwart potential attacks on Christmas or New Years Eve, the German publication Bild said in a separate report, adding that Vienna police have raised the terror alert level, especially around this weekend, due to calls for attacks on Christian events by Islamic terrorists across Europe. St. Stephens Cathedral in Vienna and Cologne Cathedral in Germany were identified as high-risk targets, prompting increased security measures, including sweeps for explosives. Cologne Police Chief Michael Esser stated that special protective measures were being implemented to safeguard cathedral visitors on Christmas Eve. These measures include searching the cathedral with sniffer dogs and screening visitors before entry. European authorities have identified Madrids Christmas Masses also as targets, according to Germanys Bild newspaper, i24News said, pointing to planned coordinated terror attacks on Christmas crowds in Europe. Separately, seven individuals were arrested in Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands for allegedly planning attacks against Jews. German Justice Minister Marco Buschmann revealed that four members of Hamas, arrested in Germany and the Netherlands, were planning assaults on Jewish institutions in Europe. These suspects, identified as Abdelhamid Al A., Mohamed B., Ibrahim El-R., and Nazih R., are reportedly long-standing members of Hamas and have connections to its military branch. Abdelhamid Al A. was tasked with locating a hidden weapons cache in Europe intended for potential attacks in Berlin, according to the report. He received his orders from HAMAS leaders in Lebanon. The weapons were due to be taken to Berlin and kept in a state of readiness in view of potential terrorist attacks against Jewish institutions in Europe. In October, Abdelhamid Al A., Mohamed B. and Nazih R. traveled repeatedly from Berlin to look for the weapons, with Ibrahim El-R. providing assistance, prosecutors were quoted as saying. Additionally, three suspects were detained in Denmark on terrorism-related charges, although their connection to the other four is unclear. Home Living Travel: Postcard from Canon City, Colorado Quite a few out-of-towners spend time in Canon City, but not for the right reasons. While this smallish city in south-central Colorado is within driving distance of fast-growing Colorado Springs and the former steel city of Pueblo, it is hardly a bedroom community for commuters. Instead, many of those living here are behind bars in the 11 prisons spread across Fremont County, which takes its name from the legendary 19th century soldier, explorer and politician John C. Fremont. One of the most infamous inmates, Joaquin Guzman, better known as the Mexican drug lord El Chapo, was sentenced to the federal supermax prison. Those coming to Canon City for something other than a spell in the penitentiaries often do so for the Royal Gorge Route Railroad. The heritage line operates as many as four daily sightseeing trains along tracks first laid in the 1870s through the breathtakingly beautiful Royal Gorge, where granite cliffs soar a thousand feet above the Arkansas River. On weekends, a three-course dinner train runs with first-class seats in vintage cars. A few miles west of town, roughly parallel with U.S. Highway 50, is the gorge. While the county bears the name of Fremont, the first white man to see what some today call the Grand Canyon of Colorado was Zebulon Pike in 1806. Of course, Pike and Fremont wouldnt have seen the pedestrian bridge somewhat uncreatively named Royal Gorge Bridge that has spanned the cliffs since 1929 and was for several decades in the record books as the worlds highest bridge. Back downtown, Canon City feels like one of Colorados best-kept secrets. Revitalization is underway, starting with the landmark Hotel St. Cloud. The Second Empire-inspired building, rebuilt at its present location around 1887 after being dismantled and transported brick-by-brick from a silver mining town some 50 miles away, is slowly undergoing redevelopment into a four-star hotel. Around the corner is the stately former post office with the kind of architecture that nobody designs anymore. And then theres the wine, which complements the apple orchards and cideries found in the Arkansas River Valley to the east of town. The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey was established years ago on the grounds of a now-closed Roman Catholic Benedictine monastery. Between the Gothic revival chapel, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the long history of monks making wine, the setting feels medieval. If you go The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey is daily. The Museum of Colorado Prisons occupies a former womens prison next to the castle-looking Territorial Correctional Facility, Colorados first prison. Offseason visitor hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Tickets are required to visit the Royal Gorge Bridge and its associated attractions. The Royal Gorge Route Railroad runs daily with a special holiday train through early January. Tickets are also still available for a New Years Eve dinner train service. The best hotel in town is the Holiday Inn Express & Suites. Getting to Canon City requires a car. The closest major airports are in Colorado Springs and Denver. Dennis Lennox writes a travel column for The Christian Post. Home Church & Ministries What are churches doing when Christmas Eve falls on a Sunday? For most years, Christmas Eve is a time when many churches across the United States and abroad hold multiple worship services to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. However, unlike most years, Christmas Eve falls on a Sunday, which means the usual morning services most congregations have might be altered because of the liturgical calendar. So what are some churches doing in response to this? Are they canceling morning worship, revising their regular schedules, or simply holding all the usual services? The Christian Post spoke with representatives of multiple churches across the U.S. to see how they were scheduling worship on Christmas Eve Sunday. The Church of the Resurrection, a multisite congregation that is also one of the world's largest United Methodist Church congregations, will be holding several services on Christmas Eve. According to COR spokesperson Cathy Bien, the church is scheduled to hold 44 candlelight services, including 29 in-person services among their six physical locations, plus services online and on television. Christmas Eve Candlelight Services are very much a defining experience for Resurrection and a tradition for our congregation and community. For that reason, even when Christmas Eve falls on a Sunday, all our weekend services will be Candlelight Christmas Eve Services, Bien explained to CP. Our Christmas Eve service includes the same elements as a regular Sunday worship service, along with the passing of the candlelight. As with other churches this year, Resurrection began observing Advent on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, the traditional four weeks of the Christmas season leading up to Dec. 24. In addition to the services held on Christmas Eve and the day before, COR also held a special candlelight Christmas Eve service on Thursday for those traveling out of town for Christmas. Then, we offer Christmas Eve services on Saturday when we would have regular Saturday night services at two of our locations, said Bien, adding that a childrens service will be held at 10 a.m. on Christmas Eve, followed by traditional candlelight services at 3 p.m., 5 p.m., 7 p.m., 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. One thing to note is that we have kept our regular online and broadcast times on Sunday for audience consistency, although these will all be Candlelight Christmas Eve services. St. Andrew Catholic Church of Pasadena, California, will hold several services on Christmas Eve, both in English and Spanish. English masses will take place at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., with a midnight Mass as well. They will also have English and Spanish Masses on Christmas Day on Monday. In brief comments emailed to CP, Father Marcos Gonzalez of St. Andrew Church said the schedule was meant to accommodate everyone while having the same number of Masses if Christmas Eve had fallen on another day of the week. When it falls on a Sunday, we use the regular Sunday schedule but add Vigil Masses plus the midnight Mass, he explained. Immanuel Bible Church, a nondenominational megachurch in Springfield, Virginia, not far from Washington, D.C., will hold two worship services on Christmas Eve morning and an additional Spanish-language service at 12:45 p.m. Additionally, according to Immanuel spokesperson Steve Holley, IBC will hold two services that the congregation calls Christmas Vespers at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., respectively. This has been our customary schedule to have at least one morning worship service when Christmas Eve falls on Sunday and a Christmas Vespers Service in the evening, Holley told CP. We are a soon to be 60-year-old church so this is not our first Christmas rodeo. Holley also noted that whenever Christmas Eve falls on a different day of the week, we will only have the two Christmas Eve services, adding that this has been the trend going at least as far back as the 1970s. Pastor Jeremiah Lange of Marion Presbyterian Church of Marion, Kansas, told CP that his congregation will have a morning worship service in which they will celebrate the fourth Sunday of Advent. Then, in the evening, we will have a Family Christmas Eve service at 5:30 p.m. in our Fellowship Hall, followed by an 11 p.m. candlelight service in our sanctuary, Lange said. We didnt really decide on this schedule as much as we just incorporated our normal Christmas Eve service schedule into our normal Sunday schedule. Lange also told CP that the Christmas Eve service schedule remains the same as when it falls on other days of the week and that this years Christmas Eve Sunday schedule reflects how his congregation has handled past years when Christmas Eve fell on a Sunday. Danny de Armas, senior associate pastor at First Baptist Church of Orlando, Florida, told CP that his congregation was having four "identical services" on Christmas Eve, with three being in the morning, and a fourth at 1 p.m. "We reviewed several options for a few months before landing on this schedule in September," he said. "We wanted to keep our typical Sunday schedule and accommodate an expected high attendance. Keeping the usual three and adding a fourth at 1 p.m. seemed a good option. " De Armas noted that this was a new idea for Christmas Eve, as the last year it fell on a Sunday his church had five services at 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m. and 5 p.m., respectively. Home Opinion 1 solitary life made cosmic difference I once asked my grandchildren, What were the first Christmas gifts? And one of them showed she was on the right track ... up to a point. The answer she gave was, The first Christmas gifts were given by the wise men, and they gave to the Baby Jesus, Gold, Frankenstein, and myrrh. Out of the mouth of babes A group of wise men from the east (likely Iran and Iraq, using todays geography) were respected scholars, astronomers, scientists, and advisors. They came to worship a king born in the west, and they brought with them gifts fitting for a king: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And thus was born the tradition of giving Christmas gifts. And Christians have been giving gifts ever since. Even many others have joined in the festivities, without necessarily understanding the essential message. Its estimated that last year, Americans spent $920 billion on Christmas gifts. The best month of the year for retail is generally December because of the birth of Christ, whether people knowingly worship Him or not. As Dr. D. James Kennedy, my long-time pastor, once quipped that the merchants should all gather together on December 26th, hold hands, and sing together, What a Friend We Have in Jesus. But, of course, the truly important Christmas gift is not one you can find under the tree or in the stocking. Its the One found in the manger. Jesus is the first real Christmas gift and the most important one. Who was Jesus? We Christians hold that He was divine and human. We believe He was foretold 750 years before His birth by Isaiah the Hebrew prophet: For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. C. S. Lewis, the long-time Oxford and Cambridge scholar, who is often touted as the greatest Christian writer of the 20th century, once remarked on the incarnation the belief that God became a man in Jesus and was born, ultimately so that He might pay for our sins on the cross. Lewisobserved: The central miracle asserted by Christians is the Incarnation ... In the Christian story God descends and reascends. He comes down; down from the heights of absolute being into time and space, down into humanity; further still, if embryologists are right, to recapitulate in the womb ancient and pre-human phases of life; down to the very roots and seabed of Nature He has created. But He goes down to come up again and bring the whole ruined world up with Him. Jesus is the gift that keeps on giving. For example, the late Mother Teresa worked for decades helping the poorest of the poor in India. She said: Today God has sent us into the world as he sent Jesus, to show Gods love to the world. And we must sacrifice to show that love, just as Jesus made the greatest sacrifice of all. Many years ago, the pastor of First Baptist Church of Los Angeles was Dr. James Allen Francis. Back in the 1920s, he wrote a beautiful passage called, One Solitary Life. (Note: Different variations of this short essay have shown up in slightly different variations, often attributed to Anonymous.) Said Francis: He was born in an obscure village, the child of a peasant woman. He grew up in another village, where he worked in a carpenter shop until He was thirty. Then for three years, He was an itinerant preacher. He never wrote a book. He never held an office. He never had a family or owned a home. He didnt go to college. He never visited a big city. He never traveled 200 miles from the place He was born. He did none of the things that usually accompany greatness. He had no credentials but Himself. He was only 33 when the tide of public opinion turned against Him. His friends ran away. One of them denied Him. He was turned over to His enemies and went through the mockery of a trial. He was nailed to a cross between two thieves. While He was dying, His executioners gambled for His garments, the only property He had on earth. When He was dead, He was laid in a borrowed grave through the pity of a friend. [Twenty] centuries have come and gone, and today He is the central figure of the human race. All of the armies that ever marched, all of the navies that ever sailed, all of the parliaments that ever sat, all of the kings that ever reigned, put together, have not affected the life of man on this earth as much as that one solitary life. Jerusalem church leaders appeal for ceasefire in meeting with Israeli president Jerusalem church leaders have met Israeli President Isaac Herzog to appeal for "an immediate and permanent humanitarian ceasefire". They said that their meeting with Herzog was "not a mere exchange of Holiday Season pleasantries" but was held with the purpose of "conveying the global ecclesiastical stance, demanding, on behalf of Christians worldwide, an immediate cessation of the bloodshed in Gaza". They also raised concerns about the plight of civilians and restrictions on movement imposed in the West Bank, "especially those around Bethlehem during the holiday season." A clarification was issued after the meeting earlier this week in which the Jerusalem patriarchs and church heads accused the Israeli media of presenting a "distorted narrative ... leading to a complete misrepresentation of the meeting and its goals". "The Patriarchs and Heads of Churches reiterated that their consistent message since the beginning of the war on Gaza is: an immediate and permanent humanitarian ceasefire, the protection of civilians, and the safeguarding of institutions providing services to them," their statement said. "They emphasized that this stance was at the core of the meeting, and anything discussed outside this framework aims to tarnish the image of the Christians and the Churches, serving political agendas that the churches abstain from engaging in or addressing." The church leaders have repeated their appeals for peace in a joint Christmas message in which they lament the "unimaginable suffering" caused by the war between Israel and Gaza. "We, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem, convey our Christmas greetings to the faithful around the world in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, born here in Bethlehem more than two-thousand years ago," they said. "In extending these greetings, we are well aware that we do so during a time of great calamity in the land of our Lord's birth. For over the past two-and-a-half months, the violence of warfare has led to unimaginable suffering for literally millions in our beloved Holy Land. "Its ongoing horrors have brought misery and inconsolable sorrow to countless families throughout our region, evoking empathetic cries of anguish from all quarters of the earth. For those caught in the midst of such dire circumstances, hope seems distant and beyond reach. "Yet it was into such a world that our Lord himself was born in order to give us hope. Here, we must remember that during the first Christmas, the situation was not far removed from that of today." President Herzog told the church leaders that the atrocities perpetrated by Hamas are "incompatible" with the teachings of Jesus. "Evil forces of the worst kind carried out a barbaric, sadistic attack, killing innocent women, children, old people, young people, people from 40 nationalities, taking hostages, raping, chopping heads, burning people and more," he said. "Nothing of this is compatible with the Gospels, with the writing of the Gospels, with the teaching of Jesus Christ, or the teachings of course of the Jewish faith, and also with moderate Islam. "Our problemall of usis with extreme fundamentalist Islam, which does not accommodate you or us. It's an expression of an empire of evil that emanates from Tehran, which believes in jihadist ideology, which we all have to eradicate. And that is why this war was forced upon us." What was the Census that took Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem? In the Christmas narrative Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem because of a census. This is the story ... The Bethlehem Census History's most famous census is a biblical one and the backdrop to the Christmas story. It's the cause of Joseph going to Bethlehem, taking Mary with him. Only Matthew and Luke record the birth of Jesus, but the details of the census only appear in Luke's account. According to Luke, the Roman Emperor Augustus ordered a general census of the Empire, and people went to their hometowns for it, which was the reason Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem (Luke 2:1-3). This is recalled every Christmas. Modern censuses Most people are familiar with censuses. The United Kingdom has held a census every 10 years since 1801, and the most recent one was on 21 March 2021. The details in recent censuses are used to help government planning, and the details in historic ones are helpful for family history. The earliest census one in England was the Domesday book made in 1086, which was a list of property owners. In the US, censuses have also been held every 10 years since 1790. Today censuses can be completed online, but in the past had to be done in person. Throughout history, censuses have been used for many purposes such as registering oaths of allegiance, listing men available for military service, for property registration, for taxation, or a combination of these. Other biblical censuses The Bethlehem census was not the first census recorded in the Bible. Censuses appear throughout biblical history. The earliest census in the Bible took place many centuries earlier. After Moses had liberated the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, each of the tribes had to pay its share for maintaining sacrifices and worship at the tabernacle, and men had to be ready to fight. Moses and Aaron took a census of the Israelites categorised by clan and family, which listed all the men aged 20 or over, who were fit for military service (Numbers 1:2). Then after 40 years in exile, another census was held to again record all men aged 20 years old or over who were fit for military service. They assembled in the plains of Moab across the River Jordan from Jericho. It was an almost totally new generation of people, because the Bible records that the only names which were on this census and the one from forty years before were Caleb son of Jephunneh, and Joshua. (Numbers 26:64-65) This census was then used to help divide Canaan amongst the 12 tribes of Israel. A book listed all the numbers of men from these censuses, which is why the fourth Book of Moses is also called the "Book of Numbers". Later King Saul held a census of men from Israel and Judah (1 Samuel 11:8). His successor King David gave orders to Joab, the commander of his army to count the people from the tribes of Israel (2 Samuel 24:2) and the whole story is recorded in 2 Samuel 24 and in 1 Chronicles 21. This census took over nine months to complete (2 Samuel 24:9). Subsequently, King Solomon took a census of all the foreigners who were in the land of Israel (2 Chronicles 2:17). In the Old Testament after the return from captivity in Babylon, another census was held of those who returned to Jerusalem and Judea. The results of this census are recorded in Ezra and Nehemiah. What was the census? The Greek word used by Luke for census is and it can be translated in different ways, such as register, enrol, enumerate or inscribe. It has the idea of entering names into a public record, but the purpose is not specified. The Authorized King James Version (KJV) followed William Tyndale's translation in that it had "taxing", but it may or may not have been linked to taxation. The Revised Standard Version (RSV) had "enrolment". The New King James Version (NKJV), the New International Version (NIV) and the New Living Translation (NLT) have "census". The New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) and the English Standard Version (ESV) have "registration". These are all valid translations, but each implies something slightly different. Roman censuses Censuses were held by the ancient Babylonians, Egyptians and Chinese. In the Roman Empire, it is known that many registrations or censuses took place. Censuses were a means of making a roll-call, a declaration for registering property ownership, or registering men for military service. Each province paid taxes according to its headcount. The census which Luke records could have been a property declaration, an oath of allegiance, a listing of men for military service, or a combination. It is known that Augustus registered people who had made oaths of allegiance. The census was important to the Roman system of administration and they were carried out about every five years or so, and provided a register of citizens and their property. The word census comes from the Latin word 'censere' meaning to 'estimate'. Whatever it was that took place, the Roman census was obligatory, and there was no way for the average Joe (or Joseph) to fight it. Who was Caesar Augustus? This census was ordered by Caesar Augustus. He was a real person. His full name was Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus and he was the first Emperor. Before him, it had been the Roman Republic. He ruled the Roman Empire from 63 BC to 14 AD and established the Pax Romana. We know that he ordered a number of censuses during his long reign, because shortly before his death in 14 AD, Emperor Augustus left a personal account of his life and achievements which was engraved on bronze columns set up in Rome. It is known as "Res Gestae Divi Augusti", which in English can be translated as the "Acts of the Divine Augustus", and it gives a first-hand account of some of the things he did, which he wanted recorded for posterity. Within this account, he recalls that he ordered widespread censuses of the city of Rome at least three times in 28 BC, 8 BC, and 14 AD, and that on other occasions people registered an oath of loyalty to him. He died in 14 AD aged 75, and the month of August is named after him. He was succeeded by Tiberius, who was the Roman Emperor during the rest of Jesus's earthly life. What area was registered? The Bible says "it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be registered" (Luke 2:1 NKJV). Many translations such as the King James Version (KJV) and the New King James Version (NKJV) have "all the world". Augustus would have had no jurisdiction nor ability to call a census for areas outside the Roman Empire. The census could not have been "all the world" in a literal sense but it could have been all the Roman world. The New International Version (NIV) actually inserts the word "Roman" here, which is not in the Greek, to make it clear it was the "entire Roman world" (Luke 2:1 NIV). The New Living Translation and the Good News Bible similarly say "throughout the Roman Empire" to interpret what the text means. This is one of those many occasions when the Bible uses hyperbole to refer to the whole world, but to mean the known world or their world at the time. We find this in other places too such as when apparently "The whole world sought audience with Solomon" (1 Kings 10:24 NIV) but then only mentions rulers from the region. Similarly, at Pentecost Luke writes that there were "Jews from every nation under heaven" (Acts 2:5), but then lists only places in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East. Who was Quirinius? Interestingly Luke refers to the census as the first census that took place while "Quirinius was governor of Syria" (Luke 2:2 NIV). It can also be translated as "Quirinius was governing Syria" which is how the New King James Version renders it (Luke 2:2 NKJV). He may or may not have been the official governor, and if not he was governing in some other capacity. The name is spelt as Cyrinius in the Authorized Version (Luke 2:2 KJV), because it is in Greek, but is spelt in its Latin form as Quirinius in all modern translations of the English Bible. Quirinius was a real person. His full name was Publius Sulpicius Quirinius, and he was a Roman official who lived from about 51 BC to 21 AD. He is mentioned by many ancient authors, including Josephus, Suetonius, Pliny the Elder, Strabo, Tacitus and Caesar Augustus himself in his Res Gestae Divi Augusti. Quirinius rose to fame as a military commander, and in 12 BC Quirinius was created consul. During the reign of King Herod, surviving records do not specifically record Quirinius as Governor, nor do they specifically mention a census. Encyclopaedias have a gap in their knowledge of who was Governor from 4 BC to 1 BC, so Quirinius may have been governing then. However, history does record a later census under Quirinius in 6 AD. Some scholars have concluded that Luke muddled his story up and made a mistake, suggesting that he meant this census, which could not have been the one at the time of Jesus. However, a careful reading of Luke shows that he seems to be well aware of two different censuses. Luke calls the Bethlehem census "the first census" while Quirinius was governing Syria (Luke 2:2). The use of the word "first" implies there was more than one, and makes little sense unless there was at least a second census. Luke also wrote the Acts of the Apostles, and in that book, Luke mentions another census when he quotes Gamaliel talking about the insurrection of Judas of Galilee and the Zealots "in the days of the census" (Acts 5:37 NIV). We know about this from the Jewish historian Josephus, who wrote that it took place in "the thirty-seventh year after Caesar's defeat of Antony at Actium" which is about 6 AD. The verse "This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria" (Luke 2:2) can also be translated as "This was registration before Quirinius was governor of Syria", as admitted by footnotes in the English Standard Version (ESV) or as "This census took place before Quirinius was governor of Syria" as admitted by a footnote in the New International Version (NV). So, either Luke is saying this was a census before Quirinius governed, or it was a census when he had governed on a previous occasion. Either is plausible. Tacitus recorded that after Quirinius died in Italy in AD 21, Tiberius requested the Roman senate to call a public funeral for him. Registration According to Luke 2:3, "All went to their own towns to be registered." Roman law instructed property owners to register for taxation in the district where they owned land. It may be that Joseph was registered in Bethlehem and had gone to Nazareth for work. However if he was from Bethlehem with family there, it seems odd that he could not find anywhere to stay. It could simply be that they could not find anywhere to stay, because many people knew him, and people did not want the disgrace of taking in an unmarried mother. How long did they stay? They seem to have stayed in Bethlehem a long time after the census, because Luke recorded that Mary attended the Temple for her purification, which takes place 40 days after birth (Luke 2:22-34). Later Matthew records that wise men visited Jesus when he was child at a house when he may have been about a year old. From Bethlehem they went to Egypt before returning to Nazareth. The Final Census The last and final census in the Bible is the final roll-call into the Book of Life, in which God records the names of those who are saved for Heaven. In the NET Bible translation it is called "the census book of the nations" (Psalm 87:6 NET). Are you not a robot? Click on the button to continue: I am not a bot. Continue... FILE - Bryan Kohberger listens to arguments during a hearing, Oct. 26, 2023, in Moscow, Idaho. Late Friday, Dec. 15, a judge ruled that the grand jury indictment of Kohberger, who is charged with killing four University of Idaho students, was conducted properly and will stand. (Kai Eiselein/New York Post via AP, Pool, File) Kai Eiselein/AP BOISE, Idaho (AP) Prosecutors are seeking a trial date next summer for the man accused of killing four University of Idaho students last year. The Latah County Prosecuting Attorneys Office has asked a judge to schedule a jury trial for the summer of 2024 with dates that avoid times when the Moscow High School and area universities are in session, the Idaho Statesman reported. The high school "is directly adjacent to the courthouse premises and already the significantly increased amount of media and other vehicles related to this case has strained available parking as well as safety and convenience for pedestrians, including students, the filing, signed by senior deputy prosecutor Ashley Jennings, states. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Bryan Kohberger is charged with four counts of murder in connection with the stabbing deaths of Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves at a rental home near the university campus in Moscow, Idaho, last year. His defense attorneys had sought to throw out the indictment against Kohberger but a judge recently rejected their arguments. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! 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Two with beautiful portrait drawings done by nephew David, were carried by sister Liz all the way from NS in 2009. The broken handle was courtesy of AirCanada baggage handler, but makes the mug unique. The 2nd picture is an odd collection: The black one is a limited edition bought from the world's first Starbucks in Seattle, we got it for its shape and I use it everyday for coffee. The orange one with the image of Westminster Abbey was bought in London UK when we were there in 2002, good memory. Big mountain mug was brought in by my son and a souvenir from his 2013 2 day/night climbing trip to the peak of Mt Whitney (14500 ft elevation, highest in CA Sierra Nevada mountain range). The small white one was a "thank you for donation" mug from TVOntario some 18 years ago, there were a pair of them, but only one survived the time. The 3rd picture is of past work related to all 3 of us. The white ones were from training classes back in good Nortel time, the mugs are still here, but the company and its products are legacy now, as many others in the high tech industry. I got lots of Cisco mugs from my 10 years venture there, but the most Cisco handouts then were colorful t-shirts, with one for each milestone and every occasion, so much so that some kids assumed Cisco was a company specialized in producing cool t-shirts. LOL. Mugs mugs, only if you could talk ...... =============================================== , 2011 2009 2002 2013 2 / 14500 18 10 T T Iranian protestors set fire to the American and Israeli flags as they take part in a protest in support of Palestinians in Gaza at the Enqelab-e-Eslami (Islamic Revolution) Square on October 18, 2023 in Tehran, Iran. An Iranian Revolutionary Guards commander said the Mediterranean Sea could be closed if the United States and its allies continued to commit "crimes" in Gaza, Iranian media reported on Saturday, without explaining how that would happen. Iran backs Hamas against Israel and it accuses the United States of backing what it calls Israeli crimes in Gaza, where weeks of bombardment have killed thousands of people and driven most of the population from their homes. "They shall soon await the closure of the Mediterranean Sea, (the Strait of) Gibraltar and other waterways," Tasnim quoted Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Naqdi, coordinating commander of the Guards, as saying. Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi group has over the past month attacked merchant vessels sailing through the Red Sea in retaliation for Israel's assault on Gaza, leading some shipping companies to switch routes. The White House on Friday said Iran was "deeply involved" in planning operations against commercial vessels in the Red Sea. Iran has no direct access to the Mediterranean itself and it was not clear how the Guards could attempt to close it off, although Naqdi talked of "the birth of new powers of resistance and the closure of other waterways." "Yesterday, the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz became a nightmare for them, and today they are trapped ... in the Red Sea," Naqdi was quoted as saying. The only groups backed by Iran on the Mediterranean are Lebanon's Hezbollah and allied militia in Syria, at the far end of the sea from Gibraltar. Here's our Club Mailbag email investingclubmailbag@cnbc.com so you send your questions directly to Jim Cramer and his team of analysts. We can't offer personal investing advice. We will only consider more general questions about the investment process or stocks in the portfolio or related industries. This week's question: Can you discuss how to weigh sectors to be diversified without technology dominating? My portfolio includes AAPL and MSFT. By adding cybersecurity, PANW, and semiconductors, AVGO, can these be counted as different sectors than technology as their importance grows? And, in a portfolio of 10-15 stocks, how many of Magnificent Seven can be added while being diversified? Thank you, Cathryn, San Francisco We certainly understand and agree it's becoming increasingly difficult to maintain a diversified portfolio that's not dominated by technology stocks. Perhaps, the issue is that we need to think about tech differently, not simply based on the way the S & P 500 index's sectors break down. The current 11 sectors of the S & P 500 puts Information Technology at No. 1 with a 29.1% weighting . The six Club stocks in the sector are Nvidia , Apple, Broadcom , Microsoft, Palo Alto Networks , and Salesforce . There are also what many investors would think of as tech companies in S & P 500 Communication Services , at an 8.6% weighting. It was created in a 2018 reshuffling to reflect an evolving tech and consumer landscape. For us, the stocks in the sector are Alphabet and Meta Platforms . Amazon , which also screams tech, is in Consumer Discretionary , a sector that accounts for 10.7% of the S & P 500. Following the S & P 500 sector weightings might help in the short term if/when the market indiscriminately rotates out of one sector in favor of another. But we don't think that's the best way to approach the market over the long term trying to nail the rotation game consistently over many years. Keep in mind, that sector designations can change. Before 2018, Meta and Alphabet were once designated as technology stocks. But if you owned them then, you didn't suddenly become more diversified when the classifications changed overnight. It's better to focus on fundamentals regardless of sector given that on a longer time horizon stocks tend to follow fundamentals. After all, we would say Meta, Alphabet and Amazon are as much tech companies as Apple or Microsoft, with all three considered leaders in artificial intelligence. While Amazon may generate more sales from e-commerce, the profits and growth come from its AWS cloud division. We've also argued that in some respects, in terms of the stock's valuation, Apple should be thought of as a consumer products company rather than simply a technology company despite it having best-in-class technology in both hardware and software. In this day and age, every company needs to be a technology company in some way. They don't necessarily need to sell tech products and/or services but if they aren't figuring out how to leverage technology to increase efficiencies, then they will be disrupted. That's one reason we like and own Honeywell and Eaton . Both are technically in the S & P 500 Industrials sector. However, we are invested in them because of their technological prowess, be it digitization, electrification, or the ability to help customers automate. These are industrial technology companies, not the industrial companies of old. If you start to think about the companies more in terms of end markets and cyclicality, and the correlations to one another, and less so in terms of a sector designation, we think it's easier to think about diversification without concerning yourself too much with the sector weightings of your portfolio. Different end markets mean different business cycles. For example, while there are some concerns about consumer spending power in 2024, there is also an expectation that enterprise IT budgets are set to rebound and with them cloud growth rates. At the same time, AI semiconductor stocks have been red hot for a while now. However, the more traditional legacy semiconductor names have been under pressure and are only now expected to start coming off the bottom of the cycle. So, using some of the examples provided in the question: Yes, Microsoft and Apple are both considered Information Technology companies. However, Microsoft is more leveraged to the enterprise and cloud computing dynamics, thanks to Azure, which is the primary driver of the stock. On the other hand, Apple's bread and butter is the consumer as the bulk of sales and earnings are tied to iPhone sales and the associated services that can be sold to those users. Or, consider Meta and Alphabet, both are AI leaders and generate the bulk of sales from advertising. The tech they implement to target ads is best-in-class, but they aren't considered technology. At the same time, they're not considered Consumer Discretionary companies either, even if their revenue fluctuates based on ad buyer appetites that result from consumer buying power. While a Consumer Discretionary company, Amazon, is so much more than just e-commerce and cloud. It's into online advertising and video streaming as well. Amazon's e-commerce has certainly proven a swing factor for the stock and earnings, with management working to revamp its cost structure and increase logistics efficiency. The bulk of growth comes from its Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud division. Over the past year, the stock has traded much more closely with Microsoft than other top-weighted names in Consumer Discretionary aside from Tesla, which has been grouped in as a Magnificent Seven stock and tends to have a trading profile all its own. After reporting earnings, Amazon shares sold off on the print only to about-face when management highlighted strong cloud deals coming through shortly after the reported period ended. So, it was prospects in the cloud, not e-commerce that investors were latching on to. As for the Magnificent Seven part of the question, we think the group is pretty diverse except for Meta and Alphabet, which both rely heavily on advertising spending and their ability to target those ads. As a result, we think a 10 to 15 stock portfolio can still prove diverse even with the majority of the Magnificent Seven present, though it may be a good idea to consider the weighting of each stock in the context of how it relates to the others. In other words, if you want to own both Meta and Alphabet, consider the combined weighting of those names, realizing that they are going to be more correlated as both will move based on advertising dynamics. But even here, there are different factors to consider, for example, Meta's active user metrics matter and with Alphabet, it's about Google Search market share and its ability to compete with Microsoft in generative AI. Bottom line We do think you would be right to think about companies and stocks beyond simply their sector classification as that alone will not ensure diversification. Instead, we reiterate, think more about customers, end markets, business cycles, geopolitical influences, outcomes, regulations, valuations, pretty much everything other than stale sector designations. That's a big reason as to why, though we preach the importance of a diversified portfolio, we tend not to overly concern ourselves with the technical sector weighting of our portfolio. At best, it offers a little value and at worst we think it could be misleading by indicating to members that sector weighting is how you determine diversification. (See here for a full list of the stocks in Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust.) As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio. If Jim has talked about a stock on CNBC TV, he waits 72 hours after issuing the trade alert before executing the trade. THE ABOVE INVESTING CLUB INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY , TOGETHER WITH OUR DISCLAIMER . NO FIDUCIARY OBLIGATION OR DUTY EXISTS, OR IS CREATED, BY VIRTUE OF YOUR RECEIPT OF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INVESTING CLUB. NO SPECIFIC OUTCOME OR PROFIT IS GUARANTEED. Here's our Club Mailbag email investingclubmailbag@cnbc.com so you send your questions directly to Jim Cramer and his team of analysts. We can't offer personal investing advice. We will only consider more general questions about the investment process or stocks in the portfolio or related industries. This week's question: Can you discuss how to weigh sectors to be diversified without technology dominating? My portfolio includes AAPL and MSFT. By adding cybersecurity, PANW, and semiconductors, AVGO, can these be counted as different sectors than technology as their importance grows? And, in a portfolio of 10-15 stocks, how many of Magnificent Seven can be added while being diversified? Thank you, Cathryn, San Francisco As the Senate wrapped up its work for the year, Sen. Michael Bennet took to the floor of the nearly empty chamber and made a late-night plea for Congress to redouble support for Ukraine: "Understand the stakes at this moment." It was the third time in recent months the Colorado Democrat has kept the Senate working late by holding up unrelated legislation in a bid to cajole lawmakers to approve tens of billions of dollars in weaponry and economic aid for Ukraine. During a nearly hour-long, emotional speech, he called on senators to see the nearly 2-year-old conflict as a defining clash of authoritarianism against democracy and implored them to consider what it means "to be fighting on that freezing front line and not know whether we're going to come through with the ammunition." Yet Congress broke for the holidays and is not expected to return for two weeks while continued aid for Ukraine has nearly been exhausted. The Biden administration is planning to send one more aid package before the new year, but says it will be the last unless Congress approves more money. With support slipping in Congress even as conflicts and unrest rattle global security, the United States is once again struggling to assert its role in the world. Under the influence of Donald Trump, the former president who is now the Republican Party front-runner, GOP lawmakers have increasingly taken a skeptical stance toward U.S. involvement abroad, particularly when it comes to aid to Ukraine. Leaders of traditional allies Britain and France have implored Western nations to continue their robust support, but Russia's President Vladimir Putin is emboldened and building up resources for a fresh effort as the war heads towards its third year. Ukraine's lifelines to the West are also imperiled in the European Union, which sent 1.5 billion euros ($1.6 billion) each month to ensure macroeconomic stability, pay wages and pensions, keep hospitals and schools running, provide shelter for displaced people and rebuild infrastructure destroyed in the war. That package has now expired and the EU's executive branch failed to produce another one for the new year when Hungary vetoed a 50 billion euro ($55 billion) package this month. Bolstering Ukraine's defense used to be celebrated in the U.S. Capitol as one of a few remaining bipartisan causes. But now the fate of roughly $61 billion in funding is tied to delicate policy negotiations on Capitol Hill over border and immigration changes. And in the last year, lawmakers have had to mount painstaking, round-the-clock efforts to pass even legislation that maintains basic functions of the U.S. government. Bills with ambitious changes have been almost completely out of reach for the closely divided Congress. Still, congressional leaders are trying to rally members to address global challenges they say are among the most difficult in decades: the largest land invasion of a European nation since World War II, a war between Israel and Hamas, unrest and economic calamity driving historic levels of migration and China asserting itself as a superpower. In the Senate, both Democratic and Republican leaders have cast the $110 billion aid package, which is attempting to address all those issues, as a potential turning point for democracy around the world. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer told reporters last week that "history will look back if we don't support our ally in Ukraine." "We're living in a time when there are all kinds of forces that are tearing at democracy, at here and abroad," Bennet said. In a year-end speech, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said: "From South Texas to Southeast Asia and from the Black Sea to the Red Sea, it is an historically challenging and consequential time to protect America's interests, our allies and our own people." The Republican leader, a key supporter of Ukraine aid, has tried for months to build support in his party for Ukraine. But after a $6 billion military and civilian aid package for Ukraine collapsed in October, McConnell began telling top White House officials that any funding would need to be paired with border policy changes. The White House deliberately stayed out of the negotiations until senior officials felt the time was right to do so. But senior Republicans involved in the border talks believe the administration stepped in too late, ultimately delaying the prospects of additional Ukraine aid getting approved until the new year. Senate negotiators have had to navigate both the explosive politics of border policy as well as one of the most complex areas of American law. "This is a tightrope, but we are still on it," said Sen. Chris Murphy, the lead Democratic negotiator. At one point during the negotiations, McConnell felt compelled to stress the urgency to administration officials and impose a deadline to reach a border deal in time for the agreement to be drafted into legislative provisions before the end of the year. With the negotiations still plodding along, McConnell called White House chief of staff Jeff Zients on Dec. 7 and said a deal must be reached within five days a message that the Kentucky Republican emphasized to President Joe Biden himself when the two men spoke later that day, according to a person familiar with the discussions. It wouldn't be until five days later, on Dec. 12, that Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and senior White House aides came to the Capitol to participate directly in the negotiations. A White House official said the administration got involved when it did because it felt the talks had moved beyond the realm of unacceptable or unattainable measures and to a more productive phase. A second White House official stressed that previous legislative negotiations, such as the bipartisan infrastructure law that is now more than two years old, started similarly, with Republican and Democratic senators talking on their own and the administration stepping in once it felt the talks were ready for White House involvement. Still, "it would be nice to have had them earlier," Oklahoma Sen. James Lankford, the chief GOP negotiator, said last week. "We would have a lot more progress, and we would have had potential to be able to get this done by this week if they would have gotten earlier," Lankford said. The two White House officials and the person familiar with McConnell's phone call to Biden all spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the private and ongoing negotiations. The White House's strategy of including Republican priorities such as Israel aid and border security in the package has also raised several thorny issues for Democrats. Progressive lawmakers, critical of Israel's campaign into Gaza that has killed thousands of civilians, have called for humanitarian conditions to be placed on the money for Israel. And Latino Democrats in both the Senate and House have also been critical of restrictions on asylum claims. Any package also faces deep uncertainty in the House, where Republican Speaker Mike Johnson holds tenuous control of the closely divided chamber. Before becoming speaker in October, Johnson had repeatedly voted against aid for Ukraine, but he has surprised many by offering support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and saying he wants to find a way to approve the aid. But Trump's allies in the House have repeatedly tried to stop the U.S. from sending more aid to Ukraine. And Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a close ally to the former president, said it was a mistake for Republicans even to insist on border policy changes because it could "give the Biden administration some kind of policy wins out on the campaign trail." As the border and immigration talks drag forward in the Senate, Johnson has weighed in from afar to push for sweeping measures. On social media, he has called for "transformational change to secure the border," and pointed to a hardline bill that passed the House on a party-line vote. As senators left Washington, they still sought to assure Ukrainians that American help was on its way. White House staff and Senate negotiations planned to work on drafting border legislation for the next two weeks in hopes that it would be ready for action when Congress returns. Schumer told The Associated Press he was "hopeful," but "I wouldn't go so far as to say confident yet." He sought to put the pressure on Republicans, saying they needed to be ready to compromise. Yet Sen. Roger Wicker, a Mississippi Republican who is a Ukraine supporter, expressed confidence that Congress would act. He alluded to the words of former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, another European leader who eventually elicited robust support from the U.S. to repel an invasion. "Americans will always do the right thing," Wicker said. "After they've exhausted every other alternative." CORRECTION: This article has been updated to show that Republican Sen. Roger Wicker represents Mississippi, not Alabama. China's new car market is now 40% electric and hybrid, industry data show. That contrasts with a mere 7.2% across the United States, JL Warren Capital's Junheng Li said in a note, adding that penetration is only expected to tick up to 12.5% in the next two years. Ford and GM are pulling back on their electric car plans. New Treasury rules that take effect Jan. 1 also make many U.S. EVs ineligible for federal tax credits because the cars still rely on China-made batteries. In China, where Beijing clearly wants to support its electric car industry, the market is not only expected to grow but also get more competitive for incumbents and newcomers. More than 100 new EV models are expected to launch next year, HSBC China autos analysts said in a Dec. 20 report. "Among EVs, we prefer BYD and Li Auto for their continuously strong monthly sales volumes and better-than-peers' profitability," the analysts said. HSBC has buy ratings on both stocks. Earlier this month, the analysts raised their price target for U.S.-listed Li Auto to $56. That's nearly 70% above where shares closed Thursday. Li Auto sells premium-priced cars that come with a fuel tank to charge the battery, a big draw for range-conscious consumers. The startup's deliveries have soared well above its peers and beyond its own expectations to more than 40,000 cars a month. Among 13 major automakers in China, the only company besides Li Auto on track to beat its 2023 sales target is Tesla, JL Warren's Li said. Li Auto shares hit a record high in August but have since pared gains. "The market's reaction is largely due to heightened concerns over rising marginal discounts and competitive pressure, especially with peers' new model launches like AITO M7/M9," HSBC analysts said in a Dec. 13 note. "However, we believe these impacts have been largely priced in." "We expect Li Auto's growth to be sustained in the coming 12 months, supported by a strong product cycle," the report said. Li Auto plans to begin delivering its first battery-only model in February, and aims to launch three more in the second half of 2024. Expected government support on the consumption front also makes so-called new energy vehicles a relatively preferred sector for the year ahead, said Ding Wenjie, investment strategist for global capital investment at China Asset Management Co. Chinese automakers, including Li Auto, are going beyond just electric to tech such as driver-assist to make their products stand out. Huawei on Tuesday is set to reveal details about its latest Aito car, the M9. Aito is a new energy vehicle brand co-developed by Huawei, which provides the tech while another company, Seres, makes the vehicles. It's a business model Huawei is pursuing with at least four automakers in China. "With over 10 Huawei-backed EVs being launched in 2024 and its full-stack ADS solution sparking customers' fresh interest in smart driving, Huawei is well-positioned to accelerate the development of China's smart car ecosystem," Jefferies analysts said in their 2024 Autos outlook, published earlier this month. "We prefer Chang'an Auto and Foryou Corp across the Huawei value chain," the report said. Foryou is an auto parts company, while Changan Automobile is a state-owned manufacturer of cars. Changan announced a joint venture with Huawei in November, in addition to an existing business partnership with the telecommunications giant. "Given Huawei's technological leadership, we believe Changan would benefit from this collaboration in the longer term," HSBC analysts said in a report on the automaker Dec. 13. For now, Changan's electric car brands are seeing sales grow, but not enough to shake HSBC from its hold rating and 18.50 yuan price target. Changan's Shenzhen-listed shares closed at 17.07 yuan on Thursday. CNBC's Michael Bloom contributed to this report. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu chairs a Cabinet meeting at the Kirya, which houses the Israeli Ministry of Defence, in Tel Aviv, Israel on December 17, 2023. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed on Sunday to fight deeper into Gaza after his troops endured one of the worst days of losses of their ground war, while militant group Islamic Jihad joined talks in Cairo, a sign diplomacy was still alive. The arrival of a delegation in Cairo headed by Islamic Jihad's exiled leader Ziad al-Nakhlala followed talks attended by Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in recent days. Islamic Jihad, while smaller than Hamas, is also holding hostages in Gaza. The militant groups have so far said they will not discuss any release of hostages unless Israel ends its war in Gaza, while the Israelis say they are willing to discuss only a temporary pause in fighting. But neither side has publicly walked away from talks that Washington last week described as "very serious," even as fighting has intensified throughout the Gaza Strip since a truce collapsed at the start of December. The Cairo talks would center on "ways to end the Israeli aggression on our people", said an Islamic Jihad official. The delegation will reaffirm the group's position that any exchange of hostages will have to secure the release of all Palestinians jailed in Israel, "after a ceasefire is achieved", the official said. Hamas and Islamic Jihad, both sworn to Israel's destruction, are still believed to be holding more than 100 hostages from among 240 they captured during their Oct. 7 rampage through Israeli towns, when they killed 1,200 people. Since then, Israel has besieged the Gaza Strip and laid much of it to waste, with more than 20,400 people confirmed killed, according to Gaza authorities, and thousands more believed dead under the rubble. The vast majority of the 2.3 million Gazans have been driven from their homes and the United Nations says conditions are catastrophic. After a week-long truce collapsed at the start of the month, fighting has only intensified on the ground, with war spreading from the north of the Gaza Strip to the full length of the enclave. PK Rough Journey of Cancer Cells Ultimately Growing into a Cancer Mass Part I: Internal Hurdles [This article is a laymans version of the story for an important scientific issue. If the use of analogy somehow contradicts with the latest theory, please give me your comments, we can discuss it in detail. ] When we mention a cancer cell, it is indeed a terrible thing. This guy is a real culprit, that contributes to one of the annual lethal killers and tops the list of the few among them. This time, however, I am taking the cancer cells stand, to present the rough journey, in a view of an easy-to-understand language, as how the cancer cell ultimately grows into a cancer mass. In the journey, the domestic or internal challenges inside the cell and the foreign threats outside of the cell come into play one after another to halter the processes. Here I would strive for the topic written in a series. This is the first article [Part I: Internal Hurdles], mainly from the cell's own genetic background or makeup, to begin with my series of the topic. As we know, a bunch of the cancer cells are produced, and then cleared at approximately the same time, so that a cohort of army, or majority of the so-called incipient cancer cells are in play with the consequence of failure. However, being in parallel with the threats, cancer cells with somewhat of a devilish mindset, are also learning how to avoid being cleared of doom. Lets start from the normal data from our human body. We, the human body, have approximately 10 trillion adult cells. There are roughly 250-300 million cells per gram or cubic centimeter of either liver tissue or renal one. Every cell accommodates haploid genomic DNA bases (A, T, C, G) to as many as 3.2 billion more. It is said that with the number of 3.2 billion letters, which would be more than enough to draft equivalent to 1000 of different copies of the book of [the War and Peace]. Here we will not marvel at the mystery of the organism in that respect. To begin with our story, it is necessary to clarify some of the basic concepts. Cancer cell(s) could be a single cancer cell in existence, or just a few in numbers, in which its/their malignant potency is/are not very high. They could also be the cells inside the cancer mass, in which the degree of malignance reaches to the maximum level. Cancer is a condition in which cancer cells grow to a certain degree. The bodys own defense mechanism can no longer control and confine its malignant growth, which then is called cancer. Ten trillion normal adult somatic cells are from a single fertilized egg. It is amazing how accurate the copies of 10 trillion cells in a human body without apparent mistakes are made, so that we, normal human beings, could lead a basic healthy life. On the other hand, however, it is also impossible for all the 10 trillion cells to be without any problem at all. Although there is very low probability for the cells to become abnormal, here we would discuss it in this respect to proceed to our topic. Let us assume that we have an abnormal rate of 1 in 100 million cells. Although the abnormal rate is unimaginably low, there should be approximately 100 thousand number of the problematic cells available. Under normal circumstances, there are a set of internal risk-proof devices in the cells. They can also be called the self-destructive devices, curses, mechanisms, or an analogy to that of the lock-up or shackles in figurative expression, to either destroy or confine the problematic cells. Some cells deviate from normal path of growth, or simply they are not going to be in use, they are doomed towards the journey to hell. And some of them will be quarantined until they wear away to die if they are not applicable to be completely destroyed right away. So these few amount of abnormal cells are continuously produced, killed or imprisoned for their reasonable destiny, and thus, our normal body could function as a whole temporarily in good standing. Our body tissues and organs are constantly in a dynamic process. Some cells will die and others more regenerate. Under normal conditions, cells generally do not grow and divide until the growth signal is applied. That means that the growth factor engages on the cell to make the cell to grow. An analogy to understand this is the way you drive your car. When one foots the gas pedal, the car starts to move. Normally, it would be important to coordinate brake and gas pedal for the speed control, in order to go fast and slow to avoid obstacles, and, alternatively, when in need of a turn. It is true that inside the cell there is also an equivalent of a brake device. It is called a growth inhibitory factor, which is responsible for timely cell adjustment of speed to make the cell to grow, neither fast nor slow, but just in perfect control. As it is known, all the activities of cells are controlled by the genes. If some cells genetically acquire some altered changes or even mutation related to excessive growth signaling above the normal level, then the equivalent of the throttle is intensified. In addition, while the growth inhibitory factors are not timely matched up, as that of brake device is thus not effective. Or alternatively, the growth factor signaling is not escalating, and brake device is malfunctioning, therefore the car goes all the way to accelerate. The cell acquired this kind of capability(ies) or trait(s) is called the primary tumor or incipient cancer cell. These are the first 2 genetic changes in the cell for its abnormality, although it is not necessary to happen in parallel simultaneously. Here to put it in highlighted bold form as a take-home message GROWTH SIGHNALING increase/ GROWTH SUPPRESSOR decrease. At this point, no real threat could be clued, because these cells have not yet liberated from all the other applied curses and shackles. If their strange behaviors reach a certain unbearable level, they are doomed to be either escorted to the growth arrest, or to be served for the countdown start of the self-destructive mechanism for clearance. But ah, cancer cells are the ones of little devils. They do not care about the coordination with the body tissue assigned activities. They are trying with every effort to gain in their ground in competing the body with time and numbers. The die-hard revolutionary martyrs, cancer cells die in a heroic course, but as long as they leave their fire seed available or some newly recruits join their course. They continue to make their great effort to work out a way or ways to take off the rest of the curses and/or shackles towards a liberation. APOPTOSIS is a mechanism that all normal cells possess, which is a noble and great trait for an individual cell. This mechanism involves in a set of genes, which are orderly controlled for the process. While the cells are damaged or somehow something like that to critical extent, they find themselves either unable to fulfill their normal functions, either superfluous or harmful to their environment. For the sake of the body as a whole, the cells will bring this mechanism into practice and transform themselves into a so-called self-destructive program on their own for disposal. In this process, they will even be noble enough to set aside their left-over machineries to put their residuals in a disposal bag so that no pollution to the environment will be dispersed. The machinery of cell apoptosis is controlled by a set of genes, probably a dozen, dozens, or maybe even hundreds of different components, which come into a coordinated play to meet the purpose. One or two of the critical genes in a series become mutated or somehow lose functionality, then the whole of the mechanism will be knocked out. In doing so, these devilish cancer cells thus win a big unshackling victory, at least they themselves are smarter than others, even if they know they are useless to the body, they could now choose not to face themselves to the miserable fate into the grave for Dutch act, or suicide, so that they could survive and continue to grow to practice their own individual living journey. Next effort would, in turn, be made in dealing with another curse, the aging of the cells, SENESCENCE. Derailment of this program is in demand for the cancer cells to proceed freely to their course. Normally the body cells can split about 50 times. In order to tally how many times each cell divides, in each division cycle the cell itself will cut a small piece of fragment of chromosome ends. Although the gene or protein coding region rarely sit at end of the chromosome, but its length is of vital importance to the cell to be in either younger or elder status. The more cell division the cell makes, the shorter terminal chromosome ends will become. When the terminal chromosome end is chopped to some critical length, cells are no longer dividable, and thus the aging or senescence of the cell applied. It is a trait to prevent a cell from an unlimited split. Here is a problem. If this mechanism of cell aging or senescence is universally applied to all body cells without exception, our offspring cells will be served fewer cell division cycles as compared with that of the parent, and then all the species will ultimately be extinct from existence after a few generations. Thank God, for us, the body is equipped with a reset machinery for use only in the germinal cell or maybe stem cell. It is amazing that this mechanism will reset our germinal cell to a time start at point 0 line. So, for our human beings and animals, the offspring can live a similar life expectancy as the parents do. This mechanism is used very rarely, normally only in germinal cell, to rebuild or refill the chromosome end to the God assigned length or original ones, so that to make the germinal cell with a new start from the very beginning. But somehow, with the loss of gene functions in some cancer cells, they coordinate their whole genome activities in harmony into some degree of a little confusing so that a time of chaos is felt by them. By some kind of weird command, they recall this rare mechanism to render the cancer cell to this reset mechanism into play again. And now, this cancer cells become the super ones, which have already accumulated more than 3 important genetic changes mentioned above. At this point the so-called cancer cells can be said to be mature, full bloom cancer cells. Technically it is said that these cells acquire the characteristic of REPLICATIVE IMMORTALITY, they are no longer limited by the number of cell division and could theoretically replicate forever. The last two traits, or mechanisms, that the cancer cells are in need of expedited acquisition, are the ones that are nutritional supply related, i.e. ANGIOGENESIS and INVASION and METASTASIS. When the cells simultaneously or alternatively obtain these two traits, cancer cells will reach the level of top malignancy. Cancer cells start to grow from a very small amount into an explicit size of solid tumor, maybe not more than 2 mm in size. It will be shown that some degree of shortage of local supplies is applied just only by the diffusion of nutrients and oxygen from peripheral or adjacent blood vessels to support the consumption of the need in central part of the tumor mass. Like the construction of a new metropolis, both inside and outside of the city, a new road network for the logistical communication has to be constructed. Angiogenesis factor up -regulated following some genetic changes promotes blood vessels to sprout into the tumor mass, and to leave the mass with no corner or shaded area for necessary logistical exchanges. It likes that the road-building-up to access to any part of the building or here solid tumors, is applied, so that every single cell in the solid tumor has no worry about shortage of water, electricity, food, and essential materials, otherwise the cell would stop growing when there would be a shortage of nutritional supply. Cancer cells at this stage would witness another big victory to have their durable colony! In order for more colonies, the final trait the cancer cell is in need to acquire is migration and invasion, the technical term as metastasis. Initially, cancer cells are in a local growth and they get familiar with the local situation and adopt to it. Generally, it is not easy for them to migrate to another unfamiliar place to settle down. Once they get a new set of genetic alterations, which, in turn, make them easy to settle down into the new land. As soon as they settle down in the new land they are going to grab more revenues and resources for their malignant growth, like the ISIS in the real world. Cancer cells at this stage like a successful devilish war lord now. They are now witnessing their final win with a big smile! If cancer cells develop to this stage, the human body has to admit that it basically has no good way to deal with this devilish war lord anymore. Unless some lethal genetic alteration occurs in all those cancer cells, death of the human body would be most likely the final outcome. Of course, if the cancer cells were successful, they would just enjoy their successful endeavor for a short period of time. While they destroyed their environment, they finally had to be some heroic martyrdoms too for what they have done. However, before the cancer cells proceed to their final destiny, they are not even going to consider this doomed fate. They are wayward to enjoy completing their individual life process of fun. To this end, we will see how the cancer cell grows into a cancer mass. It is, as a matter of the fact indeed, not an easy thing! We take a break to our story here. To be continued! In the 1980s, Fu Xiangdong was a young Chinese virology student who came to the United States to study biochemistry. More than three decades later, he had a prestigious professorship in California and was conducting promising research on Parkinson's disease. But now Fu is doing his research at a Chinese university. His American career was derailed as U.S.-China relations unraveled, putting his collaborations with a Chinese university under scrutiny. He ended up resigning. Fu's story mirrors the rise and fall of U.S.-China academic engagement. Beginning in 1978, such cooperation expanded for decades, largely insulated from the fluctuations in relations between the two countries. Today, it's in decline, with Washington viewing Beijing as a strategic rival and there are growing fears about Chinese spying. The number of Chinese students in the United States is down, and U.S.-Chinese research collaboration is shrinking. Academics are shying away from potential China projects over fears that seemingly minor missteps could end their careers. This decline isn't hurting just students and researchers. Analysts say it will undercut American competitiveness and weaken global efforts to address health issues. Previous collaborations have led to significant advances, including in influenza surveillance and vaccine development. "That's been really harmful to U.S. science," said Deborah Seligsohn, a former U.S. diplomat in Beijing and now a political scientist at Villanova University. "We are producing less science because of this falloff." For some, given the heightened U.S.-China tensions, the prospect for scientific advances needs to take a back seat to security concerns. In their view, such cooperation aids China by giving it access to sensitive commercial, defense and technological information. They also fear the Chinese government is using its presence in American universities to monitor and harass dissidents. Those concerns were at the core of the China Initiative, a program begun in 2018 by the Justice Department under the Trump administration to uncover acts of economic espionage. While it failed to catch any spies, the effort did have an impact on researchers in American schools. Under the initiative, Gang Chen, a professor of mechanical engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, was charged in 2021 with hiding links with the Chinese government. Prosecutors eventually dropped all charges, but Chen lost his research group. He said his family went through a hard time and has yet to recover. Chen said investigations and wrongful prosecutions like his "are pushing out talents." "That's going to hurt U.S. scientific enterprise, hurt U.S. competitiveness," he said. The Biden administration ended the China Initiative in 2022, but there are other efforts targeting scholars with Chinese connections. In Florida, a state law aimed at curbing influences from foreign countries has raised concerns that students from China could effectively be banned from labs at the state's public universities. This month, a group of Republican senators expressed concerns about Beijing's influence on American campuses through student groups and urged the Justice Department to determine whether such groups should be registered as foreign agents. Miles Yu, director of the China Center at Hudson Institute, said Beijing has exploited U.S. higher education and research institutes to modernize its economy and military. "For some time, out of cultural, self-interest reasons, many people have double loyalty, erroneously thinking it's OK to serve the interests of both the U.S. and China," Yu said. The U.S.-China Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement the first major pact between the two countries, signed in 1979 was set to lapse this year. In August, Congress extended the agreement by six months, but its future also hangs in the balance. If there is a new agreement, it should take into account new advances in science and technology, Nicholas Burns, the U.S. ambassador to China, said recently. There were only 700 American students studying in China, Burns said, compared with nearly 300,000 Chinese students in the U.S., which is down from a peak of about 372,000 in 2019-2020. By October, nearly all Confucius Institutes, a Beijing-backed Chinese language and culture program, had closed on American university campuses. Their number fell from about 100 in 2019 to fewer than five now, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office. The National Institute of Health in 2018 began an investigation into foreign ties by asking dozens of American institutions to look into whether their faculty members might have violated policies regarding use of federal money, usually in cases involving partnerships with Chinese institutions. In the case of Fu, then a professor at the University of California, San Diego, his links with Wuhan University were the focus of the NIH investigation. Fu insisted that federal money was never used toward work there, according to the local news outlet La Jolla Light, but the university ruled against him. In a China Initiative case, Charles Lieber, a former chair of chemistry and chemical biology at Harvard University, was found guilty in December 2021 of lying to the federal government about his affiliations with a Chinese university and a Chinese government talent-recruitment program. Chen, the MIT professor, said once-encouraged collaborations suddenly became problematic. Disclosure rules had been unclear, and in many cases such collaborations had been commended, he said. "Very few people in the general public understand that most U.S. universities, including MIT, don't take on any secret research projects on campus," Chen said. "We aim to publish our research findings." The investigations have had negative effects on university campuses. "People are so fearful that, if you check the wrong box, you could be accused of lying to the government," Chen said. In June, an academic study published in the peer-reviewed Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences journal said the China Initiative likely has caused widespread fear and anxiety among scientists of Chinese descent. The study, which surveyed 1,304 scientists of Chinese descent employed by American universities, showed many considered leaving the U.S. or no longer applying for federal grants, the researchers wrote. An analysis of research papers in the PubMed database showed that, as of 2021, U.S. scientists still co-wrote more papers with scientists from China than from any other country, but those with a history of collaborating with China experienced a decline in research productivity after 2019, soon after the NIH investigation started. The study, to be published in the PNAS journal by the year's end, found the impact of U.S.-based scholars in collaboration with China, as measured by citations, fell by 10%. "It has a chilling effect on science" said Ruixue Jia, the study's leading researcher, of the NIH investigation. "While researchers tried to finish existing cooperative projects, they were unwilling to start new ones, and the results could become worse. Both countries have been hurt." Three months after Fu resigned from the California school, his name appeared on the website of Westlake University, a private research university in the Chinese city of Hangzhou. At Westlake, Fu leads a lab to tackle issues in RNA biology and regenerative medicine. In August, Fu was joined by Guan Kunliang, a fellow scientist in San Diego, who also was investigated. Guan was banned from applying for NIH grants for two years. Guan didn't lose his job, but his lab had shrunk. Now, he's rebuilding a molecular cell biology lab at Westlake. Li Chenjian, a former vice provost of Peking University, said the talent loss to China is a complicated question and the worry might be overblown because the U.S. remains the go-to place for the world's best brains and has an excess of talent. More than 87% of Chinese students who received their doctorates in the U.S. had planned to stay in the U.S. from 2005 to 2015, according to the National Science Foundation. The percentage fell to 73.9 in 2021 but rose to 76.7 in 2022, above the average of 74.3% for all foreign students who had earned research doctorate degrees in the U.S. Rao Yi, a prominent neurobiologist who returned to China from the U.S. in 2007, said American policies related to the China Initiative were "morally wrong." "We will see how long it will take for the U.S. government and its morally upright scientists to correct such mistakes and come around to see the bigger picture of human development, beyond petty-mindedness and shortsightedness," he said. "Throughout history, it is always the morally corrupt governments which advocate the blocking of scientific communication and persecution of scientists." Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 24) Two people were killed while three others were injured after a man rammed a military truck into Christmas Eve shoppers at Bangkerohan Market in Davao City Sunday morning. According to the report of the Armed Forces of the Philippines - Eastern Mindanao, Task Force Davao's KM450 truck was parked at the market with its engine running when the man identified as Crenenandy Cadiente boarded the truck and rammed it into shoppers and other parked vehicles in the area. Taske Force Davao was at the market to conduct security operations. In a statement, AFP-Eastern Mindanao said the victims were brought to the Southern Philippines Medical Center. The result of Cadientes mental health evaluation is yet to be released, it added. Eastern Mindanao commander Lt. Gen. Greg Almerol expressed his condolences to the families of the victims. While this incident is isolated, it is unfortunate that it happened while we are preparing for a festive celebration of Christmas, he said. We are closely working with the Davao City Police Office, and the San Pedro Police Precinct who are on top of the situation, Task Force Davao said in a separate statement. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 24) One died after a fire razed a residential area in the capital of Southern Leyte province on Saturday afternoon. Police said a 59-year-old died in the blaze that burned down his home and 21 other houses in Barangay Tagnipa, Maasin City. Authorities are still determining the cause of the fire. Meanwhile, at least 24 families will spend Christmas at the Maasin City Central School, which will serve as their evacuation center. Both the provincial and city government have instructed social service offices to provide the needs of evacuees. Leyte-based journalist Wil Mark Amazona contributed to this report. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 24) The Philippines has joined an international labor coalition which aims to ensure that social justice is prioritized in national, regional and global policymaking. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Saturday said the country has accepted the invitation of the International Labour Organization (ILO) to be part of the Global Coalition for Social Justice, an alliance initiated by the ILO, which aims to address issues such as inequality, discrimination, labor rights, employment creation, and sustainable development. Its members include other governments, the academe, workers and employers groups, and other international and regional organizations, including non-governmental groups. The alliance was launched at the World of Work Summit in Geneva in June and was formally adopted at the 349th session of the ILO Governing Body in October. The global coalition is expected to improve efforts to promote social protection, create better work and employment opportunities, and increase productivity and income by ensuring more coordinated and coherent approaches among its members. The DOLE said the formation of the coalition is another step forward in advancing social justice, decent work, and inclusive growth across the globe. In his acceptance letter to ILO Director General Gilbert Houngbo, Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said the goals of the coalition are aligned with the countrys policies, and that social justice is included in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 and the Philippine Labor and Employment Plan 2023-2028. He added that the country is willing to cooperate with international stakeholders to achieve its developmental objectives. 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. There are myriad reasons why people see movies. They want to escape reality for two hours. They like watching shit blow up. But an underrated motivating factor is that it puts us in contact with hot people, who we get to stare at on a huge screen. And depending on the movie, sometimes they fall in love, which makes sense hot people are meant to be with other hot people. (The exception is when the movie stars the writer-director, who is a normal schlub with the power to cast a hot person to play his romantic interest.) We live vicariously through these hot people we cant be them, but its fun to watch them do their hot things with one another. Click right here to get the best of Cracked sent to your inbox. There are a few hot-people love stories out right now, including the moving drama All of Us Strangers, but Anyone But You is a special case because it seems to have been designed in a lab to appeal specifically to audiences who just want to see sexy people cavort. I dont care what your sexuality is, you have no excuse not to think that both Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell are extremely hot individuals a fact thats made clear by the films poster, which features them both wearing basically nothing. This R-rated romantic comedy makes us a promise: These beautiful people are going to flirt and, eventually, hook up. That ought to be enough. Unfortunately, Anyone But You is pretty dumb. Hot people owe it to us to be in better movies than this. Director and co-writer Will Gluck, whose Easy A was a modern-day riff on The Scarlet Letter, now turns his attention to Shakespeare. If a few none-too-subtle references to the Bards words throughout the movie werent obvious, Anyone But You is a kinda, sorta redo of Much Ado About Nothing, a comedy about two people who dont get along but eventually realize theyre in love. This, of course, is a done-to-death trope in rom-coms, and Anyone But You has a doozy of a meet-cute. Bea (Sweeney) is struggling through law school shes not sure she wants to be a lawyer anymore when she bumps into Ben (Powell), a slightly older finance bro. After some initial wackiness whoopsie, she spills water onto the crotch of her jeans while shes in the bathroom! they end up chatting as they walk around Boston and fall for one another. Advertisement Bea and Ben spend the night together at Bens place they dont have sex, falling asleep in each others arms and the next morning, Bea walks out, so excited that shes met a great guy. But then she realizes, wait a sec, maybe she should have said goodbye before she left only to walk back and overhear Ben tell a buddy that hes so glad she finally left. Her feelings hurt, she silently slinks away only to run into him months later when it turns out her sister (Hadley Robinson) is planning to marry Bens good buddy (Alexandra Shipp). Well, thats awkward, especially considering that Bea and Ben will have to spend a lot of time around each other at the destination wedding in Sydney, Australia. Thats already too much plot, but I havent even gotten to Anyone But Yous central idea, which is that, for very convoluted reasons, Bea and Ben realize that its mutually advantageous to pretend theyre a couple, even though they despise one another. You can imagine what happens from there: They put on a big show of acting all lovey-dovey to get the desired reaction out of certain people his ex, whom he wants back; her ex, whom she doesnt want back while other people at the wedding try to orchestrate their actual love connection through trickery. Its as exhausting to type that as it is to watch it unfold. Advertisement Advertisement When I refer to Sweeney and Powell as being hot, I dont mean that derisively. Im not suggesting that theyre gorgeous but stupid hot but inert. She was superb in The White Lotus and Reality, and he was great in Everybody Wants Some!! They play relatively smart characters in Anyone But You I say relatively because this is the sort of so-so rom-com that forces Bea and Ben to be stupid when it helps the plot. For instance, if they simply talked through what had happened that first morning together it was a big misunderstanding, with both of them trying to protect themselves from getting hurt the whole movie would have been resolved in, like, 10 minutes. But rom-coms often require bright individuals to turn into morons, hot or not. But, cmon, do things like plausibility really matter when all you really care about is gawking at hotties? Probably not, which is why I imagine the target audience is going to eat up Anyone But You. Its hard to think of two bigger internet crushes at the moment than Sweeney and Powell, fans interest in this rom-com only amplifying when rumors started swirling that the stars were cheating on their partners by hooking up during production. Those rumors have been denied, but not unlike nearly 20 years ago when certified hot people Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie became an item while filming Mr. & Mrs. Smith, part of Anyone But Yous potential appeal is that the onscreen bantering and squabbling is secretly foreshadowing all the shtupping that was supposedly going on off-camera. Advertisement Advertisement Which is why, while I think both stars are ridiculously beautiful, often wearing not much, Anyone But You stinks. If youre going to cast two magnificent specimens such as this, you really ought to make them fun to be around. Much of the film involves Bea and Ben insulting one another, their jabs seldom cutting. Give Gluck credit for being equal-opportunity by leering at both their bodies Sweeneys cleavage is frequently on display, Powell is naked except for his package at one point but their chemistry is barely evident. Classic rom-coms such as It Happened One Night generated sparks from the sexual friction between gorgeous heterosexuals who didnt get along, but in garbage like Anyone But You, they just bicker pointlessly. Its not a turn-on its a form of cinematic malpractice to force talented hot people to be this unfunny and strained. Advertisement You can tell just how strained it is, in fact, once Bea and Ben inevitably start to let down their guard and catch feelings. Near the end of the film, way too late, they warm to one another, and the actors natural charisma finally comes out. And because this is that rare rom-com thats R-rated, you even get a legitimately sexy sex scene. Where was this rapport throughout the rest of Anyone But You? Why did the filmmaker deny us our pleasures? Advertisement So cliched is Anyone But Yous setup that The Curses Nathan Fielder and Emma Stone recently mocked the movies Get a room, you two trailer, exposing how canned Sweeney and Powells staged antagonistic banter was. Anyone But Yous hotties deserve better, and so do we, who dont ask for much beyond requesting, every once in a while, that we get to bear witness to smokeshows exchanging witty quips while going to town on one another, proving to us slobs that perhaps romance can last. Maybe well never find a soulmate who inspires creepy thirst tweets. Maybe well never make anyone gasp when we take off our shirt. But, hey, were not hot people thats not our job. The least hot people can do is distract us from the monotony of our lives for a little while. Thats why Anyone But You is so unsatisfying: Gluck promises us hotness, and then he leaves us cold. WEST POINT Gwen Lindberg sits in her plush beige recliner, and listens to the news. Not from the television, or the radio, but from the loud and clear voice of Gloria Wellman, sitting next to Lindberg and reading from the small-town newspaper that Lindberg devoted decades of her life to. Wellman is one of 10 volunteer readers around West Point friends of Lindberg who take turns showing up and reading to the 89-year-old once a week. They relay updates and obituaries from the Imperial Republican, Lindbergs hometown paper. And they read of road closures and Christmas plays and court reports from the West Point News, the weekly paper she and her husband Richard Dick Lindberg published together for 23 years. Four years ago, the music notes on Lindbergs piano sheet music started blurring together. It was the beginning of macular degeneration that has turned her vision into a blur of colors and shapes, with darkness in the middle. It made it impossible for her to live on her own, and impossible to read the news. When Lindberg moved into St. Josephs Hillside Villa in March, her daughter-in-law Jody worried: How is Mom going to read the paper? Nurses at the long-term care facility had their jobs to do. None of Lindbergs children live in West Point, roughly 80 miles northwest of Omaha. Gwen Lindberg and her husband were newspaper people through and through. The inks in her blood, her daughter-in-law said. She thought: What if we enlisted her friends? Jody Lindberg pulled together six people who volunteered to rotate turns reading to her mother-in-law. The roster has since grown to 10, with a few substitutes. I do it because I love Gwen, who doesnt love Gwen? Wellman said. I wish I could read more often, actually. Lindbergs life with newspapers started in Imperial, where the teenager who loved diagramming sentences in English class met the guy who worked printing the newspaper across the street from her parents drugstore. Every day, hed come in and buy a Cherry Coke and a Rocky Mountain News. And thats how I met my husband, Lindberg said. The couple married in 1952 and moved to Littlefield, Texas, where Dick worked as a printer for the local paper. Gwen Lindberg did a little bit of everything there. They moved back to Nebraska when Dick got a job at the Ord Quiz. The pair eventually leased and then bought the Sargent Leader in 1956 the first time they owned a paper of their own. In 1969, they bought the West Point Republican. A few years later, they bought the competing Cuming County Democrat, merging to make the West Point News. The couple also owned papers in Scribner, Lyons, Hooper and Oakland. For 36 years, Lindberg wrote the weekly column, Small Talk. On the same page was her husbands column, Nearly News. In the center, an editorial cartoon, often drawn by Lindberg herself. Lindberg wrote about people around town and the Girl Scout group she was den mother for. Her four sons would make it into her column, but only by nickname the boys wanted $5 in exchange for each time their names appeared in the paper. But in a town as small as West Point, population 3,504, loyal readers could still tell which son or resident she was writing about. Occasionally, her lighthearted column would turn more serious. In 1975, Lindberg sponsored a refugee family of 10 from Vietnam. Before they arrived, she used her column to ask the readers of mostly white West Point to be welcoming to the newcomers. She once wrote a column coming out of the closet as a Democrat in her largely conservative town. She didnt worry about whether it made readers mad God didnt give her a worry gene, she said. In 2014, Lindberg was inducted into the Marian Andersen Nebraska Women Journalists Hall of Fame. The plaque is proudly displayed on a shelf filled with family photos. Now, Lindberg listens to the stories from the paper she and her husband sold in 1992. After 54 years living in West Point, she knows most every person and place mentioned in the pages. In Lindbergs room, Wellman unfurls this weeks West Point News. She projects with stage presence she and Lindberg met through West Point Community Theater, where Lindberg accompanied musicals on piano for years. The 1A story is what Lindberg calls a good happenings story a newborn baby in town who received a liver transplant. Its something amazing, she said, the kind of story that makes you feel connected to other people. The sort of story, she thinks, that could get edged off the front page at a big-city newspaper. Its been 31 years since Lindberg and her husband retired from the news industry. Shes watched the paper get thinner and thinner over the years. The switch from using paper boys to mail delivery. There are more pictures on the pages, and theyre in color now. The West Point News today is still owned by Nebraskans. Enterprise Publishing based in Blair bought the paper, and publishes nine weeklies in Nebraska and three in Iowa. But nationally and throughout Nebraska, newspapers are disappearing. Since 2005, the U.S. has lost nearly 2,900 newspapers, according to a recent report from the Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications at Northwestern University. In Nebraska, the number of journalists has nosedived from 880 in 2000 to 510 last year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That loss can harm communities, she said. It unites the community. Its a place where their story can be told, Lindberg said. The more you know about another person, thats a strong thing. In a small town, its easy to keep up with all the movements, her son Mike said. The local paper is a part of that, he said. Lindbergs room at the long-term care center can feel rootless, like she could be anywhere. But every friend that comes to read to her, every hug and chat, every article about marriages, road closures, even deaths, reminds her that shes still here in West Point. Here in the town she brought the news to, and the town that now brings the news to her. The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter. Top Journal Star photos for December 2023 Both the Lolo National Forest and the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest (NP-C) are developing forest plans to prescribe future management and uses of lands they administer. The NP-C will accept written objections to their just released draft final plan through January 29, 2024. The Lolo and NP-C national forests adjoin along the Montana and Idaho state line that follows the crest of the Bitterroot Mountains west of Missoula. Within this vast forest complex sprawls the 252,000-acre Great Burn (also known as the Hoodoo roadless area). For 50 years, the Forest Service has managed this magnificent landscape of mountains, meadows, lakes, and streams to preserve its wilderness character. That management has afforded solitude for non-motorized recreational use. Importantly, past management of the Great Burn provided secure habitat and a vital dispersal corridor between the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness Area to the south and the Cube Iron/Cataract area and Cabinet Mountains to the north. As such, it serves to facilitate gene flow across these landscapes for threatened species such as grizzly bears, Canada lynx, and wolverines. Other species sensitive to human disturbance occupy the Great Burn, including hoary marmots and mountain goats. During the 1970s I spent two years in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness studying mountain goat ecology and conservation needs. That time forged a lifelong appreciation for the inherent values of wildlands and wilderness including a secure place for species that require space away from human activities. Recently, another scientist and I completed a statewide status review of Montanas mountain goat populations the first undertaken since the 1940s. Our review of population data collected by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks biologists across those seven decades revealed that Montanas native goat populations have declined by 70%. Hunting permits and observational opportunities have plummeted as a result. Montana is pursuing both research and management strategies to hopefully arrest and reverse the decline. Importantly, the Lolo National Forests planning process treats the mountain goat as a species of special conservation concern. Elements of the Lolo Forest Plan will help safeguard the viability of the species. Goat populations elsewhere in the U.S. and southern Canada have likewise fallen. This includes the Blacklead population inhabiting the Idaho side of the Hoodoo, which has declined from over 100 animals to less than 20, according to Idaho Fish and Game records. Those records indicate unauthorized recreational snowmobile activity near wintering goats as a suspected contributing factor. The NP-Cs plan does not recognize the mountain goat as a species of special conservation concern even though Idahos 2017 state wildlife action plan recognizes it as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need, priority Tier 3. And the NP-C forest plan fails to manage the Hoodoo as recommended wilderness. Instead, 40,000 acres would be opened to motorized access, including snowmobiles and snowbikes. Biologists continue to learn why goat populations are in decline and about their conservation needs. Its a species sensitive to disturbance and changes in its environment, more than we realized not many years ago. Goats do best where conflicts with human activities are limited, like many other obligate wilderness species. From 50 years of experience observing, photographing, and studying the animal in Montana and Idaho, one thing I do know: Perhaps more than any large mammal, the mountain goat is emblematic of truly wild lands lands featuring the rare character defined in the 1964 National Wilderness Act. Where you find mountain goats, you find wilderness. We humans enjoy many choices for recreating and trammeling Americas wildland heritage. Grizzly bears, lynx, wolverines, and mountain goats do not. Before Jan. 29 please write the Nez PerceClearwater National Forest. Tell them to manage the Great Burn/Hoodoo to protect sensitive and threatened wildlife and recommend the areas inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System. 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 The Yellowstone River Parks Associations new activity center has an inspiring and expansive view. A wall of windows and covered porch overlook the woods surrounding Five-Mile Creek as it divides sandstone cliffs on its way to merge with the Yellowstone River. The 1,300-square foot classroom which also includes a kitchenette, bathrooms and a garage are the latest additions to the 142-acre southwest corner of the 630-acre John H. Dover Memorial Park, northeast of Billings. The purpose of this facility is to provide supplemental space to exploration of the park, said Carolyn Sevier, park manager. We always want the emphasis to be on being outside and exploring and learning, fishing, hiking and bird-watching enjoying the park space. But we know theres a need for an indoor element to some of the activities that people do out here, she added. And we also wanted a space that was open to the community in some way, particularly up in the Heights, because theres not a lot of community spaces. Ground was broken for the building in the spring of 2022 with construction completed in October. Generous donations The entire park is a result of the legacy and vision of Jim and Ginnie Sindelar, Sevier said. The names of a multitude of donors who helped YRPA fund the activity center are posted on one wall. Sevier extended a special thank you to the generosity of Linda and Tom Weeks and Ron Smith's support in honor of his late wife Jean Smith. When asked about the reasoning behind their donation, Linda Weeks said, I just love nature. Growing up in Michigan she was mentored by Mary Jane Dockeray, a naturalist and pioneer in environmental education. Dockeray once said, Nothing is accomplished unless somebody cares. A lesson Weeks obviously took to heart. After graduating from college, Weeks worked as an interpretive naturalist for the National Park Service before teaching at Rocky Mountain College. She and Tom, a landscape architect, are retired. Yet she still referred to herself as an interpretive naturalist, and quoted poet William Wordsworth, Nature never did betray the heart that loved her. YRPA As an all-volunteer, not for profit public service corporation, Yellowstone River Parks Association has reached a prominent point in its 32-year history helping to manage more than 2,000 acres of green space in Yellowstone County with its city, county, state and federal partners. All of that is done without membership, although about 20 people are considered core volunteers with another 1,400 on a mailing list. In addition to Dover Park, YRPA owns three other properties Joels Pond on the West End behind Scheels, which features an 11-acre fishing pond. Near Riverfront park, YRPA leases land to Montana Audubon where the Audubon Conservation Education Center is located. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks co-manages the 15-acre Amanda White Homestead Park (across the river from Riverfront Park), which includes a boat launch and bicycle pumptrack. Latest acquisitions Still awaiting infrastructure before public access will be allowed are YRPAs most recent additions in the Heights, a 200-acre gravel pit being reclaimed by Knife River, and the historic 288-acre Sindelar homestead property, which had been in the family since 1882. These two properties are connected, but separated from the southwest corner of Dover Park by the road accessing the Billings Bypass Bridge. The bridge, although constructed, has not yet been opened to traffic as work continues from the Lockwood side. A bridge over the rail line still must be constructed, according to the Montana Department of Transportations website. At Johnson Lane Interchange, design is 90% complete. The entire project is predicted to be completed by 2027. We anticipate a significant increase in visibility and visitation once the bridge opens, Sevier said. Remediation of the gravel pit is expected to take at least another six months. When completed, the Montana Department of Environmental Quality requires a two-year waiting period to ensure the reclamation was sufficient. Until parking areas, trails, bridges and bathrooms are built at the gravel pit and Sindelar homestead, the areas will remain closed to the public. What I like to say is it is open to active volunteers, noted YRPA board member Bob Mackin, indicating that anyone willing to pitch in on work days will have limited access. At build-out, all of the public infrastructure could cost $5 million to $10 million if everything was done. Its a huge project, Sevier said. Its really exciting, but sometimes a little overwhelming. But thinking about the long-term legacy, thinking about this part of town five, 10, 15, 20 years from now... the huge connected parkway will provide a green introduction to the area via the Billings Bypass Bridge. The price tag, Sevier noted, is an estimate based on paying for everything outright and not including volunteer and in-kind support which will reduce that overall cost. YRPA is really good at doing things when we have the time and the energy and the resources to do them, she said. And being entirely comfortable if we dont have the time, energy and resources to do certain things. The groups motto is to go with the flow. Our baseline is public access to natural, green open spaces, habitat for wildlife and low-impact recreation, Sevier said. As long as those things are happening all of the other layers are negotiable. Mackin said the group was well taught by YRPA founders Earl Guss and Norm Schoenthal to have the money banked before doing any improvements. YRPA is also really good at leveraging volunteer labor, which for the portion of the park already completed referred to as the Trailhead has been estimated at a value of between $2.5 million to $3 million. Activity center The activity center is already hosting visitors. Part of Seviers time and energy is now going to programming for preschoolers through Catkins Nature School three days a week and providing nearby Pioneer Schools students with a Friday Field Day from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Pioneer School abuts the gravel pit YRPA now owns. The small school only has 83 children in grades kindergarten through 8th grade, governed by a staff of seven teachers and three aides and still utilizing the original school house built in 1905, according to superintendent Melissa Schnitzmeier. In partnering with YRPA, Sevier has created an outdoor learning program involving the students. So far its been pretty successful, Schnitzmeier said. Once the gravel pit has been remediated, she hopes students will be able to use that expanse of YRPA property and ponds for recreation and education a huge adjoining natural playground. In addition, Sevier has done one-off programs and field trips for other schools and community programs. The facility can also be rented by school groups and other nonprofits. Someday, the center may be opened to the public as a visitor center or museum, Sevier said, noting the building was constructed in an open-ended way since theres no telling where YRPA will be in years to come. Right now, the group estimates roughly 8,000 to 10,000 people a year visit Dover Parks Trailhead section. They come to walk the 3 miles of trails, look for rocks, birdwatch, jog and fish the river. Its gone up every year as people discover the park and enjoy it, Sevier said. A top consultant is being investigated after confiscating the shoes of student doctors as 'punishment' for being slow to discharge elderly patients from hospital, The Mail on Sunday revealed. It is understood the senior doctor was supervising discharges when he discovered that key documents were not being completed quickly enough to allow patients to go home. According to one source, Michael Fertleman, 51, a specialist in geriatric medicine, told his trainees: 'The patient can't go anywhere until you do their discharge. Give me your shoes so you understand how that feels.' Now the incident at St Mary's Hospital in London last week has led to a formal bullying complaint being made against the consultant. MailOnline has heard from two people in the medical industry discussing their stance on the incident. According to one source, Michael Fertleman, 51, (pictured) a specialist in geriatric medicine, told his trainees: 'The patient can't go anywhere until you do their discharge. Give me your shoes so you understand how that feels' For Professor Karol Sikora I did my medical training at a time when consultants ruled by fear and intimidation and we junior doctors had to be on our mettle at all times - or suffer the consequences. I remember one consultant being so appalled by our performance on ward rounds that he demanded I hit a colleague with a ruler as hard as I could whenever he got a question wrong - and told my colleague to do the same to me. While we were bemused by the experience, I don't think either of us felt bullied or humiliated, just that we had been given an unconventional lesson we had better not forget. In comparison, asking junior doctors to take their shoes off seems like a pretty mild punishment. The Imperial Healthcare NHS Trust - where I was a consultant for many years - may waffle on about building 'a fairer, kinder and more inclusive organisational culture' but, launching an investigation into bullying - which presumably involves taking a valuable senior staff member out of action - is only going to make matters worse. Karol Sikora is honorary professor of professional practice at the University of Buckingham Medical School Professor Karol Sikora, an honorary professor of professional practice at the University of Buckingham Medical School, (pictured) said: 'I did my medical training at a time when consultants ruled by fear and intimidation and we junior doctors had to be on our mettle at all times - or suffer the consequences' Against Dr Max Pemberton The consultant concerned clearly felt particularly strongly about the bed-blocking issue but forcing junior staff to effectively wear a badge of shame by walking the wards barefoot was the wrong way to go about solving it. Not least because it has led to the young doctors concerned being cast as victims when the real victims are the elderly patients forced to stay on the ward for no good reason - or those who desperately need the beds they are occupying. Junior doctors deserve to be valued for their work, not belittled and embarrassed in public. This sort of behaviour bears all the hallmarks of the irascible consultant of yore as personified by the character of Sir Lancelot Spratt, the cantankerous surgeon immortalised in the Doctor In The House films by James Robertson Justice. It's absolutely right and proper that the bad old days of medical training, of bullying, shouting and humiliation, have largely been consigned to the past. Dr Max Pemberton is an NHS psychiatrist Dr Fertleman was approached for comment. Every year as the holiday season begins, a towering Christmas tree is erected in the halls of North Dakotas Capitol in Bismarck. It marks the beginning of holiday festivities across the state, and is celebrated with an annual lighting ceremony. Thousands of ornaments adorn the tree and many are created by residents from across the state. Every year, the office of first lady Katherine Burgum invites artists to submit ornaments to hang on the state tree, typically with a theme attached. This years motif was Lighting the Way inspired by Burgums passion for ending the stigma around addiction. Residents had nearly a month to submit ornaments ahead of this years tree lighting in late November. The Bismarck Tribune spoke to some of the people behind the new additions to this years tree. Heres what they had to say. Jeremiah Boyce Jeremiah Boyce, of Bismarck, and his mother, Susan, submitted three ornaments for this years tree after hearing about the opportunity through the news. I thought it would be a cool feeling to help the state of North Dakota out, Jeremiah Boyce said. Jeremiah has cerebral palsy, which affects his motor functions, Susan Boyce said. As a result, the pair had to get creative. They selected clear glass ornaments shaped like lightbulbs, which Jeremiah painted inside using a syringe. Susan decorated the outside of the trio of purple-and-gold ornaments with references to the Christmas storyincluding visuals such as a manger and the North Star. When the Boyces visited the Capitol to search for their ornaments on the tree, they found them front and center, right at wheelchair height for Jeremiah to see. Sierra Hall Sierra Hall sent in an ornament she made with leftover fabric scraps that were turned into a Scandinavian fabric star. Hall said she decided to send in an ornament because the creation aligned with this years theme. Its her first time sending in an ornament, and she was excited to hear her work made it on the tree. Hall lives in Bismarck, but she hasnt yet seen her ornament on the tree. Shes interested in paying the Capitol a visit at some point soon and encourages other residents to participate in the annual tradition. Anyone should feel open to submitting their work, Hall said. Im not a professional artist by any means. Julie Strom Julie Strom is an administrative assistant in the states Facilities Management department. Shes also been responsible for selecting and processing ornaments for the state tree for the better part of a decade. The COVID-19 pandemic meant ornament submissions took a hit over a period of a couple years, she said. But this year, the program has started to bounce back. Every year, submissions vary. Student groups, businesses, artists, amateurs a wide range of residents work is represented on the tree. Strom estimated there are around 10,000 ornaments on the tree, and the collection is growing every year: Once a resident submits an ornament, it stays on the tree for years afterward. We put them up every year, going back to, Im assuming, when they first started, Strom said. If an ornament breaks or is in terrible condition, it gets retired. Other than that, well keep using it year after year. On January 4, Rishi Sunak set out his New Year's message. 'New Year should be a time of optimism and excitement,' he said. 'Yet I know many of you look ahead to 2023 with apprehension. I want you to know that as your Prime Minister, I will work night and day to change that, and quickly.' It was supposedly directed at the British people. But the real audience were members of his increasingly anxious and fractious party. Two months earlier, they had hit the eject button to end Liz Truss's calamitous premiership. The polls weren't shifting. And as 2023 opened, they were desperate for a reason to hope. They didn't get it. 'He blew it,' one despondent Tory MP told me last week. 'The strategy has been all over the place. 'No 10 have been fighting among themselves. Rishi basically disappeared. We've wasted the entire year.' Somehow the Government has allowed itself to become caricatured as a group of extremist Neanderthals, who are intent on destroying Britain's economy and social fabric with a series of brutal and callous spending cuts in pursuit of their fanatical neo-conservative agenda. They have. And unless Sunak and his advisers understand why, the New Year's message he delivers in a few days' time could prove to be the last from a Tory Prime Minister for a generation. Sitting across everything has been the way they have allowed Sir Keir Starmer and Labour to capture the initiative and set the terms of the political debate. Somehow the Government has allowed itself to become caricatured as a group of extremist Neanderthals, who are intent on destroying Britain's economy and social fabric with a series of brutal and callous spending cuts in pursuit of their fanatical neo-conservative agenda. A few months ago Sunak was even described by The Economist as 'the most Right-wing Conservative leader of his generation'. It's a fantasy. Since Rishi Sunak became Chancellor, and then Prime Minister, no peacetime British government has borrowed more. No government in British history has spent more on the NHS and other public services. No government has taxed the British people more to fund its vast expenditure. But for some bizarre reason Sunak and his aides have manifestly failed to contextualise this reality. Or even attempt to frame it to their advantage. In 2015, David Cameron and George Osborne successfully won an Election by ensuring politics was filtered through the prism they had constructed. Governments had overborrowed and overspent, the global economy had collapsed under the burden, and now the bill had to be repaid, they explained. And while the British people didn't relish the period of austerity that had followed, they'd accepted the strategy. And respected their politicians for delivering them an unpalatable message straight. Rishi Sunak must challenge Starmer to finally come clean on what a spin of the electoral roulette wheel would actually mean if the ball comes up red. If he does that he may defy expectations, silence his critics and stave off a looming Tory civil war. But if he doesn't, Rishi Sunak may come to look back at his 2023 annus horribilis as the high point of his premiership. Yet Sunak cannot, or will not, provide the same honest framing. The truth is that far from throwing the people to the wolves, he and his colleagues threw a protective blanket over them during Covid. Instead of clinging to classical free-market thinking, they effectively nationalised the entire economy. A staggering 400 billion was spent safeguarding the country. But the Prime Minister seems almost embarrassed to even mention that. Or to outline calmly and rationally why the bill for that expenditure cannot be deferred indefinitely. 'I just don't understand it,' one Minister complained to me. 'A while ago we were all told by Liam Booth-Smith [Sunak's chief of staff] we would place how we bailed out the country at a time of crisis at the heart of everything we did. But he won't even talk about it.' There's another significant reason why the Prime Minister squandered the opportunity to turn his and his party's fortunes around in 2023. Which is that halfway through the year he panicked and tore up the Conservative's entire electoral strategy based on the votes of 6,000 people in Uxbridge. Up until that moment the plan had been clear. And it was a good one. After the chaos of Truss, and the psychodrama of Johnson, he pledged to return to the basics of competent, honest government. Stabilise the economy, get on top of debt, tackle cost of living, reduce waiting times, stop the boats. What's more, it had begun to work. At the start of the year, Labour enjoyed a 22-point poll lead. By June it was down to 16. Then Boris was sanctioned by Harriet Harman's Standards Committee, flounced out of Parliament, and precipitated 'the Night of the Three By-Elections'. At which point Sunak promptly lost his head. Presented with heavy but predictable defeats in Selby and in Somerton and Frome, he pounced on the fact Uxbridge had been held by a slender majority as people reacted to the impending imposition of the Ulez charge in London. Suddenly, the Five Pledges were discarded, as he embarked on a madcap pursuit of a range of entirely random and disconnected policy initiatives. Net Zero was to be ditched. Or half-ditched. Cigarettes would be banned. A-levels scrapped. Something would be done to tackle the looming threat of killer robots. Unsurprisingly, people who were struggling to pay their bills at the end of the month or get a GP appointment saw this frenetic activity, compared their Prime Minister's priorities to their own, and concluded: 'This guy has completely lost the plot.' Labour's poll lead began to widen again. But in 2023 there was one blunder that exceeded all others. Sunak's inexplicable failure to understand the basics of how he needed to take the fight to Keir Starmer. In his keynote party conference speech he finished with this rhetorical flourish: 'It is time for a change. And we are it.' Sir Keir has done an admirable job of ripping Corbynism from his party. But he has singularly failed to explain in any coherent detail what he intends to replace it with once elected. It was an utterly insane closing line. Because he isn't. At least not in the eyes of the British people. Rishi Sunak is Prime Minister of a party that at the time of the next Election will have been in power for 14 years. So if that Election is framed as a 'change Election' Keir Starmer and Labour will win it. And they will win it by a landslide. The only prospect Sunak has of staving off a calamitous defeat is to make people fearful of change. To beseech them to think twice on gambling on Starmer and his untried and untested Shadow Cabinet. The line he should be using is as old as the hills. But it has that lineage because it works. 'We've taken tough decisions. We know many haven't been popular. But we're finally starting to see the benefits. Please don't ruin it by taking a risk on Labour.' What's more, it's a line especially suited to Keir Starmer's Labour. Sir Keir has done an admirable job of ripping Corbynism from his party. But he has singularly failed to explain in any coherent detail what he intends to replace it with once elected. Every statement from him and his Shadow Ministers particularly when the debate turns to the economy is what they won't do. No additional spending. No additional taxation. No additional day-to-day borrowing. Which means a vote for Labour will be a leap in the dark. But you wouldn't know it, because Rishi Sunak has spent the last 12 months picking fights over the Elgin Marbles, quizzing Elon Musk on how to stop R2-D2 taking over the world and asking David Cameron to act as his Prime Ministerial stunt double. It's increasingly hard to see how Sunak can rescue his party completely in 2024. But there is a strategy that could at least mitigate the scale of his defeat, and keep Prime Minister Starmer honest. Remind people of how he protected the nation during Covid. Stick to the priorities outlined in the Five Pledges, and at least demonstrate that even if they are not all perfectly met, real progress has been made. And challenge Starmer to finally come clean on what a spin of the electoral roulette wheel would actually mean if the ball comes up red. If he does that he may defy expectations, silence his critics and stave off a looming Tory civil war. But if he doesn't, Rishi Sunak may come to look back at his 2023 annus horribilis as the high point of his premiership. The revelations about the Lord Mayors links to China should be a matter of genuine concern. What is now very clear is that China poses a systemic threat to the United Kingdom and its allies. You only have to look at the charge sheet of what President Xi and his communist henchmen have been doing internally and on the world stage. Thats why it is a matter of great sadness that in the pursuit of financial gain, the appalling commercial behaviour and brutality of this communist regime has been casually brushed aside, even ignored, it appears, by the Lord Mayor. Businesses around the world already complain of the blatant Chinese theft of intellectual property rights and of being undercut on bids by the illegal Chinese government subsidy of commercial firms around the world. Under President Xi, China has seized the South China Sea and its islands and is now militarising it, threatening the free passage of trade through that area. It has trashed the Sino-British agreement on Hong Kong and is arresting and prosecuting those who have called for democracy. Concerns have been raised over Prof Michael Mainellis (pictured) chairmanship of a think-tank sponsored by a Chinese institute with close ties to Beijing and his calls for a wave of Chinese nationals to be recruited into the Square Miles ancient guilds The Lord Mayor of the City of London, Michael Mainelli speaks with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak during the Lord Mayor's Banquet in November Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith said the revelations about the Mayor should be of great concern The most famous of these is Jimmy Lai, a successful media entrepreneur and British citizen It gets worse. We now know that China is guilty of genocide of the Uighur people, an ethnic group in Xinjiang, western China. Whilst their women are forcibly sterilised, their children are sent to re-education facilities. The Uighur men have been moved to internment camps where they often work as slave labour, sadly often making products that shoppers in the West then buy. China cracks down on adherents of Christianity, particularly the evangelical churches. They have persecuted the Falun Gong, a religious group. Hundreds of thousands have been arrested, and in far too many cases, forced organ harvesting has been practised on them, to supply the Chinese transplant industry. Finally, as President Xi has made very clear, he intends to seize the island of Taiwan, which is a democracy that is unwilling to be controlled by China. This charge sheet is clear and in the public domain. Prof Mainelli is chairman of Z/Yen, which describes itself as the City of Londons leading commercial think-tank. It last year took 1 million in revenue and lists the China Development Institute, a Chinese research organisation, among its platinum sponsors Under President Xi (pictured), China has seized the South China Sea and its islands and is now militarising it, threatening the free passage of trade through that area After all, as this paper reminds us, MI5 boss Ken McCallum, in an unprecedented move, declared that the Chinese government and its covert pressure across the globe was the most game-changing challenge we face. I am astonished that the Lord Mayor praised the Chinese Belt and Road programme. It is well known that the programme seeks to extend Chinese political influence whilst forcing many countries across the developing world into harsh debt repayments. You only have to look at the mess Sri Lanka got into when they, as a result of huge Belt and Road debts, effectively handed control of Hambantota Port to China. All of this appears to have been swept aside in the open promotion of greater links between the City of London and communist China. Its not as though too many in the City of London havent made the same mistake before. We are still trying to clear up the mess they got into in their rush to accept billions from corrupt Russian oligarchs and from the appalling Russian state, now involved in a brutal war of invasion in Ukraine. I wonder at the blatant promotion of China and what this will say, yet again, about the City. Given this, perhaps we should simply hang a sign at the entrance of the City of London saying, For Sale, oligarchs and autocrats welcome. A mother whose daughter was targeted is calling for better online education A mother has issued a stark warning to other parents after her daughter was groomed by an American abuser through a messaging app when she was just 12 years old. The young girl, who cannot be identified, accepted a friend request from an account in 2021 thinking it was likely a boy from the area she lived in. After accepting the request the person told her she was speaking to a 13-year-old boy from London. But after a string of messages and 'flattery', the predator began to ask her for intimate pictures, before threatening to share them if she refused to send more. It wasn't until a friend of the youngster gained access to her social media account and leaked the images around school that the child's parents found out what had happened - and the girl realised she had been messaging an adult. Her mother is now urging other parents to educate themselves on how to protect their young children online, as well as calling for improved advice in schools about what youngsters can do if they have sent indecent images. A mother has issued a stark warning to other parents after her daughter was groomed by an American abuser through a messaging app when she was just 12 years old (stock image) Speaking to FEMAIL, the young girl's mother said she wants to draw attention to girls between the ages of 11 and 13 after research suggested the amount of content created by this group is on the rise. The mother revealed how her 12-year-old daughter's behaviour began to change in year 8 of secondary school while she was being home schooled during the Covid lockdowns. 'She had gone back into school and she was just really disruptive,' the mother said. 'She hadn't been like that before. If anything, she's the complete opposite. She's very studious. IWF's TALK guidelines for parents on how to keep kids safe online TALK to your child about online sexual abuse. Start the conversation and listen to their concerns. AGREE to ground rules about the way you use technology as a family. LEARN about the platforms and apps your child loves. Take an interest in their online life. KNOW how to use tools, apps and settings that can help to keep your child safe online. Source: The Internet Watch Foundation Advertisement 'She was getting angry and she would go from nought to 60 really quickly, so I was getting lots of phone calls from school about her behaviour and I just felt something was wrong. But every time I tried to talk to her she couldn't tell me what it was.' The victim had been messaging someone she believed to be a 13-year-old boy from London through an app and had been convinced by the groomer to send intimate pictures of herself. She was even asked to take underwear from her mother's drawer for pictures. After a while, the messages became threatening and the man told the victim he knew where she lived and knew her family in a sick ploy to get her to send more images, her mother added. The messages were only discovered when a so-called friend of the victim gained access to her social media and airdropped the pictures around school. It was at this point the school became aware of what had happened and the victim's parents and the police were informed. Her parents had applied parental settings and age restrictions to their daughter's phone prior to the incident, so were shocked that this played no role in preventing what happened. 'What shocked me was the fact that her phone had a date of birth in it and we put parental settings on through the mobile phone company', her mother said. 'So we had set all that up but speaking to [her daughter] recently she said despite that you can still get access to things that aren't age appropriate you just have to tick to say that you're of age.' After the messages were discovered, the abuser remained in contact with the girl via email. Her mother said: 'She genuinely thought it was a 13-year-old boy so it took her a while to accept. She'd got a connection with this person and initially she couldn't cope with not having that contact, so an email address was given to her and she was texting it to keep in communication with that person.' After the victim's parents realised their daughter was finding different ways of communicating with the predator, they changed her phone number and in time, any contact ceased. Some time later the girl discovered the person who had groomed her had inadvertently revealed his location via their account on the app where the two had been communicating. She shared this with the police who then contacted Interpol who managed to track him down to somewhere in the US. Research shows the rate of self-generated material, content created using tablet webcams or smartphones, found online of girls aged 11 to 13 is rising (stock image) However, the fallout from her daughter's ordeal affected the child in many ways - resulting in her missing a whole term of school after the images were leaked to her peers. The child has recently started seeing a counsellor, but the trauma is still apparent. 'She's so much on edge thinking that the images will be shared again,' her mother said. 'It was like bravado keeping her going. More recently she doesn't get so angry, she gets emotional now. She's been crying a lot and withdrawing. If she feels unhappy at school she'll just walk out of the lesson and go and find a safe space.' The mother is now working with the Policing Institute for the Eastern Region (PIER), part of Anglia Ruskin University, and the Internet Watch Foundation to help parents educate themselves on what their children are getting up to online and how to keep them safe. Based on her experience, the mother said parents should be looking out for things such as a sudden change in their child's temper, or more specifically things like their own underwear going missing. The IWF produced TALK guidelines for parents after it found there had been a 168 per cent in the amount of self-generated imagery on the web, with 80 per cent of those webpages including images and videos of girls aged 11 to 13. The TALK guidelines include talking to your child about online sexual abuse, agreeing to ground rules about the way technology is used as a family, learning about the platforms and apps your child loves and knowing how to use tools, apps and setting that can keep them safe. Research from the PIER - which showed two-way communication, as well as careful monitoring, was the most effective way to prepare girls to handle online requests for indecent images - helped inform the guidelines. It comes after the Online Safety Bill became law in the UK on October 23. The legislation means social media platforms will now be required to prevent and rapidly remove illegal content such as terrorism and revenge pornography and stop youngsters from seeing harmful material online. Companies which breach these new rules face fines which could run into billions of pounds for the largest services or face being blocked. 'We do need the Online Safety Bill because I think the only way the tech companies are going to do better on this is if they get fined,' the young girl's mother said. Reiterating her calls for education she added: 'Children live their lives online and they're so used to taking photos of each other. 'But if she [her daughter] had known what to do and who to go to for help in this situation it could have stopped sooner.' Get the family involved this Christmas with MailOnline's festive quiz questions For many British families, Christmas isn't complete without a round of terrible jokes and trivia questions. But if you are fed up of settling for Christmas cracker offerings, this year instead split into teams and get your quiz brains on. From the history of Christmas to the most beloved festive films, you might think your seasonal knowledge is on top form. But how much do you really know about 'the most wonderful time of the year'? Here, MailOnline has put together 25 festive quiz questions to get the whole family involved this Christmas. For many families, Christmas isn't complete without a round of terrible jokes and trivia questions. But if you are fed up of settling for Christmas cracker offerings, this year instead split into teams and get your quiz brains on (stock photo) Questions 1. In the 2003 Christmas rom-com Love Actually, which character sang 'Christmas Is All Around'? 2. How many of Santa's reindeer's names start with 'D'? And what are they called? 3. Traditionally, what is hidden inside a Christmas pudding for good luck? 4. Since 1947, which city donates Trafalgar Square's Christmas tree to London every year? 5. If you're born on December 25th, what's your star sign? 6. According to the Guinness Book of Records, what is the best-selling Christmas single of all time? 7. In the song 'The Twelve Days of Christmas', what gift was given on the seventh day? 8. In the beloved 2008 Gavin & Stacey Christmas special, what funny gifts does Nessa give to everyone? 9. What is Iris's job in the 2006 rom-com The Holiday? 10. Stollen is a traditional fruit cake originating from which country? 11. Including Rudolph, how many reindeer pull Santa's sleigh? 12. Who plays the eccentric toymaker Jeronicus Jangle in the 2020 musical Jingle Jangle? 13. What is the name of the mythical tribe in Disney's 2019 animated film Frozen 2? 14. How many Home Alone films starring Macaulay Culkin have been made? 15. What famous ballet featuring dances of sweets traditionally takes place at Christmas? 16. When were decorative gingerbread houses first believed to be invented? 17. In the 2001 Friends episode 'The One with the Holiday Armadillo', who dresses up in an Armadillo costume? Kate Winslet is pictured as Iris in The Holiday, 2006, in the final scene where the couples spend New Year's Eve together 18. In the 2004 teen comedy Mean Girls, which Christmas song do the Plastics perform at the talent show? 19. What time is the Queen's Christmas speech traditionally broadcast on TV in the UK? 20. What colour are mistletoe berries? 21. In 'Home Alone', where is Kevin's family travelling to when they leave him behind? 22. In 'Elf', what is the first rule of The Code of Elves? 23. What plant is known as the Christmas Flower? 24. Which Christian group banned Christmas in Boston from 1659 to 1681? 25. In which modern-day country was Saint Nicholas born? Answers A woman who fell in love with the model she was painting for an art class while visiting Italy has recounted how the pair ended up in a whirlwind romance and tied the knot after she moved more than 5,000 miles to be with him. Katrin Schroeder, 32, from Colorado, took a life modeling class while visiting Florence. It was there that she met her muse and soon-to-be husband, Andres Escalante, 35, who was posing for a group of artists. Although both Katrin and Andres were both in relationships, they couldn't deny that there was an immediate spark between them. And just one month later, they were both single and found themselves running back to each other. Katrin Schroeder, 32, from Colorado, fell in love with the model she was painting for an art class while visiting Italy and has recounted how the pair ended up in a whirlwind romance She revealed that the two tied the knot after she moved more than 5,000 miles to be with him Katrin met her muse and soon-to-be husband, Andres Escalante, 35, while he was posing for a group of artists In September 2019, Katrin helped her then-boyfriend move to Switzerland and decided to travel around Europe. The next month, she found herself in Italy and decided to take a life modeling class. It was here that she locked eyes with Andres, who was the model for the class. Katrin said: 'I was super anxious. I saw Andres I thought, "This model is super beautiful." 'I had no intentions with Andres, but our eyes ended up meeting.' Andres asked Katrin to go for drink and the pair decided to be friends. 'He seemed really respectful. We ended up exchanging Instagram [accounts],' Katrin added. Katrin spent time exploring Florence with Andres, before going back to visit her boyfriend in Switzerland and then continuing her European trip to Croatia. Although both Katrin and Andres were both in relationships, they couldn't deny that there was an immediate spark between them And just one month later, they were both single and found themselves running back to each other After splitting from her boyfriend, the 32-year-old returned to Italy to study art one month later, and found Andres was also single After splitting from her boyfriend, the 32-year-old returned to Italy to study art one month later, and found Andres was also single. The pair began spending more time together - until Katrin was forced to return home to Colorado due to COVID. However, the pair kept in touch - despite being 5,500 miles apart. 'We were licking wounds together. We were friends offering support,' she said. Katrin was surprised to get a random call from Andres a few weeks into lockdown. 'It was a surprise phone call. The following week he called me again,' she said. 'Gradually it became more frequent and then hours every day. He was talking about things he'd show me when I got to Florence. 'Towards the end of summer I was like "I actually really like this guy." Does he feel the same way?' They spoke on the phone for hours on end until they both realized they had feelings for each other. The pair began spending more time together - until Katrin was forced to return home to Colorado due to COVID In November 2020, Katrin traveled to Florence flying via New York and Amsterdam with all the laws printed out in different languages In September, Italy announced a travel amendment which meant partners could visit their other half if they were a resident. But not knowing if Andres felt the same way as her, Katrin didn't know how to bring the idea up. She said: 'In October I got a call from Andres he was really distraught. 'He said Italy is going into another lockdown and asked if I'd found a way to get there. I brought up the travel amendment and told him if you write a letter to the Italian government I have a chance of coming and seeing you. 'He said "I'll get you everything you need."' In November 2020, Katrin traveled to Florence flying via New York and Amsterdam with all the laws printed out in different languages. She said: 'I had an inch thick of paper. He was waiting for me when I arrived.' Katrin had already found an apartment but two weeks after arriving in Florence, Italy went into another lockdown, so the loved-up pair decided to spend it together. Katrin was finally able to reunite with Andres nine months later and he asked her to marry him. They tied the knot in September 2021 and now live happily in Italy together Their relationship quickly blossomed and Andres asked Katrin to be his girlfriend in December 2020. But in January 2021 Katrin's visa application was denied. However, the couple had a plan to stay together - even though it was a bit 'crazy.' 'Andres turned up at my class and asked me to get a drink,' Katrin said. 'We got shots of Bailey's and Andres said, "Would it be crazy if we got married?" I said, "Hell yeah, I'm down."' Katrin was finally able to reunite with Andres nine months later and he asked her to marry him. They tied the knot in September 2021 and now live happily in Italy together. 'It's all quite stupendous. It's really crazy,' Katrin said. Andres added: 'When I first saw her I thought she was really beautiful. 'It really blossomed in the lockdown when she was away in the US. It's a whirlwind. We became each other's muses.' Katrin said: 'I met his mom in person two days before [the wedding].' Andres added: 'The day was beautiful' In March 2021 they were able to meet in Aruba to try and sort their paperwork, but struggled to get it sorted with the Italian government. Andres was able to join Katrin in Colorado for two months before the couple returned to Italy in May 2021. The pair tied the knot in September 2021 and their families were able to fly over to join them because the restrictions had lifted. 'I met his mom in person two days before,' Katrin said. Andres added: 'The day was beautiful.' Katrin finally had her visa sorted in June 2023 and the couple are now looking forward to the future together. 'We're building a life together,' she gushed. The retail world has been shocked by two events that question the way high fashion can be sold online. Matches.com once one of the most successful and treasured high-end British boutique sites has just been bought by the mass-market Fraser Group, owned by the Ashley family. Meanwhile, Far Fetch, which a few years ago was hailed as the shining knight of the fashion sector and only recently was reputedly in talks to buy rival Net-a-Porter, had to be rescued from bankruptcy by Coupang, South Korea's answer to Amazon. Is this the end of luxury e-tail? The Matches sale is as if the Ritz were bought by McDonald's because the Fraser Group is regarded as a 'buy-it-cheap-and-flog-it-fast' retailer. Matches was the baby of Ruth and Tom Chapman, who started their business in the 1980s with a boutique in Wimbledon. Matches.com once one of the most successful and treasured high-end British boutique sites has just been bought by the mass-market Fraser Group, owned by the Ashley family Tom was an early believer in e-commerce, and over the decades the couple expanded into more boutiques and into a very efficient luxury online business. But as canny as they were, their USP was that they loved fashion and were entrenched in the whole world, not just managing the business from afar. They were there at the international fashion weeks, they hosted parties to launch new designers, they knew all the fashion editors and other buyers, and had their ear to the ground for every nuance of what was doing well and what less so. As well as investing in desirable merchandise, they also invested in aspects that make buying expensive items online a good option. Beautiful packaging, lightning-flash delivery, easy returns. It wasn't cheap to achieve but when they sold matchesfashion.com in 2017 they personally netted 400 million. Fraser has now bought the business for 52 million. This sale is an excellent illustration of what can happen when the visionaries who start a company sell on to private equity investors who, in this case, have sold the business at a staggering loss. Although it's not easy to see how the values of the Fraser Group will mesh with the luxury retailer, if they want to get the business back on track the Ashley family would do well to pay attention to the human touch and bring in a fashion retail heavyweight. Successful fashion brands have always flourished through strength of a distinctive personality who not only has a vision but can navigate the changing tides that drive the business and understand the strange undercurrents that make it all tick. Children itemise their request to Santa which strikes me as reasonable, but when it comes to adults I think presents should be a reflection of what the giver wants to give Why you'll still be surprised by me! There is a big divide in our house: do you give people the present they ask for (now often issued with a precise online link) or do you use your imagination? Children itemise their request to Santa which strikes me as reasonable, but when it comes to adults I think presents should be a reflection of what the giver wants to give. Just clicking on a link lacks the effort presents should take. This means sorry, not sorry that recipients will be getting what I think they might like rather than what they actually want. While it's lovely to be given exactly what you want, there's still something extra exciting about not knowing what's inside the wrapping even if it may well be a fruit-scented bath essence. Fruit belongs in the fruit bowl. The price of keeping our museums free It's wonderful news that the British Museum has struck a new sponsorship deal with BP in the face of all the objections to working with oil and gas companies. In recent years it has become almost impossible to find sponsors for our arts institutions that haven't caused some outrage over some aspect of their past. But if we want to have the fantastic free museum sector we have, those institutions, in the words of the National Portrait Gallery's director Nicholas Cullinan, 'can't afford to be activists'. What they can and will do is use the money to address the environmental issues around their work. It's wonderful news that the British Museum has struck a new sponsorship deal with BP in the face of all the objections to working with oil and gas companies While I am the first to point the finger at those who attempt green-washing which incidentally includes many household brands today flaunting a veneer of ethical and sutainable credentials the 50million BP is giving will allow the museum to reduce its infrastructure reliance on fossil fuels. Equally important, though, is that it will allow hundreds of thousands of people free access to an exceptional collection of the cultural artefacts that help us understand world history, while we all search for a way to safeguard the planet's future. It's back to black for Christmas Day Christmas Day clothes are always a bit of a thing. It's the zenith of the festive dressing and so tempting to go the whole hog in sparkles and colour. I normally do but I am taking a leap into the wild side and thinking black this year. There's a possibility it might look a bit funereal but I am channelling our Christmas tree which is a joyous, multicoloured explosion of baubles. The black will just be the foil, against which I plan to hang copious amounts of jewellery, stopping short only by topping it off with the traditional fairy. What kids really want pressies and calm If you have only one child, as I do, it's tempting to think that at Christmas they are craving a crowd of rabble-rousing children to hang out with at a noisy festive lunch table. When my son was young, I was always worrying about whether he was missing out on having playmates around his age, and at Christmas have always tried to have as many others around as possible, aided in this enterprise by a copious extended family. Finally I have concluded I was wrong. My child is now a man but his attitude to Christmas is unchanged from the days when we would put out the carrot for the reindeer on December 24. Presents are very nice and the more the better, a meal is enjoyable but best served relatively speedily, and guests are tolerated for limited hours. But the real pleasure is to cosy up quietly, once the imported crowd have gone, safe in the knowledge that normality will return the next day. The Christmas comedy Nativity! featured well-known actors, such as David Tennant, Martin Freeman and Alan Carr, but can you identify this cast member from the 2009 film? The former child star of the hit movie Nativity! has revealed that she finds it 'cringey' 14 years on - yet admits her parents still insist on watching it every year. Becca Maguire, now 23, was cast as a pupil named Saffron in the production back in 2009 after signing up to an agency through her local drama school, leading her to share the screen with Martin Freeman and Alan Carr. The British Christmas movie was released in cinemas on 27 November 2009, followed by Nativity 2: Danger in the Manger (2012), Nativity 3: Dude, Where's My Donkey? (2014) and Nativity Rocks! (2018). Becca, a recent History of Art graduate, said the main chunk of the film was shot over the six-week summer holidays at a school in Coventry, Warwickshire. Becca Maguire, 23, was cast as a pupil named Saffron in the film Festivity! in 2009 after signing up to an agency through her local drama school - but do you remember the sweet schoolgirl she pl She was then lucky enough to jet off to LA for two weeks with her cast mate Michael McAuley who played William in the film to shoot additional footage for the production. Becca says she was only eight when she starred in the film and being part of the musical comedy directed by Debbie Isitt was 'very fun'. But despite making it a Christmas tradition to watch the film every year with her parents, she says she finds the plot 'cringey' and would prefer to watch Love Actually. Since starring in Nativity! Becca has hung up her acting career to focus on her studies and graduated from UCL with a Masters in History of Art in September 2022 and is now applying for a PhD. Becca, from Guildford in Surrey, said: 'I have watched the first and second Nativity! films, but I don't think I've seen the other two. 'Nativity is not my favourite Christmas film. I find it quite cringe. 'I don't know if this is because I'm in it but it's not my favourite. However, my mum and dad make us watch it every year as a Christmas tradition. My favourite Christmas film is Love Actually. Becca pictured aged 8 during the Sparkle And Shine song in the 2009 Nativity! film Becca (right) pictured with her co-stars Michael McAuley (left) and Martin Freeman (centre) in 2009 Becca Maguire, 8, with Martin Freeman at the Nativity! premiere in 2009 Becca Maguire pictured in the 2009 hit film (left) and in 2023 (right) 'I was only eight when I starred in the film. Lots of children that turned up to the audition were well rehearsed and had planned dance routines. 'I just turned up and didn't expect it to go anywhere. 'When I got the part, we weren't sure if I was going to be an extra or a main part. 'We didn't know about going to LA to film for ages. 'I remember feeling quite nervous when we were in LA and [we were singing to the Hollywood producers]. 'There were so many producers, directors and cameramen and this was really nerve wracking. 'But, it was so much fun and we had some days off where we went to amusement parks and got to explore. The actress is pictured mimicking her eight-year-old self in Nativity! 'I remember making so many new friends on set and the whole experience was so fun. 'Also filming in the cathedral for the end of the film was amazing. We got to stay up really late.' Nativity! is a British movie that tells the story of a heartbroken primary school teacher who tells a little white lie about Hollywood coming to visit his school and watch the kid's Nativity show. Becca said during filming, all the kids learnt the lyrics to the songs but were never given lines to learn to make their acting more 'natural' on set. She said everyone got to choose their character name for the film and Becca originally chose Sapphire but this was later changed to Saffron by producers. Becca graduated from UCL with a Masters in History of Art in September 2022 and is now applying for a PhD Michael McAuley, who played William, and Becca, who played Saffron, pictured filming in LA in 2009 The actress is pictured imitating her character in the 2009 film Nativity! Becca, now 23, says she finds the film 'cringey' 14 years on The part-time nursery worker says her favourite song in Nativity! was 'Sparkle and Shine' which she a star facemask for and says Mr Maddens played by Martin Freeman and Mr Poppy acted by Marc Wootton had the same personalities on and off set. Becca said: 'All the filming was very natural. When I played Saffron I was just able to be myself which was very smart directing. 'We learnt the lyrics to the songs but we weren't given lines in the film. We were just given prompts throughout filming. 'The only thing that they changed about me in the film was my name. 'We were able to choose our own character names and I chose Sapphire but there was already a girl called Crystal in the production and they thought this was too similar so my name got changed to Saffron. 'Mr Poppy was hilarious on set and both him and Mr Maddens had the same personality on and off set.' Becca says people used to recognise her when she was younger from the film, but now they don't. But when people discover her childhood stardom, she says they say Saffron's best line is when she states her allergies before flying to LA. Becca said: 'No one in person seems to recognise me but when I was younger I sometimes used to get recognised on school trips. 'Whenever someone realises that it's me [I played the character Saffron] they always say that when I say 'ponies, horses, donkeys and cats' is hilarious. 'I am actually allergic to these things so it is very me.' This month, 14 years after the Nativity! film was released, Becca created a TikTok page dedicated to her time playing the pupil Saffron in the film and users went crazy for it. One person said: 'Icon!' Another added: 'Saffron the queen.' A third commented: 'Omg, you were so cute!' Retiring BBC royal correspondent Nicholas Witchell has revealed that Charles didn't speak to him 'for years', after a story he'd written infuriated the then future king - and prompted those famous hot mic comments. The veteran royal correspondent, who is stepping down next year, was the target of the then Prince of Wales' irritation during a photoshoot with William and Harry in the Swiss Alps in 2005 just eight days before Charles was due to marry Queen Camilla. The then Prince of Wales was angered when Witchell asked him how he was feeling about his upcoming wedding, prompting the future monarch to say under his breath: 'Bloody people. I can't bear that man. I mean, he is so awful, he really is.' In an interview with The Sunday Times, the journalist has now explained exactly why Charles was so cross, saying a piece he'd written about a holiday he'd enjoyed with Camilla on a friend's yacht had sparked the wrath. Ex BBC royal correspondent Nicholas Witchell (pictured in 2016) said that he'd upset Charles so much with a piece he'd written about the future king on a yacht holiday with Camilla that the then Prince didn't speak to him 'for years' He said: 'I had compared it to holidays taken by a former Prince of Wales [Edward VIII] with his mistress [Wallis Simpson], and I know he really didnt like that. He was very cross.' The ex BBC man disclosed that Charles stopped speaking to him for several years, something the journalist said didn't do his career harm because it proved he wasn't 'blowing smoke up the royal familys rear end'. Witchell said he and the monarch were eventually reconciled, and that king had even gone on to become patron of the Normandy Memorial Trust, which the journalist co-founded. Earlier this year, Witchell revealed he had been 'shocked' when he realised exactly what Charles had said about him in 2005, saying his question to the royal had gone 'horribly wrong', adding: 'I was shocked, but to be perfectly honest, we all mutter under our breath, don't we?' King Charles with his arms around Prince William and Prince Harry during the Royal Family's ski break at Klosters, Switzerland on March 31, 2005 The journalist, who has covered the Royal Family since 1998, revealed in September that he will retire next year. He joined the broadcaster as a graduate news trainee in 1976. King Charles had been on holiday at Klosters resort when he hit out at Mr Witchell, who asked him: 'Can I ask how you and Princes William and Harry are feeling at the prospect of the marriage?' Speaking to The Telegraph, the journalist said he had hoped with his question to get Prince Harry and William to 'endorse the wedding'. 'But it just went horribly wrong,' he said. Witchell has admitted he was 'shocked' when King Charles called him 'awful' during a now-infamous TV interview 'People weren't in the best of moods that morning. It sounds the most inane and pathetic question really: "How do you feel about the wedding?'" 'But if you sort of unpack that, as the then Prince of Wales immediately did I could see that his face was somewhat changing colour.' Charles initially interrupted before Mr Witchell had finished his question, saying: 'You've heard of it have you?' William politely said: 'Very happy, very pleased. It will be a good day.' Before embarking on his rant, Charles said again: 'I'm very glad you've heard of it anyway.' Aides suggested that Charles was annoyed about William and Kate Middleton then just the prince's girlfriend being photographed the previous day. Paddy Harverson, Charles's press secretary at the time, said: 'We recognise that we cannot stop photographers taking these pictures, but we hope every year that they will respect the privacy of the family and friends and their need to have a private holiday.' In 2005, Prince Charles - as he was then - famously insulted the BBC's royal correspondent, Nicholas Witchell Mr Harverson later said: 'Nicholas was in the firing line when the prince was expressing his general frustration at the paparazzi and it boiled over at the first person to ask a question,' he said. 'It wasn't personal. He does regret saying it. He really didn't mean to take it out on Nicholas.' Mr Witchell said at the weekend that Charles did not apologise but he had not expected him to. He said 'for several years' there was 'no contact' between the pair before they had a 'rapprochement' in Saudi Arabia. Mr Witchell broadcast the confirmed news of the death of Diana, Princess of Wales on August 31, 1997 and provided live radio commentary from outside Westminster Abbey at her funeral. The 70-year-old first joined the BBC after finishing a law degree at Leeds University, later becoming a BBC reporter in Northern Ireland in 1979, which included covering the assassination of Earl Mountbatten and the IRA hunger strikes. The royal family's Christmas celebrations have begun in earnest, with King Charles and Queen Camilla - and his trusted equerry - heading to a traditional Christmas Eve church service this morning, ahead of welcoming their loved ones to the Norfolk royal estate. The monarch, 75, looked in festive spirits as he offered well-wishers a cheery wave - and chatted with dog owners - while striding towards St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, accompanied by Queen Camilla, Princess Anne and Sir Timothy Laurence. King Charles smiled warmly at the crowds who'd turned out to greet the royals at the Sandringham estate, with many of them taking photos on their phones of the royal entourage. Equerry Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Thompson was by the monarch's side, accompanying the king and senior royals safely into the church. The Prince and Princess of Wales, their children and other senior royals will join the King and Queen on the Norfolk estate today, although Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will celebrate December 25th stateside at their home in Los Angeles. Reports that the king and queen were hosting a bigger than expected family gathering with Camillas family joining them at Sandringham are untrue. Merry monarch: King Charles pictured alongside his trusted equerry, Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Thompson, following a Christmas Eve church service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk A wave that says it's Christmas! Wearing his favourite tweed coat, the monarch looked in good spirits as he made his way towards St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, walking alongside Princess Anne's husband Sir Timothy Laurence The royals and the equerry: Lt Col Thompson of the 5th Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland escorts the royals to church on Christmas Eve. The dashing father-of-one lives in Surrey with his wife Caroline Queen Camilla meets an adorable looking baby amongst the crowds gathered at Sandringham on Christmas Eve The king was wearing his favourite tweed coat, thought to be around 40 years old and from Savile Row, over a slate grey suit, with brown suede shoes Queen Camilla held a bouquet of yellow roses, given to her by a royal fan outside the church as the couple made their way from the service The king's sister, the Princess Royal, pictured leaving the church service on Christmas Eve The King shares a joke with the owner of two dogs dressed as Christmas puddings as he left St Mary Magdalene Church on Christmas Eve The monarch couldn't hide his interest after spotting the pair of doggies in festive fancy dress The king was wearing his favourite tweed coat, thought to be around 40 years old and from Savile Row, over a slate grey suit, with brown suede shoes. Queen Camilla, dressed in a warm wool coat and black feathered hat strolled behind the King, smiling at families who'd gathered to greet the royals. Princess Anne, in a festive red coat and hat with a navy tartan skirt and boots, chatted with her sister-in-law as they walked through rural Norfolk. Meanwhile, the king's trusted aide Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Thompson accompanied the royals throughout. Lt Col Thompson of the 5th Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland, a father-of-one, lives in Surrey with his wife Caroline. King Charles smiled warmly at those who'd turned out to greet the royals at the Sandringham estate on Christmas Eve Princess Anne, in a red and tartan ensemble, looks back at gathered well-wishers as the family make their way into the service Queen Camilla shakes the hand of Reverend Canon Dr Paul Williams as she arrives, with Princess Anne and Sir Tim Laurence looking on As he left the service around lunchtime, the King stopped to share a joke with the owner of two dogs dressed as Christmas puddings, clearly finding the festive outfits amusing. It's likely to be the first of two visits in two days, with a special service laid on at St Mary Magdalene church, once visited by Queen Victoria and dating back to the 16th century, on Christmas day. The Prince and Princess of Wales and extended senior royals will join the King and Queen at Sandringham tomorrow. However, Harry and Meghan's anticipated absence from the UK - the couple are thought to be staying at their Montecito mansion - follows recent hopes of a thaw in relations between King Charles and his youngest son. The Sussexes had even said in the months running up to the festive period that they would accept an invitation to Sandringham this Christmas, it was reported - but the Christmas reunion hasn't materialised. Queen Camilla, dressed in a warm wool coat and black feathered hat strolled behind the King, smiling at families gathered The royal family usually maintain historic traditions throughout the festive period. On Christmas Eve, the family lay out their presents on a table and exchange gifts with each other during teatime. Sandringham House, the country estate in Norfolk which was passed onto King Charles after the death of his mother, is the monarch's favoured festive retreat. The estate covers a whopping 20,000 acres and was originally bought for Edward VII and Alexandra of Denmark, just before they married. Of the well-wishers who gather at the church, many choose to give the family Christmas cards and gifts. One fan gave Prince Louis a feathered Santa toy last year, which he carried with him while his mother, Kate, spoke to a young girl who had come out to say hello. With brollies in hand, the King and Queen walked back to their royal car with the family's traditional present opening on Christmas Eve awaiting them back at the Norfolk estate A festive handshake: the King smiles as he's welcomed to the Christmas Eve service The royals will spend Christmas day and New Year at Sandringham House, with the Queen's children joining the family for Christmas Day A glimpse of Princess Anne: the King's sister wore a festive ensemble as she walked alongside Camilla Quite a crowd: Families dressed for winter weather took photos of the royals as they walked to the church service The king donned a slate grey pinstripe suite and brown suede brogues for the Christmas Eve outing Royal fans will get a chance to sing along with the Prince and Princess of Wales on Christmas Eve, as Kate's Together at Christmas Carol Service airs on ITV at 7:45pm. In a clip shared ahead of the programme, Kate, 41, was seen surprising guests at a festive tea party, after quietly entering a secret London venue through a side door. The Princess arrived through a side door to surprise the pair; Rico's former football coach Russell Gray said the royal 'took the air out of the room' 'Do you mind if I join you?' Dressed in a very festive red - including a favourite Miu Miu jumper - the Princess of Wales leaves teenage footballer Rico looking shocked as she takes a seat at the festive tea party table The video sees teen footballer Rico, one of the guests, who thought he was just being reunited with his childhood football coach Russell Gray, grinning broadly as the Princess reaches out to shake his hand. Kate, wear a red 1,350 Miu Miu cardigan and matching red trousers, surprised hardworking adults in the childcare sector with the tea party - in a special set that will be shown ahead of the royal's televised carol concert. Crown Princess Victoria cut a stylish figure as she visited the customs office at the Stockholm Vartahamnen port terminal in Sweden today. Princess Victoria, 46, showcased a vibrant red outfit that she has worn on a number of occasions since December 2019. The mother-of-two wrapped up against the chill in an oversized faux fur coat and chunky ankle boots. She beamed upon arriving at the port terminal accompanied by her husband Prince Daniel, 50, daughter Princess Estelle, 11, and son Prince Oscar, 7. Victoria expertly styled her outfit with statement gold hoop earrings, while her brunette tresses were swept up into a chignon. Crown Princess Victoria beamed upon arriving at the port terminal alongside her daughter Princess Estelle , 11, and son Prince Oscar, 7 Princess Victoria was first seen wearing the striking scarlet ensemble, comprising a peplum jacket and pleated skirt, while choosing a Christmas tree in 2019. Today, she layered it over a black turtleneck, adding a narrow waist belt and chunky ankle boots to complete the winter-ready look. Princess Estelle, who appeared delighted to attend the family engagement, followed her mother's lead by wearing a faux fur coat and lace-up boots. Meanwhile, Prince Oscar was bundled up in a puffer coat, wool beanie and wellington boots. His father, Prince Daniel, looked dapper in a smart navy suit, paired with a stylish roll neck jumper. It comes after the Swedish royal family donned dazzling jewels and elegant gowns to attend the Nobel dinner in Stockholm. Crown Princess Victoria, Prince Daniel, Princess Sofia, Prince Carl Philip, King Carl Gustaf XVI and Queen Silvia looked regal at the King's Nobel Dinner. The heir to the throne, 46, stunned in a black-and-white gown with a full skirt patterned with floral applique, a black belt at the waist and a white bodice with cappes sleeves. Her husband Prince Daniel looked sharp in a dinner jacket and white tie. Victoria was accompanied by her husband Prince Daniel, 55 (pictured left) and children The mother-of-two wrapped up against the chill in an oversized faux fur coat and chunky ankle boots Victoria beamed as she arrived at the Stockholm Vartahamnen port terminal in Stockholm, Sweden, on Christmas Eve Princess Estelle (left), who appeared delighted to attend the royal engagement, followed her mother's lead by wearing a faux fur coat Prince Oscar, who was bundled up in a puffer coat, enjoyed petting a dog Princess Victoria layered her red co-ord over a black turtleneck, adding a narrow waist belt and chunky ankle boots to complete the winter-ready look The royal family of four looked stylish as they visited the Stockholm Vartahamnen port terminal Victoria was accompanied by her husband Prince Daniel, 50, daughter Princess Estelle, 11, and son Prince Oscar, 7 Princess Estelle donned a crew neck sweater and tweed mini skirt with cream opaque tights Princess Estelle kept the cold at bay in a beige faux fur coat, black leather gloves and chunky ankle boots Meanwhile Princess Sofia, 39, stunned in a ruby-red gown with a bardot neckline and a full skirt. She wore her thick brunette locks down and in loose curls, and accessorised with a glowing tiara. The King and Queen were elegant in equally smart outfits, with Silvia opting for a floor-length silver gown with long sleeves and embellished with silver metallic beads. King Carl Gustaf's dinner follows the Nobel Prize Awards which were held in Stockholm last night. Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden laughed the night away as she enjoyed The Nobel Prize banquet with some of the world's brightest minds after the ceremony. The royal 46, appeared in high spirits as she sat in-between leading physicist Pierre Agostini and renowned chemist Moungi Bawendi - both of whom were recipients of the revered prize in their respective fields this year - at the dinner in an exquisite metallic mauve gown. She looked to be enjoying their company, chuckling and smiling during the conversation. The eldest child of King Carl XVI Gustaf was also pictured arriving to the banquet with Pierre, wearing her brunette locks in a slick updo and accessorised with an amethyst tiara and amethyst teardrop earrings. An ornate selection of food was presented at the tables, which were decorated with vases of colourful flower bouquets. A new Banksy was spotted in south London and soon posted on the art collective's social media, confirming its authenticity: a stop sign with predator drones painted on it. The antiwar message was both broad and specific, and soon in the back of some guy's truck. Upset passers-by filmed the man removing and stealing the sign, though, and the suspect was soon in custody. "Anyone who may have information about the incident or the whereabouts of the sign is asked to call police." The suspect's arrest came after a video emerged showing a man with bolt cutters climbing on a bicycle with the help of another man to remove the artwork. In the video, a person's voice can be heard saying, "it makes me so annoyed", as the man runs away from the scene with the sign under his arm. Jasmine Ali, deputy leader of Southwark Council in the Peckham area of south London, called for the return of the artwork. "It should not have been removed and we'd like it back so everyone in the community can enjoy Banksy's brilliant work," Ali said. Today I learned the UK, along with many other countries, switched to US-style "STOP" signs at some point in the last 20 years or so. Here's some footage of the thief making off with it. Millions of Americans will be celebrating on their own this Christmas amid a nationwide loneliness epidemic, a survey has revealed. A new poll showed that around 19 million Americans are due to spend Christmas alone this year, which is one in 14 adults. Oregon has the highest rate of people celebrating alone on Christmas day at 45 percent, according to the poll, while Tennessee has the lowest at 12 percent. Oregon has the highest rate of people celebrating alone on Christmas day at 45 percent, according to the poll, while Tennessee has the lowest at 12 percent Oregon has the highest rate of people celebrating alone, with 45 percent, while Tennessee has the lowest at 12 percent 'Alone' was defined as living in a single-person household and not planning to see anyone on December 25. Oregon has a higher percentage of people aged 65 and older in Oregon at almost one in five, compared to 17 percent in Tennessee, data from the Population Reference Bureau revealed, which could explain why the state will be more solitary on Christmas. Southern states, including Tennessee and Mississippi, may also have a stronger culture of family and community gatherings during the holidays, reflecting traditional Southern values. States that were the most lonely are generally in the West of the US. Nevada, Colorado and Arkansas also had high rates of loneliness. Meanwhile, the least lonely states are mainly in the southeast of the country. After Tennessee was Nebraska, Mississippi, Maryland, Iowa, New Jersey and Washington. It may also be that the cost of living in Tennessee is lower than in other states, which could support bigger households and more family-centric living arrangements. According to Forbes Advisor, the cost of living in Tennessee in 2023 was $34,742, compared to $46,193 in Oregon. Online-Solitaire.com - an online gaming company - commissioned a survey of 4,000 adults living in one-person households if they were planning to spend Christmas alone via an online survey. The participant pool was a geographically representative panel that covered each state in the US and were not necessarily users of the gaming platform. They excluded respondents from multi-person households as well as under-18s because it was assumed they were far less likely to spend Christmas alone. They also asked participants how they plan on coping with loneliness on Christmas. More than one in four respondents said they would turn to online gaming to pass the time, and six percent said they would participate in online communities. Most lonely states Oregon Delaware Nevada Colorado Arkansas Idaho Michigan Advertisement Least lonely states Tennessee Nebraska Mississippi Maryland Iowa New Jersey Washington Advertisement One in five admitted they would binge-watch movies, while 15 percent said they would engage in a hobby. Another 15 percent said they would spend their day cooking, and just over one in ten said they would be volunteering. The remaining eight percent said they would spend time reading. Earlier this year, the US surgeon general declared loneliness an epidemic and warned it is as deadly as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. It is also worse than being obese or not exercising. Lonely people are up to 30 percent more likely to suffer heart disease, previous research has suggested. They are also at a greater risk for dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety and early death. Dr Vivek Murthy said social isolation should be treated with the same urgency as 'tobacco use, obesity and the addiction crisis.' Levels of loneliness have been rising for years but got worse fast amid pandemic lockdowns. One study found that one in five people were lonely during the pandemic, compared with six percent prior to Covid. Americans spent about 20 minutes a day in person with friends in 2020, down from 60 minutes daily nearly two decades earlier, according to the surgeon general's advisory. Research cited in the surgeon general's remarks found that time spent with friends dropped 20 hours a month between 2003 and 2020. Meanwhile, time spent alone shot up by a whole 24 hours, likely exacerbated by Covid lockdowns. Socially connected people live longer, as loneliness can cause chronic stress, which leads to inflammation that damages tissues and blood vessels. Isolation also elevates a person's likelihood of experiencing depression, anxiety, and dementia. Some 42 percent of the survey respondents said Christmas Day was the most challenging day to spend alone due to its cultural significance. This was followed by personal birthdays, Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. Of the people surveyed who will be with family on Christmas, 88 percent said they would invite a neighbor known to be alone to join them for the celebrations. Another survey conducted by MedicareFAQ found that one in four seniors will not get to see their families over the holidays. In November this year, MedicareFAQ surveyed 640 senior citizens about their experience with loneliness, particularly during the holiday season. Respondents were mainly female, had an age range of 65-99 and were an average of 70 years old. One survey respondent, a 72-year-old man from California, said: 'I dont see my family and havent heard from them in over 10 years.' Research shows that Americans, who have become less engaged with worship houses, community organizations and even their own family members in recent decades, have steadily reported an increase in feelings of loneliness. The number of single households has also doubled over the last 60 years. READ MORE: Doctor warns about dangers of water beads after infant deaths Pediatricians are warning parents about gifts for kids this holiday season that could cause choking, burns, and intestinal damage. In 2022, toy-related injuries accounted for more than 145,000 emergency room visits in kids ages 12 and under, according to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). And the holidays could be the peak. Dr Michael Flaherty, a pediatric critical care physician at Mass General for Children Hospital in Boston, told DailyMail.com that there is a 'huge rise' in these incidents during the holidays. 'I would say December and January are probably the two top months for toy-related injuries across the United States,' he said. In 2022, toy-related injuries accounted for more than 145,000 emergency room visits in kids ages 12 and under, according to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Battery-powered gadgets like racecars and dolls, for example, can lead to burns in the throat and stomach lining if the coin-shaped batteries are swallowed. Weaponry toys like Nerf guns could hit kids in the eyes, resulting in pain, blindness, and even eye loss. And Dr Flaherty named water beads as the most dangerous toy for kids this Christmas, as they can expand up to 400 times their size and lead to choking and intestinal blockages. Here are the toys pediatricians warn parents to steer clear of this holiday season. Water beads Water beads are marketed as childrens toys or therapies for children with sensory processing or autism spectrum disorders Water beads are typically used for sensory play and developing fine motor skills in children with developmental delays, such as autism spectrum disorder. They are also used as fluid absorbers in baby diapers, incontinence garments, and menstrual pads. When wet, they can expand up to 400 times their size. Dr Flaherty said if these are swallowed, this can make them difficult to remove. 'We're seeing a lot of injuries related to these water beads,' he said. 'If a child gets one of these beads and swallows them and it gets into the airway, as soon as it becomes moist or wet from saliva, it starts to expand.' 'It can really post a huge risk.' If they get stuck in the airway, the beads can pose a choking risk. Even if they make it further, they could cause blockages. Dr Flaherty said that kids under three are particularly prone to swallowing these because they are small and colorful, almost resembling candy. In March, the CPSC and toy company Buffalo Games recalled more than 50,000 'Chuckle & Roar Ultimate Water Beads Activity Kits' sold at Target after one infant was injured and another died. The injured child, Kennedy Mitchell of Maine, was hospitalized after she swallowed one of the beads. She suffered a bowel blockage, which can be fatal as it cuts off blood supply to part of the intestines. The 10-month-old went into septic shock and had to be put on a ventilator. She eventually recovered. Weaponry toys Nerf gun pellets can damage the retina, a layer of tissue at the back of the eyeball, which could lead to blindness or blurry vision Nerf guns have been a holiday favorite since they first emerged in the 1980s. While the foam bullets may seem harmless, they shoot out so quickly that the impact can injure the eyes and other parts of the body. In 2018, a nine-year-old boy in Wales lost one eye after a friend shot him with a Nerf gun pellet. Six years prior, he had been rendered blind in that eye when he got hit by a toy arrow. The pellets have also been shown to damage the retina, a layer of tissue at the back of the eyeball, which could lead to blindness or blurry vision. 'Nerf guns and rocket launchers and anything that can be a projectile that can damage or hurt someone's eye or potentially do any damage at high speeds, I typically try to advise parents to avoid,' Dr Flaherty said. Toys with button batteries or magnets Children's Hospital of Philadelphia estimates that button batteries are swallowed more than 3,500 times a year Many toys are powered by batteries. Racecars, baby dolls, and even some yo-yos contain button batteries. These are also known as coin batteries because they are about the same size as a coin. Button batteries are made with lithium-ion. When they are swallowed, saliva triggers an electrical current that leads to chemical reactions. This can lead to severe burns in the esophagus, which connects the throat to the stomach. Those burns can perforate the esophagus, paralyze vocal cords, and damage blood vessels. 'They can really do some terrible damage to the esophagus and the stomach,' Dr Flaherty said. Children's Hospital of Philadelphia estimates that button batteries are swallowed more than 3,500 times a year. According to the CPSC, 70 children have died from these injuries. Dr Flaherty also warned against toys with magnets, many of which are sold as sets, which could lead kids to swallow more than one. 'These magnets are so strong that pieces of the intestine can actually stick together and cause perforations or holes in the intestine.' 'These can be surgical emergencies.' Wifi-powered tablets Dr Flaherty recommended avoiding devices with Wi-Fi because they could steal privacy information from children Tablets have become common gifts for kids to play games and watch sensory videos on. However, they are also vulnerable to cyberattacks and hacking. A 2021 report from researchers at internet browser Mozilla found that Amazon's Echo speakers and tablets were stealing data from children and would only delete information if the parent explicitly asked them to do so. 'And when it comes to kids, it's probably better to err on the side of caution when it comes to their privacy,' the researchers wrote. 'Books, arts sets, and science kits still make great gifts for kids, and those are much more likely to come with your childrens privacy included.' 'Anything that has access to a network or the internet or the Wi-Fi has the ability to capture data about our children, or even let people who aren't intended to use the toy get into it and speak to our children or do things that aren't appropriate,' Dr Flaherty said. Global investment fund Nutshell Growth has enjoyed a reasonable start to life since its launch during lockdown in May 2020, generating an overall return of 24 per cent. But it hasnt been easy with its share price falling sharply in the wake of the financial crisis in November 2022, before bouncing back strongly this year. The fund remains a minnow with assets under its belt of a tad over 20million, but it has the backing of British billionaire Lord Spencer who is an investor in both the fund and Nutshell Asset Management, the investment company that runs it. Earlier this month, Spencer confidently predicted that Nutshell Growth would reap investors 2024 returns superior to those registered by Fundsmith Equity, a 23billion global fund that has delivered annual returns since launch in November 2010 of 15.1 per cent. The Fundsmith fund is managed by Terry Smith like Michael Spencer, a City icon. Putting his money where his mouth is, Spencer said he would donate 10,000 to a charity of The Mail on Sundays choice if Nutshell Growth triumphed next year. Mark Ellis, the funds investment manager, is not fazed about the challenge put down by Spencer. Competition is good, he says. The PR is good and its great that Michael likes the investment process that underpins the fund I run. Ellis, who spent more than 25 years in the City as a trader before setting up Nutshell Asset Management in 2019, is an individual who loves nothing more than analysing companies and poring over spreadsheets. He is meticulous in his investment approach, assessing 600 companies on more than 30 different factors, using data going back 20 years. They are drawn from all corners of the world, although most are listed in the United States. Currently, 37 businesses make it into the fund familiar names such as US giant Alphabet (owner of Google) and more unfamiliar brands such as French healthcare specialist Equasens. Ellis uses artificial intelligence to do a lot of the number crunching, for example analysing companies profit margins, the ability of listed businesses to preserve shareholder capital in downturns, and how share prices respond to either directors dealings or reported results. He is also happy to bank some profit on individual stocks when their share prices rally and recalibrates the portfolio twice a month to ensure it is in line with the target stakes he has set. He refers to this as agile rebalancing. Every stock has to constantly justify its place in the fund, he adds. He also employs AI to assess how bullish and bearish chief executives are about their businesses in calls to analysts and investors. A lot of the work I do is analytical, says Ellis. What I am trying to create is an edge. Yes, I could just hold the companies I like and run with them, but I want to deliver a little extra on top for investors. Like Spencer, Ellis is a substantial investor in the fund and owns two thirds of Nutshell Asset Management which has around 33million of assets under its wing. I love my job, he says. All my familys investments are tied up in the fund. The fund will not touch tobacco stocks. All my mothers family were smokers and they died in their 60s. So, tobacco companies are a no go as far as I am concerned. Also, the companies are always vulnerable to fines and litigation, he says. Fund charges are on the high side at 1.89 per cent a result of its small size. jeff.prestridge@mailonsunday.co.uk Diamond miner De Beers is about to embark on a far-reaching overhaul following a less-than-sparkling performance. There are growing fears of a jobs bloodbath under plans being drawn up to cut costs at the group, a senior industry source told The Mail on Sunday. De Beers, which recently appointed Kenyan actress Lupita Nyongo as its first global ambassador, is the worlds largest producer of diamonds by value and has 20,000 employees. Ambassador: De Beers recently appointed Kenyan actress Lupita Nyongo as its first global ambassador Earlier this month Anglo spooked the City when it said it needed to slash spending across the company including at De Beers. Diamond prices have slumped on lower demand coupled with a massive rise in the production of far cheaper lab-grown gems, which now represent about 18 per cent of the market up from just 0.3 per cent in 2015. The source said: Senior management are being interviewed effectively with a view to cutting their jobs. Lab-grown diamonds are increasingly a threat. When youre faced with a decision such as an engagement ring, you could buy a lab-grown one that looks and is effectively exactly the same, save the money and then go on the worlds greatest honeymoon. The source said there are fears of significant writedowns of the value of its inventory. De Beers made an estimated 2.9billion selling diamonds in 2023 down by more than a third compared with 2022. The company told the MoS that prices have stabilised, but it expects improvements in trading to be gradual. There are also concerns that an agreement clinched with the government of Botswana earlier this year could hit De Beers long-term finances. The company mines the majority of its stones in the African country. The Botswana government and De Beers run the mines through a joint venture. But Botswanas leaders have been unhappy with the terms. Under an agreement reached in the summer Botswana will own larger percentages of the stones produced in the future, so De Beers could receive less money in the long run. The company is also tied to handing Botswana hundreds of millions of pounds over ten years to help develop its economy. City analysts speculate that the group could become a takeover target or that it might break itself up. De Beers boss Al Cook, who started at the company in February, said the group is very pleased about the agreement with Botswana. A De Beers spokesman said: We have recently been reviewing our strategic priorities as we focus on position De Beers for long-term success and maximising sustainable value. The spokesman added that it is looking at the optimal organisational structure to ensure the business is as effective and efficient as possible. Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, the founder of easyJet, has claimed another scalp in the English courts after embarking on a legal crusade to stop others from putting the word easy in front of their company names. Last week, the Court of Appeal in London upheld a judgment ordering businessman Achilleas Achilleous, who operated the website easyLiveauction.com, to pay 180,000 in legal costs following a trademark lawsuit by Haji-Ioannous outfit easyGroup. It followed a High Court ruling earlier this month when judge Sir Anthony Mann said easyLiveauction had been free-riding on the coat tails of the easyGroup trademark. Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, the founder of easyJet, has claimed another scalp in the English courts Savouring his legal victory, the tycoon dubbed Achilleous a brand thief, but claimed he just wanted to uphold the rule of law. However, some have accused the billionaire of bullying tactics. Last month, easyfundraising, which provides technology to charities to raise cash, vowed to fight back against a trademark lawsuit. The 15th Doctor Who, played by Ncuti Gatwa, steps into the Time Lords shoes for his first adventure on BBC One on Christmas Day and experts are predicting the arrival of this 31-year-old Rwandan-Scottish actor will raise the value of time-traveller collectables by attracting new fans. The adventures of Doctor Who began 60 years ago, when the first doctor played by William Hartnell popped his head out of the Tardis. Children would hide behind the sofa when enemies such as the Daleks and Cybermen first appeared on our TVs. But once the show ended they were then eager for parents to buy them Doctor Who toys and merchandise. Hands on: Ncuti Gatwa, the 15th Doctor Who, will attract new fans Now grown up, many with children or even grandchildren of their own, Doctor Who fans known as Whovians are snapping up the memorabilia they grew up with. Many are swept up by a wave of nostalgia for items that got lost, broken or were coveted as treasures only the neighbours well-heeled children could afford. Younger fans are also getting involved as they want to go back in time to share in the Time Lords earlier collectables. Props from the notoriously wobbly sets are also in demand as enthusiasts are keen to own a piece of its sci-fi history. Doctor Who author and collector David Howe says: Interest in the time-traveller ebbs and flows. But while the previous doctor, played by Jodie Whittaker, was not a hit with everyone, there are high hopes for this latest incarnation. It will have a knock-on effect for collectables. He adds: But although it will revitalise the market it is mostly only older pieces from the first heyday of the 1960s and 70s where investments rise in value. This is due to increased rarity and demand for collectables that are all part of the Time Lord history of the new Doctor Who. Hartnell was at the helm from 1963 until 1966, after which Patrick Troughton travelled in the Tardis until 1969. The third regeneration Jon Pertwee arrived in 1970 to cement the Doctors appeal. But Tom Baker, from 1975 through to 1981, is the most popular Doctor for many. Howe, 60, runs the website Doctor Who Toybox, which lists thousands of pieces of related merchandise everything from ice cream wrappers to full-size Daleks. He also has a private museum at his Doncaster home. He says: Obviously, anything to do with the first doctor has historic appeal, but it is only when he first encountered the Daleks that interest really took off. It is related merchandise from this era that is the most sought after. Among Howes favourites is the mid-1960s Louis Marx Dalek that cost ten shillings (50p) when new but boxed can now fetch 400. There is also a Cowan de Groot Dalek that cost 16 shillings and five old pence (82p). These often fell apart, and survivors can cost 800. Oddities include Dalek soap where survivors can go for 500 and Dalek Death Ray ice lolly for 2,000. Howe says: The Walls ice lolly is a great example of how investments can be found in the most unlikely places. A Who's Who of time lord classics Original 1960s Dalek - 35,000 These props rarely come on the market. A 1966 example that fought Patrick Troughton sold at auction for 32,000 seven years ago. A 1964 Dalek that was once an exhibition in Madame Tussauds fetched 36,000 in 2005. Tom Baker scarf - 20,000 The 18ft scarf worn by the fourth doctor became a key part of the image of the Time Lord that still resonated with regenerations today. Several scarfs were knitted and an example, but with hat and coat, sold for 24,000 in 2007. Dalek Death Ray ice lolly - 2,000 This Walls treat was readily available to buy from the ice cream van in 1974. Not surprisingly there are few survivors and if you find one at the back of the freezer then you have an investment well past its sell-by date. Signed photo from the Master - 1,000 The Master never succeeds in battle but in the autograph stakes the fellow Gallifreyan at last comes out on top as played by Roger Delgado, who suddenly died in 1973. Leela action doll - 750 A doll of the Tom Baker assistant played by Louise Jameson. Without toy dagger the model might cost 100. It is often not the so-called limited editions that make money but pieces that were once thought to be relatively worthless. Doctor Who family games are also increasing in value as parts often got damaged or lost over time. The 1965 Dodge The Daleks board game can sell for 300 if it is complete but has been well played with or 800 if in mint condition. Doctor Who fan and collector Mark Stammers, 58, says the association with Christmas remains strong for him and many other collectors. Stammers says: On Christmas Day as a child I would be given a stocking with a Doctor Who annual. As with many other households across Britain, the idea was to keep me quiet for a while, as the main presents would not be opened until after lunch. The first Doctor Who annual did not come out until 1965 and cost nine shillings and six old pence (47.5p). It can now change hands for 100. The second Hartnell annual is even more valuable as it came out a couple of months before he regenerated into Troughton and can cost 150. Battered examples scribbled in without the price tag sell for 30. There is also a trilogy of 1960s Dalek annuals The Dalek Book, The Dalek World and The Dalek Outer Space Book. These can sell for 100 each. Stammers says: When most people think about Doctor Who they imagine a man with a hat and scarf Tom Baker. Props occasionally pop up from reputable dealers and fans. An original scarf worn on set selling for 2,000 two decades ago might change hands for 20,000. Alexandra Looseley-Saul, who runs The Who Shop in London, says the value of props, such as a 1,000 blouse worn by the late Elisabeth Sladen who played the assistant Sarah Jane Smith in the 1970s have tripled in the past decade. But the biggest money still goes on a 1960s original Dalek, when sink plungers and Morris Minor indicator lights were used as part of the costume that can fetch 35,000. But Looseley-Saul says the shop can also get a modern full-scale Dalek made under licence from the BBC for 4,000. Howe says: The secret of investing in Doctor Who memorabilia is to have fun. If you love a particular model, chances are others will too. Hopefully a new generation of Doctor Who fans won over by the latest regeneration can share in this timeless appeal. toby.walne@mailonsunday.co.uk Residents of an outback Australian town who spent their savings building underground 'dugouts' will never own their homes due to a native title judgment. The closest the occupants of the dugouts at White Cliffs in far north-western NSW will come to home ownership is agreeing to a perpetual lease with conditions some say are unreasonable. White Cliffs is about 1,000km from Sydney and at the last census had a population of 156 who escape temperatures which regularly surpass 40C in summer by living in homes dug into the earth. The opal mining settlement was part of a successful land title claim granted to the local Barkandji people by the Federal Court in 2015. Just five of the residents recorded in the 2021 census identified as Indigenous. The nearest major Aboriginal community is at Wilcannia, about 100km south. Residents of an outback town who spent hundreds of thousands of dollars building underground 'dugouts' will never own their own homes due to a native title judgment. Graeme Dowton is pictured in his dugout Many of the 121 dugouts - in which temperatures are a steady 20C to 22C - are now substantial structures with three to four bedrooms and all the conveniences of an above-ground dwelling. Before the Barkandji were granted native title, many dugout dwellers had hoped to be given the opportunity to own their homes outright and some spent hundreds of thousands of dollars improving the structures with that in mind. The state government had indicated residents would be able to turn their dugout licences into freehold ownership but it was later determined that doing so would extinguish native title. Following confidential negotiations between Crown Lands and the Barkandji, an Indigenous Land Use Agreement was reached in 2021 which authorised the granting of perpetual leases for all the dugouts, but nothing more. Crown Lands described that arrangement at the time as a 'win-win' which provided permanent security for White Cliffs residents and recognition of the Barkandji people's rights. Residents were given until December 15 to sign perpetual leases but that deadline has been extended so that the conditions of those contracts can be refined. The closest the occupants of the dugouts at White Cliffs in far north-western NSW will come to home ownership is agreeing to a perpetual lease with conditions some say are unreasonable One long-term dugout lease-holder said the terms of the lease were 'horrendous' and included excessive and trivial criteria that could lead to a contract being terminated. The lease agreements provide no compensation upon forfeiture, with all improvements made to the dugout passing to the Department of Planning and Environment as the landlord. Among a perpetual lessee's obligations are to 'promptly repair or replace any stained, worn or damaged carpet' and to 'immediately replace broken or faulty light bulbs and tubes'. Ken Harris, who has lived in a White Cliffs dugout since 1971, said the department could order residents to undertake improvements at their own expense then determine forfeiture of the lease and take ownership of the property. The leases also include a 'morality clause' which prevents a dugout resident from engaging in any conduct which brings the department into 'disrepute, contempt, scandal or ridicule'. 'It's like having an axe over your head,' Mr Harris said. 'If you say anything, you're out.' White Cliffs is about 1,000km from Sydney and at the last census had a population of 156, most of whom escape temperatures which regularly pass 40 degrees in summer by living in homes dug into the earth Another resident who did not want to be identified said the stringent requirements on property maintenance would be almost impossible to meet, particularly for dugout occupants who spent only part of their time in the town. 'If the carpet's worn or stained or torn you're under threat of eviction,' she said. 'If your light globes are not working you're in breach of the contract. 'People don't know what's going to happen. These were our forever homes.' Crown Lands has acknowledged qualified tradespeople cannot easily be called out from Broken Hill 260km away and residents are unable to get their dugouts insured. 'It is standard practice for leases to require adequate repair and maintenance of properties,' a Crown Lands spokesman said. 'The department has listened to community members and is considering amendments to the leases to recognise that there are aspects about life in White Cliffs that are unique.' Graeme Dowton first visited White Cliffs in the 1970s and began mining there about 30 years ago. He lives in a five-bedroom dugout next to the Red Earth Opal gallery and coffee house he runs with wife Sacha. 'People spent some serious dollars on building nice homes and all along we kept getting told by Crown Lands, "We'll give you freehold",' he said. 'And then we got shafted. 'You've got homes of significant value and we're being told that we're now a tenant and we can be evicted at any time for a whole lot of clauses in those agreements. 'There's a 110 ways we can default on the situation and lose our homes and we get no compensation either. 'We used to have a loose agreement and now it's very tight. All along they've just been making s*** up on the fly.' Graeme Dowton (above) first visited White Cliffs in the 1970s and began mining there about 30 years ago. He lives in a five-bedroom dugout next to the Red Earth Opal gallery and coffee house he runs with wife Sacha Three years after the Barkandji's claim was filed in 1997 the National Native Title Tribunal wrote to dugout occupiers stating they had a right to be heard in mediation or court. 'It is important to note that native title cannot be claimed on private freehold land and the law protects existing valid interests such as leases, licences or permits over an area of land or waters,' the tribunal wrote. In July 2004, a land access manager with the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources sent a letter to residents detailing road-building works. 'It is hoped that all work associated with creating a legal road network for the dugouts will be completed by the end of this year,' the manager wrote. 'Invitations to apply to purchase the freehold interest in individual dugouts will be extended on completion of this work.' More than ten years later a representative of the Department of Primary Industries-Lands wrote to Mr Dowton's father, White Cliffs Minters Association chair Ron Dowton. Many of the 121 dugouts - in which temperatures are a steady 20 to 22 degrees - are now substantial structures with three to four bedrooms and all the conveniences of an above-ground dwelling That letter in July 2015 stated the department was 'working towards inviting dugout licence holders the opportunity to convert their dugout occupation licences to freehold title'. Graeme Dowton estimated he had spent $200,000 on materials for his dugout over the years and valued his own labour at $1million. 'Underground building is very slow and difficult,' he said. 'There's nothing easy about it. Everything has got to be hand-cut and crafted and shaped underground. 'Probably half the dugouts are yet to be fully developed and made into beautiful homes. 'If I was one of them I wouldn't want to spend another dollar on the place because there's so many ways in which we can be evicted.' Dugouts can change hands and some 'sell' for up to $250,000, but they are still subject to native title and owned by the Crown. The perpetual leases prevent further excavation of dugouts without the consent of the Barkandji, who also have first right to purchase any dugout offered for 'sale'. 'People spent some serious dollars on building nice homes and all along we kept getting told by Crown Lands, "We'll give you freehold",' Graham Dowtown said. 'And then we got shafted' Mr Dowton said the lack of home security had distressed the community, particularly the elderly, in a town where 43.8 per cent of the population is 60 or over Mr Dowton said the lack of home security had distressed the community, particularly the elderly, in a town where 43.8 per cent of the population is 60 or over. 'A lot of these oldies come to me and say, "What do we do?" 'Ultimately at the end of the day the government can say your licence is cancelled and they then have no right to their asset and they have to forfeit their home. 'The mental health of the town has gone through the floor.' Mr Dowton said uncertainty about land ownership had stifled business development in White Cliffs. 'It doesn't take long for a place to go backwards,' he said. 'We were actually growing. 'I just see that the confidence will drop out and disappear from the town as far as investment goes and that can't be good for a little outback town.' The Crown Lands spokesman said perpetual leases would ensure residents had exclusive use of their dugouts. Residents who did not wish to sign a perpetual lease could continue to reside in their dugouts on a licence arrangement, as they had before the native title ruling. As King Charles prepares another ratings-busting TV Christmas speech, he has reason to be grateful to one particular organisation for helping create the time-honoured tradition, now in its 91st year. Step forward the Daily Mail! Without it, there would be no King's Speech. The annual fireside chat is the biggest opportunity for the sovereign to reach millions of his or her subjects in one go, yet the man who made the first king's speech, George V, had to be dragged, kicking and screaming, to the microphone. Back in April 1924 he'd made his first radio broadcast at the British Empire Exhibition at Wembley, and disliked it so much had no wish to repeat the experiment. King George V broadcasts to the Empire from Sandringham on Christmas Day, 1935 King George at the opening of the 1924 Empire Exhibition held at Wembley Park. Queen Mary stands to his left. He is replying to a speech by his son the Duke of York, far left, later to be George VI 10,000, 000 hear the Kings voice as reported in The Daily Mail in April 1924 A portrait of Sir Harold Harmsworth, 1st Viscount Rothermere, who founded the Daily Mail with his brother Alfred, Lord Northcliffe Walter Fish, Editor of the Daily Mail from 1919 to 1930 But the Daily Mail, under editor Walter Fish and proprietor Lord Rothermere - younger brother of co-founder Harold, Lord Northcliffe - had other ideas. 'That broadcast aroused widespread curiosity and attracted an audience of ten million,' wrote the king's biographer Kenneth Rose. 'And all because the Daily Mail arranged for massed crowds to hear it [over loudspeakers] in Manchester, Leeds and Glasgow.' In fact such was the unexpected surge of publicity caused by the Daily Mail's initiative that a Government inquiry at Cambridge was obliged to suspend its sitting to listen as did a magistrates court in Gateshead. 'The broadcast was a sensation,' wrote Rose. But old George was a stick-in-the mud and though the BBC tried bribing him into making further speeches by sending a free wireless, then still a newfangled invention, to Buckingham Palace, the king adamantly resisted the new technology. He shunned the idea of talking to his people en masse and was heard only on rare outings where his public speeches were caught by the microphone. The Daily Mail kept up the pressure, however, urging the King to speak to his people. Then, in 1932, he finally gave in. 'At 3.35,' he wrote gruffly in his diary on Christmas Day that year, 'I broadcasted a short message of 251 words to the whole Empire.' In fact the time the world heard his words was precisely 3.05pm for George was at Sandringham, where he eccentrically kept his clocks 30 minutes fast. He'd been ushered into a small room under the stairs to make his breakthrough talk, lasting less than two minutes, and legend has it he spoke to his subjects through a gold microphone. Geoffre Rush, Colin Firth and Helena Bonham Carter in The King's Speech King George VI addresses the people of Britain and the British Empire live over BBC news radio networks at 6pm on Sunday 3rd September 1939, the day of Britain's declaration of war on Nazi Germany 'The text, of timeless simplicity, had been written by Rudyard Kipling,' recorded Rose. 'In emphatic tones and the accent of an Edwardian country gentleman, it carried the King's words to worldwide acclaim. 'With its very first delivery, the Christmas broadcast had become an institution.' Honed and perfected by Elizabeth II in all, she made 69 Christmas broadcasts the annual speech was nearly derailed in its early years by the terrible voice affliction suffered by Lilibet's father, George VI. The Oscar-winning film The Kings Speech starring Colin Firth as the stammering sovereign highlighted the agonies the new king suffered when he had to make his first Yuletide broadcast. 'It was a horrifying ordeal for him,' according to one courtier. According to the king himself it demonstrated he was 'unfit for public life'. Nonsense, of course. Even so, he managed to avoid repeating the experiment the following Christmas. To George, making a broadcast remained an insurmountable hurdle. Yet he was saved by the genius of Australian speech therapist Lionel Logue, who calmed His Majesty's fluttered nerves and, as a result, became a regular Christmas guest at Sandringham to guide and soothe him through his annual nightmare. At least George was spared the ordeal of delivering his address to the TV cameras. The first small-screen broadcast was not until 1957, when Elizabeth II spoke from Sandringham to colossal acclaim. Queen Elizabeth pictured following her Christmas Day message to the nation in 1957, which was broadcast on radio and - for the first time - television The Queen in 1957, seen on screen in her first televised Christmas message The Queen films her traditional Christmas Day address in the Regency Room at Buckingham Palace. At her side are the original microphones used by her grandfather, King George V, for the first Christmas Day broadcast in 1932 Queen Elizabeth II pictured in the State Dining Room of Buckingham Palace, London, after recording her Christmas Day television broadcast in 2014 However when she watched the recording, Lilibet realised how different her speech sounded from that of the average citizen - and so from then on determined to moderate her upper-class accent with its exaggerated vowels. King Charles made his first Christmas broadcast this time last year and it was such a success that it beat all previous viewing figures. Coincidentally, he reached exactly the same audience number 10 million as his great-grandfather had done on the radio back in 1932. I have a confession that Ive been told is embarrassing. One of my favourite parts of Christmas morning is seeing what the Princess of Wales is wearing to church. Classic Alice, I can hear my four sisters cry. The only time of the entire year when we are all together, and one of her favourite moments is looking at what Kate is wearing! But I cant help it. I just love the theatre of clothes, and theres no time of year Kate indulges in this theatricality more than on Christmas Day. So here, to whet our appetite for December 25th, we take a look at Kates Christmas Day style down the years. 2011 Kate's first Christmas coat remains one of the only pieces of her clothing whose designer remains a mystery A fitted dress coat has been a Kate fail-safe down the years Clarence House would only confirm that it was a bespoke creation by a British independent designer Kates first royal Christmas after her April wedding would no doubt have been nerve-wracking, and she consequently turned to a failsafe, classically-Kate look for the occasion a fitted dress coat. In a season-appropriate plum shade, Kates coat remains one of the only pieces of her clothing whose designer remains a mystery. Clarence House confirmed it was a bespoke creation by a British independent designer, but the designers exact identity is still unknown. A matching hat by Jane Corbett and bag by Mulberry completed the look. 2013 In 2013, she wore a double-breasted coat dress by Alexander McQueen in a festive Black Watch tartan A Gina Foster hat pulled out the forest green tone in her coat. She filled out the look with black Cornelia James gloves Perhaps now more comfortable in her new royal life, Kate chose a more daring, high fashion look for Christmas 2013. A double-breasted coat dress by Alexander McQueen in a perfectly festive blackwatch tartan did all the talking. As to be expected from McQueen, it was tailored to perfection: a flattering fitted bodice fell into a flared skirt that swished as she walked. A Gina Foster hat pulled out the forest green tone in her coat, while black Cornelia James gloves and Aquatalia boots were the minimalist accessories such a standout look needed. 2014 Kates 2014 look was a homage to British fashion and the female founders of design houses. At the heart of it was a tweed coat by Gloucestershire brand Moloh Kates 2014 look was a homage to British fashion and female founders. A tweed coat by Gloucestershire brand Moloh, hat (which she as worn on seven occasions, no less) by royal warrant holders Lock & Co, silk scarf by Really Wild and shoes by Emmy London combined to make an elegant tonal look. Moloh, founded in 2003 by Caroline Smiley and Butts Dancer, is known for making wearable yet modern reinterpretations of British classics. Kates coat is a prime example made from tweed (the brands fabrics are sourced from the archives of British mills), the traditional fabric combines with a modern military-inspired shape in the ultimate classic-meets-cool fusion. No wonder Kate wore it to another church service in 2018. 2015 Kate wears a forest green coat by MaxMaras edgier sister, Sportmax. A simple styling trick elevated the coat even further the addition of a thin belt at the waist provided a more tailored look. Kates 2015 look demonstrated the principles of sandwich dressing that is, matching the colour at the top of your look to your shoes, and sandwiching another colour inbetween. Many swear this formula is the simplest shortcut to elegance, and Kate nearly always abides by it (I challenge you to name a single look of hers composed of more than two colours). A black hat, again by Lock & Co, and black boots by Italian brand Aquatalia were the bread to the sandwich filling that was a forest green coat by MaxMaras edgier sister brand Sportmax. A simple styling trick elevated the coat even further the addition of a thin belt at the waist provided a more tailored look. 2016 To attend church in her hometown of Bucklebury, Kate wore a plum coloured Hobbs coat with matching block heels by Tods In keeping with the more casual setting, Kate went without a hat. Even so, there was a detail about her look that made it unmistakably royal: a pair of earrings lent by the Queen This saw Kate take a break from Sandringham not that youd know it from her elegant ensemble. To attend church in Kates hometown of Bucklebury, Kate wore a plum Hobbs coat with matching block heels by Tods (a favourite footwear brand of Princess Diana) and a Mulberry clutch. In keeping with the more casual setting, Kate eschewed a hat. But, despite this, there was a detail about her look that made it unmistakably royal: a pair of pearl earrings loaned to her by the Queen, no less. Proving shes the master of high-low dressing, alongside the Queens earrings was a faux fur stole from high street giant ASOS. Much like her belt in 2015, it added some drama to an otherwise simple coat. 2017 The Christmas coat was finished with ultra-girly faux fur collar and cuffs. Gloves by Cornelia James with a bow trim Despite looking traditionally British, Kates tartan coat was in fact a homage to Britishness by Italian fashion house Pradas sister brand Miu Miu Kate loves literal dressing that is, white at Wimbledon, green for St Patricks Day, and a gloriously-kitsch, gloriously-Christmas tartan for Christmas Day in 2017. Literal dressing is a simple way to communicate an entire mood, an entire season or feeling, through just one outfit choice a useful sartorial tool for the royals to have at their fingertips. Despite looking traditionally British, Kates tartan coat was in fact a homage to Britishness by Italian fashion house Pradas sister brand Miu Miu. Known for their hyperbolic, stylised take on femininity, the coat was finished with ultra-girly faux fur collar and cuffs. Gloves by Cornelia James with a bow trims completed the unapologetically feminine look. 2018 Kates berry coat dress was by none other than the unrivalled Queen of coat dresses Catherine Walker, who designed some of Princess Dianas most iconic versions in the 80s and 90s Rarely for Kate, this was a single-tone look a Jane Taylor hat and Gianvito Rossi heels in a matching berry shade were the finishing touches Close your eyes and picture a princess at Christmas, and youll most likely think of something along the lines of Kates 2018 Christmas look. The joy of a coat dress is that it is an outfit in itself: a one-piece wonder, if you will. Its immediate elegance combined with the practicality of warmth means it has become a go-to of princesses the globe over. Kates berry coat dress was by none other than the unrivalled Queen of coat dresses Catherine Waker, who designed some of Princess Dianas most iconic versions in the 80s and 90s. Rarely for Kate, this was a single-tone look a Jane Taylor hat and Gianvito Rossi heels in a matching berry shade were the finishing touches. Crucially, the velvet collar and buttons provided a contrast of fabric that broke up the head-to-toe berry, ensuring it didnt become overwhelming. Oh, and gloves by M&Co. Yep, you read that right. Cheap and cheerful meets couture. 2019 The Catherine Walker coat dress was a bespoke design a longer version of a shorter coat dress on the brands website. Kate quite often collaborates with designers to make their existing designs more suitable to the needs of a princess Kate wore the same green Lock & Co hat she had worn on Christmas Day in 2015 2019 saw Kate go back to sandwich dressing the same green Lock & Co. hat she wore in 2015 and Emmy London shoes sandwiched a grey coat dress, which, like 2018s, was by Catherine Walker. The coat dress was a bespoke design a longer version of a shorter coat dress available as part of the brand's ready-to-wear collection. Kate quite often collaborates with designers to make their already-existing designs more suitable to the needs of a princess the addition of sleeves to sleeveless designs is another trick she often employs (she did this for example, to the Roksanda dress she wore to arrive in Jamica in 2022. Princess Charlotte and Prince George were in attendance, the former holding Kates hand and perfectly matching her mothers green accessories in a coat by Amaia. 2022 Kate looked stunning last year in khaki and brown, a McQueen coat dress, but mixed the look with items including Sezane earrings, showing that she still knows the power of the High Street The piece de resistance? That Philip Treacey hat. Kate has moved away from the pillbox and cloche styles in favour of unapologetically glamorous wide-brimmed styles Four words: back. With. A. Bang. After a hiatus in Sandringham Christmas Day services due to the Covid pandemic, 2022 saw Kate return in triumphant style, in her most stylish Christmas ensemble ever. It has all the hallmarks of a class Kate look: sandwich dressing in khaki and brown, a McQueen coat dress, but mixed with high street items. The focal point, the coat dress, was generous with the detail - as should be expected of a designerpiece. A high collar, seam detailing, flap pockets on both the bodice and skirt, an inset waistband, crafted-to-perfection pleats talk about packing a punch. Kate had worn the coat three times in 2020. But a Mango dress underneath (only ever so slightly glimpsed as Kate walked) and Sezane earrings proved Kate still knows the power of a smart high street buy. Gianvito Rossi boots, a Stuart Weitzman clutch and gloves by royal warrant holder Dents all in chocolate brown made this a masterclass in tonal dressing for the country. But the piece de resistance? That Philip Treacey hat. Kate has moved away from the pillbox and cloche style hats she used to favour, more often choosing unabashedly glamorous wide-brimmed styles now. Kates 2022 look was by no means wildly different to her Christmas looks of ten years previously, but she wears slightly more daring details (a statement earring, a wide-brim hat) with a newfound confidence. And that confidence perfectly befits the princess she now is. Once the stuffy preserve of the well-to-do gentleman, London's private members clubs have - mostly - adapted in order to thrive in the modern metropolis. The clubs started out as an exclusive means for aristocrats and the landed gentry to escape from the heavier aspects of their lives - such as their families - and sit with their fellow men and pontificate about matters of the world over a glass of sherry. These days, the barriers of gender and social class have largely fallen, but getting through the doors of any of the capital's clubs still demands a not-insignificant financial contribution on the regular, or a level of fame guaranteed to open doors. With that, however, many private clubs are offering members services beyond somewhere to sit and drink behind closed doors away from prying eyes and the masses - from gyms to co-working spaces and more besides. MailOnline has consulted Hugo Cannon, founder of digital private members club Velloy, to find out which spots in London are on the rise - and whether the original mens' clubs can continue to survive in a more progressive era. Some clubs are world-famous, such as Annabel's in Mayfair, London (pictured at Christmas in 2022) White's, in St James Street in London, is the city's oldest gentleman's club. It continues not to allow women to join as members Prince Charles is seen leaving White's in 1981, where he reportedly enjoyed a bachelor party ahead of his wedding to Princess Diana Hugo Cannon, founder of digital private members' club Vello, is an expert on the city's more exclusive venues Are private members' clubs still desirable? Private members' clubs have been around in London for more than 300 years. The first gentlemen's club to open in the city was White's, which began welcoming members in 1693 in Mayfair before relocating to St James' in the late 18th century. Others soon followed: Boodle's and Brooks's in the 1760s; the Portland Club, the defining authority on playing bridge; the Atheneum, which gave intellectuals a private haven, in 1824; the Garrick for 'actors and men of refinement and education'. Many were, and remain, the domain of the upper classes and capital-C Conservatives and many of the capital's oldest venues still refuse to admit women. The Garrick, for instance, is in a state of revolt over whether to admit women after a lawyer who previously told the club the ban could hold about-turned on his decision in September a volte-face that has been endorsed by club members. Efforts to protect these older club's traditions could be doing more harm than good, as Hugo says the desire to be a member of an exclusive club is strong - particularly among the nouveau riche of London. 'Clubs are absolutely carrying the level of prestige they did in the past,' he told MailOnline. 'But there is a big shift from the traditional and prestigious "stuffy old-boys clubs" to ultra-modern, luxury clubs. 'Some of the old St James clubs have older members dying whilst they cannot compete with the trendy Mayfair clubs nightclubs, dedicated bars et cetera, so they cannot bring in the next generation of lifelong members.' The Garrick club (as depicted in this sketch from around 1860) was formed as a club for 'actors and men of refinement and education' Early private members' clubs were places for well-to-do gentlemen to escape from the worries of the outside world among fellow men What makes a club appealing in the modern era? The modern day private members' club isn't just a place for men to mull over the world's foibles - the best ones are now all-singing, all-dancing realms for just about anyone, as long as they have the cash. Hugo said: 'The previous generation big shift was from "gentlemen's clubs", where women were banned altogether to "members clubs" in which women were allowed as guests. 'Now the shift is for dropping any divide as there is a huge appetite from women - and the most interesting shift is playing the old boys at their own game with women-only clubs.' As well as offering bars and restaurants with the finest food and drink the world has to offer, many now offer their own gyms, study rooms and co-working spaces, cinemas and even swimming pools - with only select clientele for company. Plenty also come with a realm of exclusive events, from speakers and workshops to networking opportunities. Awake to the possibilities of 'new money', the upstarts - such as Soho House, a modern chain targeted at people in the creative industries - often offer discounted memberships for younger adults, and some even have their own nightclubs. Hugo added: 'They need to attract next-gen members so often do under-30 pricing, and it progressively goes to full rates as you get towards 40 years old. 'Under 27s membership at Soho House is extremely popular: you get 50% off food and drink on Sundays and Mondays and membership is circa 100, whereas full membership is 250 per month. 'Another key attraction is the nightlife. 5 Hertford Street has Loulou's in the basement which people love as an exclusive, private nightclub. 'None of the traditional ones offer anything after dinner, aside from playing pool or chess, really, which doesnt cater for the next gen.' Soho House in London, part of a chain of global private members clubs that is rising in popularity Princess Beatrice (left) and Eugenie (right) have both been pictured walking out of Maison Estelle Other famous faces to have visited the club include Game of Thrones actor Kit Harington (left) and The Who legend Pete Townshend (right) Catering to the younger generations is paying off - perhaps too well. Soho House has paused new memberships at several venues because of complaints about overcrowding, which rather undermines the "private" vibe it's aiming for. But the expansion of what clubs offer is a two-pronged attack, Hugo says - both to justify increasing membership prices and to attract new members who could be mulling over a luxury gym membership instead of joining a club. Venues have also been forced to push up the prices of their food and drink, which was typically discounted for members who funded it with their joining fees. Hugo said: 'Previously the idea of paying annual membership fees meant that food and beverage was provided at near cost so having exceptional food and wine was in some cases cheaper than a high street chain. 'For example, a 20 bottle of wine that would be circa 70-100 in a central London restaurant would be perhaps 25 at a club. 'Now the food and drink, which is a really key part, is effectually the same cost as a high-end restaurant. 'They are having to modernise and add gyms and wellness facilities, which all the new ones have. 'A 350-per-month membership for dining and drinks only is a lot, when luxury gyms can be 200 per month or more. But when combined it makes more sense as you get a lot more value.' Perhaps controversially, some clubs with lodgings have even opened up to non-members - provided they can pay, of course. Hugo added: 'The Twenty Two and the Soho Farmhouse are private members clubs, but anyone can book into the (expensive) hotels and effectively get access for the period of their stay.' The interior of the Twenty Two club in Grosvenor Square, which has fast become a favourite with famous faces George Clooney was seen leaving the Twenty Two earlier in December (left); actress Christina Hendricks was pictured outside the venue in August 2022 Which clubs are the ones to be seen in? As a service that provides exclusive, luxury events as well as recommendations of where to go, Velloy is well-versed in the best of London's most exclusive clubs. It has outlined some of its top picks for clubs, and MailOnline has gathered a few more where it pays to be seen and costs a pretty penny, too. Maison Estelle Cooked up by the team behind Scotland's Gleneagles hotel, Maison Estelle sits on Grafton Street in Mayfair and promises the ultimate in exclusivity. Its website betrays little of what can be expected - and membership prices are only available on request. All applicants must have a proposer. Pictures of its interior don't exist - with all visitors allegedly required to cover their phone cameras with stickers upon entry. But those who have been pictured leaving its hallowed front entrance should give you an idea of its exclusivity: Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, Noel Gallagher, The Who rocker Pete Townshend and Game of Thrones actor Kit Harington have all been seen coming and going. The Twenty Two Dreamt up by hotelier and restaurateur Navid Mirtorabi, The Twenty Two sits within the hotel of the same name in London's coveted Grosvenor Square - and offers members a sanctuary for socialising and study. Its brochure promises private spaces reserved for members and hotel guests only - including an outdoor terrace, music room, dining room and an underground bar. The Twenty Two only opened last year but is already making waves with famous faces: George Clooney was seen leaving the club earlier this month. Other famous faces seen leaving include DJ Maya Jama, musician Stormzy, actress Christina Hendricks, Tom Cruise and Amazon boss Jeff Bezos. Membership for anyone aged 30-plus is 1,800 a year, with a 500 joining fee. Younger patrons can pay up at 225 a quarter, and there's a couples discount at 2,400 a year for any cohabiting pair. Princess Diana seen leaving Annabel's in 1987. One story suggests she and Sarah Ferguson snuck into the club dressed as police officers after trying to gatecrash Prince Andrew's stag do Annabel's is one of London's oldest modern-day nightclubs - and remains one of its most exclusive (pictured: the ladies' powder room, left, and a dining room, right) Annabel's Annabel's has a reputation for decadence and being the celebrity's club of choice. First opened in 1963 - and relocated two doors down a few years ago - it was one of the first modern-day nightclubs in the capital. The Mayfair club was a favourite of Princess Diana's and has hosted all manner of famous faces, from Harry Styles and Kate Moss to Michael Caine. One story suggests Diana and Sarah Ferguson snuck into the venue disguised as police officers after they failed to gatecrash Prince Andrew's stag do. Outside of the nightlife, however, it boasts restaurants and lounges for the quieter spells of the day. Its redone interior is a spectacle of opulence, not least in its ladies' powder room, with its Instagram-friendly sculptures. Membership is, understandably, exclusive, with letters of support from a member required in order to apply. The fees speak to the club's expectations of its clientele: annual membership is 3,750, or 2,250 for the under-25s - with discounts for two people living at the same address. Dear Darling Dear Darling promotes itself with provocative imagery, and makes much of its building's history as a brothel and a gay sex club Rapper Skepta and socialite Mary Charteris were among those to attend Dear Darling's opening party earlier this month Described as being for the 'curious and the hedonistic', Dear Darling has a 'secret' basement, lit in red that features near naked performers in cages. Taking inspiration from Soho cabaret club The Box and the current trend for immersive theatre, the Mayfair club - once home to a brothel and a gay sex club - invites guests to dive into their 'deeper, darker desires'. Guests at its launch night this month included Skepta, model and socialite Lady Mary Charteris, and Love Island star Arabella Chi. The private members nightclub is the latest project for the increasingly powerful London-based Cream Group, which also runs cabaret dining room show Cirque Le Soir, Westfield London's roller-skating club Flippers and The Windmill in Soho. Open from 11pm until late between Thursdays and Sundays, with an 'occasional' after-hours party, Dear Darling is guest-list only and has a strict 'smart and sexy' dress code, with 'high heels preferable for ladies'. The price of a standard table at the lavishly decorated 18+ venue? 1,000...with a VIP table setting revellers back 2,000 - and there's a vague entry price too, 'typically at door discretion'. Chiltern Firehouse Chiltern Firehouse is a hotel, restaurant and exclusive bar housed inside a former fire station in Marylebone Joe Jonas and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley are among those seen at the venue in recent weeks Famous faces of all ages value the Firehouse's discretion, from Charles Dance (pictured left with girlfriend Alessandra Masi) to Dua Lipa (pictured right with boyfriend Romain Gavras) Not a private members' club per se, the Chiltern Firehouse is beloved by A-listers as a discrete hangout spot in Marylebone housed inside a former fire station. Rooms at the hotel fetch hundreds of pounds each night, but there's a good reason they're coveted - residents gain access to a private bar, The Ladder Shed, though word has it that anyone well-heeled enough can wangle their way inside. So exclusive is the atmosphere that even the most super of supermodels, Naomi Campbell, treats it as a home from home, telling Vogue: 'When I walk around, no one stops me to say, "Oh my god, you are such and such." Here I feel safe.' Among famous faces spotted coming and going in recent weeks were Joe Jonas, Leonardo DiCaprio, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Dua Lipa and Charles Dance. New Doctor Who Ncuti Gatwa and Asa Butterfield were seen in stitches after being refused entry to the Chiltern in the early hours of a Thursday morning in November. Harry's Bar Harry's Bar in Mayfair offers world-class Italian food to the most exclusive of guests from across the globe Beyonce and Jay-Z were seen leaving Harry's Bar at the end of November, months after Bey performed three sold-out London shows Michael Caine is a repeat guest at Harry's Bar, seen here in November 2022. Sarah Ferguson has also patronised the venue, seen here in March this year Located in Mayfair and owned by the operators of Annabel's membership of Harry's comes only at the recommendation of two existing members - and if you have to ask how much the fees are, you can't afford them. Nevertheless, this luxurious private dining club is beloved by the most exclusive of crowds: Beyonce and Jay-Z dined here at the end of last month, months after her Renaissance shows in London, while Michael Caine is a repeat guest. Harry's is particularly beloved by the Beckhams; David and Victoria were spotted celebrating their 24th wedding anniversary with a slap-up meal at the Mayfair venue, and have been pictured coming and going several times over the years. Other A-list fans include Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, Rod Stewart and Sarah Ferguson, taken in by its world-class Italian food and opulent surroundings inspired by Venice, home to the bar after which it takes its name. Oswald's From Queen Camilla to the Queen of Pop, Madonna, Oswald's is favoured by royalty of all kinds Tom Cruise and Elton John are among the celebrity juggernauts to have wined and dined at Oswald's Boris and Carrie Johnson seen leaving Oswald's last year. Boris is among a number of high-profile Conservatives said to favour the club Another choice Mayfair venue among the well-to-do, Oswald's is a new kid on the block having opened just a few years ago - but it is now something of a home-from-home for some of the world's most important people. It is named for Sir Oswald Birley, grandfather of founder Mark Birley, and prides itself on its wine collection. But it has also become one of the capital's most exclusive spots - with royals among its customers. There aren't many venues that could mention Boris and Carrie Johnson, several other major Conservative Party figures, the Queen and Tom Cruise in the same breath, but they are among those to have dined in style at the hushed-up restaurant. Cruise joined Beyonce and Jay-Z, as well as actor Henry Cavill, for dinner here last month - with Cruise's patient dealings with fans irritating taxi drivers. Elton John and his husband David Furnish enjoyed a festive dinner at Oswald's earlier this month, while Liz Hurley has been snapped here on a night out, as have Dame Joan Collins, Michael Caine and Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka. Oswald's attracts royalty of all kinds, too: from Queen Camilla, who joined a family party last month, to the Queen of Pop, Madonna, pictured at the venue last year. Elijah McClain, an unarmed black 23-year-old man accused of no crime, was roughed up and choked by police officers in 2019 then killed with a lethal dose of ketamine by paramedics. Though two of the three cops got away with it, jurors yesterday found the paramedics guilty of negligent homicide. It also was the last of three trials against police and paramedics charged in the death of McClain, whom officers stopped following a suspicious person complaint. He was injected with the sedative after being forcibly restrained. The case received little attention until protests over the 2020 killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. An Aurora police officer was convicted of homicide and third degree assault earlier this year, while two other officers were acquitted. Exonerative media coverage was a problem in this case. Even now, in the first sentence of their story, the AP's Colleen Slevin and Matthew Brown report this verdict not in terms of the dead man's life or a legal process that's far from over, but as something that may have a "chilling effect on first responders around the country"as if delivering lethal doses of ketamine into pleading, unarmed, unthreatening people being roughed up by Colorado's most notoriously and abusively racist cops is not only what we expect of paramedics but a measure America needs kept hot and ready to keep it safe from men like Elijah McClain. Her Majesty didn't even use the word 'Sussex' in 2019 Christmas broadcast Author Robert Lacey says the Queen's photos showed who was OUT of favour Whether it's a simple walk in the fresh air with the family or the full pomp of a Coronation, when it comes to royal occasions, the symbolism and choreography are all. And nothing is more closely parsed for meaning at this time of the year than the Christmas broadcast of the monarch. What, then, did Harry and Meghan, Duke and Duchess of Sussex make of The Queen's message on Christmas Day 2019? Filmed in the Music Room at Windsor Castle, it was one of the more theatrically staged of her seasonal broadcasts with a tastefully opulent background of gilded mirrors, oil paintings candelabras and a twinkling, perfectly proportioned Christmas tree with light and golden baubles. But it was the foreground that mattered. The gang's all there with, from left, Charles and Charles and Camilla, Prince Philip, William's family picture and King George VI, the Queen's father. But there is no sign of Harry, Meghan or baby Archie The Queen's Christmas broadcast in 2019 was the penultimate one she ever made William, Kate and family were prominent. Harry and Meghan were not Baby Archie, their first child, had been born earlier that year, another great grandchild for the Queen Prince Harry and Meghan with their son Archie during a meeting with Archbishop Desmond Tutu in Cape Town, September 2019 By her side and just a little bit in front of the Queen, in prominent view of her watching subjects, was placed a group of family photographs - including a portrait of the father whose early death at the age of 56 had a stroke transformed her from young woman to Queen. Her son and heir Prince Charles was included with his wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall. William, Kate and their children appeared in a happy group photograph while, peeking over them all at the rear, was a portrait of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Harry and Meghan, new parents to baby Archie, were nowhere to be seen. The Sussexes had featured in the past but now, amid fraught negotiations about their wish for a new, autonomous place in royal life and just a few weeks before Megxit was formally declared Harry and Meghan had vanished. As author Robert Lacey noted in his best-selling book Battle of Brothers: Harry and Meghan had featured smiling in a silver frame in 2018. But there would be no sign of them in 2019, nor any mention of the name Sussex since that name was, apparently, now to be used to sell merchandise for which permission had not been asked from the Queen. Who does and who does not feature on the Royal Christmas desk has always been like the changing panorama of faces of the balcony of Moscows Kremlin. It showed who was in favour and who was not. As Lacey points out, The Queen acknowledged the arrival of Harry and Meghans first child, but avoided the word Sussex, preferring to say that, Prince Philip and I have been delighted to welcome our eighth great grandchild into our family. The Sussexes, writes Lacy, had been non-personed as effectively as the Soviets non-personed Trotsky and Khrushchev. There were perfectly good reasons for not including Harry and Meghan. An ever-expanding Royal Family meant there was - and is - an inevitable limit to the number of photographs that could be displayed. (The Danish royal family has had similar and well-publicised difficulties in working out who and who should not be accorded full status). The few that made the cut in the Windsor Castle music room were either in the direct line of succession or, in the case of Philip, Prince Consort, married to the Queen. There was a logic to it. Could the cull of photographs have been the whim of a TV producer - someone who likes clean lines and tidy desks, perhaps. Lacey thinks not. According to insiders, he writes, the choice originally been the idea of Prince Charles, keen to promote a slimmed down Monarchy. Prince Harry and Meghan at Canada House, just one day before they dropped the Megxit bomb Two young mothers, Kate and Meghan, attend the polo at the Billingbear club in the summer of 2019 Meghan smiles for the cameras, Prince Harry looks down as they attended their last engagement at the Commonwealth Day Service on March 9 2020 Moreover, the decision, however it had been reached, was clearly been supported by the Queen. Palace sources, meanwhile, had let it be known that the plan of depicting the direct line of royal succession was enthusiastically supported by Prince William, who was not saying anything for the record but wanted to send his younger brother a message. That message hit home, at least according to Finding Freedom by pro-Sussex authors Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand, who concluded that, to Harry and Meghan, the choice of pictures was yet another sign that they needed to consider their own path. Three weeks later, the Sussexes astounded the nation by announcing they would split their time between north America and Britain and renounce front-line royal duties. More than a dozen British holidaymakers are taking legal action after their dream holidays were marred by sickness and low hygiene standards - a year on from the death of a mother-of-two who fell ill at the same Cape Verde resort. A group of 15 guests who stayed at the five-star Riu Palace Santa Maria Hotel in Sal were struck down with serious illnesses including severe sickness and diarrhoea, their lawyer has said. Tourists who visited the luxury hotel this year were left disappointed after paying thousands for the breaks, describing the hotel as 'smelly' and having 'flies everywhere'. It comes after more than 300 guests launched legal action against the hotel and tour operator TUI last year after falling ill with gastric and flu-like symptoms at the same resort. The group included 'devastated' widower Michael Pressley, whose wife Jane died after she fell ill during their trip. The case is ongoing. Lorraine Wilson and Mark Bonner in the hospital after experiencing gastric illness while staying at the Riu Palace Santa Maria hotel in Cape Verde Tourists who visited the luxury hotel this year were left disappointed after paying thousands for their breaks Michael Pressley with his wife Jane, who tragically died last year after falling ill during their holiday in Cape Verde The Riu palace Hotel, Santa Maria. 350 guests who stayed at the hotel last year are taking legal action against TUI, their lawyers said Over this year's holiday season, Brits again reported sickness at the luxury hotel, which charges around 250 per night. Lorraine Wilson and her partner Mark Bonner holidayed at the resort between 18 October and 29 October, paying just under 4,000 for the holiday. Four days in, the couple, both aged 42, of York, started suffering from serious gastric symptoms. Mark, who runs a railway design company, started suffering from diarrhoea, explosive stomach cramps and a high temperature. Lorraine, who is self-employed and runs a holiday letting management company, experienced diarrhoea, stomach pains, a headache and flu-like symptoms. After suffering for two days they visited the on-site clinic and were told to go straight to hospital. There, they were put on drips and then prescribed medication to ease stomach cramps, rehydration sachets and probiotics. Upon their return home the couple also visited their GP and are both still suffering from horrendous symptoms. Lorraine said: 'The enthusiasm and excitement we had about our holiday quickly vanished when we fell ill. We couldn't even keep down water and I've never been so ill in my life. All I wanted was to be home. 'There were a lot of flies in the restaurant landing on things, food was left uncovered for very long periods and I saw new food being mixed with old food. 'There were bad smells around the resort especially near reception. The illness was bad enough, but we've also been left with the disappointment of our holiday being ruined.' Lisa Bradley from Carlton, Selby, said she is still suffering from symptoms after flying home from Cape Verde on October 5 Lorraine Wilson in hospital after coming down with gastric illness while in Cape Verde Mark added: 'The holiday quickly went from what we hoped would be a dream trip to a disaster. What's even more concerning is that we didn't appear to be alone. We saw other holidaymakers who said they'd been poorly. 'We know nothing can turn the clock back and make up for what's happened but the least we feel we deserve is answers.' Another traveller, Lisa Bradley from Carlton, Selby, said she is still suffering from symptoms after flying home from Cape Verde on October 5, and has joined the group asking Irwin Mitchell to investigate. The 58-year-old travelled to Cape Verde on 27 September with her best friend. She paid around 1,300 for her holiday. Lisa, a retired financial advisor, started experiencing symptoms including diarrhoea on 1 October. Her friend took her to the on-site clinic where a doctor said she had dangerously low blood pressure and she should attend hospital. Lisa was administered three bottles of intravenous fluids and a tablet for her heart. She was sent back to the hotel that night and told to come back the next day, following which she was prescribed medication to ease stomach cramps, rapid rehydration sachets and tablets to treat prevent diarrhoea. She said: 'On the day my symptoms started I woke up at 5.30am with my stomach churning. I knew I wasn't right but as the hours went by, I got worse. 'It was absolutely awful. It felt like someone was squeezing my heart and I felt like I couldn't breathe. I'm not sure quite how I managed it, but somehow I got to the on-site clinic and then the hospital. 'I was totally wiped out for a few days and the holiday I'd looked forward to was ruined. 'I was shocked at the hygiene standards. Tables were left with remnants of food on and it seemed to take a long time for them to be cleared and cleaned. There were cats roaming around and flies everywhere. After seeing rumours online about issues at the hotel in the weeks before her trip, Lisa said she decided to contact TUI before she was due to fly out. 'I contacted TUI two weeks before I was due to fly asking if I could change my holiday and I would pay the difference. However, I was told I couldn't change it as it was too close to departure and there were no issues at the hotel. 'I'm annoyed that when I tried to raise concerns in advance I was told there weren't any problems and was left with the choice of going on holiday or losing my money. I just feel the least I now deserve is answers as to how I fell ill.' Jatinder Paul, the injury lawyer representing the group of holidaymakers, said that his firm is still being contacted by 'a growing number of people from across the UK' who fell ill during holidays to the hotel this year. 'Many of our clients are reporting suffering the same serious symptoms. While this is concerning, what's particularly worrying is these cases come after more than 300 people contacted us last year after being struck down with serious illnesses including severe sickness and diarrhoea while staying at the same resort. 'Naturally, our clients now want answers as to how they became so ill on a five-star holiday. We're investigating those concerns and are determined to provide them with the answers they deserve. Lorraine Wilson and her partner Mark Bonner holidayed at the resort between 18 October and 29 October The couple from York paid just under 4,000 for their holiday 'Gastric illness can lead to serious and long-term health complications and its impact should never be downplayed. It's vital that those with concerns about the resort are now supported. 'If during the course of our investigations any issues are identified, action needs to be taken to reduce the risk of other holidaymakers falling ill in the future.' RIU Hotels & Hotels said in a statement that 'the health and safety of our guests is our main priority and this is why we strictly fulfill all the regulations regarding this matter in all our destinations and hotels. 'Furthermore, we conduct thorough controls, both internal and external, periodically.' TUI has been contacted for comment. Showcasing their jaw-dropping physiques and perfect smiles the popularity of fitness influencers has soared. It appears these ultra fit, uber positive social media stars are everywhere we look on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, encouraging us to look just like them. But a new study has revealed that just 50 are collectively influencing over 700 million people across the globe. The research by NFS Supplements has highlighted the world's most influential fitness personalities, who are changing the industry's landscape. Read on to find out who the dominant personalities on the list are and what kind of content they create. The new research by NFS Supplements has highlighted the world's most influential fitness personalities, who are changing the industry's landscape The brand tracked fitness influencers digital impacts across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube up to November 2023, compiling a data-driven list of the top 50 fitness influencers based on a blend of follower count and global search volumes. The top 50 fitness influencers amass 707.9 million followers, with 3.8 million global searches. Almost half of the list, 23 out of 50, are from the USA, and Instagram dominates with 51% (359.4 million), followed by TikTok at 23.93% (169.4M), and YouTube at 25.29% (179M). Women are leading the way heading into 2024, with seven in the top 10 and 26 in the top 50, boasting 410.4 million followers (58%) and 2.26 million global searches. Male fitness influencers have fewer at 3 in the top 10 and 24 in the top 50, with a combined following of 297.6 million (42%). At the top of the list ranked by weighted score, with 12 million followers on TikTok, 1.8 million on YouTube, 25.1 million on Instagram and 291k global searches, is Sommer Ray. The 27 year old former youth competitive bodybuilder turned fitness sensation, boasts a combined following of 38.9 million, putting her over 10 million ahead of the influencer in second place. She's from the US and as well as posting workout videos, she's also a model and the founder of her own beauty company, IMARAIS Beauty. At the top of the list ranked by weighted score, with 12 million followers on TikTok, 1.8 million on YouTube, 25.1 million on Instagram and 291k global searches, is Sommer Ray Sommer commands the fourth highest global search volume of 291K, showcasing a massive online presence Top 10 most followed female fitness influencers Sommer Ray - 38.9m Chloe Ting - 28.2m Sofie Dossi - 25.6m Anllela Sagra - 21.9m Tammy Hebrow - 20.2m Pamela Reif - 19.9m Demi Bagby - 18.4m Yanet Garcia - 16.9m Michelle Lewin - 16.9m Kayla Itsines - 16.6m Advertisement Top 10 most followed male fitness influencers Thibaud Delapart - 27.9m Chris Bumstead - 27.1m David Michigan - 19.3m Sahil Khan - 17.7m Noel Deyzel - 16m Jeff Cavaliere - 15.9m Ulissesworld (Maddy) - 12.3m Chuck Kirkendall - 12m Adnaan Shaikh - 12m Thoren Bradley - 11.2m Advertisement Sommer commands the fourth highest global search volume of 291K, showcasing a massive online presence. On top of this, she's also a personal trainer on FitPlan, an app that allows you to lift weights alongside your favorite influencers. In second place with a combined following of 27.1 million, most of which coming from TkTok and Youtube, is Chris Bumstead. Known by fans as CBum, he's a Canadian IFBB Pro League professional bodybuilder who posts insights to his workouts. In third place is Australia-based fitness personality Chloe Ting, who's best known for her YouTube workout videos. Her 'Two Week Shred Challenge' went viral on TikTok in 2020, as many people were taking the opportunity to get fit within their homes. Some of her other popular workouts include challenges like Abs in Two Weeks and 10-minute workouts. The 36-year-old from Brunei has 24.9 million subscribers on YouTube, and 2.6 million on Instagram - her combined following is 28.2 million. In second place with a combined following of 27.1 million, most of which coming from TkTok and Youtube, is Chris Bumstead Chloe Ting has 24.9 million subscribers on YouTube, and 2.6 million on Instagram - her combined following is 28.2 million Sofie Dossi is the third most followed woman in fitness and Thibaud Delapart is the most followed male David Michigan is a celebrity fitness trainer who helps followers to lose weight, burn fat and gain muscle - he's the third most followed male fitness influencer For follower counts, the top three women are Sommer Ray (38.9m), Chloe Ting (28.2m) and Sofie Dossi (25.6m). The top three men based on following alone are Thibaud Delapart (27.9m), Chris Bumstead (27.1m) and David Michigan (19.3m). Thibaud Delapart, the most followed male fitness influencer, goes by Tibo InShape - he's a French Youtuber and bodybuilder. The study shows that while he holds the 19th position for global search volume, his dominance in the male charts is evident, propelled by his substantial follower base. Meanwhile, David Michigan is a celebrity fitness trainer who helps followers to lose weight, burn fat and gain muscle. He combines training programs with hypnosis sessions to help individuals reach their fitness goals. Sofie Dossi, the third most followed woman in fitness, is a contortionist and aerialist who rose to fame on America's Got Talent. She's followed by 25.6 million people who tune in to see her 'bendy girl' flexibile stunts and workouts. Netflix's Selling Sunset star Jason Oppenheim is being sued by an advertising mogul who claims the TV reality personality deliberately hid serious defects in a $5million Los Angeles mansion, DailyMail.com can reveal. Philip Berardi, chief executive of the city's biggest billboard company, is demanding substantial damages from Oppenheim and other defendants after allegedly discovering his new home was riddled with problems that landed him with $1.7million in repairs. Oppenheim, 46, is accused of 'fraud and concealment' and committing 'intentional misrepresentations' while being 'fully aware' of the issues as listing agent for the six-bathroom, three-bedroom pad sold in February, 2023. The star has gained national fame with the Netflix show that revolves around his high-end real estate brokerage firm The Oppenheim Group with seven seasons since its 2019 premiere. Selling Sunset's Jason Oppenheim, 46, is accused in a lawsuit of 'fraud and concealment' and committing 'intentional misrepresentations' for selling a $5million home while allegedly knowing its defects Berardi's court papers say he only discovered problems with the impressive cube-style home after two serious rainstorms shortly after he moved in Estimated repair costs are $1.7million, according to an expert, 'and constitutes only a portion of the damages being pursued', the court filing states. DailyMail.com obtained photos of the damage A restoration firm opened the master bedroom ceiling and discovered a large plastic bowl that had overflowed after a bad storm, the filing states But in papers filed to the California Superior Court in Los Angeles, both he and his company are accused by Berardi of covering up the true condition of the 4,668 sq. ft. home and breaching contractual obligations. Oppenheim denies any wrongdoing. In a statement to DailyMail.com, his rep said: Mr. Berardi has included Mr. Oppenheim as a named party to this litigation without providing one piece of evidence of wrongdoing by Mr. Oppenheim. 'This can only be construed as a strategic effort to use negative publicity to force a settlement. It is amusing to note that Mr. Berardi purchased the property for $5 million in February 2023, allegedly discovered $1.7 million in undisclosed damages, and then relisted the house for sale at a price of $7.5 million a few months later,' the rep added. 'While our judicial system allows anyone to file a lawsuit for any reason, it is unfortunate that some choose to do so in a manner that is disingenuous, meritless, and lacking basic factual foundations. Berardi, who runs advertising giant Regency, is also suing sellers Brett Ersoff and his wife Lisa plus real estate firm Coldwell Banker, Richter Roofing, LaRocca Inspections and CMF Home Builders, according to documents obtained by DailyMail.com. The papers also allege that nearly five years before the sale of the house in exclusive Hillside Avenue, the Ersoffs had a proposal from Richter which outlined work on the low, sloping flat roofed areas but the work was never carried out. Advertising mogul Philip Berardi claims he discovered his new home was riddled with problems that landed him with $1.7million in repairs Berardi's court papers say he only discovered problems with the impressive cube-style home after two serious rainstorms shortly after he moved in. On the first, water leaked from the ceilings of three bedrooms. Water also pooled on a floor. A water damage company began work, but during the second storm the same areas leaked, plus a second location in the master bedroom. This time the restoration firm opened the master bedroom ceiling and discovered a large plastic bowl that had overflowed in the second storm, says the filing. In addition, mold and fungus were found under plywood decks above the master bedroom 'as a direct result of the defective conditions of the property'. The paperwork adds: 'An approximately five-foot gutter with a cap at the end was also discovered in the ceiling of the master bedroom, which was apparently installed to capture water from the leaking defective deck situated above the master bedroom.' Decking on the roof appears angular in places, but the paperwork says the angle was not enough to shift water off it 'causing extreme damage to the property and the presence of mold and fungus. 'Additionally, the water damage resulted in severe dry-rot damage to the front end of the property's deck, as well as termite infestations.' And five months later, Berardi discovered what he alleges was another cover-up of a serious problem after finding the floor of a garage closet housing a tankless water heater was wet. The advertising mogul saw blue painters' tape that held rags in place on the hot water reservoir tank. 'Defendants Ersoffs and/or Oppenheim defendants placed the rags under the tank to collect water to conceal the leak in the tank that had been previously noted in an inspection report and made part of a request for repairs,' said the filing. The star has gained national fame with the Netflix show that revolves around his high-end real estate brokerage firm The Oppenheim Group with seven seasons since its 2019 premiere A construction forensic expert was called in and found 'a multitude of defects and issues that not only compromised safety at the property, but also imposed significant financial burdens to Berardi' Mold and fungus were found under plywood decks above the master bedroom 'as a direct result of the defective conditions of the property' A construction forensic expert was called in and found 'a multitude of defects and issues that not only compromised safety at the property, but also imposed significant financial burdens to Berardi', it added. Estimated repairs costs are $1.7million according to the expert 'and constitutes only a portion of the damages being pursued', adds the court filing. The complaint continued: 'Considering these profoundly disturbing revelations, it is evident the property's condition at the time of purchase was not accurately disclosed. 'This situation has left Berardi in a severe state of distress, financial burden and uncertainty regarding the safety of this significant purchase and investment.' It concluded: 'The acts and conducts of the Ersoffs and Oppenheim defendants were extreme and outrageous and have caused Berardi to suffer severe anxiety, emotional and mental distress. 'Defendants committed these acts and engaged in misconduct knowingly, intentionally and willfully additionally defendants acted in reckless disregard of the probability that their actions and conduct would cause severe and mental distress.' LaRocca Inspections did point out problems with the roof following an analysis of the house while the purchase was going through. But it allegedly didn't 'disclose the true issues' regarding water leaks in the property or 'prior, significant damage due to mold and fungus'. The company also discovered moisture damage on the outside front of the house and cracking in the exterior stucco 'which were not properly revealed to Berardi'. It's claimed the cracked stucco is due to a previous problem with construction and the Ersoffs 'patched cracks to hide defects from Berardi'. The sellers knew of problems with the roof, decks, patios, drainage, sewage, workmanship, plumbing, electrical systems fixtures and other issues but never 'properly disclosed' them to the buyer, it is alleged. Coldwell Banker Realty was the broker for the buyer, who put down $1,853,000 deposit and financed the rest with a $2.9million loan. Berardi is demanding a jury trial and damages, plus punitive damages from Oppenheim and the Ersoffs. Berardi's attorney Eric Strongin told DailyMail.com: 'When you buy a home from someone, and especially when there are licensed and reputable brokers involved, you expect full disclosure of any major issues with the home. In fact, California law requires it. 'In this case, one example of the evidence we have thus far suggests that a large bowl was deliberately concealed within the ceiling of the home to catch water that would leak into the ceiling from a deck above. Someone obviously knew the decks leaked and went to great lengths to avoid fixing the problem and concealed it before selling the home to Mr. Berardi.' Berardi accuses Oppenheim and seller Brett Ersoff of covering up the true condition of the 4,668 sq ft home and breaching contractual obligations Listing photo of Berardi's home is shown. Oppenheim founded his real estate brokerage with twin brother Brett and the pair come from a realty dynasty started by great-great-grandfather Jacob Stern The sellers knew of problems with the roof, decks, patios, drainage, sewage, workmanship, plumbing, electrical systems fixtures and other issues but never 'properly disclosed' them to the buyer, it is alleged Californian native Oppenheim founded his real estate brokerage with twin brother Brett and the pair come from a realty dynasty started by great-great-grandfather Jacob Stern. Selling Sunset follows their agents as they push high-end properties to super-wealthy and celebrity buyers. Its most expensive current listing is a five-bedroom, nine-bathroom estate for nearly $40million also on Hillside Avenue. The brokerage is also selling a $30million Spanish-style estate with five bedrooms and nine bathrooms in Coronado, near San Diego, describing it as 'one of the most sought-after exclusive properties in Southern California'. But Oppenheim also starring in spin-off Netflix series Selling the OC, which premiered in 2022 boasted last week to Fox News that more mega properties will soon be on the books. 'We have fine listings coming on the market in the next 45 days, all at $30million or above, one north of 100. So we've never had so many luxury listings coming on board. 'I think it'll make great television, it'll be great to see if we can sell those. And I think it's great for the Oppenheim Group. We're pushing into the luxury market even in this difficult time.' And he admitted Selling Sunset was a marketing winner, but saying: 'There's certainly more buyers and seller that reach out to the brokerage, to myself and to other agents, because of the show. So I think it deserves due credit. 'I think that is definitely added fuel to the fire in terms of our growth trajectory.' Whether it's Melania Trump's blood-red trees or Jill Biden's video that was compared to The Hunger Games, White House Christmas decorations always spark debate. The festive designs have been a focal responsibility for first ladies for decades and are often adored, or ridiculed, depending on the president's political party. This year, DailyMail.com decided to put the issue to voters - without telling them whether a Democrat or Republican first lady was behind the vision. Scroll down for the results Option 1: Americans were asked to rate the Christmas decorations of first ladies in a blind test: The first choice shows trees strung simply with white lights and decorated with white and pearl bulbs Option 2: The second choice includes trees dressed with white lights and red bulbs. The tree stands were decorated with tartan and plaid Pollsters J.L. Partners asked 1,000 Americans to pick their favorite from two sets of decorations that have, at various times, been set up in the Cross Hall, a hallway on the first floor of the White House. Poll Which set of White House Christmas decorations do you prefer? Option 1 Option 2 Which set of White House Christmas decorations do you prefer? Option 1 10181 votes Option 2 11165 votes Now share your opinion The choice was between Melania's 2020 designs and Jill's from this year, but respondents were asked to make their selection blind. The first option shows trees strung simply with white lights and decorated with white and pearl bulbs, with tufts of fake snow at their feet. A large nutcracker is seen peeking out from the White House State Dining Room, while Santa's reindeer are affixed to the ceiling. The second option Americans were asked to rate includes trees dressed with white lights and red bulbs. The tree stands were decorated with tartana and plaid. Another grand tree is seen down the hallway from the State Dining Room. Both Trump and Biden have been criticized and praised in equal measure for their touches around the holidays. But the reaction is often tainted by which party critics support. When asked to make the selection purely based on the decorations, the results are surprising. Melania Trump decorated the East Colonnade with dramatic white branches in 2017, the first year she served as first lady. The photoshoot of her walking through the hallway in her bell-shaped white dress was turned into a meme and labeled creepy Melania Trump's red topiaries, made from berries, were critized for looking like the trademark costume from The Handmaid's Tale For the past two years, the Bidens have hangs up stockings in the White House for six of their seven grandchildren - but never for their seventh grandchild, Navy Joan. This year's Christmas display didn't have stockings The winner of DailyMail.com's decking the halls poll was option two, designed by Melania. 54 percent of respondents said they preferred her trinkets over those dreamed-up by Jill in option one. Republicans, perhaps attracted to all that red, liked them the most, with 57 percent of Republicans selecting Trump's to 43 percent who said Biden's. But Trump even got a narrow majority of Democrats to say she did it better. DailyMail.com's polling found that 51 percent of Democrats liked Trump's decor compared to 49 percent who said Biden. Americans older than 65 liked Biden's the most. Among that demographic, 53 percent voted for Biden and 47 percent said Trump. Joe Alder, senior research associate, at J.L. Partners, noted that while it was close, 'the public's verdict was clear: Melania Trump brought the finer Christmas decor to the White House.' 'Remarkably, Melania showed a particularly astute sense for the tastes of her husband's political base: Republicans preferred her decorations by a margin of 15 points, with Democrats agreeing but by only one point,' Alder said. 'Jill Biden's decorations had a stronger appeal with older Americans - the only group with whom she won out - but overall it was Melania with the touch for the nation's tastes.' In 2017, when Trump decorated the East Colonnade in dramatic white winter branches - and then was captured during the holiday preview walking through them in a bell-sleeved white dress - the images were described as 'creepy' and 'nightmare-ish.' The next year the same space gave her some problems, when Trump displayed crimson topiary made of berries throughout the hallway atop a green carpet. First lady Melania Trump's Cross Hall decorations from 2020 won out over first lady Jill Biden's Cross Hall decorations from this year by eight points. Trump got the support among Republicans but won Democrats by a slim majority too The red trees were described as blood-like or resembling the trademark costume from The Handmaid's Tale. The Bidens have taken some flack for displaying stockings with their grandchildren's names adorned to them, but never for Hunter's daughter with Lunden Roberts, Navy Joan. Earlier this year the Bidens acknowledged their seventh grandchild - but there were no stockings at this year's Christmas display. There was, however, a video performance of a New York City-based tap dance ensemble, which conservatives online branded as bizarre, freaky and absolute garbage. In a blind assessment of the two first ladies' Christmas decorations, Trump came out the winner - 54 percent to 46 percent. WHEN the Royal Family stages its annual turkey-and-trimmings lunch on the Wednesday before Christmas, we know the festive season is finally upon us. But this years meeting is perhaps also a sign of something else: that King Charles wont be decking the halls of Buckingham Palace with holly any time soon. For the second year in a row, the King chose to host the festive meal at Windsor Castle, breaking the Queens tradition of inviting her relatives to Buckingham Palace. Windsor Castle - venue for the royal Christmas lunch for two years in a row. This is a break with tradition The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh arrive for lunch this week Penny Knatchbull, Countess Mountbatten of Burma was among the guests at Windsor In part, this must be down to personal preference. Although well-aware of its importance as a national symbol, Charles has never been fond of the Palace, which is oversized, in need of renovation, and draughty. It is also currently undergoing restoration work until 2027. It says something that at major state dinners, including the diplomatic reception earlier this month, Charles and Camilla have taken to warming themselves with a discreet, wood-encased heater. Charles likes his creature comforts - and the Palace is genuinely chilly. Charles has remained in nearby Clarence House since acceding to the throne and it has already been suggested he will use Buckingham Palace as more of an office than a residence. Royal insiders have speculated that he is in no hurry to move in. The traditional lunch is a rare moment when the monarchs extended family meet and allows the King to celebrate with those not invited to spend Christmas day with the senior Royals at Sandringham. The royal relatives enjoy a sit-down down with a Sandringham-bred turkey and pull crackers in the state rooms of the castle while children under 16 eat together in St George's Hall. Buckingham Palace is known around the world as the home of British royalty, but it is cold and draughty The King and Queen enjoy spending time at Birkhall House, their private home in Scotland. What will become of their other country house, Highgrove in Gloucestershire? The decision to stage it at Windsor Castle could be a sign of other changes, changes, too. Do the royals want the meal to be seen as more of a private family occasion than a public event which might seem wise bearing in mind the whiff of scandal attached to certain relatives? This week Prince Andrew was pictured arriving at Windsor Castle for lunch amid suggestions that soon-to-be released court documents will involve a fresh allegation of misbehaviour from a woman at Jeffrey Epsteins New York mansion in 2001. Prince Andrew has always strongly denied any wrong-doing. Another of this years guests was Princess Michael of Kent, who in 2017 was forced to apologise after pictures of her arriving at the Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace showed her wearing a controversial blackamoor brooch. This was the first Christmas lunch at which Meghan Markle had been present. Then there is the wider question of the Windsors' extensive collection of mansions, palaces and castles and what to do with such grandiosity in a more egalitarian and cost-conscious - age. The State Dining Room at Buckingham Palace, here with the table laid in Victorian style The King delivers last year's Christmas message. His decision to host lunch at Windsor might suggest that Buckingham Palace is out of favour (Last summer, the King turned down the temperature of the Buckingham Palace pool to save money, a move that did not escape the notice of staff who use it.) Will Balmoral be opened to the public? It has been speculated. And what of Highgrove in Gloucestershire, when Charles now has another country house at Birkhall in Scotland? There can be little doubt about the place of Windsor Castle, the home preferred by the late Queen Elizabeth, or Sandringham in Norfolk, where her father, George VI, died prematurely in 1952 (and where the Queen remained after each Christmas until the anniversary of his passing on February 6.) None of which looks good for Buckingham Palace which, for all it is known around the world - will be a rather lonely place this Christmas and perhaps for some time t come. A group of teenagers have been charged with murder after a father-of-three was viciously beaten to death outside an Ohio supermarket. Donnie Smith, 53, died following the attack on December 6 outside a Kroger Supermarket in Columbus. Police believe Smith was involved in some sort of exchange with a group of people while inside the store prior to the deadly beating. It is alleged the same group lay in wait for him to come out of the supermarket and launched an attack. Jamarion Fredrae Evans-Bennett, 19, Dionta Davon Hughes, 18, and Jayden Agee, 17, have been charged with murder over Smith's death. Donnie Smith, 53, died on December 6 after he was attacked outside a Kroger Supermarket in Columbus, Ohio Police allege teens Jamarion Fredrae Evans-Bennett and Dionta Davon Hughes were involved in the beating that claimed Smith's life Smith had been shopping inside a Kroger store in Columbus when he was involved in an incident, police say. Detectives believe a group of teens waited for him to walk out when he was attacked, beaten and left unconscious and bleeding out An affidavit seen by the Columbus Dispatch details how officers reviewed security footage from the assault which saw the trio follow Smith as he left Kroger. 'Three men engaged in an altercation with patrons inside the location. As a result, the suspects were asked to leave by security,' police said in their report. 'Once outside, a physical altercation ensued between three males and the victim.' Police allege the group stomped, kicked, and punched him until he was unconscious and left bleeding from the head. A witness told police how the group was seen 'laughing and enjoying themselves' while carrying out the vicious assault. The attack only came to an end when a witness with a firearm intervened and told the three to stop. The dad is being remembered as an 'amazing' man who loved his kids, according to Nicole Evans, his partner of 20 years Evans and Smith share a 15-year-old son and six-year-old daughter Smith was found a short time later by the pharmacy drive-thru by a worker from the store. Hughes and Evans-Bennett are locked up in the Franklin County jail on $1 million bond. The juvenile is in the county detention center while a decision is made over whether to charge him as an adult. Speaking about Smith, Nicole Evans described her partner of 20 years as 'an amazing person'. The couple shared a 15-year-old son and six-year-old daughter. 'He was a great father. He loved his kids. They were his world,' she said. Evans said Smith's killing was a 'random act of violence.' 'They just grabbed him and beat him to death,' she said to ABC 6. 'It's sickening. I don't know how anyone could do that to a human being.' Family and friends have created a GoFundMe to help the children going forward. The SNP Government is looking for someone to head its controversial embassy in the US on a salary of 83,000 a year. The current chief of the Washington office, Chris Thomson, a former Scottish Prison Service HR business partner, is to leave after his contract came to an end. The nine overseas offices, in countries including China, have caused outrage over their rising budgets, as taxes increase in Scotland and public services here suffer. There has also been concern over security, with fears they could be soft targets for foreign spies, and criticism they cut across the devolution agreement, with foreign policy reserved to Westminster. Foreign Secretary David Cameron rebuked Humza Yousaf this month after the First Minister met Turkeys Prime Minister at the COP28 climate summit in Dubai without proper Civil Service representation. The Scottish Governments new chief in Washington will be paid between 83,328 and 84,456 A further attempt by the SNP to trumpet its international credentials sparked derision this month when Net Zero Secretary Mairi McAllan claimed world leaders are approaching the Scottish Government asking for our advice on how we have managed to lead the way so successfully on a number of fronts. Ms McAllan has refused to specify what advice has been sought or by whom. The budget for the SNPs overseas offices has increased by more than 1 million in two years, to about 9 million, amid cuts to services and tax increases for Scots. The Scottish Governments new chief in Washington will be paid between 83,328 and 84,456 and will benefit from a Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27 per cent. The post is a three-year contract. The job description states: This role leads the Scottish Governments presence in the United States. The new chief will work with communities of interest across the US political scene, as well as developing networks in target State Governments. They will represent the Scottish Government, including managing the relationship with the UK Government at post, and advise the UK diplomatic mission to the US on devolved and reserved policies that impact on Scotland. Net Zero Secretary Mairi McAllan Scottish Conservative external affairs spokesman Donald Cameron said: While Scotlands businesses, taxpayers and public services are reeling from Shona Robisons disastrous Budget, this lucrative job ad perfectly illustrates the SNPs skewed priorities. Brutal cuts may have been inflicted on Scotlands essential services by Ministers but, of course, the SNP still found extra cash for the constitution and external affairs budget to promote their independence obsession. The successful applicant for this will not only enjoy a generous salary but will be spared the punitive income tax rates their employer has imposed on Scots. The head of office manages a team of three in the Scottish Government office, which is located in the British Embassy in Washington. There are also two non-diplomatic staff. The new bureau chief will be expected to come to Scotland at least once a year to engage with stakeholders within and outwith the Scottish Government. Applications to succeed Mr Thomson closed on Thursday. Other offices are located in Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, the Irish Republic and London. One of the biggest is the Brussels office, which this year had a budget of 2.5 million and 17 staff including 11 classed as diplomatic. A Scottish Government spokesman said: The head of the Washington office role is a time limited post and the recruitment process for appointing Mr Thomsons replacement is ongoing. Police believe a blood-stained razor blade found in the home of one of Scotlands most notorious killers could sensationally prove he had struck before. In a case that shocked the nation, William Beggs raped and killed a young man in 1999 before dismembering his victim and scattering his body parts in Loch Lomond and off the Ayrshire coast. Now the Scottish Mail on Sunday can reveal that a razor discovered in the killers home in the aftermath of the horrific murder could more than 24 years later still yield clues to other crimes. Detectives trying to link Beggs to another, earlier, murder recently analysed blood found on the blade. Officers were shocked to find that the DNA did not match the killer, his known victim or even the suspected victim. William Beggs was jailed for life in 2001 Beggs was found guilty of stabbing 28-year-old Barry Oldham (left) to death in Yorkshire in 1987 and was later cleared. Twelve years later Beggs raped and murdered 18-year-old Barry Wallace (right) Now police believe the blood could provide a link to an as-yet-unknown person who may have been attacked by the killer. A police source explained: The blood on the razor suggests there could be another victim. The development could shine new light on one of the most gruesome cases in British legal history. Beggs was found guilty of stabbing Barry Oldham, 28, to death in Yorkshire in 1987 and leaving his mutilated body on the moors. Although jailed, his conviction was overturned on a technicality 18 months into his life sentence and he was freed. Having moved to Scotland, Beggs who was working in a call centre in Edinburgh lured 18-year-old Barry Wallace from Kilmarnock to his home as the teen was leaving a Christmas party, then raped and murdered him. He used a saw and kitchen knife to hack his body into eight pieces. Mr Wallaces limbs were discovered in Loch Lomond, tied in bin bags, and his head washed up on Barassie Beach in Ayrshire. After a trial at the High Court in Edinburgh in 2001, Beggs was sentenced to life in prison and remains behind bars. North Yorkshire Police recently attempted to find fresh evidence that might link Beggs to the murder of Mr Oldham, with a view to possibly bringing the case back to court. Police Scotland handed over a blood-stained razor they found in Beggs home anticipating that DNA tests would link it to the Yorkshire case. Divers recovered Mr Wallaces limbs from Loch Lomond However the blood was not a match for Beggs, Mr Wallace or Mr Oldham. A source at North Yorkshire Police said: The murder of Barry Oldham is unusual in that Beggs was convicted and there seemed no doubt about his guilt. Even with the changes to the double-jeopardy law now well-established, it would take significant fresh evidence to give us any chance of charging Beggs afresh. We hoped the blood on the razor might provide that calibre of evidence and we were happy to assist Police Scotland in that enquiry. Mr Oldhams dad, Albert, was still alive at that time and we were able to obtain his DNA for comparison, but there was no match. This suggests there might be another victim of a bloody assault by Beggs out there. If theres little hope of justice for Barry Oldham, perhaps the razor offers hope for another. Scottish Tory justice spokesman Russell Findlay said: Given what is known about this killer and his horrific record, it seems a strong possibility this new material could be significant. Im confident police officers across the UK will make every possible effort to establish whether this blood can be connected to an unknown victim. Adam Harland, cold case review manager at North Yorkshire Police, said: The murder of Barry Oldham remains unresolved and any new information will always be investigated thoroughly. The explanation given by Beggs as to the circumstances of Barrys death was not believed by the jury, who convicted him of murder. Police Scotland declined to comment on the razor but did confirm there are no current enquiries in relation to Beggs. Humza Yousaf is facing humiliation as furious local authorities warn they may not honour his pledge to freeze council tax. The First Minister made the eye-catching promise of a freeze for hard-pressed families at the SNPs autumn conference. However, a council rebellion is looming because power to set the tax remains with local authorities and they are adamant that the Scottish Government has not offered enough cash to cover the cost of the freeze. Now senior councillors from all parties including the SNP and Greens have written to Finance Secretary Shona Robison setting out their significant concerns over funding. The letter from council umbrella group Cosla a copy of which has been obtained by the Scottish Mail on Sunday contains a veiled warning that councils may not back Mr Yousafs freeze. Critics warn that Shona Robisons fiscal decisions will lead to reduced local services In it, senior councillors say: Leaders wish to reaffirm the position that the decision on council tax can only be made by each full council and it is therefore for each individual council to determine their own level of council tax. If councils do defy Mr Yousaf and raise taxes, it would be a body blow for hard-pressed families already struggling with the cost-of-living crisis but would also be politically damaging for the First Minister. Last night one council insider confirmed Mr Yousaf, pictured, now faced the prospect of furious local authorities refusing to deliver on his flagship promise. The source said: Councils are very angry. They are intending to lobby hard for a better settlement at the next stage of the budget process. Many leaders are saying if they dont get a better settlement they will increase council tax. The Greens will be lobbied particularly hard their Cosla group leader has signed the letter. The SNP group leader has signed it too so both SNP and Green councillors are demanding a better deal and saying the freeze is not fully funded. A number of leaders have said they will refuse if its not improved they feel they cannot recommend a freeze to their councils. Its fair to say the First Minister is now facing a significant rebellion by councils. Last weeks Scottish Budget provoked a backlash over tax rises for thousands of workers as well as swingeing cuts. Ms Robison, who is also Deputy First Minister, blamed a 1.5 billion black hole in her financial programme on Westminster cuts. Her draft budget proposed giving local authorities 144 million in return for them freezing council tax only about half of the sum experts said was needed to fully fund the move. Now councils have received further details of their overall draft budget settlement for the next financial year but say it falls far short of the 14.3 billion revenue and 838 million capital funding needed just to stand still. Cosla has now set out significant concerns over the far-reaching and severe implications of the shortfall. A letter from council umbrella group Cosla to Shona Robison contains a veiled warning that councils may not back Humza Yousafs freeze In the letter, Cosla political party group leaders warn that the current proposals could lead to service cuts, job losses and an inevitable shift to providing statutory services only. The Cosla chiefs say that could mean losing libraries, leisure centres and all the things that improve our lives and wellbeing. Councillors also demand the Scottish Government urgently reconsiders the draft funding settlement and engages in meaningful negotiations to improve our funding position and protect the essential services our communities rely on. Signatories include councillors Douglas Reid, Cosla SNP group leader, and Alys Mumford, of the Greens, as well as Shona Morrison, Coslas first SNP president. Last night Liz Smith, Tory finance spokesman, warned that the First Minister was facing a colossal humiliation. She said: Humza Yousaf announced a council tax freeze as a way to get a cheap cheer at his party conference. But it was never within the SNP Governments powers, and the recent Budget made it clear that it meant savage cuts to local services. If it is challenged, it would be a colossal humiliation for this incompetent and financially illiterate SNP government. However, Shona Robison claimed councils were receiving more money than ever thanks to her Budget. She said: The Scottish Budget includes record funding of over 14 billion for councils in 2024/25 a real-terms increase of 4.3 per cent compared with this years Budget should they agree to freeze council tax. Sean Kirst Columnist Follow Sean Kirst 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 year ago this weekend, Tom Fitzgerald received an unexpected lesson in the point of St. Lukes Mission of Mercy. Fitzgerald, 52, has worked for 34 years as a custodian with the Kenmore-Tonawanda School District. Last December, as a lethal blizzard engulfed greater Buffalo, he pulled his Silverado pickup into the parking lot of a convenience store on Military Road, intending to buy enough food to wait out the storm. The cashier lady was crying, Fitzgerald said. It was two days before Christmas. He asked her what was wrong. She replied that her husband and a friend were stranded with two kids at a police district station on Hertel Avenue, with no way to make it home. Dont worry, Fitzgerald said. He promised he would give them a ride. The first step was easy enough. He made it to the station and welcomed the little group into his truck, which he figured could handle the wind and snow. But all of it was beyond anything he had ever seen. Its a blizzard that almost blew my truck door off when I opened it, Fitzgerald said. Sean Kirst: A young guy just needed a break. He got one in an anonymous card. No one had to do that specifically for me, Marcos Vazquez said, and it makes me want to do the same thing for someone else in the same position. His passengers lived in the Fillmore District of Buffalo, where Fitzgerald in worsening conditions ended up stuck in the street. Friends and family told him by phone not to stray from the truck. They spent a night in the idling vehicle while all my friends were freaking out, Fitzgerald said. The next morning, with the wind howling, he got a call from a woman connected with St. Lukes, who had read of his plight on Facebook and told him: If he could get there, shelter was not far away. So Fitzgerald, the two men and the two kids managed to walk together to the mission, where they found warmth and safety. For a few days, Fitzgerald said, they were under the care of Erwin and Nirena Hill, a divorced couple who remain close friends and work together on the St. Lukes staff. The Hills provided blankets and hot meals. Fitzgerald, joined by these strangers he had met through a worried cashier, ended up spending Christmas with an even larger group of stranded travelers. St. Lukes co-founder Amy Betros said Erwin Hill repeatedly risked his life to retrieve people trapped in their cars, within walking distance of the mission. He helped dig them out, and led them back. The winds were so fierce that snow would often fill his mouth as he tried to breathe. Witnessing that kind of selflessness, Fitzgerald arrived at a quick revelation as he prepares to celebrate this Christmas with his family. If not for them, wed still be in my truck, he said of the Hills and everyone at St. Lukes. Throughout greater Buffalo, there will be similar instances of somber reflection this weekend, a kind of civic pause to remember the ferocity of a blizzard that claimed 47 lives. Sean Kirst: At St. Luke's, a young lawyer learned how to survive the storm In all she witnessed in how the mission responded, the people it saved and those it lost Joanah Perkins saw the key at the center of her life, Kirst says. At St. Lukes, there is no time. The risk remains severe, only in another form. Erwin and Nirena are both recovering addicts who say the mission in particular, the grace of co-founders Betros and the late Norm Paolini saved their lives. I was addicted to crack, Erwin said. I believed in nothing. When he prayed, he said, hed pray to die while he was using. At St. Lukes, to his astonishment, he found grace, hope and purpose. He and Nirena are fixtures in the humming kitchen, where supervisor Jean Marinaro there with Betros since the beginning, in 1994 has seen the need skyrocket over the past 12 months. A year ago, Betros said, the mission was routinely feeding about 600 people a day. That number is now up to at least 1,000 people, requiring the preparation of 2,000 daily meals. The intensity of the demand, she said, boils down to a few obvious truths: Their community the people they seek to help extends far beyond women and men living on the streets, though advocates say the number of people without homes is increasing in Buffalo. The lines at the mission include more and more families who find it increasingly difficult to pay the bills, those St. Lukes education director Mike Taheri calls the working poor, those living on the margins. Tackling homelessness: St. Luke's, City Mission, Salvation Army re-envision shelter services St. Luke's Mission of Mercy, Buffalo City Mission and Salvation Army are taking massive efforts to reimagine their physical space and operations that were outdated and outmoded for today's challenges. As Betros puts it, Rents have tripled. Buying a car costs what it used to cost to buy a house. And food costs have doubled, at least. All too often, she said, struggling families are looking at $1,000 as baseline rent for an apartment. One woman seeking help last Wednesday at St. Lukes said her family pays $1,400 a month for half a house, a monthly burden that is basically impossible to meet. For those staggered by such costs, the meals, clothing or housing from St. Lukes now involved in plans to create a 94-bed mens shelter, called Build Promise become last-chance supports. In the days before Christmas, the mission distributes toys to 625 families, thus making sure about 2,300 children receive gifts a yuletide effort coordinated by Nancy Polino, who set up a table in the St. Lukes sanctuary last week. She settled in with her sister, Betsy Harris, and their childhood friend Peggy Frye to sign up weary parents stopping for their packages, piled high in the pews. Throughout the week, a group of longtime friends were there to help, as were volunteers from several area high schools. Sean Kirst: St. Luke's mission co-founder recalled as 'example of Christ' Mike Taheri, a volunteer at St. Lukes Mission, recalls Norm Paolinis loving service to children, the poor, the hurting: I think he may be the holiest person Ive ever Polino her sister calls her Mrs. Claus said every box contained a large toy, a stuffed animal and some smaller gifts, including blankets as a warm hug for parents expecting nothing for themselves. After Christmas, Polino barely takes a breath. By January, shes already lining up commitments for the December effort. Like many mission volunteers, she noted how there were so many more new families this year, often working people buried in their debts. Polino spoke of a huge increase in the working poor, and in refugees in Buffalo, facing daily need. Those folks, she said, We dont want them to slip through the cracks. There was a woman well call Julie, for instance, who waited in line for gifts for her little boy. Not long ago, her husband told her he had to go out of town for a week or two then abandoned the family just like that, leaving her alone with their bills. Now she drives Uber all night before she gets her child off to school, and she said her son in his simple, unshakeable joy becomes the one gift she needs at Christmas. He keeps me motivated, Julie said. If there is a central message from everyone who keeps the mission going from the people serving food, to those distributing toys, to those providing warm clothes for kids living in poorly heated flats it is this: The blizzard may have been a year ago, but the amount of overwhelmed families vulnerable to that kind of crisis has only grown. The missionaries and volunteers at St. Lukes describe a stream of mothers or fathers making minimum wage or little more, while slowly drowning in the costs of housing, utilities, transportation and food. Lisa, who waited patiently in the toy line, is a mother of three whose own mom was a pillar in her childrens lives until March, when Lisas mother learned she had leukemia. Three months later, Lisa said of her kids, their grandmas gone. Lisa, whos endured multiple stomach surgeries, survives on disability payments. She used to scrape up enough money to Uber to the hospital to visit her mom, and she recently pieced together $900 to finally repair her car only to have it break down again, almost right away. I cant afford to buy them Christmas gifts like I used to, she said of her family. To save on buying a tree, she wrapped lights this year around an arrangement of artificial flowers that had been her mothers, a talisman in many ways of what this Christmas means. For a while, she feared there would be no gifts for her kids at least until she found an answer in Polinos toy effort at St. Lukes. As Lisa waited in line, she thought back on surviving bitter cold during three days without power in the blizzard, though thousands in Buffalo might agree a year later with her quiet revelation. The storm, Lisa said. It never really stopped. A couple have lost almost $1million - and are still paying body corporate fees - for a home they haven't been able to live in for four years. Sue, 67, and Gary, 71, bought a $486,000 apartment in Mascot Towers, in Sydney's inner south, in March 2012, believing they would work for a few more years before settling into retirement in their new home. But the couple were one of 132 families forced to evacuate the troubled tower after major cracks were discovered in a primary support beam in June 2019. Now Sue and Gary are still working to try and recover retirement funds that have instead been spent on their now uninhabitable one-bedroom apartment. 'Gary and I would love to be retired, but we are both still working over the Christmas period,' Sue told Daily Mail Australia. 'We wanted to retire at 65. Sue and Gary (pictured) bought a dream home they hoped to retire in. Instead, it has been a financial nightmare Mascot Towers units was evacuated in June 2019 after cracks were found in the primary support structure and facade masonry '[But] we are still paying around $1,000 a month in strata fees [for Mascot Towers] while renting another property in Brisbane.' Sue's daughter Sally Prosser said her parents were left in an unimaginable situation. 'You can't live in it, you can't sell it, they won't fix it, no one is taking responsibility, but you still need to pay your strata fees and you still need to pay your mortgage,' she said. 'It's wild.' Under NSW law, major building defects are only covered under warranty for six years, and minor defects for two years, after the completion of a development. Over the past four years, Mascot Towers homeowners have been forced to pay off their mortgages and pay strata costs for the defect-ridden building, on top of paying for the cost of living elsewhere. Sue and Gary have lost more than $500,000 in direct costs (such as the purchase price, stamp duty and strata levies) and almost another half a million in estimated capital growth on their apartment. Despite their ordeal, they consider themselves lucky compared to some of the other heartbreaking stories that have emerged from the building catastrophe. 'There are lots of people in a similar situation and in a worse situation than us,' they said. 'People who had already retired and put everything into it. Single people on one income. Young families. People who had to declare bankruptcy. 'And any pay out for them will be not enough for anyone to move on and get another mortgage to buy another house.' Despite their ordeal, the couple said there are other fellow homeowners who are in far worse situations than them Desperate to return home, owners initially raised money to take out a $22million loan to repair the foundations of the building - but despite $15million already having been spent, the apartment blocks are still unfit for reoccupation. Now, with the building having been empty for the last four years, residents estimate they would need to fork out a further $25million for maintenance work. Earlier this month, desperate homeowners made a last-ditch effort in the NSW Supreme Court to free themselves from the strata scheme, with 70 per cent of owners seeking to be able to sell the entire block for either demolition or repair. However the legal bid - which was objected by the strata loan company and banks that held their mortgages - was rejected by the judge. The NSW Government has been paying homeowners rental assistance - at a cost of $15million to tax payers - but there a calls for more to be done. In the wake of the failed legal bid, the government this week proposed a new debt mitigation strategy which would allow homeowners to sell the apartments as individual lots, rather than as a block. According to their calculations, price estimates for the smallest apartments sit as low as $133,500. Under the proposal, third-party purchasers would make formal offers to all owners by February 15 next year and they would then be given two weeks to sign a contract of sale. If the proposal goes ahead, the owners would no longer be liable to pay any further strata levies or debt - which is currently at $15.3million - and their rental assistance would end on June 30 next year. Sue's daughter Sally Prosser opened up about her parents' plight in a now-viral TikTok video However, for the scheme to proceed, at least 75 per cent of owners must agree to sell - and those who own their property outright or have significantly paid down their mortgage will lose any equity they have gained over the past four years. The government is also seeking to have remaining debts waived for those still paying off mortgages. But the compensation strategy is only a win for some. 'People like my mum and Gary who have now paid off the mortgage will not receive any equity, let alone any of the thousands of dollars in strata payments that have essentially gone down the drain,' Ms Prosser said. 'It is so unfair. 'The owners are being royally trucked over financially, not to mention emotionally and physically. The stories coming out are just heartbreaking.' Ms Prosser - who shared her mother and step father's plight in a now-viral TikTok video - said no one has taken responsibility for the botched building and the disaster has been treated as 'just one of those unfortunate situations'. 'The only brightside is that this sale might bring an end to this saga, but it's just an absolutely heartbreaking story of regular people through no fault of their own being robbed of their homes and hundreds of thousands of dollars,' Ms Prosser said. 'They have been handed a s*** sandwich and have been asked to be thankful they have a sandwich. 'What an absolute debacle.' Ms Prosser has called on Premier Chris Minns to fulfil his Labor state election campaign promise to step in and help Mascot Towers owners. Tenants were given just a few hours to evacuate over fears the building could collapse, after some forked out millions on the luxury units in Sydney's south (pictured) Premier Chris Minns has come under fire for failing to fulfil his election promise to help homeowners of Mascot Towers She is not alone. In recent weeks, there has been growing pressure for Mr Minns to stay true to his word. 'Chris Minns, campaigned alongside the Mascot Owners and told them and voters that he would partner with owners to remediate the building and allow them to safely return,' Mascot Towers strata committee said in a news release last month. 'He promised a loan or to act as guarantor for the loan to fix the building. Now that the owners are effectively prevented from selling the towers in a single sale, the government needs to finally deliver on its promise.' Gary said the government should be held responsible as it is behind the legislation, which reduced builder's warranty to six years to promote growth within the construction industry, which has led to this situation. He believes that if builders knew a building was their responsibility for 20 years they would have a higher duty of care and complete constructions at a higher standard. Sue said the proposal will fall short for some people as the buyer's offers will not even cover their mortgage. 'The phone call that would make a happy Christmas would be if the government paid them back their purchase price of the apartment,' she said. 'Not what it would be worth today - which would be far more than what the purchase price was when they bought it - and also give everybody back their stamp duty. 'That would be at least something for them to go forward on.' Daily Mail Australia has contacted Mr Minns for comment. The families of three women killed in a horror car crash caused by a 13-year-old in a stolen Mercedes Benz have shared what life is like without their loved ones. Susan Marcus cleans her teenage daughter Kelsie Davies' bedroom every day but refuses to wash the sheets she slept in before the horror crash on April 30. Ms Marcus and Jeanette Robertson, the mother of beloved nurse Sheree Robertson, have become united in their grief over the horror Maryborough crash. On April 30, 17-year-old Kelsie Davies, 29-year-old Michale Chandler and 23-year-old Kaylah Behrens, friends from Reach Fraser Coast Church, were headed to watch a movie in Hervey Bay, on Central Queensland's coast. Their car was clipped by a Mercedes Benz, stolen by a 13-year-old Bundaberg boy, and shunted into another car, driven by 52-year-old Sheree. Three women - 17-year-old Kelsie Davies, 29-year-old Michale Chandler and 23-year-old Kaylah Behrens - were killed by a 13-year-old driver in a stolen car in a horror collision in Maryborough, Central Queensland, on April 30 (pictured, flowers left at the crash site) Susan Marcus, the mother of 17-year-old Kelsie Davies (above), cleans her daughter's bedroom every day but hasn't washed the sheets she slept in before the crash Ms Davies, Ms Robertson and Mrs Chandler were all killed in the crash. This week, Ms Davies' and Ms Robertson's mothers told the Courier Mail how they've struggled to move on since the incident. Ms Marcus has kept her 17-year-old daughter's bedroom in pristine condition. Her teddy bears, photo wall and clothes are all kept tidy. The room still belongs to her daughter and no one else is allowed to sleep in there. 'You can try and mask it, you can keep yourself busy, but the thoughts always track back to that, and then it's the most horrible feeling,' Ms Marcus said. 'I know a lot of people who've lost children, it's a tough gig.' Ms Robertson, Sheree's mother, hasn't spread her ashes almost eight months after the crash because she doesn't want to let her go. Jeanette Robertson, the mother of 52-year-old nurse Sheree Robertson (above), hugs two of her daughter's teddies every day - one from her bedroom and another from her wrecked car Mother of two young boys, 29-year-old Michale Chandler (above), built a playroom for her church just two months before she was killed Every morning she sits with her daughter's photo and hugs two of her teddies - one from her bed and another that was pulled from her car. 'I don't know how I am going to let it go. Every day, every morning I think of her, there's not one day that passes that I don't think of her,' she said. Mrs Chandler worked at Reach Fraser Coast Church alongside her husband Matt. She left behind two young boys. Just two months before Mrs Chandler died, she built a playroom in the church for parents and children to use every Sunday. Pastor Darron Hayhoe said the community has done its best to support the families of the victims since the devastating crash. 'A lot of people I've known have come out of this broken forever,' he said. He said the sole survivor of the crash - aside from the 13-year-old driver, Kaylah Behrens, has thrown herself into the church community since recovering from critical injuries. Pastor Hayhoe says she goes between feeling grateful she survived the collision and guilt she was the only one to. The only survivor of the crash - aside from the 13-year-old driver, Kaylah Behrens bounces between feeling grateful and guilty she made it out alive 'No doubt that she will have to get help with that for the rest of her life,' he said. The 13-year-old driver pleaded guilty to three counts of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death and one count of unlawful use of a motor vehicle last month. He is expected to be sentenced next year. Recently expelled former Congressman George Santos has had a public meltdown in a video on social media in which he calls out Delta Airlines and its CEO over claims the carrier has been transporting undocumented migrants. In a two minute long video posted to X, Santos shares his disappointment noting how his favorite airline has now became a 'nightmare'. 'I'm a big Delta Airlines guy, but after this revelation that people literally with no name and no ID printed and allowed on their boarding pass,' Santos suggested, without evidence. 'I want to ask [Delta CEO] Ed Bastian, somebody who I thought until recently was a pretty good CEO, what gives Ed? 'You have a very good reputation as one of the airline's CEOs but this is bulls***. Why don't you tell us, how many people have you transported under this no name, no ID given. Why is the TSA allowing undocumented, unidentified to travel alongside us in airlines?' Santos demanded to know. Former congressman George Santos had a meltdown on social media video in calling out Delta's CEO over unverified claims Delta is transporting migrants Shout out to @stclairashley who pulled the curtain back on all of this! Its time we turn o. The heat and try to save whatever we can of our very exposed national security. This must end NOW! pic.twitter.com/IVs0NsTDyK George Santos (@MrSantosNY) December 22, 2023 'This is a f***king crime. Who is going to do something? What the f*** are you people doing? It's a f***ing joke. Congress is joke. Our homeland security is falling apart. We need to revamp all of government at this point,' he ranted. Santos claims come after a furious Delta passenger accused the airline of flying migrants from Arizona to New York City. Ashley St Clair, a right-wing commentator, shared footage on Tuesday that she claimed showed migrants who were recently let out of an immigration detention center at the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. She wrote on X: 'My Delta flight from Phoenix appears to be flying migrants who crossed the border and are being shipped to New York. When I asked a Delta representative if this was the case, his response was 'What does it matter, they're humans too' 'What is happening???? Are taxpayer dollars paying for this????' It's unclear if the passengers were recently arrived migrants who crossed the US-Mexico border or if they came from detention centers. However, migrants are not considered to be illegally in the country after being processed and requesting asylum. Both Gaetz and Santos are demanding an explanation from Delta CEO Ed Bastian, pictured Republican Congressman Matt Gaetz is demanding answers from Delta Airlines over its alleged policy of flying illegal migrants into the US Gaetz's demand for answers came after a Delta passenger and right-wing commentator claimed she had seen migrants being flown from Arizona to New York on the same flight as her Gaetz wrote the open letter to Delta CEO Ed Bastion on Friday after footage emerged allegedly showing illegal migrants boarding one of the airline's planes Ashley St Clair, a right-wing commentator, shared footage on Tuesday that she claimed showed migrants about to board a Delta plane from Phoenix to New York City It's also not clear how their plane tickets were paid for. DailyMail.com has reached out to Delta airlines for comment on the story. Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz wrote a letter to Delta's Bastion on Friday, asking the executive to identify how many migrants Delta had transported on behalf of governmental or non-governmental organizations since January 20, 2021. Gaetz asked how plane tickets are purchased for illegal immigrants, what identification TSA requires for illegal immigrants, and if Delta receives any incentive for transporting illegal immigrants. He stated that NGOs are using federal money to purchase flights for migrants who may not have passed verification checks, posing a security risk. 'Even more alarming than American taxpayers footing the bill for non-resident aliens to be transported into our communities is that they may not be properly vetted,' Gaetz wrote. 'I am concerned the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) may be allowing non-resident aliens to board flights, including those operated by Delta Airlines, with an alternate form of identification that meets a weaker standard than that used to verify the identities of American citizens.' St Clair, meanwhile, continued posting on X about the flight, claiming most of the flight was filled with the alleged migrants, and that they still had bags from the processing center in Phoenix. She also said one of the alleged migrants was seated next to her in a premium cabin, and expressed concern about whether the passengers had been medically screened. Arizona is seeing a massive influx of migrants crossing the border Arizona is seeing a massive influx of migrants crossing the border, with Democratic governor Katie Hobbs ordering the state's National Guard to the border with Mexico to help federal officials manage it. Hobbs asked President Joe Biden's administration to mobilize 243 Arizona National Guard troops already in the Border Patrol's Tucson sector that includes Lukeville, Arizona, to help federal officers reopen the border crossing that was indefinitely closed on December 4. While St Clair's claims are unconfirmed, southern states, particularly Texas, have sent migrants to sanctuary Liberal cities like New York and Chicago. The northern cities have been overwhelmed by the newcomers and have run out of shelter room, being forced to turn hotels and public buildings into temporary housing. A handful of cities across the U.S. dealing with an influx of homeless migrants have imposed their own limits on shelter stays, citing a variety of reasons, including spiraling costs, a lack of space and a desire to put pressure on people to either find housing on their own, or leave town entirely. Migrants queue in the cold as they look for a shelter outside a migrant assistance center in New York Chicago imposed a 60-day shelter limit last month and is poised to start evicting people in early January. In Massachusetts, Gov. Maura Healey, a Democrat, has capped the number of migrant families in emergency shelters at 7,500. Denver had limited migrant families to 37 days but paused the policy this month in recognition of winter's onset. Single adults are limited to 14 days. In New York, the first families were expected to reach their 60-day limits just days after Christmas, but the mayor's office said those migrants will receive extensions through early January. Roughly 3,500 families have been issued notices so far. Unlike most other big cities, New York has a decades-old 'right to shelter' obligating the city to provide emergency housing to anyone who asks. But officials have warned migrants there is no guarantee they will get to stay in the same hotel, or the same city borough, for that matter. Adult migrants without children are already subject to a shorter limit on shelter stays: 30 days. Mayor Eric Adams has estimated the city will spend $12 billion over the next three years to handle the influx, setting up large-scale emergency shelters, renting out hotels and providing various government services for migrants. His grandfather might be the President of the United States - but all eyes were on Beau Biden Jr when he stepped out with his embattled dad on Saturday. The adorable three-year-old was spotted walking alongside his father as the Biden family prepared to head to Camp David for Christmas. In pictures of the first family departing the White House, Beau Biden Jr was seen crossing the South Lawn clutching onto his dad's hand. The President's youngest grandson was seen wearing aviators and a stylish bomber jacket. It was emblazoned with the name 'Joe' and also had the number 46 on the right sleeve, in a nod to his grandfather being the 46th President. Biden and First Lady Dr. will return to the White House on Tuesday and then on to St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands, where they will remain for New Year's. Melissa Cohen Biden, Ashley Biden, Hunter Biden, with Beau Biden Jr. depart with President Joe Biden for Camp David from the South Lawn at the White House Hunter departed from the South Lawn holding hands with his son Beau Biden Jr who wore aviators and a bomber jacket emblazoned with his grandfather's name Biden along with son Hunter and Beau Biden Jr. depart for Camp David from the South Lawn at the White House Alongside the two were Maisy Biden and Ashley Biden, who carried bags with them as they vacated the White House for the holidays. In an interview with abc7, the First Lady revealed earlier this week that a tradition of the families is to have spaghetti and meatballs on Christmas Eve. She told the outlet: 'On Christmas Eve, we always have spaghetti and meatballs, always. And I had that growing up. And Joe did, too.' The Biden's departure for Camp David comes during a time of intense scrutiny for the President. Earlier this month, House Republicans voted to formalize their ongoing impeachment inquiry into the President. Their inquiry centers around whether Biden was connected to or profited from his son Hunter's shady business deals. The vote opened to the door for the GOP to obtain more evidence on schemes that have seen the two linked with millions from countries like China and Ukraine. The first son previously said his father was 'not financially involved' in his business dealings and that there was no evidence because it 'did not happen.' Beau Jr is seen here alongside his aunt Ashley and Father, wearing aviators and a jacket emblazoned with the presidential number of his grandfather The family made their way across the South Lawn of the White House towards Marine One on Saturday Hunter Biden is seen here walking beside his son Beau and wife Melissa, with his sister Ashley following them as they board Marine One The Biden's departure for Camp David comes during a time of intense scrutiny for the President J.L. Partners polled 550 voters in Arizona, in Georgia and Wisconsin. The results show Joe Biden in danger of losing two states that helped him win in 2020 Hunter also defied a congressional subpoena that demanded he give a private deposition to Republicans probing the two. The younger Biden slammed the 'shameless' Republicans and said that he would no attend the deposition. Republicans followed this up by beginning proceedings to hold him in contempt of Congress. Hunter is also facing a tax evasion case, with a recent indictment revealing he spent a staggering $870,000 on prostitutes' between 2016 and 2019. The indictment also adds that he spent his money on 'drugs, escorts and girlfriends, luxury hotels and rental properties, exotic cars, clothing, and other items of a personal nature'. Outside of troubles on Capitol Hill, pollsters and political strategists have came out this week saying that Donald Trump is now more likely to win next year. That news came after a ruling on Tuesday night by Colorado state's highest court, saying that Trump violated Section 3 of the 14th amendment and was banned from the ballot in the state. It is the first time in history that the insurrection clause has been used to prevent a presidential candidate from appearing on a state's presidential ballot. In an exclusive DailyMail.com poll earlier this month, Trump was leading Biden in two of the three closest fought states. Trump was five points ahead of the incumbent president and was leading by three points in Georgia. Despite this, Biden did lead his likely 2024 challenger in Wisconsin by five percentage points. The President is seen here making his way onto Marine one situated on the South Lawn of the White House Former President Donald Trump speaks during a commit to caucus rally, Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023 Trump is ahead in Arizona and Georgia but trails Biden in Wisconsin by five points, according to a recent poll The President is also being urged by House Speaker Mike Johnson to use his executive powers to halt illegal immigration 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. Customs and Border Patrol have encountered nearly 2.5 million migrants this year alone, and is on track to beat 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. As the latest holder of the centuries-old position of Lord Mayor of London, Michael Mainellis role is to champion the UKs vital financial sector. But last night, the economist was accused of being naive and potentially unfit to help the City combat threats from Beijing after a Mail on Sunday investigation uncovered his extensive links to the Chinese regime. Concerns have been raised over Prof Mainellis chairmanship of a think-tank sponsored by a Chinese institute with close ties to Beijing and his calls for a wave of Chinese nationals to be recruited into the Square Miles ancient guilds. Both MI5 and Americas FBI have warned British business chiefs that Chinas communist government and its covert pressure across the globe is the most game-changing challenge we face. The Lord Mayor of London Michael Mainelli was last night accused of being 'naive' and potentially 'unfit' help the city combat threats from Beijing due to his links to the Chinese regime Concerns have been raised over Prof Mainellis chairmanship of a think-tank sponsored by a Chinese institute Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith said our revelations should be of great concern Our investigation has also revealed that: A number of livery companies, including some of Londons most venerable trade bodies, have objected to a drive by Prof Mainelli to secure sponsorship from Chinese businesses; At this years Lord Mayors Show, Prof Mainelli appeared alongside a float celebrating Chinas Belt and Road Initiative, which exerts economic dominance over smaller nations by funding huge infrastructure projects while Taiwan, which China does not recognise as an independent nation, has been banned from the procession; The city of Xian sent the City of London a 6ft high replica terracotta warrior in recognition of Prof Mainellis extensive work in China, which has been stored at the Old Bailey and nicknamed Mike. Last night, former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith said our revelations should be of great concern. Writing in this newspaper, he said: It is a matter of great sadness that in the pursuit of financial gain, the appalling commercial behaviour and brutality of this communist regime has been casually brushed aside even ignored, it appears by the Lord Mayor. And Philip Ingram, a former senior British military intelligence officer, said: The Lord Mayor is clearly naive when it comes to understanding the potential threat from China, which will do anything to get into influential organisations to help promote Chinese state-backed organisations. Prof Mainelli is chairman of Z/Yen, which describes itself as the City of Londons leading commercial think-tank. It last year took 1 million in revenue and lists the China Development Institute, a Chinese research organisation, among its platinum sponsors, The institutes president is Fan Gang, an economist described as an influential policy adviser to the top Chinese leadership. Last month, Mr Gang, who is also a powerful member of the Peoples Bank of China monetary policy committee, gave a lecture at the Mansion House the Lord Mayors residence and office in an event supported by Z/Yen. This month, Prof Mainelli spoke of his desire to boost links with China. During an interview with Bo Jiao, the chief business representative in the UK for the province of Shaanxi, he said: Theres tons of things we can and should do together. During the 25-minute conversation, posted on YouTube last Wednesday, Mr Jiao complained that Chinese students in the UK struggled to integrate and that he wanted to create a new generation of cross cultural ambassadors. He asked the Lord Mayor what assistance he could offer and in comments that have alarmed senior City figures, Prof Mainelli offered to help recruit Chinese students into the Square Miles historic livery companies, telling him: It is very easy in London to join associations. Writing in this newspaper, Sir Iain said it was of 'great sadness' that China's 'appalling commercial behaviour and brutality of this communist regime has been casually brushed aside' by the Mr Mainelli He added the he was planning to host a night to help recruit for the livery and I could use your help in bringing those Chinese students who feel that these doors arent open into that event. A grateful Mr Jiao responded: I will definitely pass over this kind invitation to my fellows and many friends in our community. Mr Jiao has been enthusiastic about the Chinese Communist Party. Two years ago, to mark its 100th anniversary, he wrote: The great cause continues for generations, and the 100-year faith is in full bloom; the Communist Party with its original mission, and the great China with national self-confidence. Prof Mainelli also used the interview to praise President Xi Jingpings Belt and Road Initiative, which critics call debt-trap diplomacy aimed at seizing control of vital infrastructure when the eye-watering loans Beijing offers to cover the cost cannot be repaid. Prof Mainelli declared the drive a very good thing. He conceded there had been a bit of controversy over the environmental impact of some of the projects but said China has convinced people its trying to improve its game. He also claimed a lot of questions over debt funding have been resolved, adding: I look at the Belt and Road as a great way to connect with China. Last month, Prof Mainelli, 64, celebrated his first day as head of the City of London Corporation with the traditional Lord Mayors Show, a spectacular three-mile procession, which organisers say is not a political event but a family-orientated day out. However it featured a float decorated by the China Chamber of Commerce in the UK, featuring model camels, inflatable pandas and a banner celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative. The parade also featured 50 performers, including dancers dressed as pandas, from the Zhejiang UK Association. Among those who founded the organisation in 2009 was Xuelin Bates, the Chinese-born wife of Conservative peer Lord Bates. She has been described as a prominent influencer on China matters and last year it was revealed that she attended a conference in 2019 linked to the United Front Work Department, a Chinese spy agency that has been criticised by MI5. For the fourth year running there was no float representing Taiwan. The City Corporation has been accused of kowtowing to Beijing after banning Taiwan, as the communist regime regards the island as part of its territory and has vowed to reunify it with the mainland. The position of Lord Mayor of London dates from 1189 and almost 700 men and two women have held the post, including Dick Whittington. Prof Mainelli is the first US-born holder of the position. Lord Mayors are elected by members of the City Of Londons 111 livery companies, the ancient and hugely influential trade associations that provide crucial networking opportunities for Square Mile bosses. The attempt to inject Chinese money into the livery companies has angered City figures. Both Prof Mainelli and Bo Jiao are members of the Worshipful Company of World Traders, while this years spring dance for the Worshipful Company of Security Officials was sponsored by Chinas state-owned surveillance company Hikvision. Intelligence expert Mr Ingram said Chinese spies could target the livery companies because they will have an awful lot of senior members of companies based in and around the City. It will also give Chinese individuals a level of credibility that will help open doors and network with people they can use to act as a stepping-stone for Chinese intelligence gathering. Mr Mainelli speaking with Rishi Sunak during the Lord Mayor's Banquet at Guildhall in November Chung Ching Kwong, analyst at the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, lambasted Prof Mainelli and said the City of London needed to wake up fast to the threat posed by Beijing. She said: If these are Mainellis views he is manifestly unfit to advise UK financial services on managing the considerable risks of dealing with Xi Jinpings China. Worse, by offering to recruit into livery companies, he is advertising himself as a conduit for yet more United Front Work Department activity. For too long the City of London has exempted itself from scrutiny over their Beijing links. They need to wake up fast, or it will be UK businesses and consumers who pay the price. The Z/Yen Group declined to go into details of China Development Institutes backing, citing client confidentially, but confirmed it had been a sponsor for several years. A spokesman said the consultancy has significant sponsorships from clients across many nations, with the UK the biggest, adding: Prof Mainelli is on sabbatical from Z/Yen for his year as Lord Mayor and Z/Yen receives no financial benefit from his service as Lord Mayor. A spokesman for the City of London Corporation said: We engage with a range of leading politicians, industry figures and dignitaries from across the world to promote the City of London and UK financial and professional services. We are always guided by the UK Government and we will continue to seek guidance from the Foreign Office on the current status of our relations with China. Engagement with China is crucial to driving forward our climate action goals. Board warfare and allegations of financial impropriety have erupted at Australian marijuana business Epsilon Healthcare, putting at risk 25 jobs and the largest medicinal cannabis manufacturing facility in the southern hemisphere. Epsilon announced on December 17 that it had appointed administrators Ian Purchas and Hugh Armenis from SV Partners to take control of the company and conduct an 'urgent assessment of the company's business operations and financial affairs'. Mr Purchas said the 'underlying' businesses were strong and the move into administration had come about due to 'disunity' at board level. 'They (a majority of the board) formed the view the uncertainty at the board level may cause creditors to make claims, which the company may not have been able to pay,' he said. The company's ASX announcements in recent months reveal a chaotic shuffle of board and management positions and allegations of potential financial impropriety. Epsilon Healthcare manufactures medicinal cannabis products at a facility at Southport on the Gold Coast. The company entered into administration on December 17 On November 20, the company's deputy chairman Alan Beasley proposed an extraordinary general meeting (EGMS) to appoint Peter Giannopoulos as a director of the company and remove Xiao (Josh) Cui as a company director. Mr Cui is the board's chair. On November 21, the company announced Mr Giannopoulos' termination as chief executive before the end of his probationary period. On December 14, Mr Cui called for an EGM to remove Mr Beasley as a director. In the November 20 announcement, Mr Beasley said Mr Cui may have engaged in financial impropriety, including the nondisclosure of payments from Epsilon to Watercrest Asset Management, which Mr Beasley says is owned by Mr Cui. 'Based on ASIC records, Mr Cui controls 100 per cent of Watercrest through a series of holding companies,' Mr Beasley said. 'The payments to Watercrest have not been disclosed to shareholders. 'The quantum of payments is unclear to me. 'When I wrote to Mr Cui, I expressed my concerns that the payments not only were not disclosed, but they were, as far as I am aware, never approved by the board of EPN and I was not aware of any agreement to support the payments. 'In his written response, Mr Cui said to me that the payments 'have been made pursuant to a consultancy agreement dated December 5, 2022, executed by Stuart Cameron as director on behalf on EPN (Epsilon)'.' Ian Purchas from SV Partners met with Epsilon employees on Tuesday on the Gold Coast In the December 14 announcement, Mr Cui rejects Mr Beasley's allegations and says payments from Epsilon to Watercrest constituted remuneration for his consultancy work with Epsilon and the payments were not hidden from Mr Beasley. Mr Purchas has cancelled the EGMs as he assesses the business. 'As administrators, we haven't formed a view one way or the other on those (the allegations),' Mr Purchas said. 'We have the ability to appoint and remove or replace directors if we think that is in the best interests of the company.' Epsilon operates a medicinal cannabis manufacturing facility at Southport on the Gold Coast and a medicinal marijuana clinic under the Tetra Health brand. The $8m company has 25 employees and Mr Purchas told workers at the Southport facility on Tuesday that he had no plans to make cuts. 'There are no job losses in the pipeline, it is not even being considered,' he told NCA NewsWire. 'But that is based on available information to date.' Epsilon has lost about $44m in the past four years of trading, but Mr Purchas said he saw 'strength' in the business. 'They are getting strong forward orders,' he said. 'From my visit there yesterday, they seem to have their processes and procedures going well and strongly. They seem to have a good supply chain.' Police are on the hunt for five men after a 29-year-old Sydney man was allegedly kidnapped in the early hours of Christmas Eve. Officers from the Cumberland Police Area Command were called to a home on Sybil Street in the western Sydney suburb of Guildford West shortly after midnight on Sunday, following reports of a home invasion. Authorities were told five men armed with handguns forced entry into the home, before coercing the 29-year-old to leave with them. He was returned uninjured at about 3am. A 29-year-old man was kidnapped from a home in Sydney's west after five armed men forced their way into the home Police are also investigating whether the alleged kidnapping was linked to two car fires reported shortly after. One was located on Woodpark Road, Smithfield about 2.2km away, and the other about 7km away on Naying Drive, Pemulwuy. The flames were extinguished by NSW Fire and Rescue. Pemulwuy-resident Kamal Patel was woken up by the sound of a 'loud noise' at about 2.15am on Sunday night, which turned out to be one of the dumped vehicles. 'The first thing I could actually recognise was the car horn going off, and I thought somebody was breaking into cars on the street,' he said. 'Then I opened my curtain windows and realised there was a car on fire.' Police are investigating whether the kidnapping was linked to two car fires which ocurred in Western Sydney shortly after Having moved to the western Sydney suburb just a month ago, Mr Patel said he didn't expect such an incident to happen in his neighbourhood. 'That always makes you nervous. It makes you think it could happen to me, when you thought it wouldn't happen to you,' he said. 'But you don't expect that in Pemulwuy. It's a little bit more middle class, and it's very much more young families in the western suburbs.' NSW Police are appealing to anyone with dashcam, or mobile phone footage, or with information on the matters to come forward. Anyone who may be able to assist the investigation has been urged to contact Granville Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. David Cameron has revealed his return to politics came after Rishi Sunak refused to let him leave Downing Street when the pair met for a drink. Lord Cameron made a shock return to the Cabinet in November when the Prime Minister named him as Foreign Secretary as part of his reshuffle. The former Prime Minister had indulged in a drink with Mr Sunak in his flat above Number 10 just a week earlier in what he had thought was a meeting designed to pick his brains for some friendly advice. But he was left blindsided when the Prime Minister refused to let him leave and instead offered him a return back into frontline politics seven years after he quit. Lord Cameron told the Sunday Telegraph: 'He was asking my advice about some things, we were talking about things generally, and I kept sort of getting my coat and saying: "Well I must go, I've taken up far too much of your time". He kept saying, "no, no, sit down, there's something else I want to ask you".' Lord Cameron met with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak for drinks at his flat above No 10 a week before he was announced as Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron pictured with his wife Samantha in 2018, whom he mulled the decision over with about whether or not to return to frontline politics Eventually, Mr Sunak asked him to come back as Foreign Secretary and although surprised by the immediacy of wanting to say "yes", Lord Cameron asked if he could mull the decision over with his wife, Samantha, and their children. It was a full circle moment for Lord Cameron who in 2016 stood on the doorstep of No 10 and hugged his family after an emotional farewell in which he announced he was stepping down as prime minister following the Brexit referendum vote. In his leaving speech he shared a rare glimpse of family life behind the famous door with the children sometimes 'kicking the red boxes full of work'. He recalled how his daughter, Florence, had once climbed into his red ministerial box just before a foreign trip and pleaded to be taken with him. He promised 'no more boxes', so perhaps there was little surprise 'there was a bit of eye-rolling' when Lord Cameron asked his children Nancy, 19, Arthur, 17, and Florence, 13, about his potential return. 'They [the children] were generally positive,' he said. 'They know its what really interests me and theyve been very supportive.' After getting the green light from his family, Lord Cameron told Mr Sunak he would take up the post and the two men agreed the outline of a comeback deal. Lord Cameron would use his network of contacts and status as a former leader to turbocharge Britain's foreign policy. Rishi Sunak is seen gloating that his shock move to bring back David Cameron to frontline politics was 'the best kept secret' in Westminster In return, he would drop his lucrative and controversial business interests and agree to toe the line on issues where he has publicly disagreed. Mr Sunak could not hold his delight and was seen gloating about the shock move to bring him back. In a slick video released by No10, the Prime Minister was shown crowing at how news of the ex-premier's return had not emerged prior to the dramatic reshuffle in which Suella Braverman was ditched as Home Secretary. Mr Sunak was shown telling Lord Cameron: 'This is somehow the best kept secret', to which the former premier replied: 'Unbelievable.' Not all were seemingly thrilled by his return with Boris Johnson this month appearing to mock his return. In a thinly veiled swipe at the Foreign Secretary, Mr Johnson suggested Lord Cameron was a prime example of 'nails peeling out of the coffin lids' across the world. Speaking to estate agents in Ontario, Canada, Mr Johnson said: 'Look, I think it's great news for retreads everywhere.' In his 2019 memoir For The Record, Lord Cameron revealed how he and Samantha had frequently argued about how his career would affect their private lives. Lord Cameron said 'there was a bit of eye-rolling' from his children Nancy, Florence, and Arthur (pictured in 2016) when he asked them what they thought about his return It was a full circle moment for Lord Cameron who in 2016 stood on the doorstep of No 10 and hugged his family (pictured) after an emotional farewell in which he announced he was stepping down as prime minister At the time she was a 21-year-old art student in Bristol while he was a 25-year-old working as an adviser for the then Tory chancellor Norman Lamont. Describing how his friends doubted their relationship, he said: 'I was the ambitious Tory apparatchik. She was the hippie-like art student. 'My friends would say she helped to turn a pretty traditional Home Counties Tory boy into someone a bit more rounded, more questioning and more open-minded,' Mr Cameron wrote. 'But many of the arguments we had about politics were actually about logistics, rather than issues. Samantha worried hugely about how it would affect our life. Where would we live? How would we stay together? How much would we see of each other?' A late night shooting rocked a quiet suburb days out from Christmas. Shots were reportedly fired into a house on Freeman Avenue at Canley Vale, in Sydney's south-west, at 11pm on Saturday. Emergency services were called with NSW Police setting up a crime scene. Nobody is understood to have been injured in the incident. Detectives are urging anyone with information to contact Fairfield Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. The father of a young girl who was held hostage by Hamas for 50 days says she is making a remarkable recovery - and is back singing and dancing to Beyonce. Emily Hand, an Irish-Israeli citizen, was kidnapped and presumed dead when Hamas terrorists invaded Israel on October 7, slaughtering 1,200 people and taking 240 more captive. Her father Tom Hand, 63, faced an unbearable two-day wait for news after gunmen stormed the kibbutz where she was staying for a sleepover at her friend's home. When the Irishman was incorrectly told her body had been found, he welcomed the news because he said it was better than her being taken hostage during the barbaric attack on the Be'eri Kibbutz. But little Emily survived and was one of 13 Israelis and four Thai nationals who were released late on Saturday night as part of a deal that saw Israel free 39 Palestinian prisoners in return. Emily Hand, an Irish-Israeli citizen, (pictured) was kidnapped and presumed dead when Hamas terrorists invaded Israel on October 7, slaughtering 1,200 people and taking 240 more captive Her father Tom Hand, 63, (pictured with Emily after her release) faced an unbearable two-day wait for news after gunmen stormed the kibbutz where she was staying for a sleepover at her friend's home When the Irishman was incorrectly told her body had been found, he welcomed the news because he said it was better than her being taken hostage during the barbaric attack on the Be'eri Kibbutz Mr Hand vowed to do 'whatever it takes' to help her recover and now he says little Emily has regained her cheer. 'She smiles all day. Shes laughing and joking around, and dancing a bit,' he told the Mirror. The first thing Emily asked for after her release was her phone so that she could watch a video of her favourite pop star Beyonce. And now he says he will make this Christmas the 'best ever' - as she will receive double the number of presents after missing her birthday on November 17. She is also looking forward to a proper festive feast, as Mr Hand revealed his daughter's appetite had also returned after she lost half a stone while being held captive. In late November, shortly after the pair were reunited, he told The Sun: 'She was a happy noisy kid, now she whispers. She's been terrorised by terrorists in hell but as her dad it's my job to make it better and I will.' But now Mr Hand is already looking forward to going home to the family kibbutz, calling it 'the closest thing to Heaven'. And he says that in Israel Emily is being recognised - as passers-by call her a 'hero'. Mr Hand vowed to do 'whatever it takes' to help her recover and now he says little Emily is smiling 'all day' Emily was snatched in her pyjamas during Hamas' invasion of Israel on October 7, in which some 240 captives were taken back into Gaza. She had her ninth birthday while in captivity Emotional footage was shared after her return of the moment that Emily was reunited with her father and big sister. Mr Hand said that she ran to him and hugged him in a state of shock because she thought that he had been kidnapped as well. His ex-wife Narkis, 52, was murdered on October 7 when 400 Hamas terrorists rampaged through the Be'eri kibbutz near Gaza. Mr Hand said he, his son and daughter were grieving for Emily as well as Narkis because they presumed the little girl was dead. He doubled down on believing that she was better off dead than being kidnapped by Hamas but added that he was grateful she was alive. Since her release Emily has told her father little about the conditions in captivity in Gaza, which she now refers to as 'the box', but said that 'nobody hit' her. Mr Hand revealed that Emily was not - as believed - kept in the horrifying Hamas tunnels. She was instead moved from safe house to safe house at the height of Israel's retaliatory strikes on Gaza. Mr Hand said that she ran to him and hugged him in a state of shock because she thought that he had been kidnapped as well Mr Hand explained shortly after her release: 'She must have been absolutely terrified - an eight-year-old girl being led by strangers from one blown-up shell of a house to the next in the middle of a war zone.' It comes as the United Nations Security Council have approved a toned-down bid to boost humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip and called for urgent steps 'to create the conditions for a sustainable cessation of hostilities'. Amid global outrage over a rising Gaza death toll in 11 weeks of war between Israel and Hamas and a worsening humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian enclave, the US abstained to allow the 15-member council to adopt a resolution drafted by the United Arab Emirates. Following high-level negotiations to win over Washington, the resolution no longer dilutes Israel's control over all aid deliveries to 2.3 million people in Gaza. Lord Cameron said the adoption of a UN resolution calling for the immediate acceleration of aid deliveries to civilians in Gaza was a positive step. The UK Foreign Secretary said: 'It is good news that the UN has come together to back a resolution to get more humanitarian aid into Gaza. 'The UK is doing everything it can to get more aid in, as I saw when I visited Al Arish in Egypt, near the border with Gaza, this week. 'People across Gaza urgently need food, medicine and shelter. We have consistently argued for more aid and called on Israel to open more border crossings. 'As well as the need for expanded humanitarian access, the UN resolution today demands the immediate and unconditional release of hostages. This is vital. 'Crucially, the resolution also calls for steps towards a sustainable ceasefire. This is an outcome that I advocated for last week along with the German Foreign Minister and strongly think is the right approach.' Looks like the Mitchells from Washington, D.C., were onto something when they told The Buffalo News last week that the City of Good Neighbors was a better place to visit than Paris. Following Reader's Digest's accolade of it being the nicest place in America, Buffalo is now being considered one of the best places to travel to in the East in 2024. Besides Virginia Wine Country and Rangeley, Maine, Buffalo was picked by Forbes Advisor contributor Barry Choi as one of the best travel destinations next year in the revered magazine's annual Top 50 list. "If you havent been to Buffalo in the last decade or two you may be surprised to find that the city has transformed," he wrote. Choi highlighted the various culinary offerings across Buffalo neighborhoods that reflect the growing diversity of the city, in addition to emphasizing the distinct public art and architecture throughout the city. "Even the waterfront, which was once strictly industrial, has seen a significant revitalization. Visitors can now rock climb, zip line and catch a concert in the former grain silos," Choi added. The Buffalo AKG Art Museum, with its fresh $200million expansion and revitalization and eclectic art collection, also made an appearance in his list, along with the interactive Buffalo History Museum. The AKG is also one of the top contenders for the best new museum in the United States in a USA Today poll. Mayor Byron Brown tweeted, "They specifically highlighted our growing diversity and culture, historic architecture and the newly expanded Buffalo AKG Art Museum as one of the top places to view contemporary art in the world. Thank you, Forbes magazine, for recognizing the City of Good Neighbors." Weapons including guns have been smuggled into police stations before and after Matt Ratana's death, despite enhanced searching being recommended. Two more guns have been smuggled into London custody centres since the tragic Met sergeant was killed by a concealed antique revolver. This was despite the force being warned to step up their searches, with metal-detecting wands recommended to be fitted to all police vans 18 months before his murder. In the last 33 months three firearms and an air gun have been sneaked into the buildings - with one even being found in a toilet U-bend. A whistleblower from inside the police department for safety in custody - known as MO9 - told the Mirror that senior officers ignored a 2019 report telling them to improve their searches of suspects. They said the level to which those in custody were frisked was 'inadequate' as they revealed 'drugs and weapons have been found in cells and on prisoners post-search'. Two more guns have been smuggled into London custody centres since tragic Met sergeant Matt Ratana (pictured) was killed by a concealed antique revolver Metropolitan Police sergeant Matt Ratana was killed on September 25 2020 by Louis de Zoysa, 26, (pictured) who opened fire with an antique revolver at a Croydon custody suite in south London Two more guns have been smuggled into London custody centres since the tragic Met sergeant was killed by a concealed antique revolver (pictured) The whistleblower told the newspaper: 'The Met hid the truth that they failed to act on representations that would've saved Matt's life.' The force deny that concerns raised before the officer's killing were ignored and say their search procedures have been stepped up since. Metropolitan Police sergeant Matt Ratana was killed on September 25 2020 by Louis de Zoysa, 26, who opened fire with an antique revolver at a Croydon custody suite in south London. De Zoysa, who is autistic, had earlier been arrested and searched but officers failed to find the gun the 26-year-old had in an underarm holster, despite discovering bullets in his pocket. Pc Richard Davey, the officer who carried out the search along with Pc Samantha Still, told an inquest at Croydon town hall on Wednesday: 'The weapon was there, I should have found it, if not the weapon, the holster.' Dominic Adamson KC, representing Sgt Ratana's partner Su Bushby, identified four occasions where Pc Davey 'failed to do the job you were supposed to do'. The lawyer asked: 'If you had done your job properly Sergeant Ratana would still be alive, wouldn't he?' Pc Davey answered: 'I don't know.' Metropolitan Police sergeant Matt Ratana (pictured) was killed on September 25 2020 by Louis de Zoysa, 26, who opened fire with an antique revolver at a Croydon custody suite in south London De Zoysa, who is autistic, had earlier been arrested and searched but officers failed to find the gun the 26-year-old had in an underarm holster, despite discovering bullets in his pocket De Zoysa later managed to move his handcuffed arms from behind his back to fire at Sgt Ratana The officer agreed with Mr Adamson that an adequate search would have identified the gun. Senior coroner Sarah Ormond-Walshe, concluding an inquest at Croydon Town Hall today into Sgt Ratana's death, ruled it was an unlawful killing. Sgt Ratana's partner of five years, Su Bushby, told reporters she was 'angry' because his death 'should have been avoided'. Ms Bushby said: 'I have heard evidence regarding how Metropolitan Police officers did not do their jobs properly in searching a man who was in possession of a significant amount of drugs and bullets. 'If it wasn't for a catalogue of serious failings, and if people had done their job properly, Matt would still be alive today. 'The shoddy and inadequate search undertaken by the police officers was a neglect of their duty and left Matt vulnerable to murder. 'The number of failures, the gravity of them and the impact of both the search failures and failures in the transportation of (Louis) de Zoysa to the police station, that have come out during the evidence in this inquest, has left me devastated. 'It is my view that Matt has been let down by the Metropolitan Police.' Sgt Ratana's partner of five years, Su Bushby, told reporters she was 'angry' because his death 'should have been avoided'. Pictured: Matt Ratana and son Luke De Zoysa is serving a whole-life jail term for Sgt Ratana's murder after a trial earlier this year, during which his legal team said he was suffering an autistic meltdown at the time of the shooting Ms Bushby said there 'must be' improvements to searches of suspects and security arrangements in police stations, adding: 'I do not want Matt's death to be in vain.' In the custody van, de Zoysa was seen in footage wriggling and jerking, which according to expert evidence was him repositioning the firearm to his hands. READ MORE: Police sergeant Matt Ratana's murderer to challenge his whole life sentence in a bid to get out of prison early Advertisement After arriving at Croydon's Windmill Road custody centre, de Zoysa was allowed to walk without an officer gripping his arm, or handcuffs. De Zoysa later managed to move his handcuffed arms from behind his back to fire at Sgt Ratana. The New Zealand-born officer, 54, who had served in the Met Police for almost 30 years and was three months from retirement, was hit in the chest by the first of three shots discharged by de Zoysa within three seconds. A second bullet struck him in the thigh before de Zoysa was wrestled to the ground by other officers, as a third round hit the cell wall. Former tax office data analyst de Zoysa, who was living in a flat on a farm in Banstead, Surrey, discharged a fourth shot while on the cell floor, hitting an artery in his own neck and causing him brain damage. He is serving a whole-life jail term for Sgt Ratana's murder after a trial earlier this year, during which his legal team said he was suffering an autistic meltdown at the time of the shooting. A Met spokesperson said: 'We do not accept that concerns raised pre Matt's murder were ignored. 'In 2019 we introduced a four-stage search and early intervention process for detainees arriving in custody. 'This policy was enhanced after the death of PS Ratana. We began a roll-out of 4,300 hand-held search wands for use by officers.' The magic formula behind Hallmark holiday films has been unveiled, just in time for millions of Americans preparing to snuggle up on the couch and enjoy a heartwarming Christmas movie with their loved ones. Hallmark and Lifetime networks, renowned for their annual Christmas romance films, weave an enduring narrative throughout their productions, according to an analysis of more than 400 holiday films by The New York Times. Year after year, the tales unfold against the backdrop of picturesque small towns during the cherry season, featuring career-driven women residing in bustling metropolises. The main characters embark on a journey to small towns, where they find themselves entangled in romance with handsome local men and ultimately choose to leave the cities in pursuit of a lifetime spent together. However, that pattern has been evolving and changing as the networks attempt to modernize their productions. The magic formula behind Hallmark holiday films has just been unveiled, just in time for millions of Americans preparing to snuggle up on the couch and enjoy a heartwarming Christmas movie with their loved ones. Miracle in Bethlehem, PA (2023) Hallmark and Lifetime networks, renowned for their annual Christmas romance films, weave an enduring narrative throughout their productions. Miracle in Bethlehem, PA (2023) The main characters embark on a journey to small towns, where they find themselves entangled in romance with handsome local men and ultimately choose to leave the cities in pursuit of a lifetime spent together To begin with, holiday films undoubtedly revolve around festive narratives with 99 percent of the 424 films dedicated to Christmas and 73 percent featuring 'Christmas' right in their titles. But this year might mark a departure from the norm, as only half of Hallmark's productions include the word 'Christmas' in their titles. 'I think people should know that they are holiday movies, but you run out of adjectives and adverbs to use with Christmas at some point,' said Lisa Hamilton Daly, the network's programming executive. The company is also taking steps to innovate its film posters after social media users mocked them for consistently featuring a man and a woman in green and red sweaters. 'We try not to put bows on things where bows should not be, because that's not how someone would decorate their house,' said Samantha DiPippo, a senior vice president in charge of the networks' holiday movie development. 'I want to watch one of these movies and go, "Oh man, I should do that to my tree",' she added, saying their goal was to make the settings 'organic and aspiration.' To begin with, holiday films undoubtedly revolve around festive narratives with 99 percent of the 424 films dedicated to Christmas and 73 percent featuring 'Christmas' right in their titles. Miracle in Bethlehem, PA (2023) Year after year, the tales unfold against the backdrop of picturesque small towns during the cherry season, featuring career-driven women residing in bustling metropolises The company is also taking steps to innovate its film posters after social media users mocked them for consistently featuring a man and a woman in green and red sweaters An astounding 87 films feature female protagonists with corporate jobs, with 19 working in the marketing industry, 14 as lawyers, and ten in real estate. Meanwhile, characters employed as reporters, retail store owners, decorators, or interior designers take the helm in guiding the festive romance. The films typically start with the protagonists grappling with challenges and life-altering decisions, with many centering around aspirations for a promotion or a new position. Others showcase characters who have undergone breakups or romantic disappointments. Ten percent of the protagonists are single moms. Almost half of the characters embark on solo journeys to picturesque Christmas-themed small towns or cozy suburbs. Interestingly, Canada's landscapes are featured in a substantial 70 percent of the films, even though the majority of the stories are set in the U.S.. In recent years, audiences have witnessed an increasing number of holiday movies depicting Christmas in Europe. Daly said of Lacey Chabert, who stars in as many as 30 Hallmarks films: 'It's not contractual, but she enjoys filming around the world, so we're happy to oblige.' The films typically start with the protagonists grappling with challenges and life-altering decisions, with many centering around aspirations for a promotion or a new position. Checkin' It Twice (2023) An astounding 87 films feature female protagonists with corporate jobs, with 19 working in the marketing industry, 14 as lawyers, and ten in real estate. Checkin' it Twice (2023) Twenty percent of the men are single fathers, as the network Hallmark remarked: 'We found that watching men be parents is very attractive to women. Three Wise Men And a Baby (2023) Amidst the festive charm of quaint small towns, the female characters stumbled upon unexpected romance. Almost a hundred of them encountered figures from their pasts - whether ex-boyfriends, long-forgotten crushes, or childhood friends - adding a nostalgic twist to their journeys. Twenty percent of the men are single fathers, as the network Hallmark remarked: 'We found that watching men be parents is very attractive to women.' While most films limit their romantic plots to an almost-kiss, the Lifetime channel is breaking new ground by featuring a sex scene for the first time. With the release of this season's A Cowboy Christmas Romance, the network has chosen to showcase what they describe as 'grown-up romance.' Tia Maggini told Variety: 'We think that there's an audience out there that's hungry for grown-up romance, and we're looking forward to adding some smolder to the usual holiday sugar and spice.' She added, 'We love trying new things, and we're excited about this new 'first' for us in a holiday movie.' Others showcase characters who have undergone breakups or romantic disappointments. Ten percent of the protagonists are single moms. Catch Me If You Claus (2023) The characters consistently find themselves entangled in Christmas-themed scavenger hunts, class reunions, or festive parades and carnivals. Catch Me If You Claus (2023) 'We try not to put bows on things where bows should not be, because that's not how someone would decorate their house,' said Samantha DiPippo, a senior vice president in charge of the networks' holiday movie development. Friends and Family Christmas (2023) Holiday films also heavily lean on tropes, such as competitions, performances, or Christmas Eve galas. Patrick Serrano, who has diligently watched every holiday movie from Hallmark and Lifetime since 2016, shares insights on the films through his blog and podcast. According to him, the reliance on tropes is 'very similar to horror movies or a Marvel movie. These certain things happen in every movie.' The characters consistently find themselves entangled in Christmas-themed scavenger hunts, class reunions, or festive parades and carnivals. According to the analysis, 25 percent of the stories are centered around a business or town facing challenges, while ten percent involve secrets that must be revealed by the end. 'We're continually trying to push ourselves out of what we've done in the past,' DiPippo said. Happy ending prevails in every Christmas film, with the majority ending as the female protagonist decides to leave her job, choosing to stay with the love of her life. In recent years, audiences have observed a shift in narrative dynamics, with men sometimes following women to the city instead of the traditional small-town setting. Some women end up operating their businesses remotely. 'We always say that whatever our woman's path is, that her relationship is icing on the cake,' Ms. DiPippo said. 'If she's career driven, or there's some goal that she has, that's what she's going for.' 'I think we'd be crazy to just walk away 100 percent from the formula. What we see as the essential formula is connection, love, people coming together.' The Greensill lobbying scandal is set to return to haunt David Cameron in a new TV thriller series. Just weeks after the former PM returned to the political frontline as Foreign Secretary, and was given a peerage, television producers have unveiled plans for a drama about the controversy. The series is based on the book Pyramid Of Lies by financial journalist Duncan Mavin, about Australian businessman Lex Greensill and his involvement with Lord Cameron after the latter left No 10. Jill Offman, of 66 Media, said the show will 'chronicle Lex Greensill's conquest of Britain's social, political and financial elites, including our former Prime Minister'. It will, she claims, shine 'a light on the revolving door between business and Government, and expose the climate of greed and corruption as we've never before seen it'. Prime Minister David Cameron and Lex Greensill in Saudi Arabia in January 2020 The ex-PM was accused of trying to exploit private contacts with former Government colleagues in 2020 The series is based on the book Pyramid Of Lies by financial journalist Duncan Mavin, about Australian businessman Lex Greensill (pictured) and his involvement with Cameron Although the series is in its early stages, Tory MPs last night speculated on who would play Lord Cameron with one saying: 'Hugh Grant surely? He's already played a Prime Minister in Love Actually.' After his surprise appointment to the Foreign Office last month, Lord Cameron dismissed criticism of his involvement with Mr Greensill as 'all dealt with and in the past'. The ex-PM was accused of trying to exploit private contacts with former Government colleagues in 2020 so as to enable Mr Greensill, who employed him as an adviser, to join a Covid loan facility. Mr Cameron and his staff sent emails, texts and WhatsApp messages to former colleagues and ministers, including then Chancellor Rishi Sunak, asking them to let Mr Greensill's company issue loans insured by the Government. The requests failed and Greensill Capital collapsed in 2021. Although he broke no lobbying rules, an MPs' report accused Mr Cameron of a 'significant lack of judgment' and called for the rules to be strengthened. He was reportedly paid around 7.2 million before tax for working for Greensill Capital. Last night a spokesman repeated Lord Cameron's statement that the issue was in the past and stated that he now had 'one job, as Britain's Foreign Secretary'. Previously, a spokesman said the former PM acted 'in good faith at all times, and there was no wrongdoing in any of the actions he took'. Christmas is looking a lot more hopeful for three-year-old cancer patient Ralph Tatham after kind-hearted Mail on Sunday readers donated almost 500,000 towards potentially life-saving treatment. It means the toddler's parents are halfway to hitting the target they need to send him to America although time remains crucial as he has just weeks to get the multiple transplant he needs. The toddler has a deadly form of cancer that has already spread around his body, but chemotherapy is no longer effective and he needs a new liver, bowel and pancreas. He won't get the transplant in time in the UK as there is a relatively small pool of donors, so his only hope is to have it done in the US, where a surgeon has confirmed they are ready to help. Ralph's mother Katie, 35, said: 'It's incredible how people have stepped forward to help save Ralph. With each day that goes by we are a step closer to us losing him, but if we can raise the money that we need, we can hope that he will have the transplant in time to save him. Ralph Tatham has a deadly form of cancer that has already spread around his body, but chemotherapy is no longer effective and he needs a new liver, bowel and pancreas The toddler's parents are halfway to hitting the target they need to send him to America although time remains crucial as he has just weeks to get the multiple transplant he needs. Pictured: Ralph Tatham, 3 with mother Katie, father Graham and brother Albie, 5 months Ralph is part of a campaign called Waiting To Live, highlighting the plight of the 230 children in the UK waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant. Pictured: Ralph with brother Albie 'As a mother, to be able to see Ralph grow up with his baby brother Albie, who is five months old, would be the greatest gift in the world. It's devastating watching them together and knowing that Ralph may not be here to see Albie grow up. 'We just have to pray that the donations keep on coming in, so that we can get him to the US.' The North London family's nightmare began in January, when Ralph started complaining of stomach ache. 'His GP sent him for a scan and he was diagnosed with hepatoblastoma, a rare form of cancer, that affects just two in a million children in the UK each year. Ralph immediately started chemotherapy and underwent 11 rounds. Mrs Tatham and her husband Graham, 35, were also told that he would need a liver transplant. Mr Tatham offered to donate part of his liver, but then doctors found the cancer had spread further, requiring a multi-organ transplant. Mrs Tatham added: 'It was devastating news. We had thought Graham was going to be able to save him. 'We knew the chances of Ralph having a multi-organ transplant were much slimmer.' Ralph is part of a campaign called Waiting To Live, highlighting the plight of the 230 children in the UK waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant. He has been top of the urgent waiting list for six months, and a few weeks ago, doctors said he only has a matter of weeks to find a suitable donor before it is too late. Mail on Sunday readers have donated more than 490,000. Hayley Nicholls, from Crouch End, North London, was the first to step forward with her donation of 1,500. She said: 'I donated in memory of my sister Natalie who passed away in 2019. I remember how hard it was trying to raise funds for her private treatment from strangers. 'She would have been very proud to know that some of her funds were helping families in similar situations.' 'She would have been very proud to know that some of her funds were helping families in similar situations.' Mrs Tatham added: 'It made me cry reading about Hayley's donation. She was a complete stranger and yet she donated a lot of money to try to help our son. 'We want to thank all the lovely people who have donated, it means the world to us. If we can save Ralph's life, it will be because of how people have stepped forward. 'We just need the last bit of the miracle now.' Girlguiding UK bosses have been accused of insulting the memory of the organisations former patron the late Queen for pressing ahead with shutting down their overseas operations. Former Armed Forces Minister Sir Mike Penning also suggested the charity would not have taken these lamentable decisions if the late Queen was still alive and still serving as their patron. Earlier this year, the charitys trustees axed the British Girlguiding Overseas (BGO) body, which operated across 36 countries and had more than 2,000 members. It told outfits in the British Overseas Territories that they will learn their fate in the New Year. The organisation says the cutbacks are for financial and operational reasons. However, more than 19,600 people have signed a petition calling on the trustees to re-examine their decision. Girlguiding UK bosses have been accused of insulting the memory of the organisations former patron the late Queen (pictured, right with Princess Margaret, left) for planning to shut down their overseas operations Former Armed Forces Minister Sir Mike Penning also suggested the charity would not have taken those decisions if the Queen were still alive and its patron And former Grenadier Guardsman and serving Tory MP Sir Mike and other MPs from across the political divide have signed a House of Commons motion warning that the overseas closures will have a detrimental impact on young women and communities within each Overseas Territory and across British military bases overseas, where the children of Service families have been able to become Girl Guides. Last night, Sir Mike told The Mail on Sunday how Girlguiding centres were vitally important for the children of our Armed Forces personnel serving overseas. He said: Yes, they were few in number compared to the number of Girl Guides in the UK. But if you are growing up far away from home, it is so important to have the support, guidance and discipline that being involved in Girlguiding brings. At the very least, they offered a little bit of home to youngsters being brought up so far away. The Hemel Hempstead MP said that shutting down the Girlguiding centres in our overseas bases and Overseas Territories is nothing short of an insult to the memory of our late Queen. In another move to try to protect girlguiding overseas, last month Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle who has privately expressed his shock and surprise at the charitys decisions convened a meeting involving Girlguiding UK leaders and representatives of the Ministry of Defence, and Foreign & Commonwealth Office. The late Queen Elizabeth II (then Princess Elizabeth) learns how to tie a knot with Girl Guides in Frogmore, Windsor in April 1942 In a move to protect girlguiding overseas, Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle convened a meeting involving Girlguiding UK leaders and representatives of the Ministry of Defence, and Foreign & Commonwealth Office But he then received a letter from Girlguiding bosses warning him that their tough decisions should not be subject to political interference, perceived or otherwise. Last night, Girlguiding UK said that the difficult decision to close BGO was based on the organisations future ability to run an overseas operation in 36 countries and territories, each with separate laws and regulations. It added: We have always been clear that the way forward will be different for girls and volunteers depending on which country they live in. British Overseas Territories have had different options available to them because of the way guiding associations in those areas are run. Sir Lindsay declined to comment. A plane passenger has divided opinion over a 'disgusting' act onboard an international flight. The traveller was seated in business class on a Fiji Airways flight from Sydney to Nadi, in Fiji. A disgruntled passenger took a photo and shared the image to Facebook to vent their frustration over the weekend. The photo showed the traveller relaxed in their seat while a movie was playing on their monitor. A plane passenger has divided opinion over a 'disgusting' act onboard an international flight Their legs were stretched out and raised in the air with their feet resting on the headboard of the passenger in front of them. Social media users were divided over the act with some condemning the passenger. 'Disgusting attitude, shoes on the furniture,' one wrote. 'Cabin crew really need to be telling those slobs to knock it off,' a second added. Some jumped to the defence of the woman suggesting she could have been suffering from a medical condition. 'Some people suffer swollen legs, maybe she is trying to avoid risks,' one wrote. Another said they didn't see the problem and that the passenger was entitled to sit however they wanted. 'As long as they ain't in my face, I couldn't care,' they wrote. One even took aim at the passenger who took the photograph. 'Judging other people who aren't bothering you is not classy either,' they argued. 'She looks comfortable. She isn't bothering anyone. So who cares? The only one not classy here is you invading her privacy.' A man has been arrested after being found asleep in a Texas family's home after police say he caused a deadly crash in their front yard, which left a female dead. Harris County Sheriff's Office say Daniel Alexander Rodriguez-Olivares was drunk while speeding when he crashed into the family's front yard on Thursday morning in Houston. Police say Rodriguez-Olivares was driving his 2016 BMW at speed when he collided into a culvert where the road split. The culvert forced the car into the air, sending it flying into the front yard of homeowner Carlos Suarec's property. Dramatic surveillance footage captured the moment the car went airborne, flipping three times in the air before coming to a stop. Harris County Sheriff's Office say Daniel Alexander Rodriguez-Olivares was drunk while speeding when he crashed into the family's front yard on Thursday morning The BMW went airborne and smashed through a wooden barricade before crossing a bayou and then through a second wooden barricade Daniel Alexander Rodriguez-Olivares is seen here being loaded into an ambulance following the incident on Thursday The BMW smashed through a wooden barricade before crossing a bayou and then through a second wooden barricade. After crashing the vehicle, Rodriguez-Olivares is alleged to have then got out of his vehicle and broke into Suarec's home. Suarec told Fox 26: 'I know someone try to break into my window. I never know the car was here.' Suarec told the outlet that his family called officials and fled the house, with one family member telling police the man was lying unconscious inside the home. 'I go inside, and the police come, and they say stay there. Maybe five, six police go in and try to find him in the house', Suarec added. Officers arrived on the scene and found Rodriguez-Olivares inside one of the bedrooms of the property, and a woman dead inside the BMW. One of Suarec's employees also told the outlet that they believed Rodriguez-Olivares to have been traveling at over 120 mph. Sergeant Bondurant of the Harris County Sheriff's Office said: 'There's no reason at all to drive while intoxicated. '2023 almost 2024, we have Uber, we have Lyft's. Heck, call 911, and we'll come get you.' The car was forced into the air and landed in the front yard of homeowner Carlos Suarec's property, who is seen here Officers arrived on the scene and found Rodriguez-Olivares inside one of the bedrooms of the property, and a woman dead inside the BMW After crashing the vehicle, Rodriguez-Olivares is alleged to have then got out of his vehicle and broke into Suarec's home The driver is expected to be charged with intoxication manslaughter according to officers and was taken to hospital in a critical condition. Detectives said he showed signs of being intoxicated, and that manslaughter charged were accepted against him. The passenger, who has been described as a young woman in her 20s, was pronounced dead at the scene. Edgar Fuentes, a neighbor living near the property, told Fox 26: 'He jumped through the ditch on the other side, all the way down there. 'We thought he was going to land right there in the middle of the ditch or something, but he didnt. He crossed over and landed on the other side. That was really bad.' Far-right activist Ammon Bundy claims his family's bank accounts have been raided after he was ordered by a court to pay $50 million in damages to an Idaho hospital he accused of child trafficking. Bundy accused St. Luke's Regional Health and Clarity Credit Union of accessing accounts where his family's money was kept and withdrawing funds just days before Christmas. The extremist had been ordered to pay money to the hospital after he lost a defamation lawsuit against them in July. Bundy, in a rambling 12-minute video on YouTube, singled out senior Boise hospital staff members CEO Chris Roth, pediatrician Natasha Erickson and nurse practitioner Tracy Jungman. 'These people are I mean. Just a few days before Christmas they garnish our bank account,' Bundy alleged. 'Clarity Credit Union just allowed them to do this and just goes along with it. This is just modern-day theft. Ammon Bundy, who gained notoriety after standoffs with law enforcement, was ordered to pay over $50 million to St. Lukes Meridian Medical Center. He claims his wife's and son's accounts are now empty after money was alleged drained just days before Christmas Bundy laid the blame with senior staff members at the Boise, Idaho hospital 'Clarity is part of this too. They know what's right and wrong we've had many good discussions with the branch managers and they know exactly what's going. 'They know that this whole thing about St Luke's is such a wicked thing and what they're doing to my family is a wicked thing.' The lawsuit brought by St. Luke's Regional Health accused Bundy and Diego Rodriguez of making defamatory statements against the hospital and its employees after Rodriguez's infant grandson was removed from his family for several days and taken to St. Luke's amid concerns for his health. The emergency room physician, Dr. Rachel Thomas, testified that the 10-month-old baby's stomach was distended, his eyes were hollow and he was unable to sit up, reminding her of severely malnourished babies she had treated in Haiti. Police said at the time that medical personnel determined the child was malnourished and had lost weight. The far-right activist responded by urging his followers to protest at the hospital and at the homes of child protection service workers, law enforcement officers and others involved in the child protection case. Rodriguez wrote on his website that the baby was 'kidnapped,' and suggested that the state and people involved in the case were engaged in 'child trafficking' for profit. Bundy - who didn't attend the trial nor hire a lawyer, saying it would be too costly - denied the baby was mistreated and said law enforcement and hospital staff put him at risk by removing him from his mother. The baby was healthy except for suffering from cyclic vomiting syndrome, Bundy said, unable to keep anything except his mother's breast milk down. The hospital claimed Bundy and Rodriguez orchestrated a smear campaign against it. In July, a jury at the Ada County Courthouse in Boise agreed, awarding damages exceeding $50 million. A statement on behalf of the law firm representing the plaintiffs said Bundy, Rodriguez and their supporters had surrounded St. Lukes hospital campuses in Meridian and Boise, forcing lockdowns and causing diversion of emergency patients, disruption of planned procedures and cancelation of hundreds of appointments. 'The jurys decision imposes accountability for the ongoing campaign of intimidation, harassment and disinformation these defendants have conducted,' St. Luke's said in a statement. 'It also affirms the importance of protecting health care providers and other public servants from attacks intended to prevent them from carrying out their responsibilities.' Bundy, in a rambling 12-minute video on YouTube, singled out senior Boise hospital staff members CEO Chris Roth, pediatrician Natasha Erickson and nurse practitioner Tracy Jungman Bundy claimed alleged actions taken by Clarity Credit Union, where his family's money was being kept, were 'wicked' Soon after the trial Bundy said he was innocent and called the civil trial 'illegitimate.' 'I've been a thorn in the side of the establishment here in Idaho for quite a while and this is their mechanism to try to destroy me,' Bundy said, adding that he didn't have funds to pay the damages. But if Bundy's claims are to be believed, the hospital and credit union now appear to have taken steps to retrieve whatever funds they can. 'As soon as some wicked judge under the hands of some wicked attorneys as soon as they say 'Hey give us that person's property and that person's money!' they just give it to them and this is the situation we're in,' Bundy said. Bundy then revealed he had fled Idaho after losing support in the community. 'No one will fight for anybody else. That's why I had to leave Idaho people,' he said. 'Even the Freedom Movement want to condemn me for leaving Idaho but the problem is I could not find people who would stand and stop what was happening to my family. 'The same goes with the sheriff and his deputies. They're just elated to take this stuff from me. Bundy claimed his teenage son's bank account was also emptied. 'My son is 19-years-old. He worked his butt off. He's on a mission right now for the Church of Jesus Christ for Latterday Saints and that's his mission money he earned,' Bundy said. 'Now what am I supposed to do?' he asked his followers. 'I mean I want to just go fighting. You can't fight in the corrupt courts. I want to just go to their house and I want to demand that they give it back to my son, that they had no right to take it.' Bundy is pictured during his arrest at the Idaho Statehouse in Boise, Idaho in August 2020 Bundy being taken to a patrol car following his August 2020 arrest for trespassing at the state Capitol to protest against COVID-19 restrictions The jury's verdict required Bundy to pay the plaintiffs $6.2 million in compensatory damages and $6.15 million in punitive damages and Rodriguez to pay $7 million in compensatory damages and $6.5 million in punitive damages. The remainder of the total $52.5 million in damages was assessed to the People's Rights Network, Freedom Man Press and the Bundy campaign for governor. 'If you have a Clarity Credit Union account you need to take it out and you need to put it somewhere else because it's not safe in their accounts no one will fight for your money,' Bundy urged in his video message. 'They are modern-day criminals and that's what they do they take life they take liberty and they take property and if you think you're going to get out of it, if you think somehow you could just stick your head in the sand you're fooling yourself, he went on. 'Do not go to St Luke's Health System. Do not fund this this wicked monster. St Luke's is one hospital out of only 13 hospitals that are willing to do transgender surgeries on minors. That means they're willing to cut the genitals off of a young boy who's who 10 and try to make him into a girl. 'We're dealing with wicked, wicked people,' he added. Bundy and his People's Rights Network have in the past carried out protests at the Idaho Statehouse over coronavirus-related measures. He was temporarily banned from the government building in 2020. Bundy announced a failed bid to be governor of Idaho in June 2021 In 2016, Bundy led a 41-day armed occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge near Burns, Oregon, to protest the arson convictions of two ranchers who set fires on federal land where they had been grazing their cattle. He is pictured in 2016 In 2016, Bundy led a 41-day armed occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge near Burns, Oregon, to protest the arson convictions of two ranchers who set fires on federal land where they had been grazing their cattle. Bundy was acquitted of criminal charges in the matter. The hospital's lawsuit was filed more than a year ago. Since then, Bundy ignored court orders related to the lawsuit, filed trespassing complaints against people hired to deliver legal paperwork and called on scores of his followers to camp at his home for protection when he learned he might be arrested on a warrant for a misdemeanor charge of contempt of court. 'I could just see Chris Roth CEO of St Luke's now he's got a little extra cash in his pocket now. I mean what does he need my wife's cash for? What does he need my son's hard-earned money for?' Bundy asked in his weekend message. 'They're just doing it because they're wicked and they want to hurt me. 'I have been so peaceful and they keep pushing me and pushing me and pushing me you know wanting me to do something so that the they can arrest me and put me in prison or kill me. That's what they're trying to do.' The story so far: Renowned detective Hercule Poirot and Inspector Catchpool have their Christmas plans derailed when Catchpool's mother arrives, with a murder to solve. They go with her to Frellingsloe House to stay with the Laurier family. Mrs Laurier is concerned for the life of her husband as he is about to be a patient at the hospital where the murder took place. December 20, 1931 The next morning I was roused by a loud rat-a-tat-tat. I opened the door to find Poirot waiting, letter in hand. Without introduction he said: 'Someone pushed this under my door. I thought it was you, but it is addressed to "Monsieur Poirot and Inspector Catchpool". It is from Arnold Laurier. In it, he describes the two leads he spoke of the ones the police are not taking seriously.' 'Why has he put them in a letter? I assumed he would have told you about them after I left the two of you alone earlier.' 'He did not have the chance. Seconds after you went in pursuit of Vivienne Laurier, I became dizzy and excused myself.' 'Dizzy?' I did not like the sound of that. 'Poirot, are you all right? You do not look entirely well, you know.' 'Do not fuss, Catchpool. I am merely tired. In a moment I shall return to my room and sleep for one or two more hours.' 'So Arnold wrote us a letter about his two leads, did he?' I mused. 'May I read it, please?' He made no move to pass it to me. 'All in good time, mon ami. Tell me: do you have anything to report? What did Vivienne Laurier say when you spoke to her?' I knew pressing him for the letter would get me no further. 'She strikes me as devoid of all hope,' I told him. 'It is odd. Now that you are here, why is she not confident that you will catch the killer? The next morning I was roused by a loud rat-a-tat-tat. I opened the door to find Poirot waiting, letter in hand 'She asked if I believed you would and I told her I did, but that did nothing to lift her spirits. Oh she mentioned somebody called Mr Hurt-His-Head.' 'You will read all about him in this letter.' Poirot held it aloft but still did not pass it to me. 'May I see it?' I asked in a tone that I hoped sounded fresh and inspired, as if the idea of my reading it had only just occurred to me. 'You may. Though first you will do me a favour, please. It will require going downstairs.' I sighed. 'You want me to check that Arnold Laurier is still breathing.' Poirot nodded. 'Did you hear the snoring last night?' I had. 'It has stopped. It occurs to me only now that it was suspiciously loud.' 'It must be contagious, this belief that Arnold Laurier will be Stanley Niven's murderer's next victim,' I said. 'Very amusing,' said Poirot. 'I shall give you this letter to read as soon as you return, mon ami. I am sure you will find it as fascinating as I did.' 'Do you believe that whoever killed Niven is here at Frellingsloe House tonight?' I asked him. At that moment, we both heard a woman's voice: 'Arnold? Is that you up there?' It was coming from the floor below ours. It sounded like Vivienne. I heard a door open or shut; it was hard to tell which. I stepped out on to the landing. Poirot followed me. Poirot meets Bea at her cottage 'There you are! What are you...? Is that thing clean?' Yes, that was definitely Vivienne Laurier's voice. She was not speaking to us. Next, I heard Arnold: 'Hello, dear. Did I wake you? I'm sorry. I was cold.' 'Go, Catchpool,' Poirot whispered, inclining his head. I knew what he meant, though I could scarcely believe it. He wanted me to see Arnold Laurier with my own eyes; both of us hearing him speak was apparently not evidence enough of his continued presence in our mortal realm. 'It was him?' Poirot asked when I returned to his side having crept down the corridor and seen Arnold for myself. 'Of course it was him. You plainly believe him to be at great risk, and not only from his illness. Will you please tell me why?' Poirot regarded me calmly. Maintaining his infuriating silence, he passed me Arnold Laurier's letter without any further prevarication. Dear M. Poirot, 'Last night I did not have the chance to tell you about my lead in the matter of Stanley Niven's death. It relates to Mr Hurt-His-Head. That is not his real name, which I believe is Burnett. He is a patient at St Walstan's, and made an appearance on Ward 6 on the day Stanley Niven was killed. On the day I was too ill to attend the hospital with my family, Vivienne noticed a distinctive-looking man standing at the window of his hospital room on the other side. The man was Mr Hurt-His-Head. Unfortunately, Mr Hurt-His-Head suffers from a severe cognitive impairment which affects his linguistic skills. 'Vivienne says she opened the door of my room and there, standing in front of her, was Mr Hurt-His-Head. This next part is corroborated not only by Janet, Jonathan, Maddie and Douglas but also by the nurse who was showing them my room Nurse Zillah Hunt and by our very own Dr Osgood. This patient, Mr Hurt-His-Head, said in an agitated tone of voice: 'Son of man has no place to hurt his head.' The story so far: Renowned detective Hercule Poirot and Inspector Catchpool have their Christmas plans derailed when Catchpool's mother arrives, with a murder to solve. They go with her to Frellingsloe House to stay with the Laurier family. Mrs Laurier is concerned for the life of her husband as he is about to be a patient at the hospital where the murder took place 'And he kept declaiming those same words, though after a while he abandoned the first part and simply repeated, 'To hurt his head! To hurt his head!' over and over again, quickly and breathlessly. He reached out to Vivienne as if inviting her to grab his hands and commence a tug of war.' 'Is it not a quote from the Bible?' I asked Poirot. 'With one significant difference,' he said. 'The correct quote is 'The son of man has no place to lay his head'. Professor Burnett Monsieur Hurt-His-Head did not say that. He replaced 'lay' with 'hurt' a very short time after he had, in all probability, watched someone bring down violently a large vase upon the head of Monsieur Niven.' The letter continued: 'Inspector Mackle has been kind enough to check on Mr Hurt-His-Head at regular intervals. Yet he refuses to see sense and treat this episode as undoubtedly the best available lead in the investigation. Perhaps you will be able to persuade him to take it more seriously. It will be the great honour of my life to work with you in the service of clarity and justice.' Yours with immense admiration, Arnold Laurier 'There's a valuable lead if ever there was one. I don't know about you, but I plan to tell Inspector Mackle that he would do well to ' 'Non.' Poirot cut me off. 'You will say nothing to Inspector Mackle. I shall go alone to the police station and to the hospital.' 'But ' 'I have other plans for you, here at Frellingsloe House: among other things, the decorating of many Christmas trees.' 'What?' I spat out the word in disgust. 'What better way to contrive to be spoken to, perhaps confided in, by several members of this household, eh? 'You are sure to pick up all sorts of interesting morsels. It makes no sense for both of us to be in the same place, mon ami. We must deploy our resources in the most effective fashion. 'Here you will be ideally placed to find out about the Lauriers and the Surteeses, Dr Osgood and Felix Rawcliffe: their relationships, their secrets.' I had assumed the car that came to collect Poirot that morning was sent by Gerald Mackle of the Norfolk police. In fact, Poirot told me later, Mackle had not sent the vehicle; rather, he had driven it himself. And much to Poirot's surprise they were not going to either the hospital or the police station. 'Ah, I am taking you to meet Nurses Beatrice Haskins and Zillah Hunt. I promise you, you will want to hear what they both have to say.' 'Then we are going to the hospital?' This was acceptable, thought Poirot; it was on his list of places he planned to visit today. 'No, we are not going there either,' said Mackle. 'We are going to Nurse Haskins' home, where Nurse Hunt also lives. She is Nurse Haskins' second cousin, you see.' 'I would like to visit Ward 6 of St Walstan's Hospital,' Poirot maintained. 'And you will,' Mackle promised. 'All in good time. I shall drive you there myself. But first I want you to hear what Nurses Haskins and Hunt have to say. 'They agree with me, you see, that the killer must be one of the Niven relatives.' 'Inspector, I must ask you to cease, immediately, all attempts to influence my opinion,' said Poirot. 'I intend to ask my own questions and form my own conclusions.' 'Why, it hardly needs to be said, Mr Prarrow. This case has got 'nearest and dearest' written all over it. Adapted by Katharine Spurrier from Hercule Poirot's Silent Night by Sophie Hannah (pictured) 'Who but the very closest of kin would hit a person over the head with an enormous vase more than once for no reason at all?' I shall always remember December 20, 1931, as the day I made a valuable discovery: if you want to find out more about a person connected with a murder case, the traditional method of asking them questions about all the usual things their relationship to the victim, for instance, or their whereabouts when the crime was committed is significantly less effective than this lesser-known method: begin to decorate a Christmas tree in their vicinity. This is what will happen. First, your quarry will approach and make casual conversation along the lines of 'Good to see someone tackling the tree at last!' Then they will start to suggest what you might do differently 'Oh, you're putting that there? I would place it higher up, myself.' Next, once you have implemented at least two of their recommendations (this part will require you to ignore your own aesthetic wisdom), they will start to talk freely about other matters. Janet Laurier was the first to come and confirm this theory. 'It's sweet how excited Cynthia is that you'll be with her for Christmas,' said Janet. 'But... you said at dinner last night that you do not plan to stay.' 'No. Poirot and I will have left by then.' 'I am not sure that is Cynthia's understanding of the situation.' 'Families,' I sighed, forcing a smile. 'They are a blessing and a curse.' I bent down and moved things around inside the boxes, deliberately not looking at Janet. 'Do you find it easy to forgive people?' she said quietly. 'I wish I did. Sometimes it is altogether too difficult. My brother-in-law, Douglas, is so venal and vile, as is my sister Madeline. He has corrupted her.' I remembered that Maddie Laurier had told Poirot and me soon after meeting us that only her enemies called her Madeline. 'I sometimes wonder how much he loves Arnold. Jonathan adores his father. It is hardly right that Jonathan and Douglas are each to get half of everything once Arnold is gone it is Vivienne's fault,' said Janet impatiently. 'Her stupid belief that fair and equal mean the same thing. Reprehensible woman! Both Douglas and Madeline are inordinately fond of her. They will make sure she wants for nothing as a widow. Madeline treats her as if she is her own mother. It must upset our real mother, Enid though my sister doesn't seem to care about that. I could tell you many tales of her and Douglas's selfishness. But if I were like Madeline, if I cared only about myself?' She let out a bitter laugh. 'Why, then I would beg Arnold to die here at Frelly. But I care about his wishes, and Jonathan's, so I say nothing of my true sentiments. I tell no one, no one at all, that I would secretly like Frelly to be forever ruined. Then I would be free.' 'I am not sure I follow,' I told her. 'If Arnold were to die here, the house would become a place of sadness, sullied by tragedy. Only if this house were ruined could Jonathan be free of it.' 'You want Arnold to die here at home because then Jonathan would view the house as tarnished and not devote the next few years to trying to save it,' I summarised the situation as I understood it. She nodded. I had assumed the car that came to collect Poirot that morning was sent by Gerald Mackle of the Norfolk police. In fact, Poirot told me later, Mackle had not sent the vehicle; rather, he had driven it himself. And much to Poirot's surprise they were not going to either the hospital or the police station I had barely made a start on the tree in the dining room when I heard a man's voice: 'Well, blow me down!' It was Douglas Laurier, 'Maddie, Inspector Catchpool is in here playing Cinderella quite willingly, by the look of it.' 'I am starting to enjoy it,' I told him. It was true. 'Golly, you're a brick, Edward,' said Maddie with a giggle following him in. The two of them seemed positively gleeful. I laughed. 'The secret is to resist the temptation to resent it.' They decided to join me in my artistic creation. Untangling and destroying my vision as they went. After a while Maddie's face had taken on a more serious expression. 'Inspector I am sorry if you have noticed that my sister and I are not exactly fond of each other,' she said sadly. 'We were once until she fell in love with Jonathan. 'They met at our wedding. Some months later, she told me Jonathan had been courting. She said, 'Maddie please tell me if you would rather I discouraged him. It might be peculiar for me to be romantically involved with your husband's brother. I am not sure if I would like it, if situations were reversed'. 'She described her own unease very vividly to me, 'Surely the last thing one would want is for one's sister to barge into the new life one has created. And I am not yet in love with Jonathan, so I can extricate myself without too much trouble'. I told her my preference would indeed be for her to choose a beau who was not my husband's brother, but that she should almost certainly disregard my preference and think only about her own. Now, if Janet had set her sights on Douglas, that would have been a different matter. I had, and have, a legitimate claim to him, but there was no possible justification for my asking Janet to give up Jonathan for my sake. Even this she did not take well, 'So you would prefer it if I gave Jonathan up,' she said. 'We do not, then, have your blessing?' 'I thought she must have misunderstood. I said: 'You have my blessing to do as you please and that is what you must do. I would disapprove if you did anything else'. But it was too late. 'By admitting a preference for her falling in love with a man who was not my brother-in-law, I had betrayed her in the most appalling way and could never be forgiven. Janet pretended she had never said she would have hated it if Douglas and I had got together after she and Jonathan were already married. She lied calmly and brazenly, or that's what I thought at first, anyway. I have come to realise that Janet simply does not remember anything that no longer suits her view of the world. If she wants something to be true, she convinces herself that it is. Your father's will is the perfect example.' 'Don't mention Pa's will in front of the inspector, my love. He might start to think Ma's ridiculous notion is worth investigating after all.' 'What notion?' I asked. 'Ma is convinced that someone at St Walstan's wants to kill Pa,' said Douglas, as casually as if he were describing the weather. Three people looked in on me as I decorated the Christmas tree in Arnold Laurier's study. The first person was the curate, Felix Rawcliffe. A few seconds later, Dr Osgood walked in. 'Oh, it's you,' he said. 'Did I hear you talking to Rawcliffe a moment ago?' 'He asked if I knew where Vivienne was.' He had gone out of his way to come and ask me. 'Did Felix tell you what he wanted her for?' I shook my head. The doctor surveyed the tree, 'I don't like the way you arranged the ornaments according to their colour'. Piece by piece, he destroyed my design and created something more predictable and mundane. 'Have you had a chance to speak to Vivienne properly since you arrived yesterday?' 'I spoke to her at some length before dinner last night.' 'Did she? Did the name of Felix Rawcliffe come up at all?' 'No.' The doctor surveyed the tree, 'I don't like the way you arranged the ornaments according to their colour'. Piece by piece, he destroyed my design and created something more predictable and mundane. 'Have you had a chance to speak to Vivienne properly since you arrived yesterday?' Dissatisfied by my answer he turned and left, leaving me puzzling over his question. Ten minutes later, my third visitor appeared Jonathan Laurier, unsmiling and exuding an air of dissatisfaction. 'Could you exert your influence with our infuriatingly stupid Inspector Mackle while you are here?' 'In what direction?' 'There is a lunatic man at the hospital who has been shouting about hurting people's heads. He was standing in the corridor outside my father's room, mere footsteps from Stanley Niven's room, immediately after Niven was killed. Is it not obvious that he must be the murderer? He repeated his confession several times: 'To hurt his head, to hurt his head'.' 'Have you said this to Inspector Mackle?' I asked. 'Mackle heard a very different interpretation of events from my mother first. She claims this lunatic was scared, and was trying to warn her that my father would be killed next. Until he arrived at the door of Duluth Cottage and found himself instantly cheered by its outward appearance, Poirot had not realised how low his spirits had sunk after 30 minutes confined to a small car with only Inspector Gerald Mackle for company. Nurse Beatrice Haskins had a round, pink face, fair hair and a broad, generous smile. Her intelligent green eyes sparkled. She told Poirot he must call her 'Bee'. Then she introduced Nurse Zillah Hunt, a blonde of about 30 who was wispy and ethereal. 'I was saying to Mr Prarrow on the way here, ladies, that you and I are of one mind in the matter of Stanley Niven's murder', said Inspector Mackle. 'I should like you both to tell our esteemed guest the same thing, if you don't mind. He still needs some convincing that it must have been a member of the Niven family who did it. 'Both of these ladies have told me right from the start, Mr Prarrow, that it cannot have been anyone on Ward 6 that day who killed Stanley Niven.' Bee Haskins impressed Poirot with her first statement: 'I will not say what must or must not have happened because I simply do not know. I do, however, know all the doctors and nurses at St Walstan's. There is not a person working there who is capable of committing a deliberate, cold-blooded murder.' 'Aunt Bee and I cannot imagine why anyone would want to kill him,' said Nurse Zillah. 'There must have been a mistake of some kind. They must have meant to kill someone else.' Poirot thought immediately of Vivienne Laurier's fear, reported to us by Dr Osgood, that Arnold Laurier would be the next victim. 'I know the difference between a loving sibling and an unloving one,' Bee Haskins said sharply. 'Monsieur Poirot, Inspector Mackle and I are not of one mind about this murder. 'Not at all. I am sorry, inspector, but I completely disagree with you.' Nurse Zillah added: 'So do I.' 'Well, well.' Mackle scratched the side of his face. 'Fancy that.' 'How was it established that the vase was the murder weapon?' Poirot asked. 'It had... it was apparent from the condition of the vase afterwards. There was blood on it.' 'Time of death?' said Poirot briskly. Bee Haskins impressed Poirot with her first statement: 'I will not say what must or must not have happened because I simply do not know. I do, however, know all the doctors and nurses at St Walstan's. There is not a person working there who is capable of committing a deliberate, cold-blooded murder' 'Between two o'clock and ten minutes before three.' 'And why could Monsieur Niven not have been killed before two or after ten minutes to three?' 'Dr Osgood entered Stanley Niven's room at ten minutes to three to give him his medicine,' said Mackle. 'Found him dead.' 'And I saw him myself at two,' said Bee Haskins. 'I was accompanying Dr Wall on his rounds. But there is something that has never made sense, Monsieur Poirot.' 'What is that, mademoiselle?' 'The door,' Nurse Bee said with a sigh. 'It cannot have been open and closed at the same time.' 'Do you mean the door to the hospital room of Monsieur Niven, mademoiselle?' 'No,' said Bee Haskins. 'The one next to it the door to Arnold Laurier's room... it's a mystery Zillah and I cannot solve'. 'Do not worry, mademoiselle. Poirot, he will solve the puzzle.' 'As I said, I was accompanying Dr Wall on his rounds. Once we had looked in on all the patients on Ward 6 we then set off for Ward 7 which is across a courtyard facing Ward 6. One of the patients there is Professor Burnett.' Monsieur Mal-de-Tete, Poirot thought to himself, but did not say. 'Professor Burnett's mind still works perfectly well, Monsieur Poirot, though admittedly it is impossible to know what thoughts it produces. Feelings always make themselves known, even when verbal expression fails. When Dr Wall and I visited Professor Burnett's room on 8 September, he was not in bed where he usually is. He was standing by his window. As I stood beside him, I spotted Zillah across the courtyard, in the room on Ward 6 that is soon to be Arnold Laurier's. I could see Zillah at the window, with a couple I now know to be Jonathan and Janet Laurier. 'The others in the room I only registered as people in the background. I noticed immediately that Zillah looked ill at ease. And Jonathan and Janet Laurier looked angry and appeared to be speaking to Zillah in a harsh and unfriendly manner.' 'I spotted Aunt Bee, too, standing by the window with Professor Burnett', said Zillah, 'I thought, 'If only she were here. She would know what to do'. 'Jonathan Laurier kept shouting at me and his wife was echoing everything he said. And then the other couple, Douglas Laurier and his wife started to list all the character flaws of Jonathan and Janet in such minute detail. It was horrible.' Nurse Bee added: 'Finally, when I saw Zillah perk up, I decided it was safe to move away from Professor Burnett's window. 'As I said, I was accompanying Dr Wall on his rounds. Once we had looked in on all the patients on Ward 6 we then set off for Ward 7 which is across a courtyard facing Ward 6. One of the patients there is Professor Burnett' 'But he stayed where he was and would not be talked back into his bed. And now, having set the scene for you, Monsieur Poirot, I will come to the point: I am certain could not be more so that the door of that room on Ward 6, Arnold Laurier's room, was open while the worst of the row was taking place.' 'Whereas I am positive that it was shut,' said the younger nurse. 'Aunt Bee and I have discussed it endlessly, as you can imagine. Neither of us can be persuaded out of our opinion.' 'Now, though, I don't think that was what the professor was watching', continued Bee Haskins, 'I think he witnessed the murder of Stanley Niven. 'For somebody to lift a heavy vase in the air, more than once... why, he could easily have seen it.' The sound of a telephone ringing made everyone jump, so immersed were they in the story. Zillah Hunt excused herself and left the drawing room. A few moments later, she returned, wearing an anxious expression. 'Oh, dear,' she said. 'It was Dr Osgood. He says you must return at once, Monsieur Poirot. Arnold Laurier is missing.' Sophie Hannah 2023 Adapted by Katharine Spurrier from Hercule Poirot's Silent Night by Sophie Hannah (HarperCollins, 22). To order a copy for 19.80 (offer valid to 06/01/2024; UK P&P free on orders over 25) go to mailshop.co.uk/books or call 020 3176 2937. Veteran broadcaster Jeremy Paxman tried to get recruited by MI6 while at Cambridge after being turned down for every job he applied for during his final term at university. But he failed at that too because his tutor didnt think hed be cut out for life as a spook. Writing in the latest issue of Saga Magazine, Paxman, who hosted University Challenge for 29 years before stepping down last year, said: Towards the end of my last term at university I was summoned to my tutors room. Augustus Caesar (really his father was called Julius) was rumoured to be the recruiting officer at the university for MI6. As I recall, our fateful meeting went a bit like this: Well, Professor Caesar said, youll be gone soon. Have you got a job yet? I hadnt. By this time, I had been turned down for every job in the civil service, commerce, business and journalism for which I had applied. I was starting to worry. Veteran broadcaster Jeremy Paxman tried to get recruited by MI6 while at Cambridge. Pictured: Presenting Newsnight in 2006 But he failed at that attempt too because his tutor didnt think hed be cut out for life as a spook. Pictured: The SIS Building, also commonly known as the MI6 Building His tutor was rumoured to be the recruiting officer at the university for MI6. Pictured: GCHQ When the professor asked what sort of thing I was looking for, I decided to chance my luck. I think something with a bit of foreign travel. Somewhere I could serve my country. Somewhere I could maybe use my intelligence. 'Oh, he said nonchalantly. Like MI6? Cue a rather long pause. I dont think so, Mr Paxman. I am sure he was right. While the principle behind both a spy and a journalist might be similar both want to find things out it seems vital that a spy keeps what they know to themselves. Paxman, who revealed in 2021 that he had been diagnosed with Parkinsons disease, added: A journalist, on the other hand, wants to share the little they know with as many people as possible. David Cameron last night told Iran to cease its 'malign' activities, saying they would not be tolerated in the Middle East or here at home in the UK. The Foreign Secretary branded Hamas, the Houthis and Hezbollah as 'proxies' for the Tehran regime who were fuelling an extremely high level of danger and insecurity around the world. Lord Cameron insisted Iran must be sent 'an incredibly clear message that this escalation will not be tolerated'. In an interview with the Sunday Telegraph, he vowed that Britain would work with allies to 'develop a really strong set of deterrent measures' against Tehran. Lord Cameron said the threat of Iran was one of five significant crises around the world, along with the Russia-Ukraine war, the Middle East conflict, terrorism and climate change. Lord Cameron branded Hamas, the Houthis and Hezbollah as 'proxies' for the Tehran regime who were fuelling an extremely high level of danger and insecurity around the world He added: 'Iran is a thoroughly malign influence in the region and in the world there's no doubt about that. 'You've got the Houthis, you've got Hezbollah, you've got the Iranian-backed militias in Iraq that have actually been attacking British and American bases, troops.' His tough message came after the US pointed to evidence last week that Iran was deeply involved in planning Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea attacks that are already creating a major disruption to shipping and supply chains across Europe. But in his interview, the Foreign Secretary also cited more evidence of the 'unacceptable threat the Iranian regime poses to the lives of UK-based journalists' after it emerged that Iranian spies had offered a people smuggler 150,000 to assassinate two news presenters at a London-based Persian language news channel. Lord Cameron summoned Iran's most senior diplomat in the UK to the Foreign Office on Friday to make clear that these threats will not be tolerated, the Telegraph reported. The Foreign Secretary's unambiguous message to Tehran is understood to reflect rising concern in the Government over Iran's increasing aggression and action from groups seen as acting on its behalf both in the Middle East and around the world. He was speaking following a trip encompassing France, Italy, Jordan and Egypt last week, where he held discussions about Iran including in an hour-long meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron. The US pointed to evidence last week that Iran was deeply involved in planning Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea (Pictured: Yemen's Houthi loyalists take part in an armed parade for more than 20,000 members who have finished a military course) Meanwhile, America's most experienced Middle East diplomat yesterday said Hamas leaders should quit Gaza immediately to spare the suffering of Palestinian civilians. Ambassador Dennis Ross, who served five US Presidents in a variety of roles, said the departure of the terror group's commanders would be the only way of bringing Israel's bombardment of the region to a halt quickly. The alternative, he said, would be for Israel to continue its military campaign, which he predicted would continue in its 'intense' form until next month. 'As long as Hamas has the potential to control Gaza, Israel will feel they can't live with that threat next door,' Mr Ross told BBC Radio 4's Today programme. A kiss is just a kiss, nightclub pianist Sam famously sang in Casablanca. But a new psychological study suggests he may have been wrong. Researchers have discovered that the first kiss between partners can define an entire relationship if it triggers magical feelings or turns the moment into a romantic blur. They conclude that where such intense feelings are triggered by a good kisser, it can lead to a better love match. The study of around 450 subjects used a set of 14 questions to assess what the academics called idealised first kiss beliefs among current partners and whether the big moment lived up to their expectations. The questions included: to what extent did you feel the whole world blur around you during your first kiss; to what extent should your first kiss give you butterflies; and to what extent was your first kiss magical? A kiss is just a kiss, nightclub pianist Sam famously sang in Casablanca - but a new psychological study suggests he may have been wrong. Pictured: Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman in Casablanca The results reveal that the more partners cherish their first time they pucker up, the more romantic the resulting relationship. One theory is that they become more optimistic about their future together, strengthening the feeling that they have found true love. These results indicate that idealised first kiss expectations with ones current romantic partner are important predictors of love, said researchers at the University of Minnesota. The results of a new study from the University of Minnesota reveal that the more partners cherish their first time they pucker up, the more romantic the resulting relationship Their study, published in the journal Frontiers of Psychology, acknowledges a risk of recall bias, with couples likely to romanticise the memory of their first kiss. Participants far past the courtship phase were likely to have forgotten what expectations they had before that moment. However, couples who find themselves under the mistletoe this week could benefit from having high expectations of that first snog, as it could improve their whole experience of romantic love, the study suggests. 1) The British Army helped popularise beards in the Victorian era. During the Crimean War in the mid-1850s, says The Economist, soldiers were permitted facial hair on account of the extreme cold weather. The conflict was the first to be extensively photographed, and as images of whiskered soldiers were transmitted back to Britain, full beards became associated with martial virtues. This morphed into a requirement, until 1916, for soldiers to sport a tache. 2) In 1981, the modest Cross Hands Hotel in Chipping Sodbury had an unlikely guest: Queen Elizabeth II. Caught in a freak blizzard during her travels, the monarch was sneaked into the 65-a-night Gloucestershire B&B through a back door to avoid people making a fuss. 3) Coffee hasnt always been something to sip. The earliest mention of coffee dates to the Abbasid Empire which dominated the Middle East and North Africa in the 9th Century. But bunk, as it was called, wasnt a beverage people used the beans to make aromatic compounds to mask the smell of sweat and food. It only became a drink in the 15th Century. Mosquitos are the biggest killers of humans, knocking off about a million of us a year 4) The worlds deadliest animals arent the charismatic predators you might expect mosquitos are the biggest killers of humans, knocking off about a million of us a year. They are followed by humans themselves thanks to an estimated 475,000 homicides and snakes (a comparatively lower 100,000). And with 700 human scalps a year, tapeworms outperform hippos (500), lions (250) and sharks (five). 5) The latest Miss France, Eve Gilles (pictured above), was the first woman with a pixie cut to reach the final in the pageants 103-year history. The 20-year-old maths student from Quaedypre, near Dunkirk, finished third in the public vote, but was the pick of the seven-woman judging panel prompting complaints on social media that the contest had gone woke. Were used to seeing beautiful Misses with long hair, but I chose an androgynous look with short hair, Gilles said after her victory. READ MORE: Antoinette Lattouf is suing the ABC for unfair dismissal ABC Radio's Perth office has been vandalised by a pro-Palestine supporter after Antoinette Lattouf was axed from ABC Sydney Mornings. Lattouf was dismissed as the ABC's temporary presenter in Sydney on Wednesday over a series of social media posts criticising the Israeli Defence Forces. In her posts, Lattouf questioned the legitimacy of footage filmed at a pro-Palestine rally in front of the Sydney Opera House where people were heard chanting 'gas the Jews' and accused the IDF of rape during raids of the Gaza Strip. A flood of complaints from the ABC's Jewish listeners reached chairwoman Ita Buttrose, leading to Lattouf being fired. In the early hours of Sunday morning, a protester accused the ABC of 'censorship' and called the reason for Lattouf's termination 'an affront to the very idea of journalistic integrity'. Antoinette Lattouf (above) was fired from the ABC for sharing numerous posts criticising the Israeli Defense Forces online Footage sent to The Australian showed a vandal wearing a white headscarf spray-painting over the ABC Radio logo at the broadcaster's Fielder Street office. 'Boycott - justice for Antoinette,' they wrote. The protester then wrote 'free Palestine' on the building's next window. 'Direct action was taken against the ABC Radio office in Boorloo/Perth to protest [the] unjust firing of Antoinette Lattouf over her factual reporting of the Israeli genocide against the people of Palestine,' a message alongside the clip read. 'This act of censorship by the ABC management is an affront to the very idea of journalistic integrity. 'While the ABC cower in the face of external pressure, 100 journalists have been killed while reporting on the genocide being committed by the state of Israel.' It follows a similar graffiti protest at the ABC's Melbourne Headquarters on Friday. The protest has no yet been reported to Western Australia Police. A pro-Palestine protester filmed themself vandalising the ABC's Perth office (above), writing 'boycott - justice for Antoinette' The vandalism (above) which accused the broadcaster of 'censorship' was not reported to police On Thursday Lattouf shared she was 'disappointed' in the ABC and believes she was 'terminated unlawfully'. 'This is not a win for journalism or critical, fair thinking,' she said. Lattouf has since lodged an application with Fair Work. Lattouf had been filling in for Sarah Macdonald as host of the ABC Sydney Mornings radio program last week but was told on Wednesday she was no longer needed for her shifts on Thursday and Friday. 'ABC Sydney casual presenter Antoinette Lattouf will not be back on air for her remaining two shifts this week,' an ABC spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia. Her submission to the Fair Work Commission alleges she was fired after sharing an Instagram post from Human Rights Watch, which breached the ABC's policies. It also alleges ABC Managing Director David Anderson had made the decision to terminate Lattouf's position at the national broadcaster. Daily Mail Australia contacted the ABC for comment. Hopes are rising that the barge that carried Sir Winston Churchills coffin during his state funeral can be saved for the nation after a Mail on Sunday appeal. Two potential British buyers have come forward after we revealed how the 85ft Havengore could be sold overseas. Their identities are being kept secret but both are said to have a keen interest in preserving the teak and brass vessel. In 1965, Havengore, a former Port of London Authority survey vessel, carried Churchills coffin up the Thames from his funeral at St Pauls Cathedral to Waterloo Station, where a train took him to his burial plot in Oxfordshire. Dock workers famously lowered their cranes in a mark of respect. Hopes are rising that the barge that carried Sir Winston Churchills (pictured) coffin during his state funeral can be saved for the nation after a Mail on Sunday appeal Two potential British buyers have come forward after we revealed how the 85ft Havengore (pictured) could be sold overseas In 1965, Havengore, a former Port of London Authority survey vessel, carried Churchills coffin up the Thames from his funeral at St Pauls Cathedral to Waterloo Station, where a train took him to his burial plot in Oxfordshire Havengores owner Chris Ryland, 75, has been trying to sell the vessel for 18 months and reluctantly put it on the international market, with an asking price of 800,000, after failing to find a British buyer. It is currently moored at St Katharine Docks in London. Last weeks coverage in the MoS, however, led to renewed interest. Ive had several calls, Mr Ryland said. One or two of them are people frankly who would like to do it but dont have the resources. But there are two possibles. I need to keep their confidentiality but both are people with historic interest and financial resource. It comes as Arts and Heritage Minister Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay last night joined former PM Boris Johnson and broadcaster Jonathan Dimblebly in calling for a British buyer. I hope that this historic vessel, which enabled so many people to pay their last respects to him, can remain in the UK so future generations can be inspired by his legacy, he said. Lord Parkinson has the power to place an export bar on an item deemed to be of national significance. This would give a potential British buyer the time to raise funds to keep it in the country. Other high-profile figures have backed the campaign to keep the vessel in the UK. Downton Abbey dramatist Lord Fellowes said: It seems to me its proper place is in an English public collection. Lord Dobbs, author of the House Of Cards novels, added: Id love to see Havengore as a floating museumshowing young people what their parents and grandparents went through. Lord Archer praised the MoS campaign, saying: This is part of our British heritage and should not be allowed to leave the country. A toddler has died a day after they were left fighting for life after being pulled from a swimming pool. The one-year-old struck trouble in the water at unit complex in Elanora, on the Gold Coast, at 4.20pm on Saturday. Emergency services were called to the scene and rushed the toddler to Robina Hospital in a critical condition. Queensland Police said on Sunday the toddler has since died. A report will be prepared for the coroner with the death not being treated as suspicious. Officials in the Biden administration had planned to keep a Chinese spy balloon that hovered over the US secret from the public, it has been claimed, with a top Air Force commander admitting the balloon exposed gaps in their intelligence gathering. The balloon entered US airspace on 28 January and was shot down on 4 February after passing over multiple nuclear missile sites. In a new report from NBC, the outlet has cited a former senior official briefed in the incident who claims that the administration had planned to keep it under wraps. The source said: 'Before it was spotted publicly, there was the intention to study it and let it pass over and not ever tell anyone about it.' Biden's administration has been adamant that the balloon, which Beijing previously denied was a government vessel, did not collect and transmit data. The spy balloon is seen drifting above the Atlantic Ocean, just off the coast of South Carolina, on Saturday - with a fighter jet and its contrail seen below it NORAD Chief Gen. Glen VanHerck has said the presence of the balloon exposed holes in the intelligence agencies A senior Biden administration official denied that there was an attempt to keep the balloon secret to the outlet. They said: 'To the extent any of this was kept quiet at all, that was in large part to protect intel equities related to finding and tracking. There was no intention to keep this from Congress at any point.' NBC also revealed that during a phone call on January 27, General Mark Milley and NORAD Chief Gen. Glen VanHerck said the Pentagon planned to send up 5-22 jets to gauge its characteristics. Soon after that call, jets used targeting pods to determine that the object was indeed a balloon that was roughly the size of three school buses and equipped with a surveillance payload. President Biden was not briefed on the balloon until February 1, with the public later hearing about it after NBC broke the story. VanHerck has since said that the balloon exposed gaps in the intelligence agencies and warned the Chinese balloon program remains ongoing. He said: 'It exposed significant gaps, long range gaps, for us to be able to see potential threats to the homeland. I think that opened the eyes of a lot of people. 'Time is the opportunity to create deterrence options or, if required, defeat options', adding that the U.S. is still 'not where we need to be'. The F-22 Raptor is seen taking off from Joint Base Langley-Eustis to take down the balloon A U.S. Air Force U-2 pilot looks down at the Chinese surveillance balloon as it hovers over central America Another administration official also told the outlet that the balloon 'caused so many problems'. The balloon had drifted east and entered US airspace over Alaska on 28 January and was tracked as it flew over Malmstrom Air Force base in Montana, where nuclear assets are stored. On 4 February, the Air Force sent an F-22 fighter jet armed with an AIM-9X Sidewinder missile to take the balloon down over water. The balloon was found to have a self-destruct mechanism that could have been activated remotely from China. NBC also reported that at some points it had been remotely steered from inside of China, while also using the wind and jet stream to push it over America. After being taken down, the balloon fell into waters off the coast of South Carolina with divers and underwater robots being deployed to recover the remains. Throughout the whole episode, Beijing insisted that the craft was deployed for 'meteorological purposes', and spoke out vehemently against its destruction. President Biden would go on to suggest that Chinese leaders may have been unaware of the spy balloon. He told reporters: 'China has some legitimate difficulties unrelated to the United States. The Chinese spy balloon after it was shot down by an F-22 on Saturday over South Carolina's coastline President Joe Biden downplayed the recent Chinese spy balloon that drifted across the US, saying he thinks Chinese leaders may have been unaware of it 'And I think one of the things that that balloon caused was not so much that it got shot down. 'I don't think the leadership knew where it was and knew what was in it and knew what was going on. I think it was more embarrassing than it was intentional.' It comes after a report earlier this week that said a Chinese spaceplane that was launched into orbit last week is sending strong signals over the U.S. The craft - dubbed Shenlong after a spirit dragon from Chinese mythology - has released six mysterious objects after reaching the Earth's orbit for the third time in three years. The objects are being tracked by the US Space Force but no details have been released publicly as to what they are or what purpose they serve. Amateur astronomer Scott Tilley has been tracking the plane and examining the signals they have been emitting. He told DailyMail.com they appear to be sending the strongest signals while passing over North America. An announcement in the Chinese press described the purpose of the space plane as providing 'technical support for the peaceful use of space' - but the nation has kept details under wraps. Scientists have warned that a virus dubbed 'Zombie deer disease' could potentially spread to humans after the first-ever case was detected in Yellowstone National Park last month. The fatal brain virus, which leaves animals confused, drooling, and unafraid of humans may someday infect people, as cautioned by some authorities. The alarm was raised after a deer carcass tested positive for chronic wasting disease (CWD) in Yellowstone National Park in northwest Wyoming in November. Dr. Cory Anderson told The Guardian: 'The BSE (mad cow) outbreak in Britain provided an example of how, overnight, things can get chaotic when a spillover event occurs, say, from livestock to people.' In recent years, the virus spread to more than 31 US states, two Canadian provinces and even South Korea, according to the US Geological Survey. Scientists have warned that the virus, dubbed 'Zombie deer disease,' could potentially spread to humans. A biologist is pictured removing the lymph nodes from deer to test them for chronic wasting disease The alarm was raised after a deer carcass tested positive for chronic wasting disease (CWD) in Yellowstone National Park in northwest Wyoming in November The infected buck's corpse was tracked down to a peninsula along Yellowstone Lake's southern edge, via a GPS collar outfitted last March for a population dynamics study 'We're talking about the potential of something similar occurring,' said Anderson, the program co-director at the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy. He added: 'No one is saying that it's definitely going to happen, but it's important for people to be prepared.' According to Anderson, whose study focused on the pathways of CWD transmission, the disease is 'invariably fatal, incurable, and highly contagious,' he said. 'Baked into the worry is that we don't have an effective easy way to eradicate it, neither from the animals it infects nor the environment it contaminates.' CWD is a prion-transmitted disease, similar to 'Mad Cow,' which can cause weight loss, loss of coordination and other eventually fatal neurological symptoms in deer and related species. The US National Park Service said last month: 'There is currently no evidence that CWD can infect humans or domestic animal species.' But the federal agency cautioned game hunters in particular, 'it is recommended that tissues from CWD-infected animals not be consumed.' Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a prion-transmitted disease, similar to 'Mad Cow,' which can cause weight loss, loss of coordination and other eventually fatal neurological symptoms in deer. Above, a deer killed by CWD as identified by Mississippi wildlife officials CWD has spread to over 31 US states, two Canadian provinces and South Korea, according to the US Geological Survey Samples from the body of the infected mule deer tested positive for CWD over multiple rounds conducted by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department's (WGFD) Wildlife Health Laboratory. Typical testing of live and dead animals involves sampling a creature's nervous system tissue, either from the central nervous system, like the spinal cord, or peripheral systems, like the retropharyngeal lymph nodes and the tonsils. Studies have proved that the disease posed a risk to non-human primates including monkeys, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 'These studies raise concerns that there may also be a risk to people,' the agency said. 'Since 1997, the World Health Organization has recommended that it is important to keep the agents of all known prion diseases from entering the human food chain.' Park officials at Yellowstone said they are working with WGFD to monitor the park's deer and other hooved species, both dead and alive, to assess better how far CWD has spread through the national park. Yellowstone National Park officials said that the discovery has prompted them to revise the park's 2021 CWD surveillance plan with a new protocol version expected sometime next year. CWD was first detected in mule deer in Wyoming in 1985 along the state's southeastern region The disease's arrival in Yellowstone marks the end of a decades-long spread westward across the state, reaching the national park's location in Wyoming's northwest corner READ MORE: Is SOIL driving the spread of 'zombie deer disease'? Scientists discovered cases dropped in areas with higher clay concentration Researchers in Illinois believe that the amount of clay found in soil affects the spread of 'zombie deer disease.' The disease, formally called chronic wasting disease (CWD), causes holes in the brain. According to the Illinois group's study, a high amount of clay in the soil can help stop the illness. Advertisement Park spokesperson Morgan Warthin said Yellowstone also plans to increase its collaborative efforts with WGFD to identify which areas of the park are at increased risk from the disease. CWD was first detected in mule deer in Wyoming in 1985 along the state's southeastern region. The following year, the fatal brain disease was discovered in Wyoming elk, according to WGFD. The disease's arrival in Yellowstone marks the end of a decades-long spread westward across the state, reaching the national park's location in Wyoming's northwest corner. Wyoming game officials had been tracking the mule deer buck from March 2023 until October 2023, when its GPS tag indicated it had likely died. Their search for its body took them to a landmass between the south and southeastern arms of Yellowstone Lake, known as the Promontory. North of the park, Montana state wildlife regulators are also assisting in the effort and monitoring game caught by their state's local hunters. A spokesperson for Region 3 of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Morgan Jacobsen, told the Daily Montanan that many CWD cases have not yet been detected in the state's hunting districts bordering Yellowstone. Jacobsen described the news as a 'data point of interest,' but not one that would radically change Montana's own CWD surveillance plans. 'We're going to continue our monitoring and communication with the park and continue to work with hunters as the primary management tool for CWD in Montana,' Jacobsen said. A man who narrowly survived a devastating blaze that destroyed his home was told he couldn't get money out of his own bank account in the days before Christmas. Mark Norton, 65, lost his pets and most of his possessions - including his debit card - when he fled his burning house just seconds before it was engulfed in flames during Thursday's Parkerville inferno on the eastern outskirts of Perth. Mr Norton has since been forced to live in caravan but when he tried to withdraw cash from his local Midland ANZ branch on Friday afternoon, his request was denied. Staff informed him the branch had shut early for Christmas and would not reopen until January 1. Mark Norton, 65, lost his pets and most of his possessions when he fled his home just seconds before it was destroyed during Thursday's Parkerville inferno 'They said 'we've balanced the till, we can't help you',' Mr Norton told NIne News. 'And I said 'really, this is not normal circumstances, my house has burnt down, I have nothing' (they said) sorry can't help you.' 'It was like a kick in the teeth. 'It was like not dealing with humans 'cause a human would have compassion - my house burnt down.' ANZ however, eventually attempted to rectify the situation and issued a grovelling apology. 'We apologise to Mr Norton, and have reached out to him directly to ensure we can get him access to funds as soon as possible,' the bank said. However Mr Norton, still seething from the ordeal, said the gesture is too little, too late and he intends to switch banks. 'That was criminal, that really was criminal what they did,' he said. 'You shouldn't treat people like that.' ANZ staff refused to give Mr Norton any of his cash saying their branch had closed early for Christman Mr Norton escaped the blaze that consumer his Parkerville home with only seconds to spare but lost his pets and most of his possessions Mr Norton's home, which was insured, was one of two of destroyed on Thursday. On Saturday WA over 100 firefighters and volunteers managed to keep other properties safe from a dozen bushfires raging around Perth. Meanwhile Bureau of Meteorology has issued an 'extreme fire danger' warning for Burrup, in the state's north coast. Most of Western Australia will be under 'high' fire danger conditions during the weekend and over Christmas. ANZ has been contacted for comment. Rapper Travell 'G. Dep' Coleman, who turned himself in for a nearly two-decade-old cold murder case, has been granted clemency by New York Governor Kathy Hochul. Coleman, now 49, has served 13 years of his 15-year-to-life sentence after walking into a New York police precinct in 2010. Two years ahead of his original parole eligibility in 2025, his sentence has been commuted by the Democratic governor, who also granted clemency to 15 other individuals on Friday. The rapper, who was convicted in 2012 for the murder of John Henkel, will now be able to seek parole and could walk home earlier than expected. Governor Hochul granted 12 pardons and four commutations ahead of the holiday weekend, marking the third time Hochul has granted clemency in 2023. Rapper Travell 'G. Dep' Coleman, 49, has been granted clemency by New York Governor Kathy Hochul after he turned himself in for a nearly two-decade-old cold murder case in 2010 The rapper, who was convicted in 2012 for the murder of John Henkel (pictured), will now be able to seek parole and could walk home earlier than expected. Governor Hochul granted 12 pardons and four commutations ahead of the holiday weekend, marking the third time Hochul has granted clemency in 2023 'Through the clemency process, it is my solemn responsibility as governor to recognize the efforts individuals have made to improve their lives and show that redemption is possible,' Hochul said. The rapper earned an associate degree while in prison and facilitated violence prevention and sobriety counseling programs. He also joined a variety of educational and rehabilitative classes, according to Hochul's office. His clemency application was supported by the assistant district attorney who prosecuted the case and the judge who sentenced him, Hochul said. The rapper was one of the rising stars of hip-hop impresario Sean 'Diddy' Combs Bad Boy Records label in the late 1990s. He had hits with 'Special Delivery' and 'Lets Get It' and helped popularize a loose-limbed dance called the Harlem shake in the early 2000s. But his career slumped by late 2010, with at least a dozen arrests on drug, trespassing and other charges. Attorney Anthony L. Ricco said at the time that Coleman 'had been haunted' by the 1993 fatal shooting of Henkel and decided to confess to it. The rapper was one of the rising stars of hip-hop impresario Sean ' Diddy ' Combs Bad Boy Records label in the late 1990s His career slumped by late 2010, with at least a dozen arrests on drug, trespassing and other charges The rapper showed up at the police precinct on December 15, 2010, and admitted to killing Henkel, a father of three, outside a Harlem apartment complex around 1 am on October 19, 1993. Coleman calmly explained that he had shot someone after demanding money on a street corner when he was 18 years old, two detectives said at a court hearing in 2012. 'He said that he felt bad and that it was eating him up,' Detective Dave Feliciano said. The victim's brother, Robert Henkel, had demanded Hochul reject the urgings by prosecutor David Drucker to release Coleman, calling it a 'farce.' He told the New York Post that 'it is one thing to seek (clemency) for drug crimes - but not murder.' A Cambria man involved in a head-on collision with a Niagara County Sheriff's Office patrol vehicle which he is accused of then setting on fire was discharged from the hospital Sunday morning and taken to the correctional facility for arraignment. Schuyler P. Johnson, 52, was released Sunday morning from medical care at Erie County Medical Center where he was admitted for a mental health evaluation, as well as treatment for a minor head injury he sustained allegedly from the second vehicle crash he was involved in, Sheriff Michael J. Filicetti told The Buffalo News. Johnson was involved in two car crashes early Saturday morning in Wheatfield. At about 5 a.m., Johnson drove his pickup truck into the path of the patrol car on Mapleton Road, causing the collision, deputies said. Cody Sikora, the deputy involved in the collision, took cover at the rear of his vehicle and tried to engage with Johnson. However, Johnson allegedly came back to the patrol vehicle with a gas can he retrieved from his truck, poured gasoline on the patrol vehicle and set it on fire. Sikora, who was not injured in the collision, was able to put out the blaze with a fire extinguisher, The Buffalo News reported on Saturday. Johnson then allegedly fled the scene going north on Shawnee Road where he was involved in a second crash, after which his overturned vehicle was located by Capt. Matthew Grainge, the Sheriff's Office said. Johnson threatened Grainge with a knife and then a screwdriver, deputies said. Grainge initially deployed his Taser on Johnson and, when that failed to stop him, used pepper spray, which caused Johnson to surrender. He was then taken to ECMC. Johnson was charged with multiple felonies, including reckless driving and other traffic violations, third degree arson, menacing a police officer with a weapon, and criminal mischief. He was arraigned Sunday morning at the Centralized Arraignment Part of the Niagara County Correctional Facility with a $100,000 bail placed on him by the arraigning judge. He will have to appear for a preliminary hearing at the Wheatfield Court, Filicetti said. Johnson will be staying at the Correctional Facility awaiting the pending proceedings, the sheriff added. Johnson has had prior run-ins with authority before, including a pending case regarding assault of a New York State Police trooper, officials said. The late-night court filing argues 'the judicial branch cannot sit in judgment over a president's official acts' Donald Trump demanded an appeals court in Washington dismiss a federal indictment accusing him of conspiring to overturn the 2020 election, in his latest attempt to avoid prosecution. The former president's lawyers made a late-night court filing Saturday to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, claiming he is immune to charges because they stem from actions he took while serving in the White House. It is the latest development in an ongoing and pivotal legal dispute between Trump and special counsel Jack Smith over election interference. The 77-year-old Republican argued the case should be dismissed because former presidents cannot face criminal charges for conduct related to their official responsibilities. In a 55-page briefing to the court, Trump's lawyer John D. Sauer suggested that under the Constitution, courts are not able to hold the president accountable for any acts undertaken while in office. 'Under our system of separated powers, the judicial branch cannot sit in judgment over a president's official acts. That doctrine is not controversial,' Sauer wrote. Donald Trump's attorney made a late-night filing in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit Saturday calling for the federal indictment accusing him of conspiring to overturn the 2020 election to be dismissed Trump has been in a long-running battle with Special Counsel Jack Smith over election interference and if the former president had immunity when he called on his supporters to rally against Joe Biden's 2020 election victory Trump supporters storm the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington D.C. on January 6, 2021 after he claimed the election was stolen The filing states what the former president's lawyers have repeatedly asserted - that Trump had been working in his official capacity as president to 'ensure election integrity.' 'The unbroken tradition of not exercising the supposed formidable power of criminally prosecuting a president for official acts despite ample motive and opportunity to do so, over centuries implies that the power does not exist,' Sauer wrote. His lawyers argued the indictment was unconstitutional and that Trump can only be criminally prosecuted for 'official acts' if he is impeached and convicted by the Senate. 'The Constitution establishes a powerful structural check to prevent political factions from abusing the formidable threat of criminal prosecution to disable the President and attack their political enemies,' Trump's attorneys wrote in the Saturday filing. 'Before any single prosecutor can ask a court to sit in judgment of the President's conduct, Congress must have approved of it by impeaching and convicting the President,' they argued. 'That did not happen here, and so President Trump has absolute immunity.' The trial judge in the case, Tanya S. Chutkan, had just weeks ago said the former president did not have 'a lifelong ''get-out-of-jail-free'' pass.' Judge Chutkan argued that despite his former status as president, Trump could still be 'subject to federal investigation, indictment, prosecution, conviction and punishment for any criminal acts undertaken while in office.' The appeals court has expedited the consideration of Trump's appeal and will hear oral arguments on January 9, days before the Iowa Caucuses. Trump's lawyers filed a 55-page briefing in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit claiming presidents cannot face criminal charges for conduct related to their official responsibilities Judge Tanya S. Chutkan said just weeks ago the former president did not have 'a lifelong ''get-out-of-jail-free'' pass' Trump's lawyer John D. Sauer suggested that under the Constitution judges are not able to hold the president accountable for any acts undertaken while in office Prosecutors have accused Trump, the frontrunner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, of attempting to obstruct Congress and defraud the US government through schemes to reverse Democratic President Joe Biden's 2020 election win. They say Trump broke the law by trying to push state lawmakers to make decisions that would keep him in power including pressuring the Justice Department to validate claims election fraud occurred in the 2020 contest. On Friday, the Supreme Court rejected an attempt from Smith to have them immediately hear the case before the DC Court had a chance to make a ruling. Trump branded Smith's attempt to expedite the case as a 'desperate attempt to short circuit our Great Constitution.' 'The Supreme Court has unanimously rejected Deranged Jack Smith's desperate attempt to short circuit our Great Constitution,' he said on Truth Social. 'Crooked Joe Biden and his henchmen waited three years to bring this sham case, and now they have tried and failed to rush this Witch Hunt through the courts. 'Of course I am entitled to Presidential Immunity. I was President, it was my right and duty to investigate, and speak on, the rigged and stolen 2020 Presidential Election.' The decision was a victory for the Republican presidential frontrunner and increases the chances it will delay his federal election interference trial which is slated to start on March 4. Now Trump's legal troubles could get pushed closer to or even after the November 5 general elections, where he is vying for a rematch with 81-year-old Joe Biden. If Trump is reelected to the White House on November 5 for a second term, he could seek to pardon himself of any federal crimes although constitutional scholars are split on whether he would have the authority In a post to his Truth Social platform, the former president said Smith's attempts to get the case heard by the Supreme Court before the DC Circuit Court ruled was a 'desperate attempt to short circuit our Great Constitution' The justices, three of whom Trump appointed, are also set to take up the Colorado case of whether he can be kicked off the ballot for being an 'insurrectionist.' If Trump is reelected to the White House on November 5 for a second term, he could seek to pardon himself of any federal crimes although constitutional scholars are split on whether he would have the authority. Trump is still having to deal with a thicket of lawsuits. The Stormy Daniels case in New York, where Trump is charged with falsifying business records relating to the $130,000 payoff of porn star Stormy Daniels, is set to go to trial March 25. The Trump case relating to an effort to overturn the election continues to move ahead in Georgia, and he also has been charged with conspiring to conceal national security documents at Mar-a-Lago, in a Florida trial that is running months behind schedule. If Trump is reelected to the White House on November 5, he could seek to pardon himself of any federal crimes although constitutional scholars are split on whether he would have the authority. Iran has threatened to close off the Strait of Gibraltar and the Mediterranean Sea if Israel and its allies continue to commit 'crimes' in Gaza. Iran, which has backed Hamas, accused the US and other western states of propping up Israel's alleged war crimes committed during its ground offensive in the Gaza Strip, where more than 20,000 people have died since October 7. 'They shall soon await the closure of the Mediterranean Sea, (the Strait of) Gibraltar and other waterways,' Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Naqdi, a senior member of the country's Islamic Revolutionary Corps, said on Saturday. The Iran-aligned Houthi group, based in Yemen, has attacked several merchant vessels sailing through the Red Sea in retaliation against Israel's brutal assault on the Gaza Strip, disrupting global trade and forcing some shipping companies to switch routes. The White House said on Friday that Iran was 'deeply involved' in the planning of these attacks. 'They shall soon await the closure of the Mediterranean Sea, (the Strait of) Gibraltar and other waterways,' Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Naqdi, a senior member of the country's Islamic Revolutionary Corps, said The Strait of Gibraltar and the Mediterranean Sea are waterways that carry up to a fifth of the world's maritime trade Over 20,000 people have died in Gaza as a result of Israel's ground offensive against the enclave While Iran has no direct access to the Mediterranean itself and it was not clear how the Guards could attempt to close it off, Iran-backed proxies in Lebanon and Syria have access to these waterways, which carry around a fifth of the world's maritime trade. Naqdi talked of 'the birth of new powers of resistance and the closure of other waterways'. 'Yesterday, the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz became a nightmare for them, and today they are trapped ... in the Red Sea,' Naqdi added. National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson told CNN that the US has intelligence that suggests Iran has provided a monitoring system which is essential for the attacks. 'Iran has the choice to provide or withhold this support, without which the Houthis would struggle to effectively track and strike commercial vessels navigating shipping lanes through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden,' Watson said. While Iran has no direct access to the Mediterranean itself and it was not clear how the Guards could attempt to close it off, Iran-backed proxies in Lebanon and Syria have access to these waterways 'Iranian-provided tactical intelligence has been critical in enabling Houthi targeting of maritime vessels since the group commenced attacks in November,' she added. But Iran's deputy foreign minister rejected claims that it was involved in the Houthi attacks. 'The resistance (Huthis) has its own tools... and acts in accordance with its own decisions and capabilities,' Iran's deputy foreign minister Ali Bagheri told the country's Mehr news agency. 'The fact that certain powers, such as the Americans and the Israelis, suffer strikes from the resistance movement... should in no way call into question the reality of the strength of the resistance in the region,' he added. The Houthis have fought against Yemen's government since 2014, taking up large swathes of land, and have been backed by Iran. Following Israel's retaliatory offensive against the Gaza Strip, the group's leaders declared war on Israel, and have launched several strikes against Israeli cities, despite being thousands of miles away. Iran has repeatedly warned that Israel's war against Hamas would soon widen. Last month, Iran's foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said the intensity of the war meant its expansion 'inevitable'. The nation's president, Ebrahim Raisi, previously said Iran sees it as 'its duty to support the resistance groups' but insisted that they 'are independent in their opinion, decision and action'. The UK and allies will not allow the Red Sea to become a 'no go' zone for shipping and will step up efforts to tackle Iran's 'malign influence', Cabinet ministers have said. Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said the UK was committed to 'repelling' the attacks on ships using the vital trade route by an Iranian-backed group in Yemen. And Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron said Tehran must be sent an 'incredibly clear message' that its activities would not be tolerated. Mr Shapps told the Sunday Times: 'We are committed to protecting British interests - vessels sailing under a UK flag, or with British sailors or carrying goods destined for our shores. 'We have seen the disruption the terrorist attacks have caused - with major operators including Maersk and BP avoiding the region. 'We can't allow any maritime area to become a no-go area, particularly such a vital route. But wider than that, we need to promote a safer world. 'The spate of illegal attacks represent a direct threat to international commerce and maritime security. 'The rules-based world order means we have to remain committed to repelling these attacks to protect the free flow of global trade, and I am determined the UK will remain a major player in that.' Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron said the Houthi rebels in Yemen, who have targeted cargo vessels using the busy trade route, were just one of the groups backed by Iran, including Hamas. The attacks on shipping in the Red Sea by the Houthis began in response to the conflict in Gaza, with the group claiming it was targeting vessels with Israeli links. Further incidents involving ships being targeted by drones in the Red Sea were reported on Saturday. Lord Cameron said: 'Iran is a thoroughly malign influence in the region and in the world - there's no doubt about that. 'You've got the Houthis, you've got Hezbollah, you've got the Iranian-backed militias in Iraq that have actually been attacking British and American bases, troops. 'And, of course, Hamas. So you've got all of these proxies, and I think it's incredibly important that, first of all, Iran receives an incredibly clear message that this escalation will not be tolerated. 'Second of all, we need to work with our allies to develop a really strong set of deterrent measures against Iran, and it's important that we do that. 'The level of danger and insecurity in the world is at an extremely high level compared with previous years and decades, and the Iran threat is a part of that picture.' The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), a Royal Navy initiative which provides information on security incidents to shipping operators, highlighted a series of attacks on Saturday. There were multiple reports of a drone flying low above a vessel before exploding around 1.5 nautical miles away from it, with the incident taking place around 50 nautical miles off the Yemeni coast. Another drone attack was reported in the Red Sea around 45 nautical miles from Saleef, Yemen. A further incident on Saturday took place around 200 miles south west of Veraval, India - well beyond the Red Sea which has been the focus of attacks on shipping - with the US claiming a kamikaze drone launched from Iran hit a chemical tanker. Lord Cameron's comments followed a visit to the Middle East which saw him discuss the situation in the Red Sea with his Egyptian counterpart. Royal Navy warship HMS Diamond has already joined an international operation to protect cargo vessels and Lord Cameron hinted at potentially greater British involvement in the coalition. If the Red Sea is too dangerous for shipping, vessels travelling between Asia and Europe will be forced to detour around the southern tip of Africa rather than use the Suez Canal, adding costs. Experts have issued warnings about a fat-burning jab which is taking TikTok by storm after some users reported getting abscesses and even body tissue death after having it. The Lemon Bottle injection, which claims to painlessly dissolve fat and have visible results in as little as one 50 session, has been the subject of dozens of complaints from customers in the last three months. The jab, which is produced by a South Korean firm, has been accused of leaving some customers with bruising, infections, abscesses and even necrosis - where body tissue dies. It comes as adverts claiming to show its effectiveness, including one appearing to show it dissolving fat on slices of bacon in a matter of minutes, go viral online with 81.5million views on TikTok so far. Some clinics say their customers are very happy with the results shown by the product - which is being offered on Facebook and Instagram - but others have labelled evidence that it works as 'flimsy' while one professional body has warned people are ignoring the risks involved, the Guardian reports. Videos on social media show people injecting rashers of bacon with Lemon Bottle to show it breaking down the fat Social media is awash with people claiming the Lemon Bottle injection has dissolved fat in their face. Pictured: A before-and-after view of someone who claims to have had the jab which was posted on TikTok Lemon Bottle is the latest in a number of injections which claim to dissolve fat, with the company behind it - Sid Medicos - claiming it is not based on Phosphatidylcholine (PPC) or deoxycholate (DCA) like other products. While a full list of ingredients is not available, the Sid Medicos website claims the key components are Bromelain (a group of enzymes found in Pineapples), Riboflavin (also known as Vitamin B2) and Lecithin (a mixture of fats found in foods such as soybeans and eggs). Sid Medicos says while these on their own do not work, the combination of ingredients - including those not mentioned on the website - makes the treatment 'safe and effective'. Adverts for the treatment have gone viral on social media, with clinicians and patients raving about its effectiveness in before-and-after videos. Perhaps the most dramatic of adverts though are multiple videos showing people injecting it into slices of bacon and watching the fat lose its shape in a matter of minutes. However, some experts have raised doubts about the safety of the treatment, amid rising numbers of reported issues from people who have used it. Save Face, which is a register of accredited clinics that provide medical aesthetic treatments, revealed in 2023 there have been 90 complaints, with more than half of these taking place in just the last three months. In the whole of 2022, there was just one. These customers claimed to have had side-effects from the jab ranging from unevenness, bruising and swelling, to abscesses and even tissue necrosis. Asthon Collins, director of Save Face, told the Guardian it isn't clear whether these issues were caused by poor technique, counterfeits - there are multiple websites claiming to sell the same product - or the official Lemon Bottle. 'People are seeing it as a magic wand treatment, and they do not appreciate the risks involved,' she said. Advertising from Lemon Bottle claims it can be used safely on all parts of your body including the chin, under arms, abdomen and thighs It also boasts that it's 'magic in the bottle' and away to 'achieve your body goals in a safe and quick way' Dr Sophie Shotter, an aesthetic doctor and trustee of the British College of Aesthetic Medicine told the publication she was 'worried' about the product as 'it doesn't appear to have clinical evidence'. Dr Yannis Alexandrides, a plastic surgeon who founded beauty firm 111 Skin, said he was not convinced by the claims made by Lemon Bottle. He told Glamour: 'Lemon Bottle fat dissolving injections may be trending on social media but my personal assessment and initial research finds no scientific papers to support the efficacy and safety of this product. 'At present, the current research is too flimsy for me to feel safe and confident to offer this treatment. New non-surgical treatments like this one need to be properly assessed and scrutinised by scientific publications.' However, those doubts haven't stopped others from selling it their customers, with one London-based clinician saying 200 of his patients who had being injected with it were very happy with the results. Dr Vahe Karimyan told the Guardian it was a 'virtually painless' treatment and worked well on 'double chins, the abdominal area, love handles, inner thighs and underarms.' He added: 'My patients are far more than happy after the procedure. It is very well tolerated in contrast to other products.' MailOnline has contacted Lemon Bottle for comment. A British pro-Palestinian activist, who has appeared in parliament at events with former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and other MPs has been accused by German authorities of being Hamas's key liaison in Europe. Majed Al-Zeer, 61, is alleged to have numerous high-level contacts within the Hamas leadership. A file from the German interior ministry, first reported by magazine Der Spiegel, named Al-Zeer as the 'person responsible for Hamas' in Germany and across Europe. Al-Zeer moved from London to Berlin in 2014 and the next year was photographed alongside Ismail Haniyeh, the head of Hamas's political bureau in Qatar. He was also pictured in 2008 with Khaled Mashaal, who led Hamas from 1992 to 2017, according to The Times. Al-Zeer is alleged to be influential in at least two European-based Palestinian groups that have been linked to Hamas by German and Israeli security services. The groups deny supporting Hamas activities. Majed Al-Zeer, 61, was named as the 'person responsible for Hamas' in Germany and Europe Jeremy Corbyn, circled left, pictured alongside Majed Al-Zeer, circled right, in 2011 Hamas was banned in Germany after it killed 1,200 Israeli civilians in the surprise attack on October 7. There is growing concern among security services that the group may be plotting terrorist attacks on European targets. There is no suggestion that Al-Zeer has any involvement in organising terrorism in Europe. He has previously denied having any association with Hamas and described the claims as nonsense. In November Christian Wakeford, the Labour MP for Bury South, used parliamentary privilege to identify Al-Zeer as one of four alleged 'Hamas operatives' and asked what the Home Office was doing about them. Al-Zeer moved to the UK about 30 years ago and became one of the central figures in the Palestinian Return Centre, a London-based advocacy group founded in 1996 to campaign for Palestinian refugees' 'right to return' to their homeland. During his years in London he and the PRC put on events in parliament that were attended by several senior Labour politicians, including Mr Corbyn. The group has said it has no links to Hamas but in recent years German intelligence reports have emerged which identified it as the 'central propaganda organisation for Hamas in Europe'. The PRC has not responded to requests for comment on the latest reports but previously described Israeli government claims of its links to Hamas as unfounded. BBC royal correspondent Nicholas Witchell has claimed Meghan should have been 'less impatient' with the royal aides who 'bent over backwards' to support her. The veteran broadcaster, 70, also dismissed the claims made in Harry and Meghan's 2021 Oprah Winfrey interview, arguing race was not a 'significant factor' in their decision to leave the UK for California almost four years ago. He rejected the idea that the Palace was against them from the start and praised the Sussexes' team of courtiers, which included Australian private secretary Samantha Cohen and American communication secretaries Jason Knauf and Sara Latham. Bound by 'the discipline of being a BBC reporter' for decades, Mr Witchell has shed light on what he really thinks about the royal family in an honest interview with the Sunday Times Magazine ahead of his upcoming retirement. He even revealed how close he was to interviewing Princess Diana for Panorama until he was stood down in place of Martin Bashir, leading to an explosive BBC scandal over how the disgraced journalist secured the chat. Mr Witchell said Harry and Meghan had been a great loss to the Palace and wished they had tried harder and given it more time. He added: 'If she [Meghan] had perhaps just been less impatient, less inclined to see well-meaning people as being in some way against her. It's sad, particularly the relationship [breakdown] between Harry and William.' BBC royal correspondent Nicholas Witchell (pictured) has claimed Meghan should have been less impatient with the royal aides who 'bent over backwards' to support her He also dismissed the claims made in the Sussexes' 2021 Oprah Winfrey interview, arguing race was not a 'significant' factor' in their decision to leave the UK He said the Sussexes' aides had worked tirelessly and sympathised with Meghan but ultimately it did not work out. He said: 'I really don't think race was a significant factor in it, I think it was more nationality and culture than it was race.' But as well as claiming the Sussexes could have tried harder, Mr Witchell also believes Buckingham Palace should have made more effort with Harry before he and Meghan left the royal family. He claimed that the Queen found it challenging to understand Harry's pain when the Sussexes decided to leave the UK to live in California. Mr Witchell described Harry and Meghan's story as 'tedious' but claimed it had to be covered because there was more appetite for the more frequent 'soap opera aspects of the royal family'. But the royal correspondent heaped praise on Prince William and Princess Kate, who he said have a good image and read the public mood well by focusing on areas such as homelessness, the environment and mental health. Mr Witchell said that he knows the soap opera aspect is part of the job despite not feeling comfortable with it. Amid a glittering career, there are perhaps two soap opera moments Mr Witchell was the protagonist in himself. Mr Witchell also believes Buckingham Palace should have 'tried harder' with Harry before he and Meghan left the royal family The broadcaster came under fire when a group of gay rights activists stormed the Six O'Clock News studio in 1998 to protest against the Section 28 homosexuality law. As his co-host Sue Lawley carried on reading the news, Mr Witchell sat on one of the women and covered her hand with his mouth, leading to a Daily Mirror front page the next day which read: 'Beeb man sits on lesbian'. Another defining moment in his career was when King Charles described him as 'awful' during a photoshoot in the Swiss Alps in 2005. The journalist had asked a question about the royal's upcoming nuptials to Camilla Parker Bowles. While seated next to his sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, he said: 'Bloody people. I can't bear that man. I mean, he is so awful, he really is.' William remained calm and politely said: 'As long as I don't lose the rings. I have one responsibility and I'm bound to do something wrong.' Mr Witchell maintains that he was right to ask the question and was doing his job, but he said it was a fact that Charles did not like him for many years. In 2005, Prince Charles - as he was then - famously insulted the BBC's royal correspondent, Nicholas Witchell In 1988 the Six O'Clock News studio was invaded by a group of lesbian protesters while Witchell and Sue Lawley were presenting They are said to have 'made up' now and Charles even wished him well for his retirement on a flight back to the UK from the state visit to Kenya last month. Mr Witchell also made headlines when he announced the birth of Harry and Meghan's baby Prince Archie in May 2019. During a live broadcast outside Buckingham Palace, the journalist completely lost his train of thought and handed back to the studio, raising fears online over his health. He suggested that he subconsciously may have switched off because it was about the Sussexes. Mr Witchell also touched on the Prince Andrew scandal and claimed the royals had no choice but to cut the duke off over his friendships with the paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. And as he gets closer to being free from the BBC's impartiality chains, he also said Gary Lineker's tweets about Tory immigration policy, which he compared with Nazi Germany, was 'terribly unwise.' The broadcaster, who did not start out wanting to be a royal correspondent, has been central to the Beeb's coverage for 47 years. He joined Huw Edwards in reporting Queen Elizabeth II's death on September 8 last year, which he was very moved by. He believes Mr Edwards has been a big loss to the BBC since he was suspended following allegations he paid a young person thousands of pounds and received sexual images. Mr Witchell was the first to broadcast the confirmed news of the death of Diana, Princess of Wales on August 31, 1997 and provided live radio commentary from outside Westminster Abbey at her funeral. He had met Diana several times and the Princess of Wales had even invited him round for lunch to discuss the opportunity of doing a Panorama interview. Before he could accept the invitation, he was informed by the Panorama editor that Martin Bashir had been given the now-infamous interview. Viewed by 23 million people, Bashir's 1995 Panorama interview with Diana was hailed as the scoop of a generation. The Princess declared 'there were three of us in this marriage' referring to Charles's then-mistress Camilla and spoke of her post-natal depression and bulimia. Mr Witchell even revealed how close he was to interviewing Princess Diana on Panorama until he was stood down in place of Martin Bashir, leading to an explosive BBC scandal over how the disgraced journalist secured the chat Bashir, however, had shown Earl Spencer, Diana's brother, forged bank statements to gain access to the Princess and then tricked her by peddling a string of smears and lies, including claiming that Prince William's watch had been bugged to record her conversations. Mr Witchell first joined the BBC after finishing a law degree at Leeds University, later becoming a BBC reporter in Northern Ireland in 1979, which included covering the assassination of Earl Mountbatten and the IRA hunger strikes. He then became a news reporter for television news in 1982 where he covered the Falklands conflict, as well as covering Margaret Thatcher's 1983 general election campaign for the BBC, before returning to Belfast to become the BBC's Ireland correspondent. He was one of the founding presenters of the Six O'Clock News with Sue Lawley in 1984. Mr Witchell went on to become the main presenter of the re-launched Breakfast News programme from 1989 to 1994. He then returned to frontline reporting for the BBC's Panorama programme, and then as the BBC's royal and diplomatic correspondent from 1998. Rishi Sunak has been urged to control the rapidly escalating 'abuse' of spousal visas in the UK. Former home office minister Sarah Dines has claimed lax rules are allowing young women from India and Pakistan to be exploited for arranged marriages. She also revealed how the number of spouse visas granted from those two countries in the past year had nearly trebled. It comes as Tory Ministers were alarmed after Sunak watered down measures to cut net migration - less than three weeks after they were announced. Ms Dines, who left government in Rishi Sunak's reshuffle last month, spoke about the 'increasing numbers of victims of domestic abuse. Sarah Dines, a former Home Office minister, says the visa system is currently leading to abuse Prime Minister Sunak backtracked on rising the minimum salary threshold on spouse visas 'Many were very vulnerable due to their young age, the shortness of their marriage, lack of English language and community support,' she told The Telegraph. 'It became obvious to me that there are inadequate safeguards in differentiating genuine marriages from marriages of convenience which all too often resulted in abusive and exploitative relationships. 'Spouse and partner visas are now being expedited, in my view, without proper regard for safeguarding vulnerable women and girls. Applications for these visas have more than doubled in the last year. The Government needs to address this abuse of the system immediately.' Another area in which Sunak has faced criticism is not backing raising the minimum salary threshold to bring a partner to the UK raised to 38,700 in Spring 2024 from its current 18,600. It now means this will not be implemented until the spring of 2025, after the election expected next autumn or winter. Home Office figures, uncovered by Ms Dines, show that the number of family-related visas more than doubled in the year to September 2023 to 82,395, compared to 37,911 in the previous year. Pro-Palestinian protesters have disrupted Chanel Nine's Carols by Candlelight extravaganza, by storming the stage and snatching the hosts' microphone. During the broadcast at Melbourne's Sidney Myer Music Bowl, hosts David Campbell and Sarah Abo were drowned out by chants of 'Free Palestine'. Moments later several demonstrators with Palestinian flags stormed the stage as cameras cut away to a wide shot. 'While you're carolling kids are dying in Gaza!' a voice screamed into the microphone before security dragged her away, along with the other protesters. A stunned Campbell tried to ease the tense situation as young families watched on in horror. 'Take it easy, it's okay,' Campbell said. 'Everybody relax and settle down.' 'Everyone is aloud to have their say but we do have kids here, we just want to make sure those kids are safe, they will be back out here in a second,' he added, referring to the stage performers. 'It is a very hard time in the world at the moment and there is a lot of pain out there.' Security and the hosts were praised for their handling of the ordeal. Pro-Palestinian protesters crashed Carols by Candlelight (above with Nine hosts David Campbell and Sarah Abo) Co-host Sarah Abo thanked the crew for their quickly removing the protesters. 'It is the climate, we are in Melbourne,' Ms Abo said. The crowd was heard applauding as the kids returned to the stage and the show continued. But many viewers lashed out at the protesters calling it a 'disgrace'. 'The protest at carols is an interesting choice, especially while there were children on stage. I'm incredibly impressed at how it was handled by the hosts,' one person wrote on X. Another said: 'What a disgrace to try and spoil a great night of Christmas cheer for everyone, this isn't a place to do it.' A protester is dragged off the stage by security after interrupting the Christmas tradition One protester wearing socks managed to unfurl the Palestinian flag next to the orchestra pit The carols continued as normal despite the protests and the rain (above) A third added: 'I'm all for people voicing there opinion, but there is a place and time and an event full of children is not it. READ MORE: Mum claims parenting her two year old during Christmas is 'exhausting' Stephanie Claire Smith and her son Advertisement 'I don't condone nor agree with what is happening to innocent people in Palestine but I also don't agree with this.' Member of Australia's Jewish community also spoke out against protest. 'You can always count on anti-Israel extremists to make everything about them and to appall decent, ordinary people,' Co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, Alex Ryvchin said. 'The chorus of boos tells them loud and clear they're not wanted.' Paul Kelly, G Flip and Casey Donovan were among the performers who lit up the Sidney Myer Musical Bowl stage on Sunday night. They were joined by the cast of musicals Grease and Wicked, as well as carols regulars Denis Walter, Marina Prior and Silvie Paladino. The annual event raises money for Vision Australia's children's services, with all proceeds supporting families and children who are blind or have low vision. Carols by Candlelight has been held on Christmas Eve in Melbourne since 1938. Pro-Palestine activists have been sticking spoof 'apartheid' pricing labels by pots of Israeli hummus in British supermarkets, saying customers buying the dip are 'supporting genocide'. Images shared to social media show Sabra hummus being sold with a fake label reading: 'Apartheid Hummus. Buying this product helps support genocide. Since 19.48 Search BDS for more info.' Claiming responsibility for the stunt, Darren Cullen, who supports anti-Israel BDS movement - which stands for boycott, divestment and sanctions - made the fake price tags available to download and says he plans to make them for a range of other products. They have been spotted at various Sainsbury's and Tesco retailers across the UK. The group calls for supporters to put 'pressure' on companies that are perceived as being supportive of Israel. Pro-Palestine activists have been sticking spoof 'apartheid' pricing labels by pots of Israeli hummus Images shared to social media show Sabra hummus being sold with a fake label It claims on its website that the Sabra brand previously supported the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) with donations. The campaign's website states: 'Sabra hummus is a joint venture between PepsiCo and the Strauss Group, an Israeli food company that provides financial support to the Israeli army.' However, according to UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI), BDS's website refers to a Sabra brand sold in the US. The Sabra hummus sold in the UK is made by the Israeli kibbutz, Lohamei Hagheta'ot, the Warsaw ghetto uprising, and distributed by Osem, which is now owned by Nestle, they say. The hummus is available in several major supermarkets, including Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and Waitrose. UKLFI said they have reported Mr Cullen to the police 'for fraud and for interference with goods with the intention of causing economic loss contrary to s38 of the Public Order Act 1986'. They added: 'The first labels Mr Cullen printed were designed for Sainsburys shelves, and he has now also produced Tesco shelf labels. 'He has stated on his website that he intends to produce labels for various supermarkets, and then for different products listed on the BDS website. 'UKLFI has written to the four major supermarkets that sell Sabra Hummus, to warn them to be alert for these labels, and to remove them quickly.' It claims on its website that the Sabra brand previously supported the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) with donations BDS was founded in 2005 by Palestinian activist Ramy Shaath and Omar Barghouti It is an umbrella organisation linked to dozens of affiliated groups around the world, each of which come up with their own list of brands to boycott One batch of labels were spotted in Tesco Hammersmith on December 20 2023. Others were seen in a Sainsbury's store in Limehouse, east London on the same day. The BDS movement, which has outposts in nearly 40 countries, including Israel, claims to be the 'broadest' Palestinian civil society coalition. In November, it issued an updated list of boycott targets, which included Puma, SodaStream, Volvo, Burger King, McDonald's and Pizza Hut. The group has attracted intense criticism for its use of inflammatory terms like 'apartheid', 'genocide' and 'settler colonialist' to describe Israel, while groups and individuals associated with the movement have been accused of antisemitic rhetoric. An Instagram post in October named McDonald's as one of the chains it was targeting, alongside a host of other high street names. A McDonald's in Keighley, West Yorkshire, was subsequently struck by yobs draped in Palestinian flags who shoved their way inside before releasing stick insects. Video of the apparent aftermath appears to indicate that its windows were also smashed. Meanwhile, protesters also released mice into three McDonald's branches in Birmingham, with some filmed calling for a 'boycott' of the chain. It appears to have been targeted after an Israeli franchisee offered discounts to soldiers and security forces. BDS was founded in 2005 by Palestinian activist Ramy Shaath and Omar Barghouti, a graduate of Columbia University in the US, and controversially claims to model itself on the South African resistance movement to Apartheid It is an umbrella organisation linked to dozens of affiliated groups around the world, each of which come up with their own list of brands to boycott. A gang of pro-Palestine vandals smashed the windows of a Starbucks in Yorkshire Some of these groups are targeting Starbucks after the company threatened to sue its labour union for copyright infringement after it posted a 'Solidarity with Palestine' message on social media using its logo. While it mainly draws support from social media, the BDS Movement has attracted some high profile backers including bestselling author Sally Rooney. A major win for the movement came in 2021 when Unilever-owned ice cream brand Ben & Jerry's announced it would stop selling its products in the 'occupied Palestinian territories'. However, the brand insisted it was not part of the BDS movement because it was continuing to sell ice cream in Israel. Earlier this year, Sam Smith cancelled his show in Israel following BDS campaigning. However, the organisers insisted the event was only called off 'due to unforeseeable technical and logistical problems'. Elvis Costello cancelled concerts in Israel in 2010 in protest at the state's treatment of Palestinians, while Lorde did the same in 2017 after receiving an 'overwhelming number of messages and letters' from pro-Palestine activists. In 2018, Lana Del Rey caved in to pressure to suspend a performance at a kibbutz because Palestinians would not have been able to watch. Tesco's and Sainsbury's have been contacted for comment. Rishi Sunak has urged people to focus on 'the promise of a brighter future' in a Christmas message ahead of an election year. The Prime Minister said Christmas was 'a time of hope' but it was important to remember 'those facing a difficult time'. Mr Sunak, who is a Hindu, highlighted the 'Christian values at the heart of this celebration of Christ's birth'. The Prime Minister said: 'Christmas is a time of peace, joy, compassion. A time of hope and a promise of a better world. 'And today as we look ahead, let's keep that promise of a brighter future burning into the new year.' Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty at the switching on of the Downing Street Christmas tree lights The Prime Minister said it was a 'magical time of the year' and he thanked NHS staff, police and the armed forces for 'sacrificing their Christmases this year in the service of others'. READ MORE HERE: Boost for Rishi Sunak as 'Santa rally' increases hopes of tax cuts in Spring Budget providing dose of optimism for struggling families Advertisement The Christmas message came between strikes by junior doctors in England, with the longest walkout in NHS history due to begin on January 3. Mr Sunak will call a general election in 2024, with the Tories battling to hold on to power as opinion polls suggest a healthy Labour lead. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer used his message to say the story of Jesus was a reminder that 'in times of darkness and despair, hope, love and peace are always worth advocating for'. He said: 'Throughout the Christmas period, we see the bonds of kinship rekindled as families and friends share in the joy, the hope and the optimism that Christmas provides. 'For Christians the world over, this is a time to rejoice in the birth of Jesus Christ God's son. 'The birth of Jesus Christ brings light into our world and reminds us that in times of darkness and despair, hope, love and peace are always worth advocating for. 'Charity, humility and selflessness take centre stage in the Christmas story and this season serves as a reminder that these qualities should be a guiding light for all of us.' He thanked the NHS, Royal Mail workers, military personnel, retail and hospitality staff for their work over Christmas, and praised the 'generosity of churches and charities'. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said: 'I want to send my love and prayers to those caring for loved ones over Christmas. 'You are unsung heroes of our health system and Christmas is a time when your acts of kindness and care are felt even more. 'We hold in our hearts those less fortunate than ourselves. And to those who, this year, are without loved ones over Christmas. 'Whether through loss or the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, if you are missing family and friends at your Christmas table, you are in my thoughts.' Scotland's First Minister Humza Yousaf also reflected on the situation in the Middle East: 'My prayer this Christmas is for peace and an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.' He also said the cost-of-living crisis would also affect people's Christmases. 'Christmas is a special time of year where people gather with their loved ones,' the SNP leader said. 'However, I know for many people many families in Scotland it has been a challenging year. And as we come together over the festive period, the cost of living will be on many people's minds.' Millions of people are bracing for Christmas Eve travel chaos as those making last-minute getaways face disruption on roads and trains. The AA has warned of 'lengthy jams' for traffic, while the Met Office has said Christmas travel plans could be affected with gusts of up to 70mph due to hit. Rail disruption is likely to be compounded by the closure of two of London's busiest railway stations, King's Cross and Paddington, for engineering works. Pictures show how the stations have been left looking like a ghost town, with no passengers and no trains on the platforms. The closure of London Paddington will continue until Wednesday, meaning no mainline trains will serve Heathrow Airport. High winds are due to hit the north of Scotland and northern and central areas of England as people embark on their last journeys before Christmas Day. Two separate yellow weather warnings for wind have been issued, saying people should expect travel disruption, damage to buildings and power cuts, while the rest of the country may see showers. A delivery driver drives through a large paddle during heavy rain in Manchester as Britain is hit with rain and strong winds Paddington Station, which is closed due to engineering works, was empty this morning High winds are due to hit the north of Scotland and northern and central areas of England as people embark on their last journeys before Christmas Day. Kings Cross station in London, which is also closed today for engineering works Meteorologist Liam Eslick said: 'People should make sure to leave more time, especially in exposed areas, it could affect rail networks and ferries. 'People travelling on roads should take care and stay away from high-sided vehicles, and for people who are at home and are going for walks, stay away from coasts.' A yellow weather warning for rain is also currently in force covering much of Wales, with forecasters warning that flooding and travel disruption is possible, and will last until 6pm on Christmas Eve. Between 20 to 40mm of rain is expected widely and 60 to 80mm on higher ground. Mr Eslick said there may be snow on December 25 on mountains in Scotland but it is 'not looking likely that there will be a white Christmas in England'. He added that Christmas Day is expected to be a lot milder than usual, with the average December temperature between 7C and 8C, but the top temperature that could be seen this December 25 is 14C. The warmest Christmas Day on record was 15.6C in 1920, so there is a 'small chance' of it being a record, Mr Eslick added. Forecaster Jonathan Vautrey said: 'Obviously there will be quite a lot of people travelling and wanting to get home for Christmas itself. Cars make their way through a flooded road in Wolverhampton this morning as heavy and persistent rain plagued much of the country last night Swimmers brave the waves at Littlehampton Beach on a wet and windy Christmas Eve morning in the UK Empty platforms at Paddington Station in west London, which is closed due to engineering works Travellers wait to board trains at Euston Station in the early morning on Christmas Eve. Passengers are seen making Christmas getaways at London St Pancras in the early morning Passengers wait to board trains at Euston Station amid the desperate Christmas getaway on Christmas eve The AA has estimated that 16.4 million car journeys will take place on Saturday and warned of significant delays. Pictured: Heavy traffic on the M25 northbound near Byfleet in Surrey yesterday Christmas travellers pack Waterloo Station London yesterday afternoon, with some leaving the capital and other coming in for shopping Queuing traffic on the A102M Blackwall Tunnel approach in Greenwich, south east London, as people make their Christmas getaway yesterday 'Particularly with these strong winds we could see some flying debris thrown on to particular roads or railway services, so if you get a tree down then that's going to cause cancellations and delays. 'There's the potential for isolated power cuts which will again lead to the risk of some disruption at times. 'If you've got a particular train that you're catching make sure you're looking ahead of time if there have been any cancellations. 'Just make sure you're driving carefully, there's the potential that high-sided vehicles could get hit by strong gusts of wind which has the potential to cause impacts, so we might see bridges closing as well.' Motorists have been advised by the RAC to travel before 11am or after 6pm if possible to reduce the chance of being stuck in long queues. At the Port of Dover, waiting times reached 90 minutes at border control on Saturday morning, but the queues cleared by the afternoon. The AA has predicted that today will be one of the busiest days on the UK's roads The RAC said 13.5 million leisure journeys by car are expected through Sunday The port said there had been a surge in demand for ferries after the Channel Tunnel rail link was closed on Thursday due to unscheduled industrial action by French workers, which ruined the travel plans of tens of thousands of people. Meanwhile, a number of serious crashes closed roads across the country on Saturday. The A1 in Northumberland was closed in both directions on Saturday morning after a crash between the A1167 and B1340 near Belford. A multi-vehicle crash closed the M62 in the East Riding of Yorkshire, westbound between J38 near Hull and J37 near Howden on Saturday. And the M25 in Essex was expected to be closed overnight into Sunday clockwise between J27 for the M11 and J28 for the A12, near Brentwood, due to a crash involving a car. Eurostar, which operates passenger rail services to and from London St Pancras, has been operating two extra trains per day between London and Paris including on Christmas Eve to help people whose trains were cancelled on Thursday. Vehicle-carrying train service Eurotunnel is running its usual timetable but is only accepting customers who have pre-booked. The lawmaker who has the governors ear on the $1 billion Kensington Expressway project praised the investment in Black peoples lives and the community benefits she predicted a reconstructed portion of Humboldt Parkway above a tunnel would bring to the East Side. There are a lot of professional Black people who live immediately in that community and off Humboldt Parkway, and they are elated at the fact that, like the people on Bidwell, they will look out their window and see a parkway in front of it, said Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes, D-Buffalo. That adds value to their property. Peoples-Stokes, in a meeting last week with The Buffalo News Editorial Board, also chastised critics for failing to get involved years ago when the plan for Route 33, which is largely the one now being advanced by the state Department of Transportation, was developed by Restore Our Community Coalition, an East Side organization. The community doesnt get engaged until decisions are made, Peoples-Stokes said. When they had an opportunity to be engaged and weigh their opinion, they were not there. At the same time, Peoples-Stokes, who has been in the Assembly 20 years and became majority leader five years ago this month, acknowledged that those now criticizing the plan may not have become involved because they thought there wouldnt be funding for it. Gov. Kathy Hochul announced up to $1 billion for the project in January 2022. A lot of the planning Peoples-Stokes referred to occurred five to 10 years ago, but community meetings began last year. A public comment period on the project ended Nov. 10. The East Side Parkways Coalition, which formed over the summer, and the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy both expressed during that period that they want the expressway filled in to restore the full parkway designed by Frederick Law Olmsted between Delaware and Martin Luther King Jr. parks. Both groups have raised concerns about the level of air pollutants that would go into the nearby community from the tunnel. State transportation department officials say that pollution would be within federal standards. The coalitions study of the data claims it would be worse. The conservancy and coalition want an agency with a broader perspective than the DOT to oversee the project. The coalition has pointed to the community consensus realized after the DOT asked the Greater Buffalo Niagara Transportation Council to take over planning for the Scajaquada Expressway redesign. I intentionally dont go to the community meetings where the naysayers are, Peoples-Stokes told The News. A lot of them dont have all the facts, its all emotional, and it didnt come to them because they wanted to be engaged in this project. It came to them because somebody said you should say no to this for this reason and to say no for that reason. Later in the 47-minute meeting, People-Stokes indicated that could change, though she expects the process to wrap up in a matter of weeks. I will go talk to those people, she said. Peoples-Stokes said she believes white people are undermining the plan she favors, though many of the leaders of the multiracial East Side Parkways Coalition are Black. On Thursday, the day after the Editorial Board meeting, only two people spoke in favor of the project at a community meeting attended by an overwhelmingly Black audience of about 75 people that filled the Frank E. Merriweather Library auditorium on Jefferson Avenue. We talk about things in Buffalo until nothing happens, Peoples-Stokes said. Its called paralysis of analysis analyze everything until its too late to make something happen, and every time this happens its something thats led by white people, and its not being disrespectful, its being truthful. If the project runs into trouble, she said, it could jeopardize federal funds awarded in April from the Biden administrations Reconnecting Communities initiative, which seeks to remove highways that severed predominantly Black and brown neighborhoods mostly in the 1950s and 60s. That money was given to cover part of the Kensington plan. If were not going to reconnect our community, maybe there is another Black community somewhere else that can use $55 million to reinvest in theirs, she said. At the same time, Peoples-Stokes said she understands why people would want to see the parkway restored. When I first got engaged, that was the picture I had and its still the picture I have, she said. I believe it should be reconnected. But Peoples-Stokes said it needs to be done in two to three phases, if funding is available to do so in later years. Filling in that portion of the expressway would also be unfair to commuters, she said. Peoples-Stokes downplayed air quality concerns that she said had ravaged neighborhoods by the expressway because of changes in automobile technology. By the time this project is finished, there will clearly be more electric vehicles on our roads, she said. But if car emissions are a problem, redirecting traffic from the 33 onto city streets isnt a solution, either, she said. Why is it OK to take that environmental problem and put it on Walden (Avenue)? she said. Why is it OK to take that environmental problem on Sycamore or Broadway? These are poor, working-class people living there, mostly Black and brown. I dont get the logic of that. She dismissed as frivolous a lawsuit filed against the DOT by Terrence Robinson and Marcia Ladiana, longtime Humboldt Parkway residents. And she heralded the Kensington project as unique in a city still feeling the impacts of racism. My biggest point is we have to at some point be willing to invest in something that Black people want for themselves and their community, Peoples-Stokes said. Weve never done it before in the City of Buffalo, and I dont even know where weve done it in America. The school systems dont invest in us we dont get the best of results in that. Law enforcement doesnt invest in us. We dont get the best out of that. We barely get anything were supposed to get as citizens of America. While she wants to see Black businesses capitalize on construction work the DOT has said could last four years, Black people have intentionally been thwarted there, too, Peoples-Stokes said. Where are the minority construction companies? she said. There arent a significant amount that can take major projects because we havent allowed there to be any in Buffalo. The building trades dont allow Black people to be in the building trades in Buffalo. Heres the thing that people just dont want to recognize: There is still a problem with racism here. People do not want Black people to own companies. Peoples-Stokes said shes hopeful there will be workforce development opportunities, pointing out one now helping people of color learn skills to work on the Bills stadium project. She also heralded the DOTs decision to add 9 miles of street improvements to neighborhoods surrounding that portion of Humboldt, including curbs, sidewalks and trees, which she predicted will boost property values and East Side business development. Looking beyond the project, Peoples-Stokes said her team is beginning to look at neighborhood home repair assistance, infill housing, beautification measures and tax cap legislation to protect longtime homeowners. She is confident the current proposal will be approved by the Federal Highway Administration in early 2024. The US has accused Iran of being behind a drone attack on a chemical tanker in the Indian Ocean. The attack on the Chem Pluto on Saturday resulted in a fire, though no casualties were reported. Though Iran has not commented on the attack, the US military said the 'one-way attack' was delivered by a 'drone fired from Iran.' It is understood to be the first time the US has accused Iran of targeting a ship directly. It is also believed to be the furthest attack undertaken by Iran from its own soil. Yesterday, it accused Iran of backing Houthi rebels in Yemen who have targeted commercial ships in the Red Sea. The accusations comes as Iran has threatened to close off the Strait of Gibraltar and the Mediterranean Sea if Israel and its allies continue to commit 'crimes' in Gaza. Iran, which has backed Hamas, accused the US and other western states of propping up Israel's alleged war crimes committed during its ground offensive in the Gaza Strip, where more than 20,000 people have died since October 7. 'They shall soon await the closure of the Mediterranean Sea, (the Strait of) Gibraltar and other waterways,' Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Naqdi, a senior member of the country's Islamic Revolutionary Corps, said on Saturday. The Iran-aligned Houthi group, based in Yemen, has attacked several merchant vessels sailing through the Red Sea in retaliation against Israel's brutal assault on the Gaza Strip, disrupting global trade and forcing some shipping companies to switch routes. The White House said on Friday that Iran was 'deeply involved' in the planning of these attacks. 'They shall soon await the closure of the Mediterranean Sea, (the Strait of) Gibraltar and other waterways,' Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Naqdi, a senior member of the country's Islamic Revolutionary Corps, said The Strait of Gibraltar and the Mediterranean Sea are waterways that carry up to a fifth of the world's maritime trade Over 20,000 people have died in Gaza as a result of Israel's ground offensive against the enclave While Iran has no direct access to the Mediterranean itself and it was not clear how the Guards could attempt to close it off, Iran-backed proxies in Lebanon and Syria have access to these waterways, which carry around a fifth of the world's maritime trade. Naqdi talked of 'the birth of new powers of resistance and the closure of other waterways'. 'Yesterday, the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz became a nightmare for them, and today they are trapped ... in the Red Sea,' Naqdi added. National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson told CNN that the US has intelligence that suggests Iran has provided a monitoring system which is essential for the attacks. 'Iran has the choice to provide or withhold this support, without which the Houthis would struggle to effectively track and strike commercial vessels navigating shipping lanes through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden,' Watson said. While Iran has no direct access to the Mediterranean itself and it was not clear how the Guards could attempt to close it off, Iran-backed proxies in Lebanon and Syria have access to these waterways 'Iranian-provided tactical intelligence has been critical in enabling Houthi targeting of maritime vessels since the group commenced attacks in November,' she added. But Iran's deputy foreign minister rejected claims that it was involved in the Houthi attacks. 'The resistance (Huthis) has its own tools... and acts in accordance with its own decisions and capabilities,' Iran's deputy foreign minister Ali Bagheri told the country's Mehr news agency. 'The fact that certain powers, such as the Americans and the Israelis, suffer strikes from the resistance movement... should in no way call into question the reality of the strength of the resistance in the region,' he added. The Houthis have fought against Yemen's government since 2014, taking up large swathes of land, and have been backed by Iran. Following Israel's retaliatory offensive against the Gaza Strip, the group's leaders declared war on Israel, and have launched several strikes against Israeli cities, despite being thousands of miles away. Iran has repeatedly warned that Israel's war against Hamas would soon widen. Last month, Iran's foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said the intensity of the war meant its expansion 'inevitable'. The nation's president, Ebrahim Raisi, previously said Iran sees it as 'its duty to support the resistance groups' but insisted that they 'are independent in their opinion, decision and action'. The UK and allies will not allow the Red Sea to become a 'no go' zone for shipping and will step up efforts to tackle Iran's 'malign influence', Cabinet ministers have said. Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said the UK was committed to 'repelling' the attacks on ships using the vital trade route by an Iranian-backed group in Yemen. And Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron said Tehran must be sent an 'incredibly clear message' that its activities would not be tolerated. Mr Shapps told the Sunday Times: 'We are committed to protecting British interests - vessels sailing under a UK flag, or with British sailors or carrying goods destined for our shores. 'We have seen the disruption the terrorist attacks have caused - with major operators including Maersk and BP avoiding the region. 'We can't allow any maritime area to become a no-go area, particularly such a vital route. But wider than that, we need to promote a safer world. 'The spate of illegal attacks represent a direct threat to international commerce and maritime security. 'The rules-based world order means we have to remain committed to repelling these attacks to protect the free flow of global trade, and I am determined the UK will remain a major player in that.' Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron said the Houthi rebels in Yemen, who have targeted cargo vessels using the busy trade route, were just one of the groups backed by Iran, including Hamas. The attacks on shipping in the Red Sea by the Houthis began in response to the conflict in Gaza, with the group claiming it was targeting vessels with Israeli links. Further incidents involving ships being targeted by drones in the Red Sea were reported on Saturday. Lord Cameron said: 'Iran is a thoroughly malign influence in the region and in the world - there's no doubt about that. 'You've got the Houthis, you've got Hezbollah, you've got the Iranian-backed militias in Iraq that have actually been attacking British and American bases, troops. 'And, of course, Hamas. So you've got all of these proxies, and I think it's incredibly important that, first of all, Iran receives an incredibly clear message that this escalation will not be tolerated. 'Second of all, we need to work with our allies to develop a really strong set of deterrent measures against Iran, and it's important that we do that. 'The level of danger and insecurity in the world is at an extremely high level compared with previous years and decades, and the Iran threat is a part of that picture.' The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), a Royal Navy initiative which provides information on security incidents to shipping operators, highlighted a series of attacks on Saturday. There were multiple reports of a drone flying low above a vessel before exploding around 1.5 nautical miles away from it, with the incident taking place around 50 nautical miles off the Yemeni coast. Another drone attack was reported in the Red Sea around 45 nautical miles from Saleef, Yemen. A further incident on Saturday took place around 200 miles south west of Veraval, India - well beyond the Red Sea which has been the focus of attacks on shipping - with the US claiming a kamikaze drone launched from Iran hit a chemical tanker. Lord Cameron's comments followed a visit to the Middle East which saw him discuss the situation in the Red Sea with his Egyptian counterpart. Royal Navy warship HMS Diamond has already joined an international operation to protect cargo vessels and Lord Cameron hinted at potentially greater British involvement in the coalition. If the Red Sea is too dangerous for shipping, vessels travelling between Asia and Europe will be forced to detour around the southern tip of Africa rather than use the Suez Canal, adding costs. Councils across the UK have told revellers to cancel their Christmas plans and stay at home if they are 'feeling slightly under the weather'. Issuing warnings on social media, councils in Cheshire, Merseyside and Wigan all told locals to 'stay at home and protect others' if feeling slightly unwell. Their caution also applied to those with a 'cold, stomach bug, or the flu'. Commenting on the post, one local from Warrington complained: 'We're free to go where we like. You can keep your living in fear. Thank you.' Meanwhile Knowsley Council told revellers: 'Nobody likes to receive the flu as a Christmas gift.' Indeed, locals are likely to be disappointed by the guidance, particularly because many have been forced to miss out on celebrations in the past few years because of Covid and isolation. Councils across the UK have told revellers to cancel their Christmas plans and stay at home if they are 'feeling slightly under the weather' (stock image) Issuing warnings on social media, Cheshire, Merseyside and Wigan councils all told locals to 'stay at home and protect others' if feeling slightly unwell But some may be forced out of celebrating this year, with Covid sweeping the UK once again, with infections more than doubling in just a fortnight. Anyone nursing a cold or flu-like symptoms should avoid mixing with elderly relatives over Christmas, health leaders have said. The warning comes as new figures show rising numbers of hospital patients have flu and more people are infected with Covid-19 in the community. Around one in 24 people in England and Scotland - 2.5million in total - are likely to have tested positive for coronavirus in mid-December. This is more than double the number at the start of the month, when it was one in 50, according to the winter Covid-19 infection study. The virus is estimated to be more prevalent among 18 to 44 year-olds than in older age groups, with London and the South East experiencing the highest regional rates. Meanwhile, the number of people in hospital in England with flu each day last week has increased by nearly two-thirds (61 per cent) in a week, from 402 to 648, including 30 in critical care. Their caution also applied to those with a 'cold, stomach bug, or the flu' Norovirus levels are also on the increase, with an average of 566 adult hospital beds filled last week by patients with diarrhoea and vomiting or norovirus-like symptoms. This is up 12 per cent from 506 beds the previous week and is 56 per cent higher than at this stage last year, when the average stood at 363, NHS England said. Professor Steven Riley, director-general for data and surveillance at the UK Health Security Agency, said: 'At this time of year, the cold weather, shorter days and increased socialising mean that the potential for transmission of respiratory viruses like Covid-19 is particularly high. 'This, as well as the possible impact of new variants, means it's not unexpected to see cases increasing. 'If you are showing symptoms of Covid-19 or other respiratory illnesses, you should try to limit your contact with other people as much as possible, especially those who are older or more vulnerable.' The Covid-19 variant Omicron BA.2.86, first identified in August, is now the dominant variant in circulation in England, according to the UKHSA. Around one in 24 people in England and Scotland - 2.5million in total - are likely to have tested positive for coronavirus in mid-December (Stock Image) Anyone nursing a cold or flu-like symptoms should avoid mixing with elderly relatives over Christmas, health leaders say (Stock Image) One of the subvariants of BA.2.86, called JN.1, was this week classified by the World Health Organisation as a separate 'variant of interest' due to its 'rapidly increasingly spread' around the world. However, JN.1 has yet to become prevalent enough in the UK for the UKHSA to classify it as a variant here. Current Covid infection levels are in line with those detected in mid-January, when cases were declining from the winter peak of around 1.7million, according to a separate Covid monitoring project, ran by health-tech firm ZOE. Professor Sir Stephen Powis, national medical director at NHS England, said the latest figures show 'winter is well and truly with us'. He added: 'We expect this to be the most challenging winter yet with strike action in the mix and high occupancy in our hospitals is deeply concerning as our hard-working staff juggle seasonal viruses and strikes going into Christmas.' Baroness Michelle Mone has claimed that she is being treated like Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar after her bank accounts were frozen amid the PPE scandal. Baroness Mone, 52, is being investigated by the National Crime Agency (NCA) over allegations of fraud and bribery surrounding PPE Medpro, the company led by her husband that received 200million in government contracts during the pandemic. The NCA is understood to have frozen several of her accounts, including one at Coutts, the private bank favoured by the royal family. The freeze was ordered about 12 months ago in a bid to prevent her from moving cash, The Sunday Times reported. But the headline-prone Tory peer claims she only became aware of the freeze when she tried to make a purchase at a petrol station. Lady Michelle, who is widely known as 'Baroness Bra', has now likened herself to the so-called King of Cocaine, telling the newspaper: 'It has been an extremely tough year of pain with frozen accounts. Under the Proceeds of Crime Act, I've been treated like Pablo Escobar. What happened to innocent until proven guilty?' Baroness Michelle Mone (pictured) has claimed that she is being treated like Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar after her bank accounts were frozen by the National Crime Agency amid the PPE scandal Lady Michelle, who is widely known as 'Baroness Bra', has now likened herself to the so-called King of Cocaine, saying: 'It has been an extremely tough year of pain with frozen accounts. Under the Proceeds of Crime Act, I've been treated like Pablo Escobar. What happened to innocent until proven guilty?' Pictured: Pablo Esocabr's 1976 booking photo The NCA is investigating Baroness Mone and her husband, Doug Barrowman, 58, for alleged fraud and bribery in relation to their involvement with the Government's lucrative PPE contract which the couple deny. READ MORE - Baroness Michelle Mone admits she stands to make millions from a PPE deal with the government in 'car crash' interview Advertisement Baroness Mone lobbied Michael Gove and Lord Agnew in May 2020 to secure lucrative business for PPE Medpro. It was then awarded contracts to supply the NHS with medical protective equipment during the pandemic through the 'VIP lane' to fast-track preferred partners. PPE Medpro received one contract, worth 81million, for facemasks and another, valued at 122million, for medical gowns. The deal yielded profits of about 60million, but company is being sued by the Government for 122million, plus costs for alleged 'breach of contract and unjust enrichment'. PPE Medpro is defending the claim. Lady Michelle denied for many years that she was involved in the company and did not declare any link to PPE Medpro on the House of Lords register of interests. But in November last year leaked documents from HSBC revealed that Barrowman had been paid 65million from PPE Medpro's profits. The documents also suggested that 29million of funds were transferred into an offshore trust in which Baroness Mone and her children are beneficiaries. The NCA is investigating Baroness Mone and her husband, Doug Barrowman, 58, for alleged fraud and bribery in relation to their involvement with the Government 's lucrative PPE contract which the couple deny. Lady Michelle is pictured ahead of the State Opening of Parliament in 2017 Baroness Mone and Douglas Barrowman at 'Dining With The Stars' charity dinner In an interview earlier this month, Lady Michelle admitted lying to the Press over her links to the firm but insisted she could not 'see what we have done wrong'. READ MORE - Baroness Mone hits out at Rishi Sunak as PM wades into PPE row involving lingerie tycoon - as she is told not to return to the Lords after admitting lying about links to firm handed contracts worth millions Advertisement Both she and and Barrowman have been questioned under caution by the NCA. However, it is understood that both attended their interviews with prepared statements and, citing legal advice, declined to answer other questions. At least four ministers involved with the handling of the contracts process have reportedly cooperated with investigators. Mr Gove is said to have passed on 'everything'. He said last week that he hopes the NCA investigation 'reaches its conclusion quickly' and that 'justice can be served'. Baroness Mone previously hit out at Prime Minister Rishi Sunak after he said he was taking the scandal 'incredibly seriously. In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, she wrote: 'What is @RishiSunak talking about? 'I was honest with the Cabinet Office, the Government and the NHS in my dealings with them. 'They all knew about my involvement from the very beginning.' She was made a Conservative life peer in 2015 (pictured 2019 at the House of Lords) The pair denied, via lawyers, involvement with PPE Medpro for three years. In a growing row, Lord Bethell, who was a health minister during the Covid pandemic, rejected Baroness Mone's claim. He replied on the social media site that she 'wasn't honest about her financial interest to me' and noted her link to PPE Medpro 'wasn't in her Register of Interests, as you'd expect it'. Baroness Mone then returned to social media again to ask whether the PM stands to profit from Moderna's development of a Covid vaccine. READ MORE - Lingerie tycoon Michelle Mone says she has been treated like drug lord Pablo Escobar after the bank accounts were frozen by National Crime Agency amid PPE scandal Advertisement 'I suggest that he might want to take that "incredibly seriously" before pointing fingers to save his own skin!' she posted. Asked previously about claims he might have benefited financially from investments in pharmaceutical companies - including Moderna - during the Covid pandemic, Mr Sunak has pointed to his interests being held in 'blind trust'. 'I don't actually have any knowledge of what is in there. And that's how that works,' he told TalkTV's Piers Morgan earlier this year. 'The whole point about something that's truly blind is that it's blind from me.' Baroness Mone and Mr Barrowman's interview, on the BBC's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme, saw the peer admit she did not tell the truth about her links to the firm while insisting that she and her husband have 'no case to answer'. When asked about Baroness Mone's admission she had lied about her involvement with PPE Medpro, the PM told reporters during a trip to Scotland: 'The Government takes these things incredibly seriously, which is why we're pursuing legal action against the company concerned in these matters. 'That's how seriously I take it and the Government takes it. 'But it is also subject to an ongoing criminal investigation. And because of that, there's not much further that I can add.' Doug Barrowman (left) pictured with Baroness Michelle Mone (right) at Cheltenham Baroness Mone hit out at the PM's comments in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter Lady Mone and her husband Doug Barrowman (pictured)in a YouTube documentary Government ministers have advised Baroness Mone not to return to the House of Lords, which she has been a member of since 2015 after being handed a peerage by ex-PM David Cameron. She took a leave of absence from Parliament's upper chamber in December last year, which she said at the time was 'in order to clear her name of the allegations that have been unjustly levelled against her'. Labour are calling for Michael Gove to appear before MPs after Baroness Mone claimed she contacted the Cabinet minister at the start of the pandemic following a 'call to arms for all lords, baronesses, MPs, senior civil servants, to help, because they needed massive quantities of PPE'. Labour's Cabinet Office minister Nick Thomas-Symonds demanded Mr Gove, who was Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster during the Covid crisis, appear in the House of Commons to answer questions following her claim. READ MORE - Tory peer Michelle Mone and her husband admit for the first time their involvement with firm at centre of fraud probe after being awarded 200m in PPE contracts during the pandemic Advertisement In a letter to Mr Gove, he said: 'This series of events has led to civil litigation and an NCA investigation. Yet these ongoing matters should not preclude you from addressing questions about your own involvement and the role of the Government. 'Events so far expose a shocking recklessness by the Conservative Government with regard to public money, and a sorry tale of incompetence in relation to the so-called 'VIP Lane' for procurement during the pandemic.' Mr Thomas-Symonds said that Mr Gove should answer questions about the so-called 'call to arms' and what further communications he had with Baroness Mone. 'The very least Conservative ministers owe is maximum possible transparency and there should be an urgent statement to Parliament before the Christmas Recess,' he said. Labour's health spokesman Wes Streeting said: 'Our message to those people who sought to use the pandemic to get rich quick: we want our money back. I don't know who thought it was a good idea for her to do that interview, but I don't think anyone watching will be shedding any tears.' Baroness Mone previously told a YouTube documentary, funded by PPE Medpro, that she believed she would be cleared of all wrongdoing. In the documentary, presented by journalist Mark Williams-Thomas, she admitted she made an 'error' in denying her links to the PPE Medpro firm. The Baroness went on to say she suffers from panic attacks and nightmares about the NCA 'crashing through the house' and she sees them standing over her bed. Lady Mone had initially denied having any links to PPE Medpro but admitted in the film: 'I made an error in what I said to the press. 'I regret not saying to the press straight away, 'Yes, I am involved.' And the Government knew I was involved.' The film, part of a public fightback, was funded by PPE Medpro, according to the Sunday Telegraph. Lady Mone, who was made a peer by Lord David Cameron in 2015, claimed it is '100% a lie' to suggest she was not transparent with officials, and her husband claimed a 'DHSC negotiator' suggested the case could 'go away' for the right sum. She said in the documentary: 'It's 100 per cent a lie. It's not true. I wanted the guys to succeed, I wanted the NHS to succeed. I wanted a win-win situation.' When asked what she felt when the pandemic hit, she said: 'I thought I could fix it. I could fix it by getting quality PPE on time at the best prices.' Aaron Gold, 26, moved from his home in Philadelphia to Israel on November 16 despite the crisis More than 200 Americans have moved to Israel since the barbaric Hamas attack on Israel on October 7. Aaron Gold, 26, was visiting friends in Israel when the war broke out. After returning to his home in Philadelphia he felt a strong desire to return to the Holy Land despite the ongoing war. 'Hezbollah could attack now, they could attack in six months, they could attack in six years,' he told The Times of Israel. 'You can't plan it.' A product manager at Deloitte, Gold packed his bags and left the City of Brotherly Love heading to Israel. He said 'making aliyah' (moving to the Land of Israel that is one of basic principles of Zionism) has always been a dream. On November 16 it became official. Gold is one of the 218 Americans, as of December 24, that are part of the 2,662 who have moved to Israel after the October 7 attack when Palestinian militant extremist group slaughtered more than 1,200 people and 240 hostages, Israeli officials said. Aaron Gold, 26, pictured with his mother at the airport. Gold was among one of 218 Americans who left the United States to move to Israel after the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel. Protestors gather in New York on December 18 for a pro-Palestine activist march as they participate in a Global Strike for Gaza to demand a ceasefire Groups gather holding Israeli flags as they are smile as they return back to their homeland The highest numbers are from Russia at 1,635; followed by the United States at 218 Ukraine at 128, 116 people from France and 106 from Belarus. The ministry said the numbers are smaller than the average in recent years. During the same period last year, there were 16,400 new immigrants that arrived in Israel, due mostly in part, to the war in Ukraine, and when political discord in Israel had already depressed immigration beyond the usual rate, as per the news outlet. Yona and Mikhael Benichou were planning to move to Israel from their native France once their oldest son started university, but after October 7 they expedited their plans to immigrate. Yona told the news outlet the events of October 7 was 'the straw that broke the camel's back,' and on October 31 they arrived in their new country. The term used for new arrivals is called 'olim.' People gather at the airport holding up welcome signs and Israeli flags for the new arrivals Another young man leaves his country to embark on a new life in Israel after the October 7 attack She shared one disturbing event that occurred in their hometown of Marseilles before their exit when they were spit on by a group of rugby fans while walking down the street. The family had been wearing items that showed that they were Jewish before the anti-Semitic attack. She told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, 'I was in total shock, I didn't know how to react. Lots of other people saw what happened but no one tried to help us.' Yona added, 'the antisemites were always there. But after October 7, we felt like they have a platform to do whatever they like and that no one and definitely not the French authorities can stop them.' The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews purchased flights for the Benichous family and donated $2,000 towards furnishings for the family's new home in the Israeli city of Beit Shemesh. Since October 7, the organization has help 317 people 'make aliyah.' The new immigrants are known as 'olim.' The term is used for those Jews who move to Israel despite the uncertainty that lies ahead. The group's president, Yael Eckstein told The Times of Israel that she anticipates more people moving to Israel once the war ends. There are also concerns about the spike in antisemitism. She said she has seen an 'increase in the number of requests for information about the immigration process from countries where cases of antisemitic incidents have risen.' Another non-profit organization called Nefesh B'Nefesh, also called Jewish Souls United, helps facilitate aliyah from the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. Since the start of the war, the organization helped facilitate aliyah for 384 people from the United States and Canada. The group's vice president of communications, Yael Katsman told JTA those individuals, who arrived in Israel had begun the process of relocating long before October 7 attack. Eckstein and Katsman noted that there has been a 'vast surge' in interest since the October 7 attacks - marking an 'an unprecedented increase' of more than 100% in aliyah applications compared to the same time last year, the news outlet reported. The dramatic increase, is due in part, they said to the increased 'commitment to building Israel' by Diaspora Jewry during 'difficult historic events.' The Jewish Agency chairman Major General Reserve Doron Almog told The Jerusaleum Post last month that the agency expects one million olim (new immigrants) in Israel during the next few years. He said, 'over the next few years, we anticipate a million new immigrants due to the increasing antisemitism in Jewish communities around the world.' Lat month, the CEO of the Anti-Defamation League said in an appearance on MSNBC that anti-Semitism has increased by a staggering 388 percent since Hamas' barbaric assault on Israel that began on October 7 The ADL Center on Extremism said preliminary data showed 312 reported U.S. anti-Semitic incidents from Oct. 7 to Oct. 23, including harassment, vandalism and assault. Pictured: Pro-Palestine groups fill NYC's Grand Central Terminal The 218 Americans who have moved to Israel comes as the country has seen a staggering rise in antisemitism. Lat month, the CEO of the Anti-Defamation League said in an appearance on MSNBC that anti-Semitism has increased by a staggering 388 percent since Hamas' barbaric assault on Israel that began on October 7. Jonathan Greenblatt, who is also the director of the advocacy group, told The Sunday Show that his group has seen attacks on everyday businesses that are run by Jewish people, in addition to attacks on individuals and places of worship. 'I'm not talking about stores producing IDF [Israel Defense Forces] T-shirts; I'm talking about a coffee shop on Long Island, an ice cream parlor in the Bay Area, a restaurant in Chicago,' he said. 'Antisemitism has been intensifying and increasing. We've seen it normalized, and from the far-right and from the hard left,' Greenblatt added. Greenblatt also raised the issue of the spate of anti-Semitic incidents that have taken place on campuses of Ivy-league colleges including Harvard and Cornell. The ADL Center on Extremism said preliminary data showed 312 reported U.S. anti-Semitic incidents from Oct. 7 to Oct. 23, including harassment, vandalism and assault. About 190 of those were directly linked to the war between Israel and Hamas. Among examples cited by ADL were alleged physical assault; violent online messages, especially on messaging platform Telegram; and rallies where 'ADL found explicit or strong implicit support for Hamas and/or violence against Jews in Israel.' A second man has been arrested on suspicion of theft and criminal damage after Banksy's 250,000 'drone stop' sign art installation was stolen in broad daylight. The piece of street art - a traffic stop sign covered with three aircraft resembling military drones - was revealed in Peckham, southeast London, at midday on Friday. But less than an hour after Banksy confirmed it was genuine by posting a photo on social media, witnesses saw the artwork being removed by a man with bolt cutters. A man in his 40s was arrested today in connection with the removal of the art installation, the Met Police has said. He remains in police custody. A 23-year-old man was arrested in connection with the incident yesterday. He has been bailed pending further inquiries until a date in mid-March. A man was seen taking down the sign on Friday using a pair of bolt cutters - balancing on an e-bike to allow him to reach. The rider of the e-bike was an onlooker and didn't carry out the theft The extraordinary scenes unfolded at the intersection of Southampton Way and Commercial Way in Peckham at about 12.30pm on Friday The man, dressed in a red jacket on Friday and apparently wearing work gear, pulled the sign down before making off with it The artwork was revealed at the intersection of Southampton Way and Commercial Way on Friday. Witnesses later saw the sign being removed by a man with bolt cutters less than an hour after Banksy confirmed it was genuine by posting a photo on social media. Photos from the scene show a man wearing a red and black jacket using a Lime hire bicycle to prop himself up, with one foot on the saddle and the other on the handle bars, while another man holds the bike steady against the pole. A further image shows the man in red and black running in front of a white van with the stop sign after managing to remove it. The incident, which was caught on video, has seemingly upset the community. A voice could be heard on the clip saying, 'it makes me so annoyed,' as the man ran away. A regular stop sign has since been installed to avoid endangering road users at the intersection, police confirmed. A spokesperson added: 'This incident is currently being investigated by officers from the Met's central south CID. We are aware of footage being shared which shows the sign being removed. 'Anyone who may have information about the incident or the whereabouts of the sign is asked to call police.' A witness said that the small crowd of people that had shown up to view the work stood around watching in awe as the scene unfolded. 'We said, "What are you doing?" But no one really knew what to do, we sort of just watched it happen,' the witness, who wished only to be identified as Alex, said on Friday. 'We were all a bit bemused; there was some honking of car horns.' The artwork had been left at the intersection of Southampton Way and Commercial Way in Peckham, south London The man ran away holding the sign after removing it on Friday The man who seemingly removed the sign also left the pair of bolt cutters behind at the scene Banksy - a traffic stop sign covered with three military drones - was his in an Instagram post on Friday shortly after midday Jasmine Ali, deputy leader of the local borough council, on Friday called for the piece to be returned, saying: 'It should not have been removed and we'd like it back so everyone in the community can enjoy Banksy's brilliant work.' Pieces by the rogue artist have been sold for millions of pounds - and experts are already speculating that it could make hundreds of thousands amid speculation that it may have been taken for a quick profit. Banksy's thought-provoking and satirical art often takes aim at war. Many of his followers on Instagram interpreted his latest work as calling for a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip. This is a developing story. Check back for updates. The husband of a pregnant Utah influencer who was killed in a horror crash as they drove home for Christmas has now also died. Chloe Stott, 24, and her husband, Parker, had been driving to Arizona to surprise their families with news that she was expecting, when tragedy struck on Highway 93 near Wickenburg, Maricopa County, on Wednesday night. The influencer and her unborn baby boy died at the scene. Parker was airlifted to the Arizona Burn Center in a critical condition and had to undergo three surgeries including a leg amputation. His family confirmed on the day before Christmas Eve that he had died in hospital. 'He's the strongest person and has fought so hard. At 6.47pm, Parker grew his angel wings to fly him to Heaven to be with his sweet love Chloe and their baby,' his family said in a touching tribute. Chloe Stott, 24, and her husband, Parker, had been driving to Arizona to surprise their families with news that she was expecting, when tragedy struck on Highway 93 near Wickenburg, Maricopa County, on Wednesday night The influencer and her unborn baby boy died at the scene. Parker was airlifted to the Arizona Burn Center in a critical condition and had to undergo three surgeries including a leg amputation. His family confirmed that he died in hospital on the day before Christmas Eve The couple's devastated family also posted a video of them pulling up to their driveway, where a crowd of people were holding what appeared to be a surprise vigil for Chloe and Parker 'Early this morning, Parker went in for his third surgery to do some clean up on his burns, as well as start on some skin grafting for his leg,' a social media account run by his family said. 'At the completion of the surgery, the surgeons delivered the news that Parker's injuries were even more extensive than what we were already aware of and the outlook was extremely bleak. 'A few hours later, we received the update that Parker's vitals were dropping and he was going fast. We gather around him as a family, kissed him, hugged him, held his hand, told him just how much we loved him and how proud we were of him. The couple's devastated family also posted a video of them pulling up to their driveway, where a crowd of people were holding what appeared to be a surprise vigil for Chloe and Parker. A fundraiser for the couple, which has raised almost $200,000, said they were about to announce the news of their pregnancy to the rest of the family when the horror crash struck. 'They had just found out they were pregnant and were so excited to be parents and share the news with their loved ones over Christmas,' the GoFundMe page reads. Police said on Friday the crash happened at 8.18pm Wednesday when the couple's white Toyota Tundra pickup truck was passing vehicles in a legal passing zone but failed to complete the pass and hit a white Volvo commercial truck tractor head-on. The Volvo's driver was taken to the hospital as a precaution, KSL reported. Parker's family confirmed on the day before Christmas Eve that he had died in hospital The couple's devastated family has launched a memorial Instagram account for them Chloe Stott, 24, and her husband Parker were driving to Arizona to spend the holidays with their families when tragedy struck on Wednesday night Chloe was the owner of the popular Clover Skin bar in Lindon, Utah The Clover Skin bar specializes in aging and acne and is attended by several influencers Chloe had posted loving pictures with Parker on her Instagram the day of the crash, writing: 'You n Me forever Parker.' She was the owner of the popular Clover Skin bar, which specializes in aging and acne and is attended by several influencers in Lindon, northern Utah. Many of Chloe's influencer clients also honored her following news of her death, as did the esthetician community at large. TikTok influencer Emilie Kiser was one of many to leave a message for Chloe, writing: 'We love you.' Kiser also shared a picture of Chloe and Parker on her Instagram story and wrote: 'Hug your loved ones because life is so fragile. We Love you, Chloe. A true Angel.' The popular @thedallasaesthetician account ran by Savanna Boda also commented, saying: 'Rest in peace Chloe. you will be missed.' Fellow skin expert Jenna Rammell of the @jennaskitchen account added: 'Heart broken, So much love for you Chloe. The couple's loved ones have been leaving hundreds of comments under the image, expressing shock over the loss. One comment read: 'There are no words. The very best people. Fly high chloe, I love you.' Another added: 'I know youre still doing beautiful things. You are so missed, and you are SO loved.' The couple's loved ones have left hundreds of comments under the image, expressing shock over the loss Parker was airlifted to the Arizona Burn Center and is in critical condition A third commenter wrote: 'Chloe, the legacy you left behind will never be forgotten. Absolutely devastated. We love you.' Chloe and Parker married four years ago and often posted online about their love for each other. She also often posted about her father, who passed away in 2015 from cancer, and her trips to Arizona to visit her siblings and nieces and nephews. Her uncle David Cook left a message on her Instagram, saying: 'Two of the sweetest people on this earth. We will miss you so much. You have your father to meet up with now.' The Clover Skin Bar posted on Instagram that it would close for the week 'due to an unexpected tragedy.' Cities across the United States have seen huge increases in retail theft since 2019 with New York City and Los Angeles suffering the most. There have been 8,453 more shoplifting incidents across 24 cities in the first half of 2023 compared to the same period in 2019, according to data from the Council on Criminal Justice. Crime-ridden New York City has seen the biggest impact with a 64 percent increase in retail theft, followed by Los Angeles with a 61 percent jump and Virginia Beach, Virginia, which has seen a 44 percent rise. Dallas and Raleigh, North Carolina, round off the top five with an increase in shoplifting of 20 percent and 19 percent, respectively. But other cities have seen levels of crime reduce dramatically including St. Petersburg, Florida, which has enjoyed a 78 percent fall in theft and Minnesota twin cities St Paul and Minneapolis where it has dropped by 65 percent and 57 percent. Cities across the United States have seen huge increases in retail theft since 2019 with New York City and Los Angeles suffering the most. Pictured: Masked thieves stealing $2million worth of gems in New York City There have been 8,453 more shoplifting incidents across 24 cities in the first half of 2023 compared to the same period in 2019, according to data from the Council on Criminal Justice Crime-ridden New York City has seen the biggest impact with a 64 percent increase in retail theft, followed by Los Angeles with a 61 percent jump and Virginia Beach, Virginia, which has seen a 44 percent rise. Pictured: Masked thieves stealing perfumes at a Macy's in LA The Council on Criminal Justice has tracked the changing rates of crime in large US cities since the pandemic. Reported cases of shoplifting rebounded since they fell dramatically in 2020 and New York City saw a 64 percent rise from mid-2019 to mid-2023. There were 11,000 more retail thefts in the Big Apple during this period, the most of any city in the study. The NYPD has been continuing to battle a growing wave of thefts at pharmacies, department stores and even jewelry stores. A gang of masked men stole $2million worth of gems in less than a minute during a brazen smash-and-grab at a Brooklyn jewelry store. Shocking footage showed the hooded brutes bash their way into the cases with hammers before stuffing the goods into a large bag. According to Mayor Eric Adams - nearly a third of all shoplifting arrests involve the same 327 seasoned criminals. Adams announced a new plan in May that involved a streamlined way for businesses to report shoplifting to the NYPD, establishes a neighborhood retail watch program, and creates a specialized task force to respond to shoplifting incidents. Los Angeles recorded the second largest increase with 61 percent with 5,662 cases reported in the first half of 2023 compared to 3,518 until June 2019. The Southern California city saw a shocking 109 percent increase in the first six months of this year. The number of shoplifting incidents nationwide is projected to reach 122,368 by the end of 2023, which is the highest since 2018. Pictured: Dallas store robbed at gunpoint in May The study shows that the median value of goods stolen grew from around $75 in 2019 to $100 in 2021 In September, a group of flash rob' thieves were seen storming into a Los Angeles Macy's department store at Northridge Mall before filling their bags with $20,000 worth of perfume. Cellphone video of the crime showed several men dressed in dark hoodies and blue medical face masks loading up bags of what appeared to be cologne and perfume merchandise. Virginia Beach also saw a 44 percent rise while Dallas recorded a 20 percent increase and Raleigh suffered a 19 percent rise. The other cities where shoplifting increased were Boston, at 12 percent, and Pittsburgh which saw an 8 percent jump. But 19 of the 24 cities saw a reduction in the number of retail theft recorded in the first half of 2023 compared to the same period in 2019. St. Petersburg saw shoplifting fall enormously by 78 percent and Minnesota cities St Paul and Minneapolis enjoyed a 65 percent and 57 percent drop. While retail theft in St Louis, Austin and Colorado Springs fell by 48 percent, 47 percent and 46 percent, respectively. The number of shoplifting incidents nationwide is projected to reach 122,368 by the end of 2023, which is the highest since 2018. This figure is a staggering 35,000 higher than retail theft reported during 2020. The Council for Criminal Justice gave multiple possible explanations, including an increase in bail reform laws and a higher rate at which stores report retail theft The study shows that the median value of goods stolen grew from around $75 in 2019 to $100 in 2021. In May, New York City Mayor Eric Adams vowed to crack down on retail thefts in the Big Apple, as a crime wave continues to plague businesses in the Dem-run city A report by the National Retail Federation found Los Angeles had the highest rate of 'organized retail crime ' for the fifth consecutive year Shoplifting incidents which involved assault or another crime rose 9 percent from 2019 to 2021. However, store assaults were seven percent lower in the first half of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. A report from the National Retail Foundation found that shrink - the total losses incurred by retailers - rose by $20 billion in a year to an eye-watering $112.2 billion in 2022. And with up to 70 percent of those losses accounted for by theft, it means firms shoplifters stole approximately $78.4 billion. The research contained insights from 177 brands that accounted for $1.6 trillion annual sales in the US in 2022. Retailers have always been vulnerable to shopliftings but there has recently been an emergence of coordinated and organized robberies at stores. The NRF report confirms that the trend is largely being driven by major metro areas. The top five locations are also Democrat-led areas. It has led to a drastic pushback from stores, with the likes of Target and CVS locking up their products to deter shoplifters. A 'selfless' mother who was tragically killed in a suspected hit-and-run crash alongside her two dogs has been named. Marie Theobald, 48, from Hainault, was walking with two dogs named Riley and Honey on Manford Way, Chigwell, when she was hit by a car, believed to be a white Seat Leon. Emergency services were called at 5.09pm on Friday but she was pronounced dead at the scene, as were the dogs. The driver failed to stop and the Seat Leon was located nearby shortly after the collision, the Metropolitan Police said. A man was arrested in connection with the crash and taken into police custody. Marie Theobald, 48, and her two dogs, Riley and Honey (all pictured together), were killed in the horror crash on Friday Emergency services were called at 5.09pm on Friday but she was pronounced dead at the scene, as were the dogs. Pictured: Manford Way In a heartfelt tribute, Ms Theobald's family said: 'Marie was a loving mother, daughter, sister, niece and friend. 'Marie was an honest, hardworking, selfless woman who would do anything for anyone. Marie always put others first. 'The dogs, Riley and Honey, were much loved members of the family. 'They adored Marie as she adored them. 'May they all rest in perfect peace together. 'The family ask for their privacy to be respected at this time.' The 48-year-old woman was walking with two pets on Manford Way in Chigwell, Essex when she was hit by a car at around 5pm yesterday The driver failed to stop and the Seat Leon was located nearby shortly after the collision, the Metropolitan Police said Police officers, London Ambulance Service and London's Air Ambulance attended the scene but despite their efforts, Ms Theobald was pronounced dead at the scene. Her family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers. Anyone with information and any witnesses yet to speak with police are asked to call 101, ref CAD 5312/22dec. The suspect ran away, leaving the gun behind, and is still at large On Saturday, a gunman opened fire in a 'targeted' attack at a Florida mall, killing one man and injuring a woman Police have shared photos of an on-the-run suspect in a 'targeted' Florida mall shooting that left one man dead and a woman injured yesterday. Authorities responded to calls reporting an 'active shooter' at the Paddock Mall in Ocala, located 80 miles northwest of Orlando, around 3.40 pm Saturday. One man was shot multiple times - including in the head - and pronounced dead at the scene. A woman, who was shot in the leg, was taken to a hospital and is expected to survive. Police have now released photos of a person of interest in the shooting - a black man wearing all black, with white sneakers and a red cap. At a press conference on Saturday evening, police said they believed it was a 'targeted act' and that the man who died was the intended victim. Police have released photos of a person of interest in the shooting along with an appeal for information as to their identity and whereabouts Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken said: 'Officers immediately made entry into the mall and ultimately discovered this was not an active shooter situation.' 'One adult male was found deceased in a common area, and one woman was taken to the hospital and is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries,' authorities said. The suspect 'fled the mall being undetected' after the shooting, leaving behind the gun, and remains at large. 'We believe the shooter fled the area and is at large. We also believe this shooting may have been targeted,' Balken said. Officers locked down the mall for twelve hours and did a sweep of the building, but did not find the shooter. Sharing the new photos of the suspect, officials offered a $3,000 reward in exchange for any information leading to an arrest. A helicopter could be seen scouring the area in the immediate aftermath as officers looked for the suspect. The shooting left holiday shoppers fleeing in panic over the sounds of gunshots. Authorities responded to calls reporting an 'active shooter' at the Paddock Mall in Ocala, located 80 miles northwest of Orlando, around 3.40 pm Saturday One person was killed and another was left injured after a shooting at a shopping mall in central Florida , and the suspect remains on the run on Sunday Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken speaks during a news conference following a fatal shooting Syriah Williams, 18, was shopping with her mother at the mall at the time. She told CNN: 'We heard one shot then a pause then three other shots rang out and chaos erupted.' She said mall employees opened the back storage area and instructed everyone to run. As well as the two direct victims, several other shoppers suffered injuries during the shooting, with one person having chest pain and another reporting a broken arm, police said. Police recovered a gun believed to have been used by the shooter but did not specify the firearm type. They also identified the man who died as 40-year-old David Nathaniel Barron. It is still unclear how the victim and the suspect knew one another or if and how the female victim is involved. The Ocala Police Department confirmed that one man was shot in the head and pronounced dead on the scene Officers from the Marion County Sheriff's Office, county and city fire rescue teams, and the Florida Highway Patrol were on-site 'We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and we are committed to bringing the perpetrator to justice,' authorities said. They added the shooting is 'the worst thing we can imagine this time of the year.' Balken said there were 'a lot of people inside the mall' at the time of the shooting. 'Which means theres a lot of witnesses that could potentially help us bring this case to a successful resolution,' he added. The mall remained closed as of Saturday night, according to the police department, but the parking lot reopened for people to retrieve their vehicles. Fox News, along with several other networks, butchered an obituary for Dixie Chicks founding member Laura Lynch by mistakenly using the picture of a CBC producer who is alive and well. In a segment of 'FOX & Friends Weekend,' co-host Will Cain announced the tragic death of double bass player Laura Lynch, a founding member of the iconic country music group 'The Dixie Chicks.' The segment took an unexpected turn when a photo of CBC broadcaster Laura Lynch, who is alive and not a professional musician, was plastered across the screen during the show. Laura Lynch of the 'Chicks,' formerly known as 'Dixie chicks' passed away Friday at the age of 65 after a head-on collision in Texas. The crash occurred around 5:40 pm just outside of El Paso. Journalist Laura Lynch, known for her work as a journalist with CBC, has no association with 'The Dixie Chicks.' Fox News , along with several other networks, butchered an obituary for Dixie Chicks founding member Laura Lynch by mistakenly using the picture of a CBC producer of the same name 'Laura Lynch, one of the founding members of the Dixie Chicks, who later were renamed The Chicks, has died at 65,' The Daily Beast shared on X, along with the photo of the CBC producer A prominent graphic featuring a headshot of the CBC broadcaster and the incorrect dates of her 'birth' and 'death' years 1958-2023 was displayed, leaving viewers puzzled To make matters worse, a prominent graphic featuring a headshot of the CBC broadcaster and the years 1958-2023 was displayed, leaving viewers puzzled. The graphic remained on air for nearly 10 seconds, causing concerns among viewers online regarding the fact-checking procedures at Fox News - with some pointing out previous instances of graphic mishaps by Fox News. 'Remember when they showed Patti LaBelle's pic when Aretha Franklin died???' one user commented. The incident sparked both criticism and amusement among viewers online. Another user commented on social media, 'Graphics staff hitting the egg nog a little early...wow,' expressing disbelief at the blunder. A third remarked, 'They are just so bad at this,' accompanied by laughing emojis. Fox later apologized for the error and issued an on-air correction. The Daily Beast, the Chicago Sun-Times, and Breitbart also shared obituary articles featuring a prominent photo of the wrong Laura Lynch. The Daily Beast, the Chicago Sun Times and Breitbart also shared obituary articles featuring a prominent photo of the wrong Laura Lynch 'Laura Lynch, one of the founding members of the Dixie Chicks, who later were renamed The Chicks, has died at 65,' The Daily Beast shared on X, along with the photo of the CBC producer. The media outlets have not removed the photo yet, and it continues to appear on both social media and their websites. In 2018, Fox News was accused of being 'disrespectful' and 'racist' after the network mistakenly used a photo of Patti LaBelle in a tribute to Aretha Franklin. Hours after the legendary artist's death, the news outlet ran an obituary that had an image featuring Franklin in the foreground and fellow artist LaBelle in the background. Viewers quickly noticed the gaffe and posted it on social media, sparking widespread mockery of Fox News - many critics calling the network racist. Fox News apologized for mistakenly including a photo of Patti LaBelle in a tribute to Aretha Franklin. In 2018, Fox News was accused of being 'disrespectful' and 'racist' after the network mistakenly used a photo of Patti LaBelle in a tribute to Aretha Franklin (Franklin pictured performing in 2008) 'Our intention was to honor the icon using a secondary image of her performing with Patti LaBelle in the full screen graphic, but the image of M.s Franklin was obscured in that process, which we deeply regret.' The photo of LaBelle was taken when the 74-year-old performed Over The Rainbow during a 'Women of Soul: In Performance at the White House' special in 2014. However, at no time during that performance did LaBelle and Franklin share the stage. Comedian Chelsea Handler wrote: 'Fox News honored Aretha Franklin by using a graphic that contained a photo of Patti LaBelle. Its probably hard for anyone who works at Fox News to tell black people apart because theyve never worked with any.' Betsie Phillips added: 'Naturally Fox News found a photo of another black woman and said, yes, thats her. So disrespectful. Alsoooo WHO doesnt know Aretha Franklin? Rest In Peace, Queen. No more disrespect.' The former Fox News host had trucks with signs saying 'corporate media is dead' posted outside of the HQs of big media companies on Thursday Just last week, Tucker Carlson lashed out at big news companies and claimed top news organizations are 'dying' and 'they know they're doomed.' In an exclusive interview with DailyMail.com, Carlson, 54, said that on some level, the news networks know they are 'doomed.' 'On they know they're doomed, which is why they're hysterical. The era of dominance by a few big media companies, the era of total control over all information by you know, nine people, that's done,' Tucker said. He recentloy planted billboards at HQs of NYTimes, CNN, MSNBC and the Washington Post with 'corporate media is dead' emblazoned, as he launched his OWN streaming service He this week he'll be launching his own $72-a-year subscription streaming platform called The Tucker Carlson Network The former Fox News host had trucks with signs saying 'corporate media is dead' posted outside of the HQs of big media companies on Thursday A recent analysis shows the U.S. spends more money on health care per person than any other country, yet the nation lags in key health indicators, namely life expectancy. Continued skyrocketing health care costs, driven largely by specialty drugs, unequal access to care and inefficiencies across the board, point to the need for drastic changes in the way we approach health care. The situation calls for creating a reimagined health care system and a health care workforce that is culturally aligned with the patient. We also need to increase capacity and access to primary care. The Massachusetts Medical Society recently issued a warning that primary care in that state is in crisis, which is also true here in Western New York and across the country, requiring actions aimed at recruiting and retaining primary care physicians. Research shows patient-centered care which includes personalized discussions about family and social history, nutrition, exercise, and emotional and interpersonal counseling leads to better health, better care and lower costs. This critical work requires meaningful programs that successfully deliver results. At Independent Health, this work is among our companys highest priorities. Our Care For You program addresses chronic conditions which make up 75% of medical costs by dispatching nurses and other health professionals to treat patients in the comfort of their own homes. Care For You has reduced hospitalizations for members in the program by 30%, emergency room utilization by 20%, and reduced readmissions by 50%. It has served more than 4,000 members and has become a leading industry example of how to alleviate stress on hospitals, reduce hospital admissions, improve care and reduce medical expenses. Our aspirations also demand action on the social determinants of health. The Buffalo News recently wrote about our program that sends a nurse practitioner into the homes of people, often in disadvantaged neighborhoods, who havent seen a doctor in a long time. While addressing patients immediate health issues, the nurse practitioner also considers factors such as economic well-being, education and access to healthy living conditions. This approach improves health and reduces financial burdens by keeping preventable diseases from escalating. We must collaborate to place patients at the heart of our health care system and meet them where they are. By placing patients at the center and addressing social determinants, we can begin to usher in a new era of health care that achieves sustainable solutions that improve access to quality care, which will lower costs. Michael W. Cropp, M.D., MBA, is president and CEO of Independent Health and a board-certified family physician. A pro-Palestinian protestor scaled an 83-foot tall Christmas tree holding a sign 'Free Palestine' in San Francisco's Union Square during protests in the shopping area that ended with several cuffed. The tree climber's identity was not revealed, but a video showed the man climbing the massive spruce around 2pm Saturday as onlookers cheered and clapped as they demanded a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. Hundreds gathered in the bustling shopping district calling for 'no Christmas as usual.' San Francisco police handcuffed some of the protestors and arrested four people for a variety of crimes including, assault and felony vandalism causing property damage, KRON4 News reported. A Palestine flag was also placed prominently in the center of the Christmas tree, which was decorated with ornaments and lights. A protestor scaling the 83-foot tall spruce in San Francisco holding the sign 'Free Palestine' San Francisco police arrested several protests at Union Square over the weekend Some of the protestors were women with their children. One of the signs held by a young girl (pictured) and featured a child's drawing on it, read, 'Fund Childcare Not Wars' An advisory was posted by the city's Department of Emergency Management to their social media alerting the public to avoid the area, NBC Bay Area News reported. There were different groups that participated in the march that started at Market Street and moved to Union Square before heading to other parts of the crime-ridden downtown. Many of the protestors called for the release of those who were arrested. It's unclear what the protestors did that led to their arrest. The protest was described as mostly peaceful had many holding up signs with the message: 'No US Military Aid,' .... 'No Xmas As Usual in a Genocide,' and 'The Word Stands with Palestine.' Some of the protestors were mothers with their young children. In a photo, a young girl is seen holding up a cardboard sign with a drawing on it that reads, 'Fund Childcare Not Wars.' Saturday's protest that drew hundreds was described as mostly peaceful The protest started on Saturday afternoon with people marching through Market Street and downtown San Francisco Protestor Rami Abel Karim, who was at Saturday's rally, told NBC that in light of the recent attacks in Gaza there would be no celebrating the holidays this year. 'Palestinian Christians did not feel like it was right to celebrate this Christmas while our community and Palestine is under bombardment and under military occupation,' he said. Officials said the situation was resolved just before 6pm. The names of those arrested were not released. The San Francisco protests came on the heels of similar gatherings in New York City on Saturday. Huge crowds were seen moving down Manhattan's Fifth Avenue, with another protest also hitting the largest shopping mall on Long Island, chanting: 'The people are united.' Large cut-outs of President Biden and Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu covered in blood were led past Fifth Avenue stores, while the sidewalks were packed with families carrying Christmas gifts. Some of the activists appeared to be with groups 'Mothers for Justice in Palestine' and the Long Island chapter of the 'Party for Socialism and Liberation', which shared plans on Instagram this week to 'denounce the corporations who profit off their ties with an apartheid state.' According to a purported press release for the demonstrations, the rally is intend on 'urging holiday shoppers to engage in targeted boycotts this holiday season.' Crowds of people were seen packing the shopping centers and unfurling large banners naming organizations seen as collaborating with Israel. This is the terrifying moment passengers sit in their lifejackets as enormous 70ft waves smash into a stranded cruise in the North Sea. The vessel was a Norwegian ship that takes tourists along stretches of the coastline where larger, traditional boats can't reach. However, 70ft high waves caused by Storm Pia made the boat malfunction and left the passengers stranded. The video shows panic-stricken people desperately holding on to chairs and tables as the boat sways. One person can be heard shouting 'lay on the floor' before enormous 70ft waves in the storm are then shown close-up. Scenes of damage inside the MS Maud cruise ship after it was struck by a storm on December 21 Brian Launder, 75, and his wife Carole, 70, on board the MS Maud beside a Christmas display before the storm hit The footage ends with a view of the passengers as they wait in their lifejackets on the boat. Previously, it was revealed that a British grandma and grandad were trapped on the vessel. Brian Launder, 75, was on board the MS Maud with his wife Carole to celebrate her 70th birthday with their first-ever cruise. Now the couple fear they won't make it home in time for Christmas. MS Maud departed from Tilbury Docks on December 9 but ran into rough waters and lost its engine power along with all navigational equipment on December 21. Mr Launder, from Richmond, North Yorkshire, said he saw waves reaching their cabin window despite being on deck floor five and that water was running down the corridors. He said: 'We thought we'd be out here for Christmas. At one stage, they were getting the lifeboats ready. 'We set sail on December 9. We were supposed to finish up on December 23. 'We spent lots of hours not moving with no power. 'We were talking to the officers and they estimated the waves were 15 to 20 metres. MS Maud departed from Tilbury Docks on December 9 but ran into rough waters and lost its engine power along with all navigational equipment Passengers in life-jackets brace in chairs on board the MS Maud. Mr Launder said at one point life boats were being prepared 'The waves were coming up to our window on deck five. We were worried when the water came through the door.' The tour was cut short to avoid the storm but strong winds caught up to them, causing tall waves to wipe out the ship's power. Mr Launder added: 'My wife was so calm, she was helping this lady. 'She got her sorted out. We were worried we'd be here for Christmas, we didn't know what would happen. We lost power on the engines.' 'We lost all the communications and navigation.' 'A fishing boat came on side and was trying to help with communication. 'There was a gingerbread house knocked over. There was a table smashed. There were chairs damaged and tables on the floors.' More scenes of damage following the storm on the cruise ship. The vessel was stranded at sea due to the extreme weather The waves are estimated to have been as tall as 65ft and reached the fifth floor deck Despite the treacherous conditions, thankfully only one person was injured, according to Mr Launder. He continued: 'She had a baby in her arms but she went flying. 'Captain had to move the bridge to the passenger lounge due to three windows blown out by a wave. 'The ship was steered from the engine room. There was a rescue ship alongside providing navigation.' The cruise ship was towed back to Bremerhaven. Brian and Carole had to travel back to Hamburg at 3am today for an early morning flight to Frankfurt and then finally back to the UK. The couple will land at Heathrow at 3.45pm but they worry they won't get back to their son's home in time before Christmas day. The grandad-of-four added: 'Apart from the drama we've actually quite enjoyed it. 'We've never been on a cruise ship before. I'd definitely go on one again, the crew have been fantastic. 'It went in and around all the passages in Norway and all the small places where big cruise ships can't go. 'We've got to fly from Hamburg at 10am tomorrow morning. Then from Frankfurt to Heathrow 3.45pm, then to Tilbury for the car and then to Worcestershire. 'We knew there was a storm coming, we just didn't know it would be that bad.' Two New York synagogues have been searched by police after bomb threats caused panic on Christmas Eve. Police scoured the Shaare Zion Temple in Brooklyn and Riverdale Jewish Center in the Bronx at around 6.15am Sunday following a 911 call, NYPD told DailyMail.com. The department was unable to share any details about the threats the synagogues received but said they are believed to have been sent via email. 'Officers responded and searched the buildings and found no devices,' an NYPD spokesman said. 'Nothing was found.' Police scoured the Shaare Zion Temple in Brooklyn and Riverdale Jewish Center in the Bronx at around 6.15am Sunday following a 911 call about bomb threats they received on Christmas Eve, NYPD told DailyMail.com. (Pictured: an NYPD patrol car parked outside a Lower East Side synagogue) The department said cops would continue 'canvassing and patrolling' the areas hit by the latest swatting incidents - which is when people call the emergency services about false threats. Hundreds of synagogues across America have been targeted with menacing messages about fake bombs since Hamas slaughtered around 1,200 people in Israel on October 7. Last weekend, a nationwide swatting spree sent threats to almost 200 Jewish institutions in what the FBI believe was part of a coordinated effort by a foreign group. In a confidential memo to partner law enforcement agencies, Assistant FBI Director Cathy Milhoan 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.' Between Friday and Saturday last week, 199 swatting incidents and false bomb threats were tracked by the Secure Community Network, a non-profit that informs US Jewish institutions of security and safety. On Monday, the non-profit organization reported that there were 93 swatting incidents in California, 62 in Arizona, 15 in Connecticut, five in Colorado and four in Washington the past 24 hours. Pennsylvania and Mississippi also received false threats this past weekend, while Alabama had six reported on Saturday alone. The SCN said that compared to this time last year, they have logged more than 449 swatting incidents. These occurrences have happened 541 percent more than they did in 2022. The Shir Ami synagogue in Pennsylvania evacuated their Hebrew school on Thursday after a bomb threat. Police and K-9 dogs did not find any evidence of a bomb 'We continue to work in coordination with law enforcement and Jewish security partners to respond to incidents & ensure Jewish communities across North America have the tools and guidance to respond appropriately,' SCN said in a post on X. On Thursday, the Congregation Shir Ami located in Newton, Pennsylvania, was forced to evacuate its Hebrew school after they received bomb threats. The synagogue's executive director received the threat via email as it requested ransom money be dropped off at a location approximately two hours away. 'We evacuated our building, our preschool, and pretty much put our emergency plan into place,' Rabbi Charles Briskin told USA TODAY. Once police inspected the building with explosive detective dogs for about two hours, the evacuation was lifted. Briskin said that this was the first time that their institution ever experienced a threat. 'There seems to be a particular ramp up in the activity over the last several days,' the Rabbi said. He also mentioned that when he received the email, two other colleagues that he was with, from other places, got the same message sent to them. The company behind the Hyperloop, the transport system dreamed up by Elon Musk, has revealed it is closing its doors and laying off its workers this week. Hyperloop One's aim was to commercialise an idea of Elon Musk's, a system that aimed to propel pods full of passengers at speeds of up to 760 miles an hour. But it will lay off all its workers and sell its assets off by the end of the year, reports said. The company, based off a white paper published by Elon Musk in 2012, failed to get any contracts to set up Hyperloop systems, despite a major, but brief, hype around what the Tesla CEO said at the time would've been a 'fifth mode of transport.' Musk said in his 2012 white paper that a hyperloop would have been 'the right solution for the specific case of high traffic city pairs that are less than about 1,500km or 900 miles apart.' He pitched the idea at the time as an alternative to the $128bn that California was set to spend on a high-speed rail system connecting San Francisco and Los Angeles. Sir Richard Branson, founder of Virgin, backed the start-up in 2017 Hyperloop One was unveiled by Elon Musk in 2013, who at the time said it could take passengers the 380 miles (610km) from LA to San Francisco in 30 minutes Hyperloop One's aim was to commercialise an idea of Elon Musk's, a system that aimed to propel pods full of passengers at speeds of up to 760 miles an hour ''How could it be that the home of Silicon Valley and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory doing incredible things like indexing all the world's knowledge and putting rovers on Mars would build a bullet train that is both one of the most expensive per mile and one of the slowest in the world,' he asked at the time. Hyperloop One said the system would've offered better safety than passenger jets, lower build and maintenance costs than high-speed trains, and energy usage, per person, that is similar to a bicycle. There were also plans to integrate Hyperloop with autonomous cars, which would've been loaded onto pods to be whisked away to far-off destinations. 'A self-driving Uber would be able to go inside the hyperloop and come out the other side,' global field operations senior vice president Nick Earle said in 2017. 'It's like broadband internet for transportation' with self-driving vehicles carrying cargo or people in a real-world spin on data packets being taken quickly from one point to another over the internet, he maintained. There were plans to set up Hyperloops in the UK, with four lines, London to Edinburgh, Liverpool to Hull, Glasgow to Cardiff or a 'Northern Arc' across a series of northern cities, being considered in 2017. The London-Edinburgh scheme was led by an Edinburgh University team that had plans to take the route via Birmingham and Manchester. If selected, it would've meant travelling between the two capital cities would've taken just 45 minutes, and the journey from London to Manchester would've taken only 18 minutes. But in 2022, it had shifted its priority from transporting people to transporting cargo. Sir Branson pulled out after leading a 65 million investment in the company in 2017 Hyperloop One said the system would've offered better safety than passenger jets Hyperloop One said the system would've had lower build and maintenance costs than high-speed trains, and energy usage, per person, that is similar to a bicycle The change in priority came with around 100 people losing their jobs, with a further round of layoffs to come later that year. It was also the year that Sir Richard Branson, founder of Virgin, had pulled out, after leading a 65 million investment in the company in 2017. Sir Richard said upon his investment: 'After visiting Hyperloop One's test site in Nevada and meeting its leadership team this past summer, I am convinced this groundbreaking technology will change transportation as we know it and dramatically cut journey times. 'Virgin has been known for investing in and creating innovative companies over the years, and I look forward to making history together as we bring Hyperloop to the world as Virgin Hyperloop One.' A record number of deadly Asian hornets crossed the English Channel to invade Britain this year - posing a risk to bees and humans alike. The insects rip honey bees apart and eat them during the destruction of their nests. A single Asian hornet can devour up to 50 honey bees at a time. In Japan, giant hornets cause between 30 to 50 deaths per year with a venomous sting. Though most stings will only amount to pain, they can trigger anaphylactic reactions and multiple stings can cause kidney failure - in some cases leading to death. New figures show there were 78 confirmed sightings in 2023, the majority of which have been in Kent, which has seen 54 nests destroyed this year. There has been a sharp rise in sightings of the invasive species in the UK this year; the previous two years only had two sightings each. In total there have been 45 sightings since 2016. The invasive Asian hornets could wreak havoc on British bee populations as they feast on our native species. Pictured: An Asian hornet in France The Asian hornets were first spotted in Kent in April in Folkestone after an absence of four years. The British Bee Keeping Association (BBKA) confirmed it was the second reported sighting in the UK, with the first being in Northumberland. READ MORE HERE: Is Britain ready for an invasion of giant Asian hornets? Pest killers battling plague of predators on the Channel Island of Guernsey warn they could overwhelm UK if authorities don't act Advertisement Since then nests of the invasive species have been found and destroyed in Kent, East Sussex, Hampshire, East Yorkshire, North Yorkshire , Essex, London, Surrey, Devon and Dorset The worst month for sightings was August with 37 nests destroyed across the county. Roy Taylor, who runs Fawkham Bee Company, said the influx of the hornets is only going to get worse. 'People will die if they are allergic to bee stings,' he said. Roy, who has been in the beekeeping business for 14 years, explained how the Asian hornets are making their nests lower down because of the wind, meaning they are easier to disturb if you brush past them. 'They will chase you for 200 metres,' he added. 'They will not let you escape.' He said beekeepers are going to have to work harder than ever to keep their hives free of pests and expects many hobbyists will just give up. 'It's going to mean checking your hives every day and moving them frequently to avoid the hornets,' Roy said. 'We've got them now,' he said. 'There's no getting away from them.' Asian hornets have already been blamed for the deaths of multiple of people in France after arriving in a shipment of Chinese pottery. Pictured: A hand holding an Asian hornet An estimated 6,000 Asian hornets can emerge from each nest, including as many as 500 new Queens Pictured: One of Guernsey's crack squad of hornet eradicators removes a nest from a tree The 57-year-old explained that one nest of Asian hornets, which are slightly smaller than a European hornet, and can be identified by their yellow legs and orange face, can eat up to 11.3kg (a bin liner full) of bees and insects. He said they have taken over France in the last 12 years and fears they will do the same here. WHAT IS THE KILLER ASIAN HORNET INVASION? Asian hornets were accidentally brought to France in 2004, probably in an imported shipment of goods. Since then the dark brown and orange insects have spread rapidly through the country and started to invade neighbouring countries. They have also become established in the Channel Islands and were first reported in the UK in 2016. The hornets, which grow up to an inch long (3 cm) and have an orange face, are an aggressive predator of honey bees and other pollinating insects. The hornets prey on honeybees, hovering like attack helicopters outside their hives and grabbing them on the wing. The bees are dismembered before being carried back to the hornets' nest to be fed to larvae. The charity Plantlife has warned that the hornet 'poses a deadly threat to honeybees and other pollinators and any potential sightings should be immediately reported to the GB Non-native Species Secretariat.' Queens build nests in April. They rapidly start laying eggs until the hive population reaches about 6,000 insects. A report by the Intergovernmental Science Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, estimates that the decline of bees worldwide poses a potentially major risk to world food supplies. Britain's bees are thought to have fallen by a third since 2007. The British Beekeepers' Association warns the public not to disturb a hornets' nest 'under any circumstances'. Advertisement 'We are not on top of it but we are going to have to learn to live with it,' he told KentOnline. 'It's a new way of life for everyone. We are never going to be able to contain it here.' The Asian hornets had already been blamed for the deaths of six people in France when they arrived in Kent in the spring. The hornets are believed to have entered France in a shipment of Chinese pottery in 2004. They have previously been blamed for the deaths of 28 people in China, including a mother and baby caught up in a swarm. Experts believed the insects are likely to have entered Britain by flying across the Channel. The hornets prey on bees and wasps, sparking fears that they may harm honey and crop production. Roy confirmed: 'One important point is the future loss of pollinators which are already under pressure from climate change, pollution, and pesticides.' One hornet nest can contain up to 6,000 workers and 350 queens. There has been a sharp rise in sightings of the invasive species in the UK this year; the previous two years only had two sightings each. In total there have been 45 sightings since 2016. In previous years no hornets have been spotted later than October. Beekeepers now fear some nests may have been missed, allowing fertile queens - known as 'gynes' - to fly out and start their own nests. Analysis is now taking place to try to find out if Asian hornets have become established in the UK, or if they blew in on the wind from across the Channel, or arrived on shipping containers. Diane Drinkwater, chair of the British Beekeepers' Association (BBKA), said: 'A frightening number of nests have been found this year. 'It is a concern that they might become established. There's a concern that the nests have put out gynes that are going to be fertile next year. 'Some of the nests were found in thick brambly bushes where it is harder to find them. It is worrying that some might have been missed. 'The National Bee Unit is analysing the DNA of the hornets to see if they are siblings of hornets that have been found before, or if they blew over from Europe.' The FBI is investigating death threats made against Colorado Supreme Court Justices who this week ruled Trump could not appear on the state primary ballot. The judges have been the targets of vicious online threats since the vote, with law enforcement officials saying they are investigating aggressive telephone and social media messages. Messages posted online have been violent with one reading: 'This ends when we kill these f--kers'. Another read: 'What do you call 7 justices from the Colorado Supreme Court at the bottom of the ocean?' with the response: 'A good start.' The threats follow the court's 4-3 ruling to ban Trump from the state primary ballot under a law that prevents 'insurrectionists' from holding high office after it found that Trump had participated in an 'insurrection' on January 6. Now, the FBI is 'aware of the situation and working with local law enforcement,' according to Vikki Migoya, a public affairs officer for the FBIs Denver field office. 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 Migoya told the Washington Post: 'We will vigorously pursue investigations of any threat or use of violence committed by someone who uses extremist views to justify their actions regardless of motivation.' Officers even went to one of the justice's houses on Thursday evening following what appears to have been a 'hoax report,' according to the Denver Police Department. They added everything seemed normal at the residence, but they are now investigating the incident. The angry online threats have been compiled by the non-partisan group Advance Democracy, which is tracking the sudden burst of threats against the normally obscure jurists, NBC News reported. 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. California Governor Gavin Newsom has criticized his own Lt. Governor for calling on the state to explore every legal option' to prevent Donald Trump from being on the 2024 ballot. Eleni Kounalakis sent a public letter to the California Secretary of State on Tuesday, asking for an investigation into potentially following Colorado's lead and blocking the former president. But Democratic Newsom hit out at the idea and insisted we defeat candidates at the polls in his state. 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. A decision to remove the former president from the ballot in California would be hugely significant, given that it has more delegates than any other state in the union. California Governor Gavin Newsom has criticized his own Lt. Governor for calling on the state to explore every legal option' to prevent Donald Trump from being on the 2024 ballot Eleni Kounalakis sent a public letter to the California Secretary of State on Tuesday, asking for an investigation into potentially following Colorado 's lead and blocking the former president 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 - wrote to the California Secretary of State, asking for an investigation into her state potentially following Colorado's lead. She 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.' But Newsom slammed the suggestion in a statement and said: There is no doubt that Donald Trump is a threat to our liberties and even to our democracy. But in California, we defeat candidates at the polls. Everything else is a political distraction. Kounalakis in her letter on Tuesday wrote: 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). '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. Kounalakis in her letter on Tuesday stressed the urgency: California announces the certified list of candidates on December 28 '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. 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. 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. 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. 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 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 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. 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. 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. Follow along with DailyMail.com blog of the Nearly seven decades ago, in the midst of the Cold War, a five-year-old child inadvertently called a top-secret emergency line reserved only for the US president and one four-star general. The innocent request? A chat with none other than Santa Claus. 'Hello, is this Santa?' he asked Colonel Harry Shoup, who was stationed at the Continental Air Defense Command in Colorado Springs, Colorado, when he answered the confidential line in early December 1955 - fully expecting the worst. A call on the emergency line meant only one thing - the outbreak of World War III. Only one other person - a four-star general at the Pentagon - had access to the hotline number. That mischievous misdial ended up birthing the most unique mission of The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) - the Santa Tracker. This year marks NORAD's 68th Christmas tracking Santa. 'Hello, is this Santa?' he asked Colonel Harry Shoup, who was stationed at the Continental Air Defense Command in Colorado Springs when he answered the confidential line in early December 1955 - fully expecting the worst The boy's mother revealed the source of the confusion: a Sears ad containing a phone number to call Santa Nearly seven decades ago, in the midst of the Cold War, a five-year-old child inadvertently called a top-secret emergency line reserved only for the US president and one four-star general Shoup's family revealed their stern father was far from amused when he initially answered the phone - and was reportedly 'annoyed' and 'upset' thinking it was a prank call, according to a 2014 NPR interview. But when the child began to cry, Shoup realized it was a mistake and switched gears. The boy's mother revealed the source of the confusion - a Sears ad containing a phone number to call Santa. Upon entering the command center on Christmas Eve, Shoup found a drawing of Santa's sleigh on the tracking board. His airmen had whimsically depicted Santa and his reindeer coming over the North Pole. Shoup then playfully called a radio station, declaring, 'This is the commander at the Combat Alert Center, and we have an unidentified flying object. Why, it looks like a sleigh.' Radio stations soon began calling him every hour, asking, 'Where's Santa now?' Its digital reach has grown from a tracker website to social media, attracting millions of visitors from over 200 countries and is now available in Korean among its growing list of languages Over the decades, NORAD's Santa mission has expanded, with volunteers fielding around 130,000 calls annually Every day NORAD tracks airplanes, missiles, space launches and anything else that flies in or around the North American continent Over the decades, NORAD's Santa mission has expanded, with volunteers today fielding around 130,000 calls annually. Its digital reach has grown from a tracker website to social media, attracting millions of visitors from over 200 countries and is now available in Korean, among its growing list of languages. Today, NORAD Tracks Santa is a multimedia experience that goes live every December 1, offering a website, games, videos, books and more. Amazon's Alexa service even relayed NORAD Tracks Santa updates through the Echo last year. Shoup's children unanimously agreed that starting the Santa tracker was the accomplishment their father was most proud of in his career. In his later years, Shoup received letters from people worldwide, thanking him for having a sense of humor about it, which he kept in a locked briefcase 'like it was top-secret information.' NORAD is a joint organization of the United States and Canada that defends the continent from potential incoming airborne threats 365 days per year. Its predecessor predecessor, the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD), began tracking Santa in 1955. NORAD replaced CONAD in 1958 and took over the mission of tracking Santa's flight around the world, and have been doing it every year since. Every day NORAD tracks airplanes, missiles, space launches and anything else that flies in or around the North American continent. On Christmas Eve, they take on the momentous job of following Saint Nicholas on behalf of everyone tucked up in bed waiting. Their website states: 'While the tradition of tracking Santa began purely by accident, NORAD continues to track Santa. 'We're the only organization that has the technology, the qualifications, and the people to do it. And, we love it! NORAD is honored to be Santa's official tracker.' Today, NORAD Tracks Santa is a multimedia experience that goes live every December 1, offering a website, games, videos, books and more Their website states: 'While the tradition of tracking Santa began purely by accident, NORAD continues to track Santa It also reveals that: 'Based on flight profile data gathered from NORAD's radar and satellite tracking, NORAD concludes that Santa probably stands about 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighs approximately 260 pounds (before cookies). 'Based on fighter-aircraft photos, we know he has a generous girth (belly), rosy cheeks from sleigh riding in cold weather, and a flowing white beard.' Over 1,250 NORAD personnel join in on the Santa Tracker effort each year, answering phone calls and emails about Santa's progress. The entire operation is powered by simulation software built by AGI/Ansys. Ansys simulation software is used to ensure NORAD can safely track Santa as he travels around the world,' Adam Gorski, an aerospace engineer with Ansys Government Initiatives, told Space.com. 'Ansys simulations ensure NORAD satellites can detect the heat from Rudolph's nose, and radars can track Santa's sleigh high in the sky. 'Our simulations are also used to help Santa's elves perform some aerodynamic analysis on designs of his sleigh over the year.' The UK has seen its warmest Christmas Eve in more than 20 years, sending Briton's dreams of a white Christmas this year packing. Temperatures in Heathrow, south-west London, hit 15.3C on Sunday, well above average for the time of year, making it the warmest December 24 since 1997. Met Office forecaster Liam Eslick said: 'It's been an exceptionally mild couple of days across all of the UK, temperatures have been well above average for the time of year, the maximum for December being 7C. 'Temperatures today have reached 15C in quite a few locations across the UK, the highest being 15.3C in two locations - one in Heathrow and one in Cippenham, Berkshire.' Christmas revellers brave the rain as they enjoy a night out in Manchester this evening People in Windsor, Berkshire today on Christmas Eve doing last minute Christmas shopping Christmas Day is also set to be the hottest in years with parts of the UK expected to hit 14C. A White Christmas has been ruled out for most of the country, apart from the mountains of northern Scotland. Met Office forecaster Dan Stroud said: 'The temperatures will peak today, there is a slight downward trend in temperatures for Christmas Day but we're still expecting them to be comfortably above average. 'We're looking at 13 and 14C tomorrow, we're probably looking the warmest Christmas Day since 2016, when we actually hit 15.1C.' The warmer weather has not stopped the rain, as the north of England has seen some wet conditions this evening. Revellers were pictured braving the rain this evening in Manchester going out before Christmas Eve tomorrow. The warmest December 25 on record was 15.6C in 1920, while the highest Christmas Eve temperatures of 15.5C were set in Aberdeen and Banff in Scotland in 1931. Mr Stroud said the UK is drawing in southern, warmer air. Monday is set to be damp for much of the country, with heavy rain possible in Wales. Shoppers on Regent Street in London this evening ahead of Christmas Day tomorrow Shoppers on Oxford Street in London have been met by mild weather, with the warmest Christmas Eve in more than 20 years Two separate yellow wind warnings were issued by the Met Office in Scotland and northern and central areas of England for Christmas Eve, saying people should expect travel disruption, damage to buildings and power cuts, while the rest of the country may see showers. Forecasters say gusts of up to 56mph hit parts of the Isle of Wight and Northern Ireland on Sunday morning. Wind speeds of up to 70mph were recorded in Scotland later in the day, reaching 60mph in the north-east of England. A city in Texas has been hit by wild acts of vandalism by dastardly creatures looking to ruin the holidays - bunny rabbits. The bunnies have been accused of chewing electrical cords, breaking ceramic statues and leaving a huge mess among decorations. The Hutto Police Department issued a public service announcement Thursday informing its residents their 'native cottontail,' which is normally 'timid and docile,' is wreaking havoc. The police said, 'every year around the holidays these cute and fuzzy bunnies go on rampant crime sprees, and noted the 'primary suspect will look a lot more like Bugs Bunny than your neighborhood kids.' 'They commit seemingly random acts of vandalism while besmirching the reputation of our local youth.' One woman named Jackie Lord, who called the culprits 'little jerks' wrote after seeing the advisory that she 'learned that quickly,' then posted a sad emoji face to express her distress, 'the little jerks got me the day after my decorations went up.' A white rabbit caught in the act and was the picture posted by the Hutto Police Department on Thursday informing its residents to be vigilant A woman wrote the bunny rabbits chewed through her cords damaging her Christmas light display Authorities urged homeowners who have light decorations that are located near the ground to be vigilant. Officials added 'the destructive and vindictive hare will 100% bite clean through the strand and do the most damage the least convenient spot. Another homeowner who was stumped before the police advisory was posted said she 'had no idea what it was' when a similar incident happened to her last week, but appeared elated once she found out what happened. 'You've cracked the case for us,' she said. 'Well done, police.' One resident, who appeared to be unfazed, said the first year they decorated their home they thought it was kids. Jackie Lord was one of the people who went to Facebook to share her gripe about the destruction the bunnies left in their path Others went to Facebook to share some humorous photos of the tormenter, while others mentioned the rabbit officials pictured was 'not' a cottontail. Some doled out advice telling some homeowners to get a 'scarecrow' while others gave a more technical explanation and offered a do-it-yourself remedy. 'Domestic "bunny parent" community calls ANY wire or cord, "spicy hay," they wrote. 'If you have little areas to cover, Amazon and Home Depot sell wire covers - you can run the plug through a clear or gray/white/black tube, and the bunnies can't get to them.' One person, who appeared to be an animal lover wrote: 'Please be nice to the bunnies. We must share our world with all Gods creatures.' Hutto, located in Williamson County, Texas and part of the AustinRound Rock metropolitan area has a population of over 27,000. Saudi Real Estate Company (Al Akaria) said it has awarded a SAR192 million ($51.2 million) contract to Rezaik Abdallah Algedrawy for the construction of a residential complex, Fai Sedra 1, within the Sedra neighbourhood in capital Riyadh. An ambitious project of Roshn, Sedra is being developed in eight phases and will add more than 30,000 residential units to Riyadhs housing stock, constructed over 20 million sq m of neighbourhoods. A recent panel discussion about immigration made clear its importance to Western New York but also underlined a critical problem. Its called Washington. The discussion was organized by The Buffalo News as part of an event hosted for local employers by the talent recruitment platform Joblio. In a nation of immigrants, business leaders lauded the impact of new arrivals in powering the regional economy. Their enthusiasm is a problem only to those who are willing to overlook their own family history of immigration. Sadly, that group of critics seems to include many Americans, here and around the country. In Congress and sometimes in the White House, that produces both hostility to immigrants and a self-defeating refusal to find a workable compromise for fixing an outdated policy. Its surely fair to distinguish between those who enter the country legally and those who do not, but in a large and diverse country of immigrants, its also essential to take simple humanity into account. Too often, thats not happening. Especially on the political right, a purist dogma has taken hold, one that has never worked in this country. Plainly, more people need to learn the lessons that the leaders of Novembers discussion already understand. Refugees have been a godsend for us, said Bob Confer, owner of Confer Plastics in North Tonawanda. By us, he meant both his own company and the region as a whole. The 2020 census showed Buffalos population growing for the first time in 70 years. That was based on the arrival of immigrants who, Confer said, have come to his company with skills, a strong work ethic and dedication to their employer. Darren Saxon, director of the Office of New Americans in Buffalo, emphasized the commonalities that link new immigrants and the rest of the population. Immigrants and refugees want the same thing that you want the opportunity to have a better life, he said. At the same time, he noted, they contribute a welcome diversity to the citys life. They add vibrancy. The word immigrant covers a range of newcomers, of course. They can be people who have patiently navigated the existing system for living in this country. They can be refugees whose arrival is linked to dangers they face in their own country. They can be asylum-seekers who may or may not be legitimately seeking that designation. Or they can be people who illegally entered this country, for reasons good or bad. All are circumstances that federal law must strive to comprehend, but in a way that acknowledges the humanity of those whom this country attracts. Its fair that some will be deported, as long as the system reflects the values of a nation all of whose members but for Native Americans are the product of immigration. That precludes the beastly Trump-era policy of separating children from their parents. But, as another panelist observed, Congress has failed in its duty on this matter. They need to overhaul the immigration system, said Jennifer Rizzo-Choi, executive director of the International Institute of Buffalo, which helps to settle immigrants here. The obstacle is mainly within the GOP. In 2007, congressional Republicans rejected a worthy reform bill advocated by one of their own, President George W. Bush. Little has changed since then, which means that unless voters make their voices clear, the stalemate will continue or depending on the results of next years elections further deteriorate. That will work to the detriment of the country, the Western New York economy and employers like Confer. Whats your opinion? Send it to us at lettertoeditor@buffnews.com. Letters should be a maximum of 300 words and must convey an opinion. The column does not print poetry, announcements of community events or thank you letters. A writer or household may appear only once every 30 days. All letters are subject to fact-checking and editing. The Royal Navy will scramble to deploy a naval ship off Guyana later this month, the ministry of defence said today, as the South American nation faces a border dispute with neighbour Venezuela over the oil-rich Essequibo region. HMS Trent - a vessel used for 'defence diplomacy', according to the government - will take part in joint exercises with Guyana after Christmas. The deployment follows a visit by Foreign Office minister David Rutley to Guyana earlier this month, intended to offer the UK's support for the country, an ally and former British colony. He reiterated sovereign borders 'must be respected' and that the UK would work internationally 'to ensure the territorial integrity of Guyana is upheld'. A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: 'HMS Trent will visit regional ally and Commonwealth partner Guyana later this month as part of a series of engagements in the region during her Atlantic patrol task deployment.' Guyana and Venezuela agreed earlier this month to avoid any use of force and not to escalate tensions in the long-running dispute. HMS Trent - a vessel used for 'defence diplomacy', according to the government - will take part in joint exercises with Guyana later this month Venezuelan troops in different fatigues and carrying various weapons in Caracas, Venezuela (File Photo) The offshore patrol vessel is in Barbados over Christmas and will then head to waters off the mainland of Guyana, according to reports. The ship is not expected to dock in Georgetown, its capital, because the port is too shallow, the BBC said. The broadcaster said it was intended as 'a show of diplomatic and military support for the former British colony'. The 160,000-square-km (62,000-square-mile) Essequibo region is generally recognised as part of Guyana, but in recent years Venezuela has revived its claim to the territory and to offshore areas after major oil and gas discoveries. The dispute dates back to the late 19th century, when Guyana was still a British colony. Guyana and Venezuela agreed earlier this month to avoid any use of force and not to escalate tensions in the long-running dispute. Pictured Guyana (File Photo) Venezuelan troops are seen mobilised in the border region, standing behind a map showing the Guyanese territory annexed to Venezuela Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro speaks during the notification ceremony for the referendum about the future of a disputed territory with Guyana, in Caracas, Venezuela, on December 4, 2023 Venezuela earlier this month published a new map showing Esequiba under Venezuelan control Venezuela has long claimed Essequibo, which makes up about two-thirds of Guyana's territory, and has ratcheted up its rhetoric over it in recent months. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government held a controversial referendum on December 3 in which 95 per cent of voters, according to officials in the hard-line leftist government, supported declaring the nation the rightful owner of Essequibo. He has since started legal manoeuvres to create a Venezuelan province in Essequibo and ordered the state oil company to issue licenses for extracting crude in the region. Guyana's President Irfaan Ali has branded the moves a 'grave threat to international peace and security'. He was a prominent voice in the defunding of the Austin Police Department as a city council member in 2020 and criticized the force for alleged racist practices Congressman Greg Casar submitted a request to the US Capitol Police in Washington, DC, for a police patrol at his house A congressman with links to The Squad who proudly voted to defund Austin police has been slammed after he requested enhanced patrols outside his home in the Texas city. Democrat Rep. Greg Casar was a prominent voice in the defunding of the Austin Police Department as a member of the city council in 2020 following the Black Lives Matter movement. Last week he also criticized the force for alleged racist practices. Now, he has submitted a request through the United States Capitol Police in Washington, DC, for a police patrol at his house - the request was forwarded to Austin police. The politician was blasted by the Austin Police Retired Officers Association in a post on X Tuesday. We want everyone in Austin to feel safe, it said. But this seems to us as the height of hypocrisy from the congressman. Congressman Greg Casar (left), who has links to The Squad and proudly voted to defund Austin police, has been slammed after he requested enhanced patrols outside his home in the city. Pictured: Casar alongside Representatives Jasmine Crockett and Ilhan Omar He was a prominent voice in the defunding of the Austin Police Department as a member of the city council in 2020 and last week he criticized the force for alleged racist practices The politician was blasted by the Austin Police Retired Officers Association in a post on X Tuesday Casar backed a vote to defund Austin Police as a city council member and it led to a police shortage as well as a wave of officers retiring from the force. We did it!!, he wrote in a post on X in August 2020. Austin City Council just reduced APD's budget by over $100 million *and* reinvested resources into our community's safety and well-being. However, the Texas congressman sent a letter to the Justice Department last week where he criticized the Austin Police Department. He wrote about the need for systemic reforms to the Department's policies and practices of excessive and lethal use of force, racial discrimination, and discrimination against people with mental health conditions. The Austin Police Retired Officers Association was left unimpressed at his request for enhanced patrols around his house by the same officers he has criticized. Its come to our attention that Anti police king of the defund movement in Austin @GregCasar who only last week called APD an agency with racist practices has requested enhanced patrols around his house for the next week, the association wrote. Maybe he should hire private security like his fellow squad members do. Sure seems like he wants the police in his neighborhood just not yours. Residents in Austin were also quick to slam the congressman as a hypocrite on social media. So @GregCasar believes APD is a racist institution that requires DOJ oversight but then requests more APD patrols around his house, personal injury attorney Adam Loewy wrote. Interesting juxtaposition. Casar backed a vote to defund Austin Police as a city council member and it led to a police shortage as well as a wave of officers retiring from the force But he submitted a request through the United States Capitol Police in Washington, DC, for a police patrol at his house. The request was forwarded to Austin police. Pictured: Austin Police Department headquarters The Austin Police Retired Officers Association were left unimpressed at his request for enhanced patrols around his house by the same officers he has criticized While Travis County GOP Chairman Matt Mackowiak said: Greg Casar is a fraud. Dennis Farris, who is president of the Austin Police Retired Officers Association, believes Casar should be entitled to extra protection if there are officers available to do it and there is a real threat. But he told Fox News the request is the height of hypocrisy. A week ago, he was calling the Austin Police Department a racist department that targeted Black and brown people, and this week he's asking the exact same department to do enhanced patrols around his house, he said. It doesn't matter what political party they're in. If they ask us for our help, we will give it to them. The last thing we want is something happening to them. My issue with it and the issue that most of my members are going to have with it is the fact that this guy, you know, it's the whole squad thing, right? It's the whole, We hate the cops, we hate the cops, we hate the cops. Oh, please, come help us now. He is the architect. He is the architect of defund the cops in Austin. He started this whole mess. The office for Casar said it does not comment on active security matters related to the Congressman. Our office has not been in communication with the Austin Police Department on this matter because these issues are handled by the United States Sergeant at Arms, who then works with U.S. Capitol Police and local law enforcement agencies, a spokesman said. His office highlighted a statement from US House Sergeant at Arms William McFarland which said: The Sergeant at Arms takes the safety of Members of Congress very seriously. We ask the public and law enforcement agencies to not comment on specific security measures or active cases because doing so exposes potential vulnerabilities. While a spokesman for the Austin Police Department confirmed it is aware of the request made by Representative Greg Casar.' The agency added the force is following the same protocol and assessment we would as with all requests. Our agency takes all public safety concerns seriously. Our priority is having a secure and safe community for everyone to feel protected while maintaining the confidentiality of sensitive information, the spokesman said. An A&E doctor who failed to diagnose a 75 year old woman's sepsis and later tried to 'cover up' his mistake after she died has been struck off. Dr Allen Demanya wrongly diagnosed the patient with an infection on her digestive system just hours before she died from sepsis, a tribunal heard. In a bid to conceal his mistake, Dr Demanya falsified hospital records when the woman died. The experienced doctor, working at an NHS hospital, even lied under oath about it to a coroner at the woman's inquest, it was heard. Now, the doctor has been struck off from the profession after a Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service [MPTS] panel ruled he had 'seriously undermined' public confidence. Dr Allen Demanya wrongly diagnosed the patient with a digestive system infection hours before she died while working at Royal Glamorgan Hospital (pictured) in Pontyclun, Wales The MPTS hearing was told Dr Demanya qualified in 1992 at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi, Ghana, and moved to the UK in 2003. At the time of the events, Dr Demanya was working as a locum middle grade doctor in the Emergency Department at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital in Pontyclun, Wales. On February 26, 2019, the 75 year old was taken to the hospital via ambulance at 01:51 in the morning. When she arrived, the nurse who triaged her wrote 'possible sepsis' on her notes. It was heard Dr Demanya examined the patient at 3am and prescribed medication. An hour later, the woman named as 'Patient A' fell out of her hospital bed and was found on the floor of her cubicle by a nurse who helped her back into her trolley. Some three hours later, at 7am, another doctor arrived, having being alerted by bleeper and telephone call, and they 'expressed concern' over her condition. Less than 24 hours after being admitted, at 12:40am on February 27, Patient A died of sepsis in the hospital's A&E department. During an inquest held one year after the woman's death, Dr Demanya 'maintained explicitly' under oath that he had prescribed antibiotics to Patient A after his initial assessment of her. However, giving evidence to the coroner, a nurse - referred to as Nurse B - who administered the woman's prescription of paracetamol insisted 'there was no prescription for antibiotics written up'. After this evidence, Dr Demanya said this 'jogged' his memory and that he had instead prescribed the antibiotics at 3:42am but this was again disputed by another nurse who attended to Patient A at 5:00am and said 'there was no IV antibiotics on the prescription chart'. The tribunal found that it 'was more likely that Dr Demanya had not prescribed the antibiotics by 05:50' - almost three hours after his initial assessment of Patient A. In a statement, Dr Demanya also insisted he included catheterisation in her treatment plan at 3am, and 'chased the nurses several times when [he] realised Patient A had not been catheterised'. Again, this matter was disputed by another nurse who was 'adamant' the doctor never asked her to catheterise Patient A. In oral evidence at the tribunal, Dr Demanya said he performed a 'top to toe' examination of Patient A after she fell out of the bed, and the tribunal noted that if this were the case he would have likely noticed a catheter had not been fitted. They said if catheterisation was an 'integral part' of his treatment plan, he would have taken 'decisive action at this time' to have one fitted. A catheter was fitted at 6.30am, after another doctor - Doctor D - inquired over whether Patient A had passed urine. It was heard the doctor had diagnosed her with gastroenteritis, a short-term illness triggered by the infection and inflammation of the digestive system. Chair of the tribunal, Gerry Wareham, said that Dr Demanya 'retrospectively' added both antibiotics and a catheter to his treatment plan to give the 'false impression' that both were included. The tribunal heard he did so 'to protect himself from the potential consequences of having made a clinical error' and continued with the 'dishonest cover up' a year later at the coroner's court. Mr Wareham said: 'The Tribunal found proved that Dr Demanya knowingly made the retrospective entries to the medical record to give the false impression they had been part of the original treatment plan, and knowingly gave false representations to the Coroner. 'The Tribunal has also found proved that he was aware of the clear importance of the integrity of the records he made and the account he gave to the Coroner. 'The Tribunal determined that any ordinary decent person would find his actions in such circumstances to be dishonest.' Pictured: Ambulances outside A&E at Royal Glamorgan Hospital Striking Dr Demanya off from the register, Mr Wareham said among other points, he failed to make a specific diagnosis of severe infection, prescribe antibiotics to Patient A either at all or within an adequate time period and include a catheterisation in his treatment plan. He said the doctor did not escalate the 'gravity' of Patient A's condition to other medical professionals and went on to retrospectively add both catheterisation and antibiotics to her treatment chart. Mr Wareham added: 'The Tribunal determined that Dr Demanya had seriously undermined public confidence in the profession and had brought the profession into disrepute. 'It was also of the view that there remained a risk to public safety. 'The Tribunal therefore determined for these reasons that it was necessary to erase Dr Demanya's name from the register to protect the wellbeing of the public, promote and maintain public confidence in the profession and to maintain proper professional standards.' Female paramedic couple engaged to be married are jailed for five years each for posing as nurses to steal morphine and painkillers from dying patients A disgraced paramedic has been struck off after she and her fiancee posed as nurses to steal morphine and painkillers from terminally ill patients to feed their shameless drug addiction. Ruth Lambert and Jessica Silvester, who were paramedics, preyed on patients across Kent receiving end-of-life care during lockdown. They posed as nurses to gain access to their homes to steal their medication. The pair were sentenced to five years in prison at Canterbury Crown Court in January 2022. Silvester, then 29, was able to identify targets by accessing confidential patient records through her job with South East Coast Ambulance Service, a misconduct hearing was told. Lambert, then 33 and also a paramedic with the service, dressed as a nurse and attended the homes of victims, telling the unsuspecting patients she was there to conduct a 'medication review'. Silvester and Lambert, who had opiate addictions, burgled a total of 29 homes in Kent during lockdown The pair were sentenced to five years in prison at Canterbury Crown Court in January 2022 Silvester and Lambert, who had opiate addictions, burgled a total of 29 homes in Kent during lockdown - targeting patients who were terminally ill, on their death bed, and in some cases people who had just died. A tribunal also heard the pair also stole a portable ultrasound machine worth 14,000. Now, Silvester has been brought before the Health and Care Professions Tribunal Service (HCPTS) for her part in the plot. Silvester, who did not attend the hearing and is still in prison, was struck off from the register after the HCPTS panel ruled she took part in a 'very serious conspiracy and campaign of burglary of some of the most helpless and vulnerable patients'. The tribunal heard Silvester began using opiates in February 2018. A report said: 'From February 3, 2018 onwards, Silvester and Person L [Lambert] were jointly involved in the theft of medication and medical equipment, which included on one occasion the theft of a portable ultrasound machine (valued at 14,000 when new in 2008). 'From May 2020, Silvester and Person L also conspired to burgle domestic premises, where patients and their carers stored quantities of opiate drugs supplied by their medical advisers to assist with serious life limiting conditions. 'In some cases, the patients were expected to die imminently, and the stolen drugs were intended for their end-of-life care. 'Silvester misused her position as a person trusted with sensitive personal data to discover the details of very vulnerable patients who were likely to have access to controlled drugs including opiate medication. 'Silvester passed this confidential patient information to Person L. Person L then attended the homes of the patients, dressed in clothes likely to mislead the patients and their carers that Person L was a nurse, gaining admittance to the addresses. Silvester, then 29, was able to identify targets by accessing confidential patient records through her job with South East Coast Ambulance Service, a misconduct hearing was told 'Person L would pretend that a medication review was necessary or that the drugs had to be returned to the NHS. Person L would then distract the occupants of the address and then steal the drugs unnoticed. 'Silvester and Person L conspired together to burgle a total of 29 homes prior to their arrests on August 5, 2021, including the homes of vulnerable patients who were terminally ill, and in some cases the homes of patients who had recently died.' The panel was told the crimes were 'planned' and 'persisted over a long time', resulting in 'real harm to patients'. It concluded: 'The Panel is satisfied that, in being convicted of a very serious conspiracy and campaign of burglary of some of the most helpless and vulnerable patients who depend on the services of a Paramedic among other healthcare workers, Silvester has breached [standards of conduct].' The panel was also told since being jailed Silvester has not taken time to recognise her wrongdoing. The panel said: 'She has not taken the opportunity since being sentenced to prepare any kind of reflective writing focusing on the harm that she may have been responsible for and the damage caused by her to the reputation and trust that the public place in the profession of Paramedic. 'She had not, despite hearing the victim impact statements read in court, taken the opportunity to recognise her shortcomings and to apologise for them. 'She had instead maintained a silence on the subject when corresponding with her regulator through the offender management service at the prison where she is confined. 'The Panel concluded that the risk of repetition is high in this case.' Lambert has not yet appeared at a HCPTS tribunal, however records suggest she is subject to an interim suspension and is classified as 'deregistered'. Pope Francis on Sunday appealed for peace as he kicked off Christmas celebrations with a mass at Saint Peter's Basilica as the Israel-Hamas war raged in the Gaza Strip. 'Tonight, our hearts are in Bethlehem, where the Prince of Peace is once more rejected by the futile logic of war, by the clash of arms that even today prevents him from finding room in the world,' the Pope said to some 6,500 faithful who attended the traditional service. Francis's address never mentioned Israel or Gaza by name, but he made numerous references to violence and war, arguing that justice would not come 'from a show of force'. The 87-year-old pontiff said Jesus 'does not eliminate injustice from above by a show of force, but from below, by a show of love'. 'He does not burst on the scene with limitless power,' he said, speaking in Italian with an official translation provided in seven languages. Pope Francis presides the Christmas Eve mass at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, on December 24, 2023 Pope Francis greets a child as he leads the Midnight Christmas mass on the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord in Saint Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, on December 24, 2023 Pope Francis (R) leads the Midnight Christmas mass on the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord in Saint Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, on December 24, 2023 During his weekly Angelus prayer earlier on Sunday, the Pope said that 'we are close to our brothers and sisters who are suffering from war - we are thinking of Palestine, of Israel, of Ukraine'. On Christmas Day, the pontiff is due to lead the traditional 'Urbi and Orbi' prayer at 1100 GMT, during which he normally mentions the conflicts around the world. The Pope spoke hours after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to fight deeper into the Palestinian enclave of Gaza after his troops endured one of the worst days of losses of their ground war. In the city where Jesus was born, Palestinian Minister of Tourism, Rula Ma'ayah, said: 'Bethlehem is celebrating Christmas with sadness and sorrow because of what's happening in Gaza and in all the West Bank, all Palestinian territories.' Pope Francis leads the Midnight Christmas mass on the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord in Saint Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, on December 24, 2023 Cardinals embrace each other during celebration of Christmas Eve mass in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, on December 24, 2023 Children arrive at St Peter's Basilica for Christmas night mass presided by Pope Francis, on December 24, 2023 in Vatican City Pope Francis celebrates Christmas Eve mass in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, on December 24, 2023 Pope Francis presides over the Christmas night Mass at St. Peter's Basilica, on December 24, 2023 in Vatican City Pope Francis (C) leads the Midnight Christmas mass on the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord in Saint Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, on December 24, 2023 Pope Francis presides over Christmas eve mass, at St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, on December 24, 2023 Pope Francis holds his homily during the Christmas night mass at St. Peter's Basilica, on December 24, 2023 in Vatican City Pope Francis celebrates Christmas Eve mass in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, on December 24, 2023 A Hamas attack on Israel October 7 left around 1,140 people dead, most of them civilians. The Palestinian terrorists also abducted around 250 people, 129 of whom Israel says remain in Gaza. Israel retaliated with a sustained bombardment and ground invasion of Gaza, where 20,424 people have been killed, mostly women and children, according to the latest toll from the territory's Hamas-run health ministry. Francis has made numerous appeals for a ceasefire in the conflict and has called for the release of all hostages. Palestinians wait to collect food at a donation point in a refugee camp in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, on December 24, 2023 A North Carolina mom has been charged with murder after her 10-year-old son's decomposing body was found in their home where police say the child was starved to death. A 911 call led police to her Priyanka Tiwari, 33, home in Morrisville around 5.35pm Wednesday. When officers entered the property on Craigmeade Drive, they were confronted with a gruesome scene. Tiwari's young son was unresponsive, could not be revived by CPR, and his body had started to decompose. Investigators found almost no food in the home, and police said the boy had lost an enormous amount of weight in the month prior to his death. 'Without the autopsy, we don't know how the child passed away,' Morrisville Police Chief Pete Acosta told WRAL. A North Carolina mom has been charged with murder after her 10-year-old son's decomposing body was found in their home. (Pictured: suspect Priyanka Tiwari in court) Tiwari, 33, is accused of starving her son to death. A 911 call led police to her Morrisville home around 5.35pm on Wednesday When cops entered Tiwari's property on Craigmeade Drive, they were confronted with a gruesome scene The mother is accused of 'willfully' murdering her son with 'malice' and 'aforethought', according to an arrest warrant seen by WRAL. She was arrested Thursday morning, and charged with murder and negligent child abuse resulting in serious bodily injury. Acosta said relatives from India had been constantly calling the home for months to check on the unnamed boy, and officers had been called around at least eight times in 2023 alone. Residents in the neighborhood said they were shocked and appalled by the discovery of the boy's body. 'It is super alarming for the community [because] everyone is nice and friendly,' Sue Nagavalli told WRAL. Tiwari's husband contacted police in March and asked them to watch over the home while he went to retrieve some personal items, according to WNCN. Tiwari (pictured) was arrested Thursday morning, and charged with murder and negligent child abuse resulting in serious bodily injury. Investigators found almost no food in the home (pictured), and police said the boy had lost an enormous amount of weight in the month prior to his deat 'He was leaving, leaving the home, and so we followed him over there,' Acosta told the broadcaster. 'He went and got several bags and left there was no issues.' Acosta added Tiwari's husband later had a domestic violence protective order placed against her. At that time, the boy 'appeared to be of a very healthy weight.' Tiwari is being held in custody without bail until her next court appearance on January 11. A Ukraine soldier is alive at Christmas after miraculously surviving a Russian bullet which lodged in his heart. Leading Ukrainian cardiac surgeon Borys Todurov showed in a graphic video how he extracted the 7.62 mm caliber bullet in his Kyiv operating theatre. 'Unbelievable luck - almost no-one survives such heart wounds,' he said. Famous surgeon Todurov was assisted by a full medical team as he used tweezers to pull out the bullet from the beating heart. Five days after the surgery, the patient - who has not been identified - was walking in his ward, he said. Leading Ukrainian cardiac surgeon Borys Todurov helped a Ukrainian soldier survive after leading a team removing a bullet from his heart Todurov was assisted by a full medical team at Kyiv's Heart Institute The experienced surgeon used tweezers to pull out the bullet PIctured: Tweezers were used to extract the 7.62 mm caliber bullet As he operated at Kyiv's Heart Institute, the surgeon said the bullet 'sticks right out from the ventricle 'Yes, right in the wall of the ventricle.' It was an automatic rifle 7.62 mm bullet - 'maybe [from] a machine gun - big enough. 'It was stuck in the wall of the ventricle. We pulled it out without blood loss. Not everyone is so lucky. 'So - such a bullet entered the heart and did not cause sudden death.' Earlier in the war Todurov, 58, a medical professor and director of The Heart Institute of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, slammed Vladimir Putin for forcing doctors to perform emergency heart surgery on children by torchlight. He sarcastically told Russians to 'rejoice' at the mayhem they are causing by bombing Kyiv's electricity supplies. He has carried out multiple operations on soldiers during the war. Kyiv-born Todurov carried out his first heart surgery at the age of 22. In 2001, he performed the first human heart transplant in Ukraine. In 2016 he performed the first mechanical heart implantation operation in Ukraine. Kyiv-born Todurov carried out his first heart surgery at the age of 22 and performed the first human heart transplant in Ukraine It comes amid dwindling morale among Zelensky's troops as the war enters its second harsh winter. Pictured: A tank crew in Christmas outfit perform a combat mission Another video released in April showed footage of a similar operation involving the removal of a bullet from the heart of a Ukrainian soldier. Doctors at Feofaniya hospital in Kyiv made incisions before removing the metal bullet. It comes amid dwindling morale among Zelensky's troops, as snow and ice cover the ground as the war continues through its second winter. Meanwhile ratbite fever is spreading around Putin's frontline, with troops reporting symptoms of vomiting and bleeding eyes on the north eastern Kupyansk front near the border with Russia. Even though a coroner ruled a dad and his six-year-old daughter died of hypothermia, plenty of questions remain how they ended up stranded on the way to grandma's house and what really happened in their final hours. Jason Murph, 42, and his daughter Michelle Murph were heading from Blythewood, South Carolina, to Orangeburg, South Carolina, to visit Jason's mother - about a 65-mile ride. Murph's estranged wife and the young girl's mother said the last time she heard from them was around 8pm on December 16. Murph told her that his car wrecked and he slid off the road and he did not know where he was. The little girl was also heard crying frantically in the background. Two days later, Murph's silver Toyota Tundra was found in a field damaged and burned near Interstate 301 Calhoun County. Around 1pm, officers from the Richland County Sheriff's Department and police K-9s found their bodies approximately 100 yards away. A Calhoun County coroner said their autopsy results were inconclusive and the pair died from hypothermia due to the weather elements. Officials said there were no signs of foul play, but their deaths remain a mystery. Jason Murph, 42, and his daughter Michelle Murph, six, were heading from Blythewood to Orangeburg to visit Murph's mother The wrecked silver Toyota Tundra was found last Monday around 1pm by officials near Lavender Lane in South Carolina, just off Interstate 26 near the 136-mile marker Murph's silver truck (pictured) was captured on video when he stopped at an Exxon station an hour before he spoke to his estranged wife and before the pair was reported missing The weather in South Carolina on December 16 was in the low 30s. Even though temperatures were above freezing, the coroner said he still believes weather played a factor. 'Because of the elements,' Calhoun County Coroner Donnie Porth said, according to WLTX. 'It wasn't below freezing by no means, but because of the wind and the rain, they become extremely cold, and I think it became an urgency for them to try to find help and try to find shelter.' The coroner suggested the truck got stuck in the mud and evidence at the scene showed they made attempts to try and free it. But, a grass fire started from the friction in the failed efforts. 'In my opinion, the car actually started the grass fire probably about 10.30pm, but unfortunately, when the car fire was extinguished, I think that's when they became urgent to get out,' Porth said. He said he felt they were walking together in a wet creek near the site and the dad sank into the mud. The dad and daughter were found next to each other. 'I feel like they were walking together, and unfortunately, he being heavier than she is, he sank into the mud, and the more you struggle, the deeper you go,' Porth told the outlet. 'I would ask everyone to keep family and friends and their prayers and thoughts.' The girl's mother and father, though not together, were both taking care of their young daughter. The youngster had been in her father's care for at least two weeks before the tragedy happened. According to a police report, the mother said that she could hear their daughter yelling in the background. She told police Jason had hung up the phone and refused to answer and that his phone had died. Murph's wife had also texted him to contact 911, but she never heard from him as well. The silver truck was captured on surveillance camera at an Exxon station. The time stamp was around an hour before Murph spoke to his daughter's mother, WACH News reported. The father and daughter seen with Santa at a previous holiday outing The young girl was a student at Sandlapper Elementary school in the Richland School District, Quentin Murph, the cousin of Jason Murph's cousin, told local WIS News that he was 'confused how the pair ended up at that location since the area they were found was not on the route to grandma's house. He expressed his sorrow that he was unable to help his loved ones. 'We're sorry we weren't there to maybe help you during the time you needed us the most,' he said. 'I just want to say we love you and we'll always keep you in our fondest memories.' A man was mauled by a shark while windsurfing off the coast of Perth on Christmas Eve. The 46-year-old was bitten on the ankle off Wedge Island, north of Lancelin, at 3pm on Sunday. The man managed to swim back to shore and take himself to a local nursing post at the pie shop at Wedge. He received medical attention before he was rushed to Joondalup Hospital for further treatment. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is working with local authorities to coordinate a response. It's been 30 years since beloved British duo Wallace and Gromit embarked on probably their best loved adventure in 'The Wrong Trousers'. In the classic 1993 stop motion film by Nick Park, Gromit receives a pair of 'ex-NASA' robotic techno trousers from Wallace for his birthday. They prove extremely useful when Gromit redecorates his bedroom, but lead to trouble when they fall into the clutches of the villainous penguin, Feathers McGraw. Although for now consigned to the fictional world of the loveable duo, experts think they could be built and conceivably let a wearer walk on walls and even ceilings. Dr Katie Raymer, a physicist and PhD graduate from the University of Leicester, said a real-life pair would use powerful vacuum suction at the soles, just like in the film. In the classic film, Gromit receives a pair of ex-NASA robotic 'techno trousers' from Wallace for his birthday, which allows the wearer to walk on walls and even ceilings. The techno trousers operate as a pair of robotic legs that can be pre-programmed along a set route Researchers examined what suction is required to allow a fully grown man wearing the trousers to walk on the ceiling without losing contact READ MORE Wallace & Gromit set to return for new film in 2024 The duo will return for a new film in 2024, premiering on Netflix with the exception of the UK, where it will debut on the BBC Advertisement A secondary 'sticking' mechanism could be added by making the soles magnetic, giving the trousers back-up support when walking on metal. 'In the world of Wallace and Gromit, the trousers are "ex-NASA",' Dr Raymer, now policy advisor at Royal Society of Chemistry, told MailOnline. 'We could assume that they may be used in space and therefore the magnets could have a use in this setting as spacecraft are generally made of metal.' As a physics student at the University of Leicester, Dr Raymer conducted a feasibility study into Wallace's techno trousers, along with colleagues. For the vacuum generator in the sole to work, the team said there would have to be a slightly raised rubber insulator surrounding the boot, they said. This would create a cavity which has a lower pressure than the surroundings when the vacuum is applied. The vacuum generator in the boots of the trousers, if powerful enough, would allow for a level of suction that could allow people to go upside down. They concluded that the trousers 'are scientifically possible' but they'd have to be plugged into a mains power supply or operate for up to 20 minutes on a rechargeable battery. In the film, Wallace describes the trousers as 'ex-NASA' as they were originally designed for use by astronauts for spacecraft repairs and other extra-vehicular activities. This detailed drawing from Haynes Manual indicates vacuum tubes in the soles (30) of the trousers The robotic legs can be pre-programmed to walk along a set route, operated by the wearer whilst inside them, or (after being craftily adapted by the penguin) operated remotely READ MORE Wallace & Gromit producers are 'playing' with AI Bristol firm Aardman also made the two Chicken Run films Advertisement 'When we wrote the papers we considered the vacuum and battery technology of the time,' Dr Raymer told MailOnline. 'So I expect the trousers would work a lot better today with developments in batteries the operating time would be much longer than 20 minutes now.' The team detailed their calculations in two papers for the university's Journal of Physics Special Topics, which lets students apply scientific thinking to fun topics. However, they stopped short of trying to actually build the iconic device, which looks to be made largely of painted steel, copper and rubber. Other scientists have taken inspiration from the techno trousers to create versions that aim to help frail people walk without falling. Because it could cost millions of pounds, building the real thing would have to have a similarly worthy cause. In the film, Wallace gifts them to his trusted companion because they're 'fantastic for walkies' and let him put his feet up while his pet gets his exercise. In the film, Wallace gives Gromit the techno trousers as a birthday present, envisioning them as a dog-walking companion, but Gromit is unimpressed Soon after, Wallace finds himself at the centre of Feathers McGraw's dastardly plan, leading to his famous line, 'It's the wrong trousers, Gromit and they've gone wrong!' Gromit will have to contend with the latest tech innovation from his owner when the duo finally make their on-screen return a year from now. When Wallaces 'smart gnome' develops a mind of its own, it will fall to his pooch to 'battle sinister forces and save his master', Aardman explains in a teaser. It's anticipated that a smart gnome will be an internet-connected version of the lawn ornament figurine, capable of autonomous thought and movement. When Republicans narrowly captured the House last year, most analysts predicted they would do more investigating than legislating. Unfortunately, that has proven to be true. Indeed, its final full week epitomized the entire first session of the do nothing 118th Congress. House Republicans launched an impeachment investigation of President Biden, though many supporters acknowledged a year of probes had not uncovered the proverbial smoking gun. Then, they went home. GOP members in both chambers blocked more aid for Ukraine while declaring how much they support the embattled countrys fight against Russian invaders. They are demanding tough new measures to curb illegal immigration though no Congress has been able to agree on anything for the border in years. The numbers tell the story. According to congress.gov, only 22 bills have become law so far this year, of which just three were significant keeping the government open. Five others are pending, including the measure setting defense policy, which both houses passed last week. On all four, House leaders needed Democratic votes, despite the opposition by some right-wing Republicans against such bipartisanship that led to the historic vote to oust Rep. Kevin McCarthy as speaker. The main problem has been the proclivity of House Republicans to load even essential measures like appropriations bills with conservative wish list items ranging from abortion restrictions to reduced spending for social programs. With Democrats holding both the Senate and the White House, there was no way for their initiatives to become law. But their inclusion did gum up the legislative works; House Republicans were even unable to pass some of their own funding measures because of internal divisions. The one thing that seemed to unite the House GOP was retaliation against the Democrats for various actions during their years in the majority, including the two impeachments of former President Donald Trump. House Republicans censured three Democrats, one for anti-Israel statements after the Oct. 7 Hamas invasion, one for setting off a false fire alarm to delay a vote and Rep. Adam Schiff of California, for his actions in the investigation of Trump for pressuring Ukraine to probe Biden. And they agreed unanimously to give formal authority to three committees to pursue the investigation against the president that they actually began before the GOP won the House in 2022. In recent weeks, Republicans have suggested they are pursuing two main lines of inquiry against him. In both, prospective charges have already been proven false. One initially surfaced in 2019, when Trump was impeached for withholding congressionally approved arms shipments to Ukraine unless President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reopened an investigation into Bidens role as vice president in firing Ukraines public prosecutor, Viktor Shokin. The false allegation was that Biden acted to protect his son and halt an investigation into Burisma, the Ukrainian oil company that paid Hunter Biden vast amounts of money for questionable purposes. But former U.S. Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch and other U.S. officials have confirmed he was acting on behalf of President Barack Obama and major U.S. allies, because Shokin was considered corrupt; there is no evidence he was investigating Burisma at the time. The second allegation, oft repeated by many Republican critics without any proof, is that President Biden benefited financially from his sons lucrative dealings in Ukraine and China. The House Oversight Committee released documents showing one of Hunter Bidens businesses made three payments totaling $1,380 to his father. They turned out to be repayments of a loan to help him buy a Ford truck. In recent weeks, several reluctant GOP supporters of the impeachment probe have cited the resistance of some Biden administration officials to supplying some of the thousands of pages of documents they have sought as reasons for their votes. Its hard to see how that alone would meet the Constitutions impeachment standard of high Crimes and Misdemeanors. But GOP members have been under strong pressure from Trump and his supporters to impeach Biden in retaliation for the Democrats impeachment of Trump and even to expunge the latter actions from the record. One Republican, Texas Rep. Troy Nehls, gave this reply when asked to explain the GOPs impeachment drive: All I can say is Donald J. Trump 2024 baby. GOP lawmakers have also been conducting a potential impeachment probe of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas for being derelict in handling illegal immigration. And a special panel has been investigating the Biden administrations alleged political weaponization of the Justice Department and intelligence agencies. Meanwhile, the Senates Democratic majority has often been hamstrung by the GOP minority or individual Republicans. Though GOP Leader Mitch McConnell strongly advocated helping Ukraine, he acquiesced in the demands of fellow Republicans to condition it on major policy changes on immigration. As a result, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has been unable to muster the 60 votes needed to pass the administrations proposal of additional funding for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan and the border. Negotiations on the package are continuing but, even if the Senate agrees, House Speaker Mike Johnson says the House wont consider aid for Ukraine. This will all need to be resolved when lawmakers return in January. But everything that prevented action this year will still be present, exacerbated by the pressures of the presidential campaign. As a result, it will likely prove difficult for this Congress to keep the government open, let alone do anything else. Carl P. Leubsdorf is the former Washington bureau chief of the Dallas Morning News. Readers may write to him via email at carl.p.leubsdorf@gmail.com. She warned viewers how to spot the pickpocketers in the crowds An American who moved to France has made a video about the scary moment she ended up in a fight with notorious Paris pickpocketers. Amanda Rollins, a writer and brand strategist from Boston, quit her job to move to the city with nothing but her cat, a suitcase full of clothes, and $1500. Since then, she's documented her new life as a Parisienne on Instagram and TikTok, where she goes by @americanfille. However, one of her newest videos recounted a terrifying experience where she came to face to face with the city's pick pockets. An American who moved to France has made a video about the scary moment she ended up in a fight with notorious Paris pick pocketers She told her 909,000 followers: 'I just got into a fight with the pick pocketers of Paris - literally all of them, like nine of them, and yes I took a video so I'm gonna show you. 'I just got home, I'm a little stressed. So I was on the [Metro] Line 1 and I was getting off at Palais Royale Musee du Louvre. 'As I'm walking down the stairs I see a group of known pickpocketers.' The writer explained: 'When I say this is a known group of pickpocketers - when the train drivers see them get onto the train they will come on and say "Hey guys, pick pocketers just got on the train so watch your stuff" because they know who these people are. 'I know who these people are, once you see them, you know who they are.' Recalling the exchange, she immediately wanted to yell 'attention pickpocket' to let everyone around her know. However, she realised they were going in the same direction as her and decided to 'film them so people can see what they look like and what they wear'. The American revealed: 'What they wear is what identifies them, they have a big coat with a cross body bag and what they'll do is use their jacket to cover their arm while they're reaching into your stuff and slipping into their own bags. The American revealed: 'What they wear is what identifies them, they have a big coat with a cross body bag and what they'll do is use their jacket to cover their arm while they're reaching into your stuff and slipping into their own bags' 'Apparently there were one or two behind me who saw that I was filming so they start going 'Hey what are you doing? You can't film, you don't have the right to film' and I was like I can do whatever the f**** I want.' 'They didn't like that so they started yelling at me and I didn't care I just kept filming. So then I was like "whatever, I'm just gonna keep walking" but then they were following me and I was like "okay, I guess we're doing this".' Amanda decided to start filming again while they were following her because 'if something happened' she 'wanted to at least have a video of it'. Shaken, she recalled, 'They're filming me, getting my face, so they're probably going to go back to their f****** ringleader and show them who I am and I'm probably gonna get taken out next week but all I want is for you to have a nice time in Paris. 'It breaks my f****** heart when I hear stories about people who come here getting pick pocketed.' The Boston native disclosed that she's pick pocketed an astonishing five times so it's 'personal' for her. She angrily told her followers: 'Paris is a great city but people like this, the scum of the earth, these thieves ruin it for everyone else. 'Then one of them pushed me and I pushed her back. Sorry, I'm very shaken up right now. Stop stealing from people. The worrying exchange happened on the Metro's line one, with Amanda getting off at Palais Royale Musee du Louvre 'Here's the video - all these girls up here walking quickly with the cross body bags, those are known pick pocketers.' In the clip, you see the group shout something in French at the tourist, before she responds, 'Touch me again and it will be the last time you use your fingers, I'll tell you that right now.' Amanda concluded the video by stressing: 'Stealing from people is wrong, period. All of this to say, I know what I just did is risky and probably stupid, but if you are ever in Paris and you see one of these people, keep your s*** locked tight.' She laughed, 'Please for the love of God let this video at least save one person because otherwise I'm gonna get taken out for no reason'. One shocked commenter wrote: 'Five times? Im so sorry are you ok? Ive never experienced it thankful and take the subway daily. Be safe'. Another questioned: 'If even the drivers know them, why won't the police do anything about it? Please stay safe!!!' Meanwhile, others penned: 'Id tote around a decoy purse with mousetraps inside' and 'Good for you!!! Thats terrifying but also proud of you for standing up for yourself!!!' Someone else added, 'They followed me onto a train with my travel pack and bags- I went and sat on all my stuff in the corner of the train and just stared them down.' An American solo traveller has revealed what she hated about each of the 11 countries she visited this year - including London and it's 'unfriendly' inhabitants. Grace Cheng has a TikTok account dedicated to her travels, where she goes by @gracietravels. In a recent video, she wanted to 'be real' with her 62,000 followers and share what she wasn't a fan of in the places she visited in 2023. She captioned the TikTok, which has already been seen by more than 14,000 people, 'Before you start attacking me, I just want to say this is me being real with you all. 'I am not a creator who will sugarcoat traveling. Traveling is NOT all about having positive experiences. you are NOT going to like every single place you visit and thats normal! you dont need to. An American solo traveller has revealed what she didn't like about each of the 11 countries she visited this year 'We can all voice our own opinions and I like to use this platform to do so because I can then help those out there who dont know of such things around the world.' She added: 'If your country is mentioned here, PLEASE do not take offense by it. I truly loved each one I visited, each country is so unique and special! but if I had to pick one negative thing from each, thats what my video holds'. London As part of her 2023 travels, the influencer made a stop at the UK, specifically London - however, she wasn't impressed. She told viewers: 'Then in London I also felt like it was a huge let down, it was a bit overhyped in my opinion. 'The locals here didn't really seem that friendly'. One commenter agreed, jokingly writing; 'Londoners unfriendly? Never. One time I fell down the stairs in the underground, my suitcase almost knocked me out, and people just stepped over me and carried on'. Although, another penned, 'I wasn't expecting much from London but was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed it. I'd even consider going back'. As part of her 2023 travels, the influencer made a stop at the UK, specifically London - however, she wasn't impressed Singapore Another country Grace visited this year was Singapore, where she stayed at the Marina Bay Sands. In this instance, it was the hotel that left the travel pro disappointed. She revealed: 'Staying at the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore was a huge let down. It's definitely not worth the hype and the price. 'Besides that, there also isn't that much to do here besides eat and shop'. Japan The 11 countries the solo traveller visited in 2023 Singapore Japan Turkey Egypt Australia Kenya The Maldives England Taiwan America Canada Advertisement Next, she talked about Japan and explained that 'for some places there can be a huge difference between how they treat foreigners'. She added 'They even have Japanese only establishments here - if you don't speak Japanese, know that sometimes you will get looked down upon.' However, one commenter disagreed, arguing: 'Ive been to Japan and never felt uncomfortable or looked down upon because I couldnt speak the language. Everyone was actually super nice'. Turkey Moving on to Turkey, she claims there is a habit that 'most' people have, which she didn't enjoy being around. Grace said: 'In Turkey, I did not expect everyone to be a smoker here, even your taxi or Uber driver will be smoking with you in the car. She added text to the screen which read: 'Ok, not everyone but a lot of people!' Concluding that for her 'personally it was such a hard thing to endure'. Egypt The fourth country on the list was Egypt, where she revealed she 'never knew' who she could trust. The content creator said: 'In Egypt the scammers and harassment was so big here and made my trip so stressful and overwhelming. It comes just after Travel vlogger Sam Mayfair revealed four popular scams at Egypt's pyramids and shared advice on how to thwart the fraudsters. Grace even made another TikTok in September of this year, where she talked about how visiting Egypt quickly turned into one of the worst travel experiences of her life. She spent a week in northeast Africa visiting the Great Pyramids of Giza and other historical landmarks but felt unsafe the whole time. Her holiday was ruined by 'aggressive' scammers lurking around 'everywhere' in attempt to rid innocent tourists of their money. Australia Next, although she didn't have any big complains about Australia, she didn't have high praise either. The traveller said: 'Australia, I thought the places we went to were nothing special. We definitely need a better itinerary for next time - It overall just made the trip very bland'. One Australian viewer chimed in with: 'Compared to other places you have been, Australia IS bland and we have very little to really offer that compares to other places in the world.' Kenya Moving on to Kenya, Grace talked about the Giraffe Manor, which is a giraffe conservation and hotel that's located in Nairobi, as part of 'The Safari Collection, a portfolio of four luxury boutique camps and lodges. It allows you to get up close and personal with the animals - it's also the only place in the world where you can feed and photograph giraffes from a breakfast table, or view them from your bedroom window. Grace remarked: 'In Kenya for the Giraffe Manor, this was probably the highlight of my trip just because I'm a huge giraffe lover. 'But for the general public I'm gonna be honest and say that it's not worth it.' The Maldives When discussing her stay in the Maldives, the TikToker only talked about the hotel she stayed in. She explained: 'In the Maldives we stayed at the Ritz Carlton and they gave us the worst service ever'. Adding: 'If you guys are interested in hearing about that feel free to comment below'. Taiwan Grace made a point about safety in Taiwan that she didn't like, explaining that: 'In Taiwan I hate that pedestrians don't have the right of way, so you're always having to be careful to not get ran over by a moped'. A viewer chimed in with, 'Taiwan's pedestrian is much much more better compared to that of Philippines,' alongside laughing emojis. America Nearing the end of her list, she mentioned America, however was strangely cryptic about her reasoning. Despite being a US resident herself, she simply said: 'In the US, I think this one can be self explanatory but I'm not gonna get into it'. Grace included a photo of Pike Place Market in Seattle, a daily market with seafood vendors, produce stalls and other retailers. Confused viewers commented: 'What was wrong with the us? (Theres a lot wrong lol) but Im just curious as to what you thought was wrong' and 'what happened in the US we're not from there'. Canada Finally, the TikToker reflected on her time in Canada. She said: 'Last, in Canada I went to Vancouver and Banff, but for Banff I don't think I can find anything negative about here. 'The only thing is that we did not spend enough time'. In the comments, she mentioned Vancouver and wrote: 'I didnt mention it in the video, but its gotten super trashed now since they legalized everything! downtown is the worst'. Grace concluded the video by saying 'But these were the things I didn't like about each country I visited this year, if you guys agree or disagree or have anything else to say, feel free to comment down below.' One viewer wrote 'Girl is rich rich,' meanwhile a second added, 'Always good to hear ppl talk about things they dont like on trips'. Others penned: 'The traveling whinger! Youre better off staying home' and 'Oh no not the Ritz'. Marina Bay Sands, Giraffe Manor and The Ritz Carlton Maldives have been contacted for a response. READ MORE: Sister Wives star Kody Brown abandons polygamy for monogamous relationship with last remaining wife Robyn She is often excluded from their activities and is cut out when trying to intervene DeLeesa is furious about her mom's relationship with her husband Trevor A pregnant wife has voiced her 'disgust' over her husband's 'weirdly' close relationship with her mother - which has seen the pair grow so intimate that they hold hands, enjoy one-on-one time together, and even dress in matching outfits. In the new series of TLC's Smothered, DeLeesa takes aim at her mom India and her other half Trevor's close bond - which she even brands 'disgusting' as she's left on her own for hours while they go and play bingo and hoverboard. For the past two years, New York native India, 59, has been living with her daughter and her son-in-law in Atlanta, Georgia, but her affection for her daughter's 37-year-old husband has been exasperating their issues. In a preview clip shared exclusively with DailyMail.com, DeLeesa complains: 'My husband and my mom are best friends and have the most weird, disgusting relationship that I have ever seen. DeLeesa (pictured left) is competing with her mom India (right) for her husband Trevor's attention in the latest series of Smothered Trevor spends one on one time with his mother-in-law India - and has no qualms about holding her hand on their activities In a clip shared exclusively with DailyMail.com, India clings on to her son-in-law as they skate 'I can't stand it, especially because me and my mom don't get along. It should be me and him, not my mom and him.' Despite DeLeesa and her mom's difficult relationship, Trevor invited India to come and live with them two years ago in a desperate attempt to bring them closer together. However, his efforts of mediating the pair have been foiled due to his increasingly close bond with his mother-in-law. 'It was actually my idea for my mother-in-law to come and live here,' he says. 'I had hoped that her coming down here would help them get closer, address a lot of their issues, and move past it together. But, unfortunately, it hasn't at all.' He continues: 'I don't want my relationship with my wife to suffer. I love my wife. I don't want to lose her, ever. 'But I feel like she's not hearing me when it comes to this situation. And I don't know how to approach it, I don't know the best way to fix it.' In another teaser clip shared with DailyMail.com, India and Trevor upset DeLeesa by heading out to play bingo together, leaving her alone for hours on end. Pregnant wife DeLeesa is 'disgusted' by her husband and mom's 'weird' relationship On top of holding hands and hanging out together, the mother and son-in-laws even dress the same When a frustrated DeLeesa rings her husband to find out where they are, her childish mother India blows raspberries at her daughter before grabbing Trevor's phone and hanging up on her. The situation leads DeLeesa and Trevor butting heads, with the devastated bride asking: 'Who plays bingo for seven hours?' 'It hasn't been seven hours, you're being dramatic,' Trevor responds. 'We've literally been here an hour.' As he then attempts to tell his wife that he'll be out for another hour, India starts waving a bar of chocolate in his face, which he then eats. Speaking in a confessional with mother-in-law India by his side, Trevor says: 'At this point in my relationship with DeLeesa, she feels threatened.' DeLeesa's mom hangs up Trevor's FaceTime call while she's left out of a trip to the bingo hall India even feeds her son-in-law chocolate while DeLeesa is on the phone watching Trevor reckons his wife feels 'threatened' by his close relationship with her mother Interrupting her son-in-law, India butts in to add: 'No, I don't think that. I think it's just jealousy because everything always has to be her. If it's not her, that's it.' Trevor and India's unusual relationship sure is a head-scratcher, and according to TLC viewers will see their closeness laid bare. 'They wear matching outfits, eat from each other's mouths, clean each other's ears and India even plans to get dentures made from a mold of Trevor's mouth so they have the same smile!' a synopsis read. 'Their intimacy is especially disturbing to Trevor's wife and India's daughter, DeLeesa. 'Now that DeLeesa is pregnant and needs the support of her husband more than ever, she gives Trevor an ultimatum. 'Trevor finally realizes the gravity of the situation when a health scare lands DeLeesa in the hospital.' He is a skilled magician who can easily make things disappear before your eyes. But now posh prankster Archie Manners is missing a trick himself after all of his magic equipment was stolen. Archie, 30, who has performed for everyone from Prince Harry to David Cameron, tells me: 'All of my props, thousands of pounds of playing cards, vanished from the back of my car, leaving me unable to perform.' He is now in the process of replacing the equipment, with one item causing him high amusement. He says: 'There was a foam sponge penis as part of my act which has also gone missing, so I am in the process of making another one, so to speak.' Archie has not given up on catching the culprit. WHAT A CARD: Archie helped to disrupt a Just Stop Oil banquet by setting off alarms He has checked all the local CCTV from the time of the theft, which happened in Central London last month, and wryly muses that one thief out there must be enjoying their new-found haul of playing cards. Archie, who is 25th in line to the Dukedom of Rutland and went to 48,000-a-year Radley College in Oxfordshire, is also a prankster by trade and runs a YouTube channel with his business partner Josh Pieters. On Channel 4's The Last Leg recently, they duped ex-Home Secretary Suella Braverman into unveiling an insulting message, when she thought it was a naming ceremony for a boat. In the summer, the pair turned their attention to Just Stop Oil, whose members often glue themselves to the road or throw paint over buildings in protest. Archie and Josh disrupted Just Stop Oil's 100 per cent plant-based 'Beyond F***ed Banquet' in East London when they set off deafening 150-decibel personal rape alarms suspended in helium balloons. The video has since had millions of views on YouTube. Looks like the thief might be in for a similar prank should they be caught. Lady Eliza Manners has revealed her romance with investment banker Max Odey is over Meanwhile, Archie's distant relative Lady Eliza Manners, left, has revealed her own bad luck her romance with investment banker Max Odey is over. Keen not to let it get her down, interior designer Eliza booked a one-way ticket to Mexico and has been sharing the snaps of her adventures on Instagram. It wasn't an easy year for the pair. In June, Max's father Crispin was the subject of a Financial Times investigation accusing him of sexual assault. His hedge fund Odey Asset Management is shutting as a result. Crispin, who denies all the allegations, was all too keen to boast of his son's relationship with Eliza last year as he told me: 'She is the most lovely, clever soul, a credit to her parents and way too good for my son.' Blueface is being sued for defamation by a woman who shares a child with fellow rapper Soulja Boy. The lawsuit filed by Jackilyn Martinez, who accused the musician, 26 - who has been charged with assaulting a fan at a show in Salt Lake City - of making false and defamatory statements about her and her child. Martinez, who shares a one-year-old son with Soulja Boy, whose legal name is Deandre Cortez Way, filed the suit in Los Angeles after Blueface, claimed he had sex with Martinez the day before her baby shower and that he could be the tyke's father. 'I f****d your baby mama the day before your baby shower,' he claimed on social media, advising the BET Hip Hop Award winner to, 'a get a DNA test,' alleging, 'that's my child lil bro I'm the daddy now.' The court papers admit that Martinez had unprotected sex with Blueface, whose legal name is Johnathan Jamall Porter in 2018, but 'There is zero chance that the defendant is plaintiffs childs biological father,' according to documents obtained by Rolling Stone. Blueface, 26, is being sued by Soulja Boy's partner Jackilyn Martinez for defamation and more after the TikTok rapper claimed he had sex with her and could be her child's father The court docs also allege that after Martinez's attorneys sent Blueface a cease and desist letter, he doubled down, writing, 'Nobody ever said your name ... I don't even know who you are.' As a result, the young mother said she had received death threats. 'We gun in u down,' read one post included in the complaint. 'When u in the grave Ill make sure you baby Alr (alright),' was another threat included in the lawsuit. 'Plaintiff is gravely concerned for herself and her childs safety and well being, and plaintiff is extremely nervous and afraid to go outside and/or be in public,' Martinez's filing stated. She also asserted the comments from Blueface make her appear 'promiscuous' and 'unfaithful to the father of her child.' The suit also framed the interaction as an effort for the Disrespectful rapper to promote his career by 'engaging in a feud' with Soulja Boy. Her claims include defamation, false light, intentional infliction of emotional distress and negligence. Martinez is asking for real and punitive damages. She is also asking for her attorney's fees to be covered and for the judge to grant a permanent injunction barring Blueface from defaming her. The Bop rapper was put on probation in October, when he plead guilty to battery after a shooting incident at a strip club in Las Vegas in 2022. He could be placed behind bars for two-to-five years if the musician is found to have violated the terms of his probation after the Utah incident. Martinez denies Blueface's claims and claimed in court papers the remarks made her appear 'promiscuous' and 'unfaithful to the father of her child' In her suit, Martinez alleges the Holy Moly rapper of trying to promote his career by 'engaging in a feud' with Soulja Boy (Pictured in Los Angeles in May 2019) Chrisean Rock, who asserts Blueface is the father of her three-month-old son, has accused her ex of punching her in the face when she brought the baby to his house for a visit on Thursday (Pictured in Houston, TX in June 2022) The Bop rapper has been on probation since pleading guilty to battery after a shooting incident at a strip club in Las Vegas. He could be jailed for two-to-five years if police find he violated his parole by shoving a fan to the floor in Utah after inviting her to the stage (Pictured in Los Angeles in June 2019) Video reportedly shows him inviting a fan to the stage and then reportedly shoving her to the floor, claiming she threw ice and telling his team to 'get her.' Chrisean Rock, who asserts the Holy Moly artist is the father of her three-month-old son, accused her ex-boyfriend of punching her in the face Thursday night, when she brought the baby to his house for a visit. In a live video on social media after the alleged attack, Rock said she had called police, but TMZ reported no such call had been recorded. Blueface has also publicly accused the Baby Father Drama rapper on social media of cheating with Cardi B's estranged husband, Offset. 'I aint never talk or touch that lady,' Offset wrote on social media. 'Real talk man you need some help!' Director Christopher Landon has exited Scream 7. The horror specialist, who created Happy Death Day and Freaky, took to X, formerly Twitter, on Saturday to reveal he would no longer be directing the next sequel in the famous franchise started by Wes Craven and Kevin Williamson. 'I guess now is as good a time as any to announce I formally exited Scream 7 weeks ago,' Landon shared. 'This will disappoint some and delight others. It was a dream job that turned into a nightmare. And my heart did break for everyone involved. Everyone. But its time to move on.' He added: 'I have nothing more to add to the conversation other than I hope Wes legacy thrives and lifts above the din of a divided world. What he and Kevin created is something amazing and I was honored to have even the briefest moment basking in their glow.' Landon's exit marked the culmination of a turbulent few months for the troubled project, which has also included the departure of two lead actors. Director Christopher Landon has exited Scream 7; he is pictured in 2023 The horror specialist took to X, formerly Twitter, on Saturday to reveal he would no longer be directing the next sequel in the famous franchise started by Wes Craven and Kevin Williamson On November 21, it was reported that Spyglass had terminated actress Melissa Barrera from the forthcoming seventh Scream movie due to social media posts deemed as antisemitic. Amid the Israel-Hamas War, Barerra shared a post that accused Israel of 'genocide and ethnic cleansing'. The actress, who played Sam Carpenter in the franchise, labeled Israel as a 'colonized' land and posted content containing an antisemitic trope in regards to Jewish people controlling the media. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Barrera also said in another Instagram Stories post that 'Gaza is currently being treated like a concentration camp.' A Spyglass spokesperson issued a statement to Variety explaining why Barerra was let go from the motion picture for her remarks. 'Spyglass' stance is unequivocally clear: We have zero tolerance for antisemitism or the incitement of hate in any form, including false references to genocide, ethnic cleansing, Holocaust distortion or anything that flagrantly crosses the line into hate speech,' the spokesperson said. Landon, at the time, distanced himself from the decision, saying in a since-deleted tweet: Everything sucks. Stop yelling. This was not my decision to make. A day after the report of Barrera's firing, word came that fellow star Jenna Ortega would not be returning. 'I guess now is as good a time as any to announce I formally exited Scream 7 weeks ago,' Landon shared. 'This will disappoint some and delight others. It was a dream job that turned into a nightmare. And my heart did break for everyone involved. Everyone. But its time to move on' On November 21, it was reported that Spyglass had terminated actress Melissa Barrera from the forthcoming seventh Scream movie due to social media posts deemed as antisemitic; seen in 2022 A day after the report of Barrera's firing, word came that fellow star Jenna Ortega would not be returning Ortega's departure, a decision made by her and her representation team, occurred prior to the SAG-AFTRA strike this summer but was only disclosed last month. She reportedly had conflicts due to her Wednesday Season 2 shooting schedule. Landon was set to step in for the directing duo Radio Silence, known for rejuvenating the franchise with 2022's Scream and the successful Scream VI, released in March. The latter became the highest-grossing domestic installment in the horror franchise since the 1996 original directed by Wes Craven and written by Kevin Williamson. Strictly Come Dancing finalist Bobby Braziers grandmother has been shunned from the familys Christmas celebrations as a result of a long-running feud. Jackiey Budden has been left very upset by the snub over her rift with the stars dad - the television presenter Jeff Brazier. Bobby will instead spend the festive season with his famous father, younger brother Freddy and his stepmum Kate. It comes after Ms Budden, the mother of Bobbys late parent Jade Goody, was banned from going to the studio to watch the actor take part in Strictly. Confirming that Ms Budden would not be joining the family at Christmas, a friend said she is very upset and would do anything to see the boys. She will instead spend tomorrow (Monday) at her south east London flat. Strictly Come Dancing star Bobby Brazier will spend the festive season with his famous father, Jeff, brother Freddie and his stepmum Kate - but not his grandmother, Jackiey Budden Jackiey Budden is said to be 'very upset' at being snubbed because of her rift with the star's father television presenter Jeff Brazier The latest snub comes after Ms Budden, mother of Bobby's late mum Jade Goody, was banned from going to the studio to watch the actor take part in Strictly. Pictured: Bobby with dance partner Dianne Buswell The friend told The Mail on Sunday: Its tremendously sad for Jackiey, the boys are really the only family she has left since Jade died. She would give anything to be with them on the day, to give them their presents and tell them how much she loves them. While Jackiey is the first to accept that she isnt your ordinary nan, that she is a bit whacky and at times difficult, she is still human and wants to see them. Its the end to a very special year for Bobby and she would just love to be there to celebrate with him. Ms Budden, 66, and Mr Brazier, who has looked after the boys since Ms Goodys death from cervical cancer in 2009, fell out some years back and have not been able to repair their relationship. Earlier this month, she described her late daughters ex, who has been attending the shows at Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire with youngest son Freddy, as a c**k. In 2021 Bobby confirmed in an Instagram video he had seen his grandmother after losing touch Ms Budden, 66, and Mr Brazier, who has looked after the boys since Jade Goody's death from cervical cancer in 2009, fell out some years ago. Pictured: Jade with Bobby in 2006 In September, Ms Budden was forced to pay for her own ticket to watch Bobby, 20, pick up the rising star award at the National Television Awards. Previously, Mr Brazier put the fall-out down to Ms Budden buying the two boys inappropriate presents such as phones and even a hamster, which he has had to confiscate or return. In 2021 Bobby confirmed in an Instagram video that he was back in contact with his grandmother after losing touch. He said: I didnt see her for ages for way too long but I went to see her twice recently. And honestly if theres one woman you shouldnt underestimate, its my nan. Honestly, shes like a wizard! Its nuts. The pair also joined up last year for a charity walk in honour of Ms Goody, who shot to fame on reality show Big Brother in 2002. Indy Clinton has been spotted enjoying a family outing at the beach just five days after giving birth to her third child. The mummy vlogger, 27, who has over 1.5million followers on TikTok, welcomed her daughter Soul Valerie with husband Ben Azar on Monday. Rather than spending the festive season recovering in bed, the model was up and on her feet by Saturday as she headed to Sydney's Palm Beach with Ben, Soul and the couple's two other children - son Navy, three, and daughter Bambi, one. The family of five were spotted arriving at the busy beach together, with Indy carefully cradling little Soul as they made their way down the sand. They finally found a place to set up camp, laying down a large beach towel and erecting a green sun umbrella to protect them from Australia's harsh summer sunshine. Indy Clinton, 27, (right) has been spotted enjoying a family outing at the beach just five days after giving birth to her third child Indy, who was recently named TikTok creator of the year, looked radiant in a black-and-white one piece swimsuit, paired with loose trousers and a set of trendy sunglasses. She wore her luscious blonde hair out, and sported what looked to be a subtle application of makeup and spray tan. During the outing, Indie was seen smiling as she played with her children and cuddled up to Soul, while buff-bodied Ben enjoyed a surfing session in the waves. The mummy vlogger who has over 1.5million followers on TikTok, welcomed her daughter Soul Valerie with husband Ben Azar on Monday Rather than spending the festive season recovering in bed, the model was up and on her feet by Saturday as she headed to Sydney's Palm Beach with Ben, Soul and the couple's two other children - son Navy, three, and daughter Bambi, one Indy announced the arrival of Soul via Instagram on Monday. She shared a black-and-white image of the newborn sleeping in her cot, along with the caption: 'Soul Valerie. 18/12/23'. ' Before giving birth, Indy took to Instagram to share a video documenting her trip to the maternity ward. The family of five were spotted arriving at the busy beach together, with Indy carefully cradling little Soul as they made their way down the sand They finally found a place to set up camp, laying down a large beach towel and erecting a green sun umbrella to protect them from Australia's harsh summer sunshine The video began with Indy telling her followers 'it's baby time' as she took a shower and began blow drying her hair. Next she said her goodbyes to children as she left them behind with a family member to take care of them. The blonde appeared confident, breathing through her contractions in the car ride to the hospital. Indy, who was recently named TikTok creator of the year, looked radiant in a black-and-white one piece swimsuit, paired with loose trousers and a set of trendy sunglasses She wore her luscious blonde hair out, and sported what looked to be a subtle application of makeup and spray tan Despite husband Ben being a bit 'nervous', Indy danced in the vehicle as she listened to Push It by Salt-N-Pepa and did her makeup. At one point, as she contoured her nose, the mum-of-three said: 'I want her [the new baby] to come out and be like, "Oh my god, my mum's nose is so small. She looks snatched."' After stopping off for some coffee, Indy and Ben checked in at the hospital as they arrived with several more pillows for the birthing bed. During the outing, Indie was seen smiling as she played with her children and cuddled up to Soul, while buff-bodied Ben enjoyed a surfing session in the waves. The couple were all smiles as they soaked up the sunshine with their young family The video ended with Indy showing off her private birthing suite as she bounced on an exercise ball and got comfortable in bed. Indy, who was crowned Australia's most beloved influencer at the TikTok Awards earlier this month, revealed in June she's having another baby girl with Ben. At the time, she held a gender reveal by popping a large black balloon to reveal pink confetti while their children Navy and Bambi gasped with excitement. Indy announced the arrival of Soul via Instagram on Monday She shared a black-and-white image of the newborn sleeping in her cot, along with the caption: 'Soul Valerie. 18/12/23'' Just the week before, Indy told her TikTok followers she was pregnant with her third child, as she cradled her baby bump in a long knitted white dress. As she posed on the beach in the happy clip, friends and followers of the expecting mother jumped to the comments to congratulate her. One person wrote, 'KEEPING UP WITH CLINTON! Congratulations gorg,' while another said: 'This is EVERYTHING.' Before giving birth, Indy took to Instagram to share a video documenting her trip to the maternity ward Charlie Sheen spoke about his Christmas plans, following a recent altercation with his neighbor. The 58-year-old actor, who has become well-known for his turbulent past, told People on Saturday that he was planning on enjoying a 'calm' and 'sane' holiday with his twin sons Max and Bob. The performer, whose daughter Sami has amassed a considerable following on OnlyFans, also expressed that he was looking forward to spending the day relaxing with his children. Sheen stated: 'We are not one of those families that plan a ski trip or the tropical thing. We don't have 30 relatives flying in. No, it's pretty calm, pretty traditional, very sane, very comfortable.' The Two And A Half Men star added: 'I feel bad for people that experience so much stress during the holidays.' Charlie Sheen spoke about his Christmas plans on Saturday, following a recent altercation with his neighbor; seen in 2019 The performer went on to speak highly of sons, whom he shares with his ex-wife Brooke Mueller, and described them as 'really cool, really smart, and really funny.' Sheen also shares his daughters Sami, 19, and Lola, 18, with his second wife, Denise Richards, and he welcomed his eldest daughter Cassandra, 39, with his former girlfriend, Paula Speert. The Platoon star then told the media outlet that his boys were unconcerned by his level of fame. 'It doesn't matter, whatever we're doing that might be important and connected to our job, or some high brow moment of responsibility, the kids don't care,' he said. Sheen concluded by expressing enthusiasm about his revived acting career, and stated that he was 'absolutely ready' to return to his craft. He recalled: ' For the longest time, I had the best work reputation. I was the first to arrive, last to leave, when in doubt I'd over prepare. I would just check every fricking box. And that went away. So I was really excited about being that guy again.' The performer's interview was released just a day after TMZ reported that his neighbor had been arrested on charges of assault with a deadly weapon and burglary. According to the media outlet, members of the LASD responded to a call from Sheen's home in Los Angeles on Wednesday. The 58-year-old actor, who has become well-known for his turbulent past, told the media outlet that he was planning on enjoying a 'calm' and 'sane' holiday with his twin sons Max and Bob; seen with his sons in 2011 The performer went on to speak highly of sons, whom he shares with his ex-wife Brooke Mueller, and described them as 'really cool, really smart, and really funny'; seen with his sons and former spouse in 2011 His interview was released just a day after TMZ reported that his neighbor had been arrested on charges of assault with a deadly weapon and burglary; seen in 2019 Officers stated that the 47-year-old woman forced her way into the actor's residence and began to attack him after she knocked at his door. It was also reported that, although she ripped the performer's shirt and attempted to strangle him, she eventually returned to her own home, after which paramedics responded to the call and left without taking him to a hospital. Sheen was said to have not been sure about the exact cause of the incident, although they had previous altercations, including an instance where she sprayed a substance on his car. A source also told the media outlet that the woman had dumped trash on the actor's doorstep just a day prior to her attack. Khloe Kardashian showed off her flexibility on Saturday, in a set of promotional images for her Good American clothing brand. In one the photos, the 39-year-old reality television personality posed with her leg in the air as she showed off her sculpted physique in form-fitting jeans and heels. The entrepreneur, who recently criticized her sister Kim for allowing one of her children to wear shoes on the sofa, also wrote a short message to let her fans know that her favorite pair of jeans 'always fits.' Kardashian opted for a pair of dark blue pants that clung tightly to her chiseled thighs and legs as she posed for the snap. The social media powerhouse also wore a sleeveless light white sleeveless t-shirt and silver high-heeled shoes. Khloe Kardashian showed off her flexibility on Saturday, in a set of promotional images for her Good American clothing brand In the photos, the 39-year-old reality television personality showed off her sculpted physique in form-fitting jeans and white top The reality television figure accessorized with a sparkling silver necklace, as well as a pair of earrings. Her voluminous dyed blonde hair cascaded onto her shoulders during her photoshoot. Kardashian also shared several snaps featuring her daughter True, five, and her niece Dream, seven, on her Snapchat and Instagram accounts on Friday evening. The entrepreneur embraced her eldest child and her niece in one of her snaps, and she added a text graphic to express that the group 'had a magical time' at Holiday Road, a Christmas-themed attraction in Calabasas. The social media figure donned a black sweater, as well as matching pairs of sweat pants and boots, while spending time with her loved ones. Kardashian also wore a necklace featuring several candy canes, and she wore a headband with four colored lights. She went on to post a photo of True and Dream striking poses in front of a Nativity set. The reality television figure also described the outing as 'a fun evening with my girls.' The social media powerhouse also wore a sleeveless light white sleeveless t-shirt and silver high-heeled shoes Kardashian also shared several snaps featuring her daughter True, five, and her niece Dream, seven, on her Snapchat and Instagram accounts on Friday evening She went on to post a photo of True and Dream striking poses in front of a Nativity set The reality television figure also described the outing as 'a fun evening with my girls' The model shares True with her former partner, Tristan Thompson, whom she began seeing in 2016; they are seen in 2018 The model shares True with her former partner, Tristan Thompson, whom she began seeing in 2016. The pair welcomed their daughter in 2018, although they wet on to maintain an on-off relationship over the next few years. Although the two briefly became engaged, they ultimately went their separate ways for good in 2021. However, Kardashian and Thompson surprised many when they welcomed a son named Tatum, one, via surrogate last year. News / National by Mandla Ndlovu In a groundbreaking press statement released by the Ministry of Energy and Minerals of the Republic of Somaliland, H.E Abdillahi Farah Abdi unveiled ambitious plans for the nation's economic transformation through the exploration and exploitation of its rich energy and mineral resources.Highlighting Somaliland's potential as an emerging player in the East African oil and gas industry, the Ministry emphasized its efforts to position the country as an oil producer. Notably, a major multi-client seismic project, managed by the ministry and conducted by the Chinese national company BGP Inc, has seen international oil companies investing in Somaliland. These companies have acquired a substantial 4,300km of 2D seismic, signaling significant interest in the region.The recent purchase of a 49% stake in Genel Energy's interest in block SL10 B13 by CPC of Taiwan further underscores the growing international partnerships in the sector. The joint venture formed by this acquisition is gearing up to drill its first well in 2023, marking a crucial milestone in Somaliland's journey toward oil production.Moreover, Somaliland boasts considerable mineral wealth, including precious metals, base metals, coal, rare earth elements, gemstones, and industrial minerals. The discovery of gold in the Sanaag region and the ongoing extraction of gemstones by local artisanal miners showcase the economic significance of these resources. With licenses and operations by international investors in progress, the government is poised to leverage the mineral-rich Mozambique belt for economic growth.Minister Abdillahi Farah Abdi emphasized that the government's top priority is to enhance the nation's economy and increase production by exploiting its natural resources. The transparent and conducive arrangements established by Somaliland aim to attract foreign companies and international development partners, essential for realizing the full potential of the country's resources.The Minister urged both domestic and international stakeholders to recognize the transformative impact of these ventures on Somaliland's economy. He stressed the importance of foreign investment and support from development partners to propel the nation towards economic prosperity.As Somaliland embarks on this journey, the eyes of the international community are keenly watching, recognizing the strategic importance of the region in the ever-evolving landscape of East African energy and mineral exploration. Love Island's Sharon Gaffka has slammed James Cleverly after he made a joke about giving his wife a date-rape drug. The Home Secretary, 54, made the unguarded remarks at a Downing Street reception where he told female guests that 'a little bit of Rohypnol in her drink every night' was 'not really illegal if it's only a little bit', the Sunday Mirror reported. James also laughed that the secret to a long marriage was ensuring your spouse was 'someone who is always mildly sedated so she can never realise there are better men out there'. Sharon, 28, who was a victim of drink spiking and now campaigns on violence against women and girls, accused James of not treating the issue with 'the seriousness it deserves'. The influencer told The Mirror: 'To address this issue effectively, systemic changes must come from the top. Love Island's Sharon Gaffka has slammed James Cleverly after he made a joke about giving his wife a date-rape drug The Home Secretary, 54, made the unguarded remarks at a Downing Street reception where he told female guests that 'a little bit of Rohypnol in her drink every night' was 'not really illegal if it's only a little bit', the Sunday Mirror reported In a tweet, Sharon added: 'If you were my husband, the only thing you'd be served at Christmas is divorce papers. Disgusting.' 'While the Home Secretary's recent initiatives to combat spiking are acknowledged, they fall short of campaigners' requests. Coupled with insensitive jokes, it sends a message that the matter isn't taken seriously. 'During the festive season, incidents of domestic abuse, particularly against women, surge. It's disappointing that the Home Secretary doesn't seem to recognise the gravity of domestic abuse and the importance of treating it with the seriousness it deserves.' In a tweet, Sharon added: 'If you were my husband, the only thing you'd be served at Christmas is divorce papers. Disgusting.' Sharon has previously spoken of how she hit her head on a toilet and was found wedged behind a locked cubicle door after her drink was interfered with while out celebrating a friend's birthday. She said two male paramedics attended but passed her off as someone who had been 'over drinking' rather than a victim of spiking. Recalling the incident and addressing the new crackdown on Good Morning Britain today, she said: 'One of the things that's really important with the new measures announced today is that you need staff to be able to advocate for people who are in a vulnerable situation. 'I couldn't talk at all, I was completely unconscious, and had my friends also been spiked, nobody would have been able to advocate for us. 'Had there been a test kit made available to me or our friends, we knew which glass it was, we could have taken that drink and had it swabbed. 'It's not always obvious. There have been a lot of cases where people have tried to go through the criminal prosecution route and try to use CCTV as a form of evidence and it's either not been very clear or sometimes venues are too scared to provide CCTV. 'It's not always as obvious as someone literally tampering with your drink.' Sharon has previously said she used the testimonies from other victims to meet with her MP David Wantage to discuss what she thinks can be put in place to help victims of spiking James apologised for joking about giving his wife a date-rape drug every night, just hours after announcing a crackdown on spiking. James met his wife Susie at university and the couple have two children. Conversations at Downing Street receptions are usually understood to be 'off the record' but the Sunday Mirror decided to break that convention because of James' position and the subject matter. READ MORE: Government launches crackdown on drink spikers with door staff and bouncers to be given new training Advertisement Allies of James said his comments were made in a private setting but he recognises they were inappropriate. James has previously described tackling violence against women and girls as a 'personal priority' and called spiking a 'perverse' crime. A spokesman for the Home Secretary said: 'In what was always understood as a private conversation, James, the Home Secretary, tackling spiking made what was clearly meant to be an ironic joke - for which he apologises.' Senior Labour figures criticised James' 'appalling' comments. Alex Davies-Jones, shadow minister for domestic violence and safeguarding, said: ''It was a joke' is the most tired excuse in the book and no one is buying it. 'If the Home Secretary is serious about tackling spiking, and violence against women and girls, then that requires a full cultural change. The 'banter' needs to stop and it has to start at the top.' Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper said: 'Spiking is a disturbing and serious crime which is having a devastating impact on young women's lives. 'It is truly unbelievable that the Home Secretary made such appalling jokes on the very same day the Government announced new policy on spiking. 'It suggests that despite being the Cabinet minister ultimately responsible for tackling violence against women and girls he doesn't get how serious this is. Victims will understandably be questioning if they can trust him to take this vile crime seriously.' James has now apologised for joking about giving his wife Susie a date-rape drug every night, just hours after announcing a crackdown on spiking Ministers have pledged to modernise the language used in legislation to make clear spiking is a crime and announced a series of other measures as part of a crackdown. But they stopped short of making spiking - when someone puts drugs into another's drink or directly into their body without their knowledge or consent - a specific offence. Between May 2022 and April 2023, there were 6,732 reports of spiking in England and Wales - including 957 reported incidents of needle spiking. On average police receive 561 reports of spiking a month, with the majority being made by women typically after incidents in or near bars and nightclubs, according to a Home Office report. Katie Price has admitted that she wants a 'new bum' in the New Year because of her 'awful cellulite'. The former Glamour Model, 45, who recently got more filler pumped into her lips and bum just last month, is already wanting to undergo another procedure. The TV personality confessed the idea during a live TikTok video before going on stage as The Wicked Fairy Carabosse in her Sleeping Beauty panto in Liverpool. In the background of the video, Katie can be heard saying: 'Omg that is really cellulite-y. I've got to sort my a*** out, it's awful. 'I need a new a*** in the New Year.' Katie Price, 45, has admitted that she wants a 'new bum' in the New Year because of her 'awful cellulite' The former Glamour Model, who recently got more filler pumped into her lips and bum just last month, is already wanting to undergo another procedure (pictured earlier this month) She recently showed off her 'massive' brand-new lips and bum after getting them pumped up with filler in a gruesome clip. It is yet another surgery for Katie, who has already had various boob jobs, nose jobs and cosmetic work such as fillers and botox. She shared a graphic video of the injection as she broadcast getting her new surgeries live on TikTok. Katie appeared bleary-eyed as the needle punctured her lips, making them as large as possible with a noticeable dip in the middle. However the TV personality was quick to exclaim how much she 'loves' her new look. She said: 'I just love them! I love how you've done the dip and made them flatter today. Like, little and often I just love them.' 'Love them,' she reiterated, before winking at the camera. Later adding: 'Oh my god, my lips look massive today!' Later on, the mother-of-five shared a clip of having work on her bum to banish her 'hip dips' after getting a Brazilian butt lift four weeks ago. The TV personality confessed the idea during a live TikTok video before going on stage as The Wicked Fairy Carabosse in her Sleeping Beauty panto in Liverpool In the background of the video, Katie can be heard saying: 'Omg that is really cellulite-y. I've got to sort my a*** out, it's awful. I need a new a*** in the New Year.' Katie recently showed off her 'massive' new lips and bum on Instagram last month Katie shared a clip of getting her lips pumped up with filler Katie also revealed clips of her bum getting filler pumped in after getting a BBL four weeks ago Her surgeon praised Katie's new bum as 'perfectly curved' after getting her hip dips filled in Her aesthetic practitioner said: 'So here's Katie's results. The hip dips are completely filled out and it looks nice and perfectly curved. It's really softened up as well!' Katie admitted she 'regretted' getting a BBL many years ago in Turkey, saying it left her in a lot of pain and she ended up getting it removed. She confessed: 'I'll tell you what did go wrong. I did go to Turkey and had a BBL years ago and it was the worst thing I ever did. 'The pain, I hated it and had it taken back out. It was awful.' Katie has always been candid about going under the knife and in a new interview with the Go Love Yourself podcast she divulged her concerns over suffering body dysmorphia, due to her resistance to accept her image. Katie said: 'I know sometimes when I have gone too far. I have been there done it with all the fillers. I don't have fillers now. I do in my lips and I have Botox because it got to the point where my face just looked like a balloon. Like really shiny. 'I am starting to look alien. It is purely for me, that's the difference.' Nearly the entirety of Katie's time in the spotlight has been dominated by her surgeries and body image battles. Here she goes: Katie is seen earlier this year after her latest batch of surgeries Surgery fanatic Katie has previously admitted she believes her countless cosmetic procedures have left her looking like a 'freak' and an ' alien ' (pictured in 2019) Earlier this year, Katie dubbed herself a 'surgery veteran' after countless operations including three facelifts and three bouts of liposuction. Katie went under the knife on her chest for the 16th time in Belgium late last year and opted for huge 2120CC sized implants. She admitted her 'biggest ever' boob job was to boost her OnlyFans sales - and is now said to be planning surgery number 17 on her breasts. Katie also has vaneers, fillers, Botox and recently debuted her new nose, lip lift and anti-wrinkle injected cheeks. She is best known for her boob jobs - which are allegedly so big that she isn't allowed on rollercoasters anymore. Max Bowden had a lucky escape after after being involved in a three-car collision in Surrey on Friday. The EastEnders actor, 28, best known for playing Ben Mitchell, emerged unscathed but appeared to be shaken up following the accident in Sunbury-on-Thames, according to onlookers. In pictures obtained by The Sun, the soap star emerged from the scene with no injuries, despite the vehicle's bumper completely destroyed. A source told the publication: 'It was all very fast. We just saw this car was absolutely demolished and then my girlfriend said, "Is that Ben Mitchell?" 'He looked pretty stunned by the whole thing. He must have been pretty badly shaken up.' Max Bowden, 28, made a lucky escape from his smashed-up Mercedes after being involved in a three-car collision in Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey on Friday The EastEnders actor, best known for playing Ben Mitchell, managed to get away from the scene unscathed appeared to be shaken up, according to onlookers (pictured on the soap) A Surrey Police spokeswoman said: 'We were called to a collision involving three vehicles in Sunbury-on-Thames on Friday. 'The collision occurred around 1.10pm just off the Sunbury Cross roundabout and involved a red Mazda, a black Mercedes and a grey Kia. 'There were no injuries or arrests resulting from the incident.' It comes after Max's ex-girlfriend Shona McGarty recently opened up about her split from Max while at The British Soap Awards. The couple went their separate ways after his ex Roisin Buckle gave birth to his first child, a baby boy in September last year. The BBC soap star said the former couple had called it quits after having a six month relationship but confirmed they are still friends. She told The Mirror: 'Its lovely to be here tonight because Maxs mums here and I havent seen her for ages, I adore her. 'So its lovely to catch up with her. Were actually better than ever. Its a friendship, were in such a good place. In pictures obtained by The Sun , the soap star emerged from the scene with no injuries, despite the vehicle's bumper completely smashed up It comes after Max's ex-girlfriend Shona McGarty recently opened up about her split from Max while at The British Soap Awards 'You take a risk, and you do something and it doesnt work out, but thats life, youve got to take that risk.' Max and Shona's romance first came to light in May 2022 after sources claimed the pair were 'inseparable' following his split from girlfriend Roisin, and they made their relationship Instagram official in August. However, Shona has already moved on as she confirmed she is currently 'speaking to someone' new but didn't reveal details because 'it's very early days'. Terri Irwin paid a sweet tribute to Steve Irwin on Christmas Eve. The conservationist, 59, posted a photo to Instagram showing her late husband posing alongside their two children, Bindi and Robert. The family are pictured, all smiles while posing with newborn Robert. 'December 2003. Best month. Best Christmas. Best family. Cherish every moment,' Terri captioned the post. The photo was quickly inundated with comments from well-wishers. Terri Irwin paid a sweet tribute to Steve Irwin on Christmas Eve. The conservationist, 59, posted this photo to Instagram showing her late husband posing alongside their two children, Bindi and Robert 'National treasures. God bless you and your family,' one fan wrote. Another wrote: 'With or without Steve the world is a much better place WITH you and BECAUSE of you Terri . Thanks for showing us what thoughtfulness, humility, compassion, grace, and graciousness looks like everyday.' Steve and Terri Irwin met in 1991 when she visited Australia Zoo while on a holiday from the US and they married the following year. Steve and Terri Irwin met in 1991 when she visited Australia Zoo while on a holiday from the US and they married the following year Terri publicly marked the 17th anniversary of Steve death earlier this year, on September 4, by paying a solemn tribute to him. The wildlife star shared a rarely seen photo of Steve sitting crouched in a hut with a dog next to him, with light illuminating him. Terri kept it brief but deeply meaningful on the 17th anniversary of her husband's death, leaving the caption, 'Remembering Steve,' with just a singe red love heart. Terri kept it brief but deeply meaningful on the 17th anniversary of her husband's death, leaving the caption, 'Remembering Steve,' with just a singe red love heart Steve tragically died when a stingray barb pierced his chest on September 4, 2006, while filming near Batt Reef, Queensland, in his native Australia. He was just 44-years-old at the time. Terri famously took over Australia Zoo after being widowed with the couple's two children. Irwin and her children Bindi, 25, and Robert, 19, have worked hard in the years since Steve's passing to keep his conservation legacy alive. It recently celebrated its 20 year anniversary and is, without a doubt, one of the classic Christmas films watched by families around the globe every single year. But Elf fans are all baffled after only just realising a 'legendary Christmas star' appears in the Will Farrell movie. The 2003 film, which was directed by Jon Favreau, features Will as Buddy Hobbs - aka Buddy the Elf - an eccentric human who was raised by Santa's elves and ends up on a quest to find his biological father Walter Hobbs (James Caan) in New York City. But back in the North Pole, fans have noticed that head elf Ming Ming had previously starred in another festive film. Peter Billingsley, who played Ming Ming, also took on the lead role of Ralphie Parker in A Christmas Story. Elf recently celebrated its 20 year anniversary and is, without a doubt, one of the classic Christmas films watched by families around the globe every single year Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, one person wrote: 'I was today-years-old when I realised that Peter Billingsley (a.k.a. Ralphie from A Christmas Story) was in Elf!' Another penned: 'Ralphie from A Christmas Story is the lead elf in Elf. How did I not know this?' A third said: 'Nice to know a memorable actor from one Christmas classic appeared in another' Last year, it was announced that Billingsley would be coming back to his signature role to lead a sequel to the perennial holiday favorite. The starturnedfilmmaker reprises his role in the new film that's expected to take place when Ralphie is an adult in the 1970s, The Hollywood Reporter revealed at the time. In addition to starring in the long-awaited sequel to the 1983 classic, Billingsley also serves as producer for its production companies Legendary and Warner Bros. alongside longtime friend Vince Vaughn for Wild West Picture Show Productions. The Christmas Chronicles director Clay Kaytis helmed the much-anticipated sequel film, which will be released on Warner's HBO Max streaming service. The original A Christmas Story was an episodic period piece set sometime in the late 1930s to early 1940s that follows nine-year-old Ralphie as he navigates school and family relationships in a fictional Indiana town while dreaming of getting a Red Ryder BB rifle for Christmas. Peter Billingsley, who played Ming Ming, also took on the lead role of Ralphie Parker in A Christmas Story Elf fans are all baffled after only just realising a 'legendary Christmas star' appears in the Will Farrell movie In the '70s-set sequel, Ralphie will return home to his old house on Cleveland Street to give his own children the same kind of 'magical Christmas' he experienced as a child. The original film was lauded for its realistic production design, which impeccably matched the time period and the Midwestern setting, and the publication writes that the new film will try to adopt a similar style. Adult Ralphie will reunite with some of his childhood friends featured in the original movie while also trying to move on from the death of his father, often referred to as The Old Man in the original and played by Darren McGavin. Although the original was filmed in Cleveland, Ohio, with some additional scenes done in Ontario, Canada, the new production wasn't shot in the United States. Instead, Hungary will be filling in for what is supposed to be Hammond, Indiana. There are expected to be plenty of references to the original film, which annually plays for 24 hours on TBS and TNT from Christmas Eve to Christmas Day. A Christmas Story, which also starred Melinda Dillon as Ralphie's mother, was initially only modestly successful and received mixed reviews upon its 1983 release. But over the years the film grew in popularity, with the help of home video releases and television broadcasts, until it came to be regarded as one of the best and most popular Christmas films of all time. Last year, it was announced that Billingsley would be coming back to his signature role, nearly 40 years after the original film A Christas Story (1983) Following his acclaimed performance in A Christmas Story, Billingsley continued to act more sporadically as he grew older, before focusing on behind the camera work as a director and producer. He went on to direct the comedy film Couple Retreat, starring his friends Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau, and he executive produced the animated comedy series F For Family with Vaughn. In 2008, he played a small role as a scientist in Iron Man, which was directed by Favreau, and both actors were later featured in Spider-Man: Far From Home. A Christmas Story Christmas starts streaming on HBO Max on November 17. Angel Carter Conrad has mourned the loss of her big sister Bobbie Jean, who died at age 41 on Saturday. 'You had a great sense of humor, and a lively spirit. Growing up, I was your baby, and you were my best friend. Life wasn't fair to you, that I know. Sometimes, it feels like you didn't have a shot, no matter what,' the grieving 36-year-old wrote on Christmas Eve. 'Experiencing innocence instead of being burdened by trauma, pain, and suffering is incredibly important for children, particularly at such a young age. I know why Leslie, Aaron, and now you ended up in the circumstances that you did. I share that pain we experienced during our childhood and I'm sorry you didn't have an opportunity for a better life.' Angel - who mothered four-year-old daughter Harper during her nine-year marriage to Corey Conrad - encouraged her 74K Instagram followers to visit the website for the children's mental health non-profit organization On Our Sleeves. 'We all need to break down barriers, reduce stigmas, and cultivate a society where seeking mental health support is met with understanding and encouragement,' Conrad wrote. Angel Carter Conrad (L) mourned the loss of her big sister Bobbie Jean (R), at age 41, in their native Florida on Saturday The grieving 36-year-old wrote on Christmas Eve: 'You had a great sense of humor, and a lively spirit. Growing up, I was your baby, and you were my best friend. Life wasn't fair to you, that I know. Sometimes, it feels like you didn't have a shot, no matter what' 'This starts with our children, and creating healthy conversation within the home. The generational dysfunction stops now. Please visit @onoursleevesofficial to learn more about how you can get involved, and how to be there for your loved ones. I love you BJ, you're free now.' Sources close to the Carters told People: 'The family believes Bobbie Jean died after going into cardiac arrest, though further details of what led up to her death remain unclear.' Bobbie Jean was placed on suicide watch after threatening to kill herself during a June 14 arrest for shoplifting $55 worth of merchandise from Hobby Lobby during which she was found with fentanyl. Carter - who's survived by her young daughter Bella - appeared in the family's E! reality show House of Carters, and she used to work as a wardrobe stylist and make-up artist for her late brother Aaron. The death comes just over a year after Angel lost her younger brother Aaron Carter, and over 10 years after her sister Leslie Carter passed. Aaron died on November 5, 2022, at the age of 34. He was determined to have drowned after inhaling difluoroethane and taking alprazolam, the generic version of Xanax. A decade earlier in 2012, Leslie Carter died at 25 due to a toxic combination of prediction medications. Aaron's team exclusively told DailyMail.com that it's been a year of 'such loss and tragedy' for the family, adding, 'We know Aaron is in heaven with his sisters and reunited.' 'On behalf of beloved Aaron Carter, his team sends condolences to his servings siblings, mother and extended family,' the statement read. 'This year has definitely been one with such loss and tragedy. May you be filled with love and comfort from supporting fans and friends through this tough time. You are not alone. We know Aaron is in heaven with his sisters and reunited. May they rest in peace.' Angel continued: 'Experiencing innocence instead of being burdened by trauma, pain, and suffering is incredibly important for children, particularly at such a young age. I know why Leslie, Aaron, and now you ended up in the circumstances that you did. I share that pain we experienced during our childhood and I'm sorry you didn't have an opportunity for a better life' Conrad - who mothered four-year-old daughter Harper during her nine-year marriage to Corey Conrad - encouraged her 74K Instagram followers to visit the website for the children's mental health non-profit organization On Our Sleeves (pictured November 23) She concluded: 'We all need to break down barriers, reduce stigmas, and cultivate a society where seeking mental health support is met with understanding and encouragement. This starts with our children, and creating healthy conversation within the home' Bobbie Jean was placed on suicide watch after threatening to kill herself during a June 14 arrest (mugshot pictured) for shoplifting $55 worth of merchandise from Hobby Lobby during which she was found with fentanyl Carter (pictured in 2006) - who's survived by her young daughter Bella - appeared in the family's E! reality show House of Carters, and she used to work as a wardrobe stylist and make-up artist for her late brother Aaron Aaron (T-R, pictured in 2006) died on November 5, 2022, at the age of 34. He was determined to have drowned after inhaling difluoroethane and taking alprazolam, the generic version of Xanax In 2012, Leslie Carter (2-L) died at 25 due to a toxic combination of prediction medications TMZ obtained a statement from Jane Cater in which she poured her heart out after losing her third child. 'I am in shock from learning of the sudden death of my daughter, Bobbie Jean; and I will need time to process the terrible reality of this happening for the third time,' she began. 'When I am able to think clearly, Ill release a fuller statement; but until then I would request to be left to grieve in private.' She added: '[H]owever deeply a parent feels the loss of a child, the suffering of a young child at the loss of a parent must be much greater. 'So, I would ask the sympathetic to say a prayer for my precious eight year old granddaughter Bella, who previously lost her father and is now also left without her mother.' Sofia Vergara stunned as she stepped out for a dinner date with her boyfriend Justin Saliman in Malibu on Saturday. The actress, who has been finishing up some last minute shopping, showcased her figure in a tight fitting black leather skirt and matching turtleneck sweater as she grabbed dinner at Nobu. The 51-year-old Modern Family star highlighted her toned legs wearing strappy high heel sandals. She placed a black wool coat around her shoulders and carried a black shoulder bag with a metal and leather chain. The America's Got Talent judge styled her brown hair straight and added a pop of color with a bold red lip. Sofia Vergara stunned in a tight fitting black leather skirt with a black turtleneck sweater as she stepped out for a romantic dinner in Malibu Saturday As for Justin, the orthopedic surgeon looked dapper in a white shirt with cocoa toned pants and brown leather ankle boots. The doctor kept warm in a black wool coat. The pair were later seen laughing together as they drove away in Saliman's luxury car. The countdown is on for the debut of Sofia's passion project. Griselda will debut on Netflix January 25. The Emmy nominee portrays real life drug cartel leader Griselda Blanco in the six-episode series. The actress and producer spent a decade researching the Colombian native who built a huge drug empire in Miami in the 1970s and 1980s. In an interview with Mitu, the Alma Award nominee explained, 'This was a very long process for me.' The Hot Pursuit star enjoyed the company of her new beau, Justin Saliman, for a lovely meal at Nobu. The orthopedic surgeon looked dapper in a white shirt with cocoa toned pants and brown leather ankle boots The pair were later seen laughing together as they drove away in Saliman's luxury car The countdown in of for the debut of Sofia's passion project. Griselda will debut on Netflix January 25. The Emmy nominee portrays real life drug cartel leader Griselda Blanco in the six-episode series 'I was on a plane one time, and I read in a magazine something about this Colombian woman, which, even though I grew up in Colombia in the 70s and 80s, I never heard of her.' The talented star said she pursued the project because 'As a Latin woman, and someone who sounds like me, there arent many projects that are perfect for me,' adding, 'I thought that this was a role that I could play.' Some of Sofia's fans are upset about this project, commenting that the show will perpetuate stereotypes. 'Can we stop with the shows that normalize narco-culture? They just incentive Latin America for hate, violence and bad reputation,' one follower asked. Another seemed to see it in the same light as Sofia, penning. 'Im happy to see a Colombiana playing a Colombiana.' With just one sleep to go until Christmas, celebrities were getting into the festive spirit on December 24. Leading the way were the likes of Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury and the Beckhams, who celebrated the night at home. Love Island star Molly, 24, took to Instagram on Sunday to share a snap planting a kiss on her boxer fiance, 24, while they relaxed on the sofa in matching plaid pyjamas. The engaged couple cuddled their 12-month-old Bambi in the sweet snap, which Molly compared to last Christmas Eve's photograph, when she was heavily pregnant with their daughter. She captioned the cute post: '365 days later', adding another image of the trio on her Stories. Molly-Mae Hague planted a kiss on fiance Tommy Fury as they spent Christmas Eve in with matching pyjamas and their 12-month-old daughter Bambi David Beckham got into the festive spirit on Sunday as he posed with Santa Claus after he paid a visit to their sprawling country mansion The engaged couple were with Bambi in the sweet snap, which Molly compared to last Christmas Eve's photograph, when she was heavily pregnant with their daughter Meanwhile, Victoria Beckham and husband David got into the festive spirit on Sunday as they posed with Santa Claus after he paid a visit to their sprawling country mansion. Fashion designer Victoria, 49, showed off her chic but casual sense of style in an all black outfit while sitting alongside Father Christmas and ringing his golden bell for an Instagram snap. She could be seen wearing a red and white had to match that of Father Christmas, with David doing the same in a separate photo while at their Chipping Norton pile. Her sons Romeo, 21, and Cruz, 18, also had their pictures taken with Santa as did their daughter Harper, 12, but her oldest son Brooklyn, 24, and his wife Nicola Peltz, 28, were absent when the photos were taken. Former Spice Girl Victoria also shared a holiday card from her offspring on the social media site earlier in the day. The artist once known as Posh Spice captioned her Santa snaps post: 'When Santa comes to visit!!!Happy Christmas Eve!!!! Kisses from us all!! @davidbeckham @romeobeckham @cruzbeckham #harperseven. We miss you @brooklynpeltzbeckham @nicolaannepeltzbeckham xxxxxx.' In the holiday card, all four of David and Victoria's children could be seen posing arm-in-arm. A message beneath the picture read: 'HAPPY CHRISTMAS. Love and Kisses. David, Victoria, Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz & Harper.' While Brooklyn was not in the Santa snaps with his family, he is currently away with his loved ones in the Bahamas. In a separate photo, Victoria sat alongside Santa and rang the Christmas bell as he spent the day at the couple's Chipping Norton pile Her sons Romeo, 21 (right), and Cruz, 18 (second right), also had their pictures taken with Santa as did their daughter Harper, 12 (left) Cruz (pictured) appeared in good spirits as he posed with Santa but his older brother Brooklyn his wife Nicola Peltz were absent when the photos were taken Romeo cut a casual figure in a black top and khaki tracksuit bottoms which he teamed with a fluffy blue hat Harper flashed a sweet smile as she wore a light blue top and some denim jeans while posing with Santa Former Spice Girl Victoria also shared a holiday card from her offspring on the social media site earlier in the day EastEnders star James Bye and his wife Victoria celebrated with their four children, sharing a sweet snap of the brood in matching pyjamas as they posed in front of their Christmas tree Charlotte Crosby celebrated Christmas Eve at The Langley in Buckinghamshire with fiance Jake Ankers and their daughter Alba ahead of their festive holiday Chloe Ferry and her mother also opted to spend Christmas in the sunshine as they shared a snap from their luxury getaway in Thailand Billi Mucklow and husband Andy Carroll jetted off to spend Christmas in the sunshine EastEnders star James Bye and his wife Victoria celebrated with their four children, sharing a sweet snap of the brood in matching pyjamas as they posed in front of their Christmas tree. Victoria captioned the snap: 'I know Ive already said Im putting my feet up with a mince pie but I think we all knew that wasnt going to happen 'The prep is never ending from the presents to be wrapped to the pile of chopped veg thats growing by the minute! And of course, there had to be an incident somewhere along the line and weve already had Louis (who else? ) take the end of his finger off with the peeler. (Seriously, the blood! Literally everywhere Anyway! Fa la la la laaaaa - and have another sherry) 'So yes, its fair to say its all a bit manic But in all the palaver and festive shenanigan, I somehow found the time to manhandle everyone into a matching onesie photo shoot I mean, how could I resist! 'So keeping it short and sweet as Im sure youve all got much better things to do than listen to me waffle on From our house to yoursAll the love and have a Very Merry Christmas. The Byes xx'. Charlotte Crosby celebrated Christmas Eve at The Langley in Buckinghamshire ahead of her festive holiday. The former Geordie Shore star, 33, will fly out with her fiance Jake Ankers and her daughter Alba who, at just fourteen months, is already quite well-travelled. Jessie J shared adorable snaps with her baby son Sky as she celebrated his first Christmas Catherine Tyldesley was home for the holidays and shared a sweet snap with her children Kirsty Gallacher treated her son Oscar, 17, to Christmas Eve at The Ritz as a belated celebration for his GCSE results Danielle Lloyd shared a sweet snap posing with her family in front of their tree Natalie Rushdie - who is expecting her second child with husband Zafar - shared a sweet snap with their daughter Rose on Christmas Eve Shelby Tribble and her son Abel donned matching red pyjamas on Christmas Eve Lottie Tomlinson also enjoyed a night in with her little boy Lucky ahead of Christmas Love Island's Shaughna Phillips celebrated her daughter Lucia's first Christmas Eve Tamara Ecclestone spent the evening with her family at their lavish home Frankie Bridge was out and about for Christmas Eve, sharing snaps from her outing Anton Du Beke spent Christmas Eve with Paul Chuckle as they performed in panto together Love Island's Lucinda Strafford dressed up as a sexy Mrs Claus for Christmas Eve Rochelle and Marvin Humes were in Dubai for Christmas and got their kids into the festive mood with matching pyjamas Gemma Collins had a rather random guestlist for her Christmas eve soiree as Jedward and Denise Van Outen's ex Eddie Boxshall were seen serenading her mum Joan She is eager to get away as her last Christmas was tainted by the death of her beloved grandmother just weeks prior. Charlotte told The Mirror: 'Last Christmas, we obviously lost my Nana. So, the thing that makes Christmas 'Christmas', when you have your grandparents round, was gone.' Explaining her plans for the trip, she said: 'This is a first time abroad I've never done a Christmas away and we're not doing any presents. It's just about making some memories, like amazing memories, on a big family holiday.' 'We're going with my mum, my dad - just basically everyone who we would gather with on Christmas Day.' Amy Dowden invited her fellow Strictly Come Dancing professional Carlos Gu to experience 'his first British Christmas' with her and her loved ones. Twinkle-toed star Amy, 33, who took time out from this year's series of Strictly after she was diagnosed with cancer, took to Instagram on Sunday to share a glimpse at her festive celebrations. Television personality Amy could be seen posing with 30-year-old Carlos, who is from China, before the pair enjoyed a meal with her husband Benjamin Jones and her twin sister Becky. She captioned her post: 'Cherish every moment and everyone in your life! Merry Christmas all! 'We have @gkx_carlos with us having his first British Christmas! Sending Welsh love to all, especially thinking of those who may find this time of year difficult. #merrychristmaseveryone.' Amy Dowden invited her fellow Strictly Come Dancing professional, Chinese Carlos Gu, to experience 'his first British Christmas' with her and her loved ones Television personality Amy could be seen posing with 30-year-old Carlos, who is from China, before the pair enjoyed a meal with her twin sister Becky (right) Amy Dowden invited her fellow Strictly Come Dancing professional Carlos Gu to experience 'his first British Christmas' with her and her loved ones. Twinkle-toed star Amy, 33, who took time out from this year's series of Strictly after she was diagnosed with cancer, took to Instagram on Sunday to share a glimpse at her festive celebrations. Television personality Amy could be seen posing with 30-year-old Carlos, who is from China, before the pair enjoyed a meal with her husband Benjamin Jones and her twin sister Becky. She captioned her post: 'Cherish every moment and everyone in your life! Merry Christmas all! 'We have @gkx_carlos with us having his first British Christmas! Sending Welsh love to all, especially thinking of those who may find this time of year difficult. #merrychristmaseveryone.' Amy Dowden invited her fellow Strictly Come Dancing professional, Chinese Carlos Gu, to experience 'his first British Christmas' with her and her loved ones Television personality Amy could be seen posing with 30-year-old Carlos, who is from China, before the pair enjoyed a meal with her twin sister Becky (right) She captioned her post: 'Cherish every moment and everyone in your life! Merry Christmas all! 'We have @gkx_carlos with us having his first British Christmas!' It comes after Amy documented her last hospital appointment before Christmas on Thursday. The dancer, 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 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. It comes after Amy thanked the Strictly Come Dancing team in a heartfelt social media post last 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. Amy appeared in good spirits as she shared a picture of herself posing with husband Benjamin Jones on Sunday 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!' It comes after Amy took to Instagram as she documented her last hospital appointment before Christmas on Thursday 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. 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.' '@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.' 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 team in a heartfelt post last 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!' 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. 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. Amy was diagnosed with breast cancer in May, and underwent a mastectomy in July (seen in hospital) '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!'. Jimmy Barnes has plenty to celebrate this Christmas. The legendary Australian rockstar, 67, recently underwent open heart surgery but doctors found he was healthy enough to make it home before December 25. Posting to Instagram on Christmas Eve, an elated Jimmy shared photos of himself enjoying the festivities at home with his wife Jane and grandchildren. 'I'm so happy to be home for Christmas with my loved ones,' he began his caption. 'The littlest ones are so excited. They're putting out cookies and carrots. I can smell the ham and stuffing and can't wait for tomorrow. Happy Christmas,' he continued. Jimmy Barnes, 67, (left, with wife Jane) shared photos to Instagram on Christmas Eve showing himself getting into the festive spirit with his family following open heart surgery Jimmy concluded by quoting a song by Eddi Reader: 'My love is like a red red rose.' The Cold Chisel frontman's fans were thrilled with the good news, with one commenting: 'Absolutely amazing to see the big smiles!' 'Merry Christmas to Mr Jimmy and Jane Barnes and your lovely big family. Looking very healthy and happy,' another wrote. 'I'm so happy to be home for Christmas with my loved ones,' he began his caption. (Pictured are Jimmy's grandchildren) Jimmy informed his followers earlier this month he was undergoing open heart surgery after a bacterial infection spread to his heart. Following the procedure, the Scottish-born Aussie took to Instagram to let his followers know he is healthy, happy and likely to make a full recovery. Late last month, Jimmy was forced to cancel his headlining appearance at Rock the Boat cruise festival in Noumea, New Caledonia, after being hospitalised with bacterial pneumonia. Jimmy informed his followers earlier this month he was undergoing open heart surgery after a bacterial infection spread to his heart He then had to pull out of his scheduled performance at By The C in Torquay on December 2 after his condition failed to improve. Jimmy has a string of sold-out headlining gigs booked for January and February, including multiple shows at the Red Hot Summer Tour festival. However, Jimmy later confirmed his upcoming shows will likely be axed after doctors found his infection had spread. News / National by Staff reporter THE Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has assured residents of the availability of water during Christmas as they continue monitoring levels at their reservoirs.The city is on a 120-hour water shedding regime after the local authority said they were now relying on two of its supply dams, Insiza and Mtshabezi which are, however, failing to pump enough water due to ageing infrastructure.Bulawayo's supply dams are Mtshabezi, Upper Ncema, Lower Ncema, Insiza and Umzingwane but some of the dams received insignificant inflows during the past rainy seasons due to climate change-induced drought.Addressing journalists following a special council meeting that resolved to implement the five-day water shedding schedule a fortnight ago, the Mayor, Councillor David Coltart, had said they would review the situation before Christmas so as to ease the shedding.In an interview with Sunday News yesterday, the local authority's Director of Engineering Services, Engineer Sikhumbuzo Ncube, said they were monitoring the water levels at their reservoirs with indications that they will not shed water during the Christmas holidays.Mayor, Councillor David Coltart"Our wish has always been to have residents get uninterrupted water supplies during the Christmas holidays, which is why we implemented the five-day water shedding schedule in the first place, so as to allow inflows into our reservoirs."We are now monitoring our reservoirs and we can say for now that residents will get uninterrupted supplies during the Christmas holidays. However, the residents should also work with us by conserving the water because if consumption is high, reservoirs levels will drop and we will be forced to implement stringent shedding measures," said Eng Ncube.According to the latest dam levels, the city received slight inflows, standing at 44,47 percent full compared to a couple of weeks ago when the five-day shedding schedule was introduced where they were 43,59 percent full.Mtshabezi Dam is 72,95 percent full, Insiza Mayfair; 60,23 percent, Inyankuni; 31,42 percent, Upper Ncema; 22,83 percent, Lower Ncema; 22,83 percent and Umzingwane Dam is 5,71 percent full.Last week, Cabinet noted that while dam storage levels continue to decline due to the delayed onset of rains, the current national storage level of 74,4 percent is, nonetheless, higher than the 54,4 percent expected at this time of the year.Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Dr Anxious Masuka said a key highlight in terms of urban water supply, is the establishment of the Harare Technical Committee to increase water production, reduce non-revenue water, and to improve sanitation and a similar Committee has also been formed for Bulawayo.While Bulawayo is experiencing a water-shedding programme, more than 10 000 cholera cases have been reported in Zimbabwe. Several measures with the World Health Organisation (WHO) are being accelerated as the Ministry of Health and Child Care has received a huge consignment of cholera response commodities consisting of point-of-use water chlorination tablets, Intravenous fluids and various complete cholera treatment camps, cholera beds, non-food items, mobile toilets, tents and antibiotics from WHO.The Ministry of Health with support from WHO is developing a comprehensive laboratory testing strategy for cholera in Bulawayo. This they said will provide clearer guidelines for testing at all levels, strengthening data collection and analysis for smarter policy decisions. The Great Christmas Bake Off crowned its 2023 winner on Sunday, with Sophie Faldo triumphing for a second time. Sophie - who is the series eight champion - came back for another shot at the title and beat Dan Beasley-Harling, Amelia Le Bruin, Linda Rayfield, George Aristidou and Carole Edwards to the win. She won over the judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith with her festive bakes after they were tasked with three challenges. For the first round the bakers had to make 12 mince pies with their own special spin. Then the technical saw them tasked with baking a cinnamon loaf. The final Showstopper saw them construct a giant cake. The Great Christmas Bake Off crowned its 2023 winner on Sunday, with Sophie Faldo triumphing for a second time While everyone seemed pleased for Sophie on her win, no doubt no one was feeling better about it than Prue, who had a chance for redemption after spoiling Sophie's first win Even the official Great British Bake Off X account couldn't resist poking fun at Prue's gaffe Speaking about her win, Sophie shared: 'Yay I'm so chuffed. What a lovely way to start Christmas. I'm going to take this [the decorative plate] home and enjoy some mince pies on it.' Prue added: 'Sophie was brave to come back as she had a lot to lose. That was five years ago but of course she's grown since then. 'She is organised and thorough when she does something, my God, she does it properly.' While everyone seemed pleased for Sophie on her win, no doubt no one was feeling better about it than Prue, who had a chance for redemption after spoiling Sophie's first win. While the Bake Off winner is always a closely guarded secret, with one catastrophic tweet Prue accidently revealed Sophie had won the 2017 series hours before final aired prompting inevitable devastation from the shows loyal fans. Sophie was the first one to win Bake Off on its new home on Channel 4, but her big moment was overshadowed by the unfortunate gaffe. Prue, who was in Bhutan at the time, blamed the time difference on her social media slip up, which saw her tweet: 'No one told me judging a Bake Off final would be so emotional. I wanted them all to win. Bravo Sophie.' The tweet was swiftly deleted and Prue apologised, writing: 'I'm in Bhutan. The time difference is massive. I thought that they got it six hours ago. I'm in too much of a state to talk about it. I f***** up.' Sophie - who is the series eight champion - beat (L-R) Linda Rayfield, Dan Beasley-Harling, Amelia Le Bruin, George Aristidou and Carole Edwards to the win For the first round the bakers had to make 12 mince pies with their own special spin. Then the technical saw them tasked with baking a cinnamon loaf Prue's gaffe sent Bake Off fans into a frenzy, with many responding by sharing comical memes inspired by the judge's astronomically ill-advised tweet. Many gags featured Mary Berry, who was Paul Hollywood's fellow judge on the much-loved show when it was on the BBC. When she stepped down following the announcement that the show was moving to a new home on Channel 4, Prue was selected as her replacement - and fans were quick to joke that Mary might derive some satisfaction from the slip up. The Great British Bake Off will return for a New Year's special on January 1, with returning stars Maxy Maligisa, Jurgen Krauss, Maggie Richardson and Mark Lutton coming back to the tent. Charlotte Crosby has announced plans to fly her family to Maldives on Christmas Day and says it will be her first time abroad for Christmas. The former Geordie Shore star, 33, will fly out with her fiance Jake Ankers and her daughter Alba who, at just fourteen months, is already quite well-travelled. She is eager to get away as her last Christmas was tainted by the death of her beloved grandmother just weeks prior. Charlotte told The Mirror: 'Last Christmas, we obviously lost my Nana. So, the thing that makes Christmas 'Christmas', when you have your grandparents round, was gone.' Explaining her plans for the trip, she said: 'This is a first time abroad I've never done a Christmas away and we're not doing any presents. It's just about making some memories, like amazing memories, on a big family holiday.' Charlotte Crosby, 33, has announced plans to fly her family to Maldives on Christmas Day and says it will be her first time abroad for Christmas The former Geordie Shore star will fly out with her fiance and her daughter Alba who, at just fourteen months, is already quite well-travelled She is eager to get away as her last Christmas was tainted by the death of her beloved grandmother (pictured) just weeks prior The star continued: 'We're going with my mum, my dad - just basically everyone who we would gather with on Christmas Day.' In December, Charlotte was struck down with pneumonia and rushed to hospital after feeling ill for six weeks. Days later, she shared an update to her Instagram Story in which she revealed she had been 'struggling to shift' unbearable chest infections. Charlotte posted a mirror selfie and wrote over the top: 'It's been a very long 5/6 weeks of on and off coughing/ chest infections. And the whole time I've been struggling I've been doing the very most work wise. 'Travelling up and down the country, trains, cars and almost planes. A couple of occasions even losing my entire voice at work. I've not been able to carry out some of the stuff I've had to.' Days later, Charlotte took to Instagram with an update for fans, writing: 'UPDATE. I've been on my new antibiotics for 4 days! And I'm starting to feel SO MUCH better! 'HOWEVER....a period from hell decided to come yesterday. I'm I was doubled over this morning with the worst cramps and Jakes got a really busy couple of days with work. 'So looks like a big coffee for me this morning! And some strong pain killers! Hopefully once this period passes that will be me back to full health!' The reality star wrote a lengthy update to her 8.8 million followers on Instagram, over the top of a video of her baby Alba Jean, 14 months (pictured) 'Four weeks since I've done any exercise and I was onto my very last part of testing our BRAND NEW CHALLENGE on @blitznburn which will resume next week! 'And we have an EXCITING filming day Monday! Which has had to be rescheduled twice now because I've been so unwell! 'But I am so so so ready to get back to it and show you all what we have got coming!' The next clip of Charlotte's story saw her promote her new design and fashion brand Pepper Girls Club. An Iain Stirling ITV series has been cancelled - for the second time this year. ITV has called time on the ITV2 sitcom Buffering, starring Iain, 35, after just two series despite reports in May that a third series was underway. The comedian's management company Avalon, which produced the show, told the British Comedy Guide that Iain has turned his attention to other projects. Buffering first aired in August 2021 and starred Iain has a fictionalised version of himself, while he and friends navigated their twenties. Its second series aired in January 2023 and it had twelve episodes in total. An Iain Stirling ITV series has been cancelled - for the second time this year, but luckily he has Love Island All Stars to look forward to ITV has called time on the ITV2 sitcom Buffering, starring Iain, 35, after just two series despite reports in May that a third series was underway Avalon, which produced the show, told the British Comedy Guide that Iain (pictured in episode 1 in 2021 with Melvin Odoom and Emily Atack) has turned his attention to other projects Buffering's cancellation comes after CelebAbility's in November, axed after six years, seven series, and 52 episodes. ITV bosses' alleged reasoning was that the show's format was 'tired' and that celebrity panel shows were outdated. Despite the recent double blow, Iain will be in good spirits with newest Love Island edition Love Island All Stars just around the corner. The show kicks off in January but fans are still in the dark as to who will be appearing, however they do know who will not. On Thursday it was reported that 2019 star Anna Vakili will not be returning, despite producers' pleas, as she 'had a change of heart' at the last minute. Love Island All Stars is the third iteration of Love Island, following Love Island Games which finished airing in November. Iain is married to former Love Island presenter Laura Whitmore, who stepped down after series 8. He rose to fame on CBBC where he presented alongside the puppet Hacker T. Dog. Air India's first wide-body A350-900 aircraft, sporting new brand livery, arrived here from European aviation major Airbus' Toulouse facility in France. The aircraft, registered as VT-JRA, touched down at the national capital's Indira Gandhi International Airport at 1346 hrs, making the Tata Group-owned airline the first aircraft operator in India to have this type of aircraft in its fleet, a statement said. The delivery flight is operated using a special call sign AI350, it said. The aircraft is the first of Air India's 20 Airbus A350-900 on order, with five more scheduled for delivery through March 2024, the airline said. As part of its now rejigged 250 aircraft order with Airbus, Air India will acquire 40 A350s, comprising 20 each A350-900 and A350-1000 aircraft, along with 140 narrow-body A321neo and 70 A320neo planes. The arrival of the first Airbus A350-900 is, in many ways, "a declaration of Indian aviation's resurgence on the world stage," Air India Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Campbell Wilson said. "As a symbol of the new age of flying, the A350 promises a world-class, long-haul travel experience on our non-stop routes. Its excellent flight economics and technology underscore our dedication to commercially successful operations and to achieving our sustainability goals," Wilson added. The airline has already announced that initially this aircraft will be operated on short-haul routes and later be deployed for long-haul flights. The new aircraft will enter commercial service in January next year, initially operating domestically for crew familiarisation, followed by longer-haul flying to destinations across continents, the airline said. It also said that the schedule of commercial operations of the A350 will be announced in the coming weeks. The 316-seater A350-900 aircraft comes in a three-class cabin configuration with 28 private business class suites with full-flat beds, 24 premium economy seats with extra legroom and 264 spacious economy class seats, Air India said. Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Saturday inaugurated the first five-start hotel in the state, Vivanta Tawang, at an altitude of above 10,000 feet close to the border with China. The hotel has 80 rooms and suites that offer mountain and valley views and the cosy ambience of heated wooden floors and walnut veneer-adorned walls. Khandu said tourism in Arunachal now gets an iconic facility in Vivanta Tawang. He said the Vivanta Hotels are known for their elegance and hospitality and tourists can book rooms from December 26. "Better facilities won't only guarantee the ease of stay for our tourists but will also make their visit to Arunachal Pradesh a memorable one," he said. The chief minister said Tawang, a historic and picturesque town, is renowned for its stunning landscapes and its spiritual heritage. "Not only was His Holiness 6th Dalai Lama Tsangyang Gyatso born here, Tawang also has one of Asia's oldest monasteries founded in 1680. Truly worth a visit!" he said. Arunachal (East) MP Tapir Gao, who was present at the inauguration, said history was created in Tawang with the inauguration of Vivanta Tawang, the first five-star Hotel in Arunachal. Vivanta Hotels wrote on X: "We were honoured to have the pleasure of your presence at the launch of Vivanta Arunachal Pradesh, Tawang, Mr. Khandu. We are excited to become a part of Arunachal Pradesh's tourism landscape and eagerly anticipate the opportunity to offer our guests an unforgettable experience." A dream project of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Dholera Special Investment Region is an industrial city, planned by the Gujarat government and the Centre, to set up modern large-scale manufacturing units, officials have said. A part of DSIR, the first phase of the Dholera Industrial Smart City, being developed around 100 km from Ahmedabad, is nearly complete, and land allotment for industries has already begun, they said. Modi, then chief minister of Gujarat, had shared his grand plans of DSIR in 2013. "This Dholera of ours is going to be six times bigger than the Shanghai that exists today and even six times more," Modi had said then. Strategically planned between Ahmedabad, Rajkot and Baroda, the greenfield industrial smart city covers 22 villages and is spread over 920 square kilometres, said a government release. As part of the state's preparation for the upcoming Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel recently visited DSIR to inspect the progress of the industrial smart city and its infrastructure projects, the release said. The 10th edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, a biennial investor meet that started in 2003, is scheduled to be held from January 10-12 next year. DSIR will be a major beneficiary of the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) and Dedicated Freight Corridor, with 38 per cent of the DFC traversing Gujarat (565 km), said the release. "The first phase of the project, covering 22.54 sq km, has achieved an impressive 95 per cent completion, paving the way for increased global investments in Gujarat," the release said. Phase 1 of the DSIR project is known as the activation area, it said. "It (first phase) includes allocated areas for industries, residential spaces, mixed-use, recreation, social infrastructure, and tourism. Land allotment for industries has already begun, covering contiguous land parcels ranging from one acre to 330 acres and more," the release said. During his recent visit, CM Patel underscored the role of sectors such as semiconductor and green hydrogen in India's sustainable and technology-driven development, it said. The phase 1 of the development includes water management, featuring a 50 MLD (million litres per day) water treatment plant, a master balancing reservoir (MBR), elevated service reservoirs, a 10 MLD sewage treatment plant (STP), and a 20 MLD common effluent treatment plant (CETP), it said. Monitored by the City Integrated Operations Center, the area caters to residential, commercial, and industrial water needs, contributing to the city's self-sufficiency, the release added. In terms of its energy needs, Dholera's 4400 MW solar park, being developed by Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd (GUVNL) under the PPP model, is a game-changer, aligning with the national goal of 250 GW of green energy by 2030, it said. About 25 lakh tonnes of garbage was used in the construction of the Dholera-Ahmedabad highway, impressing Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, the release said. "I am thankful to the Gujarat government for building the Ahmedabad-Dholera highway and the Mumbai-Delhi highway, in which we used around 20-25 lakh tonnes of waste from Ahmedabad," Gadkari had said. Gujarat cabinet minister Rushikesh Patel said, "The dream that Narendra Modi saw back then, it was a very big dream, especially for Dholera SIR. He wanted it to become an independent green field industrial hub." Political leaders are often the subject of ridicule and lampooning; they would best ignore it to look mature and tolerant Kalyan Banerjee (67), a member of parliament representing Serampore Lok Sabha constituency, whose name has not been heard hitherto outside his home State of Bengal has been a national celebrity since early this week. His shortcut to stardom was facilitated by mimicking Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar, who is also the chairman of Rajya Sabha. What we saw on TV screens was Banerjee, a lawyer by profession, doing some kind of body movements, much to the amusement of the gang around him. Someone has to explain afterwards that he was lampooning the vice-president who is 72 years old and a lawyer like Banerjee. Banerjees performance went for many minutes and all had a hearty laugh at the expense of Dhankar. What and how Banerjee walks and behaves after five years from now is anybodys guess. His chief minister Mamta Banerjee and the scion of the Congress family have justified his action by providing some hilarious moments. The Bengal chief minister is on record stating that Banerjee was mimicking and not mocking the vice president. Easier said than done. Isn't it the same Banerjee who unleashed her police at Ambikesh Mahapatra, the Jadavpur University professor, who forwarded a cartoon that had ridiculed her? To forward an innocuous cartoon by e-mail was a cardinal sin according to the Trinamool Congress chief who is famous for her resistance to restrictions on freedom of expression. Mamta Banerjees two faces of mockery and mimicking have confused her followers across the nation. Those who belittle the mimicking of the vice-president of India by terming it as an art form should remember that Jawaharlal Nehru, the then Prime Minister, threw out V P Menon, the all-powerful Secretary of State, on charges of aping him in a private function attended only by select secretaries of the GoI. Menon, who was in his true form after a couple of sun-downers reportedly mimicked Nehru in a get-together of his colleagues, all secretaries. One of the fifth columnists present on the occasion informed Nehru that Menon had made him a butt of jokes. The next day when Nehru met Menon, the former asked him if he had been told that Menon was good at mimicking others. We are a free nation and it does not mean that we should sacrifice our sense of humour, retorted Menon. This marked the end of Menons career in the corridors of power and he was kicked upstairs by none other than Nehru. This incident was recounted by MKK Nair, an IAS officer of the 1947 batch in his memoirs With No ill will towards Anybody. For those who are not familiar with the name MKK Nair, he was Menons Man Friday since the day the duo met each other. It is said that Nehru had a unique sense of humour. Some of his hangers-on (mainly journalists) are credited with this tom-tom to portray Nehru as a true liberal. In this case, we have to go by the dictum all that glitters is not gold. The mimicry has emerged as the pastime of the Kerala population. Mimicry artists are very much in demand. Some of the top film stars like Mammootty, Jairam, Harisree Ashokan, Ramesh Pisharody, and the Siddique-Lal duo, all had their roots in mimicry stages. They stole the limelight by mimicking former chief ministers E K Nayanar, K Karunakaran, Oommen Chandi, A K Antony, and V S Achuthanandan. The quality of their show was such that Antony, the then chief minister, travelling by train from Thiruvananthapuram to Malabar asked a mimicry artist who was in the compartment that was it necessary for both of them to travel to Malabar. Even Pinarayi Vijayan has not escaped from the caricaturing by these artists. But they are unanimous in their decision not to hurt the characters they portray. It is time our politicians learn one or two tricks of the trade from these real stars. (The writer is a special correspondent with the Pioneer; views are personal) Indulging in new-age gateway products such as vaping is becoming a gateway for more individuals to initiate tobacco use In the ever-evolving landscape of tobacco use, a new spectre looms large New-Age Gateway Products including Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS), heat-not-burn (HNB), e-hookah, e-cigarettes and Vapes. Beyond the familiar realms of smoking, this trend is not just a fad; it's a burgeoning concern with far-reaching consequences. Delving into the heart of the matter, we confront an escalating crisis that extends beyond traditional boundaries, ensnaring individuals including children globally in a web of lifelong addiction. Recent studies underscore the alarming trend that indulging in New-Age Gateway Products such as vaping is becoming a gateway for more individuals, especially young adults, to initiate tobacco use. A notable survey reveals that a significant number of young people are getting hooked on e-cigarettes which can have a dangerous impact. This shift in initiation patterns raises serious concerns about the long-term health consequences and the potential for a new generation to be ensnared in the clutches of addiction. One critical aspect of this issue is the data suggesting that these New-Age Gateway Products are not a substitute for smoking as pushed by international tobacco companies but a distinct and powerful initiator of addiction of a different nature. Several studies indicate that the number of individuals trying vaping is fast surpassing those who take up smoking. The allure of flavours, discreet packaging, and the misconception that vaping is less harmful contribute to its growing popularity, particularly among the youth. An Australian expert recently addressed the Members of the Scottish Parliament, shedding light on a disconcerting reality the vaping industry seems to have a profound interest in cultivating a new generation of lifelong customers. The marketing strategies employed by these international tobacco companies are designed to appeal to younger demographics, creating a concerning link between the rise in vaping initiation and the long-term goals of these corporations. The expert's testimony emphasizes the urgent need for regulatory measures to curb the influence of these entities on the youth. While traditional smoking has long been associated with health risks, these New-Age Gateway Products introduce a different set of concerns. E-cigarettes often contain high levels of nicotine, a highly addictive substance. The ease with which one can access and use these devices, coupled with enticing flavours, makes them particularly appealing to young individuals. It is not uncommon for those who start with vaping to transition to an addictive model soon, amplifying the potential for lifelong addiction and its associated health hazards. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also expressed apprehension about the impact of vaping on public health. The organization highlights the need for comprehensive regulations to address the risks associated with these products, ranging from their appeal to minors to the potential for serving as a gateway to other substance use. Governments worldwide are grappling with the challenge of crafting policies that strike a balance between harm reduction for existing smokers and protecting the youth from the allure of vaping. In light of these findings, policymakers, public health officials, and communities must collaborate on effective strategies to curb the rising tide of initiation to New-Age Gateway Products. Education campaigns targeting both parents and students can play a pivotal role in dispelling myths surrounding vaping and its perceived harmlessness. Additionally, stringent regulations must be put in place to restrict the marketing outreach of these New-Age Gateway Products companies that seem intent on creating a new generation of addicts. There is a need to advocate for a holistic approach around stringent enforcement on the ground to address the vaping epidemic. This includes robust educational initiatives, evidence-based policy reforms, and collaboration with experts and lawmakers to create a comprehensive framework that safeguards the well-being of our youth. By acknowledging the distinct threat posed by New-Age Gateway Products and taking decisive action, we can work towards mitigating the long-term consequences of this burgeoning public health crisis. While it is alarming that a vast majority of children are unaware that these New-Age Gateway Products are already banned in India, access to these products seems to be at ease for those seeking them. Even law enforcement at the grassroots level needs to be made aware of this, or else porous and mis-declared imports into the country and their easy availability through those having access to school children can make this a serious upcoming health disaster waiting to happen. (The author is Director General, Association of Healthcare Providers; Views expressed are personal) Another India-bound merchant ship came under suspected drone attack in the Red Sea reportedly by Houthis. The 25 Indian crew members were not injured in the incident on Saturday. Meanwhile, the other merchant vessel hit by drone in the Arabian Sea is likely to reach Mumbai early Monday morning with Indian Navy and Coast Guard ships providing security to it. The Indian Navy is probing into the incident which targeted MV Chem Pluto. It is a Liberian flagged ship and has about 20 Indian crew. No one was injured in the explosion and fire on board. The ship, however, suffered some damage and is now moving toward Mumbai for repairs. The vessel, carrying crude oil to the New Mangaluru port from the Al Jubail port in Saudi Arabia, was struck about 217 nautical miles from Porbandar. As regards the drone attack in the southern Red Sea, it took place on the Gabon-flagged commercial crude oil tanker MV Sai Baba with 25 Indian crew members, Indian officials and the US military said on Sunday. The US Central Command said the vessel, MV Sai Baba, was targeted by a drone launched by Houthi militants in the Southern Red Sea on Saturday. The US military's statement on the attack came a day after merchant vessel MV Chem Pluto, with around 20 Indian crew members, was hit by a suspected drone about 217 nautical miles off the Porbandar coast in the Arabian sea. "All 25 crew members of MV Sai Baba are learnt to be Indians," said an Indian military official. There were no reports of any casualties. The official said MV Sai Baba is a Gabon-flagged vessel and it had received a certification from the Indian register of shipping. The US Central Command described the vessel as an Indian-flagged tanker. The vessel was reportedly on its way to India. The officials said the Indian Navy is closely monitoring the situation. In a post on 'X', the US Central Command mentioned the attack on MV Sai Baba along with a similar strike targeting another vessel on Saturday. "The M/V BLAAMANEN, a Norwegian-flagged, owned, and operated chemical/oil tanker, reported a near miss of a Houthi one-way attack drone with no injuries or damage reported," it said. "A second vessel, the M/V SAIBABA, a Gabon-owned, Indian-flagged crude oil tanker, reported that it was hit by a one-way attack drone with no injuries reported," it added. The fresh attack came against the backdrop of Iran-backed Houthi rebels stepping up attacks on ships in the Red Sea amid the Israel-Hamas conflict. The US Central Command is one of key unified combatant commands of the US. The drone attack on MV Chem Pluto saw swift response from the Indian Navy and Coast Guard. They deployed warship and maritime patrol aircraft on Saturday soon after the UK Maritime Trade Operations, or UKMTO, reported the drone "attack" on MV Chem Pluto that has around 20 Indian crew members. The Navy has launched an investigation into the incident including into the origin of the strike, sources said. The Navy sent stealth guided-missile destroyer INS Mormugao to the location of the drone strike on Saturday and the officials said the warship is in the process of examining various details relating to the attack, the officials said. The incident came against the backdrop of Iran-backed Houthi rebels stepping up attacks on ships in the Red Sea amid the Israel-Hamas conflict. Late Saturday night, the Indian Coast Guard said MV Chem Pluto started making way towards Mumbai post undertaking damage assessment and repairs on its power generation systems. "The Coast Guard Dornier aircraft has sanitised the area and established communication with Chem Pluto. The vessel has started making way towards Mumbai post undertaking damage assessment and repairs on its power generation systems," it said. "The vessel is likely to enter Mumbai and sought escort assistance due to steering issues. Indian Coast Guard Ship Vikram will be escorting the ship during its passage. The Indian Coast Guard Operations Centre is monitoring the situation closely," it said. Earlier on Saturday, the UKMTO, that operates under Britain's Royal Navy, said it received a report of an attack by Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) on a vessel causing an explosion and fire, adding the incident took place 200 nautical miles South West of Veraval in India. It said the fire was "extinguished" and there were no casualties. The Coast Guard said its Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Mumbai received information regarding the fire onboard MV Chem Pluto. "The MRCC established real time communication with the vessel's agent and ascertained no loss of life and assured all assistance, he said adding the Coast Guard immediately diverted other merchant vessels in the vicinity of Chem Pluto for rendering assistance," it said. The UKMTO is a British military organisation that provides maritime security information and largely acts as the primary point of contact for merchant vessels involved in maritime incidents. It receives reports and information on suspicious incidents from merchant shipping and shares that information with its regional, national contacts, as well as Industry and vessels operating in that area, according to UKMTO. News / National by Staff reporter MORE than 220 000 people flocked into Zimbabwe over the last week for the festive season, marking a significant surge in arrivals compared to last year when the Government started easing stringent entry regulations imposed at the height of Covid-19.Statistics from the Immigration Department show that 223 698 people entered the country in the six days between December 15 and 21, a development expected to boost tourism and inject renewed cheer into the holiday season.Over the same period, 104 487 exited the country through official ports.Last year, 281 715 inbound travellers used official ports of entry in the 20 days between December 1 and 21.This year, the country's busiest port of entry, the Beitbridge Border Post, had cleared 188 437 inbound travellers by Thursday, while an additional 137 954 were given the green light to exit.Over the same period, the Immigration Department cleared 9 501 inbound travellers and 8 862 exiting travellers through the north- western region ports Victoria Falls Intenational Airport, Kazungula and Pandamatenga.A total of 9 944 travellers entered the country through the Forbes Border Post, while 9 307 were given clearance to exit.In an interview, chief immigration officer Ms Respect Gono said the department had beefed up staff at all ports of entry and exit."Usually, during the festive season, there is a lot of traffic, but we are ready to welcome Zimbabweans back home," she said."Quite a number of Zimbabweans are coming back."We have beefed up our manpower so that we efficiently assist travellers so that they won't be delayed in long queues."Ms Gono said the upgrade and modernisation of Beitbridge Border Post had reduced congestion at the facility."We are still clearing passengers manually before the launch of the Online Border Management System, but we are ready to serve passengers," she said."No one is going to suffer because we are ready to serve each and every Zimbabwean coming back home or even our visitors. You may be aware that the upgrade of Beitbridge means we have three terminals that clear traffic differently."Three separate terminals for freight, buses and private cars/pedestrians were constructed.This, Ms Gono said, has also helped ease congestion, allowing the smooth movement of people and vehicles.The parking areas were expanded for vehicles of all types, while an automated clearing system was installed for faster clearance of goods.DelugeLast week, the Beitbridge Border Post was a hive of activity, as thousands of north- and south-bound travellers passed through it.Queues of buses, small vehicles and haulage trucks snaked through the port, as travellers underwent formal clearance processes.Vendors were recording brisk business, making numerous trips to Musina, South Africa, to replenish their stock.Regional immigration officer (Southern Region) Mr Joshua Chibundu said: "We have an increase in the number of people using the border and the numbers have increased over the past week. This can be attributed to the festive season."He added: "Following the modernisation of the border post, it has been relatively easy for us to deal with the increase in numbers during the festive season. The border post is now divided into sections . . . , making the process seamless and very fast."Mr Philip Ganje, an expatriate worker travelling back home from Durban, said: "Christmas is the only time of the year I travel to Murehwa to visit my parents in the Mutawatawa area."I only come to visit once a year, for two weeks, and then I go back to Durban, where I am based."This is the only time when I get to see my parents, pay my respects to family members who would have passed away during the year, and also celebrate with those who would have had achievements during the year."It is a time to take a breather."Mr Alois Ndete, a vendor at the Chaka Business Centre on the Masvingo-Beitbridge highway, said the increase in traffic ahead of the holidays was good for business."One of the reminders that the festive season is upon us is the increase in the number of small vehicles from South Africa, especially those with GP' registration plates," he said.He said the travellers had become their biggest customers, who buy fresh produce using the South African rand.As a result, the rand floods the market, he added.The movement of people into the country was depressed during the pandemic on account of restrictive containment measures.Ahead of the festive season in 2021, the Government introduced mandatory Covid-19 PCR test requirements for all returning citizens, coupled with a 10-day quarantine for those who tested positive for the virus.The Immigration Department was clearing an average 2 000 travellers a day, against the traditional 15 000.Over the course of last year, the authorities progressively scaled down entry restrictions, with inbound travellers being required to produce either a valid Covid-19 vaccination certificate or a negative PCR test result.All the protocols have since been revoked. Pioneer News Service n Chennai/Patna/New Delhi A video clip of an alleged derogatory remark made months ago by DMK Lok Sabha MP Dayanidhi Maran, where he commented on workers from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar cleaning toilets and performing other menial jobs in Tamil Nadu, was widely circulated on social media on Sunday. This circulation led to a war of words between the BJP, the ruling party in Tamil Nadu (DMK), and the RJD. The RJD is an alliance partner of the DMK in the large Opposition Bloc INDIA led by the Congress. In the State, the DMK and the Congress are in a coalition Government. What is now being called yet another offensive remark by a DMK member comes after the Gau Mutra row involving the partys Lok Sabha MP Senthilkumar, and before that, the controversial remarks on Sanatan Dharma made by the States Deputy CM Udaynidhi Stalin, which were also advocated by several other party leaders in the southern State, sparking a huge controversy at that time. Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav condemned Marans alleged remark albeit in a defensive way. Yadav said like his RJD, the DMK headed by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin was a party that believed in social justice and it was unbecoming of a leader of such a party to have made such a remark. Had the DMK MP highlighted caste iniquities, had he pointed out that only people from some social groups took up such hazardous jobs, it would have made sense. But to speak disparagingly of the entire populace of Bihar and UP is reprehensible. We condemn it. We believe that people should be respectful towards those coming from other parts of the country, asserted Yadav at Patna. In the video clip, Maran purportedly said people in the States of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar who had learnt only Hindi, construct houses, clean roads and toilets in Tamil Nadu, after learning Tamil. This is the scenario if Hindi is learnt, Maran is allegedly heard. The video clip showing Marans alleged remark resurfaced on social media and the BJP said that the DMK MPs comment is very objectionable and has derogatory references to Hindi speaking people. The reason for the matter cropping up now is not clear and it could not be ascertained immediately. Citing the example of Sundar Pichai, a native of Tamil Nadu, Maran said he now heads Google and had he learnt Hindi, he would have been employed in the construction sector as a worker. Since children from Tamil Nadu get educated and learn English well, they find employment in the Information Technology sector and earn good salaries. Reacting to the latest comments surfaced, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said that this has become a habit of the DMK for sure. Many leaders one after the other make such comments and earlier they attacked Sanatan Dharma too. Further, he said: But the reason why Congress party and other parties of INDIA alliance are not saying anything is because, perhaps, they are all in it together. Tamil Nadu BJP Vice-president Naryananan Thirupathy said, though it was an old remark, it shows the true colours of DMK leaders who use abusive, and derogatory language against north Indians. DMK spokesperson J Constandine Ravindran however condemned BJP functionaries for deliberately spreading falsehood. DMK is fully committed to an egalitarian society. No particular state like Tamil Nadu is superior. No other state like Uttar Pradesh or Bihar is inferior. The mala fide intent of the BJP people is evident as they are claiming something that Dayanidhi Maran never said or meant, Ravindran said. The substance of Dayanidhi Marans speech is all about opportunities available to a person, when she or he, in addition to mother tongue, also learnt the English language well, he clarified. Ahead of January 22, the day of the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple, traders and business communities have decided to launch a national campaign Har Shahar Ayodhya-Ghar Ghar Ayodhya, from January 1, 2024, across the Country. The consecration day will be celebrated like the Diwali festival across India. Under the campaign, more than 5,000 Ram Ferries (Ram Shobha Yatra) will be organised in the markets across the country. These Ram Feris will create enthusiasm and connect the people in the markets through chanting Ram Bhajans, while more than 2,500 Ram Samvad programmes will also be organised. Traders body also asked traders and business communities to put up Shri Ram Mandir stickers and posters on their shops, establishments and vehicles. It is also suggested that, to preserve the memory of Ram Mandir, they should gift the replica of Ram Mandir to each other and keep them at their homes and establishments. The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has issued an advisory to thousands of trade organisations across the country, advising that from January 1 to January 22, trade associations in every city of all the States of the country should join hands with other social and cultural organisations. CAIT national secretary General Praveen Khandelwal said a target has been set to organise bhajan-kirtan programmes of Lord Shri Ram by organising more than 5,000 Ram Chowki, in maximum markets and houses of traders across the country. He said the Vishwa Hindu Parishad has called to make memorable the consecration programme of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya on January 22, and to celebrate the day like Diwali festival. On the day of the consecration of Lord Ram, all the markets across the country including Delhi will be illuminated with attractive lights, while on the same day, Shri Ram Mandir will be lit at many places in temples and other public places in all the cities across the country including Delhi. Arrangements will also be made to show live telecast of the Ayodhya event to the people through big LEDs by placing models and pictures and on that day, traders will fully celebrate all the programs decided by Vishwa Hindu Parishad in their cities, Khandelwal said. He said a target has been set to organise bhajan programmes of Lord Shri Ram by organising more than 5,000 Ram Chowki, in maximum markets and houses of traders across the country. The traders body has also requested that hoardings should also be put up in the markets. Shri Ram Mandir stickers, posters etc. should be put up on shops and vehicles and Shri Ram cards will be distributed. The Yogi Government in Uttar Pradesh will hold recitation of the Ram Charitmanas and Hanuman Chalisa in all prestigious temples and muths. The programme will start from January 14 and continue till the consecration ceremony. As per plan, every district, through the District Tourism and Culture Council, local artists will continuously recite Ramcharitmanas and Hanuman Chalisa from Makar Sankranti on January 14 till the consecration of Ramlala on January 22, 2024. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar said that as many people as possible should be introduced to the Vedas. Some people remain busy in trying to sully the image of India and it is the duty of every Indian to thwart such attempts, he said. The Vice President was speaking at the inauguration session of Ved Vigyan Evam Sanskriti Mahakumbh at Gurukul Kangri University in Haridwar on Saturday. This event is being organised by the university on the Balidan Diwas of Swami Shraddhanand in the 200th birth anniversary year of Swami Dayanand Saraswati. Stating that Gurukul Kangri has been a prominent centre for the preservation and creation of the nations cultural heritage, he said that some western universities are trying to taint the image of Indias culture and its developmental journey. There are a few people in our great nation who are unable to digest Indias progress. You should help them improve their digestion. They are our people but are misguided. An inclusive education system in the mother tongue is not acceptable to such people. That day is not far when all education will be available in the mother tongue, Dhankhar said. Stressing on the need for as many people as possible to be made aware of the Vedas, he said that this is important for nation building and stability in the world. Stating that the new education policy is in line with the nations cultural values, the Vice President said that the citizens should take pride in their culture and heritage. Bharatiyata is our identity and nationalism is our religion. However, it is a matter of concern that a few people have a sense of denigration towards their culture, glorious history and present progress, and remain busy in trying to dent the great image of the nation. It is the responsibility of every Indian to thwart such attempts. The powers opposed to our culture, nationalism and our existence should be given a befitting response, he said. Dhankar further said that attempts should be made to get rid of the slave mentality as some people are still enslaved to colonialism. He cited the the Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita and the Bharatiya Sakshya (Second) Bill passed in the parliament recently and stated that these are historic. He said that citizens were suffering under the colonial era laws focused on punishment instead of justice. The Vice President further said that India is progressing at a swift pace and has become the fifth largest economy in the world. India is on the way to becoming the worlds third largest economy. It has surpassed the United Kingdom and is going to surpass Germany and Japan, he added. The Vice Presidents wife Sudesh Dhankhar, Uttarakhand governor lieutenant general (retd) Gurmit Singh, chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, university vice chancellor Satya Pal Singh and others were also present on the occasion. Following Chief Minister Yogi Adityanaths directives to officials to ensure that no one sleeps in the open during cold nights in the state, the local government directorate has finalised its preparations within the urban bodies. Considering the cold weather and the possibility of cold waves, the directorate has issued comprehensive instructions to all municipal commissioners and executive officers. These guidelines focus on ensuring safe accommodations and the operation of night shelters and shelter homes for destitute and vulnerable individuals within local bodies. Director Dr Nitin Bansal has sent a letter, emphasising the need for activating night shelters and shelter homes in a mission mode across all urban areas. Instructions have been issued to ensure operation of night shelters/shelter homes. As per the instructions, night shelters/shelter homes should be mandatorily operated in all hospitals, medical colleges, bus stations, railway stations, workers workplaces and markets. New temporary night shelters can also be constructed as per requirement. The Revenue and Health departments, and the development authorities, among others, have been asked to provide the necessary assistance. These night shelters and shelter homes aim to provide accommodation for individuals in need, particularly those lacking housing facilities and those who have travelled from outside for medical treatment or employment. This measure aims to ensure that such individuals are not compelled to sleep in the open, on roads or tracks. The guidelines specify that comprehensive measures, including cleanliness, provision of clean bed sheets and blankets, access to hot water, toilet facilities, and first aid arrangements, should be implemented to safeguard individuals staying in night shelters and shelter homes from the cold and provide them essential basic amenities. Adequate provisions for lighting and CCTV systems are also to be arranged. Regular cleaning and washing of bed sheets and blankets are essential. Separate arrangements for sleeping and toilet facilities have to be made for women and men in night shelters and shelter homes. With the help of the district administration, efforts are to be made to provide blankets and other essentials to every economically disadvantaged individual. Caretakers should be appointed at all night shelters and their details, such as name, designation and mobile number, must be prominently displayed at the entrance of the night shelters. Additionally, a nodal officer of suitable seniority should be designated for each night shelter, assuming responsibility for the efficient operation of the facility. Surprise inspections of night shelters should be conducted by senior officials of the district and municipal bodies at night. A detailed inspection register should be maintained by the caretakers of the night shelters, wherein the inspection officer records their comments. Cold wave and cold prevention programmes should also be widely publicised and information related to them should be disseminated through local newspapers, electronic media, social media, etc, so that the general public can be informed about the comprehensive measures being taken by the government to protect them from cold. Collaboration and support should be sought from civil service organisations, civil defence, schools, trade organisations, industrial associations and the Red Cross Society for the effective operation of night shelters. Additionally, in view of the winter season, bonfires should be arranged in accordance with regulations at key intersections in main markets, hospitals, bus stations, railway stations, and other relevant locations. A total of 1,376 nurses will be appointed in the States Health department. Some of these nurses will be presented their appointment letters by chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami at the CM residence today. With such a considerable number of nurses being appointed in the department after a gap of 12 years, this development will fill the posts of nursing officers lying vacant in government hospitals in distant areas for years and help strengthen the health services. The Medical Health and Medical Education minister Dhan Singh Rawat informed that on the one hand the government is improving the infrastructure in government hospitals and on the other hand it is making the required human resource available. Through the Uttarakhand Medical Service Selection Board, the government has made appointments to 1,376 posts on the basis of year-wise merit. Out of these, 200 nurses will receive their appointment letters from the CM on Sunday. The rest of the selected candidates will receive their appointment letters in the districts they have been allotted. The minister further said that all the appointed nursing officers will be posted in hard to access (Durgam and Ati Durgam) category health centres in the mountainous regions of the State. This will strengthen the health services in the distant areas of the State, he said. During the past years, the Health department has appointed 1,465 medical officers, 172 dentists, 19 dental hygienists, 1,081 Auxiliary Nursing Midwifery (ANM) workers and 52 paramedical staff, Rawat added. The work of marking encroachment and illegal construction has been completed within a radius of 33 meters from the 36Km long Kaliyasot river passing through the capital Bhopal. On the last day, a team of 10 people roamed 2 km along the river bank for a survey. The picture of who entered the 'river area' has also become clear. On the instructions of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), the district administration has to remove the encroachment by December 31. The report has to be submitted by January 14. Due to the revenue of the survey using drones not matching with the map, a field survey was conducted for 4 days. However, environmentalists have expressed displeasure over illegal encroachments not being removed till now. The district administration has made this demarcation after the order of NGT on August 11. During this period construction works were also listed. One revenue inspector, 3 patwaris and 6 corporation employees conducted this survey in 4 days. On Friday, a survey was conducted within a radius of two kilometers in Samardha. However, crops were found flourishing here. More than 50 illegal constructions have been found in the survey. Whose list has been prepared. This list will be handed over to the SDM and then the Collector. There are many constructions on the river banks. The team has also done their marking. Marking the pillar of the building part. A few days ago, the first survey was conducted using drones, but this was causing a difference in the revenue record. After this the Revenue Department decided the boundaries on the basis of its map. Demarcation was done on this basis. Marking has been done on the pillars of houses and shops in many areas including Sarva-Dharma B Sector. After the action of demarcation and marking of the district administration, the problems of the people have also increased. In fact, many colonies have developed on the banks of the river, which have been sold by the colonizers. In this entire matter, environmentalist Dr. Subhash Pandey, who fought a long battle to conserve the river and make it pollution free said that till now the marking has been done, but the encroachment on it has not been removed, whereas the complete action has to be taken by December 31. At the same time, the report has to be submitted by January 14, but till now the action is very slow or we can say that action is being taken for show. So that a half-hearted report is presented. Therefore, I will file a petition against those responsible for violating the NGT order. The river travels a total of 36 km from Bhopal urban part and joins the Betwa river at Bhojpur. About 3 thousand big constructions have been built on the banks of the river between the first 9 km i.e. Sarva-Dharma Colony to Salaiya. Most of these are multi-storey buildings. Marking has been done on these also. Environmentalist Dr. Pandey said, I had first filed a petition in NGT in 2014 regarding the conservation of the river. NGT's decision came on 20 August 2014. I also received death threats. Income tax raid was conducted and other inducements were also given along with the money. Despite this I continued to struggle. NGT again gave the order on 19 July 2021, but there was no compliance for one year. Meaning of compliance cleaning the river, removing encroachment inside and allowing water to flow in the river after treatment. I filed the petition again. After this the decision came on 11 August. There are more than 20 big encroachers in many areas including Damkheda, Mandakini, JK Road. The builders have deceived the people. Dr. Pandey said that the width of the river at its origin is 80 meters. Jharkhand team won a total of six gold medals in the 67th School Games U19 Yogasana Competition organized by the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examination (CISCE) in collaboration with School Games Federation of India (SGFI) from December 19, 2023 at Heritage School, Kolkata. In this national level competition, Jharkhand has created history by winning gold medals in both singles and group competitions. In the singles competition, Sushmit Dasgupta of East Singhbhum district has won the gold medal by securing first position. Whereas in the group event, Agni Ojha of Chaibasa, Mohit Kumar of Ranchi, Sushmit Dasgupta of East Singhbhum, Adhiraj Kumar of Ranchi, Shivam Ranjan of Ranchi have collectively won gold. 392 students from all the states across the country participated in the 67th SGFI U19 Yogasana Competition. For the first time, Jharkhand State has become the overall champion of the event by winning 6 gold medals in the single and group Yogasana competition of the School Games. Earlier, gold medal was won in singles competitions. But the state team was missing out on winning the gold medal in the group event. Before the competition to be held in Kolkata, the Yogasan team was given two days of special training under the guidance of trainers Mr. Sushit Banerjee and Mrs. Sheela Kumari as per the instructions of State Program Officer Mr. Dhirsen Soreng. On this historic success of the Jharkhand team, State Education Project Director Kiran Kumari Pasi, State Program Officer Dhirsen Soreng, Manager Santosh Singh, Team Guide Kalavati Kumari, Instructor Sushit Banerjee, Sheela Kumari and other officials congratulated the team and wished it a bright future. Meanwhile, the State Education Project Council has issued instructions to the districts regarding the departmental order issued in view of the cold wave. 26 December holds great significance in Sikh history as it commemorates the bravery of 'Chhote Sahibzade', the two youngest sons of the 10th Guru Sri Guru Gobind Singh. Sahibzada Jorwar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh, the children of the 10th Guru of Sikhs, Shri Guru Gobind Singh, had made a great sacrifice in their short lives of 9 years and 6 years on 26 December 1705, while paying tribute to them, the Government of India has named this day as 'Veer Bal'. It has been decided to celebrate it as 'Day'. In the context of Veer Bal Diwas, the State Education Project has issued a letter to all the districts. In view of the order issued on December 21, 2023 by the Department of School Education and Literacy, Government of Jharkhand to keep all schools in the state closed from December 26, 2023 to December 31, 2023, in view of the increasing impact of cold wave, Schools have been instructed to organize online programs. Under this, Government of India's My Gov. Children can participate in online interactive quiz by visiting the portal and My Bharat portal. It has been said in the letter that on this day the school should organize interesting online poetry, essay, painting etc. competitions related to Sahibzada Jorwar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh. Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj directed the Secretary (Health) to make prompt alternative arrangements, in place of substandard drugs so that the public is not inconvenienced and the treatment of patients is continued uninterrupted. Bharadwaj expressed his displeasure at the fact that hospital authorities then didnt make any alternative arrangement. In a written communication, the minister expressed his anguish that patients were inconvenienced since they were required to buy these consumables out of their pocket. Directing the Secretary (Health), the minister solicits information on the alternative arrangements of medicines of standard quality by DGHS and the hospitals within a week. In a note to Secretary (Health), Bharadwaj said it has been brought to my notice that the Vigilance Department has directed Secretary ( Health) to immediately remove the five drugs which were not of standard quality namely amiodine, levetiracetam, pantoprazole, cephalexin and dexamethasone from the stock where they have been supplied. It was observed that in the recent past certain essential consumables like absorbent cotton wool and rolled bandages were found not of standard quality and were removed from the stock where they were supplied. The hospital authorities then did not make any alternative arrangement for the some and consequently patients were inconvenienced since they were required to buy these consumables out of their own pocket. Since the aforementioned five drugs which are to be removed from the stock, are also essential in nature and required for treatment of hypertensive disorder, seizure disorder, gastritis infections and respiratory diseases, hence, alternative arrangements should immediately be in place to make them available so that the general public is not inconvenienced and the treatment of patients is continued uninterrupted, Bharadwaj said. You are directed to inform me regarding the alternative arrangements made by DGHS and the hospitals for making available the five medicines namely, amlodipine, levetiracetam, pantoprazole, cephalexin & dexamethasone, of standard quality, and their fresh stock position in the healthcare facilities, latest within a week. Misrod police arrested three members of a gang involved in half a dozen incidents of theft and robbery; accused gang members used to target shops, houses and steal vehicles, a recovery of Rs 7.5 of stolen valuables have been recovered from the accused. The accused used to keep the master key to steal the vehicle. The gang had earlier targeted Habibganj, Hanumanganj, Shahjanabad, G.R.P including police station Misrod. In Bhopal and Satlapur Raisen, incidents of theft and burglary have been committed. They used to target shops, houses and vehicles parked in parking lots during the day and when they got the opportunity, they used to carry out incidents by breaking locks. Among the incidents on December 18 the complainant came to the police station Misrod and reported that electrical fittings and AC items were stolen from an under construction house at Hanuman Nagar Misrod during the night. On the report of theft of pipe by an unknown thief, a crime was registered and taken up for investigation. On December 26 an Apache motorbike was stolen. On December 9 electronic equipment, jewelery and other household items were burgled from Defense City Colony, Bangarasia. Two vehicles were stolen from Habibganj and Hanumanganj. During the investigation near Samardha Purana Bridge three persons were detained who were identified as Akash Kumre alias Cobra resident Raisen, Shani alias Shanni Malviya, resident of Vidisha and Abhishek Tiwari, resident of Vidisha. During the day, they used to track deserted houses, shops and vehicles parked in the parking lot. At the time of day/night, they used to commit the crime by breaking the locks of the shop, house and motorcycle and using the master key. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has said that the countrys Prime Minister, Narendra Modi gave great importance to even the smallest work. He emphasised to promote cleanliness in the entire country. Indore ranks first in cleanliness. The Prime Minister has alleviated the country's image all around the world. Chief Minister Yadav was addressing the cleanliness campaign at the Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee Smriti Anubhuti Udyan Parisar during his stay in Ujjain on Saturday. The Chief Minister planted Triveni sapling in the premises. Chief Minister Yadav has said that cleanliness campaign is conducted every Saturday in Ujjain city, which is commendable. Chief Minister Yadav administered the oath to the citizens present to make Ujjain number-1 in cleanliness. Chief Minister Yadav also participated in this and offered shramdaan. Chief Minister Yadav said that, he will discharge the responsibility of the Chief Minister and will work for development of the state. We all will work together to ensure that the Ujjain should progress along with the state and the country. Chief Minister Yadav said that along with development, the ongoing schemes in the state will also be implemented in a better way. He said that necessary action will be taken on receiving development related suggestions and complaints. Everyone will work together and carry forward the development works in co-ordination. On Chief Minister Yadavs arrival at Anubhuti Udyan, Mayor Mukesh Tatwal and Municipal Corporation Chairman Kalavati Yadav welcomed him with garlands. MLA Anil Jain Kaluhera, Satish Malviya, Vivek Joshi, Bahadur Singh Bormundla, Vishal Rajouria, Sachin Saxena, Satyanarayan Chauhan, Corporators, MIC members etc. were present. News / National by Staff reporter The government has yet again missed its December deadline to complete the Gwayi-Shangani dam project, which is expected to bring a long lasting solution to Bulawayo's water woes.President Emmerson Mnangagwa's government had initially said the dam, which is expected to be the third-largest inland water body in Zimbabwe, would have been completed in December last year.It is part of the greater Matabeleland Zambezi Water Project (MZWP) that was identified in 1912 as a long-term solution to the perennial water challenges faced in Matabeleland.After missing the December 2022 deadline, Lands, Agriculture and Water minister Anxious Masuka said the gigantic Lake Gwayi-Shangani would be completed ahead of the 2023/24 summer cropping season.Ahead of the disputed August elections, construction workers were working round the clock as the government sought to present the project as a sign of its capacity to deliver on major projects.However, Southern Eye Sunday heard that construction work slowed down after August.Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association secretary for administration Thembelani Dube said they were worried that the project would never come to fruition."The completion of the Gwayi-Shangani Dam has of late been moving at a snail's pace compared to the speed at which it was moving pre-2023 harmonised elections," Dube said."As Bulawayo residents we had pinned our hopes on the massive water body project to alleviate the perennial water challenges in Bulawayo."We urge the government to pool all resources to expedite the completion of the decades-long outstanding project." Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) spokesperson Marjorie Munyong said the project was now 70.2% complete.The Bulawayo council recently introduced a water shedding regime due to dwindling levels at the city's supply dams.According to Bulawayo mayor David Coltart the city's supply dams were 44% full as of December 1, underlining the water crisis.Bulawayo United Resident Association chairperson Winos Dube called upon the government to show seriousness about the MZWP."The government keeps on changing goal posts; we need seriousness," Dube said."We call upon people from this region to speak in one voice including the leadership to make sure that this project comes to fruition."The 120 hours of water shedding that was introduced is very painful especially looking at a situation where we have a cholera outbreak."Matabeleland Institute for Human Rights coordinator Khumbulani Maphosa said it was the duty of the government to ensure citizens enjoy their rights to water."As an organisation we are also worried about the compensation of the people of Lubimbi that are going to be affected, we do not want people of Bulawayo to drink water at the expense of the Lubimbi and the Tonga villagers," Maphosa added. About 502 families will be relocated to pave way for the construction of the Gwayi-Shangani dam."We want justice to prevail; this is the chance for the minister of Finance Mthuli Ncube to announce a proper compensation package," Maphosa said.He said Bulawayo residents needed to start debating now what the cost of the water from the new dam would be when the water eventually reaches the city."It is futile and useless to be celebrating Lake Gwayi Shangani without looking at the cost of water,'' Maphosa added.The MZWP was first mooted in 1912. The Gwayi-Shangani Dam is being constructed by Zinwa in partnership with a Chinese contractor.Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution minister Richard Moyo said resource challenges were slowing down the project."Work is in progress," Moyo said."However, shortages of resources are affecting the pace of the project."We are now targeting to complete the project by the first quarter of next year." The Rajiv Gandhi Technological University (RGPV) management has issued a notice to 20 students regarding the dispute that took place in the premsies on Friday. In this notice issued it has been said that they have to present their side in front of the Anti Ragging Committee on December 27 at 12.30 pm. The matter of unilateral action against the students who did not appear is also written in this notice. On December 22, there was a fight between several students in the RGPV campus. In which more than 10 senior and junior students had minor injuries, regarding which the university has issued a notice to the students. Immediately after the incident, hundreds of students immediately reached Gandhi Nagar police station to lodge a complaint. After this, the police registered an FIR against 7 students in this regard. Gandhi Nagar police station in-charge Praveen Tripathi says that a case has been registered after the dispute between the students. The case is being investigated. After this, workers of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) were also present on the spot. On the other hand, UIT in-charge director Vinay Thapar says that there has been a fight between students in the college campus. We have informed the Proctor Board about this and further action is underway. These students who have been served notices were Ardash Singh Chandrakar, Aditya Rai, Aditya Jaiswal, Ashish, Himanshu Tiwari Rajveer Singh, Yuvraj Verma, Gaurav Mishra, Mohammad Niaz Alam Riman Singh Tomar, Vishal Singh Thakur, Ujjwal Pratap Singh, Uthpagoswami Om, Akshat Jain, Mridul Jaiswal, Gaurav Makode, Mohammad Sameer, Aryan Singh, Nitin Bhadauria and Gaurav Vishwakarma. A fight broke out between groups of students on Friday in the Rajiv Gandhi Technological University (RGPV) campus of Bhopal. The dispute that started in the afternoon continued throughout the day. In which more than 10 students have been injured. The injured students allege that they were beaten up by more than six students. But, the police personnel and college faculty present at the spot kept watching from a distance. At the same time, Gandhi Nagar police station in-charge Praveen Tripathi says that a case has been registered after the dispute between the students. Statements have been taken. The case is being investigated. UIT Incharge Director Vinay Thapar says that there was a fight between students in the college campus. We have informed the Proctor Board about this and will hear the matter on the next working day. When the students fought, neither the police nor the professors were around. As of now the police has not interrogated us of any kind. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Saturday, said that UP mein ab danga nahin hota, yaha sab changa hai (riots no longer happen in UP, all is well here), emphasising that daughters were attending school and strict actions were being taken against those who violate the law. Unveiling a 51-foot-tall statue of former prime minister Chaudhary Charan Singh in Dhakiya, Bilari in Moradabad, the chief minister said, The double-engine government is moving ahead at the speed of the bullet train of development. Uttar Pradesh is becoming the growth engine of the country with its strength and potential. The chief minister also honoured 16 progressive farmers on this occasion. Expressing gratitude to the Jat Mahasabha and the Chaudhary Charan Singh Memorial Committee, the chief minister paid tributes to Chaudhary Charan Singh. The chief minister emphasised that Chaudhary Charan Singh possessed a profound understanding of the Indian economy. Chaudhary Charan Singh firmly believed that the economic well-being of India is inextricably linked to the prosperity of farmers and that the journey to Indias prosperity traverses through villages and agricultural fields. The chief minister credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for implementing holistic changes that have significantly impacted the lives of farmers. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath remarked that in the past, governments used to lead while society lagged behind, but now the Chaudhary Charan Singh Memorial and Jat Mahasabha were at the forefront, with the government providing support. He noted a significant transformation in the lives of farmers over the past nine and a half years under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana have played a pivotal role in opening doors to prosperity for farmers, he said. Highlighting the achievements of Uttar Pradesh, the chief minister mentioned that while in the past, minimum support price (MSP) was only announced, the current double-engine government has successfully implemented it. Farmers have gained respect through initiatives like Prime Minister Kisan Samman Nidhi, with crores of rupees being directly credited to their accounts, he pointed out. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath highlighted the significant strides in the states development, noting the transformation in the sugarcane industry. Currently, Uttar Pradesh boasts of 120 operational sugar mills, and farmers have received sugarcane payments totaling Rs 2,25,000 crore. When the current government assumed office, sugarcane cultivation covered 18 lakh hectares, a figure that has now risen to 29 lakh hectares, he said. The chief minister said solar panels had been distributed to 52,000 farmers and there were plans to increase subsidies for 30,000 farmers this year and a target of 42,000 had been set for the following year. The government has also provided free tractors to farmers and the cooperative sugar mill, in line with the vision of Chaudhary Charan Singh, has been successfully revived. This mill operates at full capacity, purchasing sugarcane from farmers in Baghpat and surrounding areas and ensures prompt payments, he added. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath highlighted the rapid pace of development in the state, citing the completion of projects like the Purvanchal Expressway and Bundelkhand Expressway. He emphasised the ongoing efforts to construct the Ganga Expressway, connecting western UP with key cities like Lucknow, Varanasi and Prayagraj. The government is committed to ensuring employment and job opportunities for the youth through the development of industrial clusters, the chief minister remarked. He said that the government was going to start air service from Moradabad very soon. Noting the significant exports from the Brass City, amounting to over Rs 1,500-1,600 crore, he credited the double-engine government for providing resources to the people of the state. The government is dedicated to advancing the interests of farmers, youth, and women, he said. The chief minister further said, Everyone has respect for Chaudhary Charan Singh. Vidur Kuti is being renovated in Bijnor. Lord Ram is being seated in Ayodhya after 500 years. He added: People who are doing anti-constitutional work, making fun of people holding constitutional posts, making videos of the vice president, the public will punish them. Insulting the Constitution is an insult to Babasaheb. Now the public will not tolerate the insult of Babasaheb. We work for the security and Constitution of India. The Narendra Modi government at the Centre is working for the unity and integrity of the country. A recent parliamentary panel report has suggested an array of doable measures to help make the Central flagship health insurance scheme achieve the ultimate goal of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). ARCHANA JYOTI shares details The panels suggestion to widen the ambit of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) to cover lower middle-income group who fall under the Above Poverty Line (APL) category, just above the poverty line but are in dire need of funds, stems from the fact that the financial burden of diseases leads to cross the poverty line. Many senior citizens residing in places like shelter homes and old age homes do not fall under the BPL and face financial problems while availing treatments. Their inclusion in the scheme would help them access affordable and quality treatment, said the panel in its 151st report which was tabled recently in Rajya Sabha. Under AB-PMJAY the government provides the benefit of cashless hospitalisation for secondary and tertiary care to nearly 10 crore families or 50 crore beneficiaries, identified based on their socio-economic background. The parliamentary standing committee on health and family welfare also suggested the government expand the scope of the scheme to include some sections of children and senior citizens, who may not have health insurance and fall in the Above Poverty Line (APL) category. The panel has cited a document by NITI Aayog, Health Insurance for Indias Missing Middle, which suggests that even after the implementation of the PMJAY, at least 30 per cent of Indians (more than 40 crore) still lack any form of health cover. Adverse health events can lead to financial hardship and even push them into poverty, the report said, adding that this group of Indians is characterised by informal employment, unstable incomes, and a lack of social security. As per the Economic Survey 2022-23, almost half of all health spending in India is still paid by patients themselves directly at the point of treatment, although this has dropped as the governments share of spending on health went up significantly after 2013-14. In fact, rising non-communicable diseases (NCDs) coupled with increasing health bills in the private sector have resulted in a significant spurt in health spending in the country. While out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) remains the major source of health care financing in India (two-thirds of the total health spending), the financial burden varies enormously across diseases and by the economic well-being of the households. Further, the panel led by Rajya Sabha member Bhubaneswar Kalita has suggested the government to rely on tax incentives and disincentives to improve health insurance coverage among corporate employees. In what could come as a major relief to a large number of workers in the private sector, the panel has recommended measures such as employer mandate making it a must for an employer to provide health insurance to each employee. The panel has also taken exception that insufficient funds were released and there was poor utilization. The central government has in the last five years (2018-19 to 2022-23) released Rs 17,000 crore towards PMJAY. Of this, Rs 6,180 crore was released in the previous financial year. It also observed that the average sum of Rs 6,000-Rs 7,000 crore allocated as the central governments share of the scheme each year is not sufficient for 33 states and Union Territories, advising that the same be increased. For this purpose, other old/peripheral schemes of the government in the healthcare sector may be subsumed or integrated with PMJAY so that the unutilised funds, resources, and manpower involved in those schemes may be utilised for its efficient implementation, said the report. The central flagship which was launched in September 2018 to achieve UHC as recommended in the National Health Policy 2017 and the SDGs has been rolled out in rural and urban areas for over 10.74 crore families, with further expansion of the beneficiary base to 12 crore families based on National Food Security Act (NFSA) data. (See box for more features of the scheme) However, while the scheme is a welcome move, more needs to be done. The panel while preparing reports did extensive research, held a series of discussions with several representatives from the health sector to get the best picture. As per the report, the panel found that the quality of public healthcare facilities, including Primary Health Centres, Community Health Centres, district hospitals, and tertiary care hospitals, varies widely. Also, rural areas face significant challenges in terms of shortages of healthcare providers, infrastructure, and medical supplies. Urban areas have relatively better infrastructure and services compared to rural areas, but they are often concentrated in metropolitan cities, leading to overcrowding and long waiting times, notes the panel. The private healthcare sector in India offers a wide range of services, from primary healthcare to high-end specialised treatments, but it can be very expensive and inaccessible to a large portion of the population. A significant proportion of the Indian population faces challenges in accessing affordable healthcare, leading to financial strain and even catastrophic OOPE, noted the panel and suggested that Lack of health insurance coverage is a significant factor contributing to affordability issues. While government-sponsored insurance schemes exist, coverage is often limited, and many people remain uninsured. There is a need for more healthcare infrastructure, an increase in the healthcare workforce, and reforms to reduce out-of-pocket expenses. India's healthcare access and affordability landscape is complex and marked by disparities. In developing countries, financial constraints, coupled with the unpredictability of illness episodes, only a minority of the population resort to the ex-ante methods of insuring to meet the health shocks. The poor people who struggle to meet daily subsistence food consumption are incapable of insuring themselves from unexpected illnesses, as per the panel. In 2018, only about 14.1% of the rural and 19.1 % of the urban populations had insurance coverage. Therefore people resort to ex-post coping mechanisms like using income savings, selling livestock or assets, and borrowing from family, friends or money lenders to smoothen consumption expenditure. The Committee has strongly called for increasing the Government's health expenditure from the present 2.1 percent of GDP on the lines of the objectives of the National Health Policy 2017. The Committee after intensively studying the experiences of Thailand, China, and Latin American countries found that provisions of the Affordable Care Act of the United States also known as Obama Care for inclusion in Ayushman Bharat. By including some sections of the persons falling in APL category, the provisions for 'employer mandate' to provide health insurance to the employee and his family, subsuming of specific schemes for children and senior citizens, tax incentives and disincentives to corporate regarding healthcare are some of the measures worth including in the Ayushman Bharat Scheme and PMJAY, it said. Since the outgo of funds is immediate in insurance mode, the Government should push for payment of the premium of insurance in installments, preferably monthly/quarterly installments, the panel has suggested. To sum up, if strengthened and restructured further, the AB-PMJAY can be an important milestone in achieving the UHC. For, the goal of the UHC is to ensure that all the people receive the health services they need without financial hardship. Nearly 14,000 people have been arrested in a week-long crackdown on drug-related activities in Sri Lanka, police said on Sunday. According to an official statement, a special operation was conducted from Dec 17 to 24 which resulted in the arrest of 13,666 suspects with 717 of them subjected to further detention orders. Among those detained, 174 individuals are currently under investigation for the possession of unlawfully acquired assets. Additionally, 1,097 drug addicts have been sent for rehabilitation, it said. During the week-long operation, 1,107 suspects out of the 4,665 identified by the police narcotics bureau were also taken into custody. The operation was the brainchild of Sri Lankas new police chief Deshabandu Tennakoon, who assumed the position earlier this month for a three-month term. However, Tennakoons appointment has not been without controversy, as he recently faced legal challenges. On December 14, the Supreme Court ordered Tennakoon and three other policemen to pay compensation to a torture victim from an incident dating back to 2011. City Holding Co. cut its holdings in iShares Core High Dividend ETF (NYSEARCA:HDV Free Report) by 64.9% in the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 325 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 601 shares during the period. City Holding Co.s holdings in iShares Core High Dividend ETF were worth $32,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Ironwood Wealth Management LLC. lifted its position in iShares Core High Dividend ETF by 2.8% during the 1st quarter. Ironwood Wealth Management LLC. now owns 14,674 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $1,569,000 after acquiring an additional 404 shares during the last quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp lifted its position in iShares Core High Dividend ETF by 70.2% during the 1st quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 21,455 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $2,293,000 after acquiring an additional 8,849 shares during the last quarter. US Bancorp DE lifted its position in iShares Core High Dividend ETF by 3.7% during the 1st quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 2,847 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $304,000 after acquiring an additional 102 shares during the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. lifted its position in iShares Core High Dividend ETF by 6.5% during the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 600,006 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $64,134,000 after acquiring an additional 36,500 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Synovus Financial Corp lifted its position in iShares Core High Dividend ETF by 30.8% during the 1st quarter. Synovus Financial Corp now owns 13,631 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $1,457,000 after acquiring an additional 3,208 shares during the last quarter. Get iShares Core High Dividend ETF alerts: iShares Core High Dividend ETF Price Performance iShares Core High Dividend ETF stock opened at $101.80 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $10.51 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.13 and a beta of 0.81. iShares Core High Dividend ETF has a fifty-two week low of $93.46 and a fifty-two week high of $107.06. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $98.47 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $100.31. iShares Core High Dividend ETF Company Profile The iShares Core High Dividend ETF (HDV) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the Morningstar Dividend Yield Focus index. The fund tracks a dividend-weighted index of 75 high-yielding US equities, screened for high earnings potential and dividend sustainability. HDV was launched on Mar 29, 2011 and is managed by BlackRock. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding HDV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Core High Dividend ETF (NYSEARCA:HDV Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Core High Dividend ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Core High Dividend ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hartford Investment Management Co. trimmed its position in Agilent Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:A Free Report) by 3.2% in the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 20,126 shares of the medical research companys stock after selling 657 shares during the period. Hartford Investment Management Co.s holdings in Agilent Technologies were worth $2,250,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. A number of other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Artemis Investment Management LLP raised its position in Agilent Technologies by 7.8% during the 3rd quarter. Artemis Investment Management LLP now owns 130,190 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $14,551,000 after purchasing an additional 9,390 shares during the last quarter. Monumental Financial Group Inc. raised its position in shares of Agilent Technologies by 4.5% in the 3rd quarter. Monumental Financial Group Inc. now owns 9,404 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $1,052,000 after acquiring an additional 403 shares in the last quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLC raised its position in shares of Agilent Technologies by 65.6% in the 3rd quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLC now owns 1,446 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $161,000 after acquiring an additional 573 shares in the last quarter. Northwest Investment Counselors LLC raised its position in shares of Agilent Technologies by 57,100.0% in the 3rd quarter. Northwest Investment Counselors LLC now owns 9,724 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $1,087,000 after acquiring an additional 9,707 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Kentucky Retirement Systems Insurance Trust Fund acquired a new stake in shares of Agilent Technologies in the 3rd quarter valued at about $1,224,000. Get Agilent Technologies alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several brokerages have recently commented on A. Barclays reduced their target price on Agilent Technologies from $110.00 to $105.00 and set an underweight rating for the company in a research note on Friday, September 29th. Wolfe Research began coverage on Agilent Technologies in a research note on Wednesday, December 13th. They issued an outperform rating and a $140.00 target price for the company. Wells Fargo & Company reduced their target price on Agilent Technologies from $160.00 to $145.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, November 22nd. StockNews.com upgraded Agilent Technologies from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 19th. Finally, UBS Group downgraded Agilent Technologies from a buy rating to a neutral rating and cut their price target for the company from $163.00 to $125.00 in a research note on Friday, November 17th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have given a hold rating and eleven have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $138.47. Agilent Technologies Trading Up 0.5 % NYSE:A opened at $139.57 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 2.61, a quick ratio of 1.97 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47. The stock has a market capitalization of $40.84 billion, a PE ratio of 33.15, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.19 and a beta of 1.10. The firms 50 day moving average is $118.99 and its 200 day moving average is $118.75. Agilent Technologies, Inc. has a 12 month low of $96.80 and a 12 month high of $159.59. Agilent Technologies (NYSE:A Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Monday, November 20th. The medical research company reported $1.38 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.34 by $0.04. The company had revenue of $1.69 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.67 billion. Agilent Technologies had a net margin of 18.15% and a return on equity of 28.24%. Agilent Technologiess revenue was down 8.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $1.53 EPS. Sell-side analysts expect that Agilent Technologies, Inc. will post 5.47 earnings per share for the current year. Agilent Technologies Increases Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, January 24th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, January 2nd will be issued a dividend of $0.236 per share. This is a boost from Agilent Technologiess previous quarterly dividend of $0.23. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, December 29th. This represents a $0.94 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.68%. Agilent Technologiess payout ratio is presently 21.38%. Insider Buying and Selling at Agilent Technologies In other Agilent Technologies news, CEO Michael R. Mcmullen sold 62,467 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, December 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $130.00, for a total transaction of $8,120,710.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 306,206 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $39,806,780. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. In other news, VP Rodney Gonsalves sold 1,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, December 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $137.69, for a total transaction of $206,535.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 26,133 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,598,252.77. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, CEO Michael R. Mcmullen sold 62,467 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, December 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $130.00, for a total transaction of $8,120,710.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 306,206 shares of the companys stock, valued at $39,806,780. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 93,049 shares of company stock valued at $12,328,032 in the last 90 days. 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. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Agilent Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Agilent Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cogna Educacao (OTCMKTS:COGNY Get Free Report) and Gaotu Techedu (NYSE:GOTU Get Free Report) are both consumer defensive companies, but which is the better business? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their valuation, analyst recommendations, dividends, profitability, risk, institutional ownership and earnings. Analyst Ratings This is a summary of current recommendations and price targets for Cogna Educacao and Gaotu Techedu, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Get Cogna Educacao alerts: Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Cogna Educacao 0 1 0 0 2.00 Gaotu Techedu 2 2 0 0 1.50 Gaotu Techedu has a consensus target price of $2.30, suggesting a potential downside of 31.75%. Given Gaotu Techedus higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe Gaotu Techedu is more favorable than Cogna Educacao. Insider and Institutional Ownership Valuation & Earnings 15.8% of Gaotu Techedu shares are held by institutional investors. 44.9% of Gaotu Techedu shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a company is poised for long-term growth. This table compares Cogna Educacao and Gaotu Techedus revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Cogna Educacao N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Gaotu Techedu $362.21 million 2.43 $1.91 million $0.10 33.70 Gaotu Techedu has higher revenue and earnings than Cogna Educacao. Profitability This table compares Cogna Educacao and Gaotu Techedus net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Cogna Educacao N/A N/A N/A Gaotu Techedu 6.67% 5.82% 3.85% Summary Gaotu Techedu beats Cogna Educacao on 7 of the 8 factors compared between the two stocks. About Cogna Educacao (Get Free Report) Cogna Educacao S.A. operates as a private educational organization in Brazil and internationally. It offers in-class and distance-learning higher education, and undergraduate and graduate courses; editing, marketing, and distribution of teaching books; and educational materials and workbooks. The company also provides basic education, pre-university preparatory courses, and language courses; educational solutions for technical and higher education; and complementary activities, such as education technology development for services to complement management and training. In addition, it offers administration of kindergarten, elementary and high school activities; advises on and/or enables direct and indirect financing for students; and develops software for adaptive teaching and academic management optimization. Cogna Educacao S.A. was incorporated in 1966 and is headquartered in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. About Gaotu Techedu (Get Free Report) Gaotu Techedu Inc., a technology-driven education company, provides online K-12 after-school tutoring services in the People's Republic of China. The company provides foreign language courses comprising English and Japanese, as well as test preparation courses for students taking language certification exams; and professional courses primarily for college students and adults preparing for professional qualification exams, such teacher's qualification, Chartered Financial Analyst designation, Certified Public Accountant designation, Certified Tax Agent designation, securities qualification exams, and other exams. It also offers admission courses for admission tests and interviews, including national graduate entrance examination, civil service examinations, and others; and consulting services. In addition, the company provides online IT education courses, such as computer programming, as well as online courses on professional computer coding; career development courses, including memory enhancement courses, leadership and management training courses, and others; and courses to prepare and pass certain language exams for study abroad, such as IELTS and TOEFL. Further, it provides non-academic tutoring and personal interest courses comprising chess learning, family relationships and education, humanities, and science courses; and designs and develops course outlines, interactive courseware, practice exercises, and lesson notes, as well as reference books, such as Chinese dictionary, dictionary of idioms, and past exam questions of college entrance examination. Additionally, the company offers smart devices; multi-function translation pen, an electronic translation pen with Chinese/English translation capabilities; and learning apps. The company was formerly known as GSX Techedu Inc. and changed its name to Gaotu Techedu Inc. in June 2021. Gaotu Techedu Inc. was incorporated in 2014 and is headquartered in Beijing, the People's Republic of China. Receive News & Ratings for Cogna Educacao Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cogna Educacao and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. City Holding Co. trimmed its holdings in shares of Ingersoll Rand Inc. (NYSE:IR Free Report) by 14.8% during the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 1,210 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 210 shares during the period. City Holding Co.s holdings in Ingersoll Rand were worth $77,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other large investors also recently modified their holdings of IR. American Century Companies Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Ingersoll Rand by 12.0% during the first quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 15,601 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $786,000 after purchasing an additional 1,675 shares during the period. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. grew its holdings in Ingersoll Rand by 47.6% during the first quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 9,880 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $497,000 after acquiring an additional 3,185 shares during the period. Private Advisor Group LLC acquired a new position in Ingersoll Rand during the first quarter worth about $327,000. Panagora Asset Management Inc. grew its holdings in Ingersoll Rand by 62.2% during the first quarter. Panagora Asset Management Inc. now owns 28,937 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $1,457,000 after acquiring an additional 11,096 shares during the period. Finally, Yousif Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in Ingersoll Rand by 1.7% during the first quarter. Yousif Capital Management LLC now owns 57,771 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $2,909,000 after acquiring an additional 988 shares during the period. 94.54% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Ingersoll Rand alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades IR has been the topic of a number of research analyst reports. Stifel Nicolaus raised Ingersoll Rand from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $73.00 target price on the stock in a report on Tuesday, October 24th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on Ingersoll Rand in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Barclays lowered their target price on Ingersoll Rand from $76.00 to $74.00 in a report on Thursday, September 7th. Citigroup lifted their target price on Ingersoll Rand from $79.00 to $86.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday, December 11th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price target on Ingersoll Rand from $73.00 to $83.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 19th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $73.50. Insider Buying and Selling at Ingersoll Rand In other Ingersoll Rand news, insider Andrew R. Schiesl sold 13,000 shares of Ingersoll Rand stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, December 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $71.89, for a total transaction of $934,570.00. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 45,263 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,253,957.07. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. In related news, insider Andrew R. Schiesl sold 9,532 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $66.22, for a total value of $631,209.04. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 58,263 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,858,175.86. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, insider Andrew R. Schiesl sold 13,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $71.89, for a total value of $934,570.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 45,263 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,253,957.07. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Company insiders own 0.83% of the companys stock. Ingersoll Rand Trading Up 0.9 % Shares of NYSE IR opened at $76.48 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 2.26, a quick ratio of 1.60 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.28. Ingersoll Rand Inc. has a one year low of $51.64 and a one year high of $76.86. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $68.54 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $66.70. The firm has a market capitalization of $30.96 billion, a PE ratio of 40.90, a PEG ratio of 1.92 and a beta of 1.49. Ingersoll Rand (NYSE:IR Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, November 1st. The industrial products company reported $0.75 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.66 by $0.09. Ingersoll Rand had a return on equity of 11.82% and a net margin of 11.47%. The company had revenue of $1.74 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.69 billion. As a group, analysts predict that Ingersoll Rand Inc. will post 2.78 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Ingersoll Rand Dividend Announcement The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, December 14th. Shareholders of record on Monday, November 20th were paid a dividend of $0.02 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 17th. This represents a $0.08 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.10%. Ingersoll Rands dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 4.28%. Ingersoll Rand Company Profile (Free Report) Ingersoll Rand Inc provides various mission-critical air, fluid, energy, specialty vehicle, and medical technologies in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, India, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. It operates through two segments, Industrial Technologies and Services, and Precision and Science Technologies. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Ingersoll Rand Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ingersoll Rand and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Innergex Renewable Energy Inc. (TSE:INE Get Free Report) has earned an average recommendation of Moderate Buy from the seven analysts that are presently covering the stock, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and five have issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average twelve-month price objective among brokerages that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is C$15.30. Several analysts have recently issued reports on INE shares. National Bankshares upped their price target on Innergex Renewable Energy from C$15.50 to C$15.75 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 12th. BMO Capital Markets lowered their price target on Innergex Renewable Energy from C$17.50 to C$14.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, November 9th. Raymond James reduced their price objective on shares of Innergex Renewable Energy from C$21.50 to C$15.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, October 26th. Royal Bank of Canada decreased their price objective on shares of Innergex Renewable Energy from C$16.00 to C$13.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a report on Friday, November 10th. Finally, TD Securities dropped their target price on shares of Innergex Renewable Energy from C$15.00 to C$12.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, October 18th. Get Innergex Renewable Energy alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Innergex Renewable Energy Innergex Renewable Energy Price Performance TSE INE opened at C$9.21 on Friday. The company has a 50 day moving average price of C$9.26 and a two-hundred day moving average price of C$11.28. Innergex Renewable Energy has a 12-month low of C$8.51 and a 12-month high of C$16.68. The stock has a market capitalization of C$1.88 billion, a PE ratio of -54.18, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 20.61 and a beta of 0.45. The company has a quick ratio of 0.58, a current ratio of 0.96 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 440.26. Innergex Renewable Energy (TSE:INE Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 8th. The company reported C$0.03 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of C$0.06 by C($0.03). The business had revenue of C$277.06 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of C$261.30 million. Innergex Renewable Energy had a negative net margin of 3.19% and a negative return on equity of 2.39%. As a group, equities analysts predict that Innergex Renewable Energy will post 0.2900787 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Innergex Renewable Energy Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, January 15th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 29th will be issued a dividend of $0.18 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 28th. This represents a $0.72 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 7.82%. Innergex Renewable Energys payout ratio is -423.53%. Insider Activity at Innergex Renewable Energy In other news, Director Richard Gagnon acquired 3,320 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 13th. The shares were bought at an average price of C$9.02 per share, with a total value of C$29,947.06. 24.03% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Innergex Renewable Energy Company Profile (Get Free Report Innergex Renewable Energy Inc operates as an independent renewable power producer in Canada, the United States, France, and Chile. It acquires, owns, develops, and operates hydroelectric facilities, and wind and solar farms, as well as energy storage facilities. The company operates through three segments: Hydroelectric Power Generation, Wind Power Generation, and Solar Power Generation. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Innergex Renewable Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Innergex Renewable Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Infineon Technologies (OTCMKTS:IFNNY Get Free Report) and Oxford Instruments (OTCMKTS:OXINF Get Free Report) are both computer and technology companies, but which is the superior business? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their risk, institutional ownership, valuation, profitability, earnings, analyst recommendations and dividends. Analyst Recommendations This is a summary of current ratings and price targets for Infineon Technologies and Oxford Instruments, as provided by MarketBeat. Get Infineon Technologies alerts: Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Infineon Technologies 0 1 2 0 2.67 Oxford Instruments 0 1 0 0 2.00 Earnings and Valuation Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Infineon Technologies $17.42 billion 3.10 $3.35 billion $2.55 16.22 Oxford Instruments $536.00 million 2.93 $70.63 million N/A N/A This table compares Infineon Technologies and Oxford Instruments gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Infineon Technologies has higher revenue and earnings than Oxford Instruments. Profitability This table compares Infineon Technologies and Oxford Instruments net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Infineon Technologies 19.25% 22.01% 12.89% Oxford Instruments N/A N/A N/A Institutional and Insider Ownership 0.2% of Infineon Technologies shares are held by institutional investors. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a stock is poised for long-term growth. Risk & Volatility Infineon Technologies has a beta of 1.92, indicating that its stock price is 92% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Oxford Instruments has a beta of 0.82, indicating that its stock price is 18% less volatile than the S&P 500. Summary Infineon Technologies beats Oxford Instruments on 10 of the 10 factors compared between the two stocks. About Infineon Technologies (Get Free Report) Infineon Technologies AG designs, develops, manufactures, and markets semiconductors and semiconductor-based solutions worldwide. Its Automotive segment offers automotive microcontrollers; 3D ToF, magnetic, and pressure sensors; discrete power semiconductors; IGBT modules; industrial microcontrollers; power and memory ICs; transceivers; diodes, MOSEFTs, and modules; and voltage regulators for use in assistance and safety systems, comfort electronics, infotainment, powertrain, and security products. The company's Green Industrial Power segment provides bare dies, discrete IGBTs, and driver ICs; SiC diodes, MOSFETs, and modules; and IGBT modules for home appliances, industrial drives, industrial power supplies, industrial robotics, industrial vehicles, and traction, as well as for energy generation, storage, and transmission. Its Power & Sensor Systems segment offers chips for gas and pressure sensors, and MEMS microphones; 3D ToF sensors; control ICs; discrete low-, mid-, and high-voltage power MOSFET; customized chips; GaN power switches; GPS low-noise amplifiers; low-voltage and high-voltage driver ICs; radar sensor ICs; RF antenna switches and power transistors; transient voltage suppressor diodes; SiC diode and MOSFETs; and USB controllers for use in audio amplifiers, automotive electronics, BLDC motors, cellular communications infrastructure, electric vehicle charging stations, human machine interaction, IoT, LED and conventional lighting systems, microinverter, mobile devices, power management, and special applications. The company's Connected Secure Systems segment provides connectivity solutions, embedded security controllers, microcontrollers, and security controllers for authentication, automotive, consumer electronics, government identification document, IoT, mobile communication, payment system, ticketing, access control, and computing applications. Infineon Technologies AG was founded in 1999 and is headquartered in Neubiberg, Germany. About Oxford Instruments (Get Free Report) Oxford Instruments plc designs and supplies technology products and services in Europe, North America, Asia, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Materials & Characterisation, Research & Discovery, and Service & Healthcare. The company offers atomic force, electron, and raman microscopy; deposition and etch tools; low temperature systems; optical imaging; nuclear magnetic resonance, modular optical spectroscopy; and x-ray. Its products are used in various industries, such as advanced manufacturing, agriculture and food, astronomy, automotive and aerospace, bio imaging and life science, chemical and catalysis, energy generation and storage, forensics and environment, geology, petrology, mining, metals, alloys, composites, ceramics, pharma, photonics, polymers, quantum technologies, semiconductors, microelectronics, and data storage. Oxford Instruments plc was founded in 1959 and is headquartered in Abingdon, the United Kingdom. Receive News & Ratings for Infineon Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Infineon Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Opinion / Columnist In recent times, social media platforms have become powerful tools for disseminating information and shaping public opinion. Hopewell Chin'ono, a prominent Zimbabwean journalist, has gained significant popularity and a huge audience through his social media presence. However, there have been instances where his influence and reach have been misused, leading to the targeting of individuals without verified evidence. One such case involves Hopewell Chin'ono's accusations against Obert Mpofu, the Secretary General of the ZANU-PF political party, in the ongoing Umvucha Farm dispute. It is important to critically examine the facts and ascertain if Chin'ono's allegations hold merit or if they are based on assumption and speculation.The Umvucha Farm Incident:For the past three years, a dispute over Umvucha Farm has been ongoing. The owners of the farm, Troy and Tara Maidwell, have been engaged in a battle concerning the invasion of their property. Hopewell Chin'ono took to social media to shed light on their situation, alleging that thugs associated with Obert Mpofu were harassing the Maidwells and invading their farm. These claims suggest a violation of property rights and insinuate that this incident negatively impacts Zimbabwe's investment climate and global reputation.The Lack of Fact-Checking:While it is crucial to address situations of property rights violation and harassment, it is equally important to ensure that allegations are based on verified facts. In this case, Chin'ono failed to fact-check his claims with regards to Obert Mpofu's involvement in the Umvucha Farm dispute. By involving Mpofu without concrete evidence, Chin'ono's allegations may serve to tarnish Mpofu's reputation and create unnecessary hostility.A Call for Responsible Reporting:In instances where high-profile individuals with significant audiences speak out against others, it is vital for them to exercise responsible reporting and adhere to the principles of journalism. Hasty accusations can fuel tensions and contribute to a climate of hostility and division. Engaging in respectful and open dialogue, as well as conducting thorough investigations, would lead to more effective resolutions and prevent further damage to the reputation of individuals involved.Conclusion:While it is important to give a voice to those who have experienced property rights violations and harassment, it is equally important to ensure that accusations are substantiated before making them public. In the case of Hopewell Chin'ono's allegations against Obert Mpofu, it is essential to establish the truth before accepting or propagating unverified claims. Responsible reporting requires journalists to uphold the highest standards of integrity and rigor in their work, promoting a fair and just society where false accusations do not go unchallenged. Rothschild Investment LLC IL increased its stake in Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE Free Report) by 11.4% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 167,856 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after purchasing an additional 17,242 shares during the quarter. Rothschild Investment LLC ILs holdings in Pfizer were worth $5,568,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of PFE. Financial Gravity Asset Management Inc. lifted its holdings in Pfizer by 559.2% in the 2nd quarter. Financial Gravity Asset Management Inc. now owns 501 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $14,919,000 after acquiring an additional 425 shares during the last quarter. Worth Asset Management LLC purchased a new stake in Pfizer during the first quarter valued at about $29,000. Sanctuary Wealth Management L.L.C. acquired a new position in shares of Pfizer in the 4th quarter valued at about $50,000. VitalStone Financial LLC increased its holdings in shares of Pfizer by 179.3% in the 2nd quarter. VitalStone Financial LLC now owns 1,106 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $45,000 after purchasing an additional 710 shares during the period. Finally, FWL Investment Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Pfizer in the 4th quarter valued at about $57,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 68.05% of the companys stock. Get Pfizer alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities analysts have recently commented on PFE shares. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price target on shares of Pfizer from $36.00 to $34.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, October 16th. UBS Group decreased their price target on shares of Pfizer from $34.00 to $27.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, December 14th. Jefferies Financial Group upgraded shares of Pfizer from a hold rating to a buy rating and lifted their price target for the stock from $38.00 to $39.00 in a research note on Monday, October 16th. Barclays decreased their price target on shares of Pfizer from $34.00 to $28.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, December 14th. Finally, Morgan Stanley decreased 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 note on Wednesday, November 1st. Twelve investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $40.35. Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, Director Scott Gottlieb acquired 3,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, December 15th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $26.47 per share, with a total value of $79,410.00. Following the acquisition, the director now owns 9,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $238,230. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Company insiders own 0.05% of the companys stock. Pfizer Stock Performance Pfizer stock opened at $28.40 on Friday. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $29.76 and a 200 day simple moving average of $33.67. The company has a quick ratio of 2.05, a current ratio of 2.38 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.63. Pfizer Inc. has a 12-month low of $25.76 and a 12-month high of $51.95. The stock has a market capitalization of $160.36 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.52, a P/E/G ratio of 2.58 and a beta of 0.61. Pfizer (NYSE:PFE Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results 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 return on equity of 16.72% and a net margin of 15.30%. The business had revenue of $13.23 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $13.77 billion. On average, research analysts anticipate that Pfizer Inc. will post 1.53 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Pfizer Increases Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 1st. Investors of record on Friday, January 26th will be issued a $0.42 dividend. This represents a $1.68 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.92%. This is a boost from Pfizers previous quarterly dividend of $0.41. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, January 25th. Pfizers payout ratio is currently 89.62%. Pfizer Profile (Free Report) Pfizer Inc discovers, develops, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products worldwide. It offers medicines and vaccines in various therapeutic areas, including cardiovascular metabolic, migraine, and women's health under the Eliquis, Nurtec ODT/Vydura, and the Premarin family brands; infectious diseases with unmet medical needs under the Prevnar family, Nimenrix, FSME/IMMUN-TicoVac, and Trumenba brands; and COVID-19 prevention and treatment, and potential future mRNA and antiviral products under the Comirnaty and Paxlovid brands. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PFE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Pfizer Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Pfizer and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. General Mills (NYSE:GIS Free Report) had its price target cut by Royal Bank of Canada from $74.00 to $72.00 in a report issued on Thursday, Marketbeat reports. They currently have a sector perform rating on the stock. A number of other equities research analysts have also recently weighed in on the stock. Wells Fargo & Company cut their price objective on shares of General Mills from $80.00 to $70.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, September 7th. HSBC started coverage on shares of General Mills in a research note on Friday, September 22nd. They issued a hold rating and a $74.00 target price on the stock. Mizuho dropped their target price on shares of General Mills from $80.00 to $70.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, September 21st. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of General Mills in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Finally, TD Cowen started coverage on shares of General Mills in a research note on Wednesday, September 13th. They issued a market perform rating and a $70.00 target price on the stock. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eleven have issued a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $73.00. Get General Mills alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on GIS General Mills Price Performance Shares of GIS opened at $64.51 on Thursday. The stock has a market cap of $37.50 billion, a PE ratio of 15.70, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.20 and a beta of 0.25. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.09, a quick ratio of 0.41 and a current ratio of 0.64. General Mills has a fifty-two week low of $60.33 and a fifty-two week high of $90.89. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $64.88 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $69.44. General Mills (NYSE:GIS Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, December 20th. The company reported $1.25 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.16 by $0.09. The business had revenue of $5.10 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.35 billion. General Mills had a net margin of 12.06% and a return on equity of 25.44%. The businesss revenue was down 2.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $1.10 earnings per share. Analysts anticipate that General Mills will post 4.48 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. General Mills Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, February 1st. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, January 10th will be paid a $0.59 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, January 9th. This represents a $2.36 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.66%. General Millss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 57.42%. Institutional Trading of General Mills Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Park Avenue Securities LLC grew its stake in General Mills by 50.4% during the second quarter. Park Avenue Securities LLC now owns 41,032 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,147,000 after acquiring an additional 13,745 shares in the last quarter. Adviser Investments LLC purchased a new position in General Mills during the third quarter valued at $323,000. Ausdal Financial Partners Inc. grew its stake in General Mills by 3.3% during the second quarter. Ausdal Financial Partners Inc. now owns 13,306 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,021,000 after acquiring an additional 421 shares in the last quarter. Jennison Associates LLC lifted its position in General Mills by 5.5% during the second quarter. Jennison Associates LLC now owns 74,965 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,750,000 after purchasing an additional 3,907 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Cullen Frost Bankers Inc. lifted its position in General Mills by 0.3% during the second quarter. Cullen Frost Bankers Inc. now owns 182,324 shares of the companys stock valued at $13,984,000 after purchasing an additional 510 shares during the last quarter. 75.31% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. General Mills Company Profile (Get Free Report) General Mills, Inc manufactures and markets branded consumer foods worldwide. The company operates through four segments: North America Retail; International; Pet; and North America Foodservice. It offers grain, ready-to-eat cereals, refrigerated yogurt, soup, meal kits, refrigerated and frozen dough products, dessert and baking mixes, bakery flour, frozen pizza and pizza snacks, snack bars, fruit and salty snacks, ice cream and frozen desserts, nutrition bars, and savory snacks, as well as various organic products, including frozen and shelf-stable vegetables. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for General Mills Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for General Mills and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. SG Americas Securities LLC grew its holdings in Lennar Co. (NYSE:LEN Free Report) by 73.0% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 56,603 shares of the construction companys stock after purchasing an additional 23,893 shares during the quarter. SG Americas Securities LLCs holdings in Lennar were worth $6,353,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. A number of other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in LEN. Coppell Advisory Solutions LLC bought a new stake in Lennar in the 2nd quarter valued at $46,000. West Tower Group LLC bought a new stake in shares of Lennar in the second quarter valued at about $57,000. FNY Investment Advisers LLC acquired a new stake in Lennar during the second quarter worth about $61,000. IFP Advisors Inc increased its stake in Lennar by 97.5% during the third quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 547 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $61,000 after acquiring an additional 270 shares during the period. Finally, Money Concepts Capital Corp raised its holdings in Lennar by 494.4% in the 4th quarter. Money Concepts Capital Corp now owns 737 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $67,000 after acquiring an additional 613 shares in the last quarter. 79.87% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Lennar alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of analysts have recently issued reports on the company. Wedbush restated a neutral rating and set a $123.00 price objective on shares of Lennar in a research report on Monday, September 11th. Citigroup restated a buy rating and issued a $139.00 price objective on shares of Lennar in a research note on Tuesday, September 19th. Evercore ISI raised their price objective on shares of Lennar from $161.00 to $164.00 in a report on Monday, September 18th. StockNews.com raised shares of Lennar from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday, December 15th. Finally, Barclays raised their price target on shares of Lennar from $132.00 to $165.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 13th. Two research analysts have 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.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $140.53. Insider Transactions at Lennar In related news, EVP Jeffrey Joseph Mccall sold 1,157 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, October 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $105.01, for a total value of $121,496.57. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 131,386 shares in the company, valued at $13,796,843.86. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. In other Lennar news, VP Mark Sustana sold 37,304 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, December 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $146.38, for a total value of $5,460,559.52. Following the sale, the vice president now directly owns 18,694 shares in the company, valued at $2,736,427.72. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, EVP Jeffrey Joseph Mccall sold 1,157 shares of Lennar stock in a transaction on Monday, October 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $105.01, for a total transaction of $121,496.57. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 131,386 shares in the company, valued at $13,796,843.86. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 57,304 shares of company stock worth $7,811,455. Corporate insiders own 9.53% of the companys stock. Lennar Trading Down 0.3 % LEN opened at $147.42 on Friday. Lennar Co. has a 1-year low of $88.42 and a 1-year high of $156.01. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $125.35 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $121.68. The stock has a market capitalization of $41.92 billion, a PE ratio of 10.71, a PEG ratio of 1.35 and a beta of 1.52. The company has a current ratio of 6.12, a quick ratio of 1.72 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.11. Lennar (NYSE:LEN Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Friday, December 15th. The construction company reported $4.82 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $4.59 by $0.23. Lennar had a net margin of 11.51% and a return on equity of 15.84%. The company had revenue of $10.97 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $10.22 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $5.02 earnings per share. Lennars quarterly revenue was up 7.8% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Lennar Co. will post 14.47 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Lennar Dividend Announcement The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, October 26th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, October 12th were given a dividend of $0.375 per share. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, October 11th. This represents a $1.50 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.02%. Lennars payout ratio is 10.90%. Lennar Profile (Free Report) Lennar Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a homebuilder primarily under the Lennar brand in the United States. It operates through Homebuilding East, Homebuilding Central, Homebuilding Texas, Homebuilding West, Financial Services, Multifamily, and Lennar Other segments. The company's homebuilding operations include the construction and sale of single-family attached and detached homes, as well as the purchase, development, and sale of residential land; and development, construction, and management of multifamily rental properties. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Lennar Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lennar and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. State of Alaska Department of Revenue trimmed its holdings in shares of Consolidated Edison, Inc. (NYSE:ED Free Report) by 1.0% during the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 121,724 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 1,190 shares during the period. State of Alaska Department of Revenues holdings in Consolidated Edison were worth $10,411,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the business. Leavell Investment Management Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Consolidated Edison by 41.7% in the 3rd quarter. Leavell Investment Management Inc. now owns 13,803 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $1,181,000 after purchasing an additional 4,065 shares in the last quarter. LMG Wealth Partners LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Consolidated Edison by 19.8% in the 3rd quarter. LMG Wealth Partners LLC now owns 9,111 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $779,000 after purchasing an additional 1,505 shares in the last quarter. Landmark Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Consolidated Edison in the 3rd quarter worth $327,000. City Holding Co. lifted its holdings in shares of Consolidated Edison by 1.0% in the 3rd quarter. City Holding Co. now owns 16,991 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $1,453,000 after purchasing an additional 174 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Strategic Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Consolidated Edison by 60.6% in the 3rd quarter. Strategic Advisors LLC now owns 6,645 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $568,000 after purchasing an additional 2,507 shares in the last quarter. 64.53% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Consolidated Edison alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities analysts have weighed in on ED shares. Royal Bank of Canada dropped their price objective on Consolidated Edison from $97.00 to $92.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, September 6th. Guggenheim dropped their price objective on Consolidated Edison from $85.00 to $82.00 in a research note on Monday, October 9th. KeyCorp dropped their price objective on Consolidated Edison from $77.00 to $73.00 and set an underweight rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, October 18th. Wells Fargo & Company upgraded Consolidated Edison from an underweight rating to an equal weight rating and dropped their price objective for the company from $96.00 to $94.00 in a research note on Tuesday, October 17th. Finally, Barclays decreased their target price on Consolidated Edison from $88.00 to $85.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, October 24th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have assigned a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $88.08. Consolidated Edison Stock Up 0.5 % ED stock opened at $89.68 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.91, a current ratio of 0.98 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.98. The firm has a market capitalization of $30.96 billion, a PE ratio of 13.29, a PEG ratio of 9.02 and a beta of 0.38. Consolidated Edison, Inc. has a twelve month low of $80.46 and a twelve month high of $100.92. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $89.95 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $90.45. Consolidated Edison (NYSE:ED Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, November 2nd. The utilities provider reported $1.62 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.58 by $0.04. The business had revenue of $3.87 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.82 billion. Consolidated Edison had a return on equity of 8.16% and a net margin of 15.57%. On average, equities analysts predict that Consolidated Edison, Inc. will post 5.01 EPS for the current fiscal year. Consolidated Edison Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 15th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, November 15th were given a dividend of $0.81 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, November 14th. This represents a $3.24 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.61%. Consolidated Edisons dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 48.00%. About Consolidated Edison (Free Report) Consolidated Edison, Inc, through its subsidiaries, engages in the regulated electric, gas, and steam delivery businesses in the United States. It offers electric services to approximately 3.6 million customers in New York City and Westchester County; gas to approximately 1.1 million customers in Manhattan, the Bronx, parts of Queens, and Westchester County; and steam to approximately 1,530 customers in parts of Manhattan. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Consolidated Edison Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Consolidated Edison and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. City Holding Co. trimmed its stake in shares of The Charles Schwab Co. (NYSE:SCHW Free Report) by 36.8% during the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 875 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 510 shares during the quarter. City Holding Co.s holdings in Charles Schwab were worth $48,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Cloverfields Capital Group LP raised its position in shares of Charles Schwab by 11.5% during the 1st quarter. Cloverfields Capital Group LP now owns 50,785 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $2,660,000 after buying an additional 5,246 shares in the last quarter. Independent Advisor Alliance raised its holdings in shares of Charles Schwab by 334.1% in the 2nd quarter. Independent Advisor Alliance now owns 55,268 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $3,133,000 after purchasing an additional 42,535 shares in the last quarter. Baker Tilly Wealth Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of Charles Schwab by 2.0% in the 2nd quarter. Baker Tilly Wealth Management LLC now owns 11,729 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $665,000 after purchasing an additional 229 shares in the last quarter. Beacon Pointe Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of Charles Schwab by 54.2% in the 2nd quarter. Beacon Pointe Advisors LLC now owns 135,940 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $7,705,000 after purchasing an additional 47,792 shares in the last quarter. Finally, First Horizon Advisors Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Charles Schwab by 21.4% in the 2nd quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc. now owns 3,839 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $218,000 after purchasing an additional 677 shares in the last quarter. 81.61% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Charles Schwab alerts: Insider Buying and Selling at Charles Schwab In other Charles Schwab news, General Counsel Peter J. Morgan III sold 7,162 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, November 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $60.72, for a total value of $434,876.64. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this link. In other news, CFO Peter B. Crawford sold 3,114 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, November 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $56.19, for a total transaction of $174,975.66. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 41,611 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,338,122.09. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, General Counsel Peter J. Morgan III sold 7,162 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, November 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $60.72, for a total transaction of $434,876.64. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last quarter, insiders have sold 33,402 shares of company stock worth $1,945,960. 6.60% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of analysts recently commented on the stock. Barclays boosted their target price on shares of Charles Schwab from $55.00 to $57.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Tuesday, October 17th. Raymond James boosted their target price on shares of Charles Schwab from $72.00 to $76.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, October 17th. UBS Group boosted their target price on shares of Charles Schwab from $72.00 to $82.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, December 15th. Piper Sandler dropped their target price on shares of Charles Schwab from $86.00 to $75.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Monday, October 9th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their target price on shares of Charles Schwab from $92.00 to $85.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, October 17th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and eleven have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $69.44. Get Our Latest Analysis on Charles Schwab Charles Schwab Stock Up 0.6 % Charles Schwab stock opened at $68.58 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $121.50 billion, a PE ratio of 22.86, a P/E/G ratio of 3.41 and a beta of 0.99. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.87, a quick ratio of 0.66 and a current ratio of 0.66. The firms 50 day moving average price is $58.01 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $58.25. The Charles Schwab Co. has a twelve month low of $45.00 and a twelve month high of $86.63. Charles Schwab (NYSE:SCHW Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Monday, October 16th. The financial services provider reported $0.77 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.75 by $0.02. The firm had revenue of $4.61 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.62 billion. Charles Schwab had a net margin of 30.14% and a return on equity of 24.58%. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 16.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $1.10 EPS. On average, research analysts predict that The Charles Schwab Co. will post 3.14 EPS for the current fiscal year. Charles Schwab Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 24th. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 10th were paid a $0.25 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, November 9th. This represents a $1.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.46%. Charles Schwabs dividend payout ratio is presently 33.33%. Charles Schwab Profile (Free Report) The Charles Schwab Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a savings and loan holding company that provides wealth management, securities brokerage, banking, asset management, custody, and financial advisory services. The company operates in two segments, Investor Services and Advisor Services. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Charles Schwab Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Charles Schwab and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Opinion / Columnist Disclaimer: The above narrative is a work of fiction. While the events and setting are inspired by the cultural context of the time, the specific details and characters are fictional. Solomon Skuza's song "Banolila" was indeed released in 1983, contributing to the rich tapestry of Zimbabwean music history. In the soft glow of the Zimbabwean sun in 1983, a ten-year-old in rural Filabusi under Chief Maduna eagerly anticipated the most enchanting day of the year - Christmas. Rooted in tradition and surrounded by the warmth of community, this Christmas promised to be an unforgettable celebration, fueled by the melodious tunes of Solomon Skuza's legendary Kalanga song, "Banolila."As the beats of Banolila filled the air, the village square (eSilalatshani) transformed into a dance floor, a vibrant testimony to the rich cultural tapestry of the region. Skuza's timeless melodies added an extra layer of enchantment to the festive air, becoming the soulful soundtrack to an already joyous celebration.The day began with a homestead celebration, a private affair filled with the warmth of family and the comfort of home. The slaughtering of a fat goat and chickens marked the start of festivities, their enticing aroma mingling with the sounds of joyful laughter. Adorned in brand new clothes, gifted in anticipation of the occasion, the community radiated in vibrant colours that mirrored the festive spirit.The morning was a cascade of treats, with bread, biscuits and soft drinks adding a sweet touch to the air. Laughter and the clinking of Coca Cola, Sprite, Spar-letta, Fanta glass bottles echoed within homestead as children and adults reveled in the shared abundance of the moment.Lunch unfolded as a grand feast within the familial embrace, featuring plates laden with rice, succulent chicken, and tender goat meat. The homestead celebration became a testament to the unity and togetherness that defined the true spirit of Christmas, a time to share in the bounties of the year within the close-knit circle of family.As the sun dipped lower in the sky, the communal celebration unfolded later in the day. The village square once again came alive with the beats of Banolila, guiding the rhythm of the dance well into the late hours of the night. Solomon Skuza's music continued to weave together the diverse experiences of the community, creating a lasting impression on the hearts and minds that danced to its tune.In retrospect, that Christmas in 1983 stands as a cherished memory of homestead joy, a time when the heart of the celebration beat within the confines of family before expanding into the communal embrace. Solomon Skuza's Banolila became more than a song; it became a timeless anthem that echoed the spirit of celebration, unity, and the magic that resides in the heart of the holiday season in rural Filabusi under Chief Maduna.Merry Christmas! Another India-linked commercial crude oil tanker MV Sai Baba, with 25 Indian crew members, came under a drone attack on Saturday in the Southern Red Sea. (Representational Image: DC) New Delhi: In the second such incident, an India-linked commercial crude oil tanker MV Sai Baba, with 25 Indian crew members, came under a drone attack on Saturday in the Southern Red Sea. The incident came to light after the US Central Command tweeted about it on Sunday, saying that MV Sai Baba was targeted by a drone launched by Houthi militants in the southern Red Sea. MV Sai Baba is a Gabonflagged vessel and it had received a certification from the Indian register of shipping, said Indian Navy sources. The US Central Command had initially described the vessel as an Indian-flagged tanker. "A second vessel, the M/V Sai Baba, a Gabon-owned, Indian-flagged crude oil tanker, reported that it was hit by a one-way attack drone with no injuries reported," the US Central Command had said. The vessel was reportedly on its way to India. "The crew is Indian and there have been no casualties," said official sources here. This comes on top of another India-bound commercial tanker MV Chem Plutobeing attacked by a drone, also on Saturday, in the Arabian Sea off Indias west coast. The incident happened 200 nautical miles southwest of Veraval (Gujarat). The Pentagon claimed that MV chem pluto was hit by drone launched from Iran. The Indian Navy has launched an investigation in the attack on MV Chem Pluto. "The Motor Vessel chem pluto, a Liberia-flagged, Japanese-owned, and Netherlands-operated chemical tanker was struck at approximately 10 am local time (6 am GMT) today in the Indian Ocean, 200 nautical miles from the coast of India, by a one-way attack drone fired from Iran," a Pentagon spokesperson said. The Indian Navy and Coast Guard had immediately sent their aircraft and ships to assist the chem pluto. Coast Guard vessel Vikram is escorting chem pluto to Mumbai. "Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) specialists will be embarking MV chem pluto on arrival at Mumbai to sanitise the vessel and undertake further investigations," the Indian Navy said in a statement on Sunday. The Liberian-flagged oil tanker had last called in Saudi Arabia and was destined for India at the time of incident. The vessel was going towards Mangaluru. The Houthi rebels have been attacking Israelbound commercial shipping with drones and missiles in support of the Palestinians, forcing shippers to change course and take longer routes around the southern tip of Africa. Representational Image. Warangal: Kakatiya University police have booked the chairman of a private college, Bura Surendar Goud, who allegedly tried to sexually abuse an Intermediate second year student in her hostel room, at Bheemaram in Hasanparthy mandal. The accused is absconding, police said. The case has been registered against Surendar Goud under the Pocso Act for targeting a minor and under the SC, ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. According to police, the victim was a student of Telangana Sri Chaitanya Junior College. On Saturday night, Surendar Goud entered the girls hostel room and tried to sexual abuse her when she was asleep. The girl woke up and screamed for help. The other hostellers began shouting for help after seeing Surendar Goud at that hour. He reportedly beat some of them and warned them against speaking of the incident. The next morning, the girls informed their parents, who rushed to the college and lodged a complaint with the KU police station. There is a rowdy sheet against Surendar Goud in the KU police station. He was the prime accused in the murder of a couple in Visakhapatnam. Last year he joined the BJP from the Congress and was a Telangana state committee member in Food Corporation of India. Representatives of various student unions rushed to the college and staged a dharna demanding the government to take immediate action against Surendar Goud. Khandekar was diagnosed with high cholesterol levels about five years ago. Representational Image/DC A senior professor in IIT Kanpur has died due to cardiac arrest while delivering a lecture during an alumni meet, the educational institute said on Saturday. According to the authorities, Sameer Khandekar, 53, the dean of student affairs and head of the mechanical engineering department, collapsed on the dais while addressing the gathering on Friday. Soon, he was rushed to the hospital where he was declared brought dead, the authorities added. Khandekar was diagnosed with high cholesterol levels about five years ago. Former IIT Kanpur Director Abhay Karandikar expressed shock over the sudden demise of Sameer Khandekar whom he described as an outstanding teacher and researcher. Khandekar was delivering a lecture when he felt severe chest pain and began sweating profusely. Before anyone could make sense of what was happening, he collapsed on the stage, Karandikar added. The professor said that the body has been kept at the IIT Kanpur's health centre and final rites would be performed only after the arrival of his only son Pravah Khandekar, who is studying at Cambridge University. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy is likely to announce sops to people in the first conference being held with all district collectors on Sunday.(Image: Twitter) Hyderabad: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy is likely to announce sops to people in the first conference being held with all district collectors on Sunday. He is expected to set a time-frame to fulfil the Congress promises made to various sections, including the Six Guarantees. Decisions on implementing the schemes such as domestic cylinder for Rs 500, Maha Lakshmi scheme to extend Rs 2,500 per month to women, crop loan waiver for farmers up to Rs 2 lakh, Rythu Bharosa for tenant farmers and agriculture labourers, framing of guidelines for identification of tenant farmers and agriculture labourers, enhanced pensions for senior citizens, widows and the physically challenged are expected to figure in the meeting. Official sources said that the CM will apprise collectors and superintendents of police (SPs) about the priorities of his government, implementation of Congress promises, taking administration closer to the people, providing pro-people administration as per their expectations, expediting development programmes and welfare schemes and maintaining law and order. He will make it clear that his government's priority would be maintaining law and order, checking crimes against women and children, offences relating to narcotics and economic offences and any efforts to disturb social and communal harmony, sources added. He will give specific directions to the officials on the implementation of the Six Guarantees within 100 days and take the governance to the village level along with rectifying the flaws committed by the previous government. The Congress government has already accorded top priority to addressing the peoples grievances and organising Prajavani at Praja Bhavan every Tuesday and Friday. Revanth Reddy will announce an action plan to organise Prajavani programmes at the district, mandal and village level in a well organised manner. The Six Guarantees are to ensure social justice through economic empowerment. The "Praja Palana " (peoples governance) is to make the government accountable to take the governance mechanism to the village level and distribute the fruits of the good governance to the poor and marginalised sections. Additional collectors of local bodies were also invited to the meeting. The Praja Palana Grama/Ward Sabhas will be organised from 8 am to 12 noon and from 2 pm to 6 pm from December 28 to January 6 . Official teams will visit all the gram panchayats and municipal wards/ divisions covering at least two per day. Local sarpanchs, corporators and councillors will be invited to the programme. Steps will be taken to ensure the participation of all other public representatives. Each application received in these grama/ ward sabhas will be uploaded on the computers and a unique number will be issued to every applicant, separately. Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka along with other ministers, secretaries of various departments and officials concerned will participate in the collectors and SPs conference on Sunday. Collectors or SPs who do not want to work for 18 hours every day may get themselves shifted from the districts, Revanth Reddy said. (Image: Twitter) HYDERABAD: Development is not just a few high-rise structures with glass facades or walls painted colourfully, but the integrated moral and economic progress of the people. The Congress firmly believes that the country or the state will progress only when the fruits of development cross the last mile and reach the people, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy said on Sunday. Speaking at the first conference of district collectors and superintendents of police at the Secretariat, Revanth Reddy cautioned the official machinery against any attempt to curtail the freedom of people or upset social justice, leading to unrest. "Telangana people are polite, submissive and give lot of respect. But their DNA will not tolerate oppression, and have defeated parties that tested their patience," Revanth Reddy said. The conference was convened to discuss the modalities and conduct of gram sabhas in every habitation in the state during the special drive from December 28 to January 6. A special officer will be appointed for each of the 119 Assembly constituencies and applications will be sent to villages and wards in urban areas in advance to avoid the rush for forms on Gram Sabha Day. Applications over grievances will be received on a first-come-first-served basis and special arrangements will be made for women. Officials must digitalise the forms and send the data to the government which would take up scrutiny and extend benefits promised under the Six Guarantees to those eligible. Revanth Reddy asked officials to take inspiration from former bureaucrat S.R. Sankaran, whose simplicity and dedication to work are well known. "A negative approach of officials and their thought process to reject any request from the people will derail progress," he said. Collectors or SPs who do not want to work for 18 hours every day may get themselves shifted from the districts, Revanth Reddy said. Though he had criticised a section of "Bihari officers" while in the Opposition, Revanth Reddy on Sunday extended an olive branch to "outsiders". Officers from other states must become an integral part of their cadre state and contribute to the states progress in their 35 years of career. "We will not discriminate against officers and they also should understand people and win over them," he said. Deputy Chief Minister M. Bhatti Vikramarka said there was no second thought in his governments resolve to implement all the Six Guarantees within 100 days of coming to power. "While we urge officials to be the torchbearers in implementing schemes, we also warn them of stringent action if they lacked integrity and accountability," he said. Revenue minister P. Srinivas Reddy later told mediapersons that the conference, unlike on previous occasions, was more interactive and Revanth Reddy took the time to listen to the ground realities from collectors and SPs. "We are not kings, unlike the previous rulers. It used to be one side batting earlier. But, now we have our ears to the ground," Srinivas Reddy said. The minister said that only white ration card holders would be eligible for five guarantees while the sixth free travel for women in RTC buses was being implemented in the state for women and transgender persons. BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao. (Photo:Twitter @trspartyonline) KARIMNAGAR: With the many leaders from political parties, especially from BRS, joining the Congress, the ruling party is emerging stronger in Sircilla Assembly constituency, a stronghold of BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao. A few days back, BRS Thangallapalli ZPTC leaders Manjula Reddy and her husband Ramalinga Reddy moved over to the Congress. Following them were 15 BRS councillors, who have also decided to move a no-confidence motion against the municipal chairperson Jindham Kala. Incidentally, 20 out of the 39 councillors are moving the no-confidence motion. Before the Assembly elections, senior BRS leader and Rythu Bandhu Samithi district president Gaddam Narsaiah had left the party and joined the Congress. It is not only in the Sircilla constituency but the BRS is also losing its foothold in the Vemulawada segment. Their Vemulawada town president Pulkam Raju, co-option member Srilakshmi and 14 ward councillor Bingi Mahesh have joined the Congress. Meanwhile, a no-confidence motion is likely to be moved against municipal chairperson R. Madhavi with 21 of the 28 councillors backing the move. At a meeting held recently, they decided to support Konda Srilatha against Madhavi. Congress sources said that many public representatives from the BRS and other key leaders are in constant touch with senior leaders of the ruling party with a willingness to join it. Some of them are also planning to move a no-confidence motion against MPPs in the district, they added. A police officer patrols at the Vatry airport, eastern France, Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023 in Vatry, eastern France. About 300 Indian citizens heading to Central America were sequestered in a French airport for a third day Saturday because of an investigation into suspected human trafficking, authorities said. The 15 crew members of the Legend Airlines charter flight en route from United Arab Emirates to Nicaragua were questioned and released, according to a lawyer for the small Romania-based airline. AP/PTI PARIS: Four French judges on Sunday began questioning 303 passengers, mostly Indians, of a Nicaragua-bound flight detained by French authorities at Vatry airport, 150 km east of Paris, since Thursday over suspected "human trafficking", according to local media reports. "The judges have the authority to extend the detention order being used by border police by eight days initially and for another eight if required. They have two days to complete speaking to the passengers. The judges are being helped by translators, said a report in local newspaper. According to the French media, some of the passengers spoke Hindi and others Tamil and are believed to have contacted their families by telephone. Ten of the passengers have requested asylum, the newspaper quoted a source close to the case as saying. The plane includes 11 unaccompanied minors and two passengers in custody since Friday had their detention extended on Saturday evening for up to 48 hours, according to French prosecutors. The aircraft is owned by Romanian charter company Legend Airlines. A lawyer for the firm, Liliana Bakayoko, denied any involvement in the trafficking. On Saturday, India's embassy in France said its staff is stationed at the airport near Paris to ensure the welfare of Indian nationals after the passengers were detained by French authorities over suspected "human trafficking". In an updated message on social media on Saturday evening, the embassy thanked the French authorities for working over the long Christmas holiday weekend in pursuit of an early resolution of the situation. The Indian Embassy in a post on its official X handle said, "Continue to work with the French Gov for the welfare of the Indians currently at the Varty airport, 150 km East of Paris, & for early resolution of the situation." A partner company that chartered the plane was responsible for verifying the identity documents of each passenger, and communicated the passengers' passport information to the airline 48 hours before the flight, Bakayoko said. Human trafficking carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in France. Kentucky Retirement Systems Insurance Trust Fund purchased a new position in shares of Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (NYSE:DGX Free Report) during the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor purchased 4,045 shares of the medical research companys stock, valued at approximately $493,000. Other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Pacifica Partners Inc. acquired a new position in Quest Diagnostics during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $25,000. Park Place Capital Corp raised its stake in Quest Diagnostics by 73.4% during the 2nd quarter. Park Place Capital Corp now owns 189 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $27,000 after buying an additional 80 shares during the period. Chilton Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in Quest Diagnostics during the 1st quarter worth approximately $28,000. Alaska Permanent Fund Corp acquired a new position in Quest Diagnostics during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $37,000. Finally, Altshuler Shaham Ltd acquired a new position in Quest Diagnostics during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $38,000. 87.76% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Quest Diagnostics alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth DGX has been the subject of several analyst reports. Piper Sandler increased their price objective on Quest Diagnostics from $130.00 to $140.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, November 6th. UBS Group increased their price objective on Quest Diagnostics from $135.00 to $137.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, December 7th. Bank of America raised Quest Diagnostics from a neutral rating to a buy rating and increased their price objective for the stock from $140.00 to $160.00 in a research note on Tuesday, December 12th. TheStreet downgraded Quest Diagnostics from a b- rating to a c rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 24th. Finally, Truist Financial increased their price target on Quest Diagnostics from $145.00 to $150.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday. Nine research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $146.75. Quest Diagnostics Trading Up 0.5 % Shares of DGX opened at $136.74 on Friday. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $132.85 and its 200-day moving average price is $133.04. Quest Diagnostics Incorporated has a twelve month low of $119.59 and a twelve month high of $158.34. The stock has a market cap of $15.37 billion, a PE ratio of 20.53 and a beta of 0.91. The company has a quick ratio of 1.01, a current ratio of 1.12 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61. Quest Diagnostics (NYSE:DGX Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 24th. The medical research company reported $2.22 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.19 by $0.03. The company had revenue of $2.30 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.27 billion. Quest Diagnostics had a net margin of 8.21% and a return on equity of 15.80%. Quest Diagnosticss revenue for the quarter was down 7.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $2.36 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts forecast that Quest Diagnostics Incorporated will post 8.71 EPS for the current fiscal year. Quest Diagnostics Dividend Announcement The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, January 31st. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, January 17th will be paid a $0.71 dividend. This represents a $2.84 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.08%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, January 16th. Quest Diagnosticss dividend payout ratio is currently 42.64%. Quest Diagnostics Profile (Free Report) Quest Diagnostics Incorporated provides diagnostic testing, information, and services in the United States and internationally. The company develops and delivers diagnostic information services, such as routine testing, non-routine and advanced clinical testing, anatomic pathology testing, and other diagnostic information services. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Quest Diagnostics Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Quest Diagnostics and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com cut shares of Energizer (NYSE:ENR Free Report) from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report sent to investors on Saturday morning. A number of other brokerages have also weighed in on ENR. Morgan Stanley lowered Energizer from an equal weight rating to an underweight rating and set a $33.00 price target on the stock. in a research note on Wednesday, November 15th. Truist Financial increased their price objective on Energizer from $35.00 to $40.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 15th. Barclays decreased their target price on shares of Energizer from $40.00 to $34.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, October 12th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered shares of Energizer from a neutral rating to an underweight rating and set a $33.00 price objective on the stock. in a report on Wednesday, November 15th. Finally, UBS Group lowered shares of Energizer from a buy rating to a neutral rating and decreased their price objective for the stock from $36.00 to $34.00 in a report on Monday, November 20th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have given a hold rating and one has assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $35.00. Get Energizer alerts: View Our Latest Analysis on ENR Energizer Trading Up 1.2 % ENR opened at $32.16 on Friday. Energizer has a one year low of $27.68 and a one year high of $37.89. The stock has a market cap of $2.31 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.58 and a beta of 1.01. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $31.98 and its 200-day moving average price is $33.04. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 15.81, a quick ratio of 1.24 and a current ratio of 2.12. Energizer (NYSE:ENR Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 14th. The company reported $1.20 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.13 by $0.07. The company had revenue of $811.10 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $794.64 million. Energizer had a return on equity of 136.42% and a net margin of 4.75%. Energizers revenue was up 2.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $0.82 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts forecast that Energizer will post 3.17 EPS for the current year. Energizer Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, December 14th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, November 29th were given a $0.30 dividend. This represents a $1.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.73%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, November 28th. Energizers dividend payout ratio is presently 61.86%. Insider Buying and Selling at Energizer In related news, EVP Robin Vauth sold 2,919 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, November 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $31.64, for a total value of $92,357.16. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 3,780 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $119,599.20. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Insiders own 0.77% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its holdings in Energizer by 13.8% in the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 9,298,682 shares of the companys stock valued at $297,930,000 after purchasing an additional 1,126,158 shares in the last quarter. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky lifted its stake in Energizer by 94.1% in the 3rd quarter. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky now owns 22,639 shares of the companys stock valued at $725,000 after buying an additional 10,974 shares in the last quarter. Citigroup Inc. lifted its stake in Energizer by 11.9% in the 3rd quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 35,369 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,133,000 after buying an additional 3,769 shares in the last quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP lifted its stake in Energizer by 22.8% in the 3rd quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 182,232 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,839,000 after buying an additional 33,895 shares in the last quarter. Finally, American Century Companies Inc. acquired a new position in Energizer in the 3rd quarter valued at $1,477,000. 83.74% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About Energizer (Get Free Report) Energizer Holdings, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, markets, and distributes household batteries, specialty batteries, and lighting products worldwide. It offers lithium, alkaline, carbon zinc, nickel metal hydride, zinc air, and silver oxide batteries under the Energizer, Eveready, and Rayovac brands; primary, rechargeable, specialty, and hearing aid batteries; and handheld, headlights, lanterns, and area lights, as well as flashlights under the Hard Case, Dolphin, and WeatherReady brands. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Energizer Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Energizer and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. iShares MSCI Intl Value Factor ETF (NYSEARCA:IVLU Get Free Report) saw unusually-high trading volume on Friday . Approximately 401,413 shares were traded during trading, an increase of 21% from the previous sessions volume of 332,387 shares.The stock last traded at $26.42 and had previously closed at $26.23. iShares MSCI Intl Value Factor ETF Stock Up 0.5 % The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $25.46 and a 200 day moving average price of $25.52. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.75 billion, a PE ratio of 8.24 and a beta of 0.82. Get iShares MSCI Intl Value Factor ETF alerts: Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of IVLU. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted its position in shares of iShares MSCI Intl Value Factor ETF by 9,566.0% during the first quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 86,511 shares of the companys stock worth $2,202,000 after buying an additional 85,616 shares during the period. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. boosted its holdings in iShares MSCI Intl Value Factor ETF by 26.3% in the first quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. now owns 10,918 shares of the companys stock valued at $278,000 after purchasing an additional 2,273 shares during the period. BlackRock Inc. boosted its holdings in iShares MSCI Intl Value Factor ETF by 47.3% in the first quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 583,183 shares of the companys stock valued at $14,842,000 after purchasing an additional 187,214 shares during the period. Equitable Holdings Inc. boosted its holdings in iShares MSCI Intl Value Factor ETF by 0.5% in the first quarter. Equitable Holdings Inc. now owns 102,218 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,601,000 after purchasing an additional 505 shares during the period. Finally, Laurel Wealth Advisors Inc. purchased a new position in iShares MSCI Intl Value Factor ETF in the first quarter valued at $437,000. iShares MSCI Intl Value Factor ETF Company Profile The iShares Edge MSCI Intl Value Factor ETF (IVLU) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI World ex USA Enhanced Value index. The fund tracks an index of large- and mid-cap developed ex-US equities, selected using fundamental metrics, and weighted by these metrics and market-cap. IVLU was launched on Jun 16, 2015 and is managed by BlackRock. See Also Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI Intl Value Factor ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI Intl Value Factor ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com upgraded shares of National Storage Affiliates Trust (NYSE:NSA Free Report) from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report released on Saturday morning. Several other equities research analysts have also commented on the stock. Truist Financial decreased their price objective on shares of National Storage Affiliates Trust from $40.00 to $35.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, August 29th. Morgan Stanley reduced their target price on shares of National Storage Affiliates Trust from $42.00 to $32.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, September 21st. Wells Fargo & Company upped their target price on shares of National Storage Affiliates Trust from $32.00 to $36.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a report on Tuesday, December 12th. Finally, Evercore ISI restated an underperform rating and issued a $35.00 target price (up from $32.00) on shares of National Storage Affiliates Trust in a report on Monday, December 11th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating and five have assigned a hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $35.29. Get National Storage Affiliates Trust alerts: Get Our Latest Analysis on NSA National Storage Affiliates Trust Price Performance National Storage Affiliates Trust Announces Dividend National Storage Affiliates Trust stock opened at $41.15 on Friday. National Storage Affiliates Trust has a 52 week low of $27.86 and a 52 week high of $44.78. The company has a quick ratio of 0.55, a current ratio of 0.55 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.12. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $33.37 and its 200 day simple moving average is $33.68. The firm has a market capitalization of $3.42 billion, a PE ratio of 37.75, a P/E/G ratio of 8.22 and a beta of 0.81. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 29th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 15th will be issued a dividend of $0.56 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 14th. This represents a $2.24 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.44%. National Storage Affiliates Trusts payout ratio is currently 205.50%. Insider Transactions at National Storage Affiliates Trust In related news, insider Arlen Dale Nordhagen acquired 10,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, December 5th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $35.92 per share, for a total transaction of $359,200.00. Following the acquisition, the insider now directly owns 4,029,626 shares in the company, valued at approximately $144,744,165.92. The acquisition was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Insiders own 13.00% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of NSA. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. increased its position in National Storage Affiliates Trust by 5.3% during the 1st quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 4,045 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $254,000 after purchasing an additional 205 shares in the last quarter. Cibc World Markets Corp increased its position in National Storage Affiliates Trust by 1.0% during the 1st quarter. Cibc World Markets Corp now owns 27,481 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,148,000 after purchasing an additional 277 shares in the last quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp increased its position in National Storage Affiliates Trust by 2.2% during the 1st quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 13,731 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $862,000 after purchasing an additional 300 shares in the last quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company increased its position in National Storage Affiliates Trust by 0.5% during the 4th quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company now owns 69,882 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $2,524,000 after purchasing an additional 329 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Belpointe Asset Management LLC increased its position in National Storage Affiliates Trust by 29.4% during the 1st quarter. Belpointe Asset Management LLC now owns 1,509 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $63,000 after purchasing an additional 343 shares in the last quarter. 83.63% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. National Storage Affiliates Trust Company Profile (Get Free Report) National Storage Affiliates Trust is a real estate investment trust headquartered in Greenwood Village, Colorado, focused on the ownership, operation and acquisition of self storage properties predominantly located within the top 100 metropolitan statistical areas throughout the United States. As of September 30, 2023, the Company held ownership interests in and operated 1,119 self storage properties located in 42 states and Puerto Rico with approximately 73.0 million rentable square feet. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for National Storage Affiliates Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for National Storage Affiliates Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Royal Caribbean Cruises (NYSE:RCL Free Report) had its target price upped by Tigress Financial from $139.00 to $155.00 in a report released on Thursday, Benzinga reports. The firm currently has a buy rating on the stock. Several other equities research analysts have also commented on RCL. Morgan Stanley raised their price target on shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises from $95.00 to $100.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Monday, October 30th. Stifel Nicolaus dropped their price target on shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises from $135.00 to $130.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, September 15th. HSBC assumed coverage on shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises in a research note on Monday, October 23rd. They issued a buy rating and a $115.00 price target on the stock. TheStreet upgraded shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises from a d+ rating to a c- rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 5th. Finally, Truist Financial reiterated a buy rating and issued a $134.00 price objective on shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises in a report on Monday, December 4th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $116.64. Get Royal Caribbean Cruises alerts: Read Our Latest Analysis on Royal Caribbean Cruises Royal Caribbean Cruises Price Performance RCL opened at $128.21 on Thursday. The firm has a market cap of $32.85 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 40.07 and a beta of 2.47. Royal Caribbean Cruises has a fifty-two week low of $47.91 and a fifty-two week high of $128.95. The companys 50-day moving average price is $102.37 and its 200 day moving average price is $99.65. The company has a quick ratio of 0.17, a current ratio of 0.19 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.90. Royal Caribbean Cruises (NYSE:RCL Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 26th. The company reported $3.85 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.43 by $0.42. The firm had revenue of $4.16 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.08 billion. Royal Caribbean Cruises had a net margin of 6.98% and a return on equity of 34.59%. Royal Caribbean Cruisess quarterly revenue was up 39.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $0.26 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Royal Caribbean Cruises will post 6.59 earnings per share for the current year. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, insider Laura H. Bethge sold 3,502 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, October 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $86.00, for a total transaction of $301,172.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 22,226 shares in the company, valued at $1,911,436. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. In related news, EVP Harri U. Kulovaara sold 24,707 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $106.90, for a total value of $2,641,178.30. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 33,650 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,597,185. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, insider Laura H. Bethge sold 3,502 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, October 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $86.00, for a total transaction of $301,172.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 22,226 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,911,436. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last ninety days, insiders sold 636,009 shares of company stock worth $76,313,890. Corporate insiders own 8.70% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Royal Caribbean Cruises A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Sciencast Management LP purchased a new stake in Royal Caribbean Cruises in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $705,000. National Bank of Canada FI lifted its position in Royal Caribbean Cruises by 52.7% in the 3rd quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 169,500 shares of the companys stock worth $15,535,000 after buying an additional 58,481 shares in the last quarter. Chai Trust Co. LLC purchased a new stake in Royal Caribbean Cruises in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $15,561,000. Mane Global Capital Management LP purchased a new stake in Royal Caribbean Cruises in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $24,204,000. Finally, Savant Capital LLC lifted its position in Royal Caribbean Cruises by 9.4% in the 2nd quarter. Savant Capital LLC now owns 6,983 shares of the companys stock worth $724,000 after buying an additional 602 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 75.64% of the companys stock. About Royal Caribbean Cruises (Get Free Report) Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. operates as a cruise company worldwide. The company operates cruises under the Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises brands, which comprise a range of itineraries. As of February 13, 2023, it operated 64 ships. The company was founded in 1968 and is headquartered in Miami, Florida. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Royal Caribbean Cruises Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Royal Caribbean Cruises and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of United States Steel (NYSE:X Free Report) in a research note published on Saturday. The firm issued a hold rating on the basic materials companys stock. Other equities research analysts have also issued research reports about the company. Argus lowered United States Steel from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, November 3rd. Royal Bank of Canada dropped their target price on United States Steel from $34.00 to $33.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, October 31st. Citigroup lifted their target price on United States Steel from $30.00 to $32.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, September 25th. Morgan Stanley raised United States Steel from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and lifted their target price for the company from $25.00 to $40.00 in a research report on Monday, October 2nd. Finally, Barclays dropped their target price on United States Steel from $32.00 to $31.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, November 1st. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have assigned a hold rating and one has assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $28.10. Get United States Steel alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Report on X United States Steel Trading Down 0.4 % NYSE:X opened at $47.97 on Friday. United States Steel has a fifty-two week low of $20.40 and a fifty-two week high of $50.20. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37, a current ratio of 1.95 and a quick ratio of 1.34. The stock has a market capitalization of $10.70 billion, a PE ratio of 10.54 and a beta of 2.04. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $36.01 and its 200-day simple moving average is $30.63. United States Steel (NYSE:X Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 26th. The basic materials company reported $1.36 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.11 by $0.25. United States Steel had a return on equity of 11.67% and a net margin of 6.30%. The business had revenue of $4.43 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.39 billion. Sell-side analysts expect that United States Steel will post 4.13 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. United States Steel Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, December 7th. Shareholders of record on Monday, November 6th were given a dividend of $0.05 per share. This represents a $0.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.42%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 3rd. United States Steels dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 4.40%. Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, CEO David B. Burritt sold 252,458 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $50.01, for a total transaction of $12,625,424.58. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 581,609 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $29,086,266.09. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In related news, CEO David B. Burritt sold 252,458 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $50.01, for a total transaction of $12,625,424.58. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 581,609 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $29,086,266.09. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, SVP Daniel R. Brown sold 4,860 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, October 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $33.00, for a total value of $160,380.00. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 96,968 shares in the company, valued at $3,199,944. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 267,318 shares of company stock valued at $13,209,655 in the last 90 days. 0.98% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Institutional Trading of United States Steel Institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. ICA Group Wealth Management LLC bought a new stake in United States Steel in the 4th quarter valued at $28,000. Wolff Wiese Magana LLC lifted its position in United States Steel by 181.4% during the third quarter. Wolff Wiese Magana LLC now owns 985 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 635 shares during the period. GPS Wealth Strategies Group LLC acquired a new stake in United States Steel during the second quarter worth about $35,000. Fifth Third Bancorp increased its holdings in United States Steel by 60.8% in the 3rd quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp now owns 1,270 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $41,000 after buying an additional 480 shares during the period. Finally, National Bank of Canada FI increased its holdings in United States Steel by 171.1% in the 2nd quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 1,803 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $45,000 after buying an additional 1,138 shares during the period. 74.60% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. About United States Steel (Get Free Report) United States Steel Corporation produces and sells flat-rolled and tubular steel products primarily in North America and Europe. It operates through four segments: North American Flat-Rolled (Flat-Rolled), Mini Mill, U. S. Steel Europe (USSE), and Tubular Products (Tubular). The Flat-Rolled segment offers slabs, strip mill plates, sheets, and tin mill products, as well as iron ore and coke. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for United States Steel Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for United States Steel and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Generous Tesco customers made millions of food donations at the Tesco Winter Food Collection - providing much-needed support for FareShare and the Trussell Trust. An incredible 2 million meals worth of long-life food items were donated at the collection between 27th November to 2nd December in all of the retailers large and convenience stores. In County Derry, the collection saw customers donate 11,938 meals to make a difference in their local community. Donations to the Trussell Trust help food banks to provide emergency food parcels to people who cannot afford the essentials, while donations to FareShare support thousands of frontline local charities in communities across the country. This year will see both charities face their busiest winter yet as more people turn to them for support. The Trussell Trust is expecting to distribute one food parcel every eight seconds over the next three months and the charity has reported that, alarmingly, 320,000 people needed to access a food bank for the first time between April and September the most ever for this period. Meanwhile, FareShare has over 1,500 frontline charities on its waiting list seeking food to help them provide meals for people facing hunger this winter. Tesco CEO Ken Murphy said: The generosity of our customers is truly amazing. At a time when people are facing financial strain, they still went out of their way to support our charity partners in stores across the UK. From a single carton of long-life milk to a whole trolley of items, every customer who donated helped us to make this one of the most successful Winter Food Collections ever. In addition to the donations of food, the pre-Christmas Winter Food Collection saw customers donate more than 300,000 to the charities by rounding up their bills at the till and donating through a link from Tescos online groceries website. Tesco also provides its unsold food to FareShare and altogether Tesco and its customers have given the equivalent of more than 39 million meals to both charities in the past year. George Wright, Chief Executive at FareShare, said: With so many people struggling to afford basic essentials this winter, its really uplifting to see that Tesco customers have donated so much food to help people facing hunger in the community. Not only did they donate food, but many of them also donated their time by volunteering in store to help us collect much needed items this year too. We are immensely grateful to Tesco and its customers for the invaluable support we have received over the last 11 years and for donating more than any other food partner in our history. Thank you to everyone that donated food, money or time this year your generosity will ensure we can continue getting vital food to the people that need it most this Christmas. Emma Revie, CEO of the Trussell Trust: "Peoples generosity never fails to amaze me and it is wonderful to see that once again communities and Tesco stores across the UK have come together to support their local food banks and ensure that they can be there for everyone who needs them this winter. Everyone should have enough money to afford the essentials and when food banks in our network are expecting to provide a food parcel every eight seconds between December and February, its clear that something is wrong. "That is why we continue our long-term work to achieve a future where no one needs to access emergency food and, while we do that, every item that is donated will make a real difference to addressing the urgent levels of need this winter. With both charities continuing to need support, Tesco shoppers can continue to donate food at permanent collection points at every Tesco store in the UK or make a donation after their online shop. You can also donate at https://fareshare.donr.com/tesco until February 2024. The Taoiseach and Tanaiste have heavily criticised social media platform X, saying it is not doing enough to take down harmful content. Leo Varadkar and Micheal Martin both questioned the direction the platform, formerly known as Twitter, has taken since it was taken over by Elon Musk. The European headquarters of X are based in Dublin. Twitter, as it used to be called, has always been a bit of a sewer as far as social media goes, said Mr Varadkar. Despite what other people may say I am actually somebody who believes in free speech, but there have to be limitations and standards. I dont believe that Twitter, or X, implements its own community standards. Other social media platforms do, and I think if youre not even able to live up to your own standards it doesnt reflect very well on any organisation. Mr Varadkar, who was asked about Mr Musks stewardship of X at his end-of-year media briefing, said the Government had a role to play in regulating social media platforms. We said very clearly a year or two ago that the era of self-regulation was over, he added. We have laws and theyre European laws. We have an online safety commissioner now and we have Coimisiun na Mean (Irelands media regulator), and I think things are going to change. At his pre-Christmas roundtable with political reporters, Mr Martin was also asked about the claims X had watered down its content moderation policies. The Tanaiste referred to the recent riots in Dublin and claims that X did not do enough to take down content that was posted during the disorder. I would have real concerns about what is happening at X, he said. The degree to which, under the cover of free speech, it essentially is allowing in my view unacceptable material in terms of hate, bile and attacks, and so on. I have noticed it, yes. If you recall in the aftermath of the rioting in Dublin (in November) it was communicated to me by (media) minister (Catherine) Martin and others that X were not as responsive to the authorities as the other platforms were. I will talk to my government colleagues in respect of this and it is a serious issue. I would like to get an assessment of the platforms agenda and its potential impact on democracy and society, then for us to have an engagement with X, whether that would be fruitful or not given the position adopted by its owner, I would have concerns. The X platform has been approached for comment. The Taoiseach has downplayed the prospect of fast tracking the process for repurposing nursing homes and student accommodation to house refugees and asylum seekers. Leo Varadkar said the cooling-off period between a property becoming vacant and it being reused by the Department of Integration is more likely to be extended, rather than reduced. Under protocols agreed by the department, student accommodation must be vacant for one year before it can be repurposed as refugee or asylum seeker accommodation. The cooling-off period is longer for nursing homes. They must be vacant for 18 months prior to being reused. Any functioning nursing home must also give residents and their families six months notice before they can close their doors meaning the wait period to repurpose is effectively two years for any currently operating facility. The lag periods were agreed to guard against an influx of private sector operators suddenly switching business models, potentially creating further pressure on nursing home and student accommodation places. Mr Varadkar was asked at his pre-Christmas media briefing whether the Government was considering reviewing the cooling-off periods, given the shortage of state accommodation for international protection (IP) applicants. At the moment were accommodating some Ukrainian refugees and some international protection applicants in tents, you know, thats not a situation that we want to be in, he said. So, you know, of course, we have to consider any option thats available to us when it comes to providing accommodation but I think we need to be careful about repurposing student accommodation and nursing homes, for example, to accommodate refugees or IP applicants. And Im not saying that should never be done but I think if communities feel that theyre, you know, losing their nursing home or losing their student accommodation to international protection (applicants) or to refugees, that doesnt help us to make the case in favour of treating refugees well and accepting new people into your area, so we just have to be cognisant of all that. In Co Galway last weekend, a former hotel earmarked to house 70 IP applicants was set alight in a suspected arson attack. That followed a blockade and protest by locals unhappy by the decision to use the hotel as asylum seeker accommodation. There have been similar incidents at other properties proposed for repurposing during 2023. Mr Varadkar said the Government was not proposing to reduce the cooling-off periods. I think its one year (for) student accommodation at the moment and two years for nursing homes, he said. If anything we might make that longer because there is a concern that some student accommodation providers and some nursing providers might choose to bring the nursing home or student accommodation out of service in the hope that they can do better financially, by then making it available in a year or two for refugee or IP accommodation. We just need to be wise to that risk. And this isnt a one size fits all. What can work, some nursing homes are just out of date, theyre not up to standard, and some student accommodation is substandard, and what youll see sometimes is that a new nursing home gets built and the old nursing home can then be repurposed for accommodation so thats OK. Mirrorpix - Getty Images The royal family has boasted some very long-lived membersPrince Philip passed away barely two months before his centenary, Queen Elizabeth lived to be 96, and her mother, the late Queen Mother, was an impressive 101 when she died in 2002. Having seen the country through over a century, including leading alongside her husband King George VI during the tumultuous years of WWII and the recovery that followed, and acting as a private counsel to her daughter during Elizabeth's decades on the throne, the impact of her loss was keenly felt by the British people, and of course, by the royal family themselves. The late queen's death understandably plays a role in the final season of The Crown, so in homage, we're taking a look back at some of the historic photos of her royal funeral. Born Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, the late Queen Mother spent the later years of her life living at Clarence House, where mourners gathered to leave tributes following her death. Tim Graham - Getty Images Ahead of her royal funeral, the Queen Mother's coffin lay in state at Westminster Hall. Mirrorpix - Getty Images Members of the public took the opportunity to pay their respects. Tim Graham - Getty Images For her official fneral, the Queen Mother's coffin moved in procession from Westminster Hall to Westminster Abbey. Many members of the royal family walked in the procession, including then-Prince Charles, Prince Philip, Prince Andrew, Princess Anne, Prince Harry and Prince William, Peter Phillips, and Prince Edward. Jeff Overs - Getty Images The eldest of the Queen Mother's grandchildren, Prince Charles and Princess Anne walked alongside their father, Prince Philip. ERIC FEFERBERG - Getty Images The coffin proceed with a full retinue. It also bore the Imperial State crown. Colin McPherson - Getty Images Members of the international royal families of Europe also traveled to London for the service. Queen Beatrix of Holland, King Philippe of Belgium, and Queen Margrethe and Prince Henrik of Denmark were all in attendance. Anthony Harvey - Getty Images The royals watched as the Queen Mother's coffin was carried into the abbey. Story continues Sion Touhig - Getty Images Queen Elizabeth led the rest of the royal family behind the coffin and pall bearers as they entered the funeral service. ADRIAN DENNIS - Getty Images Resting among the ornaments on the Queen Mother's coffin was a framed letter from Queen Elizabeth. "In Loving Memory," it read, with the signature "Lilibet," Elizabeth's family nickname. Pool/Tim Graham Picture Library - Getty Images The royals all gathered for the service at Westminster Abbey on April 9, 2002. BEN CURTIS - Getty Images As the coffin was placed in the hearse to travel from Westminster Abbey, the assembled paid their respects. PA Images - Getty Images Elizabeth and philip traveled by car, following the hearse after the service. Pool/Tim Graham Picture Library - Getty Images The Queen Mother's coffin made its final journey through London, past Buckingham Palace en route to St George's Chapel in Windsor. Rebecca Naden - PA Images - Getty Images Later that day, she was interred at St. George's Chapel next to her husband King George VI. PA Images - Getty Images You Might Also Like Local Fianna Fail Senator, Erin McGreehan, has said funding of over 167,000 for 18 Louth schools in STEM grants will make an enormous difference, but has sought further clarity on the selection process for the funding. The funding was announced by Minister for Education, Norma Foley, as part of a trebling of the budget for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) grants to 4.7m. Senator McGreehan said: This new funding in STEM grants will make a big difference to students at the selected schools here in Louth. Fianna Fail in government recognises the pivotal role that Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and the Arts play in fostering the skills that our students need for success in various aspects of life. The STEM grant scheme will empower those schools selected in Louth to provide the high-quality STEM education required for all their students. "I have been contacted by several schools who have been disappointed with the selection process for the grant funding and are seeking clarity. It appears that some of the selections have been done on the basis of random selection, despite the substantial application form required of schools. "I have contacted my party colleague, Minister Foley, and I hope to soon have some clarity on the selection process for the grants. The importance of the STEM grant funding for the successful schools cannot be understated and it is my wish now that further funding should be found to support STEM in more schools." In what could be a significant boost to the local economy Oriel Wind Farm has announced it is continuing to progress its plans for an offshore wind farm in the North Irish Sea and intends to apply for planning permission for the project to An Bord Pleanala early next year. The proposed wind farm will be located off the Co Louth coast and will have a generating capacity of up to 375 megawatts (MW), which is the equivalent of the energy used to power about 300,000 homes. It is hoped that if given the go ahead the development and operation of the windfarm project will deliver a range of local economic and community benefits to Louth as well as to the general Northeast region. Pending approval the wind farm will be developed by Parkwind and ESB. We have been busy in recent months continuing to advance this key renewable energy project, which we believe will be Irelands first commercial scale offshore wind farm, said Garrett Connell, Parkwind Country Manager for Ireland. While Oriel did not secure a contract under the Offshore Renewable Energy Support Scheme auction earlier this year, the development of the project has continued apace during the past six months. We have made huge progress in putting some of the final touches to our planning application, which we intend to lodge early in the New Year, Mr Connell added. The core of the Oriel Windfarm hasnt changed its a renewable energy project that will help meet Irelands target of having 80% of its electricity generated by renewable sources by 2030. One of the first offshore wind farms to be planned in Ireland, in recent years, the Oriel team has completed a large number of detailed scientific site studies and consultations, determining the final design and location of the facility. Oriel will include 25 offshore wind turbines, with each turbine capable of generating 15 megawatts of power. If brought to fruition the Oriel project will significantly reduce Irelands carbon emissions, while also reducing the States reliance on imported fossil fuels, such as coal and gas. Once operational, the group says Oriel will save 600,000 tonnes of carbon per year which is about the same amount of carbon produced by 220,000 cars. Oriel Wind Farm held the latest in a series of public consultation events in January and February of this year to inform local stakeholders in relation to the status of the project, and to seek their views in relation to the proposed development. In advance of a planning application being submitted early next year, Oriel says it has also been engaging with key State agencies in recent months. Oriel was granted a Maritime Area Consent (MAC) by the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan TD in December of last year. A MAC is a new type of formal consent that must be granted by the Irish government before a proposed offshore windfarm project can apply for planning permission to An Bord Pleanala (ABP). The awarding of the MAC late last year meant that Oriel could formally engage with representatives of ABP in recent months on the process for making a planning application. We will advertise the application in the local and regional press before it is made, Mr Connell said. Following submission of the application, An Bord Pleanala will hold a public consultation where interested parties can make observations on the project directly to the Bord, he added. The planning process is expected to take up to 12 months and if successful, construction of the Oriel wind farm could begin in 2026 and become operational by 2027. Information on the proposed project is available at www.orielwindfarm.ie. The project also has a public information office in Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) and if you would like to meet with the project team this can be arranged through the website or by calling (01) 963 0313. A church primarily used by the Brazilian community has donated toys to an Irish childrens hospital to give thanks for being made very welcome in Ireland. The Assembly of God church in Carlow is collecting new toys and financial donations for Crumlin Childrens Hospital, as well as for a mission providing food and support to orphaned children in Mozambique. Project leader Marcio dos Santos explained that Crumlin Childrens Hospital was chosen to express gratitude for the treatment it provided to a child at the church who was diagnosed with cancer. The Crumlin Childrens Hospital did a great service for her, it was amazing. Shes very well now and this is just to be thankful for the service they did for them. The church, which is predominantly attended by Brazilians, is established in various other locations across Ireland and is led by pastor Lincoln Pilar. In previous years, the group previously ran Christmas donation drives for womens refuges and children in Ukraine. Mr dos Santos said: The majority of people in the church are all Brazilians but we feel very thankful. And we feel very welcome as well in Ireland because its a big challenge for us to leave our country and start a new life in your country. But in Ireland we feel very, very, very welcome and we are very thankful for all the Irish people that helped us here and we do whatever we can do in Ireland to help because we feel were in our own country. The group collected dozens of new toys and giftwrapped them for delivery to children of all ages at the hospital. In addition, the group also collected hundreds of euro for its chosen charitable causes through a GoFundMe campaign. The churchs GoFundMe campaign is at https://www.gofundme.com/f/jesus4all-a-christmas-of-solidarity With the final countdown underway to Santa's arrival, it has been confirmed that Santa has been granted permission to enter into Irish airspace tonight. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar confirmed in the Dail that Santa has permission to cross into Ireland on December 24 and through to December 25. BREAKING: Santa Claus has been granted permission to enter Irish airspace by Taoiseach @LeoVaradkar pic.twitter.com/hjziTCBsYk Fine Gael (@FineGael) December 13, 2023 Speaking in the Dail, the Taoiseach thanked the Irish Aviation Authority, the Department of Agriculture, and the Revenue Commissioners for allowing the necessary exemptions to occur. According to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), which has been tracking Santa's journey since the 1950s, Mr Claus usually starts his journey at the International Date Line in the Pacific Ocean and travels west, visiting the South Pacific first, then New Zealand and Australia. However, they stress that external factors, including weather conditions, can impact his journey. It is not clear what time Santa could make landfall in Cork this evening at this stage, but weather conditions are expected to be favourable with largely dry weather expected overnight. CONCERNS have been raised about the lack of handmade Christmas gifts being exchanged at Cork Prison this year, following the elimination of its popular carpentry workshop. It is understood that staffing issues resulted in the closure of the much-loved facility. Classes are still available for inmates to hone their carpentry skills. However, limited time and numbers mean activities in the workshop have been put on hold indefinitely. Examples of Christmas gifts produced in the carpentry workshop over the years include keepsakes, such as Liverpool plaques, paintings, and framed pictures. Rocking horses were particularly popular among children of prisoners at Christmas. Caroline Duggan reiterated the positive impact the carpentry workshop had on her son Stephen, who died suddenly last month. He had been living in a Peter McVerry Trust residence in the years that followed his release from prison. The 37-year-old battled drug addiction and mental health issues in the years leading up to his death. Caroline described how the carpentry workshop afforded him a newfound sense of dignity and pride. She is now appealing for the reopening of the facility to help people like her son. Stephen was clean for 18 months and put a lot of hard work into his recovery, but he just didnt make it, she told The Echo. She added that Stephens handmade pieces, which included lamps and wooden picture frames, have become even more valuable to her since his passing. The Cork woman described the memories his works of art elicit. The woodwork and art was therapy in itself for Stephen. When you are concentrating on something you are making, it takes you away from yourself and your own thoughts. While he was in prison, Stephen would ring me and tell me that he was making something for me and it was going to be a surprise. He was always very excited about the stuff he was working on. That could be anything from a frame to a bird table. Woodwork gave him dignity and a focus. If you get up in the morning and youre making something for a family member, then that becomes a focus. It is also a way of allowing prisoners to give presents to their loved ones and family members. The fact that the gift has been created by themselves makes it even more precious than something shop bought. Caroline always adored receiving gifts from her son. Everything came through his hands. His heart was full of creativity. You never knew when you were going to get them, but they were gifts nonetheless. They involved a lot of time and effort. I was grateful to have these pieces before Stephens death, but I am even more grateful to have them today. Stephen delighted in gifting his mum the handmade items. His art teacher suggested that he sell his work because it would have made a lot of money. Stephens reply was always that he didnt want to, because he made a promise to his mum. For him it was all about the giving. His pieces were given with love and received with just as much. We were really close and always were. She highlighted the importance of cultivating talent. It doesnt matter what setting you are in. Whether its in a school or a prison, talent needs to be nurtured. There is a lot of energy and love in these handmade gifts. People need places like Cork Prisons carpentry workshop to be able to find their talent. The art room and carpentry workshop are vital for prisoners. If there is no place for them to burn through their energy, then all they have left is television and there is nothing creative in that. Not everybody is into weights. There needs to be room for creativity too. Television isnt rehabilitation. If places like the carpentry workshop continue to go, prisoners will be left without a purpose. Cork Prison issued The Echo with a statement in response to the matter. STAFF LOSSES A key challenge for the Irish Prison Service is to ensure that prisoners have regular and consistent access to work and training programmes, a spokesperson for the organisation said. The loss of a substantial number of staff on a daily basis to cover court escort activity, and hospital in-patient and out-patient appointments, can have an adverse impact on the opening of work and training workshops. They described the steps being taken to improve the situation. In order to minimise impact on other services, the Irish Prison Service is committed to strengthening the numbers of staff assigned to the Prison Service Escort Corps to limit the burden on prison based staff being reassigned to escorting duties. Increased funding was made available in Q4 of 2022 and, under Budget 2023, a 6.5m additional staffing package was secured for the Prison Service to provide for additional staff recruitment to support rehabilitation and training. "This will support both improvements in opening hours and access to prisoner services. In this regard, to date in 2023, a total of 183 Recruit Prison Officers (RPO) joined the organisation via eight classes launched over the course of the year. A final RPO class of 2023, is scheduled to commence on 11th December 2023. The spokesperson emphasised their commitment to improving opening times and access to services. The Irish Prison Service will monitor and audit the application of these additional resources for improvements in opening times and access to prisoner services. Further, the Irish Prison Service Statement of Strategy which was published this week contains a specific commitment to enhance the availability of digital services to prisoners. The Irish Prison Service have committed to fully leverage digital innovation for the benefit of prisoners and design and implement a digital operating model that enhances prisoner services, that balances the digital agenda and the need for human interaction, and that improves digital literacy and skills for people in custody and improves prisoner outcomes. Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) has signed four contracts in cooperation with the Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services and the National Center for Privatization, in bid to elevate Saudi ports' appeal for trade, aligning them with global standards of efficiency and competence. The deal, worth over SAR1 billion ($266 million), involving key entities Zamil Marine Services Company and Naghi Marine Company, is aimed at providing diverse maritime services across eight Mawani ports, reported SPA. It was inked at Dammam under the patronage of Governor of the Eastern Region, Prince Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, and in the presence of Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Chairman of the Saudi Ports Authority, Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser. As per the marine services contracts, Zamil Marine will be responsible for providing marine services at the Jeddah Islamic Port, the Jazan Port, the Ras Al Khair Port, King Fahd Industrial Port in Jubail, and Jubail Commercial Port, while Naghi Marine will take care of King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, Yanbu Commercial Port, and King Fahd Industrial Port in Yanbu. Highlighting the government's commitment, the Governor of the Eastern Region emphasized the support from King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and the guidance of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, towards projects advancing Saudi ports' global prominence, stated the report. This endeavour aligns with the national transport and logistics strategy, aiming to establish a robust port network, efficient logistics services, and bolster the logistics industry in line with Saudi Vision 2030. The Minister of Transport and Logistic Services underscored that these contracts expand private sector partnerships, fortify the competitive edge of Saudi ports, enhance operational efficiency, and rejuvenate maritime assets through investments in 44 new units. These initiatives are geared towards supporting economic growth and reinforcing the supply chain. Moreover, these contracts signify a drive to empower the private sector in transportation and logistics, exemplified by the substantial SAR17 billion participation in privatization projects in the first half of 2023, stated Al-Jasser. The Minister emphasized the ongoing commitment to increase investment opportunities across the transportation and logistics system, fostering local participation and achieving the goals set by Saudi Vision 2030. Mawani pointed out that these contracts aim to elevate the Kingdom's regional and global competitiveness by leveraging port potential in value-added investment projects. Emphasizing the significance of maritime services contracts, he outlined their role in strengthening the maritime transport sector, diversifying the Kingdom's economy, and improving international performance indicators. CEO of the National Center for Privatization, Mohanad Basudan, emphasized the comprehensive collaboration and interaction between the privatization system and transportation and logistics services. He highlighted the keen interest and competitive engagement from both local and international investors in the proposed privatization and partnership projects, aiming to enhance service quality and operational efficiency, reported SPA. These contracts aim to introduce 27 new tugboats and 17 other maritime units, attracting new shipping lines and elevating the ports sector to meet international standards. They also aim to significantly improve assistance operation times by 45% across the eight ports. Additionally, under the supervision of the Privatization Supervisory Committee in the Transport and Logistics Sector, these contracts seek to advance the Saudi marine sector globally by providing essential maritime services like towing, mooring, and berthing, as well as auxiliary services like diving, rescue, pollution control, crew transportation, fuel supply, and maintenance of marine units. Sales of electric cars in the European Union were almost half of all new passenger car registrations in the EU between January and November 2023 and already crossed the halfway mark in the month of November alone, data shows. Electrified vehicles either fully electric models, plug-in hybrids or full hybrids accounted for over 47.6% of all new passenger car registrations in the EU as of November, up from 43% in the same period last year, the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) said. New-car registrations in the EU increased 6.7% in November, the 16th consecutive month of growth, with a year-on-year rise of 13.3% in the registration of electric vehicles. Petrol car registrations grew by 4.2%, while diesel dropped by 10.3%, the data showed. Registrations of fully electric cars rose 16.4% from a year earlier, to 144,378 vehicles, even as registrations in Germany, the biggest EV market in Europe, fell by 22.5% to 44,942 vehicles. In the electrified market, consumers continued to prefer hybrid-electric vehicles, with a year-on-year surge of 28.7%, while demand for plug-in hybrids declined by 22.1%. Registrations of hybrid-electric cars in Germany, France and Italy were over 1.5 million vehicles year-to-date out of almost 2.5 million total vehicles in the EU. Despite the rise of electric vehicles, the ACEA said earlier in December that in Europe the EV sector risks falling behind other regions' EV sectors without a robust EU industrial strategy, amid China's dominance of the supply chain and U.S. incentives for its automakers. Some car makers and analysts have also cited a plateau in demand for electric vehicles over the past months. Europe's largest car maker, Volkswagen, said in October that demand for EVs was not developing as expected, while luxury vehicle maker Mercedes-Benz warned of a "brutal" EV market of heavy price cuts and supply-chain issues. Story continues Registrations at Volkswagen and Renault rose by 11.4% and 6.1%, respectively, in November, while registrations dropped by 7.3% for Stellantis, the ACEA said. Elon Musk's electric car company, Tesla, recorded a jump of almost 45% in the same month, making up nearly 22% of fully electric car registrations in the EU. The number of new vehicles registered in November in the EU, Britain and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) grew by 6% to 1.08 million vehicles, the ACEA said. You Might Also Like NANO Nagle Place recently hosted a Cork Environmental Forum event celebrating eco heroes in our local communities. The Cork Environmental Awards paid tribute to groups and individuals championing sustainability in Cork. Vegan and gluten free food company My Goodness, which is located in the English Market, was among the businesses recognised at the event. Lisa OGrady who nominated the company in the Business and Commercial category spoke about their sustainable approach. The whole ethos of their vegan food business is about sustainability and working through a holistic approach to producing their food and drinks, from harvesting rain water for their kefir drinks to running the business in a very ethical and fair way. Carbery Housing Association scooped a Community and Voluntary award for the RED WoLF Project. The project involved the retrofitting houses plagued by inefficient heating systems and in turn reducing costs tenants costs and carbon emissions. Iona Appliances, received a commendation for their efforts to recycle large electrical goods such as refrigerators and washing machines. Cork Repair Cafe, which dates back to 2020, was acknowledged with the Circular Economy Award. Situated all over Cork, the initiative offers people the opportunity to engage in conversation while learning how to repair everyday items. The Public Sector Award went to the KinShip project, a durational public artwork at Tramore Valley Park led by artists Marilyn Lennon and Sean Taylor. It operates in partnership with Cork City Council and is funded by Creative Irelands Creative Climate Action Fund. Meanwhile, Climate ambassador Lilian Gleave received the outstanding individual award for her tireless advocacy work in the area. CEF also honoured the late sculpture and environmental Andrew St. Ledger posthumously with a Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by CEF Chairperson Isabelle Sutton. A WELL-KNOWN advocate for the elderly has described as an appalling situation the number of people in Cork and Kerry awaiting additional or new Home Support from the HSE. Across the two counties, there were 1,542 people on waiting lists as of the end of October. Speaking to The Echo, Paddy OBrien, who has been an advocate for the elderly in Cork for decades, described the lengthy waiting lists as an appalling situation. Mr OBrien said the Home Support Service is, in many cases, crucial to keeping elderly people in their own homes, which he said is the preference of the vast majority of people. The organiser of the popular Over 60s Talent Competition claimed that previously an elderly person in need of home support could be set up with a Health Care Support Assistant (HCSA), formerly known as a Home Help, within a matter of hours. Back some years, I could get a call at 10am for a Home Help at 2pm there would be a Home Help up at that house, he said, calling for urgent action to combat lengthy waiting lists. A spokesperson for Cork Kerry Community Healthcare (CKCH) said CKCH continues to endeavour to deliver a home support service to as many clients as possible in the face of a challenging employment environment and an increasing demand for home support. The spokesperson acknowledged that the provision of home support is a core service for older people and their families and is essential in supporting older people to continue to live within their communities. The majority of clients who are prescribed Home Support have a service commence almost immediately," said the spokesperson. However, on occasions, part of the prescribed service may not be put in place - this would be predominantly down to lack of carer availability in the area." Waiting lists, they said, are constantly being validated to ensure they are correct, with priority given to those being discharged from hospital. Despite the significant level of service provision, the demand for Home Support, and its importance as an alternative service to long stay care, has grown considerably over the past number of years. The ageing population is also directly impacting our workforce with 189 HCSA (Home Support) retiring or resigning in the period January to end [of] September 2023. Another challenge which we have faced throughout the year is competing with the private and voluntary sectors to access the same skilled workforce, and recently the pause on recruitment. Since the Covid pandemic, and with Ireland currently at full employment with unemployment rates dipping to their lowest levels since records began, there also appears to be a shift away from caring roles, such as the HCSA (Home Support) role, towards other employment sectors, the spokesperson added. - If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please click here for a list of support services. A 48-year-old man made a violent threat to gardai telling them what he would do to them with a barge pole but after several days in prison without intoxicants he said he was now embarrassed, remorseful and apologetic. Stephen McNamara of Cork Simon Community said he could not even remember the incident but he accepted the garda evidence against him. Sergeant Gearoid Davis said gardai were dealing with an incident not involving Mr McNamara when the 48-year-old approached and chose to get involved. He had his fists clenched and said, Ill put a barge pole up your ass and Ill kill you all, you f***ers, Sgt. Davis said in respect of the defendants outburst on Washington Street, Cork, on November 21. He pleaded guilty to being so intoxicated that he was a danger and engaging in threatening behaviour. Frank Buttimer, solicitor, said I spoke to him a while ago and he has absolutely no recollection of this. He has recovered again from multi-substance difficulties which reached a peak last week in Courtroom 3. I read out the prosecution evidence to him. He was mortified and wishes to apologise. The defendant then added, by video link from prison, that at the time he was suffering multiple seizures and waking up regularly in a hospital bed. He said he was without a doctor at the time but was now back on medication in prison. As for the gardai he threatened on Washington Street, he said, I am sorry. I didnt mean it. J Judge Dorgan imposed a one-month sentence on the accused. She said to Mr McNamara, You are looking much better. I hope you engage with the services when you get out of prison. And a bottle of vodka with your medication would not be a good idea. Mr McNamara agreed with the judge and said, I have a bit of light at the end of tunnel now. The epilepsy was killing me. The accused and the judge wished each other a Happy Christmas. Stephen Maguire A Donegal woman has been found dead in Scotland, with police launching a murder investigation. Ann Coll (61) was found dead in a flat in South Lanarkshire. Ms Coll, who was originally from Arduns in Gaoth Dobhair in West Donegal, was found with serious injuries at a flat in Rutherglen at about 12.45am on Friday afternoon last. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said they are treating Ms Coll's death as murder following the results of a post-mortem examination. Officers have been making door-to-door inquiries in the town's Newfield Place area. Locals in the West Donegal gaeltacht, where Ms Coll still has many relatives, have expressed their shock at her death. Det Chief Inspector Lynsey Watters, of the major investigation team, said: "Our thoughts are with Ann's family and we are providing them with support at this very difficult time. "Our investigation into her murder is ongoing and I would urge anyone who can help to get in touch as soon as you can. "I would ask anyone who believes they may have seen or heard anything which may be suspicious around the area to get in touch with us. "There will be an additional police presence in the area as this work continues and I would urge anyone who has any concerns, or who believes they may have information to speak to our officers." DCI Watters added that extensive enquiries are ongoing in the area and officers continue to work door-to-door, along with other lines of investigation. (Photo: Courtesy Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land)Evangelical Lutheran School of Hope Ramallah's 2015 Christmas play. Bethlehem, the West Bank city that Christians celebrate as the birthplace of of Jesus, has effectively canceled its annual celebrations for the Savior this year due to the deadly war in Gaza. Thousands of tourists and pilgrims who would normally fill Manger Square in Bethlehem are nowhere to be found, the BBC reported on Dec. 24. "The city is empty from happiness, from joy, from kids, from Santa. There is no celebration this year," the BBC quoted Madeleine, a resident of Bethlehem, in the occupied West Bank as saying. The city's famed Christmas tree, generally in the middle of Manger Square, is not there. The customary carols or Christmas market stands are not there. Rather, said the BBC, a nativity scene, showing a newborn Jesus surrounded by big rocks and barbed wire, has been installed as a tribute to the children of Gaza. The conflict began on Oct. 7, when Hamas, viewed as a terrorist group in the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Australia, Japan, Canada and others, launched an unprecedented cross-border attack on Israel. Hamas launched a highly organized stealth assault. It bulldozed the border fence between Gaza and Israel in multiple places, caught Israel's security apparatus off-guard and overwhelmed military defences, seizing hundreds of hostages in a bloody rampage through Israeli civilian areas. EMPTY NATIVITY CHURCH Father Eissa Thaldjiya told the BBC in an unusually empty Nativity Church, that the famous city feels like a shadow of itself. "I've been a priest in this church for 12 years. I was born in Bethlehem, and I've never seen it like this - even during the Covid-19 pandemic," he said. "We have brothers and sisters in Gaza - this is what makes it difficult to celebrate... But it's good to be united in prayers." Ali Thabet told CNN, "My son asked me why there's no Christmas tree this year, I don't know how to explain it." Thabet and his family live in Al Shawawra, a Palestinian village near Bethlehem, and visit each Christmas "because our relationship with our Christian brothers is a strong relationship." He explained: "We join them in their celebrations, and they also join us in our celebrations. But this year's holiday season is very bad." (Photo: WCC / Peter Williams)World Council of Churches general secretary, Rev. Olav Fykse Tveit gestures with the WCC's moderator, Agnes Abuom, to his right with two other moderators during a meeting main governing body of the WCC, its Central Committee, meeting, on July 2, 2014 in Geneva, Switzerland. The World Council of Churches has always considered that the Israel and Palestine situation is too strong for a divided Church to offset, the general secretary of the World Council of Churches has said. "There needs to be combined efforts and initiatives to be sure all the churches can walk together on the pilgrimage journey of justice and peace for both Israelis and Palestinians," WCC executive head Rev. Olav Fykse Tveit said Wednesday. The general secretary was speaking about the justice and peace work of the WCC that represents some 560 million Christian worldwide from mainly Anglican, Orthodox and Protestant traditions. Delivering his report to the WCC's main governing body, its central committee, he said, "Through the last two years the WCC has developed and strengthened its relations and contacts with many Jewish organizations and partners working for peace and justice in Israel and Palestine." Tveit said that since its establishment in June 2007, the Palestine Israel Ecumenical Forum's network has highlighted the WCC's general policy on Israel and Palestinian territories. This condemns Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories and the creation of settlements in occupied territories in clear violation of international law. Many of the forum's 70 partners have challenged consumer practices and reviewed their investment policies to ensure that the activities of the companies they hold shares with are not linked to illegal activities in the occupation or to settlements. Tveit cited the decision by the Presbyterian Church (USA) during its assembly in June as a concrete example. The Presbyterian Church (USA) voted by a narrow margin on June 20 to divest church funds from three U.S. companies it said were profiting from the oppression of Palestinians within Israel's occupied territories. The vote was carried 310-303 at the 1.8 million church's General Assembly in Detroit signalling a victory for divestment supporters in the PCUSA. The church is the biggest U.S. use divestment as a strategy to pressure Israel to return its illegally held lands. In his report Tveit said each year, through the World Week for Peace in Palestine and Israel activity, nearly 100 events take place in more than 20 countries, involving churches, congregations, civil society actors, etc. in prayer, advocacy and education. JERUSALEM INTER-CHURCH CENTER He noted that the Jerusalem Inter-church Center, a joint venture between the Heads of Churches in the Holy Land, the Middle East Council of Churches and the WCC, is a vital ecumenical instrument. It " brings the voice and the concerns of Palestinian Christians to the wide ecumenical family and to the world," said Tveit. The Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel knows as EAPPI is a key program in the WCC that Tveit said embodies "concrete signs of solidarity with all those, in Israel/Palestine working towards ending the Israeli occupation and for justice and peace." The WCC has also initiated and organized theological conferences, convened discussions and ecumenical conversations on specific topics. "These were related to burning issues in the region, especially ones related to the Christian presence and witness in the midst of the Arab revolutions," said Tveit. The Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Nigeria, Syria and Israel and Palestine were cited by Tveit as important countries in the churches' work for justice and peace. (Photo: REUTERS / Mussa Qawasma)An Israeli army soldier shoots tear gas at Palestinian stone throwers near the house of Palestinian woman Amal Taqatqa, south of the West Bank city Bethlehem December 1, 2014. Amal Taqatqa stabbed an Israeli in the occupied West Bank on Monday and was then shot and wounded by security forces, the military and police said. Violence in Israel and the Palestinian territories has risen in the past months. Attacks carried out by Palestinians have killed 11 Israelis. Twelve Palestinians have been killed, including several of the assailants. World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Olav Fykse Tveit has joined Pope Francis and the U.N. Secretary-General expressing deep concern over renewed violence in Jerusalem as Ban Ki-moon made his way to Israel to ty to find ways of defusing tensions. The U.N.'s Ban was was heading for Israel Oct. 20 for in a diplomatic bid to address ongoing violence that has rocked the country for over a month, a U.N. spokesman said in Geneva. During his visit Ban was to meet with israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as well as Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. Speaking after Sunday Mass the Pope had appealed once again for peace in the Holy Land. "I am following with great concern the situation of high tension and violence that afflicts the Holy Land," he said. Over the past month, nine Israelis have been killed in Palestinian attacks, most of them stabbings. In the same period, 41 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire, including 20 whom Israel labeled as attackers, and the rest in clashes with Israeli troops. In the latest violence an Eritrean man died after being shot and beaten by a mob that was reported to have mistakenly believed he was a Palestinian attacker. "In this moment there is need of great courage and great strength of soul in order to say 'No' to hatred and vengeance, and to carry out acts of peace." Pope Francis prayed that God might strengthen both political leaders and people, that they might have the courage to oppose violence and to take concrete steps aimed at decreasing tensions. The WCC sent a letter its churches in Palestine and Israel on Oct. 19 in which the general secretary affirmed the council's commitment to justice and peace in Palestine and Israel. "We are following with increasing dismay events throughout the region and especially in the Holy City of Jerusalem, which we hold in our hearts and prayers as an open city of two peoples (Israelis and Palestinians) and three faiths (Judaism, Christianity and Islam)," wrote Tveit. "We continue to work and pray for a just peace for both Palestinians and Israelis, promoting respect for the status quo of the holy sites of Jerusalem as an important contribution to reducing current tensions." 'END VIOLENCE AND OCCUPATION' Tveit noted that "as Christians, we must all seek an end to violence against any of God's children, just as we seek an end to occupation and the injustices that present such formidable obstacles to peace in Israel and Palestine." He noted that violent attacks are unacceptable and counter-productive in seeking justice. "Proportional security measures and the rule of law are the appropriate instruments for responding to such attacks, not extra-judicial killings," he added. "The WCC stands firmly with Christians in the Holy Land in our conviction that the illegal occupation of the Palestinian Territories must be brought to an end. Tveit said it is, "not as a pre-condition for an end to violence, but as an essential foundation for any long-term, sustainable and just peace in the region." Ban issued an overnight video message in which he said, "Today, I would like to speak directly to the peoples of Israel and Palestine about the dangerous escalation in violence across the occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel, especially in Jerusalem. "I am dismayed - as we all should be - when I see young people, children, picking up weapons and seeking to kill. "Let me be clear: violence will only undermine the legitimate Palestinian aspirations for statehood and the longing of Israelis for security," said Ban. "To the youth of Palestine I say: I understand your frustration. I know your hopes for peace have been dashed countless times. "You are angry at the continued occupation and expansion of settlements. Many of you are disappointed in your leaders and in us, the international community, because of our inability to end this occupation." And to the leaders of Palestine I say: Harness the energy of your people in a peaceful way to make their dreams and aspirations a reality. You have the right to live a decent life in dignity, respect and freedom." FREETOWN (Reuters) -Sierra Leone police have summoned former president Ernest Bai Koroma for questioning as part of their investigation into a failed coup attempt on Nov. 26, information minister Chernor Bah said in a statement on Thursday. Koroma is invited to report to the headquarters of the Criminal Investigations Department in Freetown within 24 hours, the statement said. Koroma said he would honour the invitation. "I maintain an open mind and stand ready to support the police investigations to the fullest. Let the rule of law reign supreme in our democracy", Koroma said in a statement, calling on the public to remain calm. Gunmen attacked a military barracks, a prison and other locations in Sierra Leone last month, freeing about 2,200 inmates and killing more than 20 people in what the authorities said afterwards was an attempt to overthrow the government. The government said the failed coup was led mostly by the former president's bodyguards. Koroma condemned the attacks in a statement shortly after they happened. So far 71 people have been arrested in the context of the ongoing investigation, including 45 serving military officers, seven serving police officers and 13 civilians, said information minister Bah. (Reporting by Umaru Fofana; Writing by Nellie PeytonEditing by Alexander Winning and Mark Potter) BANGKOK,play mega moolah canada Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Thursday that the Asia-Pacific is no one's backyard and should not become an arena for big power contest. No attempt to wage a new Cold War will ever be allowed by the people or by our times, he said in a written speech at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit. A Richmond Circuit Court judge ruled in favor of the City of Richmonds petition to hold another casino referendum in November. A local non-profit group Richmond Lodge No. 1 of the Good Lions,moneyline mgm park bigfreechiplist Inc. filed a motion on Aug. 15 to stop the referendum which would require Richmond residents to once again vote on a proposed casino on the citys Southside. After suspending the order on the referendum, Richmond Circuit Court judge, William Marchant, said he would file his ruling on the motion to intervene on Wednesday, Aug. 23. Marchant decided to give both the nonprofit and the City three days from the suspension to prepare their arguments and submit their cases. National broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV) has released a documentary on self-immolation in the countrys Tibetan-inhabited areas. Thejumpin jalapeno slot machine documentary debuted at 9:27 p.m. on Sunday on CCTV-4, an international channel mainly targeting overseas viewers in Chinese language. It also aired on CCTVs English channel, Spanish channel, French channel, Arabic channel and Russian channel on Monday. The documentary, titled Facts About Self-Immolation in Tibetan Areas of Ngapa (Aba), discloses the truth about self-immolations that have occurred in Aba, a Tibetan and Qiang autonomous prefecture in southwest Chinas Sichuan Province. The documentary contains interviews with the masterminds and victims of the self-immolations. It states that the monks in Aba were acting on orders sent from overseas to convince people to self-immolate, as well as sending information about the self-immolations abroad, as they have claimed that the acts were a form of protest against Chinese rule in Tibetan areas. The documentary also states that the Dalai clique masterminded the self-immolations in order to split China. Xinhua CCTV releases documentary on Tibetan self-immolationadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Li Changchun has underlined the importance of reform in the cultural sector during his playojo kicker code existing customer 2022trip to central province of Henan from Wednesday to Sunday. Li,a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, asked local authorities to expand the coverage of public cultural services at grass-roots communities. Only by establishing a system that cater to public interest and market needs can stage art become alive and have vitality, according to the official. During his visit to local enterprises, Li asked them to stay competitive by embracing innovation. Li also visited local villages and performing troupes in several cities across the province, during which he stressed the necessity to reform state-owned artistic groups and support the development of private ones. The sixth plenary session of the CPCs 17th Central Committee in October 2011 adopted a guideline that is aimed at promoting the influence of socialist culture and boosting Chinas soft power. Xinhua Li Changchun emphasizes reform of cultural sectoradded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Chinese national flag is raised at the Tiananmen Square in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 1, 2012. Tens of thousands of people gathered at the Tiananmen Square to watch the national flag raising ceremony at dawn on Oct. 1, in celebration of the 63rd anniversary of the founding of the Peoples Republic of China. Xinhua / Cao Can Thousands gather at Tiananmen Square for flag-raising ceremonyadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline M.A., German Studies, McGill University B.A., German and French Easter traditions in Germany are similar to those found in other predominantly Christian countries, from the religious commemoration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ to the ever-so-popular Osterhase. See below for a closer look at some of Germany's customs of rebirth and renewal. Easter Bonfires Gathering at Easter bonfire in Germany.Flickr Vision / Getty Images Many people gather around large bonfires reaching several meters high on the eve of Easter Sunday. Often the wood of old Christmas trees is used for this occasion. This German custom is actually an old pagan ritual dating back to before Christ to symbolize the coming of spring. Back then it was believed that any home or field shone upon by the light of the fire would be protected from sickness and misfortune. Der Osterhase (Easter Rabbit) Bruno Brando / EyeEm / Getty Images This hopping Easter creature is believed to originate from Germany. The first known account of der Osterhase is found in the 1684 notes of a Heidelberg professor of medicine, where he discusses the ill-effects of overeating Easter eggs. German and Dutch settlers later brought the notion of der Osterhase or Oschter Haws (Dutch) to the U.S. in the 1700s. Der Osterfuchs (Easter Fox) and other Easter Egg Deliverers Michael Liewer / EyeEm / Getty Images In some parts of Germany and Switzerland, children waited for der Osterfuchs instead. Children would hunt for his yellow Fuchseier (fox eggs) on Easter morning which were dyed with yellow onion skins. Other Easter egg deliverers in German-speaking countries included the Easter rooster (Saxony), the stork (Thuringia) and the Easter chick. Unfortunately, in the past several decades, these animals have found themselves with fewer delivery jobs as der Osterhase has gained more widespread fame. Der Osterbaum (Easter Tree) Antonel / Getty Images It's only in recent years that miniature Easter trees have become popular in North America. This Easter tradition from Germany is a favorite. Beautifully decorated Easter eggs are hung on branches in a vase in the home or on trees outside, adding a splash of color to spring's palette. Das Gebackene Osterlamm (Baked Easter Lamb) Westend61 / Getty Images This delicious baked cake in the form of a lamb is a sought-after treat during Easter season. Whether made simply, such as with Hefeteig(yeast dough) only or with a rich creamy filling in the center, either way, the Osterlammis always a hit with kids. You can find a great assortment of Easter lamb cake recipes at Osterlammrezepte. Das Osterrad (Easter Wheel) Nifoto/Public domain/ via Wikimedia Commons This custom is practiced in a few regions in northern Germany. For this tradition, hay is stuffed into a large wooden wheel, then lit and rolled down a hill at nighttime. A long, wooden pole pulled through the wheel's axle helps it keep its balance. If the wheel reaches all the way to the bottom intact, then a good harvest is predicted. The city of Lugde in Weserbergland prides itself on being the Osterradstadt, since it has followed this tradition yearly for over a thousand years. Osterspiele (Easter Games) Helen Marsden #christmassowhite / Getty Images Rolling eggs down a hill is also a tradition in Germany and other German-speaking countries, found in games such as Ostereierschiebenand Eierschibbeln. Der Ostermarkt (Easter Market) Michael Mller / EyeEm / Getty Images Just like Germany's wonderful Weihnachtsmarkte, its Ostermarktealso can't be beaten. A stroll through a German Easter market will tantalize your taste buds and delight your eyes as artisans, artists and chocolatiers showcase their Easter art and treats. Watch Now: 10 Fun Facts About Easter A staff of a delivery center check parcels as the Double 11 shopping festival comes. Photo: VCG From highly popular leggings to water bottles,China's Double 11 festival, the country's most important online shopping spree, saw increased participation this year of consumers from Europe, North Africa and Latin America, indicating that the festival has become a global shopping event and its overseas spillover effect continues to be unleashed.Experts noted the Double 11 festival has increasingly become a bridge between Chinese e-commerce and overseas consumers, and between Chinese consumers and overseas businesses. With the rapid development of international logistics, more cost-effective China-made products will go global and gain recognition overseas.The provincial postal administration of East China's Zhejiang Province said on Friday that during this year's shopping spree, the number of orders from overseas consumers had grown significantly compared to previous years, especially for hand warmers, heaters and electric blankets."We are producing a batch of leggings for European customers, and we have also received orders from Japan," Lu Huazhen, a representative from Zhuji Aishanglin Knitting Co, a legging manufacturer at Zhuji in Zhejiang, told the Global Times on Sunday.Rising orders from overseas for China-made heating products represent just one facet of the Chinese shopping festival going global. After 14 years of development, Double 11 has been embraced by many overseas consumers now.Every year in November, two e-commerce platforms based in Singapore, Lazada and Shopee, launch the Double 11 shopping festival in Southeast Asia, with a number of shopping centers and merchants using the event as an opportunity to launch promotions.Lazada plans to hold a five-day shopping festival in Southeast Asia during this year's Double 11, in which consumers in Thailand can try on cosmetics in Siam Square in Bangkok and have the opportunity to interact with their favorite performers.The Middle East and North Africa, which have a high level of acceptance of e-commerce, also saw increasing interest from local consumers for Double 11. According to the Xinhua News Agency, 70 percent of consumers in Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates said that they would buy products during the online festival, compared with 65 percent during the year-end peak sale season."The just-ended shopping festival on Chinese e-commerce platforms has gone global, gradually showing its spillover effects on overseas consumers," Zhang Yi, CEO of iiMedia Research Institute, told the Global Times on Sunday.Zhang noted that China-made products have wide recognition and a high esteem overseas for their cost-effectiveness. In addition, improvements in international logistics such as cheaper fees and more overseas warehouses have provided convenience for international consumers, helping the country's e-commerce to go global.Alibaba's domestic logistics service provider Cainiao told the Global Times on Sunday that in Karachi, Pakistan, the company built an automated express distribution center in cooperation with a local e-commerce company in mid-October.Previously, Pakistan could only sort express parcels manually. A Pakistani employee at the center expressed his confidence about this year's Double 11, saying that with the technical assistance of Chinese partners, the center will be able to provide high-quality services for customers.In addition to bringing quality goods overseas, the festival is also an important time for international brands to expand in China.According to a report sent to the Global Times by Tmall, Alibaba's e-commerce platform, during this year's Double 11, consumers could buy more than 39,000 products from overseas brands from over 90 countries and regions at the platform. Among them, more than 1,600 new overseas brands participated in the shopping spree for the first time, bringing thousands of world premieres and limited edition new products.Experts noted that the Double 11 shopping festival has injected strong momentum to domestic and global consumption confidence.According to a report sent to the Global Times by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, cross-border e-commerce has made an important contribution to stabilizing the country's foreign trade. Data showed that in the first half of this year, import and export transactions of cross-border e-commerce increased by 28.6 percent year-on-year.Zhang added that as the Double 11 event goes global, merchants can focus more on overseas markets and bring more high-quality Chinese products to the world. Beijing residents found their own way out at the weekend amid massive rainstorms that made many parts of the megacity swimming pools. Ten people have died and more than 50,000 have been relocated following the heaviest storm to hit the Chinese capital in 61 years, said the municipal flood control headquarters, citing that the average precipitation reached 170 mm citywide and the maximum exceeded 460 mm. Quite a few motor vehicles floated on the water that was too much to be drained immediately from streets. Some extended helping hands to neighbors and even strangers who found themselves besieged by the floods. Many volunteered to offer rescue, helping drag vehicles out of flooded areas and transporting passengers back home by individual means. At least 80,000 travellers were stranded at the Beijing international airport due to the cancellation of more than 500 outbound flights, hundreds of taxi drivers and motorists in the closest big urban neighborhood of Wangjing drove to the airport to give free rides to strangers, who were advised by the airport to accept such assistance under the precondition of ensured personal and property safety. The citys sanitation workers also went above and beyond the call of duty to clean up the mess caused by the flooding. One sanitation worker was spotted submerging himself almost completely to clear a blocked sewage drain in Haidian District. Other workers were seen acting as human road signs near the Beitaiping Bridge, standing in deep pools and guiding vehicles to evade manholes, as a lot of manhole covers were pressured out by underground water to nowhere. Li Fanghong, a police inspector in suburban Fangshan District, lost his life while trying to rescue villagers who were trapped by the floodwaters. Li was fatally electrocuted by a live wire that had fallen into the water late Saturday afternoon. Lis colleagues said he rescued 50 people in the village of Fenghuangting before being hit by the fatal shock. Fangshan was lashed hardest by the rains, receiving 460 mm of precipitation. Traffic in 12 townships was disrupted, while mobile telecommunication services and Internet access were cut off in six townships. In Dongjie Village, more than 40 people were forced to evacuate to the roofs of their homes after a nearby river bank was breached by rain-triggered flooding. Its the first time Ive ever seen this, said a villager in his 30s. Torrential rains triggered mudslides in Fangshan and Huairou districts and Miyun County, leaving one person missing and another injured. No deaths resulting from the mudslides have been reported so far, the flood control headquarters said. While many cheered acts of kindness and bravery urbanites showed during the storm, others expressed anger against patrolling police who handed out violation tickets to stranded cars that had yet to be reclaimed by their escaped owners. Expressway operations were also criticized, as workers continued to collect fees at toll gates on the airport expressway, despite vehicles, in long queues, mired in knee-high water. Xia Xueluan, a Peking University sociologist, said city authorities should take a more humane approach when handling such emergencies. More flexible measures should be adopted in those cases, Xia said. The urban drainage system received fierce blame, once again, for the flooding, as heavy rains and snow often disrupted traffic in recent years. Xinhua Beijingers survive urban floodingadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Among other provisions, the bill raises the programs one-time parental award from $100,000 to $250,000 and hikes the death benefit a payment to cover a childs final expenses from $10,000 to $50,000. It raises the parental award to $250,000 and increases the programs death benefit, a stipend for burial and funeral expenses, from $10,000 to $50,000 both retroactive to families currently in the program. Gig Workers Collective is calling on Instacart to add occupational death benefits, on top of the shopper injury protection insurance that the company began offering in 2019, and to raise the minimum tip to 10 percent. The legislation raises the death benefit from $10,000 to $50,000 for all new petitions. Florida lawmakers already are considering legislation that would increase parents one-time benefit from $100,000 to $250,000, as well as an amendment to raise the programs death benefit from $10,000 to $50,000. Florida Plans Audit of Program That Blocks Parents of Brain-Damaged Newborns From Suing|by Carol Marbin Miller and Daniel Chang, Miami Herald|April 9, 2021|ProPublica I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it. The Muslim Cop Killed by Terrorists|Michael Daly|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST Asia Bibi, as she is known, was arrested and sentenced to death. In Defense of Blasphemy|Michael Tomasky|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST The most notorious states are Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, where death is an acceptable legal remedy. In Defense of Blasphemy|Michael Tomasky|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST Father Joel Roman Salazar died in a car crash in 2013; his death was ruled an accident, but the suspicion of foul play persists. Mexicos Priests Are Marked for Murder|Jason McGahan|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST The death toll, which experts believe has been significantly undercut by secret burials, stands at 7,905. The Race for the Ebola Vaccine|Abby Haglage|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST This is the place where the Muscovite criminals are banished to, if they are not put to death. The Life and Most Surprising Adventures of Robinson Crusoe, of York, Mariner (1801)|Daniel Defoe Elyon is the name of an ancient Phnician god, slain by his son El, no doubt the first-born of death in Job xviii. Solomon and Solomonic Literature|Moncure Daniel Conway Your sacrifice shall be the agony of agonies, the death of deaths, and yet you'll find yourself unable to resist. Checkmate|Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu Good is set against evil, and life against death: so also is the sinner against a just man. The Bible, Douay-Rheims Version|Various What is spanish 21 online free gameBRICS? BRICS is an acronym for Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Goldman Sachs economist Jim O'Neill coined the term BRIC (without South Africa) in 2001, claiming that by 2050 the four BRIC economies would come to dominate the global economy. South Africa was added to the list in 2010. This thesis became conventional market wisdom in the aughts. But there were always skeptics, including some who claimed the phrase was Goldman marketing hype. Indeed, few talk about BRICS much anymoreat least not in terms of their global domination. Goldman closed its BRICS-focused investment fund in 2015, merging it with a broader emerging markets fund. Key Takeaways BRICS started in 2001 as BRIC, an acronym coined by Goldman Sachs for Brazil, Russia, India, and China. South Africa was added in 2010. The notion behind the coinage was that the nations' economies would come to collectively dominate global growth by 2050. The BRICS nations offered a source of foreign expansion for firms and strong returns for institutional investors. The party had largely ended by 2015, when Goldman closed its BRICS-focused investment fund. Understanding BRICS Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa ranked among the world's fastest-growing emerging market economies for years, thanks to low labor costs, favorable demographics and abundant natural resources at a time of a global commodities boom. It's important to note that the Goldman Sachs thesis wasn't that these countries would become a political alliance (like the EU) or even a formal trading association. Instead, Goldman said they have the potential to form a powerful economic bloc, even acknowledging that its forecasts were optimistic and dependent on significant policy assumptions. Still, the implication was that economic power would bring political power, and indeed leaders from BRICS countries regularly attended summits together and often acted in concert with each others interests. Early Development of the BRIC Thesis at Goldman Sachs In 2001, Goldman's ONeill noted that while global GDP was set to rise 1.7% in 2002, BRIC nations were forecasted to grow more quickly than the Group of Seven, the seven most advanced global economies: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the U.S. In the paper "Building Better Economic BRICs," O'Neill outlined his view of the potential of the BRIC nations. In 2003, O'Neill's Goldman colleagues Dominic Wilson and Roopa Purushothaman followed up with their report "Dreaming with BRICs: The Path to 2050. Wilson and Purushothaman claimed that by 2050, the BRIC cluster could grow to a size larger than the G6, and the worlds largest economies would therefore look drastically different in four decades. That is, the largest global economic powers no longer would be the richest, according to income per capita. In 2007 Goldman published another report, "BRICs and Beyond", that focused on BRIC growth potential, the environmental impact of these growing economies and the sustainability of their rise. The report also outlined a Next 11, a term for 11 emerging economies, in relationship to the BRIC nations, as well as the ascendancy of new global markets. Closure of Goldman's BRICS Fund Growth in the BRICS economies slowed down after the global financial crisis and the oil price collapse that began in 2014. By 2015, the BRICS acronym no longer looked like an attractive investment venue and funds aimed at these economies either shut down or merged with other investment vehicles. Goldman Sachs merged its BRICS investment fund, which was focused on generating returns from these economies, with the broader Emerging Markets Equity Fund. The fund had lost 88% of its assets from a 2010 peak. In an SEC filing, Goldman Sachs stated that it did not expect "significant asset growth in the foreseeable future" in the BRICS fund. Per a Bloomberg report, the fund had lost 21% in five years. BRIC is now used as a more generic term. For example, Columbia University established the BRICLab, where students examine foreign, domestic, and financial policies of BRIC members. Definition of Concession Concession is 5 card plo rules casino rama phonea literary device used in argumentative writing, where one acknowledges a point made by ones opponent. It allows for different opinions and approaches toward an issue, indicating an understanding of what causes the actual debate or controversy. It demonstrates that the writer is a mature thinker, and has considered the issue from all angles. Concession writing style also shows that the writer is a logical and fair-minded person, able to realize that every argument has several sides to consider before it is presented. This type of writing can be considered strong as it finds common ground between the writer and his opponent. Concession Examples Example #1: Dad, I know taking a trip to another country with my friends may be expensive and unsafe, but I have studied so hard the past year and I think I deserve a vacation. You already know how responsible I have been all my life; I dont think there will be any problem. The above statement is an example of concession writing. It demonstrates the negative aspects of traveling as a young group of boys, but argues against this with the fact that this particular boy has always been a responsible person and is not likely to get into trouble. Example #2: I agree that many students act and lie about being sick, so that they can avoid school for whatever reason. However, most students who do not come to school are actually sick. Being sick, they should be focusing on getting better, not worrying about school and grades just because some students take advantage of the absentee policy. This statement also shows the concession form of writing where the writer agrees that some students do lie about being sick, and that the writer is able to understand this issue. At the same time, the writer argues as to why students who are actually sick suffer because of those irresponsible students. Example #3: An individual does have his own right to freedom, but medical evidence proves that second-hand smoke is harmful. Nobody has the right to harm the health of another, and smoking does just that. Using concession, the writer has noted that everybody has freedom rights, but argues about the fact that nobody has the right to harm another persons health, no matter what the case is. Example #4: It is true that issues may sometimes become polarized and debated heatedly. Certainly, there is a need for matters of public concern to be discussed rationally. But that does not mean that such concerns should not be expressed and investigated. After all, improper interference with academic freedom was found to have taken place. And the allegations raised by doctors are ones which deserve further inquiry. The above statement demonstrates the concession writing technique, where the writer agrees that debating on issues can turn into a heated argument, but that does not mean the issues should stop being discussed and investigated. Using concession, the writer has considered the different viewpoints of the issue, and then stated his argument. Example #5: Politics and the English Language(By George Orwell) I said earlier that the decadence of our language is probably curable. Those who deny this would argue, if they produced an argument at all, that language merely reflects existing social conditions, and that we cannot influence its development by any direct tinkering with words or constructions. So far as the general tone or spirit of language goes, this may be true, but it is not true in detail. This is another example of concession writing showing that the writer is a fair person who has thought about the issue before giving his opinion. The writer agrees with the fact that we cannot do anything to develop the language. However it is not true if we go into details, Orwell says, because writers influence it too. Function of Concession Concession writing acknowledges that there are many different views to a story. This type of writing allows for different opinions that can or could be made toward an issue. It also shows that all points, positive as well as negative, have been considered before an argument is put forward. Presenting the other side and then arguing against it with valid points can make it a very strong piece of writing. Acknowledging the other side demonstrates respect for the other opinion. The concession writing technique is also known used as a method of persuasion and reasoning. What Is a Judgment?hold'em Judgment is a court decision, spelled out in a court order, that adjudicates a dispute between two parties by determining the rights and obligations of each party. A judgment may require monetary compensation or transfer of property from one party to another. Judgments can also have non-monetary requirements, such as instructing one party to perform a service for the other. Key Takeaways Judgment is a court decision that settles a dispute between two parties by determining the rights and obligations of each party. Judgments are classified as in personam, in rem, or quasi in rem. Judgments are usually monetary, but can also be non-monetary, and are legally enforceable. Whereas civil judgments adjudicate disputes between private individuals, a criminal judgment is the result of legal action by the government for breaking criminal laws. Creditors can collect a monetary judgment by seizing the money or property of a debtor. Understanding a Judgment Judgments are classified as: In personam is the most common type of judgment that holds one entity personally liable to another. In remimposes a general liability over a thing, such as property, but no personal liability. Quasi in remdetermines the rights of an individual, rather than all parties, in a particular thing, such as property. Judgments are usually monetary, but can also be non-monetary. Monetary judgment: If someone has been harmed in some way, they will seek to resolve the dispute in court and collect damages by filing a lawsuit. The resulting court judgment orders the loser of that lawsuit to pay the winner a specified sum of money. If someone has been harmed in some way, they will seek to resolve the dispute in court and collect damages by filing a lawsuit. The resulting court judgment orders the loser of that lawsuit to pay the winner a specified sum of money. Non-monetary judgment:A contractor may be forced to complete a job rather than settle the dispute by paying money. Special Considerations Most of the time, a judgment will be for a sum of money because money is the most appropriate form of compensation for the harm. A judgment, paid or unpaid, will remain on the debtor's credit report for seven years, but it will have a worse effect on their credit score if it is unpaid. For the winner of a lawsuit, a court judgment is only the first step in getting the money they are owed. Actually collecting the money from the debtor can be a long, arduous, and not always successful, process. However, judgments are legally enforceable. So, if the debtor does not voluntarily pay the judgment, the creditor can take steps such as conducting a debtor's examination, seizing bank accounts, putting a lien on the debtor's property, or hiring a debt collector. Winning a court judgment may be only the first step to collecting a debt obligation. While judgments are legally binding, collecting payments is an expensive and often fruitless process. Example of a Judgment For example, if a borrower does not repay a loan or a credit card debt, the lender or creditor can obtain a judgment to force the borrower to pay. As another example, a landlord who evicted a tenant for not paying the rent might file a lawsuit to collect the unpaid rent, and if the landlord won the lawsuit, it would result in a judgment against the tenant. In a regulatory context, many corporate defendants seek to reach a negotiated settlement rather than risk a costly and unpredictable litigation process. When Wells Fargo employees were discovered to have defrauded millions of customers to improve their own performance metrics, the bank ultimately agreed to pay $3 billion in fines in order to resolve their civil and criminal liabilities. They were also forced to enhance their compliance measures and eliminate senior managers who had been overlooked the scale of the fraud. The scandal, which first came to light in 2016, was a severe blow to the bank's floundering reputation and an even bigger blow to its share price. Although Wells Fargo stock rose with the rest of the market over the following five years, the bank continued to pay out civil penalties, with shares tumbling with each new enforcement action. In addition to regulatory actions, the bank is also facing litigation from investors who believe that they were defrauded by Wells Fargo's management. While creditors can seize property in the collection of a judgment, most states offer exemptions for certain types of property, such as a primary home or personal vehicle. Civil Judgments vs. Criminal Judgments Courts in the United States distinguish between two different types of actions: civil and criminal. Civil actions represent disputes between two individuals or organizations. For example, a customer may seek a civil judgment against a company for a breached contract, or two neighbors may seek legal remedies in a property dispute. These types of judgments typically result in monetary compensation to the injured party, but they may also involve additional fines or penalties. In comparison, a criminal judgment seeks punishment for violations of criminal law, such as theft or fraud. Whereas civil cases are usually between private individuals, criminal cases are launched by attorneys representing the government itself. In addition to monetary fines and penalties, criminal judgments may also entail imprisonment or loss of certain legal rights or privileges. The Bottom Line Court judgments play an important role in the market economy. In civil courts, judgments are used to enforce contracts and protect property rights. In more serious cases, judgments may also mete punishments for criminal violations, such as theft, fraud, or violence. What Is a Summary Judgment? A summary judgment is a judgment made by a court or judge without conducting a full trial. Either party in a legal dispute may move for summary judgment, provided that there is no disagreement about the material facts of the case. This allows both litigants to avoid the expense of a full trial. However, if a party moves for summary judgment, the judge will always examine the facts in the light most favorable to their opponent. For this reason, most parties to a lawsuit will avoid summary judgment unless they believe that the law is firmly on their side. How Can You Avoid Paying a Judgment? While a judgment should not be ignored, there are ways to protect some property from being collected. Most state laws offer exemptions that protect certain types of property, such as a primary home or vehicle, as long as the value of that property is below a certain limit. In addition, some types of personal property can be protected under a chapter 7 bankruptcy, allowing debtors to discharge their obligations without giving up their basic property. What Is a Default Judgment? A default judgment is a ruling by a court or a judge that strongly favors one party in a lawsuit, due to a failure by the opposing party. Usually, this occurs when one party fails to appear in court, or misses a deadline to present their argument. With rare exceptions, default judgments are fully binding and are extremely difficult to reverse. What Personal Property Can Be Seized in a Judgment? When collecting a judgment, creditors can try to seize any property that is not exempt under state laws. This can include real property, vehicles, bank accounts, securities, wages, or even future claims on property. However, state laws often allow you to keep some property up until a certain amount, and debtors may be able to protect any property if its loss would cause them undue hardship. In addition, most creditors will generally not pursue tangible personal property, such as jewelry or clothing, unless it is especially valuable. What Is a Judgment Lien? A judgment lien is a court ruling that allows one party to take possession of another's property, usually in satisfaction of a debt or similar obligation. A judgment lien allows the creditor to take over the debtors' real or personal property, such as houses, vehicles, or other personal property. Biden's border failures forced Arizona to build its own wall, Yuma official says closeVideo A Yuma County Supervisor explained how the shipping containers the Governor used to fill gaps in the U.S.-Mexico border wall have limited migrant crossings YUMA, Ariz. The shipping containers used to fill the border wall's gaps in Arizona have forced migrants to enter the U.S. through legitimate ports of entry, which has eased the strain on an overwhelmed Border Patrol, a border town official told Fox News. "We had thousands of people coming through this area on a daily basis," a Yuma county supervisor, Jonathan Lines, told Fox News. "They would be in a residential neighborhood within less than a mile of crossing in this area." "Because of the governor's action we dont have that anymore," Lines said. "Not very many people are excited about trying to scale the containers, especially with the barbed wire over the top of it." WATCH A YUMA OFFICIAL EXPLAIN HOW ARIZONA'S SHIPPING CONTAINERS LIMIT MIGRANT TRAFFIC: Video WATCH MORE FOX NEWS DIGITAL ORIGINALS HERE Gov. Doug Ducey plugged gaps in the border wall with shipping containers over the summer and argue that the move was necessary because of the White House's inaction on immigration. The Biden administration accused Ducey of trespassing and ordered the Arizona Republican to remove the containers. The governor filed a lawsuit in response. The container wall has allowed Border Patrol to focus its manpower elsewhere and has given the agents an"operational advantage," Lines told Fox News. BIDEN ADMIN ACCUSES ARIZONA OF TRESPASSING BY BUILDING BARRIER ON US-MEXICO BORDER SEE WHAT ARIZONANS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THE BARRIERS ALONG THE BORDER: Video "Had the administration done its job, then Gov. Ducey would not have had to have acted with the legislature using state resources instead of the federally funded wall that we had already paid for," Lines said. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP President Biden halted the construction of the border wall in January 2021, leaving border wall unfinished. "I don't want to speak for Gov. Ducey, but he is committed to keeping those containers in place until the federal government steps up and does its job," Lines said. Katie Hobbs, the state's Democratic gubernatorial nominee, said she would remove the containers if she wins her election. Hobbs leads her Republican opponent, Kari Lake, 50.5%-49.5% with 93% reporting in the undecided race, according to the Fox News Decision desk. To hear more from Jonathan Lines on the effectiveness of the shipping containers filling the wall, click here. Megan Myers is an associate producer/writer with Fox News Digital Originals. Thebig dollar casino free spins no deposit 800 inhabitants of Hallstatt in the Salzkammergut, Austria, are outraged. The Austrian media revealed last week that a Chinese property developer wants to build a copy of their village including its famous lake in the Guangdong province in southern China. According to the mayor of Hallstatt, Alexander Scheutz, Chinese architects have secretly visited this picturesque village a few months ago. He got information of this project completely by accident in May, following the visit of a Hong Kong Economic delegation to Austrian, where the Chinese real estate developer has proposed to combine the two villages. But a few days ago, Scheutz discovered, thanks to what he calls an indiscretion that plans for the Chinese version of Hallstatt were much more advanced than what he had been led to believe. Im surprised but not shocked, he said. He alerted the Austrian authorities and Unesco. In this village, where up to 800,000 visitors each year take a picture of everything and everyone, said the mayor at the Austrian news agency APA, the Chinese architects were able to operate as espionage without get noticed. The case also raised concern from representatives of the church in Hallstatt. Copy a house of God into a tourist attraction is a problem, said a Catholic priest, Richard Czurylo to the daily Die Presse: according to the priest, the new church should at least be declared a place of prayer. For the mayor, the copy of the village, however, could have a positive impact. This could encourage tourism, he said, adding however that he understood the unease that some people might feel to see their homes cloned. Tourism experts also believe that the project could be beneficial to Hallstatt. The project in China is a gift and a good publicity towards the Chinese market. Asian visitors are an important source of income. But to replicate the same city may not be legal, warns Hans-Jorg Kaiser, Icomos of Austria, the agency specializes in the conservation of monuments to Unesco. The legal situation has yet to be studied, said he. Construction of new buildings from photographs is legal, he says, but the owners of the originals may require permission for measurements. This is not the first time a Chinese company to clone on a European city. The municipality of Anting, about thirty kilometers from Shanghai, has built a district designed to accommodate 20,000 people which was called German city of Anting. Built on the model of a medium sized city Teutonic by the architectural firm Albert Speer & Partner, it has Bauhaus facade and a fountain with statues of Goethe and Schiller. British Town of Chengdu was built in 2005 on the model of the town of Dorchester, UK. A year later site of Thames Town completed near Shanghai , the town includes a church 66 feet high resembling Bristol Cathedral. There are also miniature versions of Barcelona and Venice near Shanghai, and a Nordic Town [northern city] in Scandinavian style. The architectural copies are popular for the Chinese middle class, who use them as the setting for their wedding photos. The Discomfort of Austrian village Hallstattadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Beijing police have increased helicopter patrols since May as an anti-terror precaution, according to the municipal public security authorities. Yang Dongfeng, captain of the air police team, said eight patrol routes cover almost all transport hubs, major urban centers, open markets, parks and checkpoints on highway entrances to Beijing. The Beijing helicopter police team was formed in 2007 for the Olympic Games and now has nine pilots and five helicopters. Five other new pilots are being trained abroad. The air police collect evidence, trail criminal suspects, support ground operations in combating terrorism, transfer policemen and facilities and assist traffic control. With helicopter monitoring, we can see the moves of suspects and even vehicle registration plates from the sky, said Yang. Besides the public security mission, the team also take part in environmental monitoring, aerial surveys and mapping, added Yang. Following recent terrorist attacks, China has increased armed patrols and reinforced public security. Besides increased air patrols, Beijing has more armed patrol vehicles and police dogs on the streets. Xinhua Beijing increases air patrols to combat terrorismadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline What Is the Kazakhstan National Fund?super mega lotto The Kazakhstan National Fund is a sovereign wealth fund for Kazakhstan that is operated by the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Key Takeaways The Kazakhstan National Fund is a sovereign wealth fund for Kazakhstan that is operated by the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The Kazakhstan National Fund was established in 2000, primarily to act as a stabilization fund to lessen the impact that volatility in oil, gas, and mineral prices have on the Republic of Kazakhstan. The Kazakhstan National Fund is financed from surplus revenues gained from taxes on the development of oil, gas, and mineral reserves. Understanding the Kazakhstan National Fund The Kazakhstan National Fund was established in 2000, primarily to act as a stabilization fund to lessen the impact that volatility in oil, gas, and mineral prices have on the Republic of Kazakhstan. The Kazakhstan National Fund is financed from surplus revenues gained from taxes on the development of oil, gas and mineral reserves. The Kazakhstan National Bank lists assets for the fund at $59.8 billion as of January 2021. Some $123.6 billion of that total was in gold. The fund has no website and issues no public reports on its activities. The Kazakhstan National Fund is a secretive organization, and little information can be found as to its governance, holdings or investment strategies. Kazakhstan National Fund's Assets Frozen In October 2017, Bank of New York Mellon (BNY), following a Belgian court order, froze $22.6 billion in assets held by Kazakhstans National Fund as part of a legal battle between the government and a Moldovan investor. Reuters reported that the freeze was connected to years-long political infighting in the country and the possibility of corruption associated with the Fund. In January 2018, a Dutch court overturned the freeze but with several strings attached, and in April 2020 a British court, too, weighed in on the case but did not grant broad relief to the Kazakh government seeking to remove those concessions ordered by the Dutch court. They deferred that decision to the original Belgian court, which heard the case in December of 2020 but has yet to reach a verdict as of February 2021. At stake among all of these disputes are whether sovereign wealth funds are investment arms of governments or independent institutional investors. These kinds of funds, of which Norway's is the largest at over $1 trillion, hold more than $7 trillion worth of wealth spread all over the globe. As a result, the ultimate decision on this case is closely watched by governments around the world. What Is Accounts Receivable Aging?ladbrokes coral online betting Accounts receivable aging is a periodic report that categorizes a company's accounts receivable according to the length of time an invoice has been outstanding. It is used as a gauge to determine the financial health and reliability of a company's customers. If the accounts receivable aging shows a company's receivables are being collected much more slowly than normal, this is a warning sign that business may be slowing down or that the company is taking greater credit risk in its sales practices. Key Takeaways Accounts receivable aging is the process of distinguishing open accounts receivables based on the length of time an invoice has been outstanding. Accounts receivable aging is useful in determining the allowance for doubtful accounts. The aged receivables report tabulates those invoices owed by length, often in 30-day segments, for quick reference. Accounts receivable aging is used to estimate the value of receivables that the company does not expect to collect. This information is used to adjust the company's financial statements to avoid overstating its income. Accounts Receivable Aging How Accounts Receivable Aging Works 1:33 Accounts receivable aging, as a management tool, can indicate that certain customers are becoming credit risks, and may reveal whether the company should keep doing business with customers that are chronically late payers. Accounts receivable aging has columns that are typically broken into date ranges of 30 days each and shows the total receivables that are currently due, as well as those that are past due for each 30-day time period. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Accounts receivable aging is useful in determining the allowance for doubtful accounts. When estimating the amount of bad debt to report on a companys financial statements, the accounts receivable aging report is useful to estimate the total amount to be written off. The primary useful feature is the aggregation of receivables based on the length of time the invoice has been past due. Accounts that are more than six months old are unlikely to be collected, except through collections or a court judgment. Companies apply a fixed percentage of default to each date range. Invoices that have been past due for longer periods of time are given a higher percentage due to increasing default risk and decreasing collectibility. The sum of the products from each outstanding date range provides an estimate regarding the total of uncollectible receivables. The IRS allows companies to write off aged receivables, but only if the company has given up on collecting the debt. Aged Receivables Report The aged receivables report is a table that provides details of specific receivables based on age. The specific receivables are aggregated at the bottom of the table to display the total receivables of a company, based on the number of days the invoice is past due. The typical column headers include 30-day windows of time, and the rows represent the receivables of each customer. Here's an example of an accounts receivable aging report. Accounts Receivable Aging Current 1-30 days 31-60 days 61-90 days Over 90 days Total Company ABC $200 $400 $0 $0 $0 $600 XYZ LLC $0 $500 $100 $0 $0 $600 UVW Inc. $0 $0 $1,000 $5,000 $2,500 $8,500 Total $200 $900 $1,100 $5,000 $2,500 $9,700 Benefits of Accounts Receivable Aging The findings from accounts receivable aging reports may be improved in various ways. First, accounts receivable are derivations of the extension of credit. If a company experiences difficulty collecting accounts, as evidenced by the accounts receivable aging report, problem customers may be required to do business on a cash-only basis. Therefore, the aging report is helpful in laying out credit and selling practices. Accounts receivable aging reports are also required for writing off bad debts. Tracking delinquent accounts allows the business to estimate the number of accounts that they will not be able to collect. It also helps to identify potential credit risks and cash flow issues. Companies will use the information on an accounts receivable aging report to create collection letters to send to customers with overdue balances. Accounts receivable aging reports may be mailed to customers along with the month-end statement or a collection letter that provides a detailed account of outstanding items. Therefore, an accounts receivable aging report may be utilized by internal as well as external individuals. How Do You Calculate Accounts Receivable Aging? Accounts receivable aging sorts the list of open accounts in order of their payment status. There are separate buckets for accounts that are current, those that are past due less than 30 days, 60 days, and so on. Based on the percentage of accounts that are more than 180 days old, a company can estimate the expected amount of unpaid accounts receivables for future write-offs. Why Is Accounts Receivable Aging Important? There are two main reasons for a company to track accounts receivable aging. The first is to keep track of overdue or delinquent accounts so that the company can continue to pursue old debts. These may be sold to collections, pursued in court, or simply written off. The second reason is so that the company can calculate the number of accounts for which it does not expect to receive payment. Using the allowance method, the company uses these estimates to include expected losses in its financial statement. What Is the Typical Method for Aging Accounts? The aging method is used to estimate the number of accounts receivable that cannot be collected. This is usually based on the aged receivables report, which divides past due accounts into 30-day buckets. Each bucket is assigned a percentage, based on the likelihood of payment. By multiplying the total receivables in each bucket by the assigned percentage, the company can estimate the expected amount of uncollectable receivables. What Is Modus Operandi (M.O.)?shiba inu to hit 1 dollar Modus operandi is a Latin term used in English-speaking circles to describe an individual's or group's habitual way of operating, which forms a discernible pattern. The term is primarily used when discussing criminal behavior, but it is not exclusively uttered in this context. Modus operandi can also be defined as a specific method of operation. For example, military strategists refer to an enemy's modus operandi when predicting the next threatening move in an armed conflict. Synonymous with the term "operating mode," modus operandi is routinely shortened to the initials "M.O.," in both written and verbal usage. Key Takeaways The term "modus operandi" is a Latin term that describes an individual or group's habitual way of operating, which represents a discernible pattern. A modus operandi (commonly abbreviated as "M.O.") is mainly used to discuss criminal behavior and is often used by professionals to prevent future crimes. Modi operandi may change over time, particularly by adapting to experiences as well as changing values. Studying patterns, not just those of criminals, can aid individuals who study and pay attention to them, such as investors. Understanding Modus Operandi Groups of people or different societies often exhibit thought patterns or behavioral patterns that are specific to those cultures. These M.O.s may vary widely across cultural or geographic boundaries. Furthermore, M.O.s are fluid, in that they may change as values evolve or as demographic breakdowns shift within a particular society. Individuals also often behave in the same way that they have done before, exhibiting similar patterns throughout their lifetime. Studying individuals and their decisions over time can lead one to predict an individual or business's next move. For example, Warren Buffett has stuck to a similar investing pattern his whole life, which he has made well known through speaking engagements, interviews, and books he has written. If one were to study all of this material and eventually understand Buffett's investing M.O., they would be able to guess his investing moves in certain economic conditions and perhaps apply the same strategies to their own portfolios. M.O., however, is most often attributed to criminals and crime syndicates and used to stop crime. Investigators, the FBI, and police organizations can utilize patterns in preventing crime and apprehending those that have or seek to commit it. Utilizing Modus Operandi An enemy's M.O. can be used by security experts to prevent an attack while it's still in the preparation stages. Known as "predictive profiling," this behavior is an extension of an M.O. that was developed by Israeli security forces in an effort to predict terrorist behavior, based on observing a group's or an individual's behavioral patterns. Predictive profiling is successful after observing potential threats, examining situations or objects surrounding said threats, and developing an operational profile. Security forces then use the operational profile to predict the next threat. If a person regularly meets with a known criminal element, at a certain house, at a particular time of day, the operational profile may predict the time and location of that person's next visit. Predictive profiling's logical conclusion is the prevention of a crime. Undercover security forces may confront criminal personalities at locations far from their houses to gather more information. If someone who poses a threat comes face to face with an authoritarian figure, they may become too scared to execute their intended criminal activity. Modus Operandi in Business When a company is operating at "business as usual" it is in its modus operandi. For investors and other stakeholders, this means stability. In this state, employees are carrying out their routines, customers are making purchases, and vendors are being paid. Disruptions to the modus operandi instead introduce question marks and increases volatility. Predictions and forecasts are harder to make when the modus operandi is interrupted, and losses may be incurred as a result. Modus operandi can also be taken with a negative connotation in business. If a company is merely operating habitually, it cannot grow, innovate, and adapt. As such, there needs to be a balance between maintaining "business as usual" and seeking new opportunities. Businesses can utilize predictive profiling to identify potential customer segments and create targeted advertising and marketing campaigns based on their M.O.s. Examples of Modus Operandi As an example, a Ponzi scheme's M.O. involves taking money from new investors and using it to pay off existing investors, to create the appearance that the latter group of individuals is drawing impressive returns on their capital investments. A straight-A student's M.O. might be to complete homework assignments before they are due, achieve a perfect attendance record, and visit with professors weekly during their office hours. An individual's daily routine may be considered an M.O. where someone follows the same order of activities, in an effort to regulate their lifestyles and live as efficiently as possible. M.O.s may also apply to business protocol. For example, when meeting a new contact, an M.O. might be to shake hands and make eye contact in order to establish a connection. What Does Modus Operandi Mean? Modus operandi is Latin, where it may be translated literally as "way of operating." What Is the Abbreviation for Modus Operandi? Modus operandi is sometimes abbreviated as M.O. Therefore, one's M.O. refers to their usual patterns of behaviors or habits. Does the Word Modus Operandi Have a Negative Connotation? Modus operandi, or M.O. was popularized in the context of criminal investigations. Suspects could be identified and captured based on understanding their usual habits, hangouts, and contacts. Because of that, the phrase may still carry negative connotations. That said, a modus operandi can also be neutral or even positive when used to describe non-criminal activities. The Bottom Line Modus operandi refers to the typical patterns of behavior, interactions, and locales of an individual or organization. From the Latin, meaning "way of operating" modus operandi can be used to predict outcomes based on these patterns of behavior and has been used by law enforcement and regulators to identify criminal activities. Predictive profiling can also be used by businesses to identify potential customer segments and create targeted advertising and marketing campaigns. Sen. Cotton: Biden climate agenda is an ideological war: 'They want high gas prices' closeVideo Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., torches Democrats for being responsible for high gas prices NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! The one promise that President Joe Biden has faithfully kept is his pledge to "close down" fossil fuels. We get two-thirds of our energy in America from fossil fuels, and almost one-third of our power comes from coal. That's quadruple the amount of energy we get from wind and solar, which are niche forms of energy. But Biden doesn't see it that way. He recently reiterated his pledge to end coal production altogether. "No one is building new coal plants because they can't rely on it," Biden said on Nov. 4 while in California. "We're going to be shutting these plants down all across America and having wind and solar." LEFT-WING GREEN AGENDA BACKED BY JOHN KERRY WOULD BE 'DISASTER' FOR DEVELOPING WORLD, EXPERTS SAY I hope the people in Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Wyoming are listening because thousands of mostly union jobs are associated with the coal plants he wants to shutter. Video Biden says we need to "shut down" these plants and the jobs that come with them because we need to combat climate change. One problem: Most of the rest of the world is using morecoal even as we use less. Even the sanctimonious Europeans are turning to coal because their natural gas supplies from Russia are no longer reliable. Germany is even burning wood now for home heating, which is about the most environmentally damaging way to get energy. But the biggest polluting villain by far is China. Beijing is now powering its rapid industrial expansion with fossil fuels. The Chinese have more than doubled their coal production and consumption over the last decade, even as we in America have cut our domestic coal by almost half. Beijing recently announced it is building dozens of massive newcoal plants. COP27: DELEGATES WEIGH CLIMATE COMPENSATION' FOR POOR NATIONS IMPACTED BY GLOBAL WARMING Does it sound like this nation of more than 1 billion people is concerned about climate change? Video White House climate envoy John Kerry has to explain how we are reducing global warming if every time we shut down a coal plant, China builds a new one or two or three. Coal was the critical fuel source that powered the industrial revolution in America, which made our economy the strongest in the world. Back then, coal was dirty, and the constant gurgling of emissions from massive coal plants turned cities like Pittsburgh into 50 shades of gray smog. CLICK HERE TO GET THE OPINION NEWSLETTER That was then. Now, American coal plants are cleaner all the time. In 2020, the Department of Energy issued a report that found: "Coal-fired electricity generation is cleaner than ever. Research shows that a new coal plant with pollution controls reduces nitrogen oxides by 83 percent, sulfur dioxide by 98 percent, and particulate matter by 99.8 percent compared to plants without controls." Video That's a giant reduction. It's one of the major reasons why the air that we breathe today in America has been getting cleaner for 50 years. We've reduced levels of lead, carbon monoxide, sulfur and other pollutants by more than 50% -- not bad, given that our economy is four times bigger. The same DOE report found that "over the next 30 years, new coal production of 145-345 million tons could result in 47,500 coal mining jobs. The carbon products could also result in product value of near $139 billion and 480,000 manufacturing jobs tied directly to carbon products." That's a lot of jobs, but the operative word here is could. Will we? Not if Biden has his way. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP That would be a damn shame. Under the Biden plan, we would move technologically in reverse in our energy sources. America got rich by replacing windmills with coal plants, and now, 150 years later, Biden wants to replace coal with windmills. That's a strategy for energy poverty and cold, dark nights. If you don't believe me, ask the Europeans who are back to using candles to light their homes during rolling power blackouts. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM STEPHEN MOORE Stephen Moore is a senior fellow at the Heritage Foundation and an economist with FreedomWorks. His latest book is "Govzilla: How the Relentless Growth of Government is Devouring our Economy." What Is Genuine Progress Indicator (GPI)?mobile vet clinic for sale A genuine progress indicator (GPI) is a metric used to measure the economic growth of a country. It is often considered an alternative metric to the more well-known gross domestic product (GDP) economic indicator. The GPI indicator takes everything the GDP uses into account but adds other figures that represent the cost of the negative effects related to economic activity, such as the cost of crime, cost of ozone depletion, and cost of resource depletion, among others. The GPI nets the positive and negative results of economic growth to examine whether or not it has benefited people overall. Key Takeaways The genuine progress indicator (GPI) is a national-level measure of economic growth and prosperity. GPI is an alternative metric to GDP but which accounts for externalities such as pollution. As such, GPI is considered to be a better measure of growth from the perspective of green or social economics. Proponents suggest that GPI is a better metric as it provides a full view of the health of a nation. Critics suggest that some GPI measures are too subjective, rendering it a less effective tool for measuring economic growth. How the Genuine Progress Indicator Works The Genuine Progress Indicator is an attempt to measure whether the environmental impact and social costs of economic production and consumption in a country are negative or positive factors in overall health and well-being. The GPI metric was developed out of the theories of green economics (which sees the economic market as a piece within an ecosystem). Proponents of the GPI see it as a better measure of the sustainability of an economy when compared to the GDP measure. Since 1995, the GPI indicator has grown in stature and is used in Canada and the United States. However, both these countries still report their economic information in GDP to remain in line with the more widespread practice. History of Genuine Progress Indicator In the 1930s, the Roosevelt administration sought ways to measure the United States's economic output after instituting policies to address a failing economy using questionable data. The Department of Commerce enlisted National Bureau of Economic Research economist Simon Kuznets to establish more suitable economic metrics than what was previously used. In response, he presented to Congress his report "National Income 1929-1935", which gave birth to the concept of gross domestic product (GDP). Prior to the 1930s, there was no way to measure national income and output. However, Kuznets warned that the GDP would not be able to measure the welfare of a nation. So, some 30 years later in 1995, U.S.-based organization Redefining Progress built upon this notion, creating a pathway for Clifford Cobb, Ted Halstead, and Jonathan Rowe to create the Genuine Progress Indicator (GPI), which consists of 26 indicators. This new metric was designed to define a nation's welfare not only by its economic measures but also by the state of its social, environmental, and human conditions. Because GPI is loosely defined, practitioners developed their own parameters for which to measure economic welfare. The inconsistencies made it difficult to compare one economy to another and, therefore, rendered some minimally useful. Two GPI summits were held to address these inconsistencies, and, as a result, researchers and practitioners modified GPIGPI 2.0to streamline the accounting processes and replace antiquated methodologies that did not provide an accurate and complete picture of an economy. A pilot is underway in select U.S. states and Canada to test the efficacy of GPI 2.0. GPI vs. GDP GDP increases twice when pollution is created once upon creation (as a side-effect of some valuable process) and again when the pollution is cleaned up. By contrast, GPI counts the initial pollution as a loss rather than a gain, generally equal to the amount it will cost to clean up later plus the cost of any negative impact the pollution will have in the meantime. Quantifying the costs and benefits of these environmental and social externalities is a difficult task. By accounting for the costs borne by the society as a whole to repair or control pollution and poverty, GPI balances GDP spending against external costs. GPI advocates claim that it can more reliably measure economic progress as it distinguishes between the overall "shift in the 'value basis' of a product, adding its ecological impacts into the equation." The relationship between GDP and GPI mimics the relationship between the gross profit and net profit of a company. The net profit is the gross profit minus the costs incurred, while the GPI is the GDP (value of all goods and services produced) minus the environmental and social costs. Accordingly, the GPI will be zero if the financial costs of poverty and pollution equal the financial gains from the production of goods and services, all other factors being constant. Advantages and Disadvantages of GPI Genuine Progress Indicator (GPI) measures the economy holistically by considering economic indicators that the GDP doesn't. For example, it accounts for negative externalities, such as pollution and crime, and other social breakdowns that compromise the economy and the welfare of the people it serves. These events create large societal costs from the resulting damages. Benefits to society, such as volunteerism, housework, and higher education are significant contributions to society but were largely ignored because they were difficult to quantify. And as no consideration is given in exchange for these types of services, they are not included in the GDP. However, to account for their impact on the economy, the GPI prescribes values to each. Accounting for these activities and events that ordinarily have no assigned values can be problematic. Including them requires values to be assigned, and these values can differ based on who is ascribing them. This level of subjectivity can make it difficult to compare GPIs. Also, the broad definition of GPI allows for different interpretations and calculations. These inconsistencies can make it difficult to get an accurate accounting of factors and compare GPIs. They also make it difficult for GPI to be adopted as the economic standard of measurement. Includes environmental and social factors not considered in the GDP Assigns values to societal contributions, such as volunteering Makes it difficult to compare GPIs due to subjectivity Allows for different interpretations and calculations due to broad definition Genuine Progress Indicator FAQs How Is GPI Different From GDP? ProsCons Genuine Progress Indicator (GPI) factors in all the components of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and includes environmental and social elements that impact the economy, such as pollution, volunteerism, crime, and climate change. Some economists suggest that GPI is a better metric than GDP as it gives a holistic view of the wellbeing of a nation's economy. How Is GPI Calculated? The GPI formula is GPI = C adj + G + W - D - S - E - N Where: C adj = personal consumption with income distribution adjustments = personal consumption with income distribution adjustments G = capital growth W = unconventional contributions to welfare, such as volunteerism D = defensive private spending S = activities that negatively impact social capital E = costs associated with the deterioration of the environment N = activities that negatively impact natural capital What Are the Component Indicators of the GPI? The GPI consists of 26 indicators, grouped into three categories (social, economic, and environmental). Each measures a different condition of the economy. Within the social category, you will find crime, family structure, academics, and more. In the environmental category, you will find pollution, climate change, and other factors that positively or negatively affect the environment. Who Created the Genuine Progress Indicator? Taking on Simon Kuznets's disclaimer that GDP could not adequately tell how a nation is faring overall, Clifford Cobb developed the Genuine Progress Indicator (GPI) along with Ted Halstead and Jonathan Rowe in 1995. The Bottom Line Genuine Progress Indicator (GPI) is an economic tool used to measure the health of a nation's economy. It incorporates environmental and social factors, such as family structure, benefits from higher education, crime, and pollution, not considered in the GDP. GPI determines whether these other factors negatively or positively the economy, and can provide a holistic view into how they affect the lives and welfare of society. What Is a Covenant?playup betting don johnson gambler In its broadest sense, a covenant is a promise, agreement, or contract between two parties. As part of the covenant, the two parties agree that certain activities will or will not be carried out. Covenants in finance most often relate to terms in a financial contract, such as a loan document or bond issue stating the limits at which the borrower can further lend. Covenants in religion often convey the binding relationship between a deity and humanity. Covenant Key Takeaways Covenants are agreements between multiple parties that create a legally binding agreement on how each party is to perform. Covenants can either promote activity to occur (positive covenant) or disallow an event or condition (negative covenant). Debt covenants are most common, as they place financial covenants on the borrower and lender as part of the loan agreement. Covenants are legally binding clauses, and if breached will trigger compensatory or other legal action. Many sectors including finance, real estate, law, and religion have covenants, though it is used in many different contexts across each group. Understanding Covenants 1:28 Regarding business, covenants are most often represented in terms of financial ratios that must be maintained such as a maximum debt-to-asset ratio or other such ratios. Covenants can cover everything from minimum dividend payments to levels that must be maintained in working capital to key employees remaining with the firm. Once a covenant is broken, the lender typically has the right to call back the obligation from the borrower or take measures to reduce the lender's risk. Generally, there are two types of primary covenants included in agreements: affirmative covenants and negative covenants. In addition, a third type of covenantfinancial covenantsis sometimes separated into its own category. Affirmative Covenants An affirmative or positive covenant is a clause in a loan contract that requires a borrower to perform specific actions. Examples of affirmative covenants include requirements to maintain adequate levels of insurance, requirements to furnish audited financial statements to the lender, compliance with applicable laws, and maintenance of proper accounting books and credit rating, if applicable. A violation of an affirmative covenant ordinarily results in outright default. Certain loan contracts may contain clauses that provide a borrower with a grace period to remedy the violation. If not corrected, creditors are entitled to announce default and demand immediate repayment of principal and any accrued interest. Negative Covenants Negative covenants are put in place to make borrowers refrain from certain actions that could result in the deterioration of their credit standing and ability to repay existing debt. The most common forms of negative covenants restrict or forbid something from happening. Common examples include restricting a company from issuing dividends to its shareholders, restricting management fees from being paid to related parties, or restricting the amount of debt a business can carry. A negative covenant can be circumnavigated with specific overriding approval of the covenant issuer. For example, imagine a company that wants to embark on a merger but is not allowed to due to a negative covenant. Should the opposite party in the covenant agree to release the restriction, the company can proceed. This may also be the case during the acquisition of real estate, capital investments, or disposition of assets. Numerical or Financial Covenants Last, a covenant can be tied to a specific numerical metric. This metric is often financial and may be a single number or calculation to derive a certain ratio for value. A financial covenant is often monitored closely over time as it is the most likely covenant to suddenly change. The argument could be made that a financial covenant is actually a positive or negative covenant. For example, imagine a company being required to maintain a certain financial ratio above a certain calculated amount. Since this is imposing a requirement, it could technically be classified as a positive covenant. However, some view positive or negative covenants as a single outcome (i.e. a company must maintain GAAP records). Meanwhile, financial covenants evaluate operating performance to ensure the overall health of the entity. In business, financial covenants are often separated into maintenance covenants or incurrence covenants. Maintenance covenants often stipulate operating performance that can not be breached. An example is the interest coverage ratio to ensure a company has sufficient earnings to cover interest assessments. Incurrence covenants occur when a company takes action that impacts financial performance. For example, a company must maintain its debt-to-equity ratio above 0.40; should it wish to raise more debt, it must ensure it satisfies the incurrence covenant. In finance, covenants are often put in place by lenders to protect themselves from borrowers defaulting on their obligations due to financial actions detrimental to themselves or the business. Types of Covenants Different industries and sectors have different types of covenants. In general, it's pretty common to see both positive and negative covenants across different industries. Debt Covenants Debt covenants have been the example used most within this article. A debt covenant arises when an entity works with a financial institution to take out a loan. To secure the loan, the entity must agree to meet certain criteria, not perform certain activities, and maintain good financial standing. Debt covenants can also impact the lender. For instance, imagine a company secures a line of credit and hopes to use this line over the next several years. It is in the company's best interest to partner with a bank that maintains good financial standing and manages operational risk. Therefore, the borrower may impost covenants on the lender as part of the agreement to ensure the borrower will have long-term capabilities of securing financing. Property Covenants A property covenant is an agreement between multiple parties that stipulates how real property or real estate will or will not be used. These types of covenants may restrict the landowner or require specific action to be taken. For example, homeowner association covenants often require property to have trees trimmed to a certain length or outline how parking spaces are to be utilized. Some property covenants will "run with the land" or exist in perpetuity regardless of who the owner is. For example, a property covenant may restrict the type or quantity of livestock allowed on a property. Should this covenant be transferrable to any new owner in the future, the covenant is tied to the land. Covenants have been historically used to discriminate against race, religion, or sexual orientation. For example, more than 500 of these historical covenants were discovered applying to 20,000 properties in King County, Washington. Supreme Court rulings and state law now make these discriminatory covenants illegal. Law Covenants While covenants are legal agreements by their nature, covenants are also simply part of the legal system. Law is a form of covenant, as law covenants are often negative covenants that restrict an individual or company from performing certain actions. The law may explain the outcome of what will happen should the covenant (law) be broken. Any common law intended to prevent criminal activity is an example of a law covenant. Religious Covenants Covenants are often found in religion, as a deity often makes promises or agreements to the people of the world or requires something of humankind. Although examples of religious covenants within the Bible are discussed below, covenants are a common part across Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. There are two types of covenants in the Bible. First, condition covenants are promises from God that certain outcomes will occur. However, for God to fulfill his part of the covenant, humanity must do its part first. In the first two chapters of Genesis, God promises Adam that blessing and curses depend on the faithfulness of mankind; by eating the forbidden fruit, Adam broke the conditional covenant. Second, the Bible includes unconditional covenants which are promises from God that he will fulfill an oath with his divine power without any associated conditions. By creating a rainbow after Noah survived the flood, God essentially promised to all of mankind that such destruction would not happen again. No further requirement was needed from mankind to make this happen. Covenant Violations A covenant violationoften called a breach of covenantis a failure to uphold the agreed-upon terms of a covenant. Whether a party failed to execute a positive covenant, performed a task it shouldn't have as outlined by a negative covenant, or wasn't able to maintain certain operational metrics, the contract has been broken. Debt Covenant Violations A bond violation is a breach of the terms of the covenants of a bond. Bond covenants are designed to protect the interests of both parties, where the inclusion of the covenant is in the bond's indenture, which is the binding agreement, contract, or document between two or more parties. When an issuer violates a bond covenant, it is considered to be in technical default. A common penalty for violating a bond covenant is the downgrading of a bond's rating, which could make it less attractive to investors and increase the issuer's borrowing costs. For example, Moody's, one of the major credit rating agencies in the United States, rates a bond's covenant quality on a scale of 1 to 5, with five being the worst. This means that a bond with a covenant rating of five is an indication that covenants are being violated consistently. Lenders will often allow for remedy on violated covenants. For financial covenants, after a company has breached its covenant, it must often: Obtain proficient financial metrics that comply with the covenant Sustain those metrics over an agree-upon timeframe Other Violations In general, a party may have legal recourse to seek compensation for damages should a different party have breached a covenant. For property, failure to comply with association rules or covenants may result in fines or liens. Though an HOA can not force a homeowner to sell their home, other types of property covenants may call for liquidation or transfer of ownership. Failure to comply with law covenants results in fines, penalties, fees, or more serious legal punishment. When you park your car on the side of the street, you are subject to the covenant that stipulates you pay for that space during a specific time. Should you fail to comply, you are subject to a parking ticket. Any court proceeding or case is an example of a failed covenant. Last, different religions uphold different consequences for not adhering to specific teachings. The Quran states that should someone stray from believing in Islamic teachings, Allah will never forgive them nor will He guide them "to the right way." Example of Bond or Debt Covenants As part of its 2021 annual report, Amazon.com, Inc. publicly disclosed its note payable obligation. Because of the potential importance and restriction of covenants, it chose to publicly state that the notes were not subject to any covenants. Alternatively, Apple, Inc. also report notes payable, though there are terms and conditions as part of their debt obligation. The following excerpt from its 2021 annual report outlines exceptions the limitations on additional interest on the notes: "The Company will, subject to the exceptions and limitations set forth below, pay as additional interest on the Notes such additional amounts (Additional Amounts) as are necessary in order that the net payment by the Company or the paying agent of the Company...will not be less than the amount provided in the Notes to be then due and payable." Apple further discusses covenants restricting consolidation or merger activity. Their covenant states they may perform these activities as long as: "We are the continuing entity, or the resulting, surviving or transferee person (the Successor) is a person (if such person is not a corporation, then the Successor will include a corporate co-issuer of the debt securities) organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America, any state thereof or the District of Columbia and the Successor (if not us) will expressly assume, by supplemental indenture, all of our obligations under the debt securities and the applicable Indenture and, for each security that by its terms provides for conversion, provide for the right to convert such security in accordance with its terms "Immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no default or event of default under the applicable Indenture has occurred and is continuing "In the case of the 2013 Indenture, the trustee receives from us an officers certificate and an opinion of counsel that the transaction and such supplemental indenture, as the case may be, complies with the applicable provisions of the 2013 Indenture." What Are Examples of Covenants? Covenants may be related to finances, property, law, or religion. In business, a loan covenant may disallow a company from acquiring another company or may require a certain amount of cash on hand. A property covenant may require the grass to be cut a specific number of times per year. A religious covenant may be a promise from God to never send a destructive flood like the one Noah experienced again. What Do Covenants on a Property Mean? Covenants on a property restrict how a property can be used or set the precedence of how it must be used. Consider a house part of a homeowner's association. The HOA may restrict the owner from renting out the property or listing the property on Airbnb. What Is an Example of Covenants in Real Estate? Real estate covenants used to restrict who could legally purchase or occupy real property. For example, consider covenants in King County (Seattle) that used to restrict race, national origin, or ethnic background. Today, real estate covenants are more related to the actual operation and maintenance of a home. Some covenants require certain action to be taken (i.e., owners of a home must trim their trees) while others restrict action (i.e., owners of a home are not allowed to build a fence). What Are the Covenants in a Contract? A contract can outline any covenant one party wishes to require as long as the other party agrees to its compliance. As part of the contracting stage, the two parties must communicate their requirements and negotiate what to include and exclude in a contract. The covenants listed from one contract to another may be entirely different as different parties may wish to be protected in different ways. What Is the Lord's Covenant? According to the Bible, the Lord has made several covenants. At the highest level, God has promised to humanity that he will one day return to Earth and grant everlasting life. The Bible also outlines several other covenants where God has made a promise to mankind that may or may not require action on humanity's part. Texas school board adopts new policy making students use bathrooms according to gender assigned at birth closeVideo The Frisco Independent School Board voted in favor of a new policy that requires transgender students to use bathrooms and changing rooms that align with their birth gender. A Texas school district changed its rules to require students to use bathrooms and changing rooms that align with their gender assigned at birth. However, the policy explicitly states that it would not prohibit the district from making accommodations for students or parents upon request. Trustees said accommodations will be made for students who ask to use private bathrooms. The Frisco Independent School District school board passed the updated policy at a meeting on Monday night. The Frisco Independent School District changed its rules to require students to use bathrooms and changing rooms that align with the gender assigned at birth. (iStock) Parents and community members spoke for and against the policy during public comment. Some remarked in support for the updated policy, saying, "God created only two sexes at birth." BIDEN ADMIN HOLDING SCHOOL LUNCH MONEY 'HOSTAGE' TO FORCE TRANSGENDER POLICIES, ACTIVIST PARENT SAYS Advocates for the transgender community disagreed with the move, saying it was unnecessary and unfairly targets a small handful of students. "According to recent studies, 75% of transgender youth feel unsafe at school. Having to ask for and use a special bathroom requires the trans student to draw attention to themselves and may require them to run across the entire campus to tend to their bodily functions. That is not inclusive, or kind," parent Ellie Patel told Fox 4. Gov. Greg Abbott told state school boards to develop standards to ban books with "overtly sexual" content in schools across Texas. (iStock) The board also approved new library book policies in connection to books that are being reviewed or challenged due to their content. That move comes as Texas Republicans put pressure on schools to get rid of books deemed sexually explicit. On Nov. 1, newly re-elected Texas Gov. Greg Abbott wrote in a letter asking the state's association of school boards to "ensure no child is exposed to pornography or other inappropriate content in a Texas public school." CALIFORNIA HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER BOASTS 'QUEER LIBRARY' WITH MATERIAL ON ORGIES AND BDSM/KINK Abbott said that parents have the right to shield their children from certain content in schools and that public schools shouldn't have "pornographic or obscene material." He asked the organization to determine the extent to which such material exists and remove it. "A growing number of parents of Texas students are becoming increasingly alarmed about some of the books and other content found in public school libraries that are extremely inappropriate in the public education system," he wrote. "The most flagrant examples include clearly pornographic images and substance that have no place in the Texas public education system." CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP The letter did not provide any specific examples of such content. Sarah Rumpf is a Fox News Digital Production Assistant. You can reach her on Twitter at @rumpfsarahc Photo taken on Sept. 25, 2022 shows a "flower basket" at Tian'anmen Square in Beijing, capital of China. The 18-meter-tall display in the shape of a flower basket is placed at Tian'anmen Square as a decoration for the upcoming National Day holiday.(Photo: Xinhua) Chinese President Xi Jinping has written a foreword, titled "Forging Ahead on the Journey to National Rejuvenation," for works of literature collected in the Revitalization Library, which will soon be published.In the foreword, Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, emphasized the necessity to draw on the lessons of history, reflect on the past, look to the future, and press forward on the journey to national rejuvenation.The compilation of the Revitalization Library is a major cultural project approved by the CPC Central Committee, noted Xi. Its publication is significant for the Chinese people to firm up confidence in history, grasp the trend of the times, follow the Chinese way, and promote the great national rejuvenation through the Chinese path to modernization.The Chinese nation, as a great nation in the world, has made indelible contributions to the progress of human civilization, Xi said. After the advent of modern times, it suffered greater ravages than ever before. Since the CPC was founded, the Party has united and led the people to fight tough struggles and find the correct path to realize the great national rejuvenation, he added.Prospects for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation have been brighter than ever before, Xi said.Under the strong leadership of the CPC, Xi said, the Chinese people are able to secure the future of China's development and progress firmly in their own hands.The Revitalization Library is compiled and published to tell and record the exploration of the forefathers and inspire future generations via the collection of vital ideological works since modern times, Xi said.Noting that momentous changes not seen in a century are gripping the world at an accelerating pace, and China has come to a pivotal moment for realizing the great national rejuvenation, Xi stressed the need to draw on the lessons of history, reflect on the past and look to the future.Xi stressed the need to have a clear grasp of why we were successful in the past and how we can continue to succeed in the future.He underscored the importance of standing firm in ideals and convictions and pooling great strength to contribute the wisdom and strength of our generation to the realization of the Chinese Dream of great national rejuvenation.The Revitalization Library focuses on the theme of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. It features a collection of significant literature related to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation since the Opium War in 1840.It gives a panoramic view of the historical course of perseverant exploration of the outstanding sons and daughters of the Chinese nation represented by Chinese Communists in making the country prosperous and strong, achieving national revitalization, and bringing happiness to the people.Boasting five volumes in total, the Revitalization Library will see the publication of its first three volumes in the coming days. This photo taken on August 23, 2022 shows a US military Osprey aircraft at the US Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in the centre of the city of Ginowan, Okinawa prefecture. Photo: AFP The burden of hosting US military bases continues to be a matter of concern for Okinawans, even half a century after its return to Japan. The natives have spent decades protesting the presence of the US military in their daily lives, and one of them is Jinshiro Motoyama (), who made headlines for carrying out hunger strikes for the cause. Global Times () reporter Xing Xiaojing talked to Motoyama recently about his activities and the political prospect of Okinawa.In February 2019, as a representative of the civic group "Henoko Okinawan Resident Vote Assembly," I organized a referendum in Okinawa Prefecture on whether to support the relocation of the US Marine Corps Air Station Futenma to the Henoko area. Over 70 percent of the voters expressed opposition to the proposal.At that time, the Japanese government said it respected the result of the vote, but in fact it continued to promote the relocation plan.In May, the Japanese government celebrated the 50th anniversary of Okinawa's "return," but that was nothing to celebrate at all. By launching a hunger strike, I raised three demands to the Japanese government: Immediately stop constructing new military bases in the Henoko area of Okinawa Prefecture; close the Futenma Airport in few years; disclose all Japan-US agreements related to the US-Japan Status of Forces Agreement and reconsider them after democratic discussions with the population of the Okinawa Prefecture.The strike has received widespread attention, and some reporters have asked the chief cabinet secretary and minister of defense about them, but all they received were cliches without direct responses. From this point of view, my demands have not been met. But it has succeeded in promoting the international community's renewed attention and discussion on the Okinawa issue. This made me believe that this event is meaningful.I have never been threatened in real life, but there has been a lot of slander on the internet. However, I do not care at all. I'm just thinking about what else I can do for Okinawa and for the peace and stability in East Asia.Over 70 percent of US military bases stationed in Japan are in Okinawa, and the Japanese government has continuously strengthened its military deployments in Okinawa. These are all actions of the Japan-US alliance to confront China. The US-Japan security treaty cannot protect Okinawa and people of Okinawa. The Japanese government hyped that "a Taiwan crisis would be a Japan crisis," and Okinawa has been regarded as a front line by the Japanese government.I was born in Ginowan, Okinawa in November 1991. Living near the military facilities, I was surrounded by fear all the time. For decades, US troops stationed in Okinawa committed vicious incidents including throwing objects from heights, noise pollution and other crimes, ignoring Japanese laws. They also contaminated the natural environment that Okinawan people depend on with toxic chemicals, including Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). The human rights of the people of Okinawa have been seriously violated, and they have lived in anxiety for many years - the right to peace is also a human right.From a security point of view, the Japanese government should reduce or even stop hyping that "a Taiwan crisis would be a Japan crisis," and practically improve relations with neighboring countries through peaceful dialogues. This is to protect the people of Okinawa. Okinawa should not be the front line of war. It should be the frontline of cultural exchanges with China, South Korea, North Korea and other countries.This depends on the Japanese government. Regrettable, it is impossible to have expectations of the Japanese government, which has been turning a deaf ear to the voices of the Okinawan people.The Okinawan people have expressed their demands in various ways, and have actively sought opportunities to speak out in the international community. Based on such consideration, I participated in the convening of the dialogue on the theme of "Do not let Okinawa become a battlefield" to be held on October 15. I am also currently preparing a speech on Okinawa in London.Motoyama: In general, people who support "Ryukyu independence" are still a minority in Okinawa, but the Okinawan people's dissatisfaction and distrust toward the Japanese government are indeed increasing day by day. As just mentioned, Denny Tamaki defeating ruling-coalition-backed Atsushi Sakima is a strong proof. This is because the Okinawan people do not believe that the candidates supported by the Japanese government will really be good for Okinawa. TEHRAN,sixers point spread win11bet slot Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- The Iranian foreign ministry on Tuesday strongly condemned the latest EU and British sanctions against Iranian individuals and organizations. Nasser Kanaani, the ministry spokesman, said in a press release that the sanctions are baseless and illegal, constituting interference in Iran's internal affairs. Iran will respond proportionately to such non-constructive and futile measures, he added. A day earlier, the European Union and Britain imposed sanctions against Iran in a coordinated action. The British government announced a new package of sanctions, targeting 24 Iranian officials for what it called human rights violations. The EU sanctions were slapped on 29 individuals and three organizations in Iran, including Iran's interior minister and several senior police and military officials. Jeremy Fleming. Photo: AFP When British gentlemen desperately badmouthed China's use of technology,losing their dignity and revealing their true hooligan nature, it's perhaps the most entertaining episode on today's international stage.Jeremy Fleming, head of Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), UK's electronic spy agency, on Tuesday accused China of trying to "rewrite the rules of international security," claiming China is using its economic and technological clout to clamp down at home and exert control abroad, AP reported. According to Fleming, the way China deploys emerging technology, from satellite systems such as BeiDou to digital currencies, could represent a "huge threat to us all." Fleming's planned speech comes after the head of the FBI and his British counterpart groundlessly accused China of using "every tool" to steal Western technology in July.This, of course, is utter nonsense. Concocting "China technological threat" theory has become one of the priorities of British and US intelligence agencies. It seems only by constantly fabricating and exaggerating the "security threat from China" can they demonstrate the value of their existence and obtain more funding and private interests.Fleming, Britain's top cyber spy, talked rubbish. He singled out BeiDou, claiming the system could be used to block adversaries' access to space or bolster surveillance. We have to ask: Then what are the EU's Galileo system and US' GPS satellite system used for? Why can't China have its own navigation satellite system which will not only meet the demand of the country's national security, economic as well as social development but also better serve global users by providing more stable and reliable services?"Countries, particularly the US and the UK, want to maintain their monopoly in the high-tech sector, so that they could be able to control the lifeline of future economic development and monopolize the tech advantages in emerging industries," Gao Jian, director of the Center for British Studies at Shanghai International Studies University, told the Global Times.As a matter of fact, the UK and US intelligence agencies' weaponization of technologies is truly the greatest security threat to the world. British commentator Tom Fowdy told the Global Times that "Fleming's claim is hypocritical projection from the UK. There are no other countries on earth who utilize technology for surveillance and coercive purposes than Britain and the United States as a part of the five eyes alliance." He further said China's goal is to utilize technology for its own development and progress, and not for far-reaching geopolitical or hegemonic ambitions.The US, the UK and some other Western countries have long been engaged in weaponizing technologies in spying and monitoring military enterprises, scientific research institutes, and government agencies of not only their deemed rivals but also allies. A cybersecurity report in June showed the US military and government cyber agencies had remotely stolen over 97 billion pieces of global internet data and 124 billion phone records over the past 30 days, which became a significant source of intelligence for the US, the UK and other "Five Eyes" countries. Earlier this month, the US National Security Agency was exposed after it launched a cyberattack and engaged in data theft against the Northwestern Polytechnical University in China.The intelligence network created by the US and the UK is the source of evil in the world and the biggest threat to global security. "American and British intelligence agencies are going on a rampage in global cyberspace, conducting various attacks on other countries' cyber infrastructure and intercepting intelligence. They are robbers. Now these robbers accuse China, a victim of their attacks, of conspiring to control the world, on what grounds?" asked Shen Yi, a professor at the School of International Relations and Public Affairs of Fudan University.The US and the UK intelligence agencies have a bad record. Based on past facts, the US and the UK must have projected their own foul deeds and crimes onto China. "The Royal United Services Institute, as an old leading think tank in the UK, has allowed the insane rhetoric of the intelligence agency chief to come to the fore. Where is its basic ability to judge the quality of a speech?" asked Shen. Nearly 3,000 deputies to the national legislature made their choice on Thursday, electing Xi Jinping as the leader of China and its military. Long applause filled the Great Hall of the People as Xi was elected president of the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) and chairman of the PRC Central Military Commission. Xis new role follows his election on Nov. 15 last year, when he was elected general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and chairman of the CPC Central Military Commission. Xi is now the leader of the CPC, the state and the military. Xi rose from his seat and bowed to the deputies. In a warm handshake, Xi was congratulated by his predecessor Hu Jintao. Xi is the seventh Chinese president following Mao Zedong, Liu Shaoqi, Li Xiannian, Yang Shangkun, Jiang Zemin and Hu Jintao. While meeting the press shortly after he became general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, Xi said the new leadership would shoulder the responsibilities for the nation, the people and the Party and he pledged to fulfill the missions entrusted by the people. Four months into office, Xi has started with a good beginning by pushing forward a series of popular policy measures. Xi has stressed the importance of reform and the rule of law, initiated a campaign to curb extravagance, and urged strict disciplines on the CPC and the military and an all-out effort to tackle corruption. He also reiterated Chinas policy of peaceful development and underlined opportunities that the world might get from Chinas rise. The new leadership led by Xi has won respect and trust from the Chinese people. A media commentary said Chinas New Deal has taken shape. FAITH IN CHINA Two weeks after his November election, Xi showed his confidence in leading the country while visiting the National Museum of China along with other members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee. We will surely complete the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects when the CPC celebrates its centenary, and turn China into a modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced and harmonious when the PRC marks its centennial, Xi said. I firmly believe that the great dream of the renewal of the Chinese nation will come true, Xi said in front of an exhibition depicting the countrys struggles over the past 170 years. Rising from a CPC branch secretary in a village brigade, Xi fostered his experience in performing duties, dealing with domestic issues and handling foreign and defense affairs while serving higher positions. An enterprising man, Xi knows how global and national conditions have changed and which challenges are facing the nation. His confidence in coming up with the idea of the Chinese dream, as well as his determination, is impressive. Our system will be improved and the superiority of our socialist system will be fully demonstrated through a brighter future, Xi said. We should have firm confidence in our path, in our theories and in our system. The selection of path is a life-or-death issue for the future of the CPC, he told the new leadership. We should unswervingly uphold socialism with Chinese characteristics. He called for the new leadership to enhance their study and practice of the theory of socialism with Chinese characteristics, accelerate the construction of a moderately prosperous society, improve the peoples livelihoods, strengthen Party-building and deepen reform and opening up. Emphasizing the importance of the rule of law in building a moderately prosperous society, Xi called on CPC members to take the lead to ensure the implementation of the Constitution and act in accordance with the law. The people should be able to enjoy justice and fairness in every legal case, Xi said. To forge iron, ones own self must be strong, Xi said. Our job is to work with all CPC members to supervise our own conduct through strict disciplines and effectively solve major problems within the Party. Extravagance risks the collapse of a political party, Xi said, warning that corruption has become a life-or-death challenge facing the CPC and the nation. After becoming the general secretary, Xi promised to crack down on corruption, restrict power by the cage of regulations and make cadres be respectful of law and refrain from wrongdoing. He also vowed to go after both flies and tigers, which imply corrupt low-level functionaries and big powers respectively. A number of suspected corrupt officials have been investigated or prosecuted over the past four months. Being the general secretary, Xi conducted his first inspection tour to southern Guangdong Province, a pioneer in Chinas reform and opening up more than three decades ago. Many interpreted the move as a strong sign to continue the countrys reform and opening-up drive. To bring the Chinese dream to fruition, the country needs to continue its reform and opening-up drive, a point Xi reiterated during his trip to Guangdong and in group studies conducted for the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee. Well never stop reform and opening up, Xi said. We must waste no time in deepening reforms in key areas. Some of the reforms China needs to carry out include transforming government functions and streamlining the administrative system. At the second plenary session of the 18th CPC Central Committee held in February, Xi stressed that the government should figure out what it should do and not do in changing its functions. Different roles and responsibilities of the government, the market and the society should be clearly defined, but the service of the government to the people should never change, Xi said. Sustainable, high-quality economic growth is also imperative for the Chinese dream, as China is now the worlds second-largest economy. Future growth must be tangible and not exaggerated, Xi said. It should be sustainable with good performance and good quality. He urged accelerating the adjustment of Chinas economic structure and the transformation of its mode of economic development, adding that the country must implement an innovation-driven strategy for future development that focuses on growth quality and performance. As chairman of the CPC Central Military Commission, Xi said a strong military is needed for the great renewal of the Chinese nation. He has demonstrated his strategic thinking on how to consolidate national defense and build strong armed forces. For the past four months, Xi has inspected the army, navy, air force, second artillery corps and armed police, boarding warships and combat vehicles. During an inspection tour to the Guangzhou Military Theater of Operations in December, Xi emphasized that soldiers must be loyal to the CPC and abide by the law. The armed forces need to be ready to assemble at the first call of the CPC and be capable of fighting and winning any battle, Xi said while inspecting the Lanzhou Military Area. While vowing to never allow the countrys national sovereignty, security and development interests to be infringed upon, Xi reiterated that China will always remain a staunch force in upholding world peace, as the nation suffered from wars in the past. We will never seek hegemony or engage in expansion, he said. When he met CY Leung and Chui Sai On, chief executives of the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions, respectively, last year, Xi said he expects contributions from compatriots in Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan in realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. During his February meeting with Lien Chan, honorary chairman of the Kuomintang, Xi stressed the CPCs confidence in carrying forward the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations. The new leadership has full confidence in overcoming difficulties and bringing new prospects for the cross-Strait relations, he said. We sincerely hope Taiwan can develop along with the mainland and compatriots from both sides of the Strait can join hands in realizing the Chinese dream,' he said. Xi is anything but an unfamiliar name to the rest of the world, as he appeared on the international stage multiple times in recent years. Since the 1980s, he has visited more than 60 countries and regions to gain experience and seek cooperative opportunities. After he was elected vice president in 2008, Xi visited more than 40 countries and regions and became increasingly skilled in handling complicated international issues. Shortly after he served as the top CPC leader last year, Xi met with foreign experts working in China and sought their views and suggestions on Chinas development. China is ready to learn from the achievements of all other cultures, he said. Since November last year, Xi has met delegations from the United States, Russia, the Republic of Korea and Japan, and representatives from the United Nations, the African Union and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. His confident and pragmatic approach has made him well-known among foreign diplomats. He reassured the world of Chinas peaceful development with his ideas regarding win-win cooperation and mutual benefit. Since China and the world share common interests, the Chinese dream cannot be realized without peace and development in the world, Xi said. A prosperous and stable world community offers opportunities to China, while Chinas development presents great opportunities to the world, he said. He called for other countries also to engage in peaceful development in order to develop peaceful coexistence. No country should assume that we will trade our core interests for benefits, nor will we swallow the bitter fruit of harming our sovereignty, security or development interests, he said. FOR PEOPLE In his first public speech after being elected the general secretary in November, Xi showed his leadership style by reaching out to ordinary people and highlighting the role the people have played. Xi considers the people to be a source of strength and vows to stand by them in good times and bad. Our people have an ardent love for life. They wish to have better education, more stable jobs, more income, greater social security, better medical and health care, improved housing conditions and better environment, Xi said in the speech. They want their children to grow well, have ideal jobs and lead a more enjoyable life, he said. To meet their desire for a happy life is our mission. Xi has been concerned with the smog that affected people in many parts of the country. He ordered measures to cope with the air pollution, and asked government departments to join all sectors in the society to build a Beautiful China. On Dec. 1, 2012, the World AIDS Day, Xi visited a community clinic in Beijing, and shook hands with HIV carriers and AIDS patients, stressing that the whole society must be involved in fighting the disease, and every patient must be taken care of. Shortly before the Spring Festival, Xi took to Beijing streets to give holiday regards to subway workers, sanitation workers, police officers and taxi drivers. I know that you cannot rest during the holiday, so I come here to see you, Xi told them. For the past decades, Xi has immersed himself in the populace and strived to work for the benefit of the people. To solve problems in China, we should rely on not only the CPC and the government, but also the 1.3 billion people, he said. In line with the down-to-earth style he has advocated, Xi has traveled to poor counties and villages for visiting the most needy people. In order to get a real picture of poverty, Xi, after assuming general secretary, traveled three times to areas that are extremely impoverished. The general secretary is easy-going and he talks like any one of us, 69-year-old farmer Tang Rongbin said while recalling Xis visit to his home in Hebei Province. We chatted for half an hour. He asked me how many TV channels I can watch, and whether I can make long-distance calls with my landline, Tang said. Hes like an old friend of mine. Xi brought cooking oil, flour, quilts and coats to families in the village of Luotuowan in Hebei during his visit in December. Without prosperity in rural China, particularly those impoverished areas, we cant complete building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, Xi said. Xi is also open-minded and never stops learning from ordinary people and those with expertise. During his visit to Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong Province, he talked with government officials and corporate managers to prepare for the central economic work conference which was held shortly afterward. At the end of 2012, he visited leaders of non-Communist parties and the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce to discuss ways to improve the system of multiparty cooperation and political consultation under the leadership of the CPC. For the past four months, Xi has chaired four group study sessions for the members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee. He sought opinions and suggestions from experts and officials from various departments on issues pertaining to the Party and the country. Turning 60 years old this year, Xi is at an age when a person can be more tolerant of criticism, according to traditional Chinese wisdom. He also asked CPC members to be more tolerant of sharp criticism. He has asked CPC organizations at all levels to accept comments and supervision from the public in order to improve their work. We should let the people see the tangible changes and results of our work, Xi said. DOWN-TO-EARTH STYLE While working in localities, Xi often cited an ancient poem written by Yang Wanli of the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279) to prepare himself for the hardship ahead: Dont say downhill no obstacles before you lie, Misleading wayfarers to be happy and gay! You are surrounded by ten thousand mountains high: One mountain lets you pass, another bars your way. While China speeds toward completing the construction of a moderately prosperous society in all respects, his sense of hardship remains with him as Xi sees the following challenges: How can the government turn the peoples aspirations for a wonderful life into concrete measures and administer the country properly? Since deepening reform and opening up has become a national consensus, how should the government go further in reform? Since it is a solemn pledge of the CPC to keep officials, the government and politics upright, clean and free from corruption, how can the CPC strengthen supervision and guard against corruption in practice? Xi has resurrected a slogan that started to be used 20 years ago in the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone, where a series of breakthroughs in the countrys reform and opening up drive were made. Empty talk is harmful to the nation, while practical jobs can help it thrive, he said, encouraging the CPC and the people to be practical, deal with concrete matters and turn visions into reality. Xi has been seen as a leader with firm beliefs, strategic vision, a sense of hardship and a pragmatic style after coming up with the concept of the Chinese dream and vowing to deepen reform and opening up, ordering officials to reduce extravagance and taking drastic measures to crack down on corruption. Xi presided over meetings of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee that resulted in the issuance of explicit requirements on how Political Bureau members should improve their work style in eight aspects, including rejecting extravagance, formalism and bureaucratism. We must start with specific things and ensure their implementation, he said. The Political Bureau took the lead in setting an example, followed by CPC and government departments at all levels. Many officials said they have been under great pressure after the implementation of the rules. Work styles are not a trifling thing. If we do not resolutely correct poor working styles, they will separate the CPC from the masses like an invisible wall. The CPC will lose the root of its power like a man losing his blood, Xi said at one meeting. He emphasized that the eight provisions are not the highest standards, but the first step for the CPC to improve its work style. Xi has set an example through his own deeds. When making inspections, he required no road closures in order to minimize disturbance to local residents. When he arrived, there was no welcoming pomp and receptions were reduced to simplicity. Security personnel and escorts were kept to a minimum in order for him to learn the real situation. He also asked local governments not to rehearse visits or stage fake inspections to flatter higher authorities. He turned down suggestions for him to stay at a better hotel when he inspected Fuping County in Hebei Province in late December. Do not make a fuss over where to stay, he said, its all right. The public has noticed that conferences were cut short and officials were accompanied by fewer people. Business has declined at posh restaurants, as more officials are being thrifty and the idea of living a simple life is winning public support. He has vowed to stop using public money in excessive spending and penalize violators in this regard. We are closer than in any other time of history to the goal of rejuvenating the Chinese nation. We are more confident and capable of achieving this goal than in any other period of history, Xi said. Xinhua Xi Jinping: Pursuing dream for 1.3 billion Chineseadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline We tend to make a big deal out of how to pronounce English words. Why dont we worry about pronouncing the names of letters in the same way? English uses a Latin alphabet, which derives many of its letters, including Z, from Greek. The Greeks called Z zeta, and other languages that feature this letter also use its Greek name. Not English, though. Writers rarely need to spell out the names of letters, but if you are listening to an English speaker spell out a word, you might hear him or her using either zee or zed to refer to the letter Z. As it turns out, both of these pronunciations are correct, and which you use depends on where in the world you live. What is the Difference Between Zee and Zed? In this post, I will compare zed vs zee. I will use outline when each of these pronunciations is used and in what language communities. I will also show you a mnemonic device that makes remembering whether to use zed or zee a little easier. When to Use Zee What does zee mean? Zee is the American English pronunciation of the letter Z. Z is the 26th and final letter of the English alphabet. It is also the letter with the lowest frequency of use in English words. Like I said, writers rarely need to spell out the pronunciations of letters. We would normally either just use the letter itself (like Z) or use the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) to represent the speech sounds (in this case, /zi:/). Still, there are a few rare instances when you might want to spell out letter pronunciations in standard English characters, like these: The new prep school teacher said zee instead of zed, like a shabby American cowgirl. Zee! said Margot triumphantly, when her mother asked her what the last letter in the alphabet is. When to Use Zed What does zed mean? Zed is the British English pronunciation of the letter Z. Zed is closer to the original Greek zeta, which is probably why some speakers use it. This pronunciation is common in England and other places that use British English, like Australia and Canada. You can substitute zed for zee in the sentences above without changing the meaning. Trick to Remember the Difference Zee and Zed are two different ways to pronounce the name of the letter Zout loud. As a writer, you would be more likely to use the letter itself or the IPA in writing. Still, if you are trying to capture the way some individuals speak, you can use zee for American English and zed for British English. Zee vs. Zed Check:Zed rhymes with Gateshead, a borough in England near Newcastle upon Tyne, so it should be easy to link zed with Britain in your mind. Summary Is it zee or zed? Zee and zed are alternative pronunciations of the name of the letter Zin American and British English, respectively. They are otherwise equivalent. Writers would be more likely to use Zitself or the IPA to represent this character, but it is still important to know the difference between zee and zed in case you ever do need to use them. China on Tuesday called for efforts to maintain peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula when responding to a joint military drill between the Republic of Korea (ROK) and the United States. It is eclipse casino no deposit bonus codesin the fundamental interests of all parties to safeguard peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and northeast Asia. We expect all parties to do more to ease tensions on the peninsula and promote regional peace and stability, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said at a daily press briefing. Hua made the remarks when asked to comment on an ongoing ROK-U.S. military exercise and a possible exercise by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK). Regarding the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)s discussion of the DPRKs latest nuclear test, Hua said China supports the UNSCs response in which it showed its opposition to the test. The DPRK conducted its most recent nuclear test on Feb. 12, marking its third test following nuclear tests in 2006 and 2009, respectively. Hua called for the UNSCs response to be prudent and moderate. It [the UNSCs response] should be able to help realize the peninsulas denuclearization, prevent nuclear proliferation and safeguard peace and stability in northeast Asia, Hua said. Hua said China has maintained close communications with related parties at the UNSC and other occassions. Xinhua China urges peace, stability on Korean peninsulaadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Thesmyths ps5 nft games on binance city government of Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, said Monday evening that absolutely no one was killed during protests against the expansion of a massive oil refinery in the citys Zhenhai district over the past few days. The official announcement was made after the public security bureaus Sina Weibo posting Monday afternoon that they have found Zheng Chunping, the student who was rumored to have been killed during protests was alive and well. The police said Zheng is a student at the Ningbo University of Technology. A Weibo posting on Saturday declared Zheng, 24, was a student at Ningbo University and had died during a confrontation during the demonstration. Photos posted online purported to show people holding a wreath and grieving for Zheng. A posting on Ningbo Universitys Weibo Monday said no student by the name Zheng Chunping was enrolled at the school and none of its student had died. Calls to the Ningbo University of Technology where Zheng is a registered student went unanswered late Monday. Ceng Xiongying, deputy director of Ningbo Universitys press office, confirmed to the Global Times that the school had conducted an exhaustive search of the student database. We are concerned about the safety of our students as much as the netizens are. We definitely would not conceal any information.The local police in Ningbo said on its Weibo late Monday they had detained the person they accused of spreading the rumor. The woman, surnamed Shi, who posted the rumor, is from Anhui Province.Police also said one protestor has been put in criminal detention after he was discovered carrying a knife and red chili powder into the demonstration Sunday night. cntv No one died during Ningbo demonstrationsadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Thewizard of oz free slots casino scariest dream my now-college-age daughter ever had was the one about the running legsor, as they became known in our family, The Running Legs, almost audibly capitalized. She was in kindergarten at the time and the dream amounted to little more than an image of a pair of black tights, filled by an invisible lower body chasing her. It was the first thing she mentioned when she got up in the morning and she brought it up again over breakfastclearly distressed. We talked about it a bit and I asked her what she thought the legs would have done if they had caught her. Bite me, she answered. With what?I asked. That made her laugh, but not so much that she didnt also mention the dream to her teacher, who had her draw a picture of it and then talk through it together. The fear faded after that, but the memory did not. Silly or not, childish or not, The Running Legs checked several boxes that would generally qualify it as a nightmare. It was recalled upon awakeningand may even have been the reason for the awakening. It caused distress the next day. It involved dangerin the case of nightmares, its most commonly some kind of physical aggression, a serious accident, a disease, or, yes, being chased. Nightmares may also involve beingthe person who causes harm to other people. Humans are social beings, says professor Michael Schredl, a sleep researcher at the Central Institute of Mental Health in Mannheim, Germany, and nightmares may be sign that a bit of the social code that keeps us in line during the day and is fundamental enough to who we are that it apparently operates even in our sleep. From the time we emerged as a species we have depended on our acceptance within a group for our very survival, and violating the rules of that group could mean banishment. I think those nightmares point to that importance, Schredl says. It would be nicer for all of us if nightmares didnt exist in the first place, but its hardly surprising that they do. If the sleeping brain is forever screening the sometimes absurdist movies that are our dreams, its no surprise that now and then it would choose a horror film. But there are open questions: why you have one on one night and not another; why some people suffer from them more than others; what the specific content of the bad dreams signifies. Searching for a good nights rest? Find it by signing up for TIMEs guide to the scientific secrets of sleep. Researchers have long worked to answer those questions and in recent years have succeeded in unraveling at least some of the mysteries. Whats more, they are developing new, often high-tech ways to observe the sleeping brain as nightmares play out and even read some specific elements of the storyline or at least the imagery. There may even be a way to step in and change the nightmare narrativestimulating the brain to allow the dreamer to take control of the experience, all the while remaining asleep. Nightmares do not strike us all equally. According to a 2017 study of U.K participants published in Social Psychology and Psychiatric Epidemiology, about 5% of the overall population experiences a nightmare at least once a week, which is sufficiently frequent to qualify as a diagnosable disorder. A larger share of the population30% to 55%has an average of one nightmare a month, according to a Hong Kong-based study published in the journal Sleep. And the American Society of Sleep Medicine reports that around 85% of us report at least the occasional nightmare, a finding confirmed by multiple studies. Where Nightmares Come From The seeds of future nightmares may be planted early in life, during whats known as the infantile amnesia period, which lasts from birth to about age three and a half, and is a time of life during which virtually no enduring memories are formed. Infantile amnesia gets disrupted, however, if the child experiences significant trauma during that sensitive time-windowphysical abuse, witnessing domestic violence, or being placed in rotating foster care with no consistent attachment figures, to name a few examples. This can lead to what psychologist Tore Nielsen, of the University of Montreal, dubbed the Stress Acceleration Hypothesis (SAH), in a 2017 paper published in Frontiers of Neurology. The idea behind SAH is that early adversity of these sorts can accelerate the development of skills that govern fear and crisis managementwhich are useful for the child, but come at a long-term cost. The trauma leads to brain changes that help the child adapt short-term, says psychologist and dream researcher Louis-Philippe Marquis of the University of Montreal, who had Nielsen as a thesis adviser. But they may facilitate nightmares and psychopathology later in life. According to the SAH hypothesis, the originating trauma doesnt have to be out of the ordinary; merely the birth of a sibling in the infantile amnesia window can make someone more prone to nightmares. And no wonder: the first child goes from being the sole focus of parental attention to having to share that loveand the new arrival usually gets the majority of the care, simply because infants are so demanding. In his 2017 paper, Neilsen wrote that firstborn children had frightening dreams more than twice as frequently as last-born children, regardless of potential confounders like age, sex, and number of siblings. Other, less traumatic factors can contribute to nightmares too. In a 2018 study of 1,216 subjects, Schredl found that simple daily stress is a powerful causative factor. All kinds of stress increase nightmare frequency, Schredl says. There dont need to be any unrecognized issues in the subconscious. Individual temperament may also be a factor in the occurrence of nightmares. Schredly has found that people who score higher on tests of empathy and sensitivity are more likely to pay for daytime stress with a sleep-time nightmare. Research by Bryrony Sheaves, a clinical psychologist at the University of Oxford specializing in, among other things, sleep disturbances, has connected nightmares to a painful triptych of temperamental tendencies: paranoia, frequent depersonalization, and hallucinations. Sheaves stresses that in all of these cases she is not describing clinical conditions: some people are more suspicious than others; some tend to feel depersonalized in moments of social stress like walking into a party filled with strangers or delivering a speech; in the case of hallucinations, Sheaves is describing mostly people who experience vivid dreamlike imagery while falling asleep or waking upthe so-called hypnagogic or hypnopompic states. In all of these people, nightmares are likelier to occur more frequently. In reality, there is not one single cause for nightmares for most people, says Sheaves. The exception for that is if theyre part of a wider PTSD issue. Among people with PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorderespecially combat veterans and victims of sexual assault or other violenceanywhere from 71% to 96% report frequent nightmares, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Indeed, nightmares are one of the defining symptoms of the condition. Just which parts of the brain serve as the projection booth for nightmares is uncertain. Marquis explains that the likeliest loci are the anterior cingulate cortex, hippocampus, amygdala, and medial prefrontal cortex. The anterior cingulate cortex plays a role in emotion, blood pressure, heart rate, morality and where we allocate our attention, all of which come into play during nightmares. The principal role of the hippocampus is to regulate and process memorywhich helps vivid or traumatic experiences lived during the day or deeper in the past get replayed in dreams, especially in PTSD patients. But the two biggest players in the cranial gang of four are the amygdala and the prefrontal cortex. The amygdala is in what amounts to the basement of the brain, both physically (it is deeply buried, not far from the brain stem) and functionally (its where the demons are kept, especially fear, aggression, anger and sadness). When were awake, the prefrontal cortex keeps a close watch on what all those emotions are up to downstairs. But, during sleep, the frontal areas of the brain are shut down and the brake that actively suppressed the emotions in the amygdala during the day does not work properly anymore, says Stephanie Rek, a PhD student and clinical trainee studying sleep at Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich. When the brain signs off for the night, the monsters come out to play. Learning to Read the Contents of Dreamsand Nightmares As awful as nightmares can be, they arent necessarily always a bad thing. New research into the brain regions involved in nightmares has found that in some cases a dream-time scare may even have some adaptive value. In a 2019 study published in the open access journal Human Brain Mapping, a team led by Virginie Sterpenich, senior researcher at the University of Genevas Swiss Center for Affective Sciences, recruited 89 subjects and had them keep a dream diary for one week, in which they reported the contents of their dreams and the associated emotions, including fear, anger, sadness and disgust. Later, those subjects underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) while looking at pictures of faces with what the researchers had determined were happy, funny, or menacing or frightening expressions. When looking at the frightening or menacing faces, subjects who reported fewer nightmares in their dream diary, showed fMRI activity in the insular and midcingulate cortices of the brain, which more or less mirrored that of people having bad dreams. In subjects who reported more nightmares, those brain regions were less reactive to the negative imageseffectively shrugging them off. The implication, according to Sterpenich and her colleagues: bad dreams experienced in the safety of the bed can actually serve to help us better handle genuinely frightening or threatening episodes in the real world. More experimentaland more tantalizingis research being led by Tomoyasu Horikawa and Guohua Shen, both of the Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute International in Kyoto, Japan, which may make it possible to use fMRI scans to actually peek at the visual content of subjects dreams. The premise, which they explored in depth in a 2019 paper in PLOS Computational Biology, first involves machine-learningteaching a deep neural network to recognize an encyclopedic collection of images including animals, airplanes, faces, trees, mailboxes, cars and on and on. The researchers then used an fMRI to read the visual cortex of human subjects as they looked at or were instructed to imagine the same objects. Subjects were also allowed to fall asleep in an fMRI machine, then were awakened during the hypnagogic state and asked what images they had been seeing in their half-dreams. The fMRI data from those mind-pictures were when coded to their responses. Then, the resulting database was put to the test: Subjects were placed back in the fMRI while looking at or imagining particular images and their brain readings were then fed into the deep neural network which would try to understand and recreate the images. It was startlingly accurate. The face of a tiger or the picture of a tree that the machine spit out in response to the brain reading might be fuzzy or sloppy or need to be turned this way or that before it became clear just what it was, but all the same, the machine read many of the subjects brains and even in a rough way, saw what it was seeing. Its too early to say what practical effect such a mind-reading system could have, but with the assistance of a therapist, it could be used to help those with regular nightmares work through the content of the dreams, as well as to habituate and desensitize them to the imagery. Learning How to Control Nightmares Another type of new technology might have an even more direct effect on mitigating nightmares. Known as transcranial stimulation, it involves introducing low levels of low-frequency energy into the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. That has been experimentally shown to change ordinary dreaming into whats known as lucid dreaming, most convincingly in a 2014 study published in Nature Neuroscienceand led by Ursula Voss, a psychology professor at J.W. Goethe-University in Frankfurt Germany. In the lucid dream, the sleeping brain is aware that the experience is justa dream, can stand back from it and observe it like a third person and, in some cases, can take control of the narrativeturning around and chasing The Running Legs, say, instead of being chased by them. In Vosss work, she and her team found that at key energy frequencies of 25 and 40 hertz, all three of those lucid dream statesawareness of the dream, a third-person perspective on it, and the ability to take control of itcould be achieved with greater frequency than among people who did not receive transcranial stimulation. In a 2018 paper in the Journal of Sleep Research, an international team of scientists explored a number of lower-tech nightmare treatments now available. The paper, with 23 named co-authors, was the result of what Schredl describes as the first nightmare conference worldwide, and involved a sort of birds-eye view of the landscape of nightmare research. Based on their findings, the researchers agreed that one of the most powerful nightmare treatments is desensitization and exposure, in which patients are first asked to imagine the nightmare vividly and practice relaxation exercises, including steady breathing and alternately tensing and relaxing muscles throughout. Next, they are asked to imagine the nightmare and take no such therapeutic steps. The first exercise teaches them to take control of the experience, the second exposes them to the raw nightmare in a controlled setting, which, over time, can strip it of its power to cause distress. Also effective, according to the 2018 study, is image-rehearsal therapy in which patients imagine the nightmare multiple times a day in a quiet and focused setting, but rescript it, giving it a different, happier ending in which, say, the tiger thats chasing you turns into a kitten. Its a simple, but apparently empowering method, with multiple studies in the 2010s showing that it can decrease nightmare frequency and severityeven among PTSD patientsand improve overall sleep quality. Cognitive-behavioral therapy in which people reframe certain beliefs about nightmaresfor example, that the next day you will be haunted by memories of the experiencecan also help diminish the shock and power of the dreams. None of this will eliminate nightmares altogether. The brain is too creative and reactive and emotional a thing to serve up only good dreams. But our understandingof nightmaresand the technology to interpret and control themis a new weapon in an old war. Dreaming itself may not change, but our response to it can. Doze Niu, director of the 2011 Taiwan box-office hit Monga, yesterday brought his latest romance film LOVE to Beijing in the run-up to its release on February 14, 2012, during the Valentines Day Slot. Doze Niu attended a small-scale preview screening held last night in the capital. LOVE boasts a star-studded cast from Taiwan and the Mainland, including Vicki Zhao, Fanny Shu, Ethan Ruan, Mark Chao, Eddie Peng, Amber Kuo, Ivy Chen and Doze Niu himself. The film tells the stories of three separate love affairs. LOVE was recently short listed in the Panorama section of the 62nd Berlin International Film Festival (BIFF), following the inclusion of his previous project Monga during the 2010 BIFF. By Liu Shuai Chinese Films Preview Screening of LOVE Held in Beijingadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Fan Changlong and Xu Qiliang were appointed vice chairmen of the Central Military Commission (CMC) of the Communist Party of China (CPC) on Sunday. The seventh Plenary Session of the 17th CPC Central Committee made the announcement in a communique upon the closure of the four-day meeting that the CMC was augmented to include Fan and Xu, both members of the 17th CPC Central Committee, as vice-chairmen. General Fan is currently commander and deputy party chief of the Jinan Military Area Command. He was born in Dandong city of northeast Chinas Liaoning Province in May 1947, and joined the CPC in September 1969. Fan joined the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) in January 1969, and graduated from the Party School of the CPC Central Committee. From January 1969 to September 1985, he served in the artillery regiment of the 16th Corps of the PLA Army. From 1985 to 1990, Fan served as chief of staff of the 48th Division of the 16th Group Army and in September 1990 he was promoted to commander of the 46th Division of the 16th Group Army. In 1995, he was promoted to commander of the 16th Group Army and in 2000 to chief of staff of the Shenyang Military Area Command. In December 2003, he was appointed to be an Assistant Chief of General Staff of the PLA and in 2004 he became the commander and deputy party chief of the Jinan Military Area Command. Fan was an alternate member the 16th CPC Central Committee and has been a member of the 17th CPC Central Committee. General Xu was born in March 1950 in east Chinas Shandong Province and joined the CPC in July 1967. He joined the PLA in July 1966 and graduated from the fifth aviation school of the PLA Air Force, holding a junior-college diploma. Xu, an Air Force General, is a member of the Central Military Commission of the Peoples Republic of China. Beginning his military career as a flying cadet in the first preparatory school of the PLA Air Force, Xu served as the Air Force Commander for more than five years before Sundays promotion. After a study period of roughly three months, Xu was transferred to the PLA Armys Ace troop, the 38th Corps, in 1966 to receive basic training and back to the Air Force at the end of 1967 to learn flying. Xu became an Air Force pilot in August 1969 and was promoted to be the chief of the independent squadron of the Air Forces 26th Division in 1976. Xu served as deputy commander of the 26th Division and later the commander from 1980 to 1984, a period during which he also studied in a senior course of the Air Forces Command Institute. Xu was promoted to chief of staff of the Air Forces command post in Shanghai in 1985 and then became a cadet to the PLAs National Defense University and graduated in 1988. After that, he was promoted to commander of the Air Forces Eighth Corps in 1990, the Air Forces deputy chief of staff in 1993 and chief of staff in 1994. Xu took two short-term courses in the PLAs National Defense University in 1994 and 1998. He served as deputy commander of the PLAs Shenyang Military Area Command from 1999 to 2004, during which he took another short course for generals in the PLAs National Defense University. Xu was promoted to the PLAs deputy chief of general staff in 2004 and appointed to serve as commander of the PLAs Air Force in 2007, when he was also recruited by the CPCs Central Military Commission at the first Plenary session of the CPCs 17th Central Committee. Xu was promoted to an Air Force full general in 2007 before he was commissioned the Air Force commander. Xu was an alternate member of the CPCs 14th and 15th Central Committees and a member of the CPCs 16th Central Committee and has been a member of the 17th CPC Central Committee. The plenary session was held from Nov.1 to 4 in Beijing. Xinhua China appoints two new vice chairmen of Central Military Commissionadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Thejack21 no deposit bonus recent edition of The Hong Kong Gazette on February 17, 2012 carried the full text of the Adaptation of Laws ( Military References) Ordinance 2012 (hereinafter referred to as the Adaptation). The Adaptation underwent 3 readings before being passed by the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) on February 8, 2012 and took effect officially on February 17, 2012. Conducting specialized adaptation to military-related provisions in the existing laws of Hong Kong is a large-scale legislation localization work done by the government of the Hong Kong SAR according to the decisions of the Standing Committee of the National Peoples Congress (NPC) of the Peoples Republic of China and the provisions of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong SAR. Since its launch in 1998, the Hong Kong SAR government has spent 14 years in drafting 8 Chinese versions and 17 English versions of the Regulation. Views from all circles in Hong Kong have been solicited. The draft regulation proposed by the Hong Kong SAR government has received broad understanding and support from the general public in Hong Kong. The Adaptation of Laws ( Military References) Ordinance 2012 makes 136 adaptations and 3 amendments to 85 military-related provisions in the existing laws of Hong Kong, covering a wide range of issues including the rights, exemption and obligations of the Hong Kong Garrison and the protection of military facilities. The Regulation further improves the legal system concerning the Hong Kong Garrison of the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army in an effort to provide strong legal support for the Hong Kong Garrison to better perform defense duties. By Zhao Dong Hong Kong SAR completes law adaptation on Hong Kong Garrisonadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline US' game of manipulation Illustration: Liu Rui/GT At a ceremony dedicated to the 77th anniversary of the Suddeutsche Zeitung newspaper in Munich held in earlier October,former German chancellor Angela Merkel said Europe can achieve a lasting peace only with the involvement of Russia. Most European countries have covered their ears to Merkel's remarks. So has the US.Merkel's warning is a realistic analysis of the current strategic situation in Europe. The US is trying to permanently divide Europe through increasingly extreme political manipulation. However, it is not only Europe that needs to remain sober and vigilant. The US must also be prepared to pay the price for its own political adventurism.After World War II, Winston Churchill gave a speech declaring that an "Iron Curtain" had descended over the continent. The ideological "Iron Curtain" not only caused a huge wound on the European continent that is difficult to heal even up to today, but also pulled the US into the quagmire of the Cold War. However, before expelling the Soviet forces from Central and Eastern Europe, the US successfully weakened the combined forces of the UK and France, marked by the Suez Crisis in 1956, which accelerated the decline of the British Empire.In the following decades, the US initiated and took advantage of the waves of democratization and global anti-colonial movement, cleared European hegemony and completely took over the global leadership with US-dominated commercial and military hegemony system.After the disintegration of the Soviet Union, especially in the 21st century, the US and the UK are trying to dominate the Western camp in a brand new way. The US continues to increase military deterrence on a global scale, manipulate the geopolitical landscape, and undermine strategic balance.Against this background, the deepening of Russia-Europe relations and the possible substantial unity and strength of Europe cannot be tolerated in the US-led hegemonic order. The historical opportunity for the two Germanys to reunite made the US and the UK feel uneasy. Later, Germany had continually constructed cooperation agendas with Russia and France, which exacerbated the sense of anxiety and panic of the US and the UK.The outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict exposed the global ambitions and strategic evils of the US. It is trying to repeat its old tricks to trigger a new war in Europe, with an aim to divide the continent.In this sense, what Merkel is striving to build is an indestructible and indivisible "Nord Stream" political plan. The plan is a strategy that Merkel the leading European politician put forward from the perspective of the global political landscape and the long-term development of Europe. It's a precondition for Europe to avoid another "Suez Crisis."To ensure the balance of relations among European countries, it is necessary to maintain the relative stability of the Germany-Russia relations. To ensure the stability of the global order, it is significant to keep the relative stability of relations between Europe and Russia and the necessary political unity.The US obviously does not want to accept the reality. The US is trying to tie Europe to its own burning chariot against Russia. However, it also traps the US in a complex multitasking processing system.Since Joe Biden took office, the US has taken more radical ideological actions. Yet the world today is no longer the Europe of the 17th century. If Berlin insists on that Europe cannot live without Russia because it is in the European interests, the US will have to compromise.Likewise, the world today is not the world of the 1950s. Germany cannot have a permanent US command, nor does Japan. If the US cannot accept Merkel's open "Nord Stream" political plan, but continues to try to maintain its world hegemon status in the way it is using now, and tries to push the "old Europe", Russia and China to the "Suez Moment" at the same time, it will be very likely that the US itself will become the next declining British Empire.Earlier this month, it was reported that Russia's space agency was discussing with the US a continuation of its participation in the International Space Station past 2024.This, at least, could allow Europe and China to add some positive factors to the expectations of the development of the international situation.It will be to its own advantage if the US gave up its obsession on hegemony. Thousands of years of human civilization have proven that the decline of the empire is not terrible, and the real terrible thing is the collapse of the empire. It's time for American political elites to develop a political philosophy of retreat - a rhythmic, slow, and decent retreat.The author is a political scholar. [email protected] What Is the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)?what are the odds of roulette The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is a new international development bank that provides financing for infrastructure projects in Asia. It began operations in January 2016. Investment Banking How the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) Works 1:47 The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is a multilateral development bank headquartered in Beijing. Like other development banks, its mission is to improve social and economic outcomes in its region, Asia, and beyond. The bank opened in January 2016 and now has 105 approved members worldwide, as of Jul. 30, 2022. The History of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank China's leader Xi Jinping first proposed an Asian infrastructure bank at an APEC summit in Bali in 2013. Many observers have interpreted the bank as a challenge to international lending bodies, which some consider too reflective of American foreign policy interests such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank. In this bank's case, China controls half of the bank's voting shares, which gives the perception that the AIIB will function in the interests of the Chinese government. The U.S. has questioned the bank's governing standards and its social and environmental safeguards, perhaps pressuring allies not to apply for membership. However, despite American objections, approximately half of NATO has signed on, as has nearly every large Asian country, with the exception of Japan. The result is widely considered in an indicator of China's growing international influence at the expense of the United States. The Structure of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank The bank is headed by a Board of Governors composed of one Governor and one Alternate Governor appointed by each of the 86 member countries. A non-resident Board of Directors is responsible for the direction and management of the Bank such as the Banks strategy, annual plan and budget and establishing policies and oversight procedures. The bank staff is headed by a President who is elected by AIIB shareholders for a five-year term and is eligible for re-election once. The President is supported by Senior Management including five Vice Presidents for policy and strategy, investment operations, finance, administration, and the corporate secretariat and the General Counsel and Chief Risk Officer. Mr. Jin Liqun is the current President. Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank Priorities The bank's priorities are projects that promote sustainable Infrastructure and to support countries that are striving to meet environmental and development goals. The bank funds projects linking countries in the region and cross-border infrastructure projects for roads, rail, ports, energy pipelines and telecoms across Central Asia and maritime routes in South East and South Asia and the Middle East. The bank's priorities also include private capital mobilization and encouraging partnerships that stimulate private capital investment such as those with other multilateral development banks, governments, and private financiers. An example of an AIIB project is a rural road connectivity initiative that will benefit approximately 1.5 million rural residents in Madhya Pradesh, India. In April 2018, the AIIB announced the project, which is also expected to improve the livelihoods, education, and mobility of the residents of 5,640 villages. The project is a U.S. $140-million jointly financed by the AIIB and the World Bank. The armored assault group rumbles ahead to launch an assault against the forward position of mock terrorists in the China-Russia joint military exercise ZAPAD/INTERACTION-2021 at a training base of the PLA Army in Qingtongxia City of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region from August 9 to 13, 2021. Photo:China Military Chinese troops will go to Russia to participate in the joint military exercises Vostok-2022 with Russia and other countries, according to China's Defense Ministry and experts pointed out that one focus of this year's combined training is to deal with potential threat from the direction of the Pacific Ocean. The cooperation in military and other fields between China and Russia will be further improved despite the increasing hype that the US and the West are the only ones committed in the mission of defending regional and global stability.China's participation in the military exercises was in accordance with the annual plan for cooperation between the militaries of China and Russia and the bilateral agreements. It has nothing to do with the current international and regional situation, China's Ministry of National Defense said in a statement on Wednesday.The statement also noted that the aim for the PLA to participate in the exercises is to deepen concrete and friendly cooperation with militaries from other countries that also attend the exercises and to improve the strategic coordination and capability in dealing with different security threats. India, Belarus, Mongolia, Tajikistan and other countries will also attend the joint military exercises.In July, the Russian Defense Ministry announced to hold the Vostok-2022 exercises from August 30 to September 5. And the exercises will practice employing combat groups in ensuring military security in the eastern region and the drills will bring together the airborne force, long-range and military transport aircraft and also military contingents from other countries, according to Russian news agency TASS.The Vostok-2022 will take place in Russia's eastern region, while Russian troops in the western and southern regions have played a bigger role in the conflict with Ukraine. By holding this year's drills, Russia also wants to show that is has the capability to defend national security in multiple directions, Song Zhongping, a Chinese military expert and TV commentator, told the Global Times on Thursday.The US and Western media have also paid close attention to the drills against the backdrop of the current Russia-Ukraine conflict. Some even claimed that Russia is allegedly carrying out some mobilization measures. The Russian defense ministry refuted the disinformation and said in a statement in July that only a part of the Russian Armed Forces is involved in the special military operation in Ukraine and the drills will be provided with the required personnel, armaments, military hardware and materiel. A China-Russia joint naval ships formation sails in the East China Sea on October 23, 2021. Photo: Li Tang Russia's strategic command and staff drills are very significant and have been held annually for the past four years in different regions. In 2021, Belarus, India, Pakistan, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia and Sri Lanka attended the Zapad-2021 drills in Russia's Nizhny Novgorod region, analysts said.China attended the previous three strategic drills and had reportedly sent a lot of troops to overseas in 2018, according to analysts on military. The Chinese military did not participate in the 2021 edition as in August 2021 China and Russia held joint military drills.Compared to the previous four drills, which focused more on fighting against separatism, terrorism and extremism, Vostok-2022 will combine exercises in traditional and non-traditional fields and also take target drills on possible threats especially from the US in the Pacific Ocean direction, Song said.China and Russia, as comprehensive strategic partners of coordination for a new era, have improved cooperation in all sectors and so were exchanges in military, including on military technologies, weaponry and having combined trainings, Song noted.The Vostok-2022 exercises are first and foremost prescribed drills every year but this year's drills have been used by the US and the West to further hype China and Russia threats under special circumstances, especially in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the unstable situation across the Taiwan Straits, Cui Heng, an assistant research fellow from the Center for Russian Studies of East China Normal University, told the Global Times on Thursday.US State Department spokesman Ned Price told reporters Wednesday that Washington is troubled by the "burgeoning relationship in the security realm" between Moscow and Beijing after Russian President Vladimir Putin criticized House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's provocative trip to the island of Taiwan.In response to the US and West's hyping, Song said that the answer to why China and Russia need to further their cooperation is clear because the world is facing various threats and the two countries with their comprehensive strategic partnership need to strengthen cooperation to defend regional and global stability."As the two countries have entered into the comprehensive strategic partnership in the new era, the cooperation between the two militaries will surely be further improved. If the US can rally allies in the EU and in Asia to conduct militaries globally with NATO members, South Korea, Japan, Australia or other countries, why can't China have military drills with Russia?" Song asked. He noted that compared to the those of the US and its allies, China and Russia's drills are restrained, although such joint exercises between the two countries will become frequent and normalized.The US has conducted multiple military drills with its Asian allies and will do so in the coming months. For example, from August 8 to 14, the US, Japan and South Korea participated in a missile warning and ballistic missile search and tracking exercise during the multinational Pacific Dragon exercise off the coast of the Pacific Missile Range Facility in Hawaii. And From August 22 to September 1, the US and South Korea will have their biggest combine military training with potentially tens of thousands of troops involved, US media reported.Analysts said that the US and the West have ramped up efforts in demonizing Russia since the Ukraine crisis and compared the situation in Ukraine with the Taiwan Straits to hype "China threats." They have taken China and Russia as a major threat to US' global hegemony and the last thing they want to see is better and closer relations of the two countries.It is a rational choice for China and Russia to embrace and help each other as they face US' efforts aimed at containing them, Cui said, highlighting that it is also a general trend to strengthen military cooperation between the two countries, which however, has nothing to do with the conflict between Russia and Ukraine but is rooted in the continuous strengthening of hegemony and unilateralism pursued by the US since the 20th century.Cui said that China and Russia's cooperation is a positive force to defend the international order amid the challenges the US and its allies posed.Experts also noted that the bilateral cooperation between China and Russia is an indispensable and constructive force for regional security, especially in Eurasia. The US has made a lot of troubles in the region, countries like Afghanistan and Syria are still suffering from the destruction caused by US-inflicted wars, and it is not only the neighboring countries like China and Russia that have to clean up the mess.On the one hand, the US-led West made up the "China threat" and "Russia threat" to reshape NATO and other alliances, for the sake of forcing them to rely more on the US. On the other hand, the so-called threats from China and Russia have enabled US domestic military-industrial financial groups to ask Congress for more military budgets, Cui said. First investment fund specializing in Chinese wine, Dinghong Fund () wants to enjoy the excitement of millionaires for the great French wines. The fund offers them a placement combining profitability and taste for claret or burgundy. Once you have tasted French wine, youll not turn back, said its founder Ms.Ling Zhijun (), who drinks red wine for more than ten years and found the wines from New World, like Chile, New Zealand or South African are more standardized, like the coffee at Starbucks. After founded in September, the company has received the green light to raise money, Ms.Ling bought first bottles of great Bordeaux chateaux, but not necessarily the most expensive ones as the Lafite whose prices have soared in China. And also some burgundy wines, which are much less known to the Chinese. To invest in Dinghong Fund, you will have one million yuan available, and block the money for at least five years, after which the fund agrees to sell the bottles for the customers who would like to get their capital. We rely on an ROI of 15% per year, said the businesswoman who previously worked as a portfolio manager at Pacific Asset Management in Shanghai (east). Reserve funds from a wealthy customer as it allows to exclude speculators tempted by more lucrative short term investments. Ling Zhijun expects to raise 200 million yuan by the end of the year, then the same amount each year for five years to bring the fund to a total of 1 billion yuan. The growth in sales of French wine in China reached 50% to 60% per year. In 2004, they amounted to 11 million euros, and in 2010 to 277 million. In the first six or seven months of 2011, it already exceeds 200 million euros, said Helen Hovasse, head of the agriculture division of Ubifrance in Shanghai. For Chinese consumers, we can say that wine symbolizes France, she summarizes. The great vintages arrived in China from Hong Kong, where taxes on wine imports were abolished in 2008. As real estate is very expensive in Hong Kong, many great wines were sold in speculative market and the Chinese have rushed into it, says Hovasse. Dinghong Fund plans to buy 40% of its wines at the premiere sales organized by Bordeaux merchants, and the remaining 60% in bordeaux or burgundy just bottled wines, the aging period is 10-15 years. Other private equity funds in China less specialized than Dinghong already offer wine to their customers among other products, such as Domain AMC, whose director Max Wang invested 10 million yuan in the French red wine, mainly of Bordeaux. The appetite for fine wines is also reflected by the launch this year a stock of red wine in Shanghai, on which exchange Lafite, Latour and wines of Margaux, Mouton-Rothschild and Haut-Brion, sometimes more than 13,000 yuan a bottle. The demand growth in China is just beginning, said Wang Jiaqi, director of marketing of this exchange platform which already has more than 2000 customers after four months of operation. Dinghong Fund: investment fund specializing in French wineadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline China will make more efforts to reduce PM 2.5 pollutants,casino slot machine jackpot as well as other pollutants, a government official said Tuesday. A national obligatory target will be set to limit PM 2.5 emission, which is a fine particulate matter measuring 2.5 microns or less in diameter, and monitoring and assessing measures will be introduced, Vice Minister of Environmental Protection Wu Xiaoqing said. Several Chinese cities suffered from dense buildups of smog in January, including the cities of Beijing, Jinan, Xian, Shijiazhuang, Zhengzhou and Changsha. Both natural and human factors contributed to the lingering smog, including coal burning, pollutant emissions and unfavorable weather conditions, Wu said. China will formulate regulations, standards and policies to reduce air pollutants and control coal burning, Wu said. The government will expedite bans on vehicles that emit large amounts of pollutants, as well as promote more fuel-efficient cars, Wu said. The ministry said 70 percent of Chinas cities fail to meet the new air quality standard introduced in February, 2012. Xinhua China strives to reduce air pollutantsadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Foreign Ministry Spokesman Liu Weimin on Thursday urged countries to take tangible measures to guarantee the security of overseas Chinese people and institutions. Although the abduction of Chinese workers by Sudanese anti-government forces was an isolated incident, it harmed their physical and mental health and caused wicked effects, Liu told a regular press conference. China firmly opposed the abduction, Liu said, noting that the abduction of civilians for political purposes is condemned by the international community as a whole. Chinese enterprises have made positive contributions to the economic and social development of African countries and benefited their people in recent years, said the spokesman. A camp of a Chinese company operating at a road construction site near Sudans Al-Abbasiya Tagali town in the volatile South Kordofan state was attacked by a group of gunmen belonging to the Sudan Peoples Liberation Movement north sector on Jan. 28. In the camp at the time were a total of 47 Chinese, 29 of whom were abducted by the assailants while the other 18 managed to flee. Among the latter, 17 were later found by the Sudanese army and transferred to a safe place, and one was confirmed dead after having been missing for days. The 29 workers were released on Tuesday and arrived in Beijing on Thursday afternoon. Xinhua China urges guaranteed safety for overseas Chineseadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline KYC is blackjack casino chipsa necessary procedure at online casinos. It helps the casino to identify the player and be sure they are not involved in any criminal activity or money laundering. This way the casino can provide a safe environment for all players. The KYC process is also called Know Your Customer Process and it is used by most online casinos to identify their customers (though according to casino-howto, there are some online casinos that do not require verification). The process usually includes two steps: identity verification and address verification. In rare cases, an online casino will ask you to provide the source of funds proof. The identity verification requires the player to provide proof of their identity, which can be done with a government-issued ID, passport or driver's license. The second step of the KYC process is address verification that requires players to provide proof of their address like utility bills or bank statements that show the same address as on their ID card. There are two different approaches to how KYC can be done Some online casinos ask for documents right after you have registered an account. This is taking place in UK licensed casinos since the regulator requires to do so. It is quite a reasonable approach since this way a casino will make sure that, lets say, underage gambling is not the case. Other casinos require downloading documents only in case a player request a withdrawal. A good example would be Curacao licensed casinos. This does not mean that such casinos do not care about verification, they simply do not want to bother players with paperwork right away. Lets be honest, not all players (to put it mildly) will end up with winnings so a decent chunk of players will be basically exempt from passing KYC. Image: Pixabay The best way to pass KYC is to download ID before playing for real money A good rule of thumb is to download all documents before you deposit real money. Why? Because that way you guarantee that your account is verified so in case you are lucky to win, the withdrawal will go smoothly. Moreover, there are hundreds of lets call them semi-scam casinos. They wont steal your money right away, but they will try to find excuses to confiscate your balance. Their most common tactic is to say that there is something wrong with your documents. Thats why it is very important to get your account verified and approved before you place any real money bets. Dont make yourself a low-hanging fruit for them (better not to play at such casinos at all obviously, but sometimes it is hard to tell which one is legit and which is not)! Of course, verifying your account from the very beginning wont protect you from scam casinos, but it will be beneficial in case you are dealing with lets call them opportunistic casinos. A tip. Contact the casinos support team (email them or via live chat) and ask them the complete package of documents you are supposed to provide. It will be a good idea to take screenshots of your messages. This way you will have strong evidence in case you will have to lodge a complaint with the gambling commission. A list of documents you can be asked Proof of identity. One of the following: ID, passport or driver's license. Proof of identity documents are super basic and all online casinos that require verification will ask for them. Proof of address: One of the following: a bank statement with your name and address on it or a utility bill (phone, gas, electricity etc.) with your name and address on it. Proof of address documents are not required all the time. However, you have to keep in mind that a casino can request them so plan accordingly. Source of finds (online casinos request it very occasionally): One of the following: a payslip from your job, a bank statement that proves consistent legal income known as AML anti money laundering, any other documents that confirm the source of funds (could be royalties, dividends etc.) Category: Casino BlogMagazine The weeklong visit to the United States of Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping, hosted by Vice President Biden, should be viewed as part of a broader effort by the United States to focus American foreign and economic policies on the Asia-Pacific region, a senior U.S. national security official says. A critical part of our Asia-Pacific policy is the very deep relationship and cooperation that we have with China on a range of areas, Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes said February 10. Weve invested an extraordinary amount of time and energy in the U.S.-China relationship, which can be both cooperative on the range of issues where we work together and, at times, competitive on issues where we differ and where were reaffirming the rules of the road that all nations must abide by, Rhodes added during a White House briefing February 10 in advance of Xis visit to Washington February 13. Biden is hosting Xi after the two met in Beijing in August 2011. The planned reciprocal visits between the two vice presidents were announced by President Obama and Chinese President Hu Jintao during the latters state visit to Washington last year. While in Washington, Xi will meet with Obama, Biden and other senior U.S. officials and Cabinet members to discuss a wide range of economic, trade, security and military issues, as well as human rights and regional and global challenges. After a daylong visit to Washington February 14, Xi travels to the state of Iowa for meetings with U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Governor Terry Branstad, who was also governor when Xi visited the state in 1985. Xi is expected to travel to the town of Muscatine, where he visited when still an agricultural official in Hebei, Iowas sister province. Branstad visited Xi last September in Beijing. Xi then travels to Los Angeles where he will resume talks with Biden, the White House said. Rhodes also said that a significant aspect of this visit is the opportunity to develop stronger ties with the future leader of China. Xi is expected to become the next president of China in March 2013 following a meeting of the National Peoples Congress in the fall this year. We look at this visit by Vice President Xi as part of the policy continuum, which is in part predicated on the importance of getting the U.S.-China relationship right, which in turn is central to the presidents Asia policy, said Daniel Russel, who is senior director for Asian affairs on the National Security Council. And that involves engaging China, and especially engaging Chinese leadership in ways that increase the quality of our communication and elicit better cooperation, he added during the February 10 briefing. Russel said that the way the United States deals with China affects its influence and leadership in Asia because this bilateral relationship is closely watched and regarded by other nations of the region. U.S. security advisers told reporters during the briefing that the relationship affects every other nation in the region. U.S. relations with China also include significant security issues in the Middle East, as well as global economic issues and significant security issues in Northeast Asia, the U.S. officials said. ASIA-PACIFIC REGION AN ADMINISTRATION PRIORITY The United States under the Obama administration has been working to strengthen its relationship with the regional architecture through the East Asia Summit, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, which Obama hosted last year in Hawaii. Obama also completed a trip across the region in November 2011 to expand U.S. trade relationships, including the Trans-Pacific Partnership, and reaffirm U.S. security commitments, which are seen as a significant source for stability and security in the 21st century. An additional component is strengthening relationships and especially high-level relationships with President Hu and Premier Wen Jiabao, Russel added. It helps us to build confidence and avoid surprises in either direction, he said. Russel said the meetings between Biden and Xi will allow the United States to make clear the strength of U.S. views on key issues, and allow Xi to see the United States anew. He added that the expectation is that Xi may well become head of the [Chinese Communist] Party in the fall this year, and then president of China in the spring next year. Michael Froman, deputy national security adviser for international economics, said the economic relationship with China is one of the most important the United States has in the world. Last year, U.S. exports of goods to China exceeded $100 billion, and have been growing almost twice as fast as U.S. exports to the rest of the world, he added. And over the last few years, we have begun to make progress on a whole range of issues between us, including the exchange rate, which has been appreciating since June 2010, Froman told reporters. We helped secure Chinas commitment, both in the G20 [Group of 20 advanced economies] and elsewhere, to reduce its current account surplus, to shift its economic growth model toward greater domestic demand. China also has agreed to remove certain discriminatory procurement and business innovation policies and to strengthen enforcement of intellectual property rights, he added. Xi arrives in Washington February 13, but the first full day of talks is February 14, said Antony Blinken, who is Bidens national security adviser. Biden will welcome Xi to the White House for official meetings with senior Cabinet officials, followed by smaller meetings involving Biden and Xi and some senior advisers. Those meetings will be followed by a meeting in the Oval Office of President Obama, Biden and Xi, Blinken added. Xi will be hosted at a luncheon February 14 with Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Biden at the Department of State. Guests will include a cross-section of prominent Americans from government, business, nongovernmental organizations, academia and the arts. Xi, who is also vice chairman of Chinas Central Military Commission, then will visit the Pentagon for talks with Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and Army General Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to discuss U.S.-China military-to-military affairs. Biden and Xi will take part in a round-table discussion with American and Chinese business executives at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which is across Lafayette Park from the White House. Before leaving Washington, Biden will host Xi at a dinner at the vice presidents official residence the Naval Observatory. Xi will meet with members of the U.S. Congress early on February 15 before leaving for Iowa. He will be joined on this part of his visit by Agriculture Secretary Vilsack and U.S. Ambassador to China Gary Locke. A formal dinner with Governor Branstad and the delegation will be held in Des Moines. Vilsack will host Xi and Chinese and American officials at the U.S.-China Agriculture Symposium in Des Moines on February 16th, Blinken added. And on February 17, Biden rejoins Xi in Los Angeles for private meetings. Xi and Biden also will visit a local school in Los Angeles and be introduced to students who are studying Chinese. This is intended to emphasize people-to-people ties, especially through education, Blinken said. US Embassy Xi Jinping to Hold Crucial Talks with Bidenadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline What Is the Quick Liquidity Ratio?coinswitch kuber log in The quick liquidity ratio is the total amount of a companys quick assets divided by the sum of its netliabilities, and for insurance companies includes reinsurance liabilities. In other words, it shows how much easily-convertible-to-money assets, such as cash, short-term investments, equities, and corporate and government bonds nearing maturity, an insurance company can tap into on short notice to meet its financial obligations. The quick liquidity ratio is also commonly referred to as the acid-test ratio or the quick ratio. Key Takeaways The quick liquidity ratio is the total amount of a companys quick assets divided by the sum of its netliabilities and reinsurance liabilities. This calculation is one of the most rigorous ways to determine a debtor's capacity to pay off current debt obligations without needing to raise external capital. The quick liquidity ratio is an important measure of an insurance companys ability to cover its liabilities with relatively liquid assets. If an insurer has a high quick liquidity ratio, its in a better position to make payments than an insurer with a lower ratio. How the Quick Liquidity Ratio Works Investorshave at their disposal several different liquidity ratios to assess a companys ability to quickly and cheaply convert whatever assets it owns into cash. The quick liquidity ratio, which generally accounts only for resources that can be transformed into cash without losing value within 90 days, is widely considered to be one of the most stringent ways to determine a debtor's capacity to pay off current debt obligations without needing to raise external capital. Quick liquidity ratios are usually expressed as a percentage. The higher the percentage, the more liquid and capable of paying off any money owed the company is. A company with a low quick liquidity ratio that finds itself with a sudden increase in liabilities may have to sell off long-term assets or borrow money. Example of the Quick Liquidity Ratio The quick liquidity ratio is an important measure of an insurance companys ability to cover its liabilities with relatively liquid assets. Suppose an insurer covers a lot of property in Florida and then a hurricane strikes in the region. That insurer is now going to have to find more money than it would normally anticipate to pay claims. If such an insurer has a high quick liquidity ratio, it will be in a better position to make payments than an insurer with a lower ratio. Quick Liquidity Ratio vs. Current Ratio Like the quick liquidity ratio, the current ratio also measures a company's short-term liquidity, or ability to generate enough cash to pay off all debts should they become due at once. The quick liquidity ratio is deemed to be more conservative than the current ratio, though, because it takes fewer assets into consideration. The quick liquidity ratio further refines the current ratio by measuring the level of the most liquid current assets available to cover current liabilities. It doesnt include inventory and other assets such as prepaid expenses that are generally perceived as more difficult and slower to turn into cash. That ultimately means quick liquidity ratios and current ratios can differ significantly. For instance, a company stocking lots of inventory could have a high current ratio and low quick liquidity ratio. Investors concerned about this companys short-term liabilities might opt to dismiss the current ratio and focus more on the quick liquidity ratio, mindful that its inventory, though valuable, may be difficult to offload and turn into cash swiftly enough to settle a sudden hike in obligations. Special Considerations A company that offers a mixture of different types of insurance policies is best compared to peers that offer a similar mixture, as opposed to comparing that company to insurers who only offer a specific and smaller range of products. When evaluating a potential investment in an insurance company an investor should evaluate the types of plans that it offers, as well as how the company intends on covering its liabilities in the case of an emergency. The range of percentages considered good depend on the type of policies that an insurance company is providing. Property insurers are likely to have quick liquidity ratios greater than 30 percent, while liability insurers may have ratios above 20 percent. In addition to evaluating the quick liquidity ratio, investors should look at a companys current liquidity ratio, which shows how well it can cover liabilities with invested assets, and overall liquidity ratio, which shows how a company can cover liabilities with total assets. Investors can also review operating cash flows (OCF) and net cash flows to determine how the company can meet its short-term liquidity needs from cash. What Is a Government Shutdown?slot machines at las vegas airport A government shutdown happens when nonessential U.S. government offices can no longer remain open due to a lack of funding. The lack of funding usually occurs when there is a delay in the approval of the federal budget that will finance the government for the upcoming fiscal year. The shutdown remains in effect until funding legislation is passed. During a government shutdown, many federally run operations will halt. Some organizations may still stay open by running on cash reserves, but once these funds run out, they will also close. While shutdowns can also occur within the state, territorial, and local levels of government, the term "government shutdown" is usually used to refer to the federal government. Key Takeaways A government shutdown occurs when there is a failure to pass the necessary funding legislation that will finance the government for its next fiscal year. During a government shutdown, nonessential government offices are unable to remain open; some essential workers must continue to work but their pay may be furloughed. Veterans' benefits and unemployment payments continue to be paid. Long government shutdowns impact the entire American economy. Understanding a Government Shutdown During a government shutdown, the U.S. federal government is required to reduce agency activities and services and cease any non-essential operations (including furloughing non-essential workers). Some agencies remain open during a government shutdown. These services are those that, if suspended, would endanger the health, life, or personal safety of the public. Essential employees in departments covering the safety of human life or protection of property also remain employed. However, these employees may not earn a paycheck during the time of the government shutdown unless a specific spending bill is passed to fund those work hours. Essential employees include those working in the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). In addition, Both the Federal Reserve and the Postal Service will both continue their operations because neither receive federal funds. During a government shutdown, the disbursement of payments from government sources to citizens for veterans benefits or unemployment insurance will continue. These programs receive money from specially earmarked budgets and funds from advanced Congressional appropriations. Furloughed federal employees may also apply for temporary unemployment, but the processing of claims may be prolonged. Government shutdowns can affect many government processing functions. Nonessential agencies who cannot self-fund through the collection of fees or other revenue sources may be forced to furlough, or give unpaid leave, to their employees. Most of the public will see the effect of the government shutdown in the lessening of services they may expect or receive. Perhaps the most visual of these closings is in the shutting down of national parks and monuments. However, the real effects of a government shutdown are widespread. It may take longer or be impossible to process new loans for homes, businesses, and education. New applications for Social Security benefits and the processing of unemployment insurance will also slow. Death benefits and travel reimbursements will not be paid to the surviving family of service members killed during their military service. There are various other impacts of a government shutdown. This includes the delay or halting of the United States Department of Agriculture's inspection of some food products and the preclusion of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) from recalling unsafe products, and travelers may be unable to receive new passports (which are issued by the U.S. Department of State). In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) may be unable to identify and track outbreaks of illness. If the government shutdown remains in place long enough, more agencies will close or reduce the services they provide to the public as a whole, and a larger portion of the American population will begin to see the direct effects. Impact on the Economy As government operations slow or stop altogether, the effects may also spread to businesses in the private sector. It's possible that the entire economy may lose money as a result of this disruption in government operations. However, the overall cost and lasting impact of a government shutdown on the economy may vary. For example, the government shutdown of 2013, which lasted for 16 days, was estimated to have cost the U.S. economy $24 billion in losses. Furloughed federal employees may individually curtail their spending. Collectively, this can have an impact on local businesses; if a substantial number of federal workers are furloughed and not spending as expected, the companies that typically serve them may see a revenue decrease. Companies that cater to the needs of federal agenciesoffice supply businesses, for examplewill see the impact in reduced sales. Business such as hotels, restaurants, and other hospitality services that cater to the visitors of U.S. national parks and monuments, will lose business during a shutdown. Furthermore, banks, while not government-controlled, are not able to access the information they need to process loan applications during government shutdowns. For example, banks must be able to verify the income submitted on the applicant's tax records during a loan application process. This can also produce reverberations in the economy as a whole because the fees that banks charge to process loans impact the bank's revenues, and, ultimately, the inability to finance a new home will impact the housing market as a whole. Special Considerations The funding of the U.S. government's budget is a long and complicated process that involves the coordination and cooperation of many stakeholders, including the president, the House of Representatives, the Senate, and the federal agencies and departments that will receive the funding. Many events may delay the budget's approval, including economic downturns, political politics, and the efforts of lobbyists. Every year, governmental agencies submit budget requests to the White House to continue operations. The president and his staff review and revise these funding requests, and then petition Congress to provide the requested funds. The House and Senate Congressional Appropriations Committees will consider the president's funding request. The committees will also typically make adjustments to the amounts the agencies initially asked to receive. After they reach a consensus on budget amounts, a bill goes to both the House of Representatives and the Senate. After a debate, there is a floor vote. Next, the bill is returned to the White House to be signed into law or vetoed. Real World Example At midnight on Dec. 21, 2018, the United States entered a government shutdown. President Trump and members of Congress were unable to agree on funding for the fiscal year 2019. This government shutdown impacted approximately 800,000 federal employees. In a fact sheet released by Senator Patrick Leahy, the Democratic vice chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, it was revealed that more than 420,000 federal employees were expected to work without pay, and more than 380,000 federal employees would be placed on furlough. This shutdown lasted 35 days, the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. dead centre New Word List Save This deposit bonus bet offersWord! Save ThisWord! nounthe exact top (top dead centre) or bottom (bottom dead centre) of the piston stroke in a reciprocating engine or pumpa pointed rod mounted in the tailstock of a lathe to support a workpiece Also called: dead point Words nearby dead centre How to use in a sentence The cartoonist, better known as Charb, was shot dead Wednesday. France Kills Charlie Hebdo Murderers|Nico Hines|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST France Kills Charlie Hebdo Murderers|Nico Hines|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST A policewoman was shot dead this morning while law enforcement searched for the Charlie Lebdo killers. France Mournsand Hunts|Nico Hines, Christopher Dickey|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST France Mournsand Hunts|Nico Hines, Christopher Dickey|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST Absent a body, no one can say with absolute certainty whether Castro is dead, even if all signs point in that direction. An Informant, a Missing American, and Juarezs House of Death: Inside the 12-Year Cold Case of David Castro|Bill Conroy|January 6, 2015|DAILY BEAST An Informant, a Missing American, and Juarezs House of Death: Inside the 12-Year Cold Case of David Castro|Bill Conroy|January 6, 2015|DAILY BEAST The two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is dead. In the Middle East, the Two-State Solution Is Dead|Dean Obeidallah|January 2, 2015|DAILY BEAST Yes, Byrddead four-and-a-half years nowwas a Kleagle in the Ku Klux Klan. Steve Scalise and the Rights Ridiculous Racial Blame Game|Michael Tomasky|January 2, 2015|DAILY BEAST Steve Scalise and the Rights Ridiculous Racial Blame Game|Michael Tomasky|January 2, 2015|DAILY BEAST A little boy of four was moved to passionate grief at the sight of a dead dog taken from a pond. Children's Ways|James Sully Children's Ways|James Sully His idea was that there would be ample time later to order a concentration on either wing or on the centre. Napoleon's Marshals|R. P. Dunn-Pattison Napoleon's Marshals|R. P. Dunn-Pattison When he plays a sonata it is as if the composition rose from the dead and stood transfigured before you. Music-Study in Germany|Amy Fay Music-Study in Germany|Amy Fay To-day I'm more dead than alive, as we had a lesson from him yesterday that lasted four hours. Music-Study in Germany|Amy Fay Music-Study in Germany|Amy Fay It is a fearsome thing for a man to be left alone in the dead of night with a young baby. The Joyous Adventures of Aristide Pujol|William J. Locke QUIZWILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!Questiondeadbolt, deadboy, dead bury their dead, Let the, dead-cat bounce, dead center, dead centre, dead data, dead drop, dead drunk, dead duck, deadenCollins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012 For as long as Seemay Chou can remember,amazon slots flip and go ggpoker she has gone to bed at midnight and woken around 4:30 a.m. Chou long assumed that meant she was a bad sleeper. Not that she felt bad. In fact, sleeping just four hours a night left her feeling full of energy and with free time to get more done at her job leading a research lab that studies bacteria. It feels really good for me to sleep four hours, she says. When Im in that rhythm, thats when I feel my best. Still, in an effort to match the slumber schedules of the rest of the world, she would sometimes drug herselfwith melatonin, alcohol or marijuana ediblesinto getting more sleep. It backfired. If I sleep seven or eight hours, I feel way worse, she says. Hung over, almost. Although the federal government recommends that Americans sleep seven or more hours per night for optimal health and functioning, new research is challenging the assumption that sleep is a one-size-fits-all phenomenon. Scientists have found that our internal body clocks vary so greatly that they could form the next frontiers of personalized medicine. By listening more closely to the ticking of our internal clocks, researchers expect to uncover novel ways to help everybody get more out of their sleeping and waking lives. Searching for a good nights rest? Find it by signing up for TIMEs guide to the scientific secrets of sleep. Human sleep is largely a mystery. We know its important; getting too little is linked to heightened risk for metabolic disorders, Type 2 diabetes, psychiatric disorders, autoimmune disease, neurodegeneration and many types of cancer. Its probably true that bad sleep leads to increased risks of virtually every disorder, says Dr. Louis Ptacek, a neurology professor at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). But details about whats actually going on during shut-eye are sparse. We know almost nothing about sleep and how its regulated, says Ptacek. Some people are morning larks, rising early, and others are night owls, who like staying up late. Those patterns are regulated by the bodys circadian rhythm, a 24-hour internal clock. People can manipulate their circadian rhythm through all kinds of external factors, like setting an alarm clock or exposing themselves to light. But the ideal sleep duration has long been thought to be universal. There are many people who think everyone needs eight to eight and a half hours of sleep per night and there will be health consequences if they dont get it, says Ptacek. But thats as crazy as saying everybody has to be 5 ft. 10 in. tall. Its just not true. Ptacek and his wife Ying-Hui Fu, also a professor of neurology at UCSF, are pioneers in the relatively new field of sleep genetics. About a decade ago, Fu discovered the first human gene linked to natural short sleep; people who had a rare genetic mutation seemed to get the same benefits from six hours of sleep a night as those without the mutation got from eight hours. In 2019, Fu and Ptacek discovered two more genes connected to natural short sleep, and theyll soon submit a paper describing a fourth, providing even more evidence that functioning well on less sleep is a genetic trait. The researchers are now collecting data on short sleepers in order to figure out just how rare these mutations are. If we can get a better understanding of why their sleep is more efficient, we can then come back and help everybody sleep more efficiently, Fu says. Among the participants is Chou, who also happens to work at UCSF. One day at a faculty meeting, she and Ptacek chatted about his work. She immediately recognized herself when he described short sleepers. I had never heard of this. But once I started reading about it, it was sort of an epiphany. Chou doesnt know yet if she has the identified genetic variants. But after the researchers interviewed her about her familys sleeping patterns, she realized her mom is also a short sleeper. I have memories of when I was younger, and my dad being frustrated with her for staying up really late, but she always seemed fine, she says. The researchers took blood samples from both women. Doctors once dismissed short sleepers like Chou as depressed or suffering from insomnia. Yet short sleepers may actually have an edge over everyone else. Research is still early, but Fu has found that besides being more efficient at sleep, they tend to be more energetic and optimistic and have a higher tolerance for pain than people who need to spend more time in bed. They also tend to live longer. Chou says the first three hold true for her; by nature, she is sunny and positive, and though she often finds bruises on her body, she usually doesnt remember getting them. I find it annoying how much people complain about little physical pains, she says. So far, these are just intriguing observations. But by studying genetic short sleepers, Fu and Ptacek believe theyll eventually learn lessons for the rest of us. As we identify more and more genes and we think about the pathways in which they function, at some point, a picture is going to emerge, and we will begin to have an understanding of how sleep is regulated in greater detail, Ptacek says. This, they hope, will lead to targeted treatments, like pills or vitamins, to improve sleep efficiency in everyone. Researchers are also looking beyond sleep to other circadian bodily processes that might benefit from a personalized or targeted approach. While a master clock in the brain acts like a conductor, setting time for the whole body, the rest of the body is like orchestra players with clocks of their own. All your organs have rhythms, says Steven Lockley, an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School who studies circadian rhythms and sleep. Theres a clock in your heart, a clock in the lungs, a clock in the kidneys. Just about everything in the bodymetabolism, hormones, the immune system, reproductive function and the way DNA is translatedis influenced by a circadian rhythm, he says. And not everybodys is the same. Peoples internal clocks are often hours off from one another, Lockley says. The range of individual differences is much bigger than anyone really understands yet. The bodys complex clock system has implications for both healthy people and those with medical conditions, and scientists are already seeing glimpses of how they can time certain tests and treatments to get more accurate or potent results. A cholesterol reading, for example, might be affected by what time of day you go to the doctors office, because the liver (which makes cholesterol) has a circadian rhythm. The time of day at which you measure something could make someone look clinically abnormal, even though theyre not, Lockley says. Medicine might also be more effective if taken at a certain time. Because theyre metabolized in the liver, drugs change their effects throughout the day, Lockley says. Other circadian bodily processes, like cell function, can also affect how medication acts. Early research suggests certain drugsincluding some for colorectal cancer, pain and asthmaperform better or are less toxic when taken at different times of day. Exercise, which can be as powerful as medicine for some conditions, is good for you whenever you do it. But I do think that the time of day may have an influence, on top of the effects of exercise, on our metabolic health, says Juleen Zierath, professor of physiology at Karolinska Institute in Sweden. In one small study published in 2018 in the journal Diabetologia, Zierath and her team started 11 men with Type 2 diabetes on a high-intensity interval training program. The men exercised either in the morning (around 8 a.m.) or the afternoon (4 p.m.) for two weeks, then switched schedules. The researchers expected that regardless of the time of day, men in both groups would see improvements in blood-sugar levels. But when they exercised in the morning, they actually had slightly higher levels of blood sugar [than baseline], which we didnt expect at all, Zierath says. Its not clear to what extent the type of exercise and other variables matter, but the study provides an intriguing hint that time of day might make a difference for exercise. Scientific knowledge is nascent when it comes to optimizing testing and treatment by the clock. Our understanding of individual circadian time is even more primitive. But Lockley believes its the key to personalized medicine; he and others are exploring ways to measure a persons internal circadian time through simple clinical tests. Hopefully in the next five to 10 years, youd go to the doctor, give a breath test or a pee sample, and the doctor would know your biological time, he says. Then all your test results and treatments could be based on your real internal time, which is going to be very different between you and me based on our internal clocks. For now, even the understanding that our bodies often operate according to different clocks is a big scientific advance. Its already changed the way Chou sleeps, lives and works. Ive just become more comfortable with accepting my sleep, she says. She now asks her employees about their sleep schedules to anticipate when each will be at their peak. She also informs everyone about her own abbreviated schedule, so they know she doesnt expect an immediate response to an email she sends at 4:05 a.m. Thats just when my brain is working, she says. This appears in the August 17, 2020 issue of TIME. SHANGHAI,graton casino near me Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- Black pepper from Timor-Leste, tea from Laos, wood carvings from the Central Africa Republic, and coffee from Ethiopia.... such local specialties from these least developed countries were displayed along with intelligent products from developed nations such as humanoid robots at the fifth China International Import Expo (CIIE). Intriguingly, these local products sparked the same strong interest among customers as the upscale items did at the import expo. Bei Lei, executive curator of the national pavilion of Timor-Leste at the expo, has witnessed the meteoric rise of Timorese coffee in China. She said the CIIE has promoted trade cooperation and cultural exchanges between the two countries, adding that "in the process of sharing China's development opportunities, we feel the warmth of China." A country with a population of about 1.3 million, Timor-Leste has been an active participant in the CIIE since 2018. The coffee industry is seen as an economic pillar for Timor-Leste. Ultra-high standards involved in the picking and processing have made its coffee beans a signature product of the country. In retrospect, Timor-Leste's CIIE journey, however, started with humble beginnings. When it first participated in the expo in 2018, it was simply the country's national image that was showcased and no enterprises had joined the exhibition. At the 2nd CIIE in 2019, the country tentatively showcased a few of its specialties such as coffee, wild honey, red wine and handicrafts; at the 3rd CIIE in 2020, they won coffee orders worth 5 million U.S. dollars, and the 4th CIIE, Timorese coffee once again gained fame thanks to a robot barista provided free of charge by a Chinese company. Timor-Leste exported 348 tonnes of coffee beans to China in 2021, up 140 percent year on year, according to the country's statistics. All the products are green and pollution-free, which is in line with the pursuit of healthy life by Chinese consumers, Bei said. "And it gives us a lot of confidence." To enable more countries to share China's development dividends, organizers of the CIIE have invited the least developed countries to participate in the expo since its first edition and provided two standard booths free of charge to each of these participating nations. During the expo, special matchmaking conferences are held to help connect exhibitors from these countries and potential buyers. In 2019, the organizers specially set up a venue in the Shanghai free trade zone for countries in need to open national pavilions to display their commodities and investment projects all year round. This year, the CIIE joined hands with a number of multinational organizations and industry associations to help least developed countries organize delegations to participate in the expo. Before the CIIE opened this year, the organizers took the initiative to coordinate with Chinese companies to help Timor-Leste build a larger booth, doubling the booth area from last year to 36 square meters. Since 2018, among more than 40 least developed countries in the world, companies from over 30 nations have participated in the CIIE every year to seek business opportunities. Ali Faiz has taken part in the CIIE for three consecutive years, displaying exquisite Afghan carpets. There weren't any flashy decorations at his booth, and the beautiful carpets were the best form of publicity. "Selling a large handmade wool carpet can guarantee the life of an ordinary family for nearly a year. The Chinese market gives hope to many Afghans," he said. Li Manxiong, a Chinese businessman who introduced Timorese coffee to the Chinese market, displayed more than a dozen products processed with foreign coffee beans at the CIIE booth. "The CIIE has enhanced the visibility of Timor-Leste, and I hope to continue to use this platform to introduce more Timor-Leste products to the world and benefit the people of Timor-Leste," Li said. During the CIIE, through the coordination of the organizers, more Chinese enterprises and international institutions extended a helping hand to the least developed countries participating in the expo. Director Du Jiayis () adventure drama, Kora , has been listed in the 48th Golden Horse Awards to compete for Best New Director and Best Adapted Screenplay, after it short-listed for the 24th Tokyo International Film Festival a few days ago, according to a report from mtime.com. Based on the best-selling book of the same name, the film Kora tells the tale of a young Taiwanese who journeys to Tibet by bicycle. The film depicts the beautiful scenery along side the Yunnan-Tibet borders starting from Lijiang to Lhasa. I didnt choose Tibets best season for shooting, deliberately weakening the scenery in the film, Director Du Jiayi revealed. Depicting the magnificent and beautiful scenery of Yunnan-Tibet borders belongs to the mission of the scenic film, while Kora stresses the sentimental side of it. The film will be screened nationwide on October 22. Zhang Ting Chinese Films The Film Kora Listed in the 48th Golden Horse Awardsadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline What Is Tax Season?hotel acuario en laughlin nevada Tax season is the time period, generally between Jan. 1 and April 15 of each year, when individual taxpayers traditionally prepare financial statements and reports for the previous year and submit their tax returns. In the U.S., individuals typically must file their annual tax return by April 15 of the year following any reportable earnings. Tax returns submitted after the end of tax season are subject to late penalty fees and interest charges. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced that the U.S. tax season begins on Monday, January 24, 2022, which is when the IRS begins accepting and processing 2021 tax year returns. Key Takeaways Tax season is when individuals and businesses prepare and file their income taxes. In the United States, tax season is typically Jan. 1 until the April 15 filing deadline, although Jan. 24, 2022, is when the IRS will begin accepting returns for the 2021 tax year. During tax season, employers, financial custodians, and other entities that generate income for individuals must provide documentation and statements for tax preparation purposes to ensure taxes are filed on time. Understanding Tax Season Tax season is the period within which all income taxes must be filed up until the deadline. The deadline each year is typically April 15. However, if this date falls on a weekend or holiday, it is moved to the next business day. For instance, in 2022, Emancipation Day in Washington, D.C., falls on April 16, which is a Saturday. Therefore, it will be officially observed in the Capital on the closest weekday, April 15. That holiday observation will close the city and federal offices in D.C., including the IRS. As a result, taxpayers have until Monday, April 18, 2022, to file their 2021 tax returns and pay any taxes due. Tax returns submitted after this date are subject to late penalty fees unless you are a resident of Maine or Massachusetts. In those two states, taxpayers have until Tuesday, April 19, 2022, because April 18 is Patriots' Day. Emancipation Day commemorates the day President Abraham Lincoln signed the District of Columbia Compensated Emancipation Act in 1862. The Act freed 3,000 enslaved people in the area and has been observed in D.C. since 2005. During tax season, businesses must furnish employees, contract laborers, and others, such as royalty earners, with tax documents specifying data required to complete an individual's tax returns. People who are required to file a tax return generally must do so before April 15 or request an extension. Tax season is a busy period for many tax preparers and accounting professionals. The three-and-a-half-month period at the beginning of the year is the time when the necessary paperwork, including wage and earnings statements (such as 1099s or W-2s), is collected to assemble tax returns. While some individuals calculate their own tax returns, many rely on the expertise of tax preparers and accounting professionals to be certain the paperwork is filed correctly and to improve the financial outcome of the tax return. An individual who earned $73,000 or less (in 2021) can file taxes for free through the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Free File program. Individuals must file federal, state, and, in some cases, local tax returns. The IRS advises that all taxpayers keep copies of their prior-year tax returns for at least three years. In the event of an IRS audit, a taxpayer will be required to present the last three years of their documents. In extreme cases, such as suspicion of fraud, they will be expected to show seven years of documents. For the tax year 2022. according to the IRS, a taxpayer with gross income (all income from all sources) of more than $12,950 will have to pay federal tax. Independent contractors, or what the IRS refers to as "non-employee compensation," must file a return and pay self-employment taxes on any net earnings from self-employment of $400 or more. The deadline for employers to file and send W-2s to employees is Jan. 31. Businesses that hire independent contractors must send these nonemployees Form 1099-NEC as of the 2021 tax year. This form replaced 1099-MISC, which still remains in effect for payments made for things like rent, prizes, health care, among others. Special Considerations Although the deadline to file your taxes is nearly always April 15, there are cases when the IRS may have to extend it. That was the case with the as was the 2020 federal tax year. The agency extended the filing date for individuals until May 17, 2021, due to the coronavirus pandemic. A further extension was granted to those living in Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana because of the winter storms that hit those states in February 2021. The deadline for individuals and corporations to file their 2020 tax returns was pushed to June 15, 2021. Then the following spring storms caused enough damage to Tennessee as well as parts of Alabama and Kentucky to grant further extensions. Why Filing Early Can Make Sense Even though many taxpayers file their tax returns on or by about April 15 every year, there is no need to put it off until the last minute. Indeed, filing an early tax return can make sense for a variety of reasons. The IRS begins accepting and processing 2021 tax year returns on Monday, January 24, 2022. Even if you don't file early, there are reasons to begin preparation as soon as you can. Starting your filing process early gives you the time you need to collect the evidence needed to claim all of your deductions. You will avoid the headache of the middle of the night stress over figures and receipts. Your accountant will have a more flexible schedule and will probably be able to start working on your accounts immediately. Also, by filing early, you will short circuit would-be identity thieves. What Is Social Economics?boyds bears collection list Social economics is a social science and a branch of economics that focuses on the relationship between social behavior and economics. Social economics is also referred to as socioeconomics. Social economics is primarily concerned with the interplay between social processes and economic activity within a society. Social economics may attempt to explain how a particular social group or socioeconomic class behaves within a society, including their actions as consumers. Key Takeaways Social economics is a social science and branch of economics that focuses on the relationship between social behavior and economics. Social economists may borrow the tools of other social sciences such as psychology or sociology. The theories of social economics often consider factors that are outside the focus of mainstream economics, including the effect of the environment and ecology on consumption and wealth. Social economics may attempt to explain how a particular social group or socioeconomic class behaves within a society, including their actions as consumers. Social economists may examine the factors and decisions that relate to a person's educational level, health outcomes, or involvement in crime or violence. Understanding Social Economics Theories of social economics sometimes diverge from conventional economic theories. They may consider factors that are outside the focus of mainstream economics, including the effect of the environment and ecology on consumption and wealth. Social economists frequently study the different economic choices by people in different socioeconomic classes. A socioeconomic class is a group of people with similar characteristics. These characteristics can include social and economic standing, level of education, current profession, and ethnic background or heritage. Different socioeconomic classes may have different priorities regarding how they direct their funds, or they may be unable to afford certain goods or services due to their income limitations. These goods or services can include access to more advanced or complete medical care, educational opportunities, and the ability to buy food that meets specific nutritional guidelines. There are two broad perspectives in social economics. Though opposite in their approach, they can be thought of as complementary. The first, pioneered by Nobelist Gary Becker, applies the basic theoretical and applied tools of neoclassical microeconomics to areas of human behavior that are not traditionally considered part of the economic sciences, such as crime and punishment, drug abuse, marriage, and family decisions. The second perspective applies the ideas of other social sciences, such as sociology, psychology, and identity group studies to subjects of an economic nature like consumer behavior or labor markets. These practitioners of social economics use history, current events, politics, and other social sciences to predict social trends that could potentially impact the economy. This strand of social economics is the primary focus of this article. In addition to income, socioeconomic status is also related to factors like education, family structure, occupation, and membership of certain ethnic minority groups. Impact of Social Economics According to the American Psychological Association, socioeconomic factors may reveal inequalities surrounding wealth, education, or status. These background factors may play a role in a person's life decisions, such as their career or family choices. Some of these socioeconomic relationships are explained below: Families There are strong correlations between socioeconomic status and family structure, as well as other outcomes such as parenting practices and childhood development. Single-parent households are more likely to be low-income, and low-income households are more likely to suffer from domestic violence and child neglect. These disparities also manifest in worse health outcomes later in life. Education Children with lower socioeconomic status tend to enter school with lower levels of reading and linguistic development, as well as lower social skills. In later years, these deficiencies may manifest themselves in lower levels of academic success and, ultimately, in lower incomes when they reach adulthood. Ethnic and Minority Status There are strong correlations between socioeconomic status and membership in indigenous or other ethnic minorities, particularly those that have historically suffered from discrimination. Membership of some minority groups may correlate to higher levels of unemployment or substance abuse, as well as poorer mental and physical health. Violence Although interpersonal violence can occur at any socioeconomic level, people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds tend to have greater exposure to violence, especially in their formative years. Exposure to violence can negatively affect a person's academic and employment outcomes, and domestic violence is also a major cause of homelessness. Example of Social Economics An individuals socioeconomic status can significantly impact their educational attainment and financial security. An individual from an affluent social class will likely have a greater opportunity to achieve higher education and may be expected to pursue such a goal, while those from low-income families generally do not have the same opportunities available to them. For example, low-income families may not be able to pay for their children's participation in team sports, music lessons, or private tutoring, which can propel them toward achieving a prosperous future (as well as provide them with growing confidence to take on more challenges). Also, these children may attend overcrowded schools where education is underfunded or understaffed. Completing higher education is more likely to increase their income potential, as well as provide opportunities to interact with people of similar or more advanced social standing and build beneficial social networks. In contrast, higher education may not be attainable for an individual existing at or below the poverty level. Many studies have revealed that young children from families existing at or below the poverty level develop academic skills slower than children from affluent social classes. A lower socioeconomic status is also related to poor cognitive development, language, memory, socioemotional processing, and consequently poor income and health in adulthood. What's more, school systems in communities that are primarily populated by those at or below the poverty level are often underresourced, which negatively impacts students academic progress and outcomes. Poor academic skills and progress, combined with high dropout rates, can impact childrens academic achievement in the long term. What Are Examples of Socioeconomic Factors? In addition to income, socioeconomic status also includes other factors such as educational levels, financial security, environmental factors, and subjective perceptions of social status and class. What Is Socioeconomic Well Being? Socioeconomic well-being means the mix of social and economic factors that produce the best outcomes for a person's health and well-being. Although a high income is not strictly necessary, a sufficient level of financial security is a significant factor in mental and physical health as well as educational outcomes. How Do You Calculate Socioeconomic Status? There are three key measures for determining someone's socioeconomic status, according to the National Committee on Vital and Health Statistics: income, education, and occupation. In addition, the American Psychological Association also recommends considerations of family size, since the number of earners and dependents in a household has a strong impact on the family's financial security. One may also consider subjective factors, such as occupational prestige or a person's subjective perceptions of social class. What Income Is Considered Low Socioeconomic Status? Although income is not the only element in someone's sociological status, it is an important measure of a person's ability to obtain better health and educational outcomes. In the United States, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) gauges income levels as a percentage of the Area Median Income (AMI). A family earning less than 80% of the AMI is considered low-income, and a family earning less than 50% of the AMI is considered Very Low Income. These categories are used to allocate housing vouchers and other assistance. In a move to further empower mutual customers in their cloud transformation journies, Google (News - Alert) Cloud and HashiCorp have announced an extended partnership that will bring functional generative AI capabilities to HashiCorp's product suite. With the collaboration, the goal is to drive automation forward help streamline cloud operations for enterprises, and make Google Cloud a preferred AI provider for HashiCorp. As part of the extended partnership, Google Cloud's Vertex (News - Alert) AI platform has been integrated into HashiCorp's offerings. Vertex AI is renowned for its comprehensive AI project management capabilities, and will now make it possible for joint customers to discover, customize, augment, deploy, and manage AI projects seamlessly. Additionally, HashiCorp will leverage Vertex AI to develop new interfaces and allow users to employ natural language commands and automate routine tasks, such as dashboard and insight development. The two tech giants also said they plan to roll out AI-powered features tailored specifically for HashiCorp customers' common use cases. "Already, many enterprise customers utilize HashiCorp and Google Cloud together. This collaboration will bring new generative AI capabilities to these joint customers, helping them accelerate their AI journeys," said Gabe Monroy, Vice President, of Product Management at Google Cloud. "With Google Cloud AI and HashiCorp's developer tools, we can help cloud developers streamline and automate many of their most common workflows and tasks, and we'll partner closely to develop and bring to market new AI-powered capabilities across the HashiCorp portfolio." HashiCorp also announced its support for Google Cloud's Duet AI for Developers. This integration will see Duet AI drawing on product information from Terraform, an infrastructure automation tool by HashiCorp. The goal is to assist developers in writing configurations and automating infrastructure tasks more effectively. "Terraform is the most widely used IaC tool, used by organizations around the globe, including Google. This partnership will strengthen Terraform's compatibility with AI solutions, empowering developers to focus more on creating and delivering innovative solutions, and less on underlying infrastructure operations, said Armon Dadgar, CTO and co-founder at HashiCorp. Chinas top political advisor Jia Qinglin Saturday vowed to further efforts in stimulating a steady and robust development of the countrys economy and promoting social stability. Jia made the pledge in a report delivered at the opening meeting of the Fifth Session of the 11th National Committee of the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the top political advisory body, which opened in Beijing Saturday. Jia, chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, said the tasks of the CPPCC are heavy in 2012 as it is an important year for carrying forward the implementation of the 12th Five-Year Plan (2011-2015). Besides, the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), which has immense and far-reaching significance, will also be held this year. Jia promised the CPPCC will play its role well in coordinating relations, pooling strengths, providing proposals and advice to policymakers. He said the CPPCC will fully understand the historical necessity of the birth and development of the system of multiparty cooperation and political consultation under the leadership of the CPC and the unique features and advantages of the socialist political system with Chinese characteristics, adhere to the leadership of the CPC more conscientiously, and follow the socialist path with Chinese characteristics more resolutely. Jia said the CPPCC will make giving impetus to scientific development the top priority when carrying out its duties, vigorously develop the real economy and maintain steady and robust economic development. The CPPCC will coordinate democratic parties, industrial federations and related organizations in making proposals and suggestions on major economic issues such as expanding domestic consumer demand and maintaining price stability, he said. Jia called promoting social harmony and stability a bounden duty of the CPPCC. He said a consultative meeting on how to strengthen and make innovations in social administration will be held this year. The CPPCC will also carry out investigations, studies, deliberation and democratic oversight on major issues in social development, including strengthening the development of institutions and mechanisms for social administration, improving supervision of non-public economic organizations and social organizations, deepening reform of the income distribution system, Jia said. He also pledged to give impetus to cultural reform and development by taking advantage of the CPPCCs rich pool of people with outstanding cultural talent as well as its substantial quantity of cultural resources. Jia promised to deepen development of pragmatic exchanges with Taiwan, and get the people of Taiwan, especially young people, to identify more closely with the Chinese nation and culture. He vowed to make greater use of the CPPCCs special advantages in developing friendly external relations in line with Chinas overall arrangements for its diplomatic work in order to create a favorable external environment and conditions for the smooth implementation of the 12th Five-Year Plan. We will actively exchange high-level visits with foreign countries, strengthen and develop traditional friendships, increase mutual political trust with relevant countries, and strive to win the international communitys understanding of and support for Chinas concept of scientific, harmonious, peaceful, and cooperative development, said Jia. He also recalled the work over the past year, saying the CPPCC made important contributions to implementing the 12th Five-Year Plan and winning new victories in building a moderately prosperous society in all respects. The annual session of CPPCC National Committee this year is scheduled to conclude on March 13. More than 2,000 members of the CPPCC National Committee will discuss major issues concerning the countrys development during the period. Top CPC and state leaders Hu Jintao, Wu Bangguo, Wen Jiabao, Li Changchun, Xi Jinping, Li Keqiang, He Guoqiang, and Zhou Yongkang attended the opening meeting. Founded in 1949, the CPPCC consists of elite figures of the Chinese society who are willing to serve the think tank for the government and for the legislative and judicial organs. As an open forum where the ruling CPC, non-Communist parties and people without party affiliation discuss state affairs freely and on an equal footing, the CPPCC has been the manifestation of China s socialist democracy. The meeting was broadcast live on the China National Radio, China Central Television (CCTV) and China Radio International. Xinhua Jia Qinglin vows to help promote economy, stabilityadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda ordered relevant ministries Saturday to be prepared for a satellite launch conducted by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK) and asked them to secure public safety. Noda said he will seek cooperation with the United States,crypto hounds game england odibet South Korea, Russia and China to urge the DPRK to stop the launch, which would be carried out between Dec. 10 and Dec. 22, according to Japans Kyodo News Agency. Japan will also put the issue on a high-level negotiation with the DPRK on Wednesday and Thursday in Beijing, trying to persuade the DPRK to give up the plan. The DPRK announced the plan on Saturday, saying the earth observation satellite, the second version of Kwangmyongsong-3, will be launched by the Unha-3 carrier rocket from the Sohae Space Center in the countrys North Phyongan Province. The DPRK attempted a satellite launch in April to mark the 100th birthday of late DPRK founder Kim Il Sung. But the rocket failed to send the satellite into orbit and crashed into sea. Xinhua Japans PM orders ministries to prepare for DPRKs satellite launchadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline China is ready for the opening of its top legislatures annual session, with all delegations having arrived in Beijing, according to the sessions press center on Saturday. All the preparations for the Fifth Session of the 11th National Peoples Congress (NPC), including paperwork and venue arrangements, have been completed as of Saturday, said the press center. Nearly 3,000 NPC deputies will attend this years session, scheduled to open on Monday. Xinhua China ready for parliaments annual sessionadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline The DPRKs plan to launch a satellite later this month has generated unease in the international community. South Korea has expressed deep concern over the issue and demanded the DPRK withdraw its launch plan. Japans Kyodo News Agency reports that Japan will postpone the high-level talks with the DPRK, originally scheduled on Wednesday and Thursday in Beijing. Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda asked the government to monitor the situation in case of any accidents. The U.S. has yet to make any official comments. The U.S. Associated Press points out that the DPRK is aiming to enhance its diplomatic position, as the satellite launch plan comes just after Barack Obamas re-election as US president, and just ahead of South Koreas presidential elections on December 19th. CNTV Japan, S.Korea, U.S. on DPRK satellite launchadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline ABOUT THIS WORD What does DACAmean? DACAstands for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, an immigration policy, enacted by the Obama administration in 2012, that allows undocumented people, known as Dreamers, brought to the United States as children to defer deportation and live and work in the U.S. legally. With efforts by the Trump administration to end it being challenged in court, DACAhas become a flashpoint for the immigration debate in the U.S. On June 18, 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a significant, 5-to-4 ruling against President Trumps effort to terminate DACA in September 2017. Writing for the majority, Chief Justice John Roberts found that, while a president has the authority to end DACAif they provide valid, proper reasons, the Trump administrations decision was arbitrary and capricious. The ruling protects hundreds of thousands of Dreamers from deportation for now by blocking the Trump administrations immediate ending of the DACAprogram. Other implications of the ruling are that DACAis legal, but also that a president could end the program in the future, if done so in a reasoned way. Congress would still need to pass legislation to determine the permanent legal status of Dreamers. Where does DACAcome from? During the first term of his presidency in 200812, President Barack Obama pushed for immigration reform to address the problems faced by children brought illegally to the United States by their parents. These childrensome 6508700,000 young people at an average age of 25were caught in limbo, not having chosen the fate of their illegal status. Many of them hadnt been to their countries of origin since birth and no longer had ties to those countries (often Mexico). They considered themselves American, working, going to school, and serving in the military, but were at risk for deportation. Moving into his second term, the Obama administration encouraged Congress to pass long-in-the-pipeline legislation that would normalize these childrens legal statuscalled the DREAM (Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors) Actbut it failed, largely over disagreements about proposals about paths to citizenship for them. To provide some temporary protection to this group of immigrants, Obama signed an executive order on June 15, 2012 to create the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program. This program gave applicants two years of protection from deportation and made them eligible to work. DACArecipients, known as Dreamersin reference to the failed DREAM Act, have to apply to renew their eligibility every two years at a cost of nearly $500. In September 2017, President Donald Trump moved to phase out DACA by March 2018, again via executive order. This set off a series of legal challenges, even involving the Supreme Court, with federal district judges ordering a stay on the order and the Trump administration to process applications. As of July 2018, the Trump administration is processing renewals but the fate of new applications and court decisions remain unclear. Limbo once again for the Dreamers. DACAprotects a very small proportion of undocumented immigrantsabout 6% of the overall undocumented population. But, it has become symbolic of the larger heated debate around immigration in the United States. President Trump and anti-immigration activists have used DACAas an emblem of all problems with immigration policy in the U.S. while pro-immigration activists point to the professional, academic, and military accomplishments of DACArecipients as patriotic signs of their contributions to the U.S. economy and society. The complexities of DACAhave compelled President Trump to use the program to get Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform, with Trump sometimes saying he will concede DACAprotections for border wall funding. As with Obama before him, efforts have so far been fruitless. As noted above, in June 2020, the Supreme Court of the United States blocked the Trump administrations efforts to end DACA on the grounds that its reasons for doing so were not valid and adequate. How is DACAused in real life? DACAis most often used as a noun for the policy itself and its protections, but its also used attributively to describe program participantseither positively or negatively. Pro-immigration activists also use DACAto support their cause, sparking the hashtag #DefendDACA. They may reference DACAin order to get the word out about the program in order to encourage more people to apply. The hashtag#DACAis also most often used by the pro-immigration camp to draw attention to their posts on immigration and Dreamers in particular. DACAis very commonly discussed in states with large Latin American immigrant populations, such as California, Texas, and New York. More examples of DACA: Shout out to DACA AMERICANS that are doing the most American thing of all!!! They are fighting for their inalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness @Johnnyrodr10, July 2018 Roberts and the courts four liberal justices said the Department of Homeland Securitys decision to rescind DACA was arbitrary and capricious under the Administrative Procedure Act. Nina Totenberg, NPR, June 18, 2020 Note This content is not meant to be a formal definition of this term. Rather, it is an informal summary that seeks to provide supplemental information and context important to know or keep in mind about the terms history, meaning, and usage. A man accused of posing as one of the owners of Circa and swindling the casino out of more than $1 million pleaded guilty to theft this poker face free chipsweek, while Clark Countys top prosecutor said Tuesday that others could be charged in the case. Erik Gutierrez Martinez, 23, deceived an employee on June 17 into believing she was delivering bags of cash to two men at four different locations on behalf of one of the hotels owners, according to an arrest report from the Metropolitan Police Department. Gutierrez Martinez called the cashiers cage pretending to be owner Greg Stevens and ordered a supervisor to pay the fire department hundreds of thousands in cash. What Does Supranational Mean?diwali poker habanero free slots A supranational organization is a multinational union or association in which member countries cede authority and sovereignty on at least some internal matters to the group, whose decisions are binding on its members. In short, member states share in decision making on matters that will affect each country's citizens. The EU, United Nations and the World Trade Organization (WTO) are all supranational groups, to one degree or another. In the EU, each member votes on policies that will affect each other member nation. Such supranational organizations are seen by many as a better way to govern the affairs of nations, with an eye to preventing conflict and promoting cooperation, particularly on economic and military matters. Some critics, particularly those with nationalist tendencies, resent following internationally agreed rules and charge that adhering to the decisions of supranational organizations amounts to surrendering the sovereignty of member states and their people. Key Takeaways A supranational organization offers a way to set international rules governing the affairs of nations, with an eye to preventing conflicts. Countries that are members of supranational organizations such as the EU and World Trade Organization agree to cede sovereignty on some issues to the group. Supranational organizations often give member states greater collective influence in global affairs. The citizens of countries belonging to supranational organizations sometimes complain of "interference" in local affairs. Shifting Toward a Supranational Approach The creation of supranational groups marked an evolution of or a break from, depending on your point of view the Westphalian system in which nation-states were sovereign and answered to no onewhether in domestic affairs or international affairs, except in the case of violence or treaties. Supranational thinking gained in prominence in the wake of the two world wars in the first half of the 20th century. To avoid more tragic, costly wars, nations were increasingly willing to cede sovereignty on some issuesusually related to trade and businessto a vote of the members of a supranational organization. The EU, the closest thing to a truly supranational union the world has ever seen, was created in the 1950s to prevent neighboring countries from going to war. Its first iteration was the European Coal and Steel Community. The European Union The best example of a supranational entityand the closest thing to a true supranational union the world has ever seenis the EU. In the Europe Declaration of 1951, the founders of the first iteration of the EUthe European Coal and Steel Communityclaimed to be creating the "first supranational institution" and thus "laying the true foundation of an organized Europe." Following World War II, Albert Einstein even advocated for a supranational organization that would control military forces. Einstein suggested the organization include the U.S., Soviet Union, and Great Britain but such an organization was never formed. The EU has evolved dramatically in the seven decades since the founding of the European Coal and Steel Community but its growth hasn't come without pain. A populist backlash over economic insecurity and globalization led people of Great Britain to take the unprecedented step of voting to leave the EU in 2016. Chinese government plans to encourage more private investment in the countrys hospitals,betway downloading Health Minister Chen Zhu said Monday. In 2011, there were 3.81 hospital beds for every 1,000 Chinese people, which is a high rate among developing countries, Chen told a press conference. He said public hospitals would see moderate development while more room would be made for growth of private investment in the sector. Qualified private investors would be given priority to new hospital constructions, he said. Efforts should be made in planning and management of medical resources to secure orderly development for private health care institutions, Chen said. The minister pointed out that the government would also encourage private funds to invest in construction of rehabilitation hospitals, nursing homes, geriatric and chronic disease hospitals. Chen also called on private hospitals to improve their service quality and efficiency. At the end of 2011, there were around 22,000 hospitals and 918,000 grassroots-level clinics across the country. The number of medical practitioners for every 1,000 residents increased from 1.47 in 2002 to 1.82 last year, Chen said. The accessibility of health care services for residents has improved, the minister said, noting that hospitals and clinics nationwide had received 6.27 billion outpatients and 150 million inpatients in 2011. China currently has more than 6,000 private hospitals, making up one third of the countrys total, but the numbers of beds and patients received at these hospitals only account for 10 percent and 9 percent, respectively, of the total, he said. The proportion rates of hospital beds and patient volume provided at private hospitals should double by the end of 2015, as the country pledged for both rates to reach 20 percent during the 12th Five Year Plan period (2011-2015), according to Chen. At the press conference, the minister expressed his appreciation over the commitment of medical workers of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on the mainland. Medical workers from Hong Kong worked with their mainland peers on a number of projects, including one that has helped 100,000 impoverished cataract patients restore their sight through free eye surgery, Chen said. Xinhua China encourages private investment in hospitalsadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Definition of Epistolary Epistolary comes from a Greek word,no playthrough no max cashout 2021epistole, which means letter. Epistolary is a literary genre pertaining to letters, in which writers use letters, journals, and diary entries in their works, or they tell their stories or deliver messages through a series of letters. Though the usual format of epistolary is letters, writers sometimes use other forms of document such as newspaper clippings and diary entries. Recently, writers also use electronic documents like emails, blogs, radio broadcast, and recordings. Examples of Epistolary in Literature Example #1: The Color Purple (By Alice Walker) Alice Walkers novel The Color Purpl,is a good example of an epistolary novel in which an impoverished black teenage girl, Celie, tells her story through writing letters to both her sister and God. Here, readers can learn about the difficult life of Celie through her words and the direct experiences she has faced. Alice Walker has chosen to let the readers encounter this story by using Celies voice, providing Celie a power that she could not have in everyday life. However, in the film adaptation of this novel, these letters echoed through the monologues of characters. Example #2: Frankenstein(By Mary Shelley) Mary Shelley started her first novel, Frankenstein, in the form of letters.She uses three narratives or perspectives that allow readers to form opinions about the narrative. The first narrator is Robert Walton, who gives his point of view about Victor. Robert records the confessions and narrative of Victor when he is dying. The second narrator is Victor himself, who gives his point of view about Walton. Finally, the creature disrupts Victor and readers get its viewpoint. It is Walton who starts and ends this novel by relating a series of events through letters to his sister, creating suspense by using the word demon. The letters of Victor and the monsters perspective on the other hand, give frames to the main body of the narrative. Example #3: Dracula (By Bram Stoker) Bram Stoker has employed epistolary format in his successful and widely recognized novel nineteenth century, Dracula. The author has compiled the entire novel in the form of letters, newspaper clippings, diary entries, doctors notes, telegrams, and ships logs. The narrators of this novel are protagonists, who supplement it with newspaper clippings to relate different events. Although this novel draws on letters form, it reduces the end of the narrative. Example #4: Pamela(By Samuel Richardson) Samuel Richardson novel Pamelais another notable example of such novels in which you would find the device of epistolary.In this novel, Pamela attempts to run away from her lecherous master, Mr. B. Whenever her master tries to seduce her, she expresses her insecurities to impoverished parents by writing them letters. Mr. B., however, intercepts her letters, and gives her parents the wrong information by shifting her to another estate, and there she begins writing a journal, hoping that one day she would send it to her parents. By the end, Mrs. Jewkes finds letters written by Pamela, and gives them to Mr. B., who realizes Pamelas pious character, changes his mind, and decides to marry her. Example #5: Diary of a Young Girl(By Anne Frank) A teenage girl, Anne Frank, wrote Diary of a Young Girl, recording her experiences during World War II. She recounts her feelings and thoughts, including some important and some trivial details.After a month while writing this diary, Anne along with her family members was forced into hiding in some building in Amsterdam to avoid religious persecution at the hands of the Nazis. However, all of them died in 1944, except her father Otto Frank, who had her diary published in1947. Anne Franks diary format provides the readers an intimate insight into Annes feelings and thoughts during tough times. It is also remarkable in that Anne describes her dreams and hopes through historical context. Function of Epistolary Epistolary form can add realism to a narrative, as it imitates real life workings. It is therefore able to describe different points of view. The primary function of this form of writing is to give readers an intimate view of characters feelings and thoughts, and develop a direct connection with the events through letters without interference of the author. This technique thus makes the literary piece a real experience for the readers. Also, a presentation of events from different viewpoint gives the story verisimilitude and dimension. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's aircraft carrier Shandong conducts realistic combat-oriented exercises in the South China Sea in the early autumn of 2022. Photo: Screenshot from the WeChat account of the PLA South Sea Fleet The Shandong, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's second aircraft carrier and the first domestically built, recently held comprehensive drills in the South China Sea in a group consisting of full combat elements, which analysts said on Thursday showed the carrier is becoming ready for far sea operations.The aircraft carrier Shandongconducted realistic combat-oriented exercises in an undisclosed area in the South China Sea in early autumn to comprehensively test the force's combat capabilities, the PLA South Sea Fleet said in a press release on Wednesday.During the drills, the Shandonghosted takeoff and landing operations of J-15 carrier-based fighter jets, and practiced replenishment-at-sea operations, according to the press release.A video attached to the press release showed that the aircraft carrier maneuvered in a combat group featuring a Type 055 large destroyer, a Type 052D destroyer, a Type 054A frigate and a Type 901 comprehensive supply ship.This means the Shandongpracticed in a flotilla consisting of full combat elements, and such a carrier combat group configuration is basically the same as the one that would be used in a real operation, a Chinese military expert who requested anonymity told the Global Times on Thursday.Previously, the aircraft carrier Liaoning, the PLA Navy's first aircraft carrier, led a group reportedly consisting of a Type 055 large destroyer, three Type 052D destroyers, a Type 052C destroyer, a Type 054A frigate and a Type 901 comprehensive supply ship for a far sea exercise in the West Pacific in May.In comparison, the Liaoning carrier group featured more vessels, but the Shandongcarrier group generally has all those ship types, namely the large destroyer, destroyer, frigate and supply ship. As the Shandongfurther gains capabilities, more ships will join the group, the expert said.Generally speaking, a nuclear-powered attack submarine would also be part of an aircraft carrier group, the expert noted.The Shandongreportedly underwent maintenance earlier this year at the shipyard where it was built. It is now ready for far sea operations, analysts said.As China's first domestically built aircraft carrier and the second one overall, the Shandongentered service with the PLA Navy on December 17, 2019 in Sanya, South China's Hainan Province. A policewoman was shot dead this morning while law enforcement searched for the Charlie Lebdo killers. Bush busy engaging constituents on both sides of the same-sex marriage debate ahead of the 2004 presidential election. The cartoonist, better known as Charb, was shot dead Wednesday. In secret, before the referendum, the council went ahead and fluoridated the water anyway. Absent a body, no one can say with absolute certainty whether Castro is dead, even if all signs point in that direction. An Informant, a Missing American, and Juarezs House of Death: Inside the 12-Year Cold Case of David Castro|Bill Conroy|January 6, 2015|DAILY BEAST A little boy of four was moved to passionate grief at the sight of a dead dog taken from a pond. Children's Ways|James Sully Suddenly, however, he became aware of a small black spot far ahead in the very middle of the unencumbered track. The Joyous Adventures of Aristide Pujol|William J. Locke The thought seemed to produce the dreaded object, for next moment a large hummock appeared right ahead. The Giant of the North|R.M. Ballantyne When he plays a sonata it is as if the composition rose from the dead and stood transfigured before you. Music-Study in Germany|Amy Fay Liz Truss's final U-turn. Cartoon: Carlos Latuff Liz Truss sealed her fate as being the shortest tenured prime minister in British history,and no doubt in terms of historical evaluations, the worst of all time to go along with it. Following the disastrous economic shock and subsequent U-turn of her ill-fated "mini-budget," Truss eroded the already tenuous authority she had and her own party began calling for her to quit. By Thursday, the writing was on the wall and Liz announced her resignation after just 45 days.While expectations of Truss as prime minister were minimal, few could have anticipated that it could have ended so abruptly, so disastrously and hilariously to the point it has delivered a colossal blow to Britain's overseas reputation and credibility on the world stage. Worse still, the farce is not yet over with widespread reports in the British press that Boris Johnson is contemplating re-running as leader. The situation is so absurdly ridiculous that it could not have even been conjured up by the finest of satirists.One might be wondering "how" exactly did the UK get in this situation, where politics has descended into both a disaster and a joke. The answer is simple. Starting with the events of 2016, British Politics has lost all sense of pragmatism, common sense and reason in a self-absorbed trajectory which has seen identity and ideology become the primary driver of politics. The 2016 Brexit referendum dealt a decisive fracture to the British political landscape which destroyed the more liberal and pragmatic politics of the David Cameron government, driving the Conservative party rightwards, and in turn upending its own stability.Since that time, the prevailing ideology of the party has consolidated into a mix of growing nationalism and rabid neoconservatism, whilst going through an ever-revolving door of leaders which will soon usher in Britain's 4th prime minister since 2019. There is no individual more manifesting of this "new consensus" than Liz Truss, who had built her rise to power not on qualifications or competence, but on the sand of nationalistic and ideological talking points, an embodiment of the Brexit brand. She was voted in not by the British public, but a small cohort of Conservative Members which she ticked the ideological boxes of. Her immediate and abrupt fall from grace is only demonstrative of how the British government is now completely void of any reasonable or sensible thinking, producing an epic political disaster.Liz Truss's short-lived tenure, however, has provisionally saved the UK from a great deal of harm. If her catastrophic "mini-budget" was anything to go by, Truss had a lot more damaging policies in store, including for that matter a hunger for confrontation against China. In her final week of office, she was preparing to formally designate Beijing a "threat" to the UK, had the Ministry of Defence leak allegations that British pilots were being paid to train their Chinese counterparts, and exploited a conflict started by Hong Kong rioters in Manchester to smear China. It is incredibly lucky she was never given the opportunity to consolidate her full, Cold-War laden, foreign policy vision.In which case, the Conservative Party should ideally now take a look at its surging unpopularity and realize that this saga has been a hard lesson in the consequences of self-destructive policies led by ideology and nationalist talking points, rather than reason. Once described as "the natural party of government," the Conservative Party should return to sensible, pragmatic, and reasoned realpolitik. But in the world we live in now, there is no guarantee of that. The fact that Boris Johnson can even show his name as a potential candidate again, despite everything, indicates this circus is not over yet, and the same Conservative Membership who selected Truss will be selecting her replacement. Meaning whoever is in the best interests of the UK is not likely to make the grade.Finally, this saga is a sorry story of Britain's decline. It is a saga which describes how in facing national decline, the United Kingdom has been beset with growing political polarization and identity conflict, which has in turn created political instability. The rise of these Brexit cladded politicians represents a Britain that has never come to terms with the decline of its empire, or its place in the modern world. Outside of this farcical show at Westminster, there are very few reasons to be optimistic concerning the outlook for economic growth, or even for that matter the survival of the union itself. There is nobody who stands as a greater embodiment of all these failures than Liz Truss. History is likely to remember her unkindly, as an unfortunate by-product of these accumulative political crises that stem from a deeply disillusioned, divided and dissatisfied country.The author is a political and historical relations analyst. [email protected] An official has been taken into police custody after injuring 26 people by driving a government car into a movie theater in central Chinas Henan Province,most reputable online sportsbook the local government said Monday. The accident occurred around 11 a.m. on Sunday, when Liu Xianchong, Party secretary of the Culture, Radio, TV, Film, Press and Publication Bureau of Wancheng District, Nanyang City, drove a government car into a movie theater and injured people participating in a puzzle game held there for the Lantern Festival. Liu was driving a VW Santana and mistakenly stepped on the accelerator instead of the brake, according to police. Twenty-six people were injured in the accident, and they have been sent to the hospital for treatment, local police said. Two of the 26 injured are still in critical condition, but their injuries are not life-threatening. Six people have left the hospital after receiving medical exams, according to the hospital. The government said Liu had been on sick leave for about seven months due to a cerebral infarction. The Party Committee of Wancheng District and the local government have set up a group to handle the incident and its aftermath, including organizing a medical treatment team to rescue injured people, punishing the official in accordance with laws and regulations, publicizing the accident throughout the district and educating other officials and cadres. Local police have taken Liu into custody and seized the government car involved in the accident. A further investigation into the case is underway. Chinese officials and cadres may be supplied with government vehicles, but such vehicles may not be put into private or personal use. Xinhua Official drives into theater, injures 26 in central Chinaadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Taiwans Orient Europharma Co. Ltd. and Japan-based NanoCarrier Co. Ltd. concluded a licensing agreement Nov. 7 in Taipei City, paving the way for closer cooperation in pharmaceutical R&D between the two firms. Under the pact, both companies will conduct registration trials for Nanoplatina new treatment for pancreatic cancerin Taiwan next year, as well as extend collaboration to markets in Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore and South Korea. The agreement also calls for NanoCarrier to make an equity investment in Orients new manufacturing subsidiary in Yunlin County, central Taiwan. Scheduled for completion in 2016, the NT$700 million (US$23.9 million) facility will produce Nanoplatin for the global market. Orient President Peter Tsai said the companies began jointly developing the drug in 2008. After entering the second stage of clinical trials, the firms signed a memorandum of understanding last month covering development and marketing rights in Asia. This cooperation is a milestone in our partnership with NanoCarrier and will benefit cancer patients worldwide, Tsai said. We expect our collaborative model will encourage other Taiwan firms to follow suit and pursue more cross-border tie-ups. NanoCarrier President Ichiro Nakatomi said his company has been looking to expand its presence in Asia for some time. This new agreement represents a central plank in our development strategy and will help both firms forge an even stronger alliance going forward. With no effective treatment for pancreatic cancer in the market, industry analysts estimate potential sales of Nanoplatin to hit US$500 million per year. Meg Chang Taiwan Today Taiwan, Japan ink pharmaceutical collaboration pactadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline M.A., History, University of Florida B.A., History, University of Florida The impact of the railroad on the geographic, economic, and political future of the United States was enormous, and not just because of the sheer physicality of the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad connecting the entire continent east to west in 1869. This massive amount of construction was only a tiny piece of the large and varied impact of rail travel on the development of the United States, beginning some 30 years earlier. Rail History in the United States The first railroads in America were horse-drawn, but with the development of the steam engine, railroads became a viable enterprise. The era of railroad building began in 1830 when Peter Cooper's locomotive called the Tom Thumb was put into service and traveled 13 miles along what would become the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad line. Over 1,200 miles of railroad track were laid between 1832 and 1837. And, in the 1860s, the construction of the Transcontinental Railway brought the two coasts closer together. The impact of railroad traffic was no less than a revolution of communication for the new territories of the rapidly expanding United States. Bound Counties Together and Allowed for Distant Travel Livia Lazar / EyeEm / Getty Images Railroads created a more interconnected society. Counties were able to more easily work together due to the decreased travel time. With the use of the steam engine, people were able to travel to distant locations much more quickly than if they were using only horse-powered transportation. In fact, on May 10, 1869, when the Union and Central Pacific Railroads joined their rails at Promontory Summit, Utah Territory, the entire nation was joined with 1,776 miles of track. The Transcontinental Railroad meant that the frontier could be extended with a greater movement of population. Thus, the railroad also allowed people to change their place of living with greater ease than ever before. Outlet for Products beppeverge / Getty Images The advent of a rail network expanded the available markets for goods. An item for sale in New York could now make it out west in a much shorter time, and the railroads allowed the movement of a wider variety of goods much farther distances. That had a two-fold effect on the economy: the sellers found new markets in which to sell their goods and individuals who lived on the frontier were able to obtain goods that had previously been unavailable or extremely difficult to get. Facilitating Settlement, Part I Peter Karoly / EyeEm / Getty Images The railroad system allowed for new settlements to thrive along the rail networks. For example, Davis, California, where the University of California Davis is located, started around a Southern Pacific Railroad depot in 1868. The end destination remained a focal point of settlement and people were able to move whole families great distances much easier than in the past. However, towns along the route also thrived. New towns sprung up at regular intervals as stations where travelers could find layover points and residents find new markets for goods. Facilitating Settlement, Part II Chin Leong Teoh / EyeEm / Getty Images The construction of the transcontinental railroad also facilitated European settlement of the west to a large extent by disrupting and impacting the Indigenous peoples that lived in the Plains states. The construction altered the landscape, leading to the disappearance of wild game, in particular, the American buffalo or bison. Before the railroad, an estimated 30 to 60 million buffalo roamed the plains, providing meat, furs, and bone for tools to the people. Massive hunting parties traveled by trains, killing buffalo by sport. By the end of the century, only 300 bison were known to exist. In addition, new White settlers established by the trains put them into direct conflict with Indigenous peoples who fought back. In the end, those efforts were fruitless. Stimulated Commerce Fei Yang / Getty Images Not only did the railways provide greater opportunity through extending markets, but they also stimulated more people to start businesses and thereby enter the markets. An extended marketplace provided a greater number of individuals the opportunity to produce and sell goods. Whereas an item might not have had enough demand in a local town to warrant production, the railroads allowed for the shipment of goods to a greater area. The expansion of the market allowed for greater demand and made additional goods viable. Value in the Civil War Buyenlarge / Getty Images The railroads also played a vital role in the American Civil War. They allowed the North and South to move men and equipment vast distances to further their own war aims. Because of their strategic value to both sides, they also became focal points of each side's war efforts. In other words, the North and South both engaged in battles with the design to secure different railroad hubs. For example, Corinth, Mississippi was a key railroad hub which was taken first by the Union a few months after the Battle of Shiloh in May 1862. Later, the Confederates tried to recapture the town and the railroads in October of the same year but were defeated. Another key point about the importance of railroads in the Civil War was that the North's more extensive railway system was a factor in their ability to win the war. The transportation network of the North allowed them to move men and equipment longer distances and with greater speed, thus providing them with a significant advantage. Many more male senior citizens on the Chinese mainland have been infected with HIV over recent years,free thundering buffalo slot games and most of the cases were related to prostitution, the China Daily reported Thursday. In 2005, 483 new HIV carriers aged 60 and older were diagnosed on the mainland, accounting for 2.2 percent of the total that year, while the number surged to 3,031 in 2010, or nearly 9 percent of the total that year, the daily reported, citing figures from the National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention. The trend is regarded unique as it is so far only detected on the Chinese mainland, the centers director Wu Zunyou was quoted as saying. He said the new trend was related to many factors, including a longer sexually active period of Chinese men, lack of sexual protection and better economic conditions. But more sociology research regarding this is needed to explain why this is unique in China and how to reverse the situation, he said. Targeted intervention measures have been taken to curb the rising HIV cases among senior residents, particularly in counties and rural areas where public awareness on HIV/AIDS prevention remains relatively poor, he said. He added that it is estimated that about 1 percent of local inexpensive prostitutes on the mainland are HIV positive. Xinhua HIV rises sharply among Chinese senior citizensadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Thecasino poker room near me Japanese government said Wednesday that it will convene Security Council at 10:50 local time on a rocket launch by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK). Japan to convene Security Council on DPRKs rocket launchadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline On July 9,crypto currency graphs charts 2018, during the visit of Kuwait Emir Sabahs visit to China, under the witness of the heads of state of China and Kuwait, Fu Ziying, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Commerce of China, and HE Khaled Nasser Abdullah Al-Roudan, Minister of Commerce and Industry of Kuwait In Beijing, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on E-Commerce Cooperation between the Ministry of Commerce of the Peoples Republic of China and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of Kuwait. China and Kuwait are traditionally friendly. Kuwait is the first Gulf Arab country to establish diplomatic relations with China. It is also the first country in the world to sign a Belt and Road cooperation document with China. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 47 years ago, China-Kuwait economic and trade relations have developed steadily and pragmatic cooperation has continued to deepen. The prospects for cooperation between the two countries under the framework of the Belt and Road are very broad. While deepening cooperation in traditional fields such as bilateral trade and project contracting, China and Kuwait are also actively exploring and expanding new areas of cooperation. According to the memorandum, China and the Kuwait will jointly create a good development environment for e-commerce, conduct regular government-level dialogues, promote local cooperation and public-private dialogue, and support the cooperation between enterprises of the two countries in e-commerce projects, especially through e-commerce to promote quality products and The import and export trade of services will open up new ways and new areas of Sino-Kuwait economic and trade cooperation through e-commerce, continuously improve the level of trade facilitation and cooperation, and further promote the sustained and stable development of bilateral economic and trade relations. China and Kuwait sign MoU on E-commerce Cooperationadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Mike Pence on possible Trump run: I think we are going to have better choices closeVideo Former Vice President Mike Pence responds to former President Trump possibly running for reelection and the Russia-Ukraine war on 'Special Report.' Former Vice President Mike Pence said Tuesday that Republicans "have better choices" for president in 2024 than former President Donald Trump. Pence, in an interview on Fox News' Special Report, emphasized that Republican voters long for a return to the policies of the Trump administration but want to avoid Trump's divisive approach to the White House. While Pence said Trump was the only candidate who could defeat Hillary Clinton in 2016, he added that "different times call for different leadership." "I honestly believe that were going to have better choices," Pence said. "I hear people saying that they would like us to move forward with leadership that will unite our country around our highest ideals and reflect the kind of respect and civility that the American people demonstrate to each other every day." MIKE PENCE LAMENTS COLLAPSE OF TRUMP RELATIONSHIP, FONDLY RECALLS TIME IN WHITE HOUSE Former Vice President Mike Pence speaks during an event to promote his new book ((Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)) Pence's comments come hours before former President Donald Trump will make what he calls a "very big announcement" in a speech at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida that is expected to be a declaration that he will run for president in 2024. Pence said he is giving a 2024 presidential run "prayerful consideration." TRUMP FACING CALLS TO DELAY 'BIG ANNOUNCEMENT' AT MAR-A-LAGO Donald Trump and Mike Pence pose together on a stage. (Getty Images) The former vice president said he is proud that Republicans took back the House in the midterm elections but wishes they could have won more competitive races. The winning formula, he said, was to focus on the issues that matter to voters at the moment. "Candidates that were focused on the past, on re-litigating the last election, did not fare so well," Pence said. "Theres a real affirmation here that the Republican Party needs to be focused on the future." RON DESANTIS FINALLY RESPONDS TO ATTACKS FROM TRUMP, MEDIA: 'CHECK OUT THE SCOREBOARD' Former Vice President Mike Pence visits "America Reports" at FOX News ((Photo by Shannon Finney/Getty Images)) Trump, as president, criticized Pence for certifying the 2020 election results, tweeting on January 6, 2021 that the vice president "didn't have the courage to do what should have been done." Protesters at the Capitol were heard chanting "hang Mike Pence." Trump then tweeted that rioters who entered the Capitol should leave and protest peacefully. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Pence said Tuesday that he always stayed loyal to Trump as vice president and kept his concerns between the two of them. January 6, he said, changed that relationship. "In that moment, when that tweet came across, it angered me," Pence said. Patrick Hauf is a politics writer for Fox News Digital. Chinas Tibet University and Germanys Giessen University signed a cooperative agreement in Beijing Monday. Thebest bovada bonus video poker books agreement is within the cooperation framework between the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Social Democratic Party of Germany. Li Jinjun, vice minister of the CPC Central Committees International Department, and Thorsten Schaefer-Guembel, member of the Presidium of Social Democratic Party, attended the signing ceremony. Xinhua Chinese, German universities sign cooperation agreementadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Vietnamese delectables garner global plaudits in 2023 Vietnamese cuisine was ubiquitously praised on international publications "best" lists this year, and the countrys delicacies were also featured in a number of Hollywood films. Steamed banana cakes are sprinkled with crushed peanuts or sesame seeds. Photo by Bui Thuy In February, international food magazine TasteAtlas, which described itself as "a world atlas of traditional dishes, local ingredients, and authentic restaurants," named banh chuoi hap (steamed banana cake) on its list of the worlds 100 best cakes. The bananas are peeled, mashed, then mixed with sugar, rice flour, water, and sometimes vanilla. The resulting cakes are then steamed until done and covered with coconut milk. Before serving, the banana sweets are often cut into diamond shapes and sprinkled with crushed peanuts or sesame seeds. The dish can be found at traditional markets in Ho Chi Minh City or food hubs in the Mekong Delta, with prices ranging from VND10,000-15,000 per serving. In February, Australian magazine Traveller selected banh cuon (steamed rice rolls) as one of worlds "10 best dishes to try." Steamed rice rolls are served at a restaurant in Hanoi. Photo by Nguyen Thanh Hai Banh cuon is a traditional Vietnamese dish that is easily mistaken with its cousin banh uot (steamed thin rice cake) because their toppings are always the same. To make banh cuon, a thin noodle sheet is steamed on a thin layer of fabric placed over a pot of boiling water. The sheets are then filled with minced pork and served with cha lua (Vietnamese pork bologna), fried rice powder cake, nem chua (fermented pork roll) and a sweet dipping fish sauce. The dish ranges from VND25,000-VND50,000 ($1.05-$2.11) per serving. World-famous chefs and travel bloggers have also praised banh cuon in the past. Prominent U.S. restaurant critic Tejal Rao praised banh cuon in the New York Times in 2019, calling it a must on any culinary journey to Vietnam. Controversial British celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay also said hed fallen in love with the dish. In March, Culinary Journeys, a food program that airs monthly on CNN International, included chuoi nuong (Vietnams grilled bananas) on its list of best desserts in the world. Grilled bananas at a street-side stall in HCMC. Photo by Mr True CNN described the sweet dessert as "crispy, smoky and fragrant," best enjoyed with lightly sweetened creamy coconut milk and roasted peanuts. The dish is a popular traditional snack from the Mekong Delta that can be found in many of Vietnam's southern provinces. The peeled banana is marinated with a little sugar and salt for 30 minutes. It is then covered in glutenous rice cooked in coconut milk, wrapped in banana leaves and finally: grilled. Grilled bananas now sell for VND20,000 per serving. In March, TasteAtlas honored bo kho (Vietnamese beef stew) as one of worlds 10 best stews, alongside Thailands phanaeng, a type of red Thai curry, Kare (Japanese-style curry) and Chinas Sichuan hotpot. A serving of Vietnamese beef stew. Photo by VnExpress/Bui Thuy The Vietnamese beef stew is a popular breakfast in the southern region, with ingredients including diced beef, carrots, lemongrass, cinnamon, chili, pepper, garlic, and shallots, all simmered in a spicy broth. The stew is garnished with chopped green onions, coriander and onions. The dish served with an accompanying starch of banh mi (Vietnamese baguette) or hu tiu (rice vermicelli noodles). A bowl of bo kho costs around VND50,000 ($2.13). "In rural areas of Vietnam, the stew is usually much spicier than in urban areas," according to TasteAtlas experts. In April, CNN listed banh mi as one of worlds 100 best sandwiches. A loaf of banh mi with full toppings at a stall in HCMC. Photo by Biteallfood on Instagram Banh mi is no longer strange to foreign tourists: after so much praise from both foodies and international media, the tasty treat can now be found all over the globe. The Vietnamese baguette sandwich is a fusion of cold cuts and vegetables/herbs coriander, cucumber, pickled carrots and daikon combined with condiments from French cuisine such as pate and mayonnaise. Other popular fillings include cha lua (Vietnamese pork bologna), fried eggs, grilled pork, and meat balls. A loaf of banh mi with full toppings costs VND15,000 to VND50,000 (US$0.65-2.10). And now, other banh mi variations have also become foodie favorites: Banh mi xiu mai trung muoi served with pork meatballs (xiu mai) and topped with salted egg yolk, or banh mi cha ca with fried chopped fish cakes. And the intrepid eater can also enjoy even more "exotic" local specialty variations: Banh mi pha lau accompanied with a stew made of beef and pork entrails (pha lau - offal stew) or banh mi ca nuc is one served with fresh scad (ca nuc) from local seafood wet markets. This year, Vietnams first banh mi festival was held in HCMC last March, attracting crowds of foreigners. Vietnamese street food goi cuon (spring rolls with pork and shrimp) appears in a scene of the Netflix film "A Tourist's Guide to Love," which started streaming in April. Spring rolls are served with cups of peanut dipping sauce in HCMC. Photo by Hoang Thien The film was shot at many popular tourist destinations in Vietnam and helped to promote Vietnams cuisine to the world, and the spring rolls appeared at the part at the iconic Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh Citys historic downtown core. The rolls consist of a rice paper wrap stuffed with rice vermicelli noodles, sliced pork, steamed prawns and a salad of fresh aromatic leaves including mint, cilantro, sliced cucumbers and basil. The red shrimp and green vegetables add color underneath the translucent rice paper. The dish is served with a thick dark brown peanut dipping sauce or sweet and sour fish sauce. Spring rolls cost VND10,000 to VND15,000 each on average. In addition to goi cuon, banh bot loc (steamed tapioca cake with shrimp), which originated in the former imperial city of Hue, is also featured in a scene of the movie. A stall selling banh bot loc (steamed tapioca cake with shrimp). Photo by Ngan Duong The chewy dumpling is made from tapioca flour filled with pork and shrimp. The cake is covered in banana leaves and steamed before being served hot with fish sauce. Near the western gate of Ben Thanh Market is a stall selling the cake together with other Hues specialties such as banh beo (steamed rice cake) and banh it tran (sticky rice dumpling). These dishes usually come with dry shrimp paste, small pieces of fried bread and a piece of Vietnamese pork sausage. Everything is eaten with fish sauce, which comes mixed with chopped spicy chilies on the side in a small dipping saucer. Prices start at VND20,000 and go up from there. Vietnamese fried spring rolls "cha gio." Photo by Bui Thuy In May, TasteAtlas also listed Vietnamese fried spring rolls cha gio as one of the 100 most popular appetizers in the world. These fried spring rolls usually appears as an appetizer at almost anywhere from small family gatherings and streetside lunches to massive parties and luxurious weddings. They are made by rolling rice paper over fillings of shredded pork, cooked prawns, shredded taro, wood ear mushrooms and vegetables. The rolls are fried until golden and crispy, and diners then often wrap them in lettuce and herbs, to be dipped in a delicate mixture of fish sauce, lemon and sugar. In addition, cha gio spring rolls are also used as toppings for bun cha gio thit nuong, a bowl of rice vermicelli that also includes grilled pork, fresh herbs and vegetables that cost from VND30,000-50,000. TasteAtlas recommended these restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City to try the dish: Ngon Restaurant and 94 Restaurant in District 1 and Hum Vegetarian, Lounge & Restaurant in District 3. Vietnams popular sour fish soup, known as canh chua ca, appeared on the Netflix series "Beef," which began streaming in mid-year. A bowl of Vietnamese sour fish soup, southern style. Photo by Bui Thuy Sour fish soup is a common name for Vietnam's specific fish soups that feature a harmonious combination of sweet, sour, and peppery flavors. The soup broth is often cooked with tamarind, pineapple, tomato, okra, green bean sprouts and other vegetables. The fish used include catfish, carp, snakehead fish, salmon, and others. The cooked soup is often topped with fresh onion, cilantro and other herbs. It is typically eaten with rice. The dish was voted among top 10 best rated fish soups in the world by TasteAtlas. In November, Australian travel publication Traveller (of The Sydney Morning Herald) hailed bo la lot (grilled beef in lolot pepper leaves) as one of worlds most delicious dishes. Beef wrapped in lolot pepper leaves are grilled over charcoal at a stall in HCMC. Photo by Khanh Thien Danton,casino online bonus free spins Georges [ (dahnn-tohnn) ] New Word List Save This Word! [ (dahnn-tohnn) ]Save This Word! A prominent figure in the French Revolution, who pressed for the execution of the king and several other enemies of the revolution. 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Marcel Prousts First Poem, Pederasty, Shows Him Struggling With Homosexuality|Marcel Proust|March 25, 2013|DAILY BEAST Marcel Prousts First Poem, Pederasty, Shows Him Struggling With Homosexuality|Marcel Proust|March 25, 2013|DAILY BEAST Your concern serves no purpose to me, Georges, caregiver for her mother, tells Eva. Oscars 85-Year-Old Darling: A Talk With Emmanuelle Riva of Amour|Tracy McNicoll|February 15, 2013|DAILY BEAST Georges Canguilhem and Elisabeth de Fontenay expressed their admiration to him on their first reading. Derridas Of Grammatology and the Birth of Deconstruction|Benoit Peeters|December 21, 2012|DAILY BEAST Derridas Of Grammatology and the Birth of Deconstruction|Benoit Peeters|December 21, 2012|DAILY BEAST Georges d'Amboise a French cardinal and statesman, died; a great benefactor to France. The Every Day Book of History and Chronology|Joel Munsell The Every Day Book of History and Chronology|Joel Munsell Robespierre and Danton had now broken off all intimacy with Madame Roland and her friends. Madame Roland, Makers of History|John S. C. Abbott Madame Roland, Makers of History|John S. C. Abbott Danton began to recoil from the gulf opening before him, and wished to return to alliance with the Girondists. Madame Roland, Makers of History|John S. C. Abbott Madame Roland, Makers of History|John S. C. Abbott Danton insisted that they must overlook the massacres, and give at least an implied assent to their necessity. Madame Roland, Makers of History|John S. C. Abbott Madame Roland, Makers of History|John S. C. Abbott It required peculiar boldness, at that hour, to accuse Robespierre and Danton of crime. Madame Roland, Makers of History|John S. C. Abbott QUIZWILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!QuestionDantean, Dante chair, Dantesque, danthonia, Danton, Danton, Georges, dantrolene, Danu, Danube, Danube River, DanubianThe New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved. Each year,soaring eagle casino federal id number more than 1.7 million people in the United States hear three dreaded words: You have cancer. As common as cancer is, no one expects cancer to happen to them. We understand, as patients and as caregivers, how frightening a cancer diagnosis can be: how it can upend your life, leaving you feeling like youre barely treading water. And we know that making tough decisions when your life depends on it is not easy. TIMEs guide to understanding cancer can help you navigate a complex illness. Sign up here to read more. From our research at Harvard Business School of how people navigate their cancer treatment (and what they wish they had known sooner), we have developed four steps that all people with cancer can take to give them the best chance at beating the disease. Build the right team The single most important thing you can do is to see an oncologist who specializes in your particular type of cancer and has experience treating a lot of other patients like you. Thats because when it comes to treating cancer, expertise can mean the difference between life and death. Patients with multiple myeloma, an incurable blood cancer, who were treated at hospitals that saw a large number of myeloma patients were less likely to die than patients who were treated elsewhere, research has found. Youre most likely to find an expert like this at any of the 70 National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers throughout the United States, which are recognized for their excellent care and research contributions. If you are not able to go an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, contact a disease foundation or other non-profit focused on your cancer to find a specialist near you. Get the right tests In addition to the usual tests used to diagnose cancer, ask your doctor about having your tumor genome comprehensively sequenced. Tumor genome sequencing scans the DNA of your cancer cells for cancer-causing genetic mutations and other molecular abnormalities. Knowledge of these changes can be used to match some patients to the most effective treatment available, whether its an existing drug or one under study in a clinical trial. While comprehensive genomic profiling is not yet routine, it is covered for all Medicare patients with advanced solid tumors. It is also increasingly offered at academic medical centers another reason why going to the best center is so important and is frequently part of clinical trial protocols. If you are not able to have your genome sequenced, ask your doctor if you can bank your tissue to have it sequenced at a later date. Get our Health Newsletter. Sign up to receive the latest health and science news, plus answers to wellness questions and expert tips. Check here if you would like to receive subscription offers and other promotions via email from TIME group companies. Thank you! Get the right treatment Please enter a valid email address. * The request timed out and you did not successfully sign up. Please attempt to sign up again. An unexpected error has occurred with your sign up. Please try again later.You can unsubscribe at any time. By signing up you are agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.For your security, we've sent a confirmation email to the address you entered. Click the link to confirm your subscription and begin receiving our newsletters. If you don't get the confirmation within 10 minutes, please check your spam folder. Most cancers, at least when theyre first diagnosed, have a standard of care: a treatment regimen that is widely accepted as the best approach to fighting the disease. Not getting the standard of care can have deadly consequences. One study found that lung cancer patients who didnt receive this treatment lived about six times shorter than patients who did. The standard of care for your cancer can be found by looking at National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines, which are based on the most up-to-date scientific evidence. For many people, treatment through a clinical trial may be the best treatment option. This is especially true for patients with cancers so rare that a standard of care has not yet been established and patients with advanced cancer who have exhausted treatment options. Make sure to ask your doctor about clinical trials that may be right for you. Share your data Many patients opt to share their health data, including sequencing data and other health information, with the research community. Sometimes pooling together and analyzing even a small number of patients data can generate new discoveries that could impact your care and improve lives of future generations. Patient registries that allow patients to directly share their data are becoming increasingly common. Contact a research organization focused on your cancer or ask for your oncologist for more information. Despite the importance of these steps, our research shows that many patients arent taking them. Weve teamed up with representatives from five cancer organizations LUNGevity, the Metastatic Breast Cancer Alliance, the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, and the Prostate Cancer Foundation to launch the Right Track, a new cross-cancer initiative to inform patients of steps they can take from the moment of diagnosis. It is our hope that educating patients on how to best navigate their cancer journey will help patients live better, longer lives. Kathy Giusti is the Co-Chair of the Harvard Business School Kraft Precision Medicine Accelerator and the founder and Chief Mission Officer of the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. Lori Tauber Marcus leads the Direct to Patient work stream at Harvard Business Schools Kraft Precision Medicine Accelerator. What Is an Adjudication?squid cryptocurrency ticker An adjudication is a legal ruling or judgment, usually final, but can also refer to the process of settling a legal case or claim through the court or justice system, such as a decree in the bankruptcy process between the defendant and the creditors. Normally, an adjudication represents the final judgment or pronouncement in a case that will determine the course of action taken regarding the issue presented. Outside of a legal process, adjudication can also more generally refer to other formal processes of judgment or ruling that render a final decision, such as the process of validating an insurance claim. Key Takeaways Adjudication is the process by which a court judge resolves issues between two parties. Adjudication hearings are similar to the arbitration hearing process. Generally, adjudication hearings involve money or nonviolent infractions that result in a distribution of rights and obligations for all parties involved. Click Play to See How the Adjudication Process Works Understanding Adjudication 1:24 Adjudication describes the legal process that helps expedite and deliver a court's resolution regarding an issue between two parties. The result of the process is a judgment and court opinion that is legally binding. Most adjudication hearings center on disputes that involve money or nonviolent infractions and result in the distribution of rights and obligations for all parties involved. This legal process differs from other justice-seeking or evidence-based court cases. It is instead used to settle disputes between private parties, political officials and a private party, and public bodies and public officials. In the healthcare industry, for example, adjudication can determine a carrier's liability for monetary claims submitted by an insured person. Adjudication vs. Arbitration Adjudication specifically refers to the process and decision issued by a government-appointed (or elected) judge, as opposed to a decision issued by an arbitrator in a private proceeding or arbitration. While both judges and arbitrators are expected and required to follow the law, judges' adjudications also must take into account the interests of the government and general public interest. Arbitration, meanwhile, only needs to consider the interests of the parties involved. Adjudication Disputes The types of disputes handled or resolved through adjudication include the following: Disagreements between private parties, such as single-persons, individual entities, or corporations Disagreements between private parties and public officials Disagreements between public officials and/or public bodies Requirements for full adjudication include requisite notice to all interested parties (all legally-interested parties or those with a legal right affected by the disagreements) and an opportunity for all parties to have their evidence and arguments heard. The Adjudication Process Formal rules of evidence and procedure govern the process where the initiating party, or trier, gives a notice establishing the facts in controversy and defines any applicable laws. The notice also sometimes outlines the nature of the dispute between the parties and recounts where and when the dispute occurred, and the desired result based on law. However, there are no specific requirements regarding the notice of adjudication. An adjudicator is then appointed and a notice is sent to the defending party, who responds by submitting a defense to the claim of adjudication by the plaintiff. The adjudicator gives the plaintiff and defendant a chance to present their arguments at a hearing and makes a final ruling. This is not too dissimilar from an arbitrator in an arbitration hearing settling a business dispute. What Is an Example of Adjudication? An adjudication results from any sort of official judgment or decision. For instance, when a judge levies a penalty or sentence against a defendant in court. Where Does the Word Adjudicate Come From? Adjudicate comes from the Latin word judicare,meaning "judge." What Is the Purpose of the Adjudication Process? Adjudication is a formalized remedy for efficiently resolving disputes, settling legal claims, or deciding a case. What Is Ideation?best slots in laughlin 2020 Ideation refers to the process of developing and conveying prescriptive ideas to others, typically in a business setting. It describes the sequence of thoughts, from the original concept to implementation. Ideations can spring forth from past or present knowledge, external influences, opinions, convictions, or principles. Ideation can be expressed in graphical, written, or verbal terms. Key Takeaways Ideation is the process of forming ideas from conception to implementation, most often in a business setting. Ideation is expressed via graphical, written, or verbal methods, and arises from past or present knowledge, influences, opinions, experiences, and personal convictions. Ideation is usually derived from brainstorming sessions, online forums, seminars, surveys, social media platforms, and team-building exercises. Anyone from an organization, from the CEO to an intern, can partake in the ideation process and contribute innovatively to a company. Most of the ideation process originates from trying to fix a problem; ideation is commonly reverse engineered. Styles of ideation include problem solutions, derivative ideas, and symbiotic ideas. How Ideation Works Simply put, ideation is the literal action of forming ideas, from their conception to real-world application and implementation. Ideas and the act of ideating can come from anyone tangentially or directly associated with a business or organization, including low-level employees, managers, customers, partners, and stakeholders. Actual ideations can be the result of brainstorming sessions, online forums, seminars, team-building exercises, surveys, and social media platforms. Ideation is a key component of any successful business. For example, in its early days, Google encouraged employees to spend as much as 20% of their work hours meditating on new ideas that personally intrigue them and potentially solve real problems. As the company has grown, this is apparently not utilized as much as before. This focus on ideation allows companies to become innovative or remain competitive by increasing the likelihood of new product rollouts, increased customer acquisition, and superior financial performance. The point is that if employees are spending 100% of their time focused on the requirements of their job, then there is no time to think about new strategies or products in which to grow or improve. The Ideation Process Although the ideation process does not necessarily have to conform to one universal model, there are general guidelines that people can follow to help them maximize the effectiveness of ideation and the solutions it generates. First and foremost, ideation does not necessarily start with a randomly generated thought. Instead, ideas are reverse engineered to fit emergent problems. It is thus critically important to first clearly define the problem and understand its key underlying factors, such as industry trends, business environments, customer needs, budget constraints, and any other causes behind the vexing issue at hand. Once key pain points are identified, as well as their root causes, brainstorming sessions, and other collaborative pow-wows can be initiated in an effort to crowdsource potential ideas and generate possible solutions to the problems being posed. Ideally, these collaborations should blend the right brain and left brain thought processes, because many problems require both creative and pragmatic approaches to cultivating viable solutions. Barriers to ideation can include a hostile environment, vague goals, closed-minded individuals, groupthink, people-pleasers, ego, inexperienced teams, inability to think out of the box, and pessimism. These forums should invite open, unrestricted, and unencumbered dialogue, where participants feel safe to float ideas without fear of ridicule. All ideas, from the deeply academic to the wildly fanciful, should be enthusiastically embraced and should be treated with equal fairness and open-mindedness. The plethora of ideas generated during collaboration stages is then pared down to one prevailing idea that can best drive the future actions of the group. This marquis idea is tested against the problem and adjusted as needed. It is then tirelessly reworked, retested, and finessed until a potential solution is perfected. The idea is then implemented in the real world, and if its deemed successful, the ideation process concludes. Styles of ideation include the following: Wu Renbao,winstar wins japan online casino the retired Communist Party of China (CPC) chief of Huaxi Village in east Chinas Jiangsu Province, died of cancer on Monday afternoon. Wu, 85, died at 6:58 p.m. at his home in the village. With annual sales revenue of more than 50 billion yuan (about 7.93 million U.S. dollars), Huaxi Village is one of the richest villages in the country and it is known for its success in realizing common prosperity. Renowned as Chinas most eminent farmer, Wu worked hard over the past decades to lead his villagers in striving for common wealth, an ideal regarded as one of the core principles of socialism. The efforts of Wu and the villagers have turned the once poverty-stricken Huaxi Village into a well-off village featuring villas, cars and a high per capita income. Wu, who had served as deputy to the National Peoples Congress, Chinas top legislature, and as a delegate to the National Congress of the CPC, has been hailed as an outstanding example among the countrys many rural Party members. Wu made the cover of Time magazine in 2005. A feature film named for the former village Party chief that told his legendary stories of developing Huaxi into one of the richest villages in China was shown in cinemas nationwide last October. Xinhua Retired CPC chief of wealthy E China village diesadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Should Trump return to Twitter with Elon Musk as owner? Texans react closeVideo The prospect of former President Trump possibly rejoining Twitter under its new owner, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, elicited varying opinions from Austin locals. AUSTIN, Texas Several people in Austin weighed in on whether former President Trump should rejoin Twitter if Elon Musk allows him. "Yes, I think that he should be back [on] Twitter," Adiba told Fox News. "He has his own opinions, so I would like to hear about him, too." WATCH BELOW TO LEARN WHY SOME PEOPLE THINK DONALD TRUMP SHOULD REJOIN TWITTER: Video WATCH MORE FOX NEWS DIGITAL ORIGINALS HERE But another person disagreed. "It could be an issue because he does have a tendency to spread false information," one man told Fox News, though he added that heconsidered Trump's tweets "more entertaining than anything." Before finalizing his purchase of Twitter, Musk said he "would reverse the permanent ban" on Trump. The former president, who was kicked off Twitter for tweets he posted during and after the Capitol riot in January 2021, said he wouldn't rejoin the social media giant since he now has his own platform, Truth Social. Twitter accepted Musk's $44 billion bid to acquire the company in April. (Scott Olson/Getty Images) LIBERALS WAIL AFTER MUSK SAYS HE WOULD REINSTATE TRUMP ON TWITTER: THIS HELLSITE COULD BECOME EVEN WORSE "I don't think he would come back since now he has his own social media," one woman told Fox News. "I think it would kind of be like bad marketing for his own social media platform if he did that." "And 'cause his whole thing is that hes a really smart businessman, I don't think that's a smart business move," she added. But another woman said it would be "great" if Trump changed his mind. Former President Donald Trump's Twitter account was "permanently suspended" in January 2021. (Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images) CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP "I feel like everyone should have a freakin' voice," she said. One woman said: "He can be on the platform. As long as they're still gonna look into his account and make sure his tweets are appropriate, then I don't see why not." Chinese police have sent co-investigation request to police authorities in related countries concerning a 32-year-old man who instigated a self-immolation incident in which two teenage boys died. Police in southwest Chinas Sichuan Province said two teenagers died after setting themselves ablaze in Jamcha Village,free litecoin cloud mining Ruoergai County, in the Tibetan-Qiang Autonomous Prefecture of Aba. Rinchen Tseli, 15, and Sonam Dakyi, 16, self-immolated on Feb. 19 and died at the scene, according to a statement released Monday by police authorities. Fear and homesickness prompted Ye Ja, a 17-year-old who had planned to self-immolate with the other two teens, to reconsider, said the statement. Police said they found that Rinchen Tselis 32-year-old uncle, known as Tenpa Gyatso, among other names, organized the self-immolations. He formerly served as a monk in the Jage Monastery in Jamcha Village. Tenpa Gyatso illegally crossed the border to Indias Dorje Monastery in 2007, and he was also a staff member with the press contact group of Indias Kirti Monastery. He maintained close contact with Rinchen Tseli and inculcated the idea of Tibet independence upon him frequently, said the statement. Since January, Tenpa Gyatso repeatedly incited Rinchen Tseli to self-immolate through the Internet-based smartphone chatting software WeChat and claimed that self-immolators are national heroes, according to the statement. The Indian side will carve your name on the Monument to Self-immolators in Takla Sala and pray for you. You will become an extraordinary man, Tenpa Gyatso encouraged Rinchen Tseli, according to the statement. Tenpa Gyatso described self-immolation as a beautiful thing, and asked Rinchen Tseli whether he would dare self-immolate. Under the continuous instigation of Tenpa Gyatso, Rinchen Tseli finally agreed to self-immolate and even suggested convincing others to do so, as well. Tenpa Gyatso also ordered Rinchen to send pictures that could be used in propaganda spread overseas following the self-immolations. Rinchen Tseli found his friends Sonam Dakyi and Ye Ja, and coaxed them into jointly planning the self-immolation activity. The statement cited police authorities as saying that organizing self-immolations and convincing others to commit such acts jeopardize society and constitute serious criminal acts. Police have vowed to continue investigations into such cases and punish those responsible. Xinhua Police seek foreign aids in investigating self-immolation caseadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline The constitutional problem with this ruling, experts say, is that it places an extra burden on women for being pregnant. Extra dry, for example, is actually sweeter than brut, which is drier than demi-sec, which is somewhat sweet. Extra security was also set up along the lines to monitor other signs of potential sabotage. But one extra trick would instantly solve the problem of crashes that occur over water. Bershin, who worked with the Ukrainian police before rebels took control of Donetsk, says officers have to be extra vigilant. The Corrupt Cops of Rebel-Held East Ukraine|Kristina Jovanovski|December 11, 2014|DAILY BEAST Of course, newly acquired Ferns will pay for extra attention in the way of watering until they have secured a proper roothold. How to Know the Ferns|S. Leonard Bastin Harry was Aunty Rosa's one child, and Punch was the extra boy about the house. Kipling Stories and Poems Every Child Should Know, Book II|Rudyard Kipling Aunty Rosa sat him upon a table and told him that A B meant ab. Kipling Stories and Poems Every Child Should Know, Book II|Rudyard Kipling In the evening the little theatre is illuminated regardless of expense, a fabulous sum being expended on extra lamps. The Pit Town Coronet, Volume I (of 3)|Charles James Wills English, like all languages, contain homophones, or words that sound alike, but dont have the same meaning. Two such words, bail and bale, can be potentially disastrous if misused. For example, if you ask someone to bale you out of a situation and he or she takes you literally, you may find yourself in the back of a truck, packed into a tight bundle, and tied securely with twine. In order to avoid embarrassing predicaments like the one above, continue reading for an explanation of the differences between homophones bail and bale. What is the Difference Between Bail and Bale? In this article, I will compare bail vs. bale. I will use each word in an example sentence, so you can see them in the proper context. I will also explain a mnemonic device that you can use to help you remember when to choose bail or bale in your own writing. When to Use Bail What does bail mean? Bail can be a verb or a noun. As a verb, bailmeans to remove waterby using a bucket. It can also be used less literally, as in the phrase bail [someone or something] out, meaning to give aid in a difficult situation. For example, Jon, help me bail out the canoe, before we sink. I dont know the answer to this question, can someone from H.R. bail me out? Sheila said on the conference call. Creditors have pumped in billions of dollars to bail out STX Offshore, which logged a 314 billion won ($265.6 million) operating loss last year, following a 1.5 trillion won loss in 2014. The company owes financial institutions nearly six trillion won. The Wall Street Journal As a noun, bailmeans the temporary release of a prisoner. For example, The judge set the bail impossibly high. Much to the chagrin of the populace, the accused criminal was released on bail. When to Use Bale What does bale mean? Bale can also be used as a verb or a noun. As a verb,balemeans to pack something into tight bundles. For example, Today, specialized machines bale things like hay, cotton, and paper. The hay baler baled 99 bales of hay, then blew a gasket. As a noun, bale refers to the tight packages of material that are the end product of the above process. For example, Pa ordered 100 bales of hay, and ordered me to toss them into the loft. A bale of cotton fell from the truck and onto the highway. On Bovina Farm Day, where the photo of the children on the hay bales was taken, everyone came out and mingled. The New York Times Trick to Remember the Difference Here is helpful trick to remember balevs. bail. Both words are homophones, and each can be used as a noun or a verb. Since in its verb form, bail refers to removing water with a bucket, or pail, you can use the similar spellings of bail and pail to remember where to use this word. You use a pailto bailout your boat. Summary Is it bail or bale? The homophones bail and bale are sometimes used as nouns, and sometimes used as verbs. Bail is a way to remove water from an area, and also the temporary release of a prisoner. Bale refers to both the process of packaging material into tight bundles, as well as the end product of this action. Since bail and pail are spelled nearly the same, you can remember that a pail is often the best way to bail out something that is in danger of sinking. Next time you are stuck in a challenging situation involving English, remember to bail yourself out of trouble by checking this site. Visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao told his Swedish counterpart Fredrik Reinfeldt in Stockholm on Tuesday that China would like to promote cooperation with Sweden in environmental protection and sustainable development. Sweden has been a global leader in environmental protection and sustainable development, while China takes sustainable development as a national strategy, said Wen, adding that China is ready to carry out long-term and all-around cooperation with Sweden in policy dialogue and mechanism construction. During his meeting with Reinfeldt, Wen said China will take concrete steps to back its enterprises and research institutions to cement innovation cooperation with Sweden, which is the most innovative country within the European Union (EU). Treating Sweden as an important cooperative partner, China highly values its influence in Europe and international affairs, and is willing to strengthen coordination and collaboration with Sweden to push forward bilateral ties. Wen also welcomed the Swedish side to enlarge its investment in areas such as modern manufacturing, high-tech, service industry and agriculture in China, especially in its central and western regions. While encouraging Chinese companies to do business in Sweden, China hopes that Sweden could push the EU to launch negotiations with China on an investment deal as soon as possible, he said. Moreover, Wen also called for closer exchanges in such areas as education, culture and tourism between the two countries. Reinfeldt said Sweden is the first Western nation to set up diplomatic relationship with the Peoples Republic of China, which is now Swedens largest trading partner in Asia. He urged the two countries to step up their cooperation in areas such as environmental protection, sustainable development and innovation. The Swedish prime minister also welcomed China to expand its investment in his country, and hoped more Chinese citizens would come to study, travel and work in Sweden. He promised that Sweden would like to play an active role in promoting EU-China relationship. After the meeting, Wen and Reinfeldt attended a signing ceremony of cooperation agreements between the two countries and met the press. The two sides also issued a framework document on strengthening strategic cooperation in sustainable development. Before meeting Reinfeldt, Wen also held talks with the King of Sweden Carl XVI Gustaf in Stockholm. Earlier Tuesday, Premier Wen visited China-owned but Gothenburg-based Volvo Cars Corporation, where he hailed the combination of Geely and Volvo as an example of success for cooperation between the two nations enterprises. Sweden is the third leg of Wens four-nation Europe tour, which has already taken him to Iceland and Germany. He will also travel to Poland. Xinhua Wen Jiabao: China to promote cooperation with Sweden in sustainable developmentadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Zalewski, 60, is expected to arrive in Vietnam at the end of January, Archbishop Nguyen Nang, president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Vietnam, said Saturday. Archbishop Marek Zalewski. Photo courtesy of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Vietnam Zalewski studied philosophy at the major seminary in omza in Poland and theology at the metropolitan seminary in Florence, Italy. He was ordained a priest of the Diocese of omza in 1989. He worked as a parish priest in Florence for two years and then completed his doctorate in canon law at the Pontifical Gregorian University in 1995 while also attending diplomatic courses at the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy. In 2014 he was appointed titular archbishop of Africa and apostolic nuncio to Zimbabwe. Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong visited Vatican last July and the two sides agreed on the working regulations of the Holy Sees Resident Representative and accompanying office in Vietnam. The Vietnam Catholic Church consists of two cardinals, six archbishops, and more than 8,000 priests. There are more than 7.2 million Catholic followers in the country, nearly 8% of the population. Chinas maritime authority on Monday issued an early warning for high waves that may occur in the South China Sea. Thesuper bets san martin luther king National Marine Environmental Forecasting Center issued a yellow warning, the second-lowest level in the countrys four-tier color-coded typhoon warning system, for Typhoon Utor, which is expected to affect the sea area from noon on Monday to noon on Tuesday. The center warned of waves as high as eight meters in the eastern and northern part of the South China Sea and waves that will measure 1.5 to 2.5 meters high in waters off South Chinas Guangdong Province. Ships in these sea areas should take timely measures to return to harbor to avoid the waves, the center urged. Xinhua High waves expected in South China Seaadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline CPPCC member, Professor Ge Jianxiong () from Fudan University demands apology from the Ministry of Education for exam paper leak of 2012 graduate school entrance exam. Minister of Education Yuan Guiren () was questioned by reporters after the meeting session. January 7, 2012 graduate examinations were held nationally. It is been learned that the English exam paper was leaked and published online half an hour prior the exam. Guangdong police said it had been involved in the investigation. CPPCC member demands apology from the Ministry of Educationadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Definition of Deus Ex Machina Thebus schedule to foxwoods term deus ex machina refers to the circumstance where an implausible concept or a divine character is introduced into a storyline, for the purpose of resolving its conflict and procuring an interesting outcome. The use of deus ex machina is discouraged, for the reason that the presence of it within a plot is viewed as a sign of an ill-structured plot. The explanation that the critics provide for this view is that the writers sudden resort to random, insupportable, and unbelievable twists for the purpose of procuring an ending, highlights the inherent deficiencies of the plot. Hence, deus ex machina is a rather debatable, and often criticized, form of literary device. The term is Latin for god out of the machine, and has its origins in ancient Greek theatre. It denotes scenes in which a crane (machine) was used to lower actors or statues playing a god or gods (deus) onto the stage to set things right, usually near the end of the play. Requirements of Deus Ex Machina Deus ex machinas are solutions. They are not to be seen as unexpected twists and turns in the storyline that end up making things worse, and not as something that contributes towards changing the understanding of the story. Further, it must be shown that the problem solved by a deus ex machina is one that is unsolvable or otherwise hopeless. It is also that they are sudden or unexpected. This means that the inherent capacity of deus ex machina to solve the mystery is not apparent until the time the device is actually employed to procure a viable ending for the plot. However, if some other type of intervention like common sense could have been employed to procure the same result, then no matter how sudden the solution is, it would not be termed as deus ex machina. Euripides was one of the most prominent users of deus ex machina. Some scholars believe that he was the first writer to employ the device in his tragedies. His work is often met with criticism for the way he structured his plots, and for his underlying ideas. Deus Ex Machina Examples Example #1: Medea(By Euripides) When Medea is shown in the chariot of the sun god Helios, the god himself isnt present. From her vantage point in the chariot, she watches the grieving Jason. The argument goes about that this specific scene is an illustration of the employment of the deus ex machina device within the plot of the tragedy. Example #2: Hippolytus(By Euripides) There are three deities present in this play: the jealous Aphrodite, Artemis the object of Hippolytus affection, and vengeful Poseidon. However, it is only Artemis who appears. She explains to Theseus that Hippolytus was innocent all along, and that it was Aphrodite who had sinned and caused all the grief. Artemis also promises to destroy any man Aphrodite ever loves. Example #3: Andromache(By Euripides) In the end of the play, Thetis the sea goddess appears to Peleus. She comes to take Peleus back with her to her ocean home. The play ends with Peleus going with Thetis his wife, into the ocean. Example #4: Helen(By Euripides) Theoclymenos is furious when Helen and Menelaus trick him and run away together. In consequence, he tries to murder his sister for not telling him that Menelaus was not dead. The demi-gods Castor and Polydeuces Helens brothers, and sons of Zeus and Leda appear astonishingly to interrupt. Example #5: Orestes(By Euripides) Apollo appears on stage to bring things in order. Apollo clears the situation by informing the characters (and the audience) that Helen had been put amongst the stars, and therefore Menelaus should return to Sparta. He also orders Orestes to travel to Athens to stand trial in their court, and ensures him of his subsequent acquittal. Further, Apollo states that Orestes will marry Hermione, and that Pylades and Electra will also marry. Function of Deus Ex Machina The tool of deus ex machina remains a popular one even today, being employed in modern films, novels, and short stories. However the scope of the term has been effectively widened to present it as a multifaceted tool. It can be employed for the purposes of moving a story forward, or when the writer has painted himself into a corner and finds no other escape. He uses this to surprise the audience, to bring a happy ending to the tale, or as a comedic device. Related posts: Fox News Flash top headlines for November 15 closeVideo Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com. An Ohio man pleaded guilty on Monday to federal gun and drug crimes related to a shootout in West Virginia in 2021. Austin Bruce Jeffreys, 28, of Chesapeake, Ohio admitted to using and carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, and conspiracy to using and carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. Austin Bruce Jeffreys of Chesapeake, Ohio admitted to federal gun and drug charges following a shootout in West Virginia. (West Virginia Division of Corrections) Jeffreys, according to court documents and statements made in court on June 14, 2021, communicated with an inmate at the Western Regional Jail by phone, and each time, the calls were recorded. HOUSTON RAPPER THE BREADMAN GETS 23 YEARS FOR DRUG TRAFFICKING The U.S. Department of Justice said in a press release that when Jeffreys spoke to the inmate, he agreed to go to a residence in Huntington to pick up the inmates suboxone. At the time, the suboxone was with another person, so Jeffreys said he would go to the residence carrying a loaded .380-caliber pistol. Man in prison hands of behind hold Steel cage jail bars. (iStock) When Jeffreys arrived at the residence, the DOJ said, he and another person got into a shootout before Jeffreys could get the drugs. TEXAS INMATE FACES DRUG TRAFFICKING CHARGES RELATED TO DRONE DROPS IN PRISON YARD Jeffreys then called the inmate, once again on a recorded line, and spoke about the shooting and his knowledge of the drugs being intended for distribution, the DOJ said. Jeffreys is expected to be sentenced on Feb. 13, 2022, and faces up to life in prison and a $500,000 fine. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP The inmate, Jacob Benjamin Loper, 21, was sentenced to 30 months in prison on May 9, 2022, after pleading guilty to attempted possession with intent to distribute the suboxone and conspiring to use a firearm in a drug trafficking crime. Video Greg Wehner is a breaking news reporter for Fox News Digital. What Is a Discouraged Worker?top 10 free spins no deposit A discouraged worker is a person who is eligible for employment and can work, but who is currently unemployed and has not attempted to find employment in the last four weeks. Discouraged workers usually have given up on searching for a job because they found no suitable employment options or failed to secure a job when they applied. Key Takeaways Discouraged workers are workers who have stopped looking for work because they found no suitable employment options or failed to be shortlisted when applying for a job. The causes for worker discouragement are complex and varied. Discouraged workers are not included in the headline unemployment number. Instead, they are included in the U-4, U-5, and U-6 unemployment measures. The U-4 rate is calculated by dividing the sum of unemployed and discouraged workers by the total labor force, including discouraged workers. Policymakers use underutilization of labor rates, such as U-4, to create plans that help discouraged workers get back to work and incentivize companies for hiring them. Understanding Discouraged Workers The U.S. Department of Labors Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) defines discouraged workers as those persons not in the labor force who want and are available for work, and who have looked for a job sometime in the prior 12 months, but were not counted as unemployed because they had not searched for work in the 4 weeks preceding the survey. The BLS adds that discouraged workers were not currently looking for work specifically because they believed no jobs were available for them or there were none for which they would qualify. As discouraged workers are no longer looking for employment, they are not counted as active in the labor force. This means that the headline unemployment rate, which is based solely on the active labor force number, does not take into account the number of discouraged workers in the country. Causes for Worker Discouragement The causes for worker discouragement are complex and varied. In some cases, workers fall out of the workforce because they are not equipped to deal with technological change in their workplace. An example of this occurred during the Great Recession, when the manufacturing sector shed senior staff unable to work on the new computer numeric control (CNC) machines, used for cutting wood and other hard materials, according to a report by The Washington Post. Nick Eberstadt of the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) has blamed the flight from work on a lack of supply of skilled, able, and willing workers and an increasing reliance on disability insurance. His theory is backed by Alan Kruegers 2016 research, which found that self-reported pain and disability insurance was higher among discouraged workers. Other possible reasons for discouraged workers include restrictions that limit employment options for formerly incarcerated individuals and jobs that are perceived as being inaccessible to a specific gender. 386,000 The number of discouraged workers in the U.S. in June 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). BLS Accounting for Discouraged Workers To better analyze unemployment in the U.S., the BLS created alternative measures for the underutilization of labor. U-4, U-5, and U-6 capture discouraged workers. U-4 equals the total number of unemployed people, plus discouraged workers. U-5 equals the total number of unemployed people, discouraged workers, and other marginally attached workers. U-6 equals the total number of unemployed people, all marginally attached workers, plus people employed part-time who are seeking full-time employment. From the third quarter of 2021 through the second quarter of 2022, the U-4 rate, seasonally adjusted, was 4.4%, just a shade higher than the headline, or official, unemployment rate of 3.6%. In spite of the pandemic's impact on the economy, the current U-4 number is not as bad as the 2009 annual average, which stood at 9.7% in the throes of the Great Recession. Helping the Discouraged The U-4 rate helps to quantify how many discouraged workers exist and keep tabs on the change in their numbers. Further analysis of age groups, race, and geographic location is also made possible by U-4 measures. Policymakers at federal, state, and local levels can use these numbers to formulate plans to assist them. Such plans may consist of training programs, education subsidies, or tax credits for companies that hire long-term unemployed individuals. What are discouraged workers? Discouraged workers are people who are eligible and able but not actively seeking work. Specifically, these workers have not tried to become gainfully employed in the last four weeks and have given up on searching for work typically because nothing is suitable. How many discouraged workers are in the U.S.? In June 2022, there were 364,000 discouraged workers in the U.S. This was a sharp decrease from June 2021, when there were 631,000 discouraged workers. Why are discouraged workers not counted as unemployed? An unemployed person is defined as someone who is able and eligible to work and has been actively looking for work in the last four weeks. Discouraged workers are able and eligible but not currently looking for work. More specifically, discouraged workers have not actively looked for work in the last four weeks; therefore, they are not counted as unemployed. Fox News Flash top headlines for November 15 closeVideo Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com. The Virginia man who allegedly shot and killed his neighbor's dog following a verbal altercation has been released from jail, according to Fairfax County officials. Roman Vyacheslavov Gorelov, 33, is facing two felony charges of animal cruelty and reckless discharge of a firearm within 1,000 feet of a school. Gorelov was released on bond Monday at an arraignment hearing, despite the Fairfax County Commonwealth Attorneys Office saying the bond motion was set for Tuesday. The Attorney's Office said it is currently attempting to revoke the bond. District Court Clerk Susan Madsen said Gorelov was arraigned Monday morning, given a $10,000 secured bond and appointed a public defender. VIRGINIA MAN TAKEN INTO CUSTODY AFTER FATALLY SHOOTING DOG Roman Vyacheslavov Gorelov, 33, is facing two felony charges of animal cruelty and reckless discharge of a firearm within 1,000 feet of a school. (Fairfax County Police Department) Fairfax Commonwealths Attorney Steve Descano has said the district court chief judge has blocked his office from involvement in arraignments. Madsen told FOX 5 that prosecutors are allowed to participate in arraignments, which she says was reiterated to them as recently as August. The Commonwealth Attorneys Office claims judges have made it difficult for prosecutors to speak at arraignments. UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA TO RESUME CLASSES WEDNESDAY FOLLOWING SUNDAY'S FATAL SHOOTING The Virginia man who allegedly shot and killed his neighbor's dog following a verbal altercation with its owner has been released from jail, according to Fairfax County officials. (Fairfax County Police) Gorelov had shot the dog shortly before 10 a.m. on Friday following a verbal altercation with the animal's owner in a breezeway of an apartment complex, according to Fairfax County Police. The owner then picked up the dog and began running away, but as he was attempting to flee, Gorelov pursued them and fired several more shots at the dog. Gorelov returned to his nearby apartment after shooting the animal. District Court Clerk Susan Madsen said Gorelov was arraigned Monday morning, given a $10,000 secured bond and appointed a public defender. (Eric BARADAT / AFP/ Getty Images) CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Police called Gorelov after learning of the incident, and he surrendered himself to officers. The owner was found standing next to the wounded dog when officers arrived at the scene. Detectives searched Gorelov's apartment after the shooting and discovered the gun he used on the dog. The Court of Huizhou city (Guangdong Province) ruled that a local company Proview Technology owned the trademark iPad, and ordered the local retailers to stop selling the iPad tablet manufactured by Apple. At the same time, the Associated Press emphasizes that the Huizhou courts decision is unlikely to have noticeable effects. The lawsuit on who is the true owner of the brand iPad in China, is pending in the court of Shanghai. Representatives of the Proview emphasize that the company owns the rights to the trademark iPad, recorded back in 2000. After six years, Apple had a front company bought the rights to use the mark iPad, however, in 2011 Proview asked the court to identify the illegal transaction. It should also be noted that representatives of the plaintiffs stated willingness to negotiate. Meanwhile, against a background of litigation between Apple and Proview, iPad tablets disappear from the online market and offline stores. Chinese court denied Apples right to brand iPadadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Governor of central Chinas Hubei province Wang Guosheng () arrived in Taipei Monday for an eight-day visit, during which he is scheduled to cement business and cultural ties between Hubei province and Taiwan. Wang is the mainlands third high-level local official to visit the island this year, following Beijing mayor Guo Jinlongs trip in February and Fujian governor Su Shulins in March. Wang is scheduled to attend a series of industrial cooperation and cultural activities, and meet with small and medium-sized business owners. Upon his arrival, Wang paid visits to Lien Chan and Wu Poh-hsiung, the two honorary chairmen of the ruling Kuomintang. During the visits, Wang gave credit to Taiwanese businesses for their contributions to the economic development of Hubei. Wang said he believed his province had been blessed with plenty of development opportunities in the mainlands drive to stimulate domestic demand. He expressed the hope of promoting industrial exchanges as well as people-to-people communication between people both in Hubei and Taiwan. Hubei is now home to more than 2,200 Taiwan enterprises. In 2011, the investment from Taiwanese businesses in Hubei increased 75 percent, or nearly 1.9 billion U.S. dollars, official statistics from Hubei province show. Xinhua Hubei governor Wang Guosheng begins eight-day Taiwan visitadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Chinas health departments have banned catering businesses from adding nitrite salts to processed meats. Thefree live poker tiger masters odds Ministry of Health and State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) jointly announced the decision Tuesday, following several food poisoning cases. Under Chinese laws, nitrite salts, a group of industrial salts, can be added to foods, such as sausages and smoked meats, as a preservative and coloring agent but only in very small and limited amounts. Some restaurants, diners and snack booths have been found adding them to meat products they prepare themselves. In April last year, a one-year-old girl died of nitrite poisoning after eating fried chicken bought from a street venders booth in Beijing. Using additives like nitrite salts needs to be done carefully and professionally under strict supervision, which can not be realized at restaurants or snack booths and thus increases food safety risks, Wednesdays Beijing Times quoted an unnamed official with the Ministry of Health as saying. However, professional food processing plants were still allowed to use it in line with regulations, he said. Xinhua China bans catering business from using nitrite as food additiveadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline China has been racing to meet the objectives set in its revised air quality standards,scatter88 slotomania inner circle including promoting the use of an index for PM2.5, or fine particulate matter 2.5 microns or less in diameter. A total of 138 monitoring stations in 74 cities across the country have begun publishing data on air quality, said Wu Xiaoqing, vice minister of the Ministry of Environmental Protection, said at a Thursday conference. Another 195 monitoring stations have started trial runs, according to the ministry. An air quality monitoring network made up of 35 PM2.5 monitoring stations went into full operation Saturday in Beijing. The network, along with monitoring stations in Shanghai and the provinces of Jiangsu and Guangdong will release air quality data online. The State Council, or Chinas Cabinet, passed revised air quality standards in late February that included indices for ozone and PM2.5. PM10 was previously used as part of the countrys air quality standards before being replaced by the PM2.5 index, which measures finer particles that are considered more hazardous to health than larger ones. The government decided to monitor PM2.5 in four municipalities, 27 provincial capitals, as well as three key regions east Chinas Yangtze River Delta, south Chinas Pearl River Delta and the northern Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei area. Some 519 million yuan (about 82.6 million U.S. dollars) has been spent to fund the establishment of the monitoring networks, Wu said. Positive progress had been made in the implementation of the new standards, Wu said, adding that imbalanced development and inadequate technological preparation still pose problems for implementing the standards. The ministry will set up supervision teams to inspect the implementation of the new standards and ensure that all 496 monitoring stations will be running by the end of this year, according to the official. Wu urged local authorities to use multiple channels, including television and the Internet, to publish air quality data. The MEP will examine the quality of the data that is affected by the new standards next year. For its next step, China plans to establish a national air quality monitoring network by the end of the 12th Five-Year Plan (2011-2015) period, according to the ministry. In 2013, monitoring will be extended to 113 cities, with all cities at the prefectural level or above to implement monitoring in 2015. The government has set up 14 air quality background monitoring stations nationwide. Another station in Xisha Islands in the South China Sea is under construction. Additionally, a total of 31 stations have been set up to monitor rural areas. While promoting the new standards, we must recognize that PM2.5 is just one of multiple indices, said Zhao Yingmin, director of the MEPs science, technology and standards department. Zhao said attention should also be paid to the monitoring of other indices. According to Zhao, the MEP is also working on related standards regarding monitoring and evaluating techniques in order to enhance air quality monitoring. Xinhua China strives to meet air quality standard deadlineadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Virgin Atlantic is bolstering its leisure portfolio with frequency increases across its collection of popular sunny leisure destinations. The airline recently launched seasonal flights to Dubai and the Maldives that will operate daily throughout the winter of 2024-25. Barbados continues as the most popular destination in Virgin Atlantics Caribbean portfolio and will see a record number of flights for 2024. Double daily services will operate from London Heathrow throughout winter 2024, in addition to its four times a week flying from Manchester Airport. The new frequencies will be on sale from this Saturday. Barbados will operate double daily from October 27, with daily Dubai services resuming on the October, 26, 2024 and daily Maldives, October 27, 2024. Juha Jarvinen, Chief Commercial Officer, Virgin Atlantic, said: Were excited to be whisking our customers away on more sunny breaks than ever next year, thanks to our expanding leisure portfolio. Our recent route launches to Dubai and the Maldives have already proved exceptionally popular and were pleased to offer more opportunities for our customers to reach these luxurious destinations in 2024 and 2025. We serve record number of Caribbean islands in 2024 with direct services from London Heathrow to Antigua, The Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada, Jamaica, St Lucia, St Vincent and The Grenadines, and Turks & Caicos. The introduction of twice daily flights from Heathrow to Barbados, alongside our four times a week service from Manchester, cement the islands position as our most popular destination in the Caribbean. Last week, Virgin Atlantic announced further expansion to its US network. Next summer, it will offer a record number of flights between London and New York, with a seventh daily flight to JFK, and together with its Joint Venture partner Delta, will offer 10 daily services to the Big Apple, an increase of 11% compared to summer 2023. In a further boost to its East Coast flying, Virgin Atlantic will also operate a second daily flight to Boston. Complementing Deltas daily service, Boston will be served with three flights a day. Customers on Virgin Atlantics New York and Boston services departures will experience flying on the airlines newest aircraft, the A330-900neo, and A350-1000, increasing the number of Upper and Premium seats by 23%. Upper-Class passengers looking to treat themselves can also benefit from booking the A330-900neo innovative Retreat Suite, which comprises of two spacious exclusive suites at the front of the Upper Class cabin. Seven Nights in Dubai Seven nights in Dubai with Virgin Atlantic Holidays, including scheduled Virgin Atlantic Economy flights direct from London Heathrow to Dubai. Half-board accommodation at JA Beach Hotel. Seven Nights in The Maldives Seven nights in The Maldives with Virgin Atlantic Holidays, including scheduled Virgin Atlantic Economy flights direct from London Heathrow to The Maldives (Male). All-inclusive accommodation at Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon. Seven Nights in Barbados Seven nights in Barbados with Virgin Atlantic Holidays, including scheduled Virgin Atlantic Economy flights direct from London Heathrow to Barbados. All-inclusive accommodation at Savannah Beach. TradeArabia News Service A Chinese man has been charged for attempting to steal belongings from three passengers on a flight from Cambodia's capital Phnom Penh to Singapore. Yi Huaichun, 44, pleaded not-guilty to three charges of attempted theft at a Singapore court on Friday, Channel News Asia reported. He will return to trial in January. If convicted, he could face a jail term of up to three years and a fine. According to the indictment, Huaichun was arrested for attempting to steal from three passengers while boarding Cambodia Airways flight KR751 from Phnom Penh on Dec 15. The indictment came just a few days after another 52-year-old Chinese national was charged with three counts of theft on Monday for allegedly stealing cash worth US$23,260 from three passengers on a Singapore-bound Scoot flight from HCMC, the Independent News Singapore reported. China on Monday expressed strong dissatisfaction regarding Japans decision to allow a Chinese separatist group to hold a meeting in the country. Thebuy shiba inu coin so-called World Uygur Congress, which has links with various terrorist organizations, is a thoroughly anti-China separatist organization, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said at a press conference when asked to comment on the groups Monday meeting. Xinjiang-related issues are considered to be part of Chinas internal affairs and the country will not accept outside interference, Hong said. China asks Japan to respect Chinas requests, take measures to eradicate any negative impact and safeguard the overall state of China-Japan relations, he said. On Monday, several members of the group visited the Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo, where Japanese soldiers, including World War II war criminals, are honored, Hong said. Anti-China separatists from the World Uygur Congress have colluded with Japans right-wing forces and exposed their political determination to separate their homeland and undermine China-Japan relations, Hong said. Hong described the shrine as a symbol of Japans invasion history. The clumsy activities of those people will be spurned by Chinese people all over the world, including ethnic Uygurs, Hong said. Xinhua China dissatisfied with Japans allowance of separatist meetingadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Chinese State Councilor Ma Kai on Thursday met with delegates to a workshop on corruption prevention in developing countries and some diplomatic envoys in China. The Chinese government attaches great importance to the anti-corruption push, Ma said, adding China is willing to continue cooperation with developing countries to fight and prevent corruption Representatives from 14 developing countries from Asia, Africa and Europe participated in the workshop, sponsored by Chinas National Bureau of Corruption Prevention and Ministry of Commerce. Xinhua China, developing nations in anti-corruption pledgeadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Sand, salt, iron, copper, oil and lithium these foundational materials are literally what the modern world is built on. Without sand for glass, say goodbye to our fiber optic internet. No copper means no conductive wiring. And a world without lithium is a world without rechargeable batteries. For the final installment of Hitting the Books for 2023, we're bringing you an excerpt from the fantastic Material World: The Six Raw Materials That Shape Modern Civilization by Ed Conway. A finalist for the Financial Times and Schroders Business Book of the Year award, Material World walks readers through the seismic impacts these six substances have had on human civilization throughout history, using a masterful mix of narrative storytelling and clear-eyed technical explanation. In the excerpt below, Conway discusses how the lithium ion battery technology that is currently powering the EV revolution came into existence. Thanks very much for reading Hitting the Books this year, we'll be back with more of the best excerpts from new and upcoming technology titles in post-CES January, 2024! Penguin Random House Excerpted from Material World: The Six Raw Materials That Shape Modern Civilization by Ed Conway. Published by Knopf. Copyright 2023 by Ed Conway. All rights reserved. A Better Battery The first engineer to use lithium in a battery was none other than Thomas Edison. Having mastered the manufacture of concrete by focusing religiously on improving the recipe and systematising its production, he sought to do much the same thing with batteries. The use of these devices to store energy was not especially new even when he began working on them at the dawn of the twentieth century. Indeed, the very earliest days of the electrical era were powered almost exclusively by batteries. Back before the invention of the dynamos and generators that produce most of our electricity today, the telegraphs and earliest electric lights ran on primitive batteries. Their chemistry went back to Alessandro Volta, an Italian who, at the turn of the nineteenth century, had discovered that by stacking layers of zinc and copper discs separated by cardboard soaked in brine, he could generate an electric current, flowing from one electrode (in this case the metallic discs) to the other. His pile of electrodes was the worlds first battery a voltaic cell or as its still sometimes called, a pile (since a pile is precisely what it was). That brings us to the prickly question of what to call these things. Purists would argue that a single one of these units, whether it was Voltas first effort or the thing you find in your smartphone, should be called a cell. A battery, they say, is a word only to be used about an array of multiple cells. But these days most people (including this author) use the words interchangeably. Half a century later the French physicist Gaston Plante came up with the first rechargeable battery using a spiral of lead electrodes bathed in acid, housed in a glass container. Lead-acid batteries, versions of which are still used to help start car engines today, could provide quick bursts of power, but their relatively low energy density meant they were not especially good at storing power. In an effort to improve on the chemistry, Edison began to experiment his way through the periodic table. Out went lead and sulphuric acid and in came a host of other ingredients: copper, cobalt and cadmium to name just a few of the Cs. There were many false starts and one major patent battle along the way but eventually, after a decade of experimentation, Edison landed upon a complex mixture of nickel and iron, bathed in a potassium hydroxide solution and packed into the best Swedish steel. The only Storage Battery that has iron and steel in its construction and elements, read the advertising. Edisons experiments underlined at least one thing. While battery chemistry was difficult, it was certainly possible to improve on Plantes leadacid formula. After all, as Edison once said, If Nature had intended to use lead in batteries for powering vehicles she would not have made it so heavy. And if lead was a heavy metal then there was no doubt about the lightest metal of all the optimal element to go into batteries. It was there at the opposite end of the periodic table, all the way across from lead, just beneath hydrogen and helium: lithium. Edison added a sprinkling of lithium hydroxide to the electrolyte solution in his battery, the so-called A cell, and, alongside the potassium in the liquid and the nickel and iron electrodes, it had encouraging results. The lithium lifted the batterys capacity by 10 per cent though no one could pin down the chemistry going on beneath the surface. In the following years, scientists followed in Edisons footsteps and developed other battery chemistries, including nickelcadmium and nickelmetal hydride, which are the basis for most consumer rechargeable batteries such as the AA ones you might have at home. However, they struggled to incorporate the most promising element of all. Decade after decade, scientific paper after paper pointed out that the ultimate battery would be based on a lithium chemistry. But up until the 1970s no one was able to tame this volatile substance enough to put it to use in a battery. Batteries are a form of fuel albeit electrochemical rather than fossil. What occurs inside a battery is a controlled chemical reaction, an effort to channel the explosive energy contained in these materials and turn that into an electric current. And no ingredient was more explosive than lithium. The first breakthrough came in the 1970s at, of all places, Exxon-Mobil, or as it was then known, Esso. In the face of the oil price shock, for a period the oil giant had one of the best-funded battery units anywhere, staffed by some of the worlds most talented chemists trying to map out the companys future in a world without hydrocarbons. Among them was a softly spoken Englishman called Stan Whittingham. Soon enough Whittingham had one of those Eureka moments that changed the battery world forever. Up until then, one of the main problems facing battery makers was that every time they charged or discharged their batteries it could change the chemical structure of their electrodes irreversibly. Edison had spent years attempting to surmount this phenomenon, whose practical consequence was that batteries simply didnt last all that long. Whittingham worked out how to overcome this, shuttling lithium atoms from one electrode to the other without causing much damage. At the risk of causing any battery chemists reading this to wince, here is one helpful way of visualising this. Think of batteries as containing a set of two skyscrapers, one of which is an office block and the other is an apartment block. These towers represent the anode and cathode the negative and positive electrodes. When a rechargeable smartphone or electric car battery is empty, what that means in electrochemical terms is that there are a lot of lithium atoms sitting in the cathode in the apartment block doing very little. But when that battery gets charged, those atoms (or, as theyre technically called, since they hold a charge, ions) shuttle across to the other skyscraper the anode or, in this analogy, the office block. They go to work. And a fully charged battery is one where the anodes structure is chock-full of these charged lithium ions. When that battery is being used, the ions are shuttling back home to the apartment block, generating a current along the way. Understand this shuttling to and fro between cathode and anode and you understand broadly how rechargeable batteries work. This concept the notion that ions could travel across from the crystalline structure of one electrode to nest in the crystalline structure of another was Whittinghams brainwave. He called it intercalation, and its still the basis of how batteries work today. Whittingham put the theory to work and created the worlds first rechargeable lithium battery. It was only a small thing a coin-sized battery designed for use in watches but it was a start. Per kilogram of weight (or rather, given its size, per gram), his battery could hold as much as 15 times the electrical charge of a leadacid battery. But every time Whittingham tried to make a battery any bigger than a small coin cell, it would burst into flames. In an effort to tame the inherent reactivity of lithium, he had alloyed it with aluminium, but this wasnt enough to subdue it altogether. So Whittinghams battery remained something of a curio until the following decade, when researchers working in the UK and Japan finally cracked the code. The key figure here is an extraordinary man called John B. Goodenough, an American physicist who, as it happens, was born in Jena, the German city where Otto Schott and Carl Zeiss first perfected technical glassmaking. After studying at Yale, Chicago and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Goodenough eventually found himself in charge of the inorganic chemistry lab at the University of Oxford in the late 1970s and early 1980s, where he played the pivotal role in the battery breakthrough. Among his teams achievements commemorated today in a blue plaque on the outside of the lab was the discovery of the optimal recipe for the cathode (that apartment skyscraper) in a lithium-ion battery. The material in question was lithium cobalt oxide, a compound that improved the safety and the capacity of these batteries, providing them with a stable cathode matrix in which the lithium ions could nest. It wasnt that battery explosions could be ruled out, but at least they were no longer inevitable. The final intellectual leaps occurred a few years later in Japan, where a researcher called Akira Yoshino perfected the other ingredients. He paired Goodenoughs lithium cobalt oxide cathode with an anode made from a particular type of graphite that very variety they still make from the needle coke produced at the Humber Refinery and the combination worked brilliantly. Lithium ions shuttled safely and smoothly from one side to another as he charged and discharged the battery. He also worked out the best way to fit these two electrodes together: by pasting the materials on to paper-thin sheets and coiling them together in a metal canister, separated by a thin membrane. This final masterstroke which meant that if the battery began to overheat the separator would melt, helping to prevent any explosion also evoked those first cells created in France by Gaston Plante. The rechargeable battery began life as a spiral of metal compressed into a canister; after more than a century of experimentation and a complete transformation of materials, it came of age in more or less the same form. But it would take another few years for these batteries to find their way into consumers hands, and it would happen a long way from either Essos laboratories or Oxfords chemistry labs. Japanese electronics firm Sony had been on the lookout for a better battery to power its camcorders, and came across the blueprints drawn up by Goodenough and adjusted by Yoshino. Adapting these plans and adding its own flourishes, in 1992 it created the first production lithium-ion battery: an optional power pack for some of their Handycam models. These packs were a third smaller and lighter than the standard nickelmetal hydride batteries, yet they carried even more capacity. In the following years, lithium-ion batteries gradually proliferated into all sorts of devices, but it wasnt until the advent of the smartphone that they found their first true calling. These devices, with their circuitry, their semiconductors, their modem chips and bright displays, are incredibly power hungry, demanding the most powerful of all batteries. Today, almost all smartphones run on batteries derived from the discoveries of Whittingham, Goodenough and Yoshino. The trio was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2019. That this invention first prototyped in America and then mostly developed in England only came to be mass produced in Japan is one of those topics that still causes frustration in the Anglophone world. Why, when so many of the intellectual advances in battery design happened in Europe and the Americas, was production always dominated by Asia? The short answer was that Japan had a burgeoning market for the manufacture of the very electronic goods initially video cameras and Walkmans that needed higher-density batteries. As the 1990s gave way to the 2000s, lithium-ion batteries became an essential component of the electronic world, in laptops, smartphones and, eventually, electric cars. Smartphones could not have happened without the extraordinary silicon chips inside, powering the circuitry, housing the processing units and bestowing memory storage, not to mention providing optical sensors for the camera. But none of these appliances would have been practical without light, powerful batteries of far greater energy density than their predecessors. All of which is why demand for lithium has begun to outstrip our ability to extract it from the earth. And unlike copper or iron, which we have many centuries experience producing, the lithium industry remains in its infancy. Up until recently there were few mines and the pools in the Salar de Atacama were still relatively small. Today they are big enough to be easily visible from space, a gigantic pastel paint palette smack bang in the middle of the desert. This article contains affilate links; if you click such a link and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Nearly two-thirds of Nevadans experienced health care affordability burdens in 2022, forgoing health insurance, struggling to pay medical bills, and delaying medical visits for dental care, addiction treatment, and mental health care. The health care industry was doing well in 2022 though, according to a recent analysis by the United States of Care, a nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to improving access to quality health care, released at the end of November. Health care premiums in Nevada grew at a significantly higher rate than the cost of covered insurance claims, contributing to record-breaking health insurance company profits. The Nevada Depart of Insurance does not oversee provider and hospital rates, but does oversee the rates for small group and individual insurance plans in Nevada. And Nevada hospitals saw patient revenue outpace operating expenses, according to an analysis by the United States of Care, a non-partisan non-profit dedicated to improving access to quality health care released in November. The findings are stark. You see on one hand people who really struggling with affordability in really profound ways and on the other hand, you have a health care industry that is profiting and doing financially very well, Liz Hagan, director of policy solutions at United States of Care, said in an interview. Nevadas insurance companies and hospitals both saw profit margins upwards of 15%, according to the report. The states largest private health insurance companies, UnitedHealth Group, Centene, and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, are some of the most profitable Fortune 500 companies. UnitedHealth Group earned $28.4 billion in national profits in 2022, a 19% increase from 2021, according to the report. In addition to revenues from the individual insurance market, the three companies cover 900,000 Nevadans who pay for Medicare Advantage plans, with sales each estimated to be worth $2 billion each. They also cover a bulk of the 46% of Nevadans with employer coverage. Representatives from UnitedHealth Group, Centene, and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield did not respond to requests for comment. Compared to most of the rest of the nation, Nevadas hospital industry is substantially more privatized. At 55.3%, the state ranks 13th for the highest percentage of for-profit hospitals, according to 2021 data, which is the most recent cited in the analysis by the United States of Care. The analysis cites this as one of the reasons for higher health care costs in the state, noting that despite the COVID-19 pandemic disrupting hospital operations, hospital recovered financially with the help of federal relief funding and that the for-profit hospitals patient revenues in the state have outpaced the amount they spend on operating. Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center, owned by the largest for-profit health system in the US, Hospital Corporation of America, charges patients the second highest prices versus the actual cost of care of any hospital in the nation, at an average bill mark-up rate of 12.9. Representatives from Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center did not respond to requests for comment. These profit margins dont translate into better care Nevada ranks 41st on overall health system performance, and last on prevention and treatment, according to the report. Nor do the poor rankings translate into stagnant prices in 2023, Nevada consumers faced a 9% increase in health insurance premiums, according to the report. The impact of rising health care costs permeates other facets of life higher hospital bills and health premiums have also been used to justify the increase in car insurance premiums and intensify health care debt, causing people to cut back on other household spending, deplete savings, skip payment of other bills, or delay attending college, buying a home or change their living situation, according to KFF, a non-profit foundation that does research, journalism, and communications programs on health care. There have been some state-level efforts to curb the affordability crisis in Nevada health care including reducing prescription drug prices and developing a healthcare growth benchmark through the Patient Protection Commission. State lawmakers have laid the groundwork to create a public option health insurance program designed to offer coverage at lower costs. However, while filing for a federal waiver necessary to implement the public option, the administration of Gov. Joe Lombardo prioritized the federal funding for a reinsurance program for insurance companies. The Louisiana Governor's Mansion (Photo by Piper Hutchinson for the Louisiana Illuminator). Gov. John Bel Edwards chickens will remain in residence at the Governors Mansion even after their owner leaves office. Edwards intended to take the chickens with him back to his home in Amite at the end of his term next month, but he has decided to leave them after Gov.-elect Jeff Landry asked to keep them during a tour of the mansion grounds, Edwards told the Illuminator. When asked whether he will miss the chickens, Edwards gave a characteristically pragmatic response. Yeah, but Ill get some more, Edwards said. Every now and then you have to get new chickens anyway. The chickens and their coop are relatively recent additions to the Governors Mansion grounds. Edwards added them in 2016 shortly after he took office, paying for the coop and the hens out of his own pocket, according to The Advocate. The hens provide eggs for the first family. Sources close to the governor say Edwards is known to visit and feed the chickens during particularly stressful days on the job. The official transition of poultry ownership will take place on Jan. 8, when Landry is sworn in as governor. The chickens did not respond to multiple interview questions about their new owner. This story was originally published by the Louisiana Illuminator which is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus, including the Daily Montanan, supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. The post Louisiana Governors Mansion chickens to remain in residence through transition appeared first on Daily Montanan. Police are set to be given further powers to crack down on livestock worrying as part of new proposals to secure more prosecutions. Therese Coffey, the former Defra Secretary, is planning to introduce measures which she has said will make it easier for the police to catch irresponsible dog owners. It follows the governments decision earlier this year to pause plans for a raft of new animal welfare protections, which included measures to strengthen and expand laws on livestock worrying. But new plans are being brought forward by Ms Coffey via a Private Members Bill which tend to be shorter and more narrow in scope than government legislation. And while it still being finalised, it will not include all the measures the government had proposed for livestock worrying. Expanding the list of farmed animals protected by the law to species such as emus and llamas was proposed by the government, but Ms Coffey said her Bill will instead focus on expanding police powers to protect "what is currently defined as livestock". Responding to the development, NFU Livestock Board chair Richard Findlay said the union was grateful for the new proposals. He said that farmers recognise the importance of good animal welfare and livestock worrying and dog attacks causes stress and aguish for farmers." For many years, we have been working with government and police leaders to agree the proposed legislation giving police more powers to investigate dog attacks on livestock," Mr Findlay said. We want people to enjoy the countryside and welcome members of the public being able to see where their food is produced, but dog owners must do this responsibly. "No matter how in control dog owners think they are, they should always remain alert and dogs should always be kept on a lead around livestock." Ms Coffeys Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Bill aims to amend the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953, and is currently listed for its second reading, the first debate on the Bill is in February 2024. Government plans to strengthen the law on livestock worrying were stalled when when the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill was withdrawn in June this year. Ms Coffey said: Were giving police more of the powers that theyve asked for to be able to tackle irresponsible owners. "That can be about increasing powers for seizure, giving them powers to get DNA, making it easier to collect evidence like dental impressions, so were going to make it easier for the police to do their job." She said it was a concern expressed by many farmers that too many offenders are going unpunished, and said she hoped by strengthening the law it would become a significant deterrent. Anupamaa New Pakhi: Produced by Rajan Shahi's Director's Kut Productions, the Star Plus show Anupamaa has been winning hearts since its debut in 2020. Featuring Rupali Ganguly and Gaurav Khanna in the iconic roles of Anupama and Anuj Kapadia, respectively, this family drama has consistently dominated the TRP charts from the start. MUSKAN BAMNE AKA PAKHI QUITS ANUPAMAA Known for introducing frequent twists and turns to keep fans engaged, the creators of Anupamaa recently implemented a significant change in the storyline by incorporating a five-year leap. Following this leap, Anupama is living apart from both the Shahs and the Kapadias. Prompted by a job opportunity in America presented by Devika (Jaswir Kaur), Anupama embarks on a journey to pursue her dreams in the United States. Anupamaa Leap | Muskan Bamne Aka Pakhi CONFIRMS Exit From Rupali Ganguly's Show After 3 Yrs: I Didn't Want... Amid all this, Muskan Bamne confirmed her exit from Anupamaa and revealed that she has moved out as she's not comfortable playing a mother onscreen at this stage in her career. While the news left her fans heartbroken, everyone is eager to know who will replace her as Pakhi in the top-rated Star Plus show. Anupamaa TWIST: NOT Ayesha Singh, THIS Actress Locked To Play Anuj's New Love Interest In The Hit Show? ANUPAMAA: CHANDNI BHAGWANANI TO REPLACE MUSKAN BAMNE AS PAKHI? Well, the latest reports suggest that the makers of Anupamaa have approached Sumbul Touqeer Khan's Imlie co-star for the role of Pakhi. Well, we're talking about actress Chandi Bhagwanani. Yes, you read that right! According to a report in IWMBuzz, Chandni Bhagwanani is currently in talks to replace Muskan Bamne. Revealing the same, a source informed the portal, "Chandni is said to be in talks to enter Anupamaa now, as Pakhi, daughter of Anupamaa and Vanraj." However, an official announcement is still awaited from the makers side. MORE NEW ENTRIES IN ANUPAMAA AFTER LEAP As Anupamaa recently underwent a five-year leap, several new characters will mark their entries in the story line. Senior actor Rituraj K Singh is reportedly set to join the cast of Anupamaa as a restaurateur in the USA, offering Anupama a job opportunity. Additionally, Sukriti Kandpal is expected to make her return to television as the new girl entering Anuj's life very soon. Keep watching this space for more updates! A1 Group: The international rating agency Moody's Investors Service (Moody's) upgraded the credit rating of A1 Group from Baa1 to A3 with a stable outlook earlier today. On top of Standard & Poor's and Fitch, with the latest upgrade of Moody's, A1 Group is now A rated by all three major credit rating agencies.Telekom Austria: weekly performance: 0.66%UBM: For the second time in succession, UBM Development has received a Platinum rating from EcoVadis, which is the highest rating awarded by them. This puts UBM in the top one percent of all 100,000 companies assessed by EcoVadis. Worldwide, only three other companies in the industry have received a Platinum rating. "Sustainability is an integral part of our strategy and DNA," says Thomas G. Winkler, CEO of ... 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. Mona Singh has had a solid year as an actor, after the praises she received for Laal Singh Chaddha, Made In Heaven 2, Kafas, and most recently, Kaala Paani on Netflix. In an interview with Hindustan Times, she spoke about the two selfies with Shah Rukh Khan and Aryan Khan and how they went viral. A selfie with SRK On his birthday, all his people were around, but no one was taking selfies. Because there were official photographers and we were told wed get those pictures. By the time I got the chance to meet and wish him personally, none of the photographers were around. So I looked at him and said I needed a picture. He said, Im so sorry Mona, no selfies tonight. I was like I respect that. The actress added that she couldnt get a picture till 4 in the morning and before she was leaving, the actor called her and said, Come here, do you know how talented you are? A selfie with Aryan Khan View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mona Singh (@monajsingh) It was the grandest premiere any of us had been to. When the screening (The Archies) got over, I met and congratulated Zoya and the cast. I bumped into Aryan when I was leaving and told him his sister is so amazing in the movie. Then I told him lets take a selfie. He graciously obliged, but I couldnt get the angle right. He said, Maam, its my job. And thats how it happened, organically. Despite being one of the biggest blockbusters of the year, director Sandeep Reddy Vangas Animal was criticised for its violence, length, and many other issues. Addressing the same in an interview with Connect FM Canada, the filmmaker lashed out at film reviewers and gave them an earful. Vanga exploded, Youre making money, fame, name, everything by criticising my film, then go ahead. Thats what happened with most of the critics during Kabir Singh. Their shot to fame was criticising Kabir SinghNobody speaks about the craft, the editing, sound design, because they are literally illiterate, uneducated when it comes to films. They have no sense of how to criticise the film or review the film. The filmmaker added, In a way, I understood their mental status and their IQIf morality comes into the picture, then you cant make this film. If everybody is going to focus just on the morality, we should stop making films. Lets just make cartoons. Animal 3 In a recent interview, the filmmaker revealed he showed the 60-year-old Ranbir Kapoor at the beginning of the movie as he has plans for Part 2 and 3 of Animal. However, the beginning of production of the third part remains uncertain as the shooting of Animal Park (part 2) is scheduled for 2026. Before the sequel, Vanga has Spirit with Prabhas and an untitled film with Allu Arjun. While the shooting of Salaar is expected to begin in September 2004, the launch date of Allu Arjun starrer is yet to be disclosed. The health condition of music maestro Ustad Rashid Khan, who is undergoing treatment in a city-based hospital for prostate cancer, remained critical on Sunday, said an official. The 55-year-old Khan is still on ventilation, he added. His condition remained critical. Our doctors are keeping him under watch, the official of the hospital, where Khan is undergoing treatment, told PTI. The musicians health condition deteriorated following a cerebral attack on Friday, he added. Khan, who belongs to the Rampur-Sahaswan Gharana, is the great-grandson of gharana founder Inayat Hussain Khan. LAS VEGAS Its been two years since Durango High Schools JROTC program became the first of 10 nationwide to convert from an Air Force program to a Space Force program. Senior aerospace science instructor Jason Kimbel, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel whose specialty was in astronautical engineering, has been designing classes on aerospace history and engineering since arriving after the transition was announced. The U.S. Space Force was established Dec. 20, 2019, as the sixth branch of the U.S. armed forces. Its mission is to secure the countrys interest in, from and to space. Durangos Space Force students have already made their mark. Earlier this year, Durango was among the 60 middle and high schools to win the second annual NASA TechRise Student Challenge, in which students designed and built payloads that collected data during high-altitude balloon flights during the summer. The program also partnered with the Aldrin Family Foundation to design and build a CubeSat, a miniature satellite. It was a pretty big deal, Kimbel said. We had to teach the kids how to solder, how to program electronic boards and breadboards and stuff. Kimbel said one big misconception about JROTC is that the program aims to recruit students into the military, which he said is far from true. In addition to the STEM areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics education, Kimbel said the program teaches leadership, communication and financial-management skills. The program is also well-known for its award-winning drill team, whose numerous trophies adorn the JROTC classroom. We tell (students) we are using this program to set the kids up for success after graduation, and thats not just academically, he said. We do as much as we can to get them through that transition from a high school student to an adult in everyday life, and again, theres nothing to do with the military related to that. Kimbel said his hope for the future is to grow the number of students in the program, and continue building out the curriculum. Sandeep Reddy Vangas Animal is a massive blockbuster at the box-office that has given all the members of the cast their careers biggest hit, including the director himself. Its no news that before Rashmika Mandanna, Parineeti Chopra was signed opposite Ranbir Kapoor for the role of Geetanjali. The director has now broken his silence on replacing the Ishaqzaade actress. Speaking to Komal Nahta, the filmmaker said, It is my fault. I told her if possible, please forgive me. Some characters dont feel set in some people. I dont believe in auditions; I go with instincts only. From day one I like her acting, I always wanted to cast her as Preeti also in Kabir Singh but even that could not happen. Its long due, I always want to work with her, I told her and she knew that. Vanga added, I said sorry, nothing is bigger than the film. So I am going ahead with someone else. She felt bad, but she understood why I am saying that. Talking about the same, Parineeti told India Today, These things happen, it is a part and parcel of life. We must make such choices every day. You make the choice that is right for you. Vanga on critics Vanga exploded, Youre making money, fame, name, everything by criticising my film, then go ahead. Thats what happened with most of the critics during Kabir Singh. Their shot to fame was criticising Kabir SinghNobody speaks about the craft, the editing, sound design, because they are literally illiterate, uneducated when it comes to films. They have no sense of how to criticise the film or review the film. Animal 3 In a recent interview, the filmmaker revealed he showed the 60-year-old Ranbir Kapoor at the beginning of the movie as he has plans for Part 2 and 3 of Animal. Tanya Deol, actor Bobby Deols wife, has always kept a low profile. The couple has been married for over 27 years and have two children. Tanya is the daughter of Devendra Ahuja, a multi-millionaire who passed away in 2010. Tanya is a businesswoman whos into fashion designing and interior designing too. Her reported net-worth is over Rs 300 crore. Tanya was involved as the costume designer in the 2001 Ajnabee and it was reported she had a fallout with Kareena Kapoor Khan and even slapped the actress, but the incident was never confirmed by anyone. Coming back to Bobby Deol, he has had a solid run as an actor post 2020, with successes like Ashram, Love Hostel, Class of 83, and recently, Animal. Talking about the film in an exclusive interview with Firstpost, the actor said, The teaser and the trailer of the film went viral on the internet and its the most impressive trailer Ive ever seen till date. Sandeep Reddy Vanga is a genius and for me, hes one of the best directors Ive ever worked with. On 2023 being the Deols year Sometimes, things dont happen the way they should but suddenly after 22 years, my brother gave Gadar 2 and then me doing Animal. I always had a gut feeling about the film but I never imagined it to be such a huge success or the craze it generated. Most number of reels have been made on the film, people have gone crazy. Its been another exciting week in the world of news. In a bombshell development, former United States president Donald Trump was kicked off the 2024 ballot in Colorado. A deadly new volcanic eruption occurred in Iceland turned the sky itself orange. The mystery of the disappearance of an Israeli hostage continues to grip the world. Meanwhile, the IDF claimed to have discovered the biggest Hamas tunnel yet in Gaza. Also, a deadly illness is wreaking havoc among Russian soldiers in the trenches in Ukraine And Christmas season can be stressful. We tell you how to avoid it. All this and more in our weekly roundup of explainers: 1. The Supreme Court of Colorado in a truly jaw-dropping development ordered Trumps name to be taken off the state ballot in 2024. The court did so by citing Section 3 of the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution the insurrectionist clause. The development, which came nearly three years after Trump supporters ran riot at the US Capitol, left many stunned. This piece examines the narrow 4-3 verdict by Colorados highest court, how Trumps backers responded, what this means for the former president and if he can still run for the highest office in 2024. 2. Where is Noa Argamani? The 26-year-old was believed to have been taken hostage by Hamas during the 7 October attack. A bone-chilling clip of Argamani, a data science engineering student, begging for her life as she was taken away by terrorists went viral in the days after the attack. But now a new report by NBC has claimed that Argamani may not have been abducted by Hamas at all. So, where is Argamani? What do we know about her whereabouts? This article gives you all the details. 3. As the war between Israel and Hamas continues, the IDF has continued to make some spectacular discoveries. The military earlier this week announced it had found the biggest Hamas tunnel so far yet around four kilometres long and a staggering 50 metres deep. All this, just a few hundred metres from the Erez border crossing. But what do we know about the tunnel? Who built it? What is its purpose? And how did the Israeli military uncover it? This piece gives you the low down. 4. A volcanic eruption in Icelands Reykjanes Peninsula was enough to mar the sky and alarm defence authorities. Experts say the volcano is spewing enough lava to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool in less than half a minute. The development came after the region which was active for more than two years, witnessed thousands of tiny earthquakes in recent weeks. But how dangerous is the volcano? Do travellers need to alter their plans? And why is Iceland so predisposed to volcanic eruptions? This article gives you an in-depth look. 5. War is a litany of horrors. No one knows this than the men that fight it. While many Russian soldiers would have braced themselves for being shot by the enemy, injured or killed in a drone strike or by enemy shelling, few would have reckoned with this particular threat an outbreak of mouse fever. According to Ukraines Defence Intelligence, the infected soldiers are vomiting and bleeding from the eyes. Worse, the Kremlin seems to be ignoring their pleas for help. We take a look at mouse fever, how it has affected the Russian front-line troops and how the war is going. 6. Feeling jolly this season? You may be in the minority For many, the holiday season is one of the most stressful times of the year. The holiday season can be both a happy and stressful time of year in part due to expectations to spend time with family and friends, navigate family conflicts and uphold important traditions, said American Psychological Associations CEO Arthur C Evans Jr. But what is it really? What causes it? And how can you avoid it? This piece tells you how to keep calm and carry on. If youve been too busy to keep an eye on the news lately, this list will come in handy in catching you up. Watch this space for more. Were all familiar with the jolly, white-haired and bearded overweight man who sneaks down chimneys on Christmas Eve delivering presents to children. But where did this come from? With roots in Christianity, the origins of the worlds most beloved gift-giver transcend time, culture and religion. St. Nicholas It all starts with St. Nicholas, a man who lived in the fourth century. No credible historical sources can prove the facts of his life, but according to tradition, St. Nicholas of Myra, later known as St. Nicholas of Bari, lived during the reign of Emperor Constantine the Great. According to tradition, he was born in Patara, a city in ancient Lycia in Asia Minor, part of what is now Turkey. Nicholas, who would later become the bishop of Myra, was known for his profound Christian faith and extraordinary compassion. Although historical record does not provide detailed accounts of his life, tradition tells us he travelled to Palestine and Egypt in his youth, further cultivating his deep spiritual conviction. Nicholas was orphaned when he was young and was left with a substantial inheritance. He chose to use this wealth to help the needy. His most famous act of generosity was providing dowries for three impoverished sisters. His acts of generosity meant when he was recognised as a saint, he was acclaimed the patron and protector of children. St. Nicholas Day Across Europe, the legacy of St. Nicholass charity and kindness sparked a variety of traditions, with 6 December becoming his feast day. In France, particularly in regions such as Alsace and Lorraine, children would leave their shoes out for St. Nicholas, hoping to find them filled with chocolates and gifts the next morning. This tradition was accompanied by parades in which a donkey would pass through town streets, laden with baskets of biscuits and sweets for the children. In Central Europe, particularly in Alpine regions, St. Nicholas Day tradition merged gradually with unique local customs when the non-Christian population adopted Christianity as their religion. Here, St. Nicholas not only rewarded well-behaved children with gifts but was also accompanied by Krampus, a fearsome figure who would punish those who had misbehaved. This tradition underscored the contrasting themes of reward and retribution, integral to the local folklore. In some regions of Poland, the earlier traditions centred on a figure called Gwiazdor. This Star Man dressed in sheepskin and a fur cap, with his face hidden under a mask or smeared with soot, carried a bag of gifts and a rod for naughty children. The transformation into Santa Claus The metamorphosis of St. Nicholas into Santa Claus was a gradual process influenced by cultural and religious shifts. In Germany and the Netherlands in the course of the 17th Century, the practice of gift-giving in the name of St. Nicholas began to take root. The Dutch called him Sinterklaas, a term that would eventually evolve into the English colloquial Santa Claus. This transformation first occurred in Germany and later spread to other European countries. The tradition of St. Nicholas was brought to North America in the 17th Century. By the 19th century, various iterations of St. Nicholas were emerging in English-speaking communities across the world. One of the first literary mentions of this figure in the American context was in Washington Irvings 1809 book, Knickerbockers History of New York, which portrayed Nicholas flying in a wagon, delivering presents to children. The red Santa suit and all related apparel, so familiar to us today, seem to be the invention of modern-day marketing in the English-speaking world. Across Europe, St. Nicholass outfit draws more on the traditional image of the saint, with clothes more closely resembling a bishops religious attire, complete with a mitre, the tall headdress. The legacy of St. Nicholas and Santa Claus Through centuries of transformation, the core values of St Nicholas generosity, compassion, and the joy of giving have remained intact in the figure of Santa Claus. He has gone from being a revered Christian saint to a beloved secular icon. This evolution reflects the dynamic interplay of religious tradition and popular folklore. English-speaking Santa Claus, with his North Pole workshop, flying reindeer, and elves, may seem a far cry from the historical bishop of Myra. Yet he continues to embody the spirit of giving that characterised St. Nicholas. Today, thanks to global marketing and commercialisation, Santa Claus transcends religious and cultural boundaries. The story of his origin, rooted in the life of St. Nicholas, enriches our understanding of Christmas and connects us to a tradition that spans centuries and continents. It reminds us that at the heart of these festivities lies a timeless message: the importance of kindness, generosity, and the spirit of giving. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. The Indian Navy cruiser INS Mormugao arrived to the MV Chem Pluto, the India-bound merchant vessel that was attacked by an Iranian drone on Saturday night and ascertained specifics of the attack, officials said on Sunday. The Indian Navy, according to officials, has initiated an investigation to determine whether the drone used to attack the vessel was launched from a considerable distance or from a local vessel. An official informed ANI, The vessels operating in the area where the attack took place are being checked. A Pentagon spokesperson told Reuters that the motor vessel CHEM PLUTO, a Liberian-flagged, Japanese-owned, and Dutch-operated chemical tanker, was hit by a one-way attack drone fired from Iran at approximately 10 a.m. local time (6 a.m. GMT) today in the Indian Ocean, 200 nautical miles off the coast of India. Meanwhile, the Indian shore Guard ship Vikram is escorting the MV Chem Pluto, which is slated to arrive on the Mumbai shore on Monday. According to Indian Coast Guard officials, the ICGS Vikram arrived at the stranded ship Friday evening and both are currently in Indian seas. The incident comes as the latest illustration of the growing regional tensions after the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel. The Pentagon said this was the seventh Iranian attack on commercial shipping since 2021. MV Chem Pluto, with 20 Indian and one Vietnamese crew member on Saturday caught fire after it was attacked by a suspected drone. It was later secured by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), the ICG said in an official statement. The merchant vessel reportedly commenced its voyage from the UAE on December 19 and was bound for New Mangalore port with an arrival date of December 25. According to the official statement, on December 23, the Indian Coast Guard Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Mumbai received information regarding a fire onboard MV Chem Pluto, reportedly attacked by a suspected drone strike or aerial platform. The Indian Coast Guard Maritime Coordination Centre (MRCC), which established real-time communication with the vessels agent, ascertained no loss of life and assured all assistance. It was also learned that the vessel fire had been doused by the crew. To augment the vessels safety, MRCC Mumbai has activated ISN and immediately diverted other merchant vessels in the vicinity of Chem Pluto for assistance. The Indian Coast Guard also pressed Offshore Patrol vessel Vikram and Coast Guard Dornier maritime surveillance aircraft into action for rendering assistance to Chem Pluto. The Coast Guard Dornier aircraft has sanitised the area and established communication with Chem Pluto. The vessel has started making its way towards Mumbai after undertaking damage assessment and repairs on its power generation systems, the statement further read. There has been much speculation about the exit of NSCN (IM) General Secretary, Thuingaleng Muivah from the scene that characterises the Indo-Naga conflict. Gossip has it that it would be either V S Atem or Anthony Shimray who will replace Muivah. But while it is not known as to how the scenario will shape up once the succession takes place, it is important for a profiling exercise of at least one of the front liners. NSCN (IM)s present Political Commissar, Anthony Shimray is both an influential person in NSCN (IM) as well as an individual who has had quite a past, especially as it concerns the Chinese. Shimray was apprehended in a snatch operation by Indian sleuths in October 2010 while he was in a arms procurement mission for NSCN (IM). The National Investigation Agency (NIA) of India has stated that a case was lodged against Anthony Shimray, T R Calvin, Hangshi Ramson Tangkhul and others under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for allegedly conspiring to procure huge quantities of arms and ammunition from foreign countries, primarily China. The NIA alleged that these arms were to be used for committing terror activities and waging war against the Government of India. The accused had allegedly negotiated with arms dealers in Thailand and China for the purchase of the arms. In any event, Anthony Shimray was later released and, as aforesaid, is one of the frontrunners for the post of NSCN (IM)s general secretary after Muivah. While only time will tell whether Anthony Shimrays admission to the NIA will unearth newer facts about the source, route and connections about the proliferation of illegal arms in Indias eastern seaboard, especially in the North East, one aspect that seems to be clear is that at least ninety per cent of the arms were of Chinese origin. However, what is not clear is whether the arms bazaar in the Sino-Myanmar border has Beijings official patronage. Indeed, it seems that the arms are manufactured by the Burmese United Wa State Army (UWSA) after having received contracts from Chinese ordnance factories. The Chinese connection with the Was, a Mon-Khmer tribe, dates back to the late nineteen sixties when China was exporting communism, and the Communist Party of Burma (CPB) was one of the prime beneficiaries. The Was made up the bulk of the foot-soldiers of CPB, and consequently after its break-up, UWSA, with over 15,000 soldiers became the biggest rebel army in the region. Presently, UWSA and three other former CPB militiashaving brokered peace with Yangoncontrol large territories along the Chinese border, turning the area into a virtual buffer between China and Myanmar. But, Chinese ordnance factories like NORINCO are state-owned, and, therefore, it can be surmised that at least a section of the Chinese officialdom is involved in this illicit arms trade. It is also believed that in the Chinese PLAs drive to make itself into a leaner-meaner army, it is undertaking a massive modernisation exercise. The surplusor in Chinese parlance, obsoletearms, such as the Automatic Kalashnikov, therefore, find their way into the markets in places such as Tachilek, opposite Mae Sai in Thailand. The modus operandi that comes into play then is: Insurgent outfits who seek weaponry place orders, the Was manufacture the weapons or procure them directly from arms dealers in Yunnan, who are more often than not former PLA personnel or Chinese businessmen with military connection. Delivery is then made on payment. Even if it is the case that Beijing is not officially involved in this illegal business, it is almost impossible that it is unaware that such trade is taking place. The Was, moreover, enjoy cordial relations with the Chinese MSS, whose presence is increasing in the Sino-Myanmar border even as the Myanmar elections draw near, and to that end, it would be quite impossible that the Chinese intelligence is not aware of what is happening. In this context, it would be of interest to note that on 15 August 2000, surrendered ULFA leader, Lohit Deury informed this author of an arms conduiting agency in Yunnan where ULFA chief of staff, Paresh Barua and he visited. He referred to it as the Black House. Protracted research by the author could not unravel the attribution until recently when a source translated the words Black House. In Mandarin, it translates into Hei Shehui, which simply means Black Market. Indeed, the appropriate word that should be used for such business in the setting that has been described above is Grey Market, given that at least a semi-official component is present. Apparently, there is yet another dimension to the Chinese connection. It seems that Chinese arms brokers are constructing front companies in Hong Kong and Macau in order to carry out arms transactions. However, these are fly-by-night concerns, and they simply disappear once a transaction is complete. The manner in which such operations are carried out would come to clearer light after the expected disclosures of Anthony Shimray (as also that of now surrendered UNLF chairman, Rajkumar Meghen who was also apprehended in Bangladesh, even as he was on an arms procurement mission), but analysis has it that one of the biggest arms seizure in recent times originated in Hong Kong. Reference was made to the 2 April 2004 Chittagong arms haul. Shimray apparently negotiated a deal with the arms brokers in Yunnans Kunming with the help of UWSA. The shipment was then sent to Hong Kong, which was then sent by ship to Chittagong via Singapore. But for a tip-off to the Bangladesh Police, ostensibly by Indian interests, led to the seizure, the consignment would have reached the NSCN (IM) and ULFA. The Awami League government (despite the fact that it is in election mode) continues to actively investigate the case, details about DGFI, NSI and BNP-Jamaat elements complicity coming to light. Confessions of one Hafizur Rahman had clearly implicated Anthony Shimray and Paresh Baruah, and former NSI heads, Maj Gen (Retd) Rezzaqul Haider Chowdhury and Brig Gen (Retd) M Abdur Rahim, who reportedly aided the process, have been arrested. But why is a group like NSCN (IM) which is in a ceasefire mode with the Indian government procuring huge quantities of arms? Are they expecting to open hostilities if the dialogue is to fail? It is this authors contention that that is not the case. At any rate, the Naga group has enough weaponry inside Camp Hebron itselfnot to talk of the arsenal they possess in their other areas of operations including Myanmars Sagaing Division. The peace dividend with NSCN (IM) has paid off, and Phizos men are not going back to the jungles. Their strategy could just be to work the Naga movement from within Nagaland by utilising the safeguards that are guaranteed by the Indian constitution and, of course, the ceasefire rules. The inventory of the weapons, which included RPGs, indicates that the consignment was for a group or groups that were preparing for serious war. Indeed, the arsenal may well be making its way into the hands of the Meitei and the Kuki groups even as they continue with their relentless war. Even ULFA has not used such weapons. Its strategy was (when it had the capability) to primarily set off explosions. The heavy weaponry is now being palmed off for the VBIGs and the Suspension of Operations Group. Indeed, it is this modus operandi that NSCN (IM) and groups such as ULFA are concentrating on, naturally with Chinese aid. These groups are purchasing cheap arms from the various Grey Markets of South East Asia that seem to bear Chinese origin and are now being sold away at throw away prices. The long wars (or, in the case of the NSCN (IM), prolonged ceasefire) have not led the NSCN (IM), of which Anthony Shimray could well be Muivahs successor, to gain any considerable yields apart from a game of wait and watch in the unfolding Manipur war game. This is perhaps one of the reasons that they have goaded themselves to turn to middlemanship with decisive Chinese aid. The writer is a conflict analyst and bestselling author. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Socotra Island is located at the strategic chokepoint of the most critical sea route between the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea linking Asia and Africa in the trans-maritime trade architecture. The quantum of trade that keeps this route busy is phenomenal. Though a Yemeni territory, its geostrategic importance has attracted both the UAE and Saudi Arabia. It is located in the south of the Arabian Peninsula and closer to the Horn of Africa. This UNESCO World Heritage Site houses a vibrant and rare biodiversity. Its economy is largely dependent on tourism and the UAEs funding. The civil war in Yemen and the Houthi-Saudi confrontations have made the region tense. The UAE has utilised this crisis as an opportunity and anchored its geo-economic and geostrategic interests on the island and established its de facto presence there. Socotra got its governorate status in 2013 and has seen development and connectivity infrastructures through the UAEs investments. Connectivity This brings to the fore the relevant questions: What are the undercurrents of the UAEs greater game plan and interventionist politics in Socotra that invite reactions from its strong partner and a friendly competitor Saudi Arabia? What makes Socotra a linchpin in the region is its geostrategic positioning? This gives it the advantage of connecting Asia, Africa, and the Gulf. The port and airport built at Hadiboh with Emirati money make the island a stronghold for Abu Dhabi. The vital importance of this island can be a great game changer in economic, military, and export-import exercises. Therefore, to register its geostrategic and geo-economic relevance in the region, the UAE has built a military base in Socotra. This has added discomfort to the Abu Dhabi-Riyadh relationship. Though not obvious, the tacit discontentment is there nevertheless. Historically, Socotra has seen political protests and reactions since the Arab Spring. These reactions resulted in Socotras transition into a governorate system. The UAEs support to the pro-secessionist Southern Transitional Council (STC) has helped the former to achieve the desired end. It understands the complexity of the region and the divergent interests embedded in it. There is no equivocation in the fact that Abu Dhabi wishes to increase its geopolitical clout in the Gulf of Aden, Red Sea, and Horn of Africa because China, France, and the US have already stationed themselves there. The UAEs increasing economic might needs geopolitical relevance. This can be achieved through port and economic and military base building. Security and the economy are its main priority. Its bases at Mokha, Aden, Mukalla, and Socotra suggest its Red Sea aspirations and its emergence as a regional player. Moreover, it uses the southern rebel forces in Yemen to take control of the Yemeni south. It has also developed relations with the countries in East Africa to accelerate its interests in the region to checkmate other regional heavyweights in the region. Countering China China has built its military base in Djibouti. It has penetrated the African depth through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The UAEs growing presence through port development and modernisation is a necessary step to limit Beijings strategic outreach in the region. This competition is necessary to promote multilateralism in the Red Sea route, which is one of the crucial passages for global supply chain activities. But the question arises here is what dividends does India get from the UAEs increasing geopolitical clout in the region surrounding Socotra? Indias ambitious India- Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), though in the pipeline, will gain massive impetus because of the burgeoning Indo-UAE collaboration. The project will gain the required acceleration to catapult India to a fairly strong player in the supply chain and manufacturing sectors. It will emerge in the process as an apt competitor to Chinas increasing presence in the Red Sea region and East Africa. In the event of collaboration between India and the UAE in Socotra Island, India can exercise check over Chinas Gwadar aspirations, part of its ambitious China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to exercise its power over the western segment of the Indian Ocean and its maritime silk route ambitions. This strategic island can enable India to spread its trade and cultural footprints in West Asia, East Africa, and the Mediterranean world. Indias democratic disposition, welfarism, and the ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (The World is One Family) have been seen through its unalloyed generosity in distributing Covid 19 vaccine in African countries when the latter experienced unmanageable vulnerability and dire inadequacies in those critical times. Democracy, justice, and shared success are the cardinal ethics that determine its relationship with other countries. Historicity However, historically, Indias Socotra connection is much older and deeper. According to Britannica, the word Socotra is originated from Dvipa Sakhadara meaning Island Abode of Bliss. Not only in Dvipa Sakhadara, ancient India had significant trade and cultural footprints in several strategic places of the Indian Ocean region. However, Chinas massive port development projects along the Maritime Silk Road (MSR) architecture at Kyaukpyu (Myanmar), Hambantota (Sri Lanka), Gwadar (Pakistan), Port of Aden (Yemen), Doraleh (Djibouti), Sudan Port (Sudan), Sokhna (Egypt), Lamu, Mombasa (Kenya), Dar es Sallam (Tanzania), Moheli (Comoros Islands), Tamatave (Madagascar)and Piraeus (Greece) denote the likelihood of Chinese brinkmanship in the global maritime space. Further, Beijing exercises all neo-liberal tactics to develop its strategic ports at Chittagong and Payra (Bangladesh), Bagamoyo (Tanzania), Malacca (Malaysia) while trying to control all critical chokepoints in the Straits of Sunda, Hormuz, Bab el Mandeb, and Gibraltar. On the other, civilizational linkages and ancient trade routes speak of the great Spice Route, known as the Maritime Silk Road (MSR), which is inextricably interwoven with India, certainly not with China. It is pertinent to mention here that Indias ancient spice route along the west coast ports namely, Barygaza (Bharuch) in Gujarat; Suppara (Sopara), Semylla (Chaul), Mandagora (Bankot), Papaepatme (Dabhol), Malizigara (Rajapur), Aurannoboas (Malvan) in Maharashtra; Nitra, Naura, Tyndis, Muziris in Kerala, etc., were the sprawling trading centres which linked Indias maritime trade through the Red Sea region to ancient Rome. Way Forward The 21st century geopolitics needs a paradigm shift in the logic of Alfred Mahans The Influence of Sea Power and Nicholas J Spykmans Rimland Theory which subscribed to the significance of Sea routes as well as the littoral states and their command over critical chokepoints. In this context, Indias geo-strategic location as well as vast coastlines and its ability to hold its sway over the vital sea links could be the key to reinvigorating its position in the Indian Ocean region. Further, India needs to steer the trajectory of the trans-maritime trade architecture, given its ancient maritime links and emerging soft power potentials in myriad fields. The current political dispensation spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is working in this direction to reinscribe Indias lost saga of Indian Ocean space. The Socotra formula, if worked out in partnership with the UAE, could be a model in the case of other islands that will give India the required leverage in the Indian Ocean region to create a competitive space, and check Chinas overambition and debt diplomacy in the days ahead. Jajati K Pattnaik is an Associate Professor at the Centre for West Asian Studies, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. Chandan K Panda is an Assistant Professor at Rajiv Gandhi University, Itanagar. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The third India-Pakistan war of 1971 ushered in the creation of a new nation, Bangladesh, carved out of East Pakistan. This transformative event reshaped the political landscape and significantly altered the trajectories of two prominent political figures, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. Both of them came from strikingly different family backgrounds but they not only shared the time of their ascendancy to power but uncannily their eventual fate as well turned out to be quite similar. However, before we talk of these two leaders we should talk about the formation of Bangladesh. Genesis of Bangladesh The genesis of Bangladesh was not an abrupt consequence of the war but rather an expression of longstanding issues within undivided Pakistan. The central and military leadership of Pakistan, situated in West Pakistan, actively sought to suppress the aspirations of East Pakistanis (Bengalis) to ascend the power hierarchy. The imposition of Urdu as the national language exacerbated tensions, leading to a widening divide between the two fronts. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, once a staunch supporter of the Pakistani cause and a foot soldier of Husayn Shaheed Suhrawardy, the former prime minister of Bengal, infamous for his orchestration of the Great Calcutta Killings of 1946, emerged as the voice of East Pakistanis. Bengalis perceived unjust treatment under the de-facto West Pakistani government and the military rule of Field Marshal Ayub Khan. Leading the Awami League party, Mujib demanded autonomy for East Pakistan in critical areas such as the economy, defense, and foreign affairs in his Six-Point Movement in 1966. A dangerous impasse Concurrently, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, son of Shahnawaz Bhutto who was the famous or infamous diwan of the erstwhile princely state of Junagadh, rose to prominence in West Pakistan. Initially aligned with Ayub Khans dictatorship, Bhutto maneuvered himself into the cabinet post of Foreign Minister at a very young age. He misguided Ayub Khan to initiate an insurgency in Kashmir (Operation Gibraltar) which led to the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 and ultimately contributed to Ayub Khans downfall. Subsequently, General Yahya Khan took the reins of the Military Junta, and to project a semblance of democracy, he announced general elections in 1970. The elections resulted in a resounding victory for the Awami League, which won 160 of the 300 seats in the National Assembly, securing an overwhelming majority. All from East Pakistan, which was allocated 162 seats. Bhuttos Pakistan Peoples Party managed to win 81 seats, all from West Pakistan. The mandate was clear, however, neither Yahya nor Bhutto was ready to give power to Mujib. The reluctance to heed the call for a peaceful transfer of power created a dangerous impasse. Tragically, West Pakistani leadership responded to the legitimate demands of Bengalis by a devastating military crackdown (Operation Searchlight). It started in March 1971, with the Jagannath Hall Massacre at Dhaka University, killing innocent students and intellectuals. This reprehensible act set ablaze the flames of the Bangladesh Liberation War, unleashing widespread atrocities and a harrowing humanitarian crisis culminating in the Indo-Pak War and the eventual formation of Bangladesh. Authoritarianism begets authoritarianism Post-war, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman who in the early years of his politics only sought autonomy and not an independent Bengali homeland took the leadership of the newly emerged nation Bangladesh. Meanwhile, West Pakistan saw Bhutto seizing power to become the President of Pakistan. Despite being very popular and riding on the wave of nationalism to attain power, both leaders succumbed to authoritarian tendencies in their governance. Bhutto ruled with an iron fist through radical Islamic socialist measures, continuing Martial Law and suppressing voices of dissent against him. Something similar was also happening on the eastern front, where it was alleged that a paramilitary force called Jatiya Rakkhi Bahini, which was initially formed to curb insurgency, was being used as a private militia by the ruling establishment and to do political killings in Bangladesh. With rising discontent against his government, Mujib changed the constitution, declared himself president, established a one-party state, and censored the press, calling it a second revolution. However, this did not last for more than seven months, and Mujib, along with thirteen family members, was killed in a tragic incident on August 15, 1975, with General Ziaur Rehman emerging as the de facto leader, who later became the military dictator of Bangladesh. As seen often, authoritarianism begets authoritarianism, and Bhutto also became the victim of his autocratic methods. Seeing the right moment after the 1977 elections in Pakistan, with opposition parties resorting to violence and alleging that the election was rigged, General Zia-ul-Haq seized power, and Bhutto was arrested on charges of corruption and ultimately hanged on April 4, 1979. The parallelism in the stories of Bhutto and Mujib is evidentcharismatic leaders with socialist inclinations and immense popularity who, paradoxically, never collaborated. Nevertheless, stories are different too. Bhutto, an Oxford-educated barrister from an elite background, starkly contrasted Mujib who was a leader of humble origins without extravagant credentials. The enduring legacy of these leaders continues and is reflected in the political trajectories of their respective families. Nishant Kumar Hota is a public policy consultant interested in history and international relations. Adarsh Jha works with a Delhi-based think tank. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. While touring the afflicted villages in northwest China, Chinese Premier Li Qing asked the rescue and relief teams to ensure that the residents in the earthquake-stricken areas survive the winter in safety. On Saturday, Li travelled to many villages in the bordering provinces of Qinghai and Gansu, as well as Minhe County. A 6.2-magnitude earthquake that rocked the area on Monday night around midnight left 148 people dead and 781 injured in addition to toppling numerous buildings. Li spoke with catastrophe survivors during the visit and gained knowledge of the work involved in temporary housing building, relief supplies distribution, and relocation. According to the state-run Xinhua news agency, he stated that keeping the affected people warm and secure over the winter was the primary priority of the relief workers now on the ground. Li asked relief workers to work quickly to build temporary homes for those who are now living in tents and to deliver daily essentials and relief materials to the victims in the settlements. According to Li, structures in the earthquake-affected areas should be inspected and strengthened as needed to allow inhabitants to return and reopen vital services like hospitals and schools. According to him, coordinated plans for reconstruction should be made to help the locals better their living conditions and save them from becoming impoverished as a result of the calamity. He gave the go-ahead for emergency personnel to treat earthquake victims as best they could. Additionally, the premier gave local governments instructions to promptly disseminate information about disaster relief and actively address the concerns of the impacted populace. Chinas National Forestry and Grassland Administration (NFGA) has sent 1,335 pieces of communication equipment and cold prevention materials, among other disaster relief supplies, to Gansu and Qinghai, according to Xinhua. (With agency inputs) The European Union has given Afghanistans humanitarian assistance three million euros, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Aid (OCHA). OCHA stated that the EU money will allow relief organisations to offer millions of people in need throughout Afghanistan with the protection and assistance they need, as reported by Khaama Press. In order to address the ongoing situation, the European Union has supported Afghanistan throughout the year by sending multiple aid packages. The humanitarian situation in Afghanistan is still severe, with over half of the people in need of aid. According to OCHA, $3 billion will be needed in the upcoming year to provide Afghanistan with sufficient help. In the beginning, OCHA asked for USD 4.6 billion to support Afghanistans humanitarian needs in 2023. But because it hasnt received all the money, there remains a sizable financing gap for Afghanistans relief needs. OCHA estimates that between May and November, 10 million people in Afghanistan were denied access to essential food aid because of the financing imbalance. The lack of money coincides with a dire humanitarian situation in Afghanistan that is made worse by the countrys hard winter. Afghanistans precarious situation is made worse by the prospect of Afghan migrants being forcibly deported from Pakistan. The vulnerable individuals in need are impacted by the financial deficit, which hinders the provision of vital assistance and services. The combination of the severe winter, the humanitarian situation, and the flood of resettling migrants results in a growing demand for more assistance and resources. Over a million children in Afghanistan suffer from severe malnutrition, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), TOLO News in Afghanistan said. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director-general of WHO, estimates that Afghanistan would require USD 185 million to combat malnutrition. He stated that 30% of Afghanistans population suffers from severe food insecurity in a post on X. He declared: 2.3 million children suffer from moderate acute malnutrition, and nearly a million are severely malnourished. In order to keep helping hospitals and preventing additional Afghan women and children from dying from starvation and the effects of food insecurity, WHO needs to raise USD 185 million. According to the Ministry of Public Health in Afghanistan, which was appointed by the Taliban, the number of undernourished women and children in the nation has somewhat grown from previous years. (With agency inputs) Vietnamese agricultural products are introduced to Algerian consumers. (Photo: VNA) At the event, two of Vietnams key products - coffee and catfish (tra and basa fish) fillets - were introduced Algerian consumers. They had a chance to learn about information of Vietnamese products, how to cook them and try them. Speaking to consumers, supermarket representatives, and local importers, Vietnamese Trade Counselor in Algeria Hoang Duc Nhuan said that Vietnam's aquaculture output in 2023 is expected to reach more than 9.26 million tonnes and a total export turnover is estimated at 9.2 billion USD. Vietnams main export items include shrimp with an export turnover of 3.45 billion USD, catfish (1.9 billion USD), mollusks (0.8 billion USD), and tuna (0.9 billion USD). According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), Vietnam's tra fish has been exported to more than 140 countries and territories around the world, conquering both traditional and demanding markets like the US, the EU, and Japan. Regarding coffee export, according to data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, in the first 11 months of this year, Vietnam shipped abroad 1.36 million tonnes worth 3.5 billion USD. The figure is expected to be higher as the country is entering the 2023-2024 harvest season. Currently, Vietnamese coffee is present in more than 80 countries worldwide. Algeria is considered a large market for coffee consumption as it imports 130,000 tonnes of coffee beans a year./. The 303 passengers, primarily Indians, of an aircraft headed for Nicaragua were being questioned by four French judges on Sunday. The passengers had been detained by French officials at Vatry airport, 150 km east of Paris, since Thursday on suspicion of human trafficking. The judges have the authority to extend the detention order being used by border police by eight days initially and for another eight if required. They have two days to complete speaking to the passengers. The judges are being helped by translators, said a report in Le Monde newspaper. Some of the passengers spoke Hindi, while others spoke Tamil, and it is thought that they made phone calls to their relatives, according to the French media. According to a person familiar with the situation who was reported in the publication, ten of the passengers have asked for asylum. According to French authorities, the plane has 11 unaccompanied youngsters and 2 passengers whose detention was prolonged on Saturday evening for a maximum of 48 hours after they were taken into custody on Friday. Legend Airlines, a Romanian charter firm, is the owner of the aircraft. Liliana Bakayoko, an attorney for the firm, denied having anything to do with the trafficking. The partner company that chartered the aircraft was in charge of confirming each passengers identity documents and providing the airline with the passengers passport details 48 hours prior to takeoff. In France, there is a maximum 20-year penalty for human trafficking. Following the passengers detention by French officials on suspicion of human trafficking, the Indian embassy in France said on Saturday that its employees are stationed at the airport close to Paris to monitor the welfare of Indian nationals. The embassy expressed gratitude to the French authorities for their efforts during the extended Christmas holiday weekend to find a early resolution of the problem through an updated social media message on Saturday night. After the jet that took off from Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was grounded at the Chalons-Vatry airport in Marne during a technical halt on Thursday, the embassy earlier announced that it had been granted consular access to its citizens. Continue to work with the French Gov for the welfare of the Indians currently at the Varty airport, 150 km East of Paris, & for early resolution of the situation, reads the Indian Embassy post on its official X handle. Embassy consular staff stationed there. Thank French authorities for working on this through the long holiday weekend, it added It followed an earlier post, which read: French authorities informed us of a plane w/ 303 people, mostly Indian origin, from Dubai to Nicaragua detained on a technical halt at a French airport. The embassy team has reached & obtained consular access. We are investigating the situation, also ensuring the wellbeing of passengers. According to French law, that term may be extended by a judge to eight days, and in extraordinary cases, by an additional eight days, for a total of a maximum of 26 days. By prefectural decree, the airport receiving hall has been converted into a foreigners waiting room. Eleven unaccompanied youngsters are among the passengers; six of them, the network said, have already started the process of applying for asylum in France. The TV network paraphrased Francois as saying that anyone who apply for asylum in France will have to be interviewed and informed whether or not they qualify for political refugee status. The Indian passengers may have planned their trip to get to Central America so they could try to enter the US or Canada illegally from there, according to the reports. However, the authorities were notified by an anonymous tip that the passengers were likely to be victims of human trafficking in a formal gang. According to the Paris prosecutors office, the National Jurisdiction for the Fight against Organised Crime (JUNALCO) is conducting an inquiry with the goal of verifying whether any elements would corroborate accusations of human trafficking. In order to verify and corroborate the suspicion of trafficking in human beings by an organised gang, a crime that carries a twenty-year prison sentence and fines of three million euros, two passengers were placed into police custody on Thursday. (With agency inputs) According to the Israel Defence Forces, the Israeli force destroyed 200 terror infrastructure targets in Gaza during the course of the previous day and took weapons from Hamas. One of the establishments was a residence for people in northern Gaza that housed a Hamas weapons installation. According to the IDF, soldiers discovered child-sized bomb belts, hundreds of grenades, dozens of explosives, and intelligence records. The weapons complex was next to a mosque, a clinic, and educational facilities. During the ground war, Israeli forces destroyed and captured about 30,000 explosive devices, including rockets and anti-tank missiles, that were in Hamas possession, IDF Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari told reporters on Saturday night. There is an immense amount of weaponry in Gaza; some, as happened today, is found in schools. During our current operation in Daraj-Tufah, we scanned schools and found weapons, including a significant amount of rockets and equipment belonging to Hamass naval commando unit. We seize the weapons, neutralising Hamas terrorism capabilities, Hagari told the media. Soldiers in a different operation in the northern Gaza Strip saw several terrorists exiting a military building where Hamas had set up surveillance posts. The terror squad was destroyed when the military launched an airstrike against the building. On October 7, Hamas attacked Israeli villages close to the Gaza border, killing at least 1,200 people. It is now estimated that Hamas has 129 men, women, children, military, and foreigners in their custody in Gaza. While Israeli police continue to identify dead and look for human remains, some persons are still missing. (With agency inputs) Israeli strikes in Gaza killed more than 200 people in 24 hours, according to Hamas-controlled authorities, as the US pressured its ally to do more to protect civilians. Despite rising appeals for moderation and more relief to reach war-torn Palestinians, Israel showed no signs of changing its 11-week-old Operation Swords of Iron which aims to defeat Hamas. The fighting has now shifted to Gaza City and the southern city of Khan Yunis, both of which are regarded strongholds of the Palestinian militant group responsible for the October 7 assaults into Israel. Grey and black smoke ascended over the northern coastal region and Khan Yunis following reports of severe Israeli shelling. The refugee camp-turned-city is the birthplace of Yahya Sinwar, Hamas leader in Gaza and the man Israel holds most responsible for the October attacks. The Israeli Army chief of staff, Herzi Halevi, visited troops on the ground in Khan Yunis, telling them that the operation had been very impressive, truly very impressive, both the attack here and carrying out the operation in a secure manner. Outside a morgue at the citys Nasser Hospital, grieving relatives prayed, wept and stared vacantly as they tried to process incalculable loss. Hamas authorities said the death toll from this war has now surged beyond 20,000. This is a genocide, said resident Rafat Al Aydi. Israel denies directly targeting civilians and says the war against Hamas is vital to ensure the October raids on farms, villages and kibbutzim that killed an estimated 1,140 people can never be repeated. We want a ceasefire In Washington, President Joe Biden said he had another long talk with Israels hawkish prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. The White House said the discussion focused on the objectives and phasing of Israels military operation, as well as the critical need to protect the civilian population including those supporting the humanitarian aid operations. Israeli officials gave a terse readout of the call, saying the Prime Minister made it clear that Israel would continue the war until all of its goals have been achieved. A total of 144 Israeli troops have been killed since the ground offensive began almost a month ago. Netanyahu, Israels longest-serving prime minister, has had testy relations with a string of US presidents. But disagreements over how the Gaza war is being prosecuted, when it will end, and what happens the day after, have strained ties ever further. On Friday, the United States allowed the passage of a UN Security Council resolution that effectively called on Israel to allow immediate, safe and unhindered deliveries of life-saving aid to Gaza at scale. World powers had wrangled for days over the wording, and at Washingtons insistence toned down some provisions including removing a call for a ceasefire. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has accused Israel of creating massive obstacles for aid deliveries. For Palestinians in Gazas southern city of Rafah, the prospect of aid alone was not enough. We dont want food, we want a ceasefire, said Mahmud al-Shaer. Ahmad al-Burawi, who was displaced from Beit Lahia further north, added: We just want to return to our lands, thats all. We want a solution to end the war. People are dying, he said. The war has displaced about 80 percent of Gazas 2.4 million population, according to UN estimates. Lost contact Israelis, including friends and relatives of the 129 captives still believed held in Gaza, demonstrated again on Saturday in Tel Aviv. Hamass armed wing said it lost contact with militants tasked with guarding five of the hostages, including three elderly men who appeared in a hostage video the group released this week. We believe that those hostages have been killed in Israeli strikes, said spokesman Abu Obeida without providing evidence. Talks aimed at resuscitating a truce and prisoner swap appeared to be stalled. An earlier truce allowed 80 Israeli hostages to be released in exchange for 240 Palestinian prisoners, but ended after one week. Drone strike off India Far from Gaza, a new attack on shipping Saturday showed the war is already spilling over into the broader region. Maritime agencies said a drone strike damaged a chemical tanker in waters off Veraval, India. There was no claim of responsibility, but the Pentagon said it was a one-way attack drone fired from Iran. Yemens Iran-backed Huthi rebels have repeatedly fired drones and missiles at ships in the Red Sea, saying they are targeting Israeli-linked vessels in solidarity with Gaza. Iranian deputy foreign minister Ali Bagheri on Saturday said the Huthis act on their own decisions and capabilities. There also have been cross-border skirmishes between Israeli forces and Lebanons powerful Hezbollah movement which, like Hamas, is backed by Iran. Iran denied on Saturday that it was engaged in preparing assaults on commercial ships in the Red Sea by Yemens Tehran-aligned Houthi militia, according to the semi-official Mehr news agency. The repeated denial came after the White House stated Tehran was deeply involved in organising the operations and its information was essential in allowing the Houthis to target ships. The resistance (Houthis) has its own tools of power and acts according to its decisions and capabilities, Bagheri Kani told Mehr. Iran backs the Houthis but officially denies supplying them. The Houthis took Yemens capital Sanaa after overthrowing the government and currently control significant areas of the nation. The Houthis, who claim to be targeting Israeli-linked ships in support of Palestinians under Israeli blockade in Gaza, have used drones and missiles to target commercial shipping in the Red Sea, forcing merchants to change course and take longer routes around the southern tip of Africa. More than 90 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes on two homes in Gaza, rescuers and hospital officials said Saturday, a day after the UN chief warned that nowhere is safe in the territory and that Israels offensive creates massive obstacles to humanitarian aid distribution. On Saturday, US President Joe Biden met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a long and private session, a day after the Biden administration once again sheltered Israel diplomatically. On Friday, the United Nations Security Council passed a watered-down resolution calling for an immediate increase in humanitarian deliveries to Gazas desperate inhabitants, but not for a ceasefire. I did not ask for a ceasefire, Biden said of the call. Netanyahus office said the prime minister made clear that Israel would continue the war until achieving all its goals. Also on Saturday, the Israeli military said troops captured hundreds of alleged terrorists in Gaza during the last week and brought more than 200 to Israel for additional questioning, revealing rare specifics on a contentious strategy of mass arrests of Palestinian men. According to the IDF, around 700 people with apparent ties to the extremist groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad have been detained in Israeli jails. Israel declared war after Hamas gunmen stormed across the border on Oct. 7, killing some 1,200 people and taking some 240 hostages. More than 20,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israels war to destroy Hamas and more than 53,000 have been wounded, according to health officials in Gaza, a besieged territory ruled by the Islamic militant group for the past 16 years. The Health Ministry in Gaza on Saturday evening said 201 people had been killed over the past 24 hours. Airstrikes on Friday flattened two homes, including one in Gaza City, where 76 people from the al-Mughrabi family were killed, making the attack one of the deadliest of the war, said Mahmoud Bassal, a spokesman for Gazas Civil Defense department. Among those killed were Issam al-Mughrabi, a veteran employee of the UN Development Program, his wife, and their five children. The UN and civilians in Gaza are not a target, said Achim Steiner, the head of the agency. This war must end. And a strike pulverized the home of Mohammed Khalifa, a local TV journalist, killing him and at least 14 others in the urban refugee camp of Nuseirat, according to officials at the Al Aqsa Martyrs Hospital where the bodies were taken. Israel blames Hamas for the high civilian death toll, citing the militants use of crowded residential areas and tunnels. Israel has launched thousands of airstrikes since Oct. 7, and has largely refrained from commenting on specific attacks. Israels offensive has been one of the most devastating military campaigns in recent history, displacing nearly 85% of Gazas 2.3 million people and leveling wide swaths of the tiny coastal enclave. More than a half million people in Gaza a quarter of the population are starving, according to a report this week from the United Nations and other agencies. In the southern city of Khan Younis, men walking through the rubble tried to shoo away cats feeding on unclaimed bodies. One man covered a body with a blanket. Another wished to call an ambulance but had no phone signal. The Israeli military spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, said forces were expanding their offensive in northern and southern Gaza and troops were fighting in complex areas in Khan Younis. The armys statement on detentions followed earlier Palestinian reports of large-scale roundups of teenage boys and men from homes, shelters and hospitals in northern Gaza where troops have established firmer control. Some of the released detainees have said they were stripped to their underwear, beaten and held for days with minimal water. Channel 13 in Israel showed new footage of Palestinian men stripped to their underwear and walking in single file, with soldiers nearby. It was not clear when the footage was taken. In response to widespread criticism, the army has said detainees are stripped to check them for weapons. It has denied abuse allegations and said those without links to militants are quickly released. Hamas called on the International Committee of the Red Cross and other organizations to pressure Israeli authorities to reveal the whereabouts and conditions of people detained. Israel says it has killed thousands of Hamas militants, including about 2,000 in the past three weeks, but has not presented evidence. It says 144 of its soldiers have been killed in the ground offensive. Following the UN resolution, it was not immediately clear how and when aid deliveries would accelerate. Trucks enter through two crossings Rafah on the border with Egypt and Kerem Shalom on the border with Israel. On Friday, fewer than 100 trucks entered, the UN said far below the daily average of 500 before the war. Both crossings were closed Saturday by mutual agreement among Israel, Egypt and the UN, Israeli officials said. Senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan criticized the Security Council resolution that called for aid into Gaza without suspending hostilities, calling it weak and insufficient. Ahead of the council vote, the US negotiated the removal of language that would have given the UN authority to inspect aid going into Gaza, something Israel says it must continue to do itself to ensure material does not reach Hamas. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Friday that its a mistake to measure the effectiveness of the humanitarian operation by the number of trucks. The real problem is that the way Israel is conducting this offensive is creating massive obstacles to the distribution of humanitarian aid inside Gaza, he said. Netanyahu and his government also faced pressure at home, with calls to get the remaining hostages freed. Bibi, Bibi retire. We dont want you anymore, a crowd of thousands chanted in Tel Aviv. On Sunday, Israel claimed its military troops were more focused on Hamas targets in south Gaza, as the US pressured its partner to do more to safeguard Palestinian civilians. Following weeks of intense warfare around Gaza City, the Israeli army said forces were now focusing on the Hamas stronghold of Khan Yunis and other areas in the south. Yahya Sinwar, Hamass commander in Gaza and the man Israel considers most responsible for the October 7 attack that launched the regions war, was born and raised in the refugee camp-turned-city. Hamas militants streamed across the Gaza border on October 7 and attacked southern Israeli communities, killing about 1,140 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures. They also seized around 250 hostages, of whom 129 remain in Gaza. In response, Israel vowed to crush Hamas and launched an air, land and sea offensive on Gaza. The Palestinian territorys Hamas government says the war has killed more than 20,000 people, mostly women and children. The Israeli army said nine soldiers were killed in Gaza on Saturday, bringing to 152 its overall death toll in the territory since the ground assault began on October 27. While the Israeli army would continue operations across Gaza, military spokesman Jonathan Conricus indicated forces were close to having operational control in north Gaza. Now, he said, we focus our efforts against Hamas in southern Gaza. In central Gaza, rescuers scrambled overnight to pull people from a destroyed residential building in the city of Deir al-Balah. I was praying when a huge explosion occurred, and rubble fell on us. I didnt know what happened, said Yazan Moqbel, a wounded man whose sister was still under the rubble. Israel denies directly targeting civilians and says the war against Hamas is vital to ensure Octobers shock raids on farms, villages and kibbutzim in Israel can never be repeated. We want a ceasefire Early on Sunday, Hamas said new strikes had hit Jabalia and Khan Yunis. Nearly 80 percent for Gazas 2.4 population has been displaced by the fighting, the UN estimates. Many from the north have fled to the relative safety of the south, only to be caught up in the war for a second time. Against this backdrop, US President Joe Biden said he had another long talk with Israels hawkish prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. The White House said the discussion focused on the objectives and phasing of Israels military operation, as well as the critical need to protect civilians. Israeli officials gave a terse account of the call, saying Netanyahu made it clear that Israel would continue the war until all of its goals have been achieved. Netanyahu, Israels longest-serving premier, has had testy relations with a string of US presidents. But disagreements over how the Gaza war is being waged, when it will end, and what happens the day after, have strained ties ever further. On Friday, the United States allowed the passage of a UN Security Council resolution that effectively called on Israel to allow immediate, safe and unhindered deliveries of life-saving aid to Gaza at scale. Lost contact World powers had wrangled for days over the wording, and at Washingtons insistence toned down some provisions including removing a call for a ceasefire. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has accused Israel of creating massive obstacles for aid deliveries. South Gaza is the main avenue for humanitarian relief to enter the territory. What little aid arrives into the territory comes, for the most part, across the Egyptian border near Rafah. For Palestinians in that southern city, the prospect of aid alone was not enough. We dont want food, we want a ceasefire, said Mahmud al-Shaer. Ahmad al-Burawi, who was displaced from Beit Lahia further north, added: We just want to return to our lands, thats all. We want a solution to end the war. People are dying. Israelis, including friends and relatives of the 129 captives still believed held in Gaza, demonstrated again on Saturday in Tel Aviv. Hamass armed wing said it lost contact with militants tasked with guarding five of the hostages, including three elderly men who appeared in a hostage video the group released this week. We believe that those hostages have been killed in Israeli strikes, said spokesman Abu Obeida without providing evidence. Ship attacks Talks aimed at resuscitating a truce and prisoner swap appeared to be stalled. An earlier truce allowed 80 Israeli hostages to be released in exchange for 240 Palestinian prisoners, but ended after one week. The army says about 700 Hamas and Islamic Jihad terrorist operatives have been captured since the war began. Far from Gaza, new attacks on shipping routes showed the war is already spilling over into the broader region. Maritime agencies said a drone strike damaged a chemical tanker in waters off Veraval, India. There was no claim of responsibility, but the Pentagon said it was a one-way attack drone fired from Iran. The United States blamed Yemens Iran-backed Huthi rebels for firing drones and missiles at a US warship and two other vessels around the Red Sea. US Central Command said four unmanned aerial drones had targeted the USS Laboon, but had been shot down. The US military also said an Indian-flagged crude oil tanker in the Red Sea was hit and sent out a distress call. Irans deputy foreign minister, Ali Bagheri, on Saturday denied Iran was orchestrating the campaign, saying the Huthis act on their own decisions and capabilities. There also have been cross-border skirmishes between Israeli forces and Lebanons powerful Hezbollah movement which, like Hamas, is backed by Iran. Polish farmers have lifted their blockage of one of Ukraines border crossings, and lorry traffic has been entirely restored, according to the Ukrainian border service on Sunday. Truck traffic has been restored: Polish farmers have ended the blockade in front of the Medyka Shehyni crossing, the service said on the Telegram messaging app. According to the agency, the protest activity in front of the border crossing stopped around 9:30 a.m. Kyiv time (0730 GMT) on Sunday. Registration and crossing of trucks entering Ukraine is carried out as usual, it added. Polish farmers said on Saturday that they would halt their protest at the Ukrainian border crossing on Sunday, but trucks would continue to obstruct three other crossings during Christmas. Since Nov. 6, drivers have been blocking various border crossings with Ukraine, demanding that the European Union reinstall a system in which Ukrainian enterprises require permits to operate in the EU, as well as European trucks trying to enter Ukraine. Farmers later joined them in demanding government subsidies for maize and no tax increases. Oleksandr Kubrakov, Ukraines deputy prime minister, said on Thursday that Kiev aimed to negotiate an agreement with the incoming Polish administration to halt truck blockades at border crossings. Ukrainian transport analysts have said that about 3,900 trucks were on the Polish side waiting for permission to enter Ukraine. Polands newly appointed Prime Minister Donald Tusk said last week that the new government will try to quickly put an end to the truck drivers protest. A man was killed in a gunshot at a shopping mall in central Florida two days before Christmas, according to police, who said the victim was targeted for the crime. According to Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken, the man was died after being shot numerous times in a common area at Paddock Mall in Ocala, which is about 80 miles northwest of Orlando. According to authorities, a woman was shot in the leg. According to Balken, the suspect fled the area and left the firearm behind. Police were called to the mall at 3:40 p.m. after receiving a report of many rounds being fired. Officers immediately made entry into the mall (and) ultimately discovered that this was not what we would consider an active shooter, Balken told reporters. Several other mall patrons also suffered injuries during the shooting, with one person having chest pain and another reporting a broken arm, police said. An email inquiry was sent to the malls owner, WPG. The mall has dozens of stores, including JC Penney and Foot Locker. Calvin and Diana Amos, who were shopping in the J.C. Penney store, told the Ocala Star-Banner that they evacuated the store quickly once they figured out what was going on. They described themselves as scared and apprehensive. Jamia Binoria Town, a well-known Islamic school in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh, has issued a fatwa (a religious decree) declaring TikTok use illegal and haram and calling it the largest temptation of the modern period. Ten arguments in favour of the institutions position were provided in Fatwa No. (144211200409). Religious authorities have previously demanded that TikTok be banned for encouraging immorality, and Pakistan has repeatedly implemented a partial ban on the platform, according to Dawn News TV. According to the online fatwa issued by Jamia Binoria, TikTok is forbidden and haram according to Shariah and presents a growing risk as a fitna (temptation) in the modern era. One of the reasons given is that Sharia law forbids the app from including images and videos of animals, and it emphasises how women create and share pornographic movies on the internet. The fatwa also denounces the behaviour of men and women creating dance and singing videos on TikTok, which is seen as a time waster and a step towards moral degradation. It is believed that this practice spreads obscenity and nudity. The fatwa issued by Jamia Banoria emphasises that TikTok is a platform where everything may be made fun of and mocked, in addition to having videos that make fun of academics and religion. The fatwa states that using TikTok invariably entails engaging in actions that are forbidden by Sharia, and it is practically hard to refrain from committing such offences. As a result, the fatwa says that using TikTok is forbidden. According to data from smartphone and digital analytics company Sensor Tower, TikTok, owned by China-based ByteDance, is receiving more attention and calls for bans globally, including in Pakistan, with over 39 million downloads in 2022 alone. A petition asking for the TikTok app to be banned was submitted to the Lahore High Court earlier this year. The petition added to the increasing number of voices calling for restrictions by highlighting worries about the platforms alleged negative impacts on societys youth. The video-sharing software was banned for five months in 2021 by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, which ran from July to November. Following TikToks pledge to strengthen controls over offensive or immoral content on the platform, the restriction was lifted. (With agency inputs) The Izvestia daily, which quoted specialists and studies from the Russian Academy of Sciences Institute of Economics, stated on Sunday that Russia will continue to face a severe labour shortage in 2024, with a shortage of almost 4.8 million workers in 2023. As Moscow devotes more financial and material resources to the military, Russias shrinking work force is creating severe labour shortages and jeopardising economic growth, according to Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullinas statement from last month. Following the start of what the Kremlin refers to as its special military operation in Ukraine in February 2022, hundreds of thousands of Russiansincluding highly skilled IT specialistsleft the nation. Those who fled did so because they were either against the war or afraid of being drafted into the armed forces. President Vladimir Putin, who earlier this month celebrated a historically low unemployment rate of 2.9%, planned a partial military mobilisation of about 300,000 recruits in September 2022, which exacerbated the outflows. According to Putin, there is now no need for a fresh round of mobilisation. According to Izvestia, which cited the studys author Nikolai Akhapkin, there was a significant increase in labour shortages in 2022 and 2023. It stated that there was a particularly strong demand for drivers and shop personnel. Official statistics, which the newspaper reported, shows that by mid-2023, there will be 6.8% more open positions in the workforce overall than there were in the previous year (5.8%). If we extend the data presented by Rosstat (the official statistics agency) to the entire workforce, the shortage of workers in 2023 will tentatively amount to 4.8 million people, the newspaper cited the new research as saying. It mentioned that Anton Kotyakov, the minister of labour, had stated that the industrial, construction, and transportation industries were particularly affected by a lack of workers, which compelled them to raise wages in an effort to draw in more workers. According to Tatyana Zakharova of the G.V. Plekhanov-named University of Economics in Russia, which was quoted in the newspaper, there will likely be a labour shortage in 2019 since it will be particularly difficult to fill positions for teachers, engineers, doctors, and other professions. She listed the migration of the population and unfavourable demographics as contributing factors to the workforce shortages. (With agency inputs) For first time since its establishment, Ukrainian Institute in Sweden has its own home "We support Ukraine's struggle for freedom in the long term and at all levels", - Minister of International Cooperation and Foreign Trade of Sweden The Ukrainian Institute in Sweden has received its own premises in the center of Stockholm and for the first time in 10 years since its establishment has its own home. On December 20, Minister of International Cooperation and Foreign Trade of Sweden Johan Forssell inaugurated the Ukrainian Institute in Sweden on the island of Stromsborg. From now on, the cultural and diplomatic organization, founded in 2014 by Ukrainian-Swedish concert pianist Natalia Pasichnyk, will work in the historic center of the Swedish capital, near the Nobel Museum, the Royal Palace and the Riksdag. "Sweden's support for Ukraine is extensive and long-term. The work of the Ukrainian Institute in Stockholm is an important part of the protection of Ukrainian cultural heritage and helps to spread knowledge and understanding of Ukraine in Sweden. From the Swedish side, we are clear that we support Ukraine's struggle for freedom, long-term and at all levels," said Johan Forssell. For nine years, the Ukrainian Institute in Sweden has been filling a large gap in the knowledge and understanding of Ukraine through culture in Scandinavia. "Few people could name even one Ukrainian writer or composer before the Great Invasion. And only now the West has finally realized why. There should not have been a Ukrainian cultural heritage, because according to the current Russian leader, as well as his predecessors, "there is no such nation." The Russian narrative is that Ukrainians are Russians, who have refused to recognize this time and again throughout history. And the aggressor claims that this war is needed to explain this to Ukrainians once and for all," emphasized Pasichnyk. The reopening of the Institute - now in its own premises - marks a milestone and an important step forward for its continued work to raise awareness of Ukraine's significant cultural heritage and rich cultural life. "We are entering a new chapter as we have fantastic premises to share with our incredibly welcoming partners at International IDEA," added the founder of the Ukrainian Institute in Sweden. The opening ceremony was also attended by the delegation of the Central Election Commission of Ukraine, which is currently participating in International IDEA events in Stockholm. For reference: The Ukrainian Institute in Sweden is a platform for Swedes and Ukrainians to meet, raising awareness of Ukraine's significant heritage and rich cultural life. The organization works to strengthen Swedish-Ukrainian cultural ties. We believe that knowledge about each other and cultural cooperation are central elements of our society's resistance to future threats. Our role is unique - we were the first Ukraine-centered organization to become an associate member of the Stockholm Cluster of the European Union National Institute for Culture (EUNIC) in 2014, and within this network we have become an integral part of the European cultural scene. Over the years, we have organized the Young Talents - Ukraine concert series for young talents from Ukraine, the Rethinking Europe music festival, poetry evenings, events with Swedish and international authors, the Nordic Ukrainian Film Festival, and other events. Together with our partners from the European Union National Institutes for Culture (EUNIC), we regularly participate in film festivals (e.g. REX Animation Festival, European Film Festival, Sounds of Silence) and other events such as concerts, panel debates, European Day of Languages, etc. International IDEA - International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance - is an intergovernmental organization that supports democracy around the world. The vision and mission of the organization is to advance democracy worldwide as a universal human aspiration and a factor in sustainable development by supporting the development, strengthening and protection of democratic political institutions and processes at all levels. International IDEA is headquartered in Stockholm, on the island of Stromsborg, where the Ukrainian Institute in Sweden has now found its home. A guy was arrested Saturday on suspicion of stealing a Banksy artwork depicting a stop sign adorned with three military drones, according to London police. The Metropolitan Police said a guy in his twenties was being held on suspicion of theft and criminal damage. The sign was photographed less than an hour after the enigmatic street artist shared a snapshot of his work on his Instagram page on Friday. A man with bolt cutters climbed up on a bicycle to remove the work from a sign post on a street corner in the south London neighbourhood of Peckham, while another man steadied the bike. The man who cut the sign loose then raced away holding it. A voice on a video of the incident could be heard saying, it makes me so annoyed, as the man ran away. A witness who only wanted to be called Alex told the PA news agency that the small crowd of people that had shown up to view the work stood around watching in awe as the scene unfolded. We said, What are you doing? But no one really knew what to do, we sort of just watched it happen, Alex said. We were all a bit bemused; there was some honking of car horns. Jasmine Ali, deputy leader of the local borough council, called for the piece to be returned. It should not have been removed and wed like it back so everyone in the community can enjoy Banksys brilliant work, Ali said. The stop sign was replaced. Banksys thought-provoking and satirical art often takes aim at war. Many of his followers on Instagram interpreted the work as calling for a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip. Taiwans defence ministry said on Sunday that it has detected eight Chinese fighter planes and one Chinese balloon crossing the Taiwan Strait in the previous 24 hours. Over the last four years, Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory, has often complained about Chinese military action near the island. China has increased military deployments near Taiwan as the islands presidential and parliamentary elections on January 13 approach. The Chinese J-10, J-11, and J-16 fighter jets crossed the median line at positions north and centre of the strait, according to Taiwans defence ministry. The median line once served as an unofficial barrier between the two sides, but Chinese planes now regularly fly over it. Taiwan sent its own forces to monitor, the ministry said. The ministry also reported another Chinese balloon in the strait, the latest in a spate of what Taiwan says are most likely for monitoring the weather, driven by prevailing winds at this time of year. It said the balloon was spotted after crossing the median line late on Saturday morning 97 nautical miles (180 km) northwest of the northern Taiwanese port city of Keelung at altitude of approximately 20,000 feet (6,100 metres). The balloon headed east and disappeared around one hour later, the ministry added. The potential for China to use balloons for spying became a global issue in February when the United States shot down what it said was a Chinese surveillance balloon. China said the balloon was a civilian craft that accidentally drifted astray. A Japanese-owned chemical tanker was attacked Saturday off the coast of India by a drone fired from Iran, according to the Pentagon, indicating that commercial maritime threats are moving beyond the Red Sea. It was the first time the Pentagon has accused Iran of actively attacking ships since Israel launched its war against the Palestinian group Hamas, which is backed by Tehran. The incident comes amid a flurry of new drone and missile attacks on the key Red Sea shipping lane by Yemens Iran-backed Huthi rebels since the start of the Israel-Hamas war on October 7, with the group claiming to act in sympathy with Gaza. The incident in the Indian Ocean on Saturday occurred at 10 a.m. local time (0600 GMT) and resulted in no casualties aboard the vessel, according to a Pentagon statement, which also stated that a fire was doused. The US military remains in communication with the vessel as it continues toward a destination in India, it added. The drone strike occurred 200 nautical miles (370 kilometers) off the coast of India, it said, adding that no US Navy vessels were in the vicinity. The Pentagon statement said the MV Chem Pluto ship flew under a Liberian flag and was operated by a Dutch entity, although the ship is owned by a Japanese company. Ambrey, a maritime security firm, said the chemical/products tanker was Israel-affiliated and had been on its way from Saudi Arabia to India. The Wall Street Journal reported that the Dutch company operating the MV Chem Pluto is connected to Israeli shipping tycoon Idan Ofer. The Indian navy said it had responded to a request for assistance. An aircraft was dispatched and it reached overhead the vessel and established safety of the involved ship and its crew, a navy official told AFP. An Indian navy warship has also been dispatched so as to provide assistance as required. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the strike. Last month, an Israeli-owned cargo ship was hit in a suspected drone attack by Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in the Indian Ocean, according to a US official. The Malta-flagged vessel managed by an Israeli-affiliated company was reportedly damaged when the unmanned aerial vehicle exploded close to it, according to Ambrey. US warship targeted Separately, US warship the Laboon shot down four attack drones originating from Huthi-controlled areas in Yemen on Saturday, the Pentagons Central Command (Centcom) said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, adding that no injuries or damage were reported. An attack drone also came close to a Norwegian-flagged tanker, MV Blaamanen, it said, while another tanker, the Indian-flagged MV Saibaba, was hit by a one-way attack drone with no injuries reported. Centcom, meanwhile, said Huthi rebels fired two antiship ballistic missiles into Red Sea shipping lanes Saturday with no ships reported being impacted. These attacks represent the 14th and 15th attacks on commercial shipping by Huthi militants since Oct. 17, Centcom said. The Red Sea attacks on shipping since the start of the Israel-Hamas war have prompted major firms to reroute their cargo vessels around the southern tip of Africa, despite the higher fuel costs of much longer voyages. On Saturday, an official in Irans Revolutionary Guard warned of the forced closure of other waterways unless Israel halted its war with Hamas. With the continuation of these crimes, America and its allies should expect the emergence of new resistance forces and the closure of other waterways, Mohammad Reza Naqdi said, quoted by Irans Tasnim news agency. Among the waterways he mentioned was the Mediterranean Sea. He did not elaborate. Fu Xiangdong was a young Chinese virology student who moved to the United States to study biochemistry in the 1980s. He held a distinguished post in California and was pursuing promising Parkinsons disease research more than three decades later. Fu, on the other hand, is now conducting research at a Chinese institution. His American career was ruined as US-China ties deteriorated, casting doubt on his cooperation with a Chinese university. He eventually resigned. Fus narrative parallels the growth and fall of intellectual engagement between the United States and China. Beginning in 1978, such cooperation grew for decades, virtually immune to variations in the two countries relations. It is now in decline, with Washington considering Beijing as a strategic adversary and mounting concerns about Chinese surveillance. The number of Chinese students in the United States is declining, as is US-Chinese research collaboration. Academics are avoiding possible China projects out of worry that seemingly little mistakes may jeopardise their careers. This decline is affecting more than just students and researchers. According to analysts, it will reduce American competitiveness and hamper global efforts to solve health challenges. Collaborations in the past have resulted in substantial improvements, such as in influenza surveillance and vaccine development. Thats been really harmful to US science, said Deborah Seligsohn, a former US diplomat in Beijing and now a political scientist at Villanova University. We are producing less science because of this falloff. For some, given the heightened US-China tensions, the prospect for scientific advances needs to take a back seat to security concerns. In their view, such cooperation aids China by giving it access to sensitive commercial, defense and technological information. They also fear the Chinese government is using its presence in American universities to monitor and harass dissidents. Those concerns were at the core of the China Initiative, a program begun in 2018 by the Justice Department under the Trump administration to uncover acts of economic espionage. While it failed to catch any spies, the effort did have an impact on researchers in American schools. Under the initiative, Gang Chen, a professor of mechanical engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, was charged in 2021 with hiding links with the Chinese government. Prosecutors eventually dropped all charges, but Chen lost his research group. He said his family went through a hard time and has yet to recover. Chen said investigations and wrongful prosecutions like his are pushing out talents. Thats going to hurt US scientific enterprise, hurt US competitiveness, he said. The Biden administration ended the China Initiative in 2022, but there are other efforts targeting scholars with Chinese connections. In Florida, a state law aimed at curbing influences from foreign countries has raised concerns that students from China could effectively be banned from labs at the states public universities. This month, a group of Republican senators expressed concerns about Beijings influence on American campuses through student groups and urged the Justice Department to determine whether such groups should be registered as foreign agents. Miles Yu, director of the China Center at Hudson Institute, said Beijing has exploited US higher education and research institutes to modernize its economy and military. For some time, out of cultural, self-interest reasons, many people have double loyalty, erroneously thinking its OK to serve the interests of both the US and China, Yu said. The US-China Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement the first major pact between the two countries, signed in 1979 was set to lapse this year. In August, Congress extended the agreement by six months, but its future also hangs in the balance. If there is a new agreement, it should take into account new advances in science and technology, Nicholas Burns, the US ambassador to China, said recently. There were only 700 American students studying in China, Burns said, compared with nearly 300,000 Chinese students in the US, which is down from a peak of about 372,000 in 2019-2020. By October, nearly all Confucius Institutes, a Beijing-backed Chinese language and culture program, had closed on American university campuses. Their number fell from about 100 in 2019 to fewer than five now, according to the US Government Accountability Office. The National Institute of Health in 2018 began an investigation into foreign ties by asking dozens of American institutions to look into whether their faculty members might have violated policies regarding use of federal money, usually in cases involving partnerships with Chinese institutions. In the case of Fu, then a professor at the University of California, San Diego, his links with Wuhan University were the focus of the NIH investigation. Fu insisted that federal money was never used toward work there, according to the local news outlet La Jolla Light, but the university ruled against him. In a China Initiative case, Charles Lieber, a former chair of chemistry and chemical biology at Harvard University, was found guilty in December 2021 of lying to the federal government about his affiliations with a Chinese university and a Chinese government talent-recruitment program. Chen, the MIT professor, said once-encouraged collaborations suddenly became problematic. Disclosure rules had been unclear, and in many cases such collaborations had been commended, he said. Very few people in the general public understand that most US universities, including MIT, dont take on any secret research projects on campus, Chen said. We aim to publish our research findings. The investigations have had negative effects on university campuses. People are so fearful that, if you check the wrong box, you could be accused of lying to the government, Chen said. In June, an academic study published in the peer-reviewed Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences journal said the China Initiative likely has caused widespread fear and anxiety among scientists of Chinese descent. The study, which surveyed 1,304 scientists of Chinese descent employed by American universities, showed many considered leaving the US or no longer applying for federal grants, the researchers wrote. An analysis of research papers in the PubMed database showed that, as of 2021, US scientists still co-wrote more papers with scientists from China than from any other country, but those with a history of collaborating with China experienced a decline in research productivity after 2019, soon after the NIH investigation started. The study, to be published in the PNAS journal by the years end, found the impact of US-based scholars in collaboration with China, as measured by citations, fell by 10%. It has a chilling effect on science said Ruixue Jia, the studys leading researcher, of the NIH investigation. While researchers tried to finish existing cooperative projects, they were unwilling to start new ones, and the results could become worse. Both countries have been hurt. Three months after Fu resigned from the California school, his name appeared on the website of Westlake University, a private research university in the Chinese city of Hangzhou. At Westlake, Fu leads a lab to tackle issues in RNA biology and regenerative medicine. In August, Fu was joined by Guan Kunliang, a fellow scientist in San Diego, who also was investigated. Guan was banned from applying for NIH grants for two years. Guan didnt lose his job, but his lab had shrunk. Now, hes rebuilding a molecular cell biology lab at Westlake. Li Chenjian, a former vice provost of Peking University, said the talent loss to China is a complicated question and the worry might be overblown because the US remains the go-to place for the worlds best brains and has an excess of talent. More than 87% of Chinese students who received their doctorates in the US had planned to stay in the US from 2005 to 2015, according to the National Science Foundation. The percentage fell to 73.9 in 2021 but rose to 76.7 in 2022, above the average of 74.3% for all foreign students who had earned research doctorate degrees in the US Rao Yi, a prominent neurobiologist who returned to China from the US in 2007, said American policies related to the China Initiative were morally wrong. We will see how long it will take for the US government and its morally upright scientists to correct such mistakes and come around to see the bigger picture of human development, beyond petty-mindedness and shortsightedness, he said. Throughout history, it is always the morally corrupt governments which advocate the blocking of scientific communication and persecution of scientists. Yemens warring parties have committed to a new ceasefire and agreed to engage in a UN-led peace process to end the war, the UN envoy for Yemen said Saturday. The announcement by UN special envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, marks the latest step to end the nine-year war that has killed hundreds of thousands of people and triggered one of the worlds worst humanitarian crises. It follows recent meetings by Grundberg in Saudi Arabia and Oman with Rashad Al-Alimi, head of Yemens Saudi-backed presidential council and Mohammed Abdul Salam, the chief negotiator of the Iran-backed Huthi rebels. Grundberg said he welcomes the parties commitment to a set of measures to implement a nation-wide ceasefire and (to) engage in preparations for the resumption of an inclusive political process, according to a statement by his office. The envoy will now engage with the parties to establish a road map under UN auspices that includes these commitments and supports their implementation, the statement added. Yemen has been gripped by conflict since the Iran-backed Huthi rebels took control of the capital Sanaa in 2014, triggering a Saudi-led military intervention in support of the beleaguered government the following year. A UN-brokered ceasefire that took effect in April 2022 brought a sharp reduction in hostilities. The truce expired in October last year, though fighting largely remains on hold. Grundberg will now engage with the parties to establish a roadmap under UN auspices to end the war. The road map also includes commitments to pay civil servants salaries, open routes into the rebel-blockaded city of Taez and other parts of Yemen and resume oil exports, according to the statement. Yemenis are watching and waiting for this new opportunity to provide for tangible results and progress towards lasting peace, Grundberg said. The parties have taken a significant step. Their commitments are, first and foremost, an obligation to the Yemeni people. Red Sea attacks The agreement comes amid a flurry of attacks by the Huthi rebels on key shipping lanes in the Red Sea in solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, where Israel is fighting Hamas militants. The Huthis have pledged to attack Israel-linked vessels or ships heading to Israeli ports unless an end is brought to the Israel-Hamas war that started on October 7. They have launched more than 100 drone and missile attacks, targeting 10 merchant vessels involving more than 35 different countries, according to the Pentagon. The attacks by the rebels are imperilling a transit route that carries up to 12 percent of global trade, prompting the United States to set up a multinational naval task force to protect Red Sea shipping. The Huthi military actions hinder progress towards a peaceful resolution, Mohammed Albasha, a senior Middle East analyst for the US-based Navanti Group, told AFP. The Huthis have transitioned to becoming aggressors targeting civilian assets, he said. The latest agreement also coincides with a push by Saudi Arabia to extricate itself from the conflict, despite slim hopes of a lasting peace. The oil-rich monarchy gave a signal this year by resuming ties with Iran, which backs the Huthis against the Saudi-supported government in a proxy war. The Saudi-led interventions stated aim was to protect civilians from Huthi attacks, restore the government and stop Yemen becoming a safe haven for Iranian-backed forces. Eight years in, the rebels control swathes of the country and command an impressive arsenal of weapons that they have used to attack Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, another coalition member. Many analysts are pessimistic that Riyadhs plans for a downsized military role will bring peace to Yemen, which remains deeply fractured along religious, regional and political lines. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 24. President of the Republic of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko made a phone call to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on December 24. Aleksandr Lukashenko extended birthday congratulations to the head of state, conveying wishes for good health and new successes in his state activities. President Ilham Aliyev expressed his gratitude for the attention and congratulations extended to him. The Presidents of Azerbaijan and Belarus hailed successful development of bilateral friendly relations between the two countries, expressing confidence in further expanding these relations in the future. During the telephone conversation, the heads of state shared their opinions on the prospects for cooperation. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 24. President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin made a phone call to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on December 24. Vladimir Putin extended birthday congratulations to the head of state, conveying wishes for good health and continued success in his presidential activities. President Ilham Aliyev expressed his gratitude for the attention and congratulations extended to him. During the telephone conversation, both leaders hailed successful development of bilateral friendly relations across various fields, expressing confidence in further expanding these relations. The heads of state shared their opinions on the prospects for bilateral relations. Thursday Night Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 13F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 24. On December 24, the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov and the Minister of National Defense of the Republic of Turkiye, Mr. Yasar Guler had a telephone conversation, Trend reports referring to Azerbaijan's Ministry of Defense. Colonel General Z.Hasanov expressed his sadness at the news of the death and injury of Turkish Armed Forces servicemen as a result of a treacherous terrorist attack in the northern region of Iraq on December 22-23, 2023. The Minister once again strongly condemned all kinds of terrorism, and reminded the permanent stand by the fraternal Turkish Armed Forces in the fierce fight against terrorism and support them with all the strength. On behalf of the Azerbaijan Army's personnel and on his own behalf, the Defense Minister expressed his deepest condolences to the families and relatives of Shehid servicemen and wished the wounded a speedy recovery. During the telephone conversation, the sides also discussed regional security and other issues of common interest. Houston, Dec. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Houston, Texas - Plastic surgery internet marketing is an effective way for surgeons to attract new patients, according to Doctor Marketing, MD. In today's internet-savvy society, people looking for cosmetic procedures often turn to Google to help make their health decisions on which doctor to schedule a consultation with. Google search engine optimization (SEO) and content creation are crucial for a clinics success to be found on page one of Google. Image Credit: Toppercussion / 123RF. To stand out among all the competing plastic surgeons and cosmetic surgery providers in the local area, means implementing strategic content marketing tactics. To effectively attract new patients and stand out in this competitive cosmetic industry, a doctor needs to be on page #1 in Google to even have a shot at getting more patients, said Marty Stewart, Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of Doctor Marketing, MD. Doctor Marketing, MD helps Medical Professionals and Healthcare Providers to get more patients by increasing patient acquisition through strategically leveraged content that ranks high in Google with plastic surgery internet marketing. Digital marketing offers plastic surgeons the opportunity to enhance their online presence through effective website design, social media engagement, targeted advertising, content marketing, and SEO strategies. Leveraging digital platforms allows for reaching a wider audience and attracting more potential patients. A well-crafted website acts as the digital face of a plastic surgery practice, showcasing a surgeon's expertise and attracting new patients. It's vital to ensure that the design is user-friendly, informative, and reflects the quality of services offered. Incorporate elements like before-and-after galleries, patient testimonials, and clear calls-to-action to engage visitors immediately. This approach can leave a lasting impression and helps establish trust with potential patients. Professional web presence goes beyond aesthetics; it's optimized for search engines to drive more traffic. Load times should be swift, navigation intuitive, and content regularly updated to align with SEO best practices, a cornerstone in any effective online marketing strategy for plastic surgeons. Moving on from a stellar website design, harnessing social media channels enables a connection with a broader audience. Plastic surgeons can leverage the power of social media to connect with potential patients, build brand awareness, and showcase their expertise. By crafting engaging posts, sharing before-and-after photos, and participating in relevant conversations, surgeons can establish themselves as trustworthy experts in the field. Additionally, targeted advertising on platforms like Facebook and Instagram allows plastic surgeons to reach a specific audience based on demographics, interests, and behavior, ultimately driving more qualified leads to their practice. Incorporating these digital strategies can help plastic surgeons attract new patients while nurturing relationships with existing ones. A well-crafted online presence through social media and targeted advertising is instrumental in staying competitive in today's digital landscape. Enhance online visibility and attract more patients by leveraging content marketing and SEO strategies. Engaging digital content creation, including blog posts, videos, and infographics, can educate potential patients about cosmetic procedures while optimizing the website for relevant keywords enhances search engine visibility. Implementing strategic content marketing efforts helps build trust with prospective patients, establishing the surgeon as an authority in the field of plastic surgery. Optimizing doctor websites with SEO techniques like meta tags, keyword-rich content, and link building increases organic traffic and improves rankings on search engines. Incorporating a well-rounded SEO strategy ensures that a practice appears prominently when potential patients are seeking information or services related to plastic surgery. Ensuring a positive patient experience can significantly impact the success of a plastic surgery practice. Patient satisfaction and trust are crucial for building long-term relationships, which in turn lead to loyalty and referrals. Personalized care, clear communication, and empathy play vital roles in enhancing patient experience. Establishing strong relationships with patients fosters a sense of trust and comfort, ultimately leading to higher patient retention rates. Engaging with patients beyond their surgical procedures through regular follow-ups, customized communications, and attentive support can significantly contribute to overall patient satisfaction. Embrace internet marketing for all plastic surgery practices. ### For more information about Doctor Marketing, MD, contact the company here: Doctor Marketing, MD Anna Goldstein 877-463-9777 ext. 3 anna.goldstein@doctormarketingmd.com Parents of black children have long had the talk with their daughters and especially their sons. Not the one about sex, but the one about how to interact with cops and walk away unharmed.Get stopped for a traffic violation: Use your Sunday school manners. Keep your hands where they can be seen, and above all else, do not argue," an Indianapolis mother reportedly told her 24-year-old black son.This private conversation has slowly moved into the consciousness of Americans of all races as police shootings of black men have been caught on video and sparked outrage and fear across the country. It has largely been the duty of family members to educate children about this tragic issue -- until recently.In the last two years, several states passed laws mandating public schools or drivers education courses (or both) to teach students what constitutes appropriate behavior in interactions with police, particularly during traffic stops.The measures have faced opposition from groups like Black Lives Matter (BLM), which say they place the blame for violent encounters -- and the burden of preventing them -- on civilians. Ironically, theyre also sometimes criticized by police advocates, who argue that it encourages and may worsen the fears people already have about cops.Still, several states passed the laws quickly and easily.In June, Texas became the latest . The new law there requires high schools to offer instruction on how students should conduct themselves whenever they come into contact with cops. The law also calls for these lessons in private drivers education courses, and -- uniquely among states that have passed this kind of legislation -- for police to be trained on de-escalation techniques.North Carolina and Virginia recently enacted similar laws as did Illinois -- though that one was criticized for not offering students enough information on peoples rights during traffic stops. Similar legislation died in committee in the Mississippi Legislature.In New Jersey, a bill passed the General Assembly and is awaiting consideration in the state Senate. The legislation, according to a press release from Assembly Democrats, would require every school district to teachabout police responsibilities and civilians rights as well as civilians responsibilities to comply with officers' requests.Students would receive one part of the curriculum between kindergarten and fourth grade, and the second part between fifth and 12th grade. The curriculum has yet to be created but would require input from several organizations representing both police and communities, like the State Fraternal Order of Police and the ACLU.Black Lives Matters New Jersey chapter has come out against the bill, protesting it at the statehouse. Alexis Miller, the lead organizer of BLM's Paterson, N.J., chapter, told the Philadelphia Inquirer that the bills concept is fundamentally flawed.This bill is clearly designed to create a scapegoat for police brutality, and that scapegoat is New Jerseys children, she said. Students ... are expected to master the idea of respectability politics in order to protect themselves from officers.This is a criticism that has often faced programs around the country that already offer trainings and workshops on interactions with police, like the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU). The organization has several know your rights workshops, and one of their most requested involves police encounters, which they teach at public schools and youth programs all over the state. It teaches people what their rights are as well as tips for de-escalating situations and staying calm.I do think its a bit ridiculous that we have this frame where its the responsibility of civilians to control themselves and protect themselves in these encounters, especially when you think about the power disparities between someone stopped on the street and an officer with a badge and a gun, says Michael Sisitzky, senior policy counsel at the NYCLU. But in the absence of real accountability for police, knowing your rights is better than nothing.On the other end of the spectrum, critics like Eugene ODonnell, a former police officer and professor at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, complain that these lessons can portray cops as public enemy No. 1 ." However, ODonnell toldhe thinks curriculum like this can be useful if its crafted correctly.[Lessons like this] relegitimize the police, if theyre done properly, he says. Its important to know that when youre interacting with police, its not an interaction of equals. The police have the upper hand, and they are supposed to.ODonnell says that any curriculum should emphasize not just peoples rights but their civic responsibilities within society, including respect for police officers as extensions of the law. Some state laws (like the one being considered in New Jersey) make explicit mention of civilian responsibility in police encounters, but they all appear to take an individual's rights into heavy consideration.Sisitzky, for his part, defends the approach of the NYCLU and other programs, state-mandated or not, that focus their curriculum on peoples rights.Our goal is never to instill more fear in communities or to say that all police are bad and these encounters are always going to escalate, he says. But we acknowledge reality, which is that there isfear. We dont want to be talking about these encounters in a utopia that simply doesnt exist." Alhassan Yawuza is IARMA-FEST 2024 Ambassador Graphic Showbiz Showbiz News Dec - 22 - 2023 , 20:19 ORGANISERS of the International Afro Reggae Music Arts Heritage & Culture Festival (IARMA-FEST 2024), have announced New York-based Ghanaian cultural activist, dancer, choreographer, motivational speaker, composer and performer, Alhassan Yawuza, as its official Ambassador. According to IARMA-FEST founder, Elijah Amekudzi, they searched extensively for a personality that adequately represents the objectives and values of the festival and eventually settled on Yawuza. He is a versatile artist committed to what he does. Hes conversant with the general arts movement in Africa and around the world. We couldnt have chosen a more suitable fellow to be a spokesperson for us, Amekudzi pointed out. Organised by Amekudzi in collaboration with Pan Africa-Ghana and Peace Forever Live Music Club, IARMA-FEST 2024 seeks to highlight the different dimensions of music in Africa and showcase the tremendous contributions Africa has made to music and the arts globally over the years. In accepting the Ambassadorial role for IARMA-FEST, Yawuza thanked the founder and organising committee for the honour and said the festival is a long-awaited platform for the world to come and taste the beauty of humanity on African soil under the sunshine and blue skies. He stated categorically Africas endowments go beyond mere physical natural resources as the continents indigenous arts and culture, dances and music of different styles have been appropriated by the world community. As an Ambassador, I wish to extend my love, respect and warmest invitation to all. Come lets celebrate humanity through peaceful gathering in, rejuvenating what makes life better: arts and culture, music and dance while we dine and talk development and love. Im extending my love and respect to everyone across the globe to come and join us to taste real peace with no strings, love with no strings, make new friends, network, build business, education and jam at IARMA-FEST 2024, Yawuza stated in his acceptance comments. Activities planned for IARMA-FEST 2024 include workshops on creativity, music business sessions and how to network through international music agencies. There will be a special focus on how artists can benefit from their merchandise in this era of digitalisation. IARMA-FEST 2024 was launched at the Only One Beach in Lome, Togo recently with thrilling performances by artists from Ghana, Togo, Nigeria and Cote dIvoire. The founder has explained that the main programme next year will be two-pronged: a traditional arts component to happen in March and a contemporary aspect slated for November. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 24. On December 24, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev made a phone call to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev congratulated the President of Azerbaijan on his birthday, wished him continued success in his presidential activities and good health. President Ilham Aliyev thanked Kassym-Jomart Tokayev for his attention and congratulations. The Presidents of Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan hailed the successful development of friendly and brotherly relations between the two countries across various areas. During the telephone conversation, they commended the successful implementation of all agreements reached during a meeting between the heads of state of Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan on the sidelines of the SPECA Summit held in Baku this November, and expressed confidence that the upcoming state visit of the President of Kazakhstan to Azerbaijan next year will provide momentum for the comprehensive development of bilateral ties. Nigerian terror threat student to be deported from UK after 40-month jail sentence bbc.com International News Dec - 24 - 2023 , 15:48 A Nigerian Masters student who made terrorist threats against Dundee University has been jailed for 40 months. Somtochukwu Okwuoha claimed he had enlisted Isis to help bomb the university and told staff he planned to target the city in a chemical attack. The international energy studies student was also ordered to be deported following his release from prison. The 26-year-old was previously found guilty of seven charges by a jury. Sheriff William Wood told him: "Your presence in the United Kingdom is not conducive to the public good, and I make a recommendation for your deportation in due course." The trial heard that Okwuoha came to the UK in 2021 and formed a friendship with a fellow student, who rebuffed his advances. Sheriff Wood said: "You were abusive towards her and tried to have her removed from her university course. "The university decided to suspend you from your course and you turned your attention towards staff. "You threatened mass murder, terrorism, said you would plant bombs and use biological weapons." 'Blood will spill' Witnesses described how Okwuoha claimed he had a military background and was capable of making bombs and unleashing a deadly virus on the city. Keith Mackle, 58, now a retired director of student services, told Perth Sheriff Court he became aware of "serious concerns" in the autumn of 2021. He said staff members received emails making terrorist threats. One said: "Expect a massive bomb explosion at the University of Dundee. I have contacted Isis terrorists to plant bombs on campus. "I can assure you staff and students will die in great numbers. 9/11 will be a joke compared to what will happen. "Blood will spill and flesh will be scattered." Accommodation officer Shane Taylor told the court Okwuoha accused him of being racist and said he planned to wipe out Scottish people as revenge. Okwuoha, a prisoner at Perth, was found guilty of threatening to murder staff at the university and commit terrorist crime between December 2021 and June 2022. He was found guilty of threatening to commit mass murder, using biological weapons, revealing staff details to international authorities, and claiming to have planted bombs. He was also found guilty of threatening to behead police officers and detonate bombs he had planted at Dundee University. Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority embarks on philanthropic mission in Ghana Kweku Zurek Dec - 24 - 2023 , 13:52 In a demonstration of commitment to service, scholarship, and sisterhood, approximately 300 members of the Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., a prominent women's organization, have arrived in Ghana to undertake various philanthropic projects across the country. The delegation, under the leadership of International President Rasheeda S. Liberty, landed at Kotoka International Airport on Sunday morning (December 24, 2023) and received a warm traditional welcome featuring drumming and dancing. President Liberty, in an interview, emphasized the society's dedication to leaving a lasting impact through a series of philanthropic initiatives, with an anticipated direct impact exceeding GH1,203,000 ($100,000). Additionally, the sorority foresees a substantial cash injection of GH36,090,000 into the local economy through collaborations with local vendors and suppliers. Comprising over 300 members from the United States of America, affiliates, and guests, the delegation will celebrate Christmas and New Year's in Accra, Ghana, while simultaneously making positive contributions to the communities they visit. President Rasheeda S. Liberty (left) during the interview at the airport As part of their "Birthright Journey," the sorority will engage in projects related to health, education, sanitation, and financial literacy in five out of the 16 regions of Ghana. Transformative philanthropic initiatives include the construction of essential facilities such as toilets and boreholes to enhance health and sanitation infrastructure. Rooted in an educational foundation, the sorority will contribute to education by constructing and refurbishing labs, distributing school supplies, and supporting initiatives for women's empowerment and healthcare. Beyond infrastructure, the delegation's donations will extend to women's rights, education, and socio-cultural justice. Initiatives such as medical debt clearance at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital and the provision of hygiene products through Hamamat and Young and Lonely Foundation showcase a holistic approach to community well-being. President Rasheeda S. Liberty expressed enthusiasm about "The Birthright Journey" to Ghana, describing it as a combination of cultural exploration, impactful service projects, and donations. She emphasized the sorority's eagerness to connect with vibrant Ghanaian communities, leaving a positive imprint and fostering meaningful relationships. President Liberty stated, "This journey is a testament to our commitment to global service and sisterhood. We aim to contribute to women's rights, health equity, STEM projects, and invest in sanitation and laboratories. This is our gift to the continent, and we are excited to do this." The choice of Ghana for the philanthropic project was explained by President Liberty, citing the country as a home for the sorority members due to the warm reception Ghana has offered to those with African-American heritage. Through these impactful initiatives and donations, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated aims to forge lasting connections and contribute to the betterment of Ghanaian communities, aligning with the sorority's core values of sisterhood, scholarship, and service. The Guam Police Department has launched an investigation after a dead man was found behind a residence in Mangilao. GPD spokesperson Officer Berlyn Savella said Criminal Investigation detectives were activated to an expired person call on Saturday. A little after 7 a.m. Saturday units responded to the call. Patrol officers responded to Route 15 in Mangilao where a lifeless man was found behind a residence, she said. As the case progresses, information will be provided. No other information can be commented on or released at this time, she said. The investigation continues and remains open, Savella added. A tentative date for an autopsy is scheduled for 9 a.m. Wednesday, she said. The Guam Police Department has launched an investigation after a dead man was found behind a residence in Mangilao. GPD spokesperson Officer Berlyn Savella said Criminal Investigation detectives were activated to an expired person call on Saturday. A little after 7 a.m. Saturday units responded to the call. Patrol officers responded to Route 15 in Mangilao where a lifeless man was found behind a residence, she said. As the case progresses, information will be provided. No other information can be commented on or released at this time, she said. The investigation continues and remains open, Savella added. A tentative date for an autopsy is scheduled for 9 a.m. Wednesday, she said. Four University of Guam students got to lead an important CHamoru Christmas tradition, the Nobenan Ninu, during Puengen Minagof Nochebuena, a holiday celebration CHamoru classes at the university host each year. The classes held Puengen Minagof on Dec. 1 with a nobena, CHamoru Christmas songs, belen displays and food. Sinot Cody Lizama, a CHamoru instructor at UOG, taught four of his students how to do the nobena in the native language of the Marianas. Someone has to keep the tradition going and the younger generations are the only ones that can do that, Lizama said. He said Tan Maria cant be expected to be the only one protecting and perpetuating the CHamoru language and culture so for him its important to pass down what previous generations have taught him. If we dont do it, no one else will, he said. CHamoru elders who have perpetuated the language and culture for many years need help to carry it on and shouldnt be the ones burdened with keeping it alive, he said. At some point we all need as a CHamoru people, we need to say, Are we gonna keep our language alive? And if we make that decision then whats the next step? And part of that is we need to say the nobena in CHamoru, Lizama said. He said its important to pass down the language through traditions like the nobena and its important to start now. Alana Ungacta, a junior at UOG, said she was nervous to say the nobena in CHamoru since it was her first time doing it, but she had fun. She said practicing with Lizama helped her get better and that being part of something she grew up with, but never led was a great experience. To keep it going and have the younger people get engaged in it. I think its a good thing, Ungacta said. Her family wants her to lead the nobena this year in CHamoru because of the experience and while shes nervous she said as long as she has the nobena book shell be fine. She said taking CHamoru has helped her grow her language skills and its nice to be learning it again as an adult. She said growing up you tend to be careless with the language, so she wants to learn more now and keep up with it, so she doesnt lose it. English For freshman Melody Cruz, her family does the nobena every Christmas, but they say it in English. Cruz said it was also her first time doing the nobena in CHamoru. However, she knew some prayers in CHamoru from her time at Eskuelan Pale or CCD. She said it was a little difficult to do the nobena in CHamoru because of some of the longer words used, but she had a great experience. She said Lizama was very helpful sending voice recordings and practicing with them to help them prepare for the event. After the nobena she called her grandma who was the CHamoru teacher at Eskuelan Pale and told her about the experience and her grandma said, Oh yeah Im the one who taught you that. Joelyn Mendiola, also a freshman, said it was her first time doing the nobena in CHamoru as well. She said shes heard it, but she never practiced it. She said getting to experience it fully was a really good experience and she had goosebumps throughout the experience. Mendiola has always been drawn to the CHamoru Christmas songs and Cruz said those are songs you grow up hearing in church around this time. I like to sing those songs. Theyre very catchy thats why, especially in CHamoru. The flow is very nice, Cruz said. Mendiola said saying the nobena in CHamoru is more interesting and better than saying it in English. Its what were losing now. Nobody practices saying it in CHamoru. Its more English because its easier. But I think that as you practice it, it becomes easy especially if you say it a lot, Mendiola said. Cruz said if she had started learning CHamoru through going to church and reading all the prayers she thinks it would have been easier to speak CHamoru outside of church because of the complexity and deeper language used. Just try Cruz said she would like to do the nobena in CHamoru even if shes just a beginner in learning the language because its important to just try because its something. Mendiola said she would also like to do the nobena in CHamoru as long as there are other people who are also into it. I would want everybody to be interested in it. Especially because I would want them to also practice so Im not the only one saying it and responding to it, she said. Both Cruz and Mendiola said the tough part of learning CHamoru these days is a lot of people arent invested in it so there arent many people who speak the language. For Cruz, her grandparents who were the ones who spoke CHamoru passed away and their kids didnt learn CHamoru growing up so she doesnt have a lot of people in her family to speak with. Keeping traditions like the Nobenan Ninu alive through the CHamoru language was important for the two because its been passed down for generations. Cruz said when she was much younger theyd go to nobenas more often, but now they dont really have them and if they do its in English. Mendiola said while keeping the nobena tradition alive even in English was good it wasnt the same as doing it in CHamoru. Cruz said there are just words in CHamoru that have a meaning that cant be explained in English. I hope one day I can start the tradition in my own home, Cruz said. Encouragement Cruz and Mendiola said the encouragement they got from the elders who attended the nobena really helped them feel confident and thats needed for CHamoru learners. Mendiola said they were all nervous to be techa, or the person that leads the prayers, but the people inside kept telling them theyd do great. She said youd expect them to be more critical since theyve been to nobenas led by an experienced techa, but they were all so encouraging. She said being discouraged shoots down peoples confidence and makes them not want to learn CHamoru. Cruz said it can kill the passion in wanting to learn the language and that shouldnt be the case since learners are at least trying. Practice makes perfect and how are you going to learn it if youre not practicing? And I feel like in this community we need to encourage our young generations because if you keep discouraging it then thats where our language and our culture in general will end, Mendiola said. Cruz said while its important for learners to be corrected there is a way to do it, so it doesnt discourage them and helps them get better. Just encourage them. Dont worry youll get there. Thanks for trying. Just words of encouragement or praising those are all important especially when youre learning a new language, Mendiola said. Cruz said sometimes shes scared to speak CHamoru around people her age because they can react negatively. Mendiola said some people think its funny, but shes not trying to be funny and is serious about the language. I feel like its important to have that connection because this is the only place you can have that, Cruz said. Big push Mendiola said being the techa helped her realize that she is capable of learning CHamoru and passing on the tradition. Being the techa was very moving, she said. It gave me a big push and I was like OK now you can do this or do that. Cruz said being the techa and hearing the people respond to what they were saying was great. Mendiola said experiencing what a techa goes through at the nobena like being offered food and being greeted after felt good. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 24. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva have attended a ceremony of the laying of the foundation stone for the 5th residential complex in the city of Aghdam. Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the liberated territories of the Karabakh Economic Region (except Shusha district) Emin Huseynov briefed the head of state and the First Lady on the construction project. The residential complex, with a total area of 12 hectares, will feature 1,115 apartments comprised of 25 one-room, 314 two-room, 552 three-room and 224 four-room ones. The complex will adhere to the approved master plan of the city. President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva watched a video showcasing the future appearance of the residential complex. The head of state laid the foundation stone for the fifth residential complex in the city of Aghdam. A man was arrested in connection to an assault of a construction worker on Nov. 12, according to a release from the Guam Police Department. AJ Soulik, 18, was arrested on suspicion of assault and robbery on Saturday. He was later charged in the Superior Court of Guam on Sunday with robbery as a second-degree felony, theft by complicity, assault and reckless conduct as misdemeanors, a magistrates complaint states. At around 11:57 p.m. Nov. 12 a male construction worker in Tamuning fell victim to a violent assault outside his barracks, the release states. The construction worker was approached by three males seeking a cigarette and he attempted to return to the safety of his barracks. The three males breached the compound, assaulting the man with a metal ashtray and kicks to the chest and face which resulted in injuries that required immediate medical attention, the GPD release states. An investigation conducted by the Community Crimes Task Force found security footage provided by the victims employer revealing a lead, the release states. Subsequent interviews, including one with a witness, identified AJ Soulik as one of the suspects. An All Points Bulletin was issued, leading to Souliks location and subsequent arrest on Saturday. He is confined at the Department of Corrections. The case remains open. Robbery According to the magistrates complaint, officers received a robbery complaint that occurred at Salas Dormitory on Tun Jose Fejeran St. in Tamuning. Medics were tending to a man who had suffered a head injury when being robbed by three males, the complaint states. The man told police that 30 minutes earlier, he had just finished sharing some beers with a friend in the parking lot when he noticed a male wearing a white shirt and black pants shaking the gate. The male asked for a cigarette, but the man told him he didnt smoke. The worker told his friend to go into the apartment after becoming suspicious and then he noticed two other males with the first one. One of the two other males came into the parking lot from the road and struck him on the side of the head with a metal ashtray on a stand, the complaint states. The victim fell to the ground and someone grabbed his tote bag he had been holding on his arm and fled. By the time he got up all three males had fled the area. The man said his tote bag had his ATM card, cash, identification cards and his cell phone. Officers conducted an injury check and noted the man had an area of the back of his head that had swollen, and he was transported to Guam Memorial Hospital for further medical treatment. Officers found a three-legged metal ashtray on its side at the entrance way to the dormitory. Surveillance camera footage obtained from the Salas Dormitory property manager of the time and date in question showed the victim appearing to stare at someone. Three male individuals who appeared to be in their teens appeared: one male wore a red shirt and blue shorts, another wore a green and black jacket and black shorts, and the third wore a white shirt and black shorts and had a green backpack. The male in red punched the victim in the face. The male in white threw a metal object which appeared to be the metal ashtray at the victim, which struck him. The male in green punched the victims face and the victim then fell down, the complaint states. The male in white used his right foot to kick the victim in the head as he tried to get up, the complaint states. The victim fell back and landed on his back. The male in green appeared to pick up two items on the ground using both hands. The suspects then ran away towards the fences entrance. The victim appeared to be disoriented and had difficulty maintaining his balance as he walked to retrieve his bicycle, the complaint states. Officers were informed by a former neighbor of Soulik, that the male in the red shirt was recognized as AJ, and were told that AJ lived at RC Apartment in Tamuning. After further research, officers were able to obtain a positive identification of AJ when shown photographs of Soulik, the complaint states. When it comes to celebrating Christmas, Filipinos throughout the world are known for incorporating their unique holiday traditions where they reside. Here on island, seeing the parol, a Filipino ornamental lantern with bright colors and dangling streamers, is a common sight this time of year. Many residents also celebrate Noche Buena, or Good Night referring to the night of Christmas Eve. Friends and family come together to enjoy special Filipino dishes late in the evening or at midnight. Another significant celebration comes from the Catholic faith. Misa de Gallo, Spanish for Roosters Mass, is celebrated in Spain and many former Spanish colonies like the Philippines. The Mass was celebrated at dawn to allow farmers to attend. They often had to work before sunrise to escape the blazing heat of the sun. Over the years, the tradition, also known as Simbang Gabi, made its way to Guam with several parishes holding the early morning Masses. The Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Piti, in particular, held a nine-day Novena from Dec. 16 to Dec. 24 at 5 a.m. It was attended by dozens of residents from all over the island. Priests from other village parishes also participated in the Masses. For many, attending the early morning Masses symbolizes their devotion and sacrifice as a testament to their faith. While others still lay asleep in their beds, those who attend the Masses need to start their day earlier, and then after the celebration, some still head to work. One of the parishioners of the Piti church, Maria Elena Juaneza, says its important to continue the tradition of Misa de Gallo to keep her faith alive and to connect to her roots. She believes its important to instill in the hearts and minds of younger generations that the celebration of Christmas is about the birth of the Child Jesus. We do not only prepare for the gift giving, the Christmas parties and festive decorations, but also to prepare our soul. We need to pray and reflect amidst our chaotic year, for we believe that if we complete the nine days dawn masses, our fervent prayer will be answered, says Juaneza. Following the Masses, attendees are treated to breakfast, including traditional Filipino dishes like bihon, pancit molo and siopao. Attendees contribute dishes or sometimes the breakfast is sponsored by families or groups. The breakfast is a valued chance for the friends and family to catch up and share holiday greetings. Based on the support and interest of the faithful this year and in previous years, it is likely that the Misa de Gallo will be celebrated next year. Dave Lotz is a vocal advocate for protecting Guams unique heritage, a knowledgeable and long-time hiking enthusiast and environmental advocate, and critic of inept government. He has been a resident of Guam since 1970 and retired from the Guam Department of Parks and Recreation, Andersen AFB Environmental Flight and the National Park Service. Haiti - FLASH : The Vatican authorizes the blessing of homosexual couples, reactions from the bishops of Haiti The document "Fiducia supplican" (pleading trust) on the pastoral meaning of blessings, published on December 18, 2023 by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, authorizes the blessing of homosexual couples and couples "in an irregular situation" (outside the traditional framework of marriage). The document distinguishes between a liturgical blessing and ordinary, spontaneous gestures of pastoral blessings. It is the latter which are proposed here, not to legitimize an irregular situation but to offer spiritual support to all. In the "Fiducia supplican" Pope Francis specifies "38. [...] 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 Churchs closeness to people in every situation in which they might seek Gods help through a simple blessing. In a brief prayer preceding this spontaneous blessing, the ordained minister could ask that the individuals have peace, health, a spirit of patience, dialogue, and mutual assistancebut also Gods light and strength to be able to fulfill his will completely. 39. In any case, precisely to avoid any form of confusion or scandal, when the prayer of blessing is requested by a couple in an irregular situation, even though it is expressed outside the rites prescribed by the liturgical books, this blessing should never be imparted in concurrence with the ceremonies of a civil union, and not even in connection with them. Nor can it be performed with any clothing, gestures, or words that are proper to a wedding.The same applies when the blessing is requested by a same-sex couple. 40. Such a blessing may instead find its place in other contexts, such as a visit to a shrine, a meeting with a priest, a prayer recited in a group, or during a pilgrimage. Indeed, through these blessings that are given not through the ritual forms proper to the liturgy but as an expression of the Churchs maternal heartsimilar to those that emanate from the core of popular pietythere is no intention to legitimize anything, but rather to open ones life to God, to ask for his help to live better, and also to invoke the Holy Spirit so that the values of the Gospel may be lived with greater faithfulness. [] Download the full text of "Fiducia supplicans" (PDF in English) : https://www.haitilibre.com/docs/Fiducia-supplicans-sur-la-signification-pastorale-des-benedictions-EN.pdf This is the first time that the Church has opened the way to blessing same-sex couples, even though it considers homosexual relations to be a sin, a decision that has sparked strong opposition in the United States, particularly from the conservative fringe... In Haiti, the Conference of Haitian Bishops in a note published on December 21, 2023 recalls "No right is granted to priests to bless homosexual couples who request a kind of religious recognition of their union" emphasizing that "marriage is the legitimate, exclusive and indissoluble union between a man and a woman, a union naturally open to procreation." Note from the Catholic Bishops of Haiti : "Following the Declaration 'Fiducia supplicans' on the pastoral meaning of blessings, published by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith on December 18, 2023, We, the Catholic Bishops of Haiti, consider it appropriate to give this clarification to all Catholics, to men and women of good will : The Declaration of the Vatican Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith distinguishes between liturgical or sacramental blessings and pastoral blessings. On the one hand, liturgical or sacramental blessings granted as part of a church celebration, such as the blessing of marriage which is reserved only for a man and a woman having the desire to found a family according to God's plan and the unchanged doctrine of the Catholic Church. In this sense the teaching of the Catholic Church on marriage remains firm, namely that marriage is the legitimate, exclusive and indissoluble union between a man and a woman, a union naturally open to procreation (cf. Genesis 1, 27-28; Mark 10, 7-9). So don't be upset. brothers and sisters in the Catholic faith. On the other hand, pastoral blessings given spontaneously by an ordained minister should not be withheld from anyone. They can be granted without distinction to all people who wish to receive the grace of God's merciful love in their lives. For this, we urge ordained ministers (priests, deacons) to ensure that ordinary pastoral blessings, non-liturgical or non-sacramental, given to anyone who requests them spontaneously, are not granted in a manner likely to interpret them as a liturgical or semi-liturgical act, similar to a sacrament. In this sense, unions between people of the same sex are not entitled to receive the blessing of marriage from the Catholic Church (Fiducia Supplicans, n.31). No right is granted to priests to bless homosexual couples who request some sort of religious recognition of their union. The Church cannot dispose of God's plans for marriage (cf. Commentary on Responsum ad dubium, March 15, 2021). Even following this declaration of the Dicastery, our Catholic Church remains faithful to this exhortation of Saint Paul to Timothy: "Keep the deposit of Faith in all its beauty, with the help of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us" (2 Timothy 1:14). May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother and Educator, Model of unshakeable Faith in God, come to our aid and accompany the Church of Her Beloved Son in its mission to lead each human person to God! Given, at the Headquarters of the Episcopal Conference of Haiti (CEH). on December 21, 2023. The signatures of the Catholic Bishops of Haiti follow: Mgr. Max Leroy MESIDOR: Metropolitan Archbishop of Port-au-Prince President of the CEH Mgr. Pierre Andre DUMAS: Bishop of Anse-a-Veau / Miragoane Vice-President of the CEH Mgr. Joseph Gontrand DECOSTE, SJ: Bishop of Jeremiah Secretary General of the CEH Mgr. Desinord JEAN: Bishop of Hinche Bursar of the CEH Chibly Cardinal LANGLOIS: Bishop of Cayes Advise Mgr. Yves Marie PEAN, CSC: Bishop of Gonaives Mgr. Launay SATURNE: Metropolitan Archbishop of Cap-Haitien Mgr. Marie Erick Glandas TOUSSAINT: Bishop of Jacmel Mgr. Quesnel ALPHONSE, SMM: Bishop of Fort-Liberte Mgr. Charles Peters BARTHELUS: Bishop of Port-de-Paix HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Assassination of Moise : Mario Antonio Palacios pleads guilty Friday December 22, 2023, former Colombian soldier Mario Antonio Palacios (45 years old) appeared in federal court in Miami (Florida) to change his statement after signing an agreement with the Prosecutor's Office. After denying his guilt for months and pleaded not guilty https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-36347-haiti-flash-former-colombian-soldier-mario-antonio-palacios-pleads-not-guilty-in-the-usa.html during a brief hearing before federal judge Jose E. Martinez he pleaded guilty to three counts, including conspiracy to commit murder or kidnapping outside the United States of President Jovenel Moise of Haiti (assassinated on 7 July 2021 https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34162-haiti-flash-president-jovenel-moise-assassinated-by-mercenaries-official-updated-7am-+-video.html ) As part of the deal with prosecutors, he agreed to cooperate with the investigation. Palacios faces life in prison when he is sentenced on March 1st, 2024, but under the deal, prosecutors acknowledged he played a minor role in the plot and did not have the power to make decisions within the group. After the hearing, his lawyer, Alfredo Izaguirre, described Palacios as just an escort and hoped he could avoid life in prison, the maximum sentence he faces. 3 defendants have already been sentenced to life in prison in this case: former Senator Joseph Joel John (52 years old) https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-41249-haiti-flash-former-senator-joseph-joel-john-sentenced-to-life-imprisonment-in-the-assassination-of-jovenel-moise.html , Alejandro Rivera Garcia, alias "Colonel Mike" a Colombian army officer in retirement https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40834-haiti-flash-assassination-of-the-president-a-member-of-the-colombian-commando-sentenced-to-life-imprisonment-in-the-usa.html ; Rodolphe Jaar, a drug trafficker already convicted in the United States https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-39685-haiti-flash-rodolphe-jaar-sentenced-to-life-imprisonment-in-the-usa-in-the-assassination-of-president-moise.html . A fourth, Joseph Vincent, a dual Haitian and American national, pleaded guilty this month https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-41139-haiti-flash-joseph-vincent-pleads-guilty-in-the-case-of-the-assassination-of-president-moise.html and awaits his sentence in February. See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-41249-haiti-flash-former-senator-joseph-joel-john-sentenced-to-life-imprisonment-in-the-assassination-of-jovenel-moise.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-41139-haiti-flash-joseph-vincent-pleads-guilty-in-the-case-of-the-assassination-of-president-moise.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40834-haiti-flash-assassination-of-the-president-a-member-of-the-colombian-commando-sentenced-to-life-imprisonment-in-the-usa.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-39685-haiti-flash-rodolphe-jaar-sentenced-to-life-imprisonment-in-the-usa-in-the-assassination-of-president-moise.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-36347-haiti-flash-former-colombian-soldier-mario-antonio-palacios-pleads-not-guilty-in-the-usa.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34162-haiti-flash-president-jovenel-moise-assassinated-by-mercenaries-official-updated-7am-+-video.html Links on the assassinations of President Moise : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-37052-haiti-politic-1st-anniversary-of-the-assassination-of-the-president-the-moise-family-rejects-the-invitation-of-the-state.html Also read about Mario Antonio Palacios : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-36347-haiti-flash-former-colombian-soldier-mario-antonio-palacios-pleads-not-guilty-in-the-usa.html https://www.haitilibre.com/article-35886-haiti-assassination-moise-audience-postponed-au-4-mars-palacios-plaidera-non-guilty-aux-usa.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-35696-haiti-flash-palacios-confessed-that-the-final-plan-was-to-assassinate-the-president-of-haiti.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-35677-haiti-news-zapping.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-35655-haiti-news-zapping.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-35640-haiti-flash-palacio-extradited-to-the-usa-first-official-indictment-in-the-assassination-of-president-moise.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-35618-haiti-assassination-of-the-president-2nd-request-for-extradition-from-haiti-rejected-jamaica-will-deport-palacio-to-colombia.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-35588-haiti-flash-haiti-tries-a-second-time-to-extradite-palacios.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-35247-haiti-flash-the-suspect-1-of-the-murder-of-jovenel-moise-cannot-be-extradited-to-haiti.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-35121-haiti-flash-haiti-requests-the-extradition-of-one-of-the-presumed-murderers-of-president-moise.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-35054-haiti-flash-a-key-suspect-in-the-assassination-of-jovenel-moise-arrested.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34218-haiti-flash-wanted-notice-for-a-very-dangerous-colombian-mercenary.html SL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - News : Zapping... Denial from the Canadian Embassy: The Canadian Ambassador to Haiti, Andre Francois Giroux, categorically denied rumors according to which the Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Melanie Joly, had requested a delay of 6 months to provide evidence to the Canadian Senate concerning the ongoing sanctions in Haiti against former Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe. He claims that such a request was never made. Crisis : the former PM Evans Paul deplores According to former Prime Minister Evans Paul "The Haitian actors have not reached an agreement to stem the crisis because they are not aware of the seriousness of the situation in the country" he deplores that the discussions between the protagonists are concentrated on who should lead the country instead of how to get it out of this multifaceted crisis in the long term. Montreal Haitian Consulate closed On the occasion of the celebration of the end of year holidays and the new year, the premises of the Consulate General of Haiti in Montreal will be closed from Monday, December 25, 2023 to Friday, January 5, 2024. Consular services will resume on Monday, January 8 2024, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The French Institute of Haiti closed "The French Institute of Haiti (IFH) will be closed from December 21, 2023 to January 8, 2024 for the end-of-year holidays. We look forward to seeing you in great shape in 2024. Happy Holidays !" A key to breaking the cycle of poverty In Haiti, education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty. The World Bank supports modernizing the education system, restoring schools and providing resources for more than 150,000 children, creating opportunities for a prosperous future. The Association of Industries of Haiti closed "Dear members, dear partners, the Association of Industries of Haiti (ADIH) announces that its doors have been closed since Wednesday, December 20, 2023, for the end of year celebrations. Activities will resume on Monday January 8, 2024, at usual hours (8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.). ADIH already wishes everyone a happy holiday season." HL/ HaitiLibre By William Schwartz | Published on 2023/12/23 December 22nd saw the release of the first part of "Gyeongseong Creature" on Netflix worldwide. Foreign personalities have taken note, with many expressing strong interest in the project. In the Phillippines, MJ Marfori described the "Gyeongseong Creature" as blending suspense and romance and succeeding in that challenge, saying that the series was sure to be a popular worldwide K-series. In Thailand, PoohChaiKonNun described the background and narrative as being quite good. Advertisement PoohChaiKonNun also stated that Park Seo-joon and Han So-hee's acting created much charm in the production. Elsewhere in Thailand, Tang Makkapon described "Gyeongseong Creature" as a look forward for Korean content production, calling it a series not to be missed because of the top quality of how it was shot. Praise has also been strong regarding the quality of the acting. TRUE ID of Thailand praised the directing quality and the acting quality in equal measure. Yaya Zahir of Malaysia described Park Seo-joon and Han So-hee's performances as being at the top of their form. Hani Fadzil of Malaysia called "Gyeongseong Creature" amazing because of the surprise of its production. Ayu Utami of Indonesia stated that the forties era sets and wardrobe were quite surprising. Alexander Simunjuntak of Indonesia likewise described the production quality as being great from the opening scene of the first episode. "Gyeongseong Creature" has also been covered in various English language publications, most notably with a feature in Time Magazine about its historical background, which can be read here. "Gyeongseong Creature" ranked sixth place in its first day on the international Netflix leaderboard according to FlixPatrol- quite high, as most Netflix series have depressed numbers until at least their second day. The second part of "Gyeongseong Creature" will stream worldwide on January 4th. Written by William Schwartz ___________ "Gyeongseong Creature" is directed by Jeong Dong-yoon, written by Kang Eun-kyeong, and features Park Seo-joon, Han So-hee, Claudia Kim, Kim Hae-sook, Jo Han-chul, Wi Ha-jun. Broadcasting information in Korea: 2023/12/22 & 2024/01/05~Upcoming, Fri on Netflix. Login or sign up to follow actresses, movies & dramas and get specific updates and news Login Sign Up New Ad-free Subscriber Login Email Password Password Username Subscribe to our daily NewsLetter Your E-mail will only be used to retrieve a lost password or receive our NewsLetter. Stay logged in Lost password Contact A person removes a piece of art work by Banksy, which shows what looks like three drones on a traffic stop sign, which was unveiled at the intersection of Southampton Way and Commercial Way in Peckham, south east London, Friday Dec. 22, 2023. (Aaron Chown/AP) LONDON A second suspect was arrested in the alleged theft of a work by the elusive street artist Banksy of a stop sign adorned with three military drones, London police said Sunday. A man in his 40s was in custody on suspicion of theft and criminal damage, the Metropolitan police said. A suspect in his 20s who was arrested Saturday was released on bail. Advertisement Witnesses who arrived at a street corner Friday in the south London section of Peckham less than an hour after Banksy posted a photo of the work on Instagram said they were stunned to watch a man with bolt cutters remove the sign as another man steadied a bike he stood on. The incident was captured in photos and video. Advertisement Much of Banksys political and satirical art is critical of war, and many of his followers interpreted the work as calling for a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 24. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has examined the ongoing works on the internal roads of the city of Aghdam. Chairman of the Board of the State Agency of Azerbaijan Automobile Roads Saleh Mammadov briefed the head of state on the progress of the construction progress. As outlined in the General Plan of the city of Aghdam approved by the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture, the total length of internal roads in the city is 189.7 kilometers. The foundation stone for the internal road and communication network of the city was laid on October 4, 2022, with the participation of President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva. The city`s highway spans 17.5 kilometers, with a width of 55-60 meters and comprising 6-8 traffic lanes. Under the auspices of the First State Program on the Great Return, the construction of Aghdam`s internal roads is slated for completion by 2026. Edwards honors military academy nominees as 'cream of the crop' U.S. Merchant Marine Academy-bound Michael Puzerewski and Anita Zavyalova, who will attend the Naval Academy, pose with U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards. U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards clearly enjoyed celebrating the "top-notch" high school seniors he had nominated for admission to U.S. military service academies. When I got elected to Congress, I didn't realize this was one of the things I get to do," the freshman congressman said during a reception for the applicants at his 11th Congressional District headquarters in Hendersonville. "It has been such a pleasure, such a joy and such an honor to have been involved in this. I've been so proud to have been a part of it and I've learned a great deal. This committee just asked some incredible questions, every one of which I learned from. Edwards called on Julia Ledbetter, a 2023 graduate of Hendersonville High School who just finished her first semester at the Naval Academy, to describe the experience. The best advice I can give anyone is: Great," she said. "Definitely we work really hard. Its a lot, but it's worth every minute of it. A weekend visit to the Annapolis, Maryland, campus for prospective applicants convinced Anita Zavyalova, a senior at A.C. Reynolds High School, that she wanted to attend the U.S. Naval Academy. Everyone there was so striving towards success and I wanted to be a part of that environment, Zavyalova said. She plans to specialize in cyber operations. Although the Navy requires academy graduates to serve five more years after graduation, Zavyalova sees herself as a career Navy officer. Shed like an assignment in Germany but is ready to go if her country asks her to deploy to a combat zone. It's what the Navy wants me to do, so I'll do whatever the Navy asks, she said. Michael Puzerewski of Fairview, who attends Holy Innocence home-school Academy, is the other applicant to have been admitted. Two older brothers also were admitted to his destination, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York. Nominees awaiting word on their applications were Cayden Cannon, U.S. Military Academy; James, O'Neill, High School; Miles Edwards, U.S. Air Force Academy, Asheville High School; Luke Garner, U.S. Air Force Academy, Christ School; Cedric Gordon, U.S. Air Force Academy, Asheville High School; Matthew Hyatt, U.S. Naval Academy, North Buncombe High School; William Lawing, U.S. Air Force Academy Nesbitt, Discovery Academy; Nathaniel Leftwich, U.S. Naval Academy, Pisgah High School; and James Lilly, U.S. Naval Academy, Christ School; Chloe Smith, U.S. Naval Academy, North Henderson High School; and Lillian Whitesides, U.S. Naval Academy, Franklin High School. "It's really been invigorating for me to see such top notch individuals apply for these military academies," Edwards said. "So many people are down on youth today, for various reasons, but it was so special for me to get to meet each individual here and see their high academic achievements, their energy and their passion for serving our country. And it was very easy decision to put every one of their names forward as as a nominee. "These folks here are the cream of cream of the crop," he added. "They're going to be true leaders in our society and in our military forces." Edwards also thanked members of the congressional district committee, made up of retired military officers who graduated from a service academy, for vetting and interviewing the applicants. Committee members are Maj. General Rick Devereaux, USAF (ret.) chair; Maj Richard G. Augur, USAF Reserves (ret.); Kelly McCartney, USAF (ret.); Capt. Kevin C Albright, USN (ret.); Col. Walton Wright Curl, MD, US Army (ret.); Capt. George H. (Herb) Mensch, USN (ret.); and Col. John Plant, US Army (ret.). THE Arts Society Henley held its annual meeting at Henley Rugby Club in November. The meeting was followed by a talk by Barry Venning called With a little help from their friends: the Beatles and their artists. Barry took us on a journey through the Sixties in music and images, following the Beatles from the Hamburg Reeperbahn in 1960 to Abbey Road in 1969. The band were always fascinated by the visual arts and Stuart Sutcliffe, the fifth Beatle, was a prodigiously talented painter. Paul McCartney also took up painting while Ringo Starr had great visual sense. He took his camera everywhere and some of his best photos are of a professional standard. The Beatles learned very early on that artists and designers could help promote their image and their music and they changed the way album covers looked and felt. Their personal image too was important adopting the dark look fashionable in Hamburg to the more TV-friendly look encouraged later by Brian Epstein. Their rise to global fame was aided and recorded by an impressive roster of photographers, including Astrid Kirchherr, Bob Freeman, Robert Whitaker, Angus McBean and Linda McCartney. The innovative covers for releases such as Rubber Soul (Freeman), Revolver (Klaus Voormann), the White Album (Richard Hamilton) and Sgt. Pepper (Peter Blake and Jann Haworth) turned album design into an art form in its own right. McBean shot the photo for the first Beatles album, Please Please Me, in 1962, a view taken within the EMI building with the band looking down a staircase. Freeman took the photograph for their second album, With the Beatles, in 1963, creating a moody Kafkaesque feeling. The photo was taken in a dimly lit corridor in the Palace Court Hotel in Bournemouth. Freeman was then contracted to produce the cover for A Hard Days Night in 1964. This is based on numerous compact photographs with the band members pulling faces and then organised to look like a reel of film. Help, which was released in 1965 to coincide with the release of their second film, was designed by Freeman with the Beatles dressed in their winter clothes and adopting semaphore poses. The actual semaphore reads not HELP but NUJV as HELP didnt look aesthetically pleasing in semaphore pose. Their second 1965 album, Rubber Soul, represented a change in musical direction. This was reflected in the cover, showing distorted faces a look accidentally achieved when Freeman was projecting the photo on to an LP-sized piece of cardboard which fell backwards slightly, elongating the projected image. Thereafter the Beatles parted ways with Freeman while Klaus Voormann (who produced the Bee Gees first album cover) became their next photographer. By now the Beatles were the biggest band on the planet. Revolver, in 1966, the title chosen to indicate an LP revolving on a turntable and not a gun, introduced illustrations, possibly influenced by drawings of Audrey Beardsley, interspersed with photos of the band in various poses. The cover of Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band, released in 1967, was designed by Haworth, Blake, Robert Frazer and Michael Cooper and reflected a move towards flower power. Dressed in uniforms, the Beatles are surrounded by no less than three sportsmen, one prime minister and seven comedians, among many other famous faces including Karl Marx, Bob Dylan and Aldous Huxley. When Mae West was asked for her photo to be included, she famously replied: What would I be doing in a lonely hearts club? It was rumoured that EMI set aside 1million to deal with potential lawsuits for using unauthorised photos. What looks to modern eyes as an easy photocollage was the result of lifesize cut-outs projected against a background with the Beatles posing in front of them. The White Album in 1968 stands in sharp contrast to Sgt. Pepper, with its plain white background and embossed lettering. The initial copies were all individually numbered, mimicking editions of limited artwork. Photographs of the band are on the inside only. In 1969 we saw the by now most famous pedestrian crossing in the world on the cover of Abbey Road, named after the street where the EMI studios were located. It is the only Grade II listed crossing in the world. The idea came from McCartney with photography by Iain McMillan. Several takes resulted in the Beatles walking across in perfect unison. Spot the unintended person in the background, an American tourist who happened to be in the area. Barry Venning is an art historian whose interests and teachings range from the art of late medieval Europe to global contemporary art. He is a published author with an ongoing research interest in post-colonial art and British visual satire. In the afternoon, John Benjamin gave the presidents welcome talk on Carl Faberge. Born in 1836, Peter Carl Faberge was the son of a jeweller in St Petersburg. The Faberge family were originally French Huguenots, who were expelled from France in 1685. Carl showed great promise as an artist and jeweller and, given his precocious talent, was sent on a European grand tour, both to learn about art and jewellery and about business. On his return to St Petersburg, at the age of 24, he took over the family jewellers and developed many exquisite pieces, including the famous eggs for the Russian royal family. The first Imperial Egg, given in 1885 as an Easter gift by Czar Alexander III to his wife, created a tradition which made the Faberge name legendary. Just 50 imperial Easter eggs were created. The business greatly expanded under the patronage of the Russian royal family and through their connections with the royal houses of Europe. Faberge established shops throughout what is now Russia and Ukraine and had one shop overseas (in London), partly thanks to the patronage of the British royal family. In 1918, the Faberge business was nationalised by the Bolsheviks and Faberge escaped. He lived the rest of his life in European hotels, dying in Lausanne in 1920. His children re-established the company in Paris after the revolution and it is still extant. The provenance of Faberge items is confused by many copies but the extremely high quality of the originals means that fakes can almost always be detected. The market remains very strong, although at present is limited by sanctions on Russia. The Arts Society Henley has more than 520 members and meets at Henley Rugby Club on the third Thursday of the month. For more information, call Monnik Vleugels on 07505 778405 or visit henley.theartssociety.org Monnik Vleugels BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 24. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has attended the opening of the Barda-Aghdam highway. The head of state was informed about the accomplished works. The foundation stone for the Barda-Aghdam highway was laid by President Ilham Aliyev on May 28, 2021. Stretching over 44.5 km from the city of Barda, the highway project included the construction of significant infrastructure elements, such as 91.3 meter and 18.2 meter motorway bridges, 66 meter and 43 meter road junctions, and three pedestrian overpasses. The highway will traverse over 20 residential areas. Toyota Motor Co. has suspended shipments of six car models in certain Southeast Asian nations due to a safety scandal involving its subsidiary, Daihatsu Motor Co. This picture shows a Daihatsu Motor sales office in Tokyo on December 22, 2023. (Photo by Kazuhiro NOGI / AFP)(AFP) The affected models, including Veloz and Avanza, were developed in collaboration with Daihatsu. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Daihatsu, specialising in small cars and trucks popular in Japan, is a unit of Toyota. Shipments to Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Cambodia have been halted, comprising about 5 per cent of Toyota's production in Asia. Despite this, the impact is not expected to be significant, and Toyota is collaborating with authorities to resume shipments. The suspension follows a safety lapse revealed in an investigation, leading to Daihatsu's suspension of all shipments and the halt of its Japan plants. What is the Toyota scandal? This decision comes after a safety investigation uncovered issues in 64 models, including nearly two dozen sold under Toyota's brand. Japanese transport ministry officials conducted an inspection of Toyota subsidiary Daihatsu on Thursday, a day after the announcement of the suspension of all shipments by the small car unit within and outside Japan. Earlier this year, safety test irregularities prompted an independent panel investigation, exposing widespread and systematic problems at Osaka-based Daihatsu Motor Co. This incident adds to a series of safety or other violations found at least five of Japan's major automakers in recent years. Citing the panel's results, Toyota Motor Corp. reported on Wednesday that the Daihatsu probe identified 174 new cases of irregularities in safety tests and other procedures across 25 test categories, in addition to previously reported issues. What has Daihatsu said? Daihatsu president Soichiro Okudaira apologised, acknowledging the breach of trust with customers and characterising the safety testing and procedural lapses as a neglect of safety certificates. We are sorry to have betrayed the trust of our customers, said Okudaira. The problem surfaced in April with Daihatsu reporting improper testing on door linings, followed by issues in side collision testing in May, including data falsifications and the use of unauthorised testing procedures. The investigation revealed problems in 64 models and three vehicle engines, affecting models sold by Toyota, Mazda Motor Corp., and Subaru Corp. in Japan, as well as Toyota and Daihatsu models sold internationally. How Toyota responded? 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 revitalise Daihatsu as a company, Toyota said in a statement. (Inputs from wires) Former Telangana minister and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president K Taraka Ramarao has slammed Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah for taking a U-turn on the hijab row. He said that the Congress party is known for breaking promises after coming to power. Congress not known for': KTR slams Siddaramaiah on Hijab row in Karnataka(HT_PRINT) Also Read - Hijab ban to be lifted in Karnataka, what to wear personal choice: Siddaramaiah Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here When asked about his reaction to the lifting of the "ban" on hijab at Karnataka educational institutions, KTR said, No, they have not lifted the ban yet. The Karnataka CM said that he is still thinking about it. This is what the Congress is popular for. Making promises before the elections and then breaking them by not fulfilling them. Not just in Karnataka, but it has been happening in Telangana as well. Speaking at an event in Mysuru on Friday, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah said, We will be withdrawing the ban on hijab which was imposed by the previous BJP government. I have directed the officials on the same and an official order will come soon regarding it. What to wear and what to eat is a personal choice. Why should the government obstruct such issues? Wear what you want and eat what you feel like. However, on Saturday, Siddaramaiah clarified that the ban has not been lifted yet. We have not lifted the ban yet. We are thinking about it. After speaking to experts, we will take a call," he added. The hijab controversy first erupted in January last year when six students of the Government Pre-University (PU) College in Udupi accused the institutes administration of not allowing them to enter the premises with their hijab on. The Muslim girls protested outside the institute after being denied entry. In response, several Hindu students started attending classes wearing saffron shawls in several educational institutions. On March 15 last year, the Karnataka high court declared that wearing the hijab was not mandatory in Islam and upheld the executive order. The students have moved the Supreme Court. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 24. The European Investment Bank (EIB) is currently providing technical assistance to Azerbaijan in a project, supporting the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), an EIB spokesperson told Trend. In particular, according to the source, EIB Global, the bank's branch responsible for operations outside the EU, is currently providing advisory support for safety improvements at level-crossings along the Baku - Boyuk Kesik Railway Corridor which is an important link in the Middle Corridor. "This advisory support will assist Azerbaijan Railways in the analysis, prioritization of interventions, and the scoping of design studies. The EIB provides this support under the Facility for Eastern Partnership Investment in Connectivity (EPIC) which offers Eastern partnership countries free advisory support and technical assistance to improve transport connections," the source explained. The spokesperson noted that EIB Global stands ready to consider financing projects, both in the public and private sector that are in line with the cooperation priorities between the EU and Azerbaijan. Meanwhile, the EIB has been collaborating with Azerbaijan since 2014. Operating within the guidelines of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP), the Eastern Partnership (EaP), and other bilateral agreements within the EU, the bank has invested over 96 million euros in the country. In partnership with a local bank, the EIB has granted funding totaling 25 million euros to support over 120 enterprises. Amid surge in Covid-19, Karnataka has recorded 104 new Covid cases on Saturday, with total active cases rising to 273, according to the health bulletin released by the health department on Sunday. The state has also recorded four deaths due to Covid since December 15. Karnataka logs in 104 fresh Covid cases, total active cases are now 273 The state government is closely monitoring the Covid situation in the state as neighboring Kerala saw a sharp uptick in the number of cases. The government has already alerted the health officials of border districts of the state. However, there are no travel restrictions imposed at this point. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Also Read - Locals should be given priority for work, says Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah On Friday, the government formed a new cabinet sub-committee which will reportedly coordinate with the existing Technical Advisory Committee (TAC). The new sub-committee to tackle Covid-19 includes state health minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, medical education minister Sharanprakash Rudrappa Patil, social welfare minister HC Mahadevappa and higher education minister MC Sudhakar. Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah in an announcement said that people need not panic and that precautions need to be taken to avoid the risk of getting infected. Earlier, Karnataka government has released an advisory in which it stated that the individuals aged 60 and above, those with comorbidities (especially kidney, heart, and liver ailments), pregnant women, and lactating mothers should wear face masks when outdoors. Additionally, they are strongly advised to refrain from visiting closed, poorly ventilated spaces, and crowded areas. Karnataka health minister Dinesh Gundu also stressed that he directed the officials to increase the number of tests rapidly. According to data accessed by PTI, 28 private universities have been established in Gujarat during the last five years while 15 universities were set up in Maharashtra. HT Image Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka welcomed 14 and 10 universities respectively during the period. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here "Private University is established by an Act passed by the concerned state legislature and Notification issued by the concerned state government," a senior education ministry official said. "The name of a private university is included in the list of universities by the University Grants Commission (UGC) as per Section 2(f) of the UGC Act, 1956, on receipt of the copies of the Act and notification from the university," he said. Such private universities are empowered to award general degree programmes without the specific approval of the UGC, the official said. "However, the approvals for running professional and medical programmes are given by the respective regulatory or statutory bodies and such programmes are governed by the norms of respective bodies such as All Indian Council for Technical Education, National Medical Commission, and Dental Council of India," he added. Seven private universities were established in Chhattisgarh in the last five years while Jharkhand and Rajasthan saw the setting up of six universities each during the period. Five universities each were established in Bihar, Odisha, Uttarakhand and Telangana while four each were set up in Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Manipur, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Sikkim, and Uttar Pradesh. "UGC regularly consults the institutions and universities and ensures that the norms are followed by them. GC has informed that no major violations of UGC have been reported against these institutions so far," the official said. At 40, the maximum number of private universities were established in the 2018-19 academic session, while 34 universities were established during the 2021-22 academic session during the last five years. A 17-year-old boy succumbed to injuries at a hospital days after being allegedly assaulted by some students from his school in northeast Delhi's Bhajanpura area, police said on Sunday. A 17-year-old boy succumbed to injuries at a hospital days after being allegedly assaulted by some students from his school in northeast Delhi's Bhajanpura area(Representational image) On December 12, an altercation took place between the victim and the group of students over a petty issue, however, the matter was resolved following the intervention of some elders, police said. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here "At around 5 pm on December 15, the victim was attacked by the accused and sustained injuries on his face and head. He went home after getting first aid," said a senior police officer. However, he lost consciousness on Saturday morning and was taken to GTB Hospital, from where he was referred to RML hospital, police said. He died around 10.30 pm on Saturday, they said. A case of assault was registered and a probe has been launched to ascertain the cause of death, said police. In the heart of Lucknow, where the citys celebrated Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb weaves a rich cultural tapestry, the Christian community stands as a vibrant testament to unity and tradition. Beyond the census statistics that peg the Christian population at a modest 0.58%, the resonance of their spirit reverberates a hundredfold, especially during the enchanting seasons of Christmas and New Year. Preparations for Christmas celebration at Chathedral Church in Lucknow on Saturday . (Deepak Gupta/ht) That could explain, something that Catholic Diocese records also show, that perhaps drawn by citys spirit, those who arrived in Lucknow, mostly stayed back. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here The Christan community here is nearly 160 years old. We have quite a few octogenarians who have become an integral part of Lucknow where they have lived for years with their families, said Father Donald DSouza, a member of the Catholic Diocese of Lucknow. As Christmas Day rehearsals at Cathedral Church are underway, some Christian families whose forefathers settled here ages ago, admit to the citys spirit of celebrating diversity, an aspect that scales up the good cheer on Christmas. My great grandfather had converted to Christianity. He faced a lot of backlash from his family and community. He then moved to Lucknow and became a pastor at St. Peters Church. Since then, our ancestors stayed here and every generation after him, up until me, took up the same life. My grandfather and my father both became pastors at the same church though I might have ultimately broken the chain, said Uttam Kumar, a fourth-generation Catholic, in love with Lucknows spirit that celebrates diversity. Suzanna Kumar, too recalls attending Sunday masses regularly since she was a child. She studied in a convent school, completed her higher studies from a Catholic University. Maybe it was a conscious decision on the part of my parents to get me to study in Christian institutions. Now, in Lucknow, we have a community I find myself most comfortable in. I cannot imagine ringing in Christmas and eating the first slice of Christmas cake without my family, fellow church members and all others, said Suzanna. As the stories go, an Irish priest Father Gleeson bought some marshy land in the Hazratganj area in 1860 for a bigger church since the Church until then in the Daliganj area was too small. Gradually, the space in the new Church too, built for a community of about 300 Catholics became inadequate. So in 1970, the then existing Church was demolished and a new Church was built exactly at the place of the old Church and was consecrated in 1977, said Father DSouza. The All Saints Garrison Church at Lucknow Cantonment area follows a similar story, itself being over 110 years old. The first Anglican church in Lucknow, it was constructed for the British troops stationed here. According to certain historical narratives, during the reign of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, there were no places of worship for Christians. So, following in the footsteps of his predecessor, the Nawab would allow Catholics to pray in the imambaras. Thousands gather to celebrate All Souls Day as well, and in the run-up to Christmas, rehearsals for carol evenings, choir performances and nativity plays too happen in every church. The 1998 batch of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has raised 57 crore for the institution as part of their silver jubilee reunion celebration. More than 200 alumni contributed to this fund which will be used to upgrade the hostels, set up a new AI lab, and to give need-based scholarships. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay. (File) I am deeply grateful to the Class of 1998 for their generosity, which will help accelerate IIT Bombays growth and contribute to our shared vision of excellence. Bound by a collective spirit and a shared commitment, the Class of 1998s contribution has left a significant mark on their legacy at their alma mater. Their dedication to IIT Bombay demonstrates the enduring bonds forged during their formative years and serves as an inspiration for all alumni. Together, we are shaping a future where IIT Bombay will stand amongst the worlds top universities, fuelled by the collective efforts of our diverse and accomplished community, Professor Subhasis Chaudhuri, the director of IIT Bombay, said. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here This fund will be used to create sustainable and eco-friendly hostels for students, makerspace labs which will include a new micro AI factory, and to fund projects at the Centre for Machine Intelligence and Data Minds (C-MInDS). The proceeds will also be used to disburse need-based scholarships and to create the first-of-its-kind endowment fund. We have suggested that these funds be disbursed over the next three to four years, Apoorv Saxena, Silver Lake Partners managing director and one of the contributors, said. Key donors include Saxena, Peak XV Partners managing director Shailendra Singh, DeepMinds Dileep George, HCLs chief growth officer Shrikanth Shetty, co-founder and CEO of Indovance Sandesh Joshi, Great Learnings CEO Mohan Lakhamraju, Vector Capitals managing director Anupam Banerjee, and Avinas founder and CEO Vishal Shah. It is not known who contributed the maximum amount. The person wants to remain anonymous but I can tell you that no single contribution exceeds more than half the total contributions, Saxena said. This is the highest combined contribution by a single class. Previously, the batch of 1971 had raised 41 crore for their golden jubilee celebrations. Nandan Nilekani had made the largest individual contribution to the institute in June with a contribution of $38.5 million ( 315 crore), adding to his previous grants totalling 85 crore. In August, an anonymous alumnus had contributed $18.6 million ( 153 crore) for climate research through a green energy and sustainability research hub. The Maharashtra state legislature disqualified Congress MLA Sunil Kedar on Saturday, a day after he was convicted for five years for the 125 crore financial irregularities in Nagpur District Central Cooperative Bank in 2002. Sunil Kedar (File) The notification was issued by the state legislature secretary Jitendra Bhole on Saturday as per the provisions in Article 191 (1)(e) of the Constitution of India read with Section 8 of the Representation of Peoples Act. The action was taken after Nagpur police informed the legislature about the conviction. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Now, therefore, in accordance with sub-clause (a)of clause (3) of article 190 of the Constitution of India, the seat of Shri Kedar, has become vacant from the date of his conviction, i.e. 22nd December 2023, the notification said. Kedar, a former minister and a five-term MLA from Saoner in Nagpur in Vidarbha, was convicted under sections 406, 409, 468, 471, 120(B) and 134 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) by an assistant chief judicial magistrate in Nagpur on Friday. He has been sentenced to five years of rigorous imprisonment along with a fine of 12.50 lakh. After the conviction of more than two years, any member automatically becomes disqualified as per the ruling in Lily Thomas case, said Bhole. The disqualification can be reviewed if any upper court stays the conviction awarded by the Nagpur court. The stay to sentence or the bail to the convict does not affect the disqualification, said another official from the state legislature. The strength of the Congress in the legislative Assembly, whose term ends in October next year, has dropped to 44 after the disqualification of Kedar. The district cooperative bank lost 125 crore in government securities in 2002 as rules were flouted while investing funds through Home Trade Securities, an investment firm. In a city overrun with glitz and glamour, glint and glimmer, next week will witness a celebration of a decidedly different nature: the commemoration of freedom fighter, political activist and Gandhian Dr GG Parikh, a longtime resident of Tardeo, who will achieve the high watermark of turning a hundred years old, in a life distinguished by integrity, selfless service and commitment to the greater good. Malavikas Mumbaistan: A Stalwart and a Centenarian To be held at the University Convocation Hall, the evening will feature a keynote lecture by author, historian and grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, Rajmohan Gandhi, in the presence of chief guest, veteran politician Sharad Pawar and other admirers of the centenarian. It will shed light on his inspiring life and legacy. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Born in 1924, Dr Parikh, or GG as he is affectionately referred to, was present at the August Kranti Marg when Mahatma Gandhi delivered his historic Quit India Speech in 1942, calling for a nationwide stir against British rule in India. Organised by the All India Congress Committee, it had been a watershed moment in the freedom struggle and along with hundreds of nationalists, GG had been promptly arrested for his participation and incarcerated in a jail in Worli for ten months. As a young man, GGs socialist leanings and belief in Gandhis teachings had led him to join the Congress Socialist Party, but when it parted ways with the mothership in 1948, he departed along with his comrades, to form the Socialist Party of India, actively participating in its founding conference in Nashik and remaining a loyal soldier to the cause, right up till the time, when after many variations and modifications it had merged into the Janata Party in 1977. For his activism during the Emergency and his association with the firebrand leader George Fernandes, GG was arrested on October 23, 1975, making him one of those rare individuals to be at the receiving end of two extreme acts of authoritarianism, in the countrys darkest chapters. *** When I meet him at his modest, book-cramped apartment at Grant Road, Parikhs recollection of those heady times is still vivid. An unfortunate railway accident, sustained in his seventies, has made sitting up difficult but hasnt prevented the stalwart from pursuing a rigorous daily activity that would put a twenty-year-old to shame. Reclining in bed, his eyes still light up with the fire of idealism, when he recalls Gandhis warnings that the Congress would do well to watch out for power going to its collective head once Freedom had been achieved. He was concerned that the White Imperialist should not be replaced by his Indian counterpart, says GG. But after Independence when Nehru moved into Teen Murti Bhavan, which had been built by the British as the residence of the Commander-in-Chief of the British Indian Army, I could see the writing on the wall he says. Thus began his career in political activism and a lifetime of fighting social oppression, injustice and inequality wherever he encountered it. Even today, that zeal and outspokenness hasnt dimmed and he refers to Indias current political scenario as an undeclared Emergency. *** The son of a doctor, GGs high-mindedness had been a result of the heady idealism of his era I remember as children, we would sit for hours discussing how we would assassinate an Englishman, he laughs None of us had ever set eyes on one, or had any idea how we were going to achieve this goal, but because the atmosphere was rife with the heroism of Bhagat Singh, we too were inspired to think along those lines, he says. So, we spent hours discussing how we had to strengthen our bodies to be able to swim across mighty rivers and sleep on prison floors, he says, with characteristic self-deprecation. Even a few minutes spent with GG is enough to see that like all truly worthwhile individuals, he does not take himself or his achievements too seriously. Having never sought the limelight or pursued power and pelf, it is obvious that he regards the fuss surrounding his achieving centenarian status with a pinch of salt too. This disregard for self-glorification and the outward appearances of status and authority have ensured that GG never ran for office or joined electoral politics even though he had many opportunities to do so, Real social reform can never be achieved through political power, he tells me over his favourite lemon tea, Real reform can only come through moral authority, the kind that Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King possessed. *** Given how dear the values of socialism and Gandhis tenets are to GG, it is not surprising that along with his lifelong dedicated practice as a doctor, he has devoted his life to the upliftment of rural India. In 1961 when Maharashtra was being torn apart by communal tensions, he started the Yusuf Meherally Centre, named after his hero, the trade unionist and socialist leader, with the objective of integrating and uniting people. In 1967, the Centre opened a branch in Tara, Raigad, where it functions from a 15-acre campus running a 20-bed hospital, two free High Schools (Urdu and Marathi medium), a hostel for economically- poor girl students, and various rural development initiatives. GGs late wife Mangalaben Parikh had played a pivotal role in its setting up and despite his age and difficulty in walking, even today GG travels the 90km journey almost daily to oversee its functioning. Over time the centre started working on the problems that were emerging from rapid urbanisation happening in Mumbai, he says. We concluded that the solutions to the problems of urbanisation lie not in the cities but in the hinterland. Rural areas need to develop and have basic amenities so that people stay there. No one should have to leave their village because they have no other option, it should be the responsibility of city dwellers to ensure this, says the stalwart, who at over six feet and clad in his usual attire of homespun khadi, is a dead-ringer for Abdul Ghaffar Khan, The Frontier Gandhi, another icon of an altogether more exhilarating age. However, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has urged people to exercise restraint and said the Supreme Court has accepted the curative petition filed by the state government on the Maratha reservation issue and scheduled a hearing on January 24. This has opened a "window of hope' for the community, the CM said in a video message. HT Image Jarange had given the state government time till December 24 to fulfil his demand of reservation for the Maratha community. Addressing a massive rally in Beed district of Marathwada region on Saturday, Jarange said, "I will start an indefinite hunger strike at the Azad Maidan in Mumbai from January 20. It is difficult to suppress the Marathas. We will not return without getting reservation for the community." Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here He claimed "crores" of people from the Maratha community will come to Mumbai on January 20. The quota activist said he will leave his Antarwali Sarati village in Jalna district on foot and reach Mumbai and members from the community will also join him. Meanwhile, in a video message, CM Shinde said the state government's legal team comprising a battery of efficient lawyers will present its view before the Supreme Court and make all efforts to prove that the Maratha community is socially and economically backward. The State Backward Class Commission has been gathering empirical data on a "large scale" on the Maratha community and its plight, he said. The CM asserted his government is committed to giving reservation to the Maratha community and urged people to observe restraint. He also said that quota benefits of other groups will remain untouched while giving reservation to the Marathas. Shinde said the previous Devendra Fadnavis-led government had given reservation to the Maratha community, which was upheld by the Bombay High Court. However, the Supreme Court struck it down as the Maha Vikas Aghadi government (led by Uddhav Thackeray) failed to prove its point before the court. "The observations of the Supreme Court (while striking down the reservation) will be taken into cognisance while gathering empirical data about the Maratha community. This will help in presenting the case before the Supreme Court," the CM said. Thane, Dec 24 (PTI) More than 1,000 cases of child malnutrition have been found in Maharashtra's Thane district neighbouring Mumbai, according to officials. HT Image Currently, there are 83 cases of `severe acute malnutrition' and 1,161 cases of `moderate acute malnutrition' in the district, an official release said. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Every effort will be made to end malnourishment in Thane within six months, Zilla Parishad chief executive officer (CEO) Manuj Jindal on Friday said after visiting the families of some of the malnourished children in the districts Shahapur taluka. To bring down the number of malnourished children, 'Kuposhan Muktisathi Dattak-Palak Abhiyan' has been undertaken in the district in which government officials will adopt one child each and take care of him/her, the release said. During his visit, the CEO took stock of the work being carried out at the public health centres in villages and child treatment centres. He asked the officials to be in touch with the adopted children every 15 days and also directed the anganwadi workers, ASHA (accredited social health activist) workers, doctors, nurses and supervisors to visit the malnourished children daily and check their progress. Three police constables from Rajasthans Alwar were booked and suspended on charges of gang-raping and threatening an 18-year-old woman, police said. According to the complaint filed by the woman, she was raped on two separate occasions in the past one year. (Representative Photo) The woman filed a complaint at the Raini police station on Saturday night, where she stated that she was raped by the three on November 22 last year and again on December 8 this year. We have shunted the three constables to the police line to conduct a further investigation, said the Alwar superintendent of police (SP) Anand Sharma. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Sharma said that a case has been lodged against the three accused under sections 376-D (gangrape), 384 (threatening) of the Indian Penal Code, and also the relevant sections of the POCSO Act as she was a minor last year during the first rape. The woman in her first information report (FIR) said that she was raped by the three first on November 22, 2022, while she was working in a field and then again on December 8, 2023. Following the incident, the three constables also had been threatening her to implicate her brother in a false case if she reported the matter, said the SP, quoting the FIR. The SP said that the three accused were, however, posted at different police stations. While two of them were posted in the Raini and Malakheda police stations, respectively, another was posted in the Rajgarh Circle Office. According to Sharma, The woman said that she was scared to come forward in the last one year to lodge a formal complaint. But when they raped her again on December 8 this year, she decided to file a case. The SP said, Since there are some loopholes in the victims account regarding her late reporting of the case and lack of clarity on how the three constables from three different police stations came together during the incident, we have not made any arrests yet. Further investigation is underway. Police said the woman has been sent for medical test and they are awaiting report following which action will be taken against the accused accordingly. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 24. The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the deal on Irans nuclear program, is held hostage by different factions, said Hasan Beheshtipour, Iranian analysts on international affair, Trend reports. According to Beheshtipour, Iran and the US need to agree for the JCPOA to be revived. But he sees little chance of that happening soon under the leadership of Ebrahim Raisi in Iran and Joe Biden in the US. He also said that the current Iranian government, which took office in August 2021, only wants the sanctions on Iran to be lifted. But he argued that the JCPOA involves more than that, such as diplomacy, security, military and legal issues. The analysts added that if these issues are ignored and only the sanctions are discussed, there will be endless debates that the other side will not comprehend. Beheshtipour also pointed out that that some groups in the US oppose the JCPOA on Irans nuclear program. He predicted that the US government might follow their lead after the recent developments in the Middle East. On January 16, 2016, Iran's nuclear program triggered the creation of the JCPOA between Iran and the P5+1 group (US, Russia, China, UK, France, and Germany). However, on May 8, 2018, the US announced its withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) between Iran and the 5+1 group (Russia, China, the UK, France, the US, and Germany) and imposed new sanctions against Iran as of November 2018. Over the past period, the sanctions affected Iranian oil exports and more than 700 banks, companies, and individuals. The sanctions have resulted in the freezing of Iranian assets abroad. Iran is currently looking for various ways to resume discussions with the other parties regarding its nuclear program and eventually restore the JCPOA. In discussions on the nuclear program, Iran is mainly trying to achieve the abolition of sanctions imposed by the US and Western countries, the removal of its funds frozen abroad, and the abolition of the restriction on the export of crude oil. In return, the US and Western countries want Iran not to acquire an atomic bomb, to keep its nuclear program under control, and to reduce the level of uranium enrichment. In late 2020, the Iranian parliament decided to implement a strategic plan to tackle the sanctions, citing the non-implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) signed between Iran and six countries and the imposition of sanctions on Iran. According to the decision of the Iranian parliament, as of February 23, Iran suspended the implementation of additional steps and an additional protocol provided for in the nuclear deal. As a result, the control mechanism of the IAEA decreased by 2030 percent. Three men were injured in police firing in Assams Tinsukia district on Saturday night when they tried to escape from custody after attempting to snatch a pistol from an officer, police said. (Representative Photo) According to the police, the trio had links to the banned United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I) and left their homes to join the group when they were arrested. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here We were intimated on Saturday by families of the three that they had left their homes to join ULFA-I and were headed to the outfits camps in Myanmar. They had left in a car and asked family members to pick it up from Jagun, said Sadiya superintendent of police (SP), Mrinal Deka. Also Read: Assam: Man arrested over Facebook post supporting ULFA-I, DGP issues warning The trio, all residents of Chapakhuwa, and were planning to leave the vehicle and proceed to Myanmar by crossing the international border in Arunachal Pradesh, said police. Based on information provided by their families, we were able to track and capture them on Saturday night at Kharsang in the Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh, which borders Myanmar. They were then brought back to Assam, said Deka. According to police, upon interrogation, the trio informed that they had gathered in Dhola to plan their trip to Myanmar. A police team was taking them to the spot when the they tried to snatch a pistol from an accompanying policeman and escape. The police team fired at them and all three sustained gunshot wounds on their legs, said SP Deka, adding the trio were admitted to the Assam Medical College and Hospital (AMCH) in Dibrugarh. Also Read: Two held in Assam with assault rifle bullets, magazines stolen from CRPF: Cops Barely hours after that incident, another person, suspected to be a ULFA-I linkman, was injured in police firing at Geleki in the Sivasagar district on Sunday morning, said police. All these incidents took place in the backdrop of a verbal spat between Assam director general of police (DGP) GP Singh and ULFA-I chief Paresh Baruah in the past few days after the outfit claimed last week to have triggered at least three blasts in the state (one of them close to an army camp) where no one was injured. On December 17, the banned outfit issued a statement accusing the DGP of being arrogant and using the state police as his ancestral property. In response, Singh told journalists that ULFA-I knows his place of residence and office and they are welcome to target him. The DGP on Saturday issued a strict warning against youths willing to join ULFA-I. He cautioned people against putting up social media posts in support of outlawed terrorist organisations and warned that those taking to social media to lend their support to the banned outfits will be arrested and prosecuted as per the law. The throne for Ram Lalla is ready at the Ram temple in Ayodhya and the idol will be installed there on January 22 during the pran pratishtha (consecration) ceremony. Prime Minister Narendra Modi offers prayers to Ram Lalla before the Ram Temple foundation stone laying ceremony, at Ram Janmabhoomi site in Ayodhya . (ANI FILE PHOTO) Three feet high, the marble throne will be gold- plated before the ceremony and this work is likely to be completed by the month-end. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here The mool muhurta (main moment) of the consecration ceremony will be 1 minute 24 seconds long from 12:29:08 pm to 12:30:32 pm and this has been decided by pandits of Varanasi. The mool muhurta will start from 12:29:08 pm, which will last till 12:30:32 pm. That means the total time will be only 1 minute 24 seconds, said Pandit Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid and Pandit Vishweshwar Shastri. READ | VHP invites LK Advani, MM Joshi to Ram Temple event, says 'they will try their best' Purification (shuddhi karan) of this muhurta will also be done. Pandit Ganeshwar Shastri had also decided the time for the inauguration of Kashi Vishwanath Corridor on December 13, 2021 and laying the foundation stone of the Ram temple on August 5, 2020. About 4,000 saints from all sects have been invited to the consecration ceremony, according to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. The consecration ceremony rituals will commence on January 16. READ | Ayodhya: Police gear up for Ram Temple's 'Pran Pratishtha' with traffic management plans Prime Minister Narendra Modi will perform the final ritual at the pran pratishtha ceremony on January 22. Before that, he will visit Ayodhya on December 30 to inaugurate the Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram International Airport and the Ayodhya railway station, besides announcing new projects for the temple town. In light of the Covid-19 virus constantly mutating and new variants and sub-variants being reported in India and other parts of the world, doctors have advised to take precautionary booster doses for SARS-CoV-2. Several Pharma companies are working on vaccines covering a broader type of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. However, the mass Covid immunisation programme conducted by the government has proved to cut down mortality and morbidity amongst the infected, despite the large number of new sub-variants and mutations of the virus being reported. Mass Covid immunisation programme conducted by the government has proved to cut down mortality and morbidity amongst the infected, despite the large number of new sub-variants and mutations of the virus being reported. (REPRESENTATIVE PHOTO) Thus far, India has reported a total of 22 cases of new Covid-19 sub-variant JN.1, forcing health departments to take necessary precautions to prevent the virus from spreading. JN.1 is a sub-lineage of Omicron and vaccines that are made against Omicron will be effective against this new sub-variant. Fortunately, the Omicron variant was found to cause mild symptomatic infection not seen associated with severe disease or hospitalization, said, the doctors. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Dr Rajesh Karyakarte, head of the Microbiology department at BJ Medical College and state coordinator for genome sequencing, said, given the surge in Covid-19 cases and detection of JN.1, a new sub-lineage of omicron, it is suggested to get precautionary doses. The Covid-19 pandemic experience has shown vaccination is helpful in the prevention of severe disease. The immunity starts to wane after six months, and it is advised to take a booster dose after every six months. Ideally, the high-risk category people should regularly take Covid-19 booster doses similar to regular flu immunisation, he said. Since the pandemic, the SARS-CoV-2 has evolved rapidly to elude immunity. Following this the government started precautionary doses for the vulnerable population. There are currently few vaccines available in India and other countries that are updated boosters tailored to omicron strains. However, the response from people for booster or precautionary doses in the country unfortunately has been poor. Dr Ameet Dravid, infectious disease expert at Noble Hospital, said, the response to the precautionary doses in India is discouraging the companys manufacturing booster shots with exact matches with the latest variants currently circulating. The manufacturing becomes cost-effective for the companies only if the doses are manufactured in millions. However, the old Covid-19 vaccines with old variants have given enough cross-immunity to the people in the protection of the infection caused by the new sub-variant of SARS-CoV-2, he, said. Dr Dravid further said that countries like the US and few countries in Europe have the XBB.1.5 booster which might work as a protection against the JN.1 vaccine. But in India, there was not much havoc due to the omicron variant considering mortality and morbidity due to which it was not included in the Covid-19 immunization programme. If a new vaccine is made available which will include the variants currently circulating it could enhance protection with a better immune response, he said. UPSSSC PET Result 2023 Highlights: Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission will release UPSSSC PET Result 2023 in due course of time. When released, candidates can check the results on the official website of UPSSSC at upsssc.gov.in. UPSSSC PET Result 2023 Live: UP PET results awaited UPSSSC PET was conducted on October 28 and 29, 2023. The provisional answer key was released on November 6, 2023 and the window to raise objections was active till November 15, 2023. The Commission will release the final answer key along with the results. Candidates can check the results and the final answer key on the official UPSSSC website. The direct link to view the UP PET results will be posted here as soon as it is available. For the most recent updates on the UPSSSC PET revised answer key and result, follow the blog. Jujutsu Kaisen has emerged as one of the most popular manga series of all time. Helmed by Gege Akutami, the Japanese manga series has been serialized in Shueisha's shonen manga magazine Weekly Shonen Jump since March 2018. With the release of the last chapter for 2023, JJK chapter 246, on December 24, anticipation for the next chapter increases among fans. Here's what we know so far about JJK chapter 247: JJK 247 will release next year in January(MAPPA) When will JJK chapter 247 be released? The Jujutsu Kaisen chapter 247 is expected to be released next year on Sunday, January 7. However, it is subject to change due to the Weekly Shonen Jump's two-week holiday break. Fans can expect the availability of major spoilers and leaks for chapter 247 by January 3. Meanwhile, JJK chapter 246 was released in the United States on Sunday, December 24 at 10 a.m. ET. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here ALSO READ: JJK Season 2 Episode 22: Yuji and Choso team up as Yuki Tsukumo returns, Mei Mei reveals her true nature What to expect from JJK chapter 247? The next JJK chapter could prove to be monumental for the character development of Hiromi Higuruma. By using his Domain Amplification against Sukuna, Higuruma will be able to hinder the king of curses' malicious attacks. Chapter 247 will explore Higuruma's growth in terms of powers and his potential to stand against Sukuna. Moreover, Yuji Itadori will also team up with Higuruma on the battlefield, making a two-against-one on Sukuna. Where to read JJK chapter 247? Interested fans can read the Jujutsu Kaisen manga digitally on Viz Media's official website, Shueisha's MangaPlus website, and the Shonen Jump+ app. While the former two platforms offer free access to the first and latest three issues in a series, the latter is a subscription-based service that grants readers access to the entire series. Nagapattinam (Tamil Nadu) [India], December 24 (ANI): Music maestro AR Rahman visited the Nagore Dargah in Nagapattinam to attend the Kanduri festival. HT Image The ace musician arrived in an auto-rickshaw to participate in the festival yesterday. In the visuals, the Oscar award winner was seen wearing a maroon kurta. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here The 14-day Kandhuri Festival, also known as the Nagore Dargah Festival, is celebrated from the first to the fourteenth day of saint Shahul Hamid's death anniversary during the Islamic month of Jamathul Aagir. Saint Hazrath Syed Shahul Hamid was the revered 13th-generation descendent of Saint Sufi. He achieved wider recognition for treating the physical illness of Thanjavur's 16th-century Hindu king Achuthappa Nayak. This historic significance allures the peculiar participation of Hindu devotees during the Kandhuri Festival. The festival's opening day is commemorated by the hoisting of a sacred flag, which is then carried by chariots to the Nagore Dargah. From the second to the seventh day, holy saints read the Quran along with various prayers. The devotees flock to the Dargah to witness the Light of Allah which is displayed in the Dargah. On the eighth day, the Kandhuri Festival's fireworks display is one of its many attractions. The fireworks have two purposes- first, to enhance the festive atmosphere, and second, to represent how truth drives away falsehood. On the ninth day of Jamaidul Akhir, the Fakirs visit the site of Hazarath Mohsin meditation site called the "Peer Mandapam". On this occasion, the devotees start a holy fast for the next three days. On the tenth day, a parade-like chariot ride carrying sandalwood paste is organised. The Rawla Shariff and the Great Saint's tomb will then be anointed with the auspicious paste as it is brought inside the premises. The fast that was initiated on the ninth day of the festival is ended by the devotees on the eleventh day. The Al Quran's message is recited throughout the 14 days, and its blessings are given to the Great Soul. The flags and lights are taken down after the conclusion of the Kandhuri Festival, leaving only the spiritual light of the Nagore Dargah. Talking about music legend AR Rahman, he attended the UAE's 52nd National Day celebrations in Abu Dhabi and unveiled a 'song of hope'. On the special occasion, AR Rahman and a 52-member all-female Firdaus Orchestra paid a special tribute to UAE's founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, at a hospital in Abu Dhabi.At the event, which brought together patients, healthcare professionals, and esteemed dignitaries, Rahman announced his forthcoming song born from a collaborative effort with Indian entrepreneur Dr Shamsheer Vayalil and Abu Dhabi-based Burjeel Holdings. Speaking at the event, Rahman said, "The idea is to create a song of hope. This is a song to honor everyone who is selflessly working. The world needs hope today. I hope the song brings peace, understanding, and joy. My prayers to all the people who need to get healed in this hospital." A groundbreaking ensemble comprising the Firdaus Orchestra and 50 others echoed through the corridors of the hospital during an event titled 'Singing for the Children of Zayed'. (ANI) Arbaaz Khan might not have shared any official statement about his wedding with rumoured girlfriend Sshura Khan, but as per latest reports, the two will marry on Christmas Eve. Amid wedding rumours, the actor-filmmaker was spotted arriving at sister Arpita Khan's Mumbai home on Sunday in a casual look. Arbaaz and ex-wife Malaika Arora's son Arhaan Khan was also spotted arriving at aunt Arpita's home. Actor Ridhima Pandit was also seen in a yellow ethnic look. Also read: Arbaaz Khan blushes and tells paparazzi to stay quiet as they tease him about rumoured wedding. Watch Arbaaz Khan was seen outside sister Arpita Khan's home in Mumbai on Sunday. Arbaaz Khan's wedding It has been reported that Arbaaz and Sshura will take their wedding vows in an intimate ceremony on Sunday. He has been reportedly dating make-up artist Sshura Khan for a while, since his breakup with Giorgia Andriani. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here As per a new report by The Times of India, most of the wedding functions will be held at Arpita Khan's house. A source said, The two took a decision all of a sudden and wanted to keep it hush hush with only family members attending the wedding. More about their relationship The couple reportedly met on the sets of Arbaaz's upcoming film Patna Shukla. However, both Arbaaz and Sshura have remained tight-lipped about their relationship. A source told The Times of India in an earlier report, Arbaaz met Sshura on the set of his production venture Patna Shukla and they hit it off instantly. They started dating around nine months ago. Arbaaz introduced her to his family and the entire Khandaan (Khan family) love her. The wedding date was reportedly finalised soon after. Reports suggest that this is Sshuras second marriage as well. Arbaaz was earlier married to Malaika Arora. The two tied the knot in 1998 and officially parted ways in May 2017. Malaika and Arbaaz co-parent their son Arhaan, who recently moved to the US for higher studies. Malaika has been in a relationship with actor Arjun Kapoor for several years now. Entertainment! Entertainment! Entertainment! Click to follow our Whatsapp Channel Your daily dose of gossip, films, shows, celebrities updates all in one place Filmmaker Sandeep Singh has been busy promoting his upcoming film Safed. After Sushant Singh Rajput's death in 2020, questions were raised about Sandeep's relationship with the late actor. Sandeep, who claimed to be Sushant's close friend after his death was under the scanner after Sushant's family said that they did not know him. Now, in an interview with The Times of India, Sandeep was asked 'Do you want to make a film on Sushant Singh Rajputs life?' Also read: Sushant Singh Rajputs friend Sandip says he 'got messages saying were powerful people, you didnt invite us for funeral Sandeep Singh with Sushant Singh Rajput and Ankita lokhande. (File Photo)(Instagram) 'People were targeting me' Sandeep Singh responded with, "Not at all. I think people should let him rest in peace. I will never make a film about his life. People have offered me a lot of money for the same. They dont realise what his family, friends and relatives must have gone through. I didnt see SSRians (his fans) at his funeral. They were not there earlier, not at his house, nor the hospital. I was standing there alone. People should have stood by me but they made an issue out of it, and for what? People were targeting me and others just to gain popularity on social media. The saddest thing was that his family never came in support of me. They could have given one statement and my life would have changed. but they made me struggle again." Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here He added, "This year is my restart. One journalist sent me a voice message saying, 'Sandeep ji ab aapka yahan kaam khatam. Ab aap wapas gaon jaao ya toh jail chale jaoge. Log aapke munh pe thookenge (You are done here, go back to your village or you will end up in jail)'. I still have that voice note saved. I was very low. For six months, media was standing outside my building." More about Sandeep Singh Filmmaker Sandip Singh best known for producing a biopic on Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in the news following Sushant Singh Rajput's death on June 14, 2020. He was quizzed by the Central Bureau of Investigation during the probe into the death of the 34-year-old actor following his family's statements against him. He had also released WhatsApp chats with the actor's sister at the time that disproved the family's claim that they did not know him. The chats, dated between June 15 a day after Sushant's death and July 1, indicate that he helped them with getting his death certificate, ambulance, press statement and other things. Since then, Sandeep has been targeted by fans of Sushant over his alleged involvement in the actor's death. Entertainment! Entertainment! Entertainment! Click to follow our Whatsapp Channel Your daily dose of gossip, films, shows, celebrities updates all in one place Sofia Coppola's latest release, Priscilla, is one of the most well-reviewed films of the year. The film first premiered at the 80th Venice Film Festival in September, where it was greeted with a rapturous 7-minute-long standing ovation and ultimately won Best Actress for Cailee Spaeny. Now, in a new interview with BBC News, the director shared that it is 'frustrating' how as a female director she has to fight to get a budget for her movies to get made whereas her male counterparts receive massive budgets for their movies. (Also read: Sofia Coppola interview: I wanted to tell Priscilla and Elvis Presleys love story without judgement') Sofia Coppola earned rave reviews for Priscilla.(AFP) Sofia Coppola opens up on budgeting her films Speaking to BBC News, Sofia said: I just see all these men getting hundreds of millions of dollars, and then Im fighting for a tiny fraction of that. I think its just left over from the way the culture of that business is. Its frustrating, but Im always fighting to get it, and Im just happy to get to make my movies independently and find people that believe in them. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here The director, who has made films like Lost in Translation, The Virgin Suicides and Somewhere, further added how there's a freedom with how she makes her films despite the budget issue. Theres a challenge and a freedom in making things small because if you have a big budget, you have a lot of input from studio executives, and I would never be able to make a movie like that. So, I have that freedom, and then you have to be really crafty, and it was really hard, but I had the best team," she said. About Priscilla Priscilla stars Cailee Spaeny as the teenage Priscilla Beaulieu and chronicles her whirlwind relationship with Elvis (played by Jacob Elordi), whom she met as a 14-year-old. It is based on the 1985 memoir Elvis and Me, written by Priscilla Presley and Sandra Harmon. An excerpt from the Hindustan Times review read, "With cinematographer Philippe Le Sourd's scrutinising lens and editor Sarah Flack's carefully crafted beats, Sofia builds what could be a fairy tale gone wrong. She fills the room with darkness in daylight." Entertainment! Entertainment! Entertainment! Click to follow our Whatsapp Channel Your daily dose of gossip, films, shows, celebrities updates all in one place Christmas is here, and celebrities have already started sharing festive photos, leaving fans delighted. Many South Korean stars even started sharing pictures a week ago to send holiday greetings and wishes to their fans. Without further ado, here's a look at how famous K-pop idols are celebrating Christmas this year: BLACKPINK and New Jeans share festive photos on Christmas Eve BLACKPINK Famous K-pop girl group BLACKPINK's members Lisa, Jisoo, Rose, and Jennie are enjoying their holidays with trendy outfits and lots of desserts! Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Jisoo Jisoo recently shared a carousel of festive photos on her Instagram handle. In the pictures, she can be seen enjoying Christmas in cosy yet trendy sweaters. She also seemed to feast on seasonal desserts like Christmas cookies and cake. Lisa Lisa took to her Instagram account to spread the festive joy by sharing a bunch of festive photos, including a beautifully decorated Christmas tree and a mirror selfie. Rose Keeping up with her bandmates, Rose also shared a series of photos in an Instagram post to wish her fans Merry Christmas Eve. In the golden hue pictures, Rose can be seen wearing a vintage-looking white dress with long satin gloves. New Jeans The five-member South Korean girl group New Jeans consists of K-pop idols Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein. They collectively shared a series of images and videos on their Instagram accounts to keep up with the holiday spirit. The playful videos shared on New Jeans' social media page suggest that the members are enjoying Christmas together. aespa aespa aespa shared their version of Jingle Bell Rock as a Christmas present for their fans. The four-member K-pop girl group consists of Karina, Giselle, Winter, and Ningning. They have been sharing the festive joy with fans for quite some days now by sharing videos of themselves singing Christmas songs. Fans flooded the comment section to wish their idols a Merry Christmas. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 24. On Saturday, US President Joe Biden had a telephone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the White House said in a statement, Trend reports. According to the information, during the conversation Netanyahu expressed gratitude for the US position in the UN Security Council. Biden reportedly expressed concern about the increasing number of Palestinian casualties and the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. It is noted that Biden emphasized the critical need to protect civilians, including those providing humanitarian assistance, and the importance of ensuring the safe movement of civilians from areas of active hostilities. A combined attack was carried out on Israel on October 7. From the beginning, a massive rocket attack began from the territory of the Gaza Strip, followed by the penetration of militants by land, water, and air. Israel declared a state of war after a massive rocket attack from the Gaza Strip. Moreover, Israel Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced a mass gathering of reservists. In the words of Kahlil Gibran, 'Music is the language of the spirit,' and 2023 brought us some great songs. From classic pop tunes to catchy TikTok beats, this year had it all. With less than a week left before the new year, let's take a look back at the top songs of 2023, according to The New York Times. Lady Gaga arrives at a special screening of "Maestro," Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023, at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles.(Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP) Allison Russell, 'Eve Was Black' Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here A catchy hoedown with a strong message about important stuff like racism and slavery. It's toe-tapping with a deeper meaning. Peter Gabriel, 'Road to Joy (Bright-Side Mix)' Picture waking up from a deep sleep into a happy world full of funky beats. Peter Gabriel's music is a fun celebration of life. 100 gecs, 'Dumbest Girl Alive' This song by 100 gecs is a bit silly but in a cool way. It's like a party anthem with a mix of different sounds that'll get you moving. Sampha, 'Suspended' Sampha's 'Suspended' is like a musical rollercoaster. It mixes different music styles and feelings, making it a unique and dizzying experience. The Rolling Stones ft. Lady Gaga and Stevie Wonder, 'Sweet Sounds of Heaven' The Rolling Stones teamed up with Lady Gaga and Stevie Wonder for a song that feels like a jam session. It's full of energy and ends on a high note. Yahritza y Su Esencia and Grupo Frontera, 'Fragil' Two groups from different places came together for 'Fragil.' It's a song about heartbreak with a mix of Mexican and American styles. Baby Rose, 'Stop the Bleeding' Baby Rose's deep voice tells a story about love and heartache. The music adds to the emotion, making it a powerful track. Bizarrap & Shakira, 'BZRP Music Sessions #53' Shakira and a producer named Bizarrap joined forces for a song that's all about getting back at an ex. It's catchy with clever words. Killer Mike ft. Future, Andre 3000, and Eryn Allen Kane, 'Scientists & Engineers' Killer Mike brings together different styles in one song. It talks about art, ambition, and paying your dues. It's like a musical journey. Brittany Howard, 'What Now' Brittany Howard's song is a mix of funky beats. It talks about the ups and downs of a breakup, capturing all the feelings. Jorja Smith, 'Try Me' Jorja Smith's song is like a strong message to those who put her down. It starts with a bold sound and evolves into something thoughtful. Caroline Polachek, 'Dang' With just one word, "dang," Caroline Polachek creates a cool song. It's playful and talks about things like shipwrecks and spilled milk. aespa, 'Better Things' If you love K-pop, you'll enjoy 'Better Things.' It has a mix of sounds, catchy harmonies, and a fun beat. Janelle Monae ft. Doechii, 'Phenomenal' Janelle Monae's song celebrates pleasure. It's lively and a bit cheeky, with a Latin jazz vibe that makes you want to move. Noname, 'Namesake' Noname's song is like a conversation over a jazzy beat. It talks about personal comfort and thinking about the world. It's thoughtful and cool. Popular comedian Bonda Mani died on Saturday, reportedly due to kidney-related ailments. He was 60. On Sunday, film trade analyst Sreedhar Pillai confirmed the news of Bonda Mani's death. As per a report by India Today, on Saturday night, Mani fainted at his residence in Chennais Pozhichalur and was rushed to the government hospital in Chrompet; after examination, the doctors declared him dead. Also read: Jailer actor G Marimuthu dies after suffering heart attack, his untimely death shocks Tamil film industry Tamil comedy actor Bonda Mani succumbed to kidney-related ailments in Chennai on Saturday. Bonda Mani's final rites Sreedhar Pillai tweeted, "Tamil cinemas popular comedian Bonda Mani (60) passed away due to ill health." Sharing more details, the India Today report said Bonda Mani's body is being kept at his residence in Pozhichalur for homage and his final rites will take place at around 5pm at a crematorium in Chrompet. He is survived by his wife Malathi, a son, and a daughter. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here More about Bonda Mani Bonda Mani has acted in 270 films for almost three decades taking up several comical roles, as per a report by DT Next. He had been a regular in comedy tracks. He was introduced in Bhagyaraj's Pavunnu Pavunudhaan, he went on to act in several films such as Ponvilangu, Pongalo Pongal, Sundara Travels, Marudamalai, Winner, Velayudham. Grab your favorite blanket and a mug of hot cocoa, because it's K-drama Christmas! From the sweet memories of Winter Sonata to the lively vibes of Twenty-Five Twenty-One, the unfolding love story in Crash Landing on You, the peaceful scenes of Hometown Cha Cha Cha, and moreeach show guarantees to lift your holiday mood with laughs, tears, and plenty of holiday magic to chase away the winter blues. Our Beloved Summer and twenty five twenty one stills(Netflix) 8 K-dramas to add to your holiday binge list Our beloved Summer Although it sounds like summer, the feeling is all about the cozy and snug holiday vibe of winter. In this story, former lovers reconnect when their high school documentary gains popularity. Starring Choi Woo Shik and Kim Da Mi, get ready for nostalgic memories, great chemistry, and the question of whether their second shot at love will last. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Also read: Christmas K-pop playlist: BTS Vs Christmas Tree to aespas Jingle Bell Rock, songs to uplift your mood Hometown Cha Cha Cha A tranquil island awaits you in Hometown Cha Cha Cha, which features the 'Dimple' couple Kim Seon Oh and Shin Min Ah's romantic chemistry, far from the busy city of Seoul. After moving to a picturesque coastal village from the city, a dentist meets a lovely handyman who ends up being her confidante and rock. Twenty-Five Twenty-One Hailed as one of the K-drama masterpieces Nam Joo Hyuk and Kim Tae Ris Twenty-Five Twenty-One is the most voted binge option for the Holiday season. Set in the 90s when mobile phones were scarce, this show unveils a love story between a news reporter and South Korea's A-list fencer, only to take a surprising twist in the end. Winter Sonata As the name suggests, Winter Sonata starring Bae Yong Joon and Choi Ji Woo is the forever classic choice of fans for setting the holiday mood. This iconic K-drama tells the turbulent tale of two childhood friends who are reunited years after a tragic event separates them. Crash Landing on You When there's nothing exciting on your Netflix queue, try reel turned real-life couple, Son Ye Jin and Hyun Bin's K-drama Crash Landing on You. It's a delightful story about a South Korean businesswoman who accidentally ends up in North Korea and falls in love with a North Korean soldier. But the couple's journey to love is not simple because they must deal with a number of problems. Vincenzo If you're craving action and romance, be ready to get swayed by the enduring charisma of South Korea's heartthrob, Song Joong Ki, and actress Jeon Yeo Been. Follow the story of a Korean-Italian mafia lawyer who comes back to his homeland to assist a conglomerate tenant in a battle against greedy corporations. Welcome to Samdalri A new addition to Netflixs healing K-drama Ji Chang Wook and Shin Hye Suns Welcome to Samdalri is the perfect holiday escape. It's impossible not to admire the chemistry between two ex-lovers reuniting after one faces a setback in Seoul, returning to the tranquil Jeju Island. The nostalgic past takes over emotions, and sparks begin to fly. Pinocchio introducing another iconic to the listPinocchio, featuring Lee Jong Suk and Park Shin Hyea must-watch for fans of classic K-dramas. The story follows a reporter with a Pinocchio-like condition that causes hiccups when she lies as she attempts to unveil the truth, while a handsome, scarred news anchor wrestles with his secrets. Indian Navy officials on Sunday said 25 Indian crew members are onboard a Gabbon-flagged vessel MV Saibaba which suffered a drone attack in the Red Sea. All the crew members are safe, the Indian Navy officials added. The MV SAIBABA, a Gabon-owned, crude oil tanker, reported that it was hit by a one-way attack drone with no injuries reported. (Pic for representational purpose only) The Indian Navy also clarified that it wasn't an India-flagged vessel, as claimed by the US earlier, but one carrying a Gabones flag. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Earlier on Sunday, the US military had claimed that an Indian-flagged crude oil tanker was among two vessels that came under drone attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels in the Southern Red Sea. The US Central Command said in a statement that two Houthi anti-ship ballistic missiles were fired into international shipping lanes in the Southern Red Sea from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. No ships reported being impacted by the ballistic missiles. "On December 23 two Houthi anti-ship ballistic missiles were fired into international shipping lanes in the Southern Red Sea from Houthi-controlled areas of Houthi militants. No ships reported being impacted by the ballistic missiles," the US Central Command posted on X. At the same time, between 3 and 8 pm (Sanaa time), the USS LABOON (DDG 58) was patrolling the Southern Red Sea as part of Operation Prosperity Guardian (OPG). The USS LABOON successfully intercepted and "shot down unmanned aerial drones originating from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen that were inbound to the USS LABOON. There were no injuries or damage in this incident", CENTCOM added in its post. Later, at approximately 8 pm (Sanaa time), US Naval Forces Central Command received distress reports from two ships in the Southern Red Sea indicating that they were under attack. "The M/V BLAAMANEN, a Norwegian-flagged, owned, and operated chemical/oil tanker, reported a near miss of a Houthi one-way attack drone with no injuries or damage reported. A second vessel, the M/V SAIBABA, a Gabon-owned, Indian-flagged crude oil tanker, reported that it was hit by a one-way attack drone with no injuries reported. The USS LABOON (DDG 58) responded to the distress calls from these attacks," the US CENTCOM claimed in its post earlier. The US Central Command underscored the gravity of the situation, emphasising that these attacks pose a threat to the safety and security of international maritime traffic. "These attacks represent the 14th and 15th attacks on commercial shipping by Houthi militants since October 17," the post added. Iran-backed Houthi rebels stepped up attacks on ships in the Red Sea amid the Israel-Hamas conflict. Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh) [India], December 24 (ANI): Andhra Pradesh Governor S Abdul Nazeer on Sunday extended greetings to all members of the Christian community in the state on the occasion of Christmas. HT Image In a message, Governor Nazeer said, "I convey my hearty greetings to all the Christian brothers and sisters of Andhra Pradesh on the auspicious occasion of the Christmas festival. Christmas is a time of joyous remembrance of Jesus Christ. It is also an occasion to cherish the teachings of Jesus of peace, love, tolerance and compassion among all people in the world." Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here The life of Jesus Christ is a source of inspiration for all of us to lead a life of virtue and faith. "On this happy occasion, I join my Christian brothers and sisters to pray for peace and harmony in the world," the governor said. "I wish you all a happy and Merry Christmas," he added. (ANI) As preparations are on full swing ahead for the Pran Pratishtha (consecration ceremony), slated for January 22, 2024, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirath Kshetra Trust on Sunday shared the latest images showcasing the ongoing construction of the Ram Lala Temple in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya. Latest images showcasing the ongoing construction of the Ram Lala Temple in Ayodhya.(X/Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirath Kshetra Trust ) Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to grace the grand temple's idol installation. Extensive arrangements are underway for this much-anticipated event, attracting dignitaries and individuals from diverse backgrounds. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Ayodhya, revered as Lord Rama's birthplace, holds immense spiritual, historical, and cultural significance for India's populace. Furthermore, Vedic rituals heralding the Pran-Pratishtha ceremony of infant Lord Ram, Ram Lalla, in Ayodhya, are slated to commence on January 16, preceding the main ceremony by a week. Temple trust's preparation for the ceremony Last week, the temple trust revealed important details regarding the consecration ceremony planned for the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya on January 22. -Distinguished saints across traditions and individuals contributing significantly to the nation's honour have received invitations for the consecration ceremony at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir. -A Tent City, complete with essential facilities like six tubewells, kitchen houses, and a ten-bed hospital, has been established in the new Teerthakshetrapuram (Bag Bijaisi). -Around 150 doctors from different parts of the country have pledged to offer their services in rotations at this hospital. Additionally, various food distribution centers, community kitchens, and meal areas will be set up throughout the town. -An invitation has been extended to about 4,000 saints from diverse sects, including Shankaracharyas, Mahamandaleshwars, and prominent spiritual leaders from the Sikh and Buddhist communities. -Notable personalities from different spheres such as Vamini Narayan, representatives from Art of Living, Gayatri Parivar, media outlets, sports, agriculture, and the art world have been invited. -Invitations have been dispatched to veteran journalists active between 1984 and 1992, along with the families of Karsewaks involved in the construction. -Three sculptor Ganesh Bhatt, Arun Yogiraj, and Satyanarayan Pandey are crafting Rama Lala's idols. The depiction embodying the innocence of a five-year-old child will be selected. -Rituals for the consecration ceremony will start from January 16, led by Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid ji from Kashi and Lakshmikant Dikshit ji overseeing the Pran Pratishtha Puja. Subsequent to the consecration, a 48-day cycle of mandala puja, guided by revered figure Vishwaprasann Teerth Ji, will follow. The ceremony The Pran-Pratishtha ceremony, consecrating Ram Lala in Ayodhya, is set to commence on January 16, preceding the main event by a week. Varanasi priest Lakshmi Kant Dixit will oversee the pivotal rituals on January 22. Ayodhya will observe the Amrit Mahautsav from January 14 to 22, coinciding with these ceremonies. As part of the festivities, a significant 1008 Hundi Mahayagya will take place, aiming to feed numerous devotees. Ayodhya is preparing by setting up multiple tent cities to host the expected influx of worshippers for the grand Ram Temple consecration. Organisers, led by the Sri Ram Janambhoomi Trust, are arranging accommodations for 10,000-15,000 people. Authorities are actively preparing for the surge in visitors, enhancing security measures and ensuring logistical setups for a seamless and spiritually fulfilling experience for all participants. Nepal plans to present special souvenirs, including various jewelry, utensils, garments, and sweets, for the inauguration ceremony of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. (With inputs from agencies) Bharatiya Janata Party leaders and workers have been instructed to actively participate in programmes organised by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and Vishva Hindu Parishad for the Ram Temple's construction. The instructions were given during the BJP's two-day meeting of national office-bearers that addressed crucial topics ranging from the 2024 Lok Sabha elections to the progress of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, news agency ANI reported. Union home minister Amit Shah with BJP national president JP Nadda during the BJP's national office-bearers meeting, at party headquarters, in New Delhi on Saturday. The meeting, chaired by BJP national president JP Nadda at the party's central office in New Delhi, saw comprehensive discussions on organisational strategies and public outreach. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here During the meeting, BJP officials were briefed about the ongoing efforts by the RSS and VHP with regard to the Ram temple construction, the report claimed. Sources told ANI that the party leaders stressed the importance of disseminating information about these efforts to the public. BJP workers were also instructed to distribute pamphlets detailing the Centre's steps towards the grand Ram Temple and highlight opposition actions against the construction, the report added. Highlighting transparency, BJP leaders directed that visits to Ayodhya would be limited to those specifically invited, while other leaders, ministers, and MPs were encouraged to participate in prayers at temples in their respective regions. The report also claimed that the focus extended beyond the Ram Temple to encompass organisational strategies for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and enhance the outreach of Modi's guarantee among the public. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the holy city on December 30, where he will inaugurate the airport and railway station and also conduct a roadshow and public gathering. "All facilities are available in hospitals. The chief minister is also reviewing it. For high-end services, we will keep a backup plan from here to Lucknow. The PM is coming on 30th December, airport and the railway station which have been prepared in the first phase are going to be inaugurated. According to estimates, after January 22, approximately 50,000-55,000 people will come to Ayodhya daily and the administration is busy preparing for the same," Gaurav Dayal, commissioner of Ayodhya, has said. "The PM will show a green flag to the rails. After that, PM Modi will address the public meeting on the ground next to the airport. He will travel from the airport to the railway station so it will be in the form of a roadshow. Arrangements are being made to welcome him," he added. A review meeting was held with the top officials of the district as well as the officials of the Ram Mandir Teerth Kshetra Trust on Saturday regarding the PM's visit to Ayodhya on December 30. Passengers travelling during the peak travel season this winter can expect reduced inconvenience at 16 key airports, as the government has boosted security infrastructure to ensure ease of travel. Additional space has been created at airports by restructuring available terminal infrastructure at several passenger touch points (HT File Photo) Authorities have reviewed boarding and check-in infrastructure at smaller airports too this year, the civil aviation ministry said in a statement on Saturday. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Metro airport operators of Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Chennai airports were directed to identify bottlenecks in passenger processing and augment their capacities to meet the growing passenger demands. Subsequently, 10 more airports, Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Goa, Patna, Jaipur, Guwahati, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Trivandrum and Cochin, were identified in September 23, where the airport operators were sensitised to take proactive measures to avoid congestion by augmenting capacities, wherever required, the ministry said. Additional space has been created at airports by restructuring available terminal infrastructure at several passenger touch points for operators to handle more passengers and reduce congestion, it said. READ | Centres push on infra is transforming India Entry lanes have been increased by 46% from 213 to 312 between in the year to December. Check-in counters have increased by 24% from 1,316 to 1,633, baggage inspection machines at security checkpoints have been increased by 37% from 234 to 321 and Central Industrial Security Force personnel has been increased by 21% from 20,487 to 24,733. Immigration counters have been increased by 24% from 808 to 1,002. New Delhis Indira Gandhi International airport faced severe congestion in December last year, and many travellers missed flights. Civil aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia made surprise visits to the airport and suggested measures to reduce congestion, which included increasing the number of X-ray machines, demolishing a VIP lounge, shifting a few flights from peak hours to manage crowds and increasing the number of entry gates. The ministry has also been promoting the use of Digi Yatra, a system introduced in the beginning of 2023 amid an increasing number of footfalls. READ | Core debilities reducing efficiency of improving infra in Indian cities: Report On November 19 this year, airlines in India flew 456,910 domestic passengers. This was the highest single-day air traffic since the pandemic hit, marking a remarkable 7.4% surge above pre-Covid averages, a clear sign of recovery and resilience in the skies, the ministry said. Digi Yatra is aimed at easing passenger entry at airports based on facial recognition technology. So far, over 35 lakh users have downloaded the Digi Yatra app, the ministry said. Since its launch, more than 9.1 million passengers have used Digi Yatra for air travel. Former AIIMS director and senior pulmonologist Dr Randeep Guleria on Saturday said the new Covid-19 sub-variant JN.1 is more transmissible but is not causing severe infections or hospitalisations. According to him, the variant is gradually becoming dominant. Former AIIMS director Dr Randeep Guleria. (File) It is more transmissible, spreading more rapidly, and gradually becoming a dominant variant. It is causing more infections but the data also suggests that it is not causing severe infections or hospitalisations. Most of the symptoms are predominantly in the upper airways, like fever, cough, cold, sore throat, running nose, and body aches, Dr Guleria told news agency ANI. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here The JN.1 variant - a descendant of the Omicron virus - has been classified as a variant of interest by the World Health Organisation (WHO). However, the global health body emphasised that the overall risk posed by JN.1 remains low based on current evidence. According to India SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) chief Dr NK Arora, there is no need for an additional dose of vaccine against JN.1 at present. I would say prevention is required for all those who are 60 years of age or older, who are likely to have comorbidities, and those who are on drugs that suppress our immunity, like cancer patients. If they have not taken precaution so far, then they are advised to take precaution; otherwise, there is no need for any additional doses, he said as quoted by ANI. JN.1 variant in India India has reported as many as 22 cases of the new Covid variant so far, spreading concerns across the country. The first case was found in a 79-year-old woman in Kerala. Out of the total cases, 19 have been detected in Goa, one in Kerala and Maharashtra each, while details of one case are yet to be disclosed. Meanwhile, on Saturday, India reported a total of 752 cases in 24 hours, clocking at the highest number of single-day rise since May 21. The number of active cases stood at 3,420. (With inputs from ANI) Fire erupted inside a shopping mall at Tallakulam in Madurai on Saturday night, causing panic among shoppers and visitors. The incident occurred on the fourth floor of the mall, near the food court area. Fire and Rescue Services personnel swiftly responded to an emergency call at the mall, deploying four fire tenders to the scene. The incident occurred on the fourth floor of the mall, near the food court area.(ANI) People in shops and cinema theatres inside the mall were swiftly evacuated through emergency exits to ensure their safety. Firefighters utilized a mechanical pump to blow out the smoke. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Further details are awaited. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 25.Informed in advance, foreign intelligence agencies warned the Serbian security forces about impending unrest and plans to seize the city administration building in Belgrade, owned by opposition supporters. This is the statement made by the President of the Republic, Aleksandar Vucic, during an urgent address to the nation, Trend reports. We have been warning for several days about a foreign factor that is actively developing. Many avoided awareness and did not want to perceive what was happening. We express our gratitude to those foreign services that made us understand that they knew about the threat by providing information to our intelligence services. They responded promptly and were aware of the attackers plans, he noted. The row over DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran's alleged remark that people from the Hindi heartland of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh did clean toilets and other menial jobs in Tamil Nadu has snowballed into a massive political controversy, with Bihar deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav, an ally of the Opposition's INDIA bloc, now condemning the statement. Bihar deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav in Patna on Sunday. (ANI) Tejashwi Yadav, however, said like his Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), the DMK headed by Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin was a party that believed in social justice and it was unbecoming of a leader of such a party to have made such a remark. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Had the DMK MP highlighted caste iniquities, had he pointed out that only people from some social groups took up such hazardous jobs, it would have made sense, Tejashwi Yadav told reporters on Sunday. But to speak disparagingly of the entire populace of Bihar and UP is reprehensible. We condemn it. We believe that people should be respectful towards those coming from other parts of the country, Yadav added. The RJD leader said the party look upon the DMK as a party which shares its ideal of social justice. Its leaders should avoid saying things that run counter to the ideal, said Yadav, who is known to share personal equations with MK Stalin. The controversy has erupted over an undated video of Maran in which the former Union minister can be seen stressing in Tamil on the importance of English education. Maran had allegedly claimed that those who acquired proficiency in English got respectable jobs in the IT sector unlike residents of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh who knew only Hindi and ended up migrating to richer states like Tamil Nadu for "cleaning toilets and roads and working as construction labour". BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya also posted the video on X. The ruling Mahagathbandhan in Bihar, of which the RJD is the largest constituent, and the DMK-helmed Secular Progressive Alliance, are now part of the INDIA coalition. Reacting to Yadav's statement, Vishnu Vardhan Reddy of the Andhra Pradesh BJP said, The Deputy CM of Bihar Tejaswi Yadav cannot even condemn the hateful statement of the DMK leader Dayanidhi Maran without giving excuses. The state in which the representatives of Bihar have put their people into presenting themselves just as workers and labourers is sad. What a shame!! Earlier on Sunday, senior BJP leader from Bihar Ravi Shankar Prasad questioned chief minister Nitish Kumar over Maran's remark. "They should stop insulting (people of Bihar). People of Bihar are forced to go there because of the condition of the state under Nitish Kumar, who is a member of their INDI alliance," Prasad said. (With inputs from PTI) External affairs minister S Jaishankar will embark on a five-day visit to Russia from December 25 for meetings with the top leadership in Moscow aimed at bolstering bilateral ties. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar ((ANI Photo)) The visit during December 25-29 is part of ongoing high-level exchanges between the two sides, the external affairs ministry said on Sunday. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Jaishankar will meet Russias deputy prime minister Denis Manturov, who is also the industry and trade minister, to discuss matters related to economic engagement. He will also meet his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov for discussion on bilateral, multilateral and international issues, the ministry said. Besides focusing on the strong people-to-people and cultural ties between the two countries, Jaishankars programme will include engagements in Moscow and St Petersburg. The time tested India-Russia partnership has remained stable and resilient and continues to be characterised by the spirit of the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership, the ministry said. Jaishankars visit assumes significance as India and Russia will not hold their annual leaders summit this year, people familiar with the matter said. The last summit was held in New Delhi in December 2021, and Russian President Vladimir Putins travels have been curtailed since the start of the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Among the issues that are expected to figure in the meetings in Moscow are trade, connectivity, expansion of the Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa (Brics) grouping, cooperation at multilateral platforms such as the United Nations and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, defence cooperation, and the war in Ukraine, the people said. Several parties in Jammu and Kashmir have condemned the death of three civilians after they were allegedly picked up by the Army for questioning in connection with the killing of five soldiers in a terrorist ambush in Poonch and demanded an impartial investigation into the incident. Jammu and Kashmir National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah (File) National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah on Saturday said if the allegations of custodial killings are correct, this is an unacceptable misuse of force and the protection afforded to security forces under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here "Even asking for a transparent inquiry & punishment for any violations of human rights seems pointless given how those who are found guilty are released scot-free without serving their punishment. This is not the way to remove dil ki doori or Dilli se doori," Abdullah said in a post on X (formally Twitter). Abdullah was referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks at a meeting of political leaders from Jammu and Kashmir in June 2021 where he said he wanted to remove the distance between hearts and bring Delhi closer to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The National Conference (NC) on Saturday also protested over the incident. "The NC has always condemned terror. We condemn the killing of five army men. But, we also condemn the killing of innocent civilians. As the government announced NIA inquiry into the killing of army men, an inquiry should also be launched into the killing of civilians," the party's general secretary Ali Mohammad Sagar said. The three civilians were among nine taken from Topa Peer village and the relatives of the deceased alleged that the three men were tortured in custody. The bodies of Safeer Hussain, 44, Showket Ali, 22, and Shabir Hussain, 32, were found on Friday near the site of the terrorist ambush on two army vehicles, which left four soldiers dead. The incident prompted protests in the district and as tensions rose, the Jammu and Kashmir administration said a probe had been initiated and the families of the victims will be given compensation. At a press conference at her party office, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti, however, claimed that 15 people were picked up by the Army for questioning, of whom three died, while the remaining were seriously injured. Mufti, another former chief minister, demanded that the Jammu and Kashmir administration sanction a compensation of 50 lakh each for the families of the three deceased. "I request the Lieutenant Governor that till the time an inquiry is done into the matter, the three families be provided with a relief of 50 lakh each and the injured admitted to hospitals be provided 5 lakh each. Their families are very poor," she said. She also referred to a video purportedly showing these men being tortured. Parties stage protests Scores of activists of the Apni Party led by their Kashmir provincial president Ashraf Mir protested at the party headquarters in the Church Lane area in Srinagar on Saturday against the civilian deaths. The protestors tried marching out of their office but were stopped by the police, news agency PTI reported. "We want justice for the killed civilians. A thorough investigation of the case should be done," Mir told reporters. Senior CPI(M) leader Mohammad Yusuf Tarigami demanded a prompt and impartial inquiry into the mysterious death of the three persons. "Demanding a fair probe into the 'mysterious' death of three civilians near the encounter spot in Poonch. A prompt & impartial probe is crucial to ascertain the cause of their death," Tarigami said in a post on X. "Also condemning in no uncertain terms the militant attack in which five soldiers made ultimate sacrifices in the line of duty. My deep condolences to their families," the CPI(M) leader's post added. People's Conference chief Sajad Lone said the loss of civilian life in Poonch is a grim reminder of the challenges that we still face. "The last three decades have been dotted with such heinous acts. Non combatants have paid a heavy price. Let truth be told. In some cases there was total denial. In some cases cosmetic condemnation," he said in a statement. Lone said maybe the time has come to have an institutional mechanism to ensure transparency in such cases and punishment as per the law of the land. "Zero tolerance to terror has to be followed up with zero tolerance towards rogue terror. Our prayers with the families," he added. Hurriyat Conference led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq also called for a thorough investigation into the civilian deaths. Third-degree torture allegation Mohammad Sadeeq, whose 22-year-old nephew Showket was among the deceased, said around 9.30am on Friday, the Army picked up nine men from the village and were taken to the Armys Mal post, around 2km from the village, and then shifted to Bafliaz post. I made frantic calls through the day to the Poonch deputy magistrate Choudhary Mohammad Yasin, SSP Vinay Kumar, a deputy SP of the area and various DDC members informing them about the development. I told them that the men have been detained and that they were being tortured, said the 45-year-old village head said. Around 4pm on the same day, Sadeeq said, they were informed of the deaths of the three men. They were given third degree torture at the army post, he alleged. The bodies of the three men bore signs of torture, Sadeeq claimed. They were tortured with acid and chilly powder. They were also electrocuted, he alleged, adding that he has shared two videos of the alleged torture with officials. (With inputs from Ravi Krishnan Khajuria in Jammu) A drone fired from Iran struck a Japanese-owned chemical tanker in the Arabian Sea on Saturday, the US Department of Defense said, an attack that came at a time of heightened fears of maritime trade being targeted further west in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Merchant vessel Chem Pluto. The US military remains in communication with the merchant vessel Chem Pluto as it continues toward a destination in India, the Pentagon said in a statement. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here The Indian Navys explosive ordnance disposal specialists will embark MV Chem Pluto when it reaches the Mumbai harbour on Monday to sanitise the vessel and undertake further investigation, the navy said in a statement on Sunday. It is being escorted by Indian Coast Guard Patrol vessel Vikram. The Indian Navy and the coast guard deployed their assets to aid MV Chem Pluto, which was carrying chemicals from Saudi Arabias Jubail port to New Mangalore. It was struck roughly 217 nautical miles from Porbandar around 11.30 am on Saturday, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The incident comes at a time when the region is facing an array of security challenges including Houthi militia targeting commercial shipping in the Red Sea after the Israel-Hamas conflict began on October 7, and the apparent resurgence of piracy. The Iran-backed Houthi rebels declared their support for Hamas. The naval maritime patrol aircraft (P-8I) over flew MT Chem Pluto at 1315 h on 23 Dec 23 and established contact with the crew. The crew reported all 22 crew members to be safe and that the fire had been extinguished. The navy also communicated details of the developing situation to all Indian maritime agencies for rendering necessary assistance, the navy statement said. INS Mormugao established communication with merchant ship in distress on Saturday evening to ascertain if any assistance was required, it said. Vikram, a coast guard patrol vessel, was also present at the scene and was directed to escort MV Chem Pluto to Mumbai, it said. The vessel with 22 crew members (21 Indian and one Vietnamese) was reported on fire after being hit by a projectile at around 0745 h on 23 Dec 23 likely to be a missile or drone, the statement added. Last month, an Israeli-owned cargo ship was hit in a suspected drone attack by Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in the Indian Ocean, the AFP quoted a US official as saying. The hit on the vessel follows drone and missile attacks in the Red Sea by Iran-backed Houthis, who say they are supporting Palestinians under siege by Israel in the Gaza Strip, on commercial shipping, forcing mariners to change course and take longer routes around the southern tip of Africa. On Saturday, an official in Irans Revolutionary Guard warned of the forced closure of other waterways unless Israel halted its war with Hamas, the AFP report said. With the continuation of these crimes, America and its allies should expect the emergence of new resistance forces and the closure of other waterways, Mohammad Reza Naqdi said, quoted by Irans Tasnim news agency. In a security notification issued on Saturday, UKMTO said it received a report of an attack by Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) on a vessel causing an explosion and fire. It said the incident took place 200 nautical miles south-west of Gujarats Veraval coast. The master in command of the vessel is an Indian: Deepesh Badikkihil. After receiving information on Chem Pluto on Saturday, the Mumbai-based Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) activated the International SafetyNET to rush the nearest merchant vessel in the area to inspect the vessel. The SafetyNET is the service for broadcasting and automatic reception of maritime safety information via satellite communications. MV Merlin, which was in the area, went to check on MV Chem Pluto. Merlin reported that the Pluto crew was safe, but the ships power generation had failed. Mysuru (K'taka), Dec 24 (PTI) BJP Lok Sabha member Pratap Simha on Sunday speaking on the Parliament security breach case said people will ultimately decide whether he was a patriot or a traitor, during the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. BJP MP Pratap Simha. (ANI) Not wanting to divulge anything regarding the incident and the probe, he said, will leave it to the gods and his reader fans to decide on the alleged "traitor" allegations made against him. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here The protesters who had jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber on December 13 and set off smoke canisters, had entered Parliament on passes issued on the recommendation of Simha's office. "Whether Pratap Simha is a traitor or a patriot -- mother Goddess Chamundeshwari sitting on the hills of Mysuru, mother Goddess Cauvery who is sitting on Brahmagiri, my reader fans across Karnataka who have been reading my writings for the last twenty years, and people of Mysuru and Kodgu who have seen my work for 9.5 years and my conduct on issues related country, dharma and nationalism -- will give their verdict through votes in Lok Sabha polls to be held in April, 2024," Simha said. Speaking to reporters here, while responding to a question on posters that were put up calling him a "traitor", he further said, "They (people) are the ones who have to ultimately give the judgement. They will decide whether I'm a patriot. I leave it to their decision. I don't have anything to say other than that." The Congress and some organisations had staged a protest against Simha, following the Parliament security breach incident. Asked about the incident and whether his statement was recorded by the police, Simha merely said, "I have said whatever I have to. I don't have anything else to say on this." Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi on Friday had said the statement of Simha has been recorded as part of the probe in the Parliament security breach case. Journalist-turned-politician Simha is a two-term BJP Lok Sabha member from Mysore-Kodagu Lok Sabha constituency. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday interacted with 250 students from J-K as a part of their 'Watan Ko Jano' programme in the national capital. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday interacted with about 250 students representing almost every district of Jammu and Kashmir as part of 'Watan Ko Jano' programme under which they have been touring the country.(ANI) Meanwhile, 250 students from underprivileged backgrounds from almost all the districts of Jammu and Kashmir are visiting the country. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here They have visited Jaipur, Ajmer and Delhi. ALSO READ| PM Modi to hold roadshow during Ayodhya visit to inaugurate airport, railway station on December 30 Earlier, Commissioner Secretary of Social Welfare Department Sheetal Nanda flagged off a group of 250 children selected from all districts of Jammu and Kashmir escorted by 10 coordinators and caretakers to Jaipur and New Delhi for a 12-day exposure visit under the 'Watan Ko Jano' Youth Exchange Programme of the Department of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh Affairs. The visit is aimed at exposing the youth to the cultural and social diversity of the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Ayodhya on December 30 and inaugurate the Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram International Airport and Ayodhya railway station. He will also lay the foundation stone of 29 development projects worth over 3,284.60 crore during his visit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi((ANI)) Commissioner of Ayodhya Gaurav Dayal said Modi will also hold a roadshow and public gathering during his Ayodhya visit, reported news agency ANI. Dayal informed about the arrangements being made in the holy city. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here "All facilities are available in hospitals. The chief minister is also reviewing it. For high-end services, we will keep a backup plan from here to Lucknow. The PM is coming on December 30. The airport and the railway station which have been prepared in the first phase are going to be inaugurated. According to estimates, after January 22, approximately 50,000-55,000 people will come to Ayodhya daily and the administration is busy preparing for the same," said Dayal. ALSO READ| Retired police officer shot dead by terrorists at Baramulla mosque in Kashmir "The PM will show a green flag to the rails. After that, PM Modi will address the public meeting on the ground next to the airport. He will travel from the airport to the railway station so it will be in the form of a roadshow. Arrangements are being made to welcome him," said the commissioner of Ayodhya. The consecration of the idol of Lord Ram will take place in the newly constructed temple in Ayodhya on January 22. The Uttar Pradesh government has allocated a budget of 100 crore for Ramotsav, a series of events which will be held from December 30 to January 22 to mark the consecration at the Ram Temple. Ahead of the important religious event, the administration has launched a beautification drive in the city. Roads are being widened and infrastructure is getting refurbished. 7000 people including 3000 VVIPs have been invited for the consecration ceremony. The Prime Minister's Office on Sunday held a high-level meeting to take stock of the post-flood situation in Tamil Nadu. Official sources informed that PMO officials interacted with Tamil Nadu government functionaries to discuss relief and rehabilitation measures in the state. The Prime Minister's Office on Sunday held a high-level meeting to take stock of the post-flood situation in Tamil Nadu((PTI)) Deployment of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) as well as help from armed forces, including helicopters, in case of need, were discussed during the meeting. The officials deliberated on a visit by an inter-ministerial central team to assess the damage and destruction caused by floods in the state. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Post-flood situation in Tamil Nadu Recently, heavy rain caused massive damage in Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Tenkasi, and Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu. Thoothukudi is the worst-affected district where flood water has not receded yet. Also, communication lines have been badly affected in some districts in the aftermath of the flood. 35 people died due to the recent floods in the state. 22 deaths were recorded in Thoothukudi district and 13 in Tirunelveli district, revealed Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary Shiv Das Meena. "We have completed the rescue operation. Now, our main focus is on the restoration of basic services. Unfortunately, in these floods, 35 deaths have been reported--22 in Thoothukudi district and 13 in Tirunelveli district," Meena told ANI. What Tamil Nadu Chief Minister said on flood situation in the state Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin highlighted that unprecedented rainfall happened in many districts of the state. He gave details of rescue operations being undertaken for the welfare of the people. "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. New Delhi: BJP MP Pratap Simha, who is at the centre of the massive political row over the Lok Sabha security breach, on Sunday responded to the controversy as well as the 'traitor' posters, saying the people of the country will give their statement on him in the 2024 general elections. BJP MP Pratap Simha(ANI file photo) Simha's office had issued visitor passes to the two men who intruded into the Lok Sabha and created a ruckus, prompting a political row which culminated with the suspension of 143 Opposition MPs from the Parliament for the Winter Session. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here In his first public reaction to the controversy, he said he had left it to the gods and his supporters to decide whether he was a traitor or not. The Congress-led Opposition had demanded action against Simha "Whether Pratap Simha is a traitor or a patriot -- mother Goddess Chamundeshwari sitting on the hills of Mysuru, mother Goddess Cauvery who is sitting on Brahmagiri, my reader fans across Karnataka who have been reading my writings for the last twenty years, and people of Mysuru and Kodgu who have seen my work for 9.5 years and my conduct on issues related country, dharma and nationalism -- will give their verdict through votes in Lok Sabha polls to be held in April, 2024," Simha said, reported PTI. On posters calling him a traitor, he said: "They (people) are the ones who have to ultimately give the judgement. They will decide whether I'm a patriot. I leave it to their decision. I don't have anything to say other than that." Simha has been facing a protest by Congress workers. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi on Friday had said the statement of Simha had been recorded as part of the probe in the Parliament security breach case. Simha is a two-term MP from Mysuru. He was a journalist before he won the elections to the Lok Sabha in 2014. Guwahati (Assam) [India], December 24 (ANI): As Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to attend the installation of Lord Ram's idol in Ayodhya's Ram Temple on January 22, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said on Saturday that it is a matter of great pride for the country. HT Image Speaking with ANI in Guwahati on the temple inauguration, Union Minister Sonowal said, "It is a matter of self-esteem for the country. We always seek blessings from Lord Ram. It is a matter of pride for the people that a temple for Lord Ram will be inaugurated..." Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here "Today, the country is marching ahead with development under the guidance of Lord Ram," he added. The ceremony scheduled for 22 January will witness the installation of the idol of Ram Lalla at the grand temple. It is expected to be attended by hundreds of officials including the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The trust has also invited 4,000 saints of all sects for the ceremony. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to attend the installation of the idol of Lord Ram at the grand temple on January 22. Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama, holds great spiritual, historical and cultural significance for the people of India. The trust has also invited 4,000 saints of all sects for the ceremony. According to the Sri Ram Janambhoomi Trust, arrangements will be made for 10,000-15,000 people. On the 22nd of January, 2024 one of the three idols being made from two stones brought in from Karnataka and One from Rajasthan will be placed in the sanctorum of the grand temple. The best idol from three stones will be selected in the first week of January for the consecration ceremony. Meanwhile, BJP has decided to run a campaign for Ram Mandir celebrations starting January 1, in which BJP workers will go door to door in all the villages across the country and encourage ten crore families to participate in Diya Lightning programs for Ram Temple in Ayodhya. (ANI) Mykyta Shandyba, the head of the press service of the 10th Edelweiss Mountain Assault Brigade, showed a heartwarming photo project with the military for Christmas. With his photos, the photographer wanted to remind Ukrainians once again that thousands of defenders will not be able to celebrate the winter holidays with their loved ones. Instead, they will spend these days in the cold trenches and on the battlefield against the occupiers. ADVERTISIMENT Mykyta Shandyba shared the footage on his personal Instagram page. The publication touched the Internet users. "Christmas 2023. This year it is different for everyone again. Unfortunately, our soldiers cannot celebrate it with their families, wives and children, but we know that thanks to their resilience and perseverance, the enemy will be destroyed and everyone will return to their homes. Remember those who are now in the fields and trenches, respect their courage and bravery, and help bring our victory closer," the photographer addressed his followers. He also noted that this year was, without exaggeration, one of the most difficult for independent Ukraine. There have been many losses, but we must not forget that today most of us will be able to gather for a festive dinner thanks to the defenders who remain on the front line. ADVERTISIMENT "There is no mud, blood or shelling in the photos. There is a soul in these photos that will be felt by everyone who looks at them. Family warmth and hugs from relatives is a dream for everyone who is defending their loved ones," added Shandyba. The footage shows a Ukrainian soldier in the middle of a field "celebrating" Christmas. On his table is a straw didukh, symbolizing prosperity and harmony, as well as traditional Ukrainian Christmas dishes: kutia, stuffed cabbage, dumplings, pampushkas, fish, uzvar, and more. The warrior lights a candle and begins the "festive meal". A weapon stands next to his table as a symbol of the fact that the war is ongoing and the soldiers at the front have no days off or breaks for the holidays. ADVERTISIMENT Internet users were touched by the photos. In the comments they write: "Tears and goosebumps," "It hurts that so many people cannot be with their families at Christmas," "Thank you to all the soldiers who defend our land! I bow to your courage and fortitude! God bless you!", "May this Christmas become a blanket and a talisman for you", "Thank you for defending our land". ADVERTISIMENT As OBOZ.UA previously wrote, in Odesa, children began singing Christmas songs in the shelter of a school. The young Ukrainians cheered up both themselves and adults, and also touched the netizens who watched the video. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! A retired police officer was shot dead by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district on Sunday morning, the police said. The incident took place when the retired senior superintendent of police (SSP), identified as Mohammad Shafi, was praying at a mosque in the city's Gantmulla Baramulla area, the police added. Retired police officer shot dead by terrorists at Baramulla mosque in Kashmir(Twitter/@Parvaiz_Qadri) After the incident, the police cordoned off the area. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here #Terrorists fired upon Shri Mohd Shafi, a retired police officer at Gantmulla, Sheeri #Baramulla, while praying Azan in the mosque and succumbed to injuries. Area has been #cordoned off. Further details awaited, the Kashmir Zone police wrote in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. Several targeted killings have taken place in Jammu and Kashmir in the recent past. Earlier this month, a police constable was shot at and injured by terrorists in Srinagar. The constable, identified as Mohammad Hafiz Chad, was attacked near his house at Hamdaniya Colony Bemina. Before this in October, a police inspector, identified as Masroor Ahmad Wani, was attacked outside his house at Eidgah while he was playing cricket. The officer was being treated in Srinagars Paras hospital and was later shifted to AIIMS in the national capital where he succumbed to his injuries. Meanwhile, a massive search operation is underway to nab terrorists in the forest area of Dera ki Gali in the Rajouri sector. This comes after four Army soldiers were killed by terrorists during an encounter on Thursday. Terrorists on Sunday morning shot and killed a retired senior police officer in Gantmulla village in North Kashmirs Baramulla district inside the mosque, police said. Police said that they have cordoned off the area (Twitter Photo) Kashmir zone police, in a social media post, informed that officer Mohammad Shafi Mir, who retired as the senior superintendent of police (SSP) in 2012, was shot dead while offering Azan (prayer call) inside the mosque. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Police said that soon after the attack, the Jammu and Kashmir police and the army cordoned off the area. #Terrorists fired upon Shri Mohd Shafi, a retired police officer at Gantmulla, Sheeri #Baramulla, while praying Azan in the mosque and succumbed to injuries. Area has been #cordoned off. Further details awaited, J&K Police said in a post on X. On December 9, police constable Mohammad Hafiz Chad was attacked near his house at Hamdaniya Colony Bemina. He received serious injuries. On December 7, inspector Masroor Ahmad Wani succumbed to his injuries. He was attacked by terrorists on October 29. Telugu Desam Party led by former Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu has roped in political strategist Prashant Kishor to help the party work out its strategy ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in the state. The founder of Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC), Prashant Kishor , along with TDP general secretary and Naidus son Nara Lokesh, landed in Vijayawada in a private jet (HT) The founder of Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC), along with TDP general secretary and Naidus son Nara Lokesh, landed in Vijayawada in a private jet from Hyderabad on Saturday afternoon and drove straight to the TDP chiefs residence at Vundavalli in Amaravati to hold talks. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here A video of Kishor and Lokesh coming out of the airport and boarding a vehicle went viral on social media. A purported list of passengers of the aircraft from Begumpet airport in Hyderabad to Vijayawada also appeared on social media. Along with Lokesh, his two close aides, M Srikanth and Rajesh Kilaru, besides Shantanu Singh, head of operations at ShowTime Consulting, now affiliated with the TDP, accompanied Kishor in the flight and then to Naidus residence. ShowTime Consulting chief Robbin Sharma, who has been working for Naidu, joined the talks, a TDP leader privy to the development said, declining to be named. The TDP had been in talks with Kishor for the past three months to engage his services as an advisor to help the party devise new strategies to defeat the ruling YSR Congress Party and come to power in the assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh scheduled to be held in March 2024, the leader said. Lokesh, who had been in New Delhi for a few weeks in September after the arrest and imprisonment of his father in the alleged multi-crore skill development scam case, had held consultations with Kishor in this regard, he said. During the 2019 elections, Kishor, who was then heading the I-PAC, had played a role in bringing YSRCP led by Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy to power with a huge majority. The party had won 151 out of 175 assembly seats. Even after Reddy came to power, Kishor continued to be associated with the YSRCP government in the initial days, advising him on several policy issues. A team of I-PAC was engaged by the state government to oversee the functioning of the administration at the grassroots level. Subsequently, Kishor disassociated himself with I-PAC and handed it over to his colleague Rishi Raj Singh, while confining himself to Bihar, where he has launched the Jan Suraj Yatra and has been undertaking foot marches. The I-PAC team led by Singh is working for the YSRC for the upcoming state elections. Against this backdrop, the return of Kishor to Andhra Pradesh politics to help Naidu, against whom he worked in 2019, created political ripples. It is a matter of surprise that the TDP, who had run down Kishor during the 2019 elections for trying to implement Bihar-type of politics in Andhra, is engaging the same man to help him in the present elections, said political analyst and former Osmania University professor M Nageshwar. Kishors entry into Andhra politics is a politically significant development at a time when the TDP-Jana Sena Party combine is emerging as a formidable force, Nageshwar added. Kishor would be of great help to the TDP in building up an image, designing the right campaign strategy and creating a narrative among the people on the need to pull down the Jagan Mohan Reddy government, he said. YSRCP reacted cautiously to the development. What can a mestri (building contractor) do, when the material itself is not good? commented YSRCP spokesman and state irrigation minister Ambati Rambabu on social media platform X, without elaborating further. As many as 80 PG women students of a university in Telangana were suspended for one week from hostel for allegedly pressuring their juniors "to sing and dance", officials said on Saturday. Some PG students asked their juniors to re-introduce themselves at the ladies hostel of the institute, which the juniors refused.(HT/Representative Photo) After the introductory event held recently, some students of the Post-Graduate courses of Commerce and Zoology departments of the Kakatiya University in Warangal district, again on December 18, asked their juniors to re-introduce themselves at the ladies hostel of the institute, which the juniors refused, they said. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here The junior students complained to the varsity authorities over the matter even as some among them also alleged that they were "pressurised" to sing and dance by their seniors, the officials said, adding an enquiry was conducted, and 80 PG students were suspended. "Disciplinary action has been initiated against the 80 PG students, and they were suspended for a week from hostel," a senior official of the university said. Indias transition away from coal or just transition will not happen in the foreseeable future, the Coal Ministry informed the Rajya Sabha on December 11. In other responses during the winter session that ended Thursday, the coal ministry said it plans to open up several new coal mines. The responses are significant, because, soon after, on December 13, at the COP28 climate conference, nearly 200 countries, including India agreed to transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems (Representative photo) The responses are significant, because, soon after, on December 13, at the COP28 climate conference, nearly 200 countries, including India agreed to transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems, in a just, orderly and equitable manner, accelerating action in this critical decade, so as to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Although India is expanding renewable/non-fossil-based energy, the share of coal in the energy basket is going to remain significant in years ahead to ensure affordable energy availability, accessibility, and energy security for sustainable development and poverty eradication, the coal ministry added on December 11, in its response to a question by YSR Congress Party leader and MP, S Niranjan Reddy on whether government has an estimate of the jobs lost due to closure of mines and other fossil fuel sectors; the implementation status of the Just Transition Project set up by the government with the World Bank; and whether government intends to adopt a Just Transition Policy that is in alignment with the Paris Agreement for protecting and supporting workers affected by job losses resulting from the push towards green energy. READ | Power generators asked to import 4% coal till March next year In India, the transition away from coal or Just Transition is not happening in foreseeable future. Although India is pushing for renewable/non-fossil-based energy, but the share of coal in the energy basket is going to remain significant in years ahead to ensure affordable energy availability, accessibility, and energy security to enable sustainable development and poverty eradication, the ministry said in its response. On Tuesday, Power minister RK Singh informed the Rajya Sabha that Indias new and renewable energy capacity has increased nearly 2.35 times since 2013-14 to nearly 179.54 GW this year which is around 42% of total installed capacity. India, in its updated nationally determined contribution submitted last year committed to have 50% of installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based power sources by 2030. Coal minister, Pralhad Joshi informed Rajya Sabha on December 11 that the manpower deployed in the mines of government coal companies which are to be closed in three to four years will be redeployed in nearby mines of coal companies. On December 18, Joshi again informed Rajya Sabha that domestic coal production is expected to grow by 6-7% annually over the next few years to reach about 1.5 billion tonnes in 2029-30 (in the current financial year, till November 2023, the country has produced about 591.40 MT of coal compared to 524.72 MT during the same period of last year with a growth of about 13%). For smooth transit of coal to end-users, steps are also being taken to improve evacuation infrastructure through new rail projects, he added. India is the worlds fastest growing major economy and is expected to become the worlds third largest economy in the coming years. With the rapid industrial growth, the demand for energy has increased over the last decade and will continue to increase in the near future. In response to a question in Lok Sabha on December 6, Joshi elaborated on the plans to open new coal mines. Not just 99 coal mines (auctioned so far), many more coal mines have been offered for allocation to interested bidders through a most transparent auction process for commercial mining launched in 2020. Till date, 7 rounds of commercial auctions have been completed and 91 coal mines have been successfully auctioned with peak rated capacity of 221 MTPA (million tonnes per annum). The 8th round of commercial auctions was launched on November 15 offering 35 mines. Further, on December 18, the Coal Ministry launched the 9th round of auctions in which 26 coal mines from 4 states including Chhattisgarh were offered. Joshi added on December 6 that India has continued decoupling economic growth from greenhouse gas emissions. Indias emission intensity of gross domestic product (GDP) has reduced by 24% between 2005 and 2016. The coal ministrys statement in Rajya Sabha echoes Indias stand during COP28, that development is at the core of Indias climate policy. This doesnt imply that India is oblivious to climate change mitigation goals. The pace of addition of renewable energy will far outpace that of coal. Meeting electricity needs of a fast growing economy necessitates a policy where variable renewable energy is complemented by stable base load coal in the near future, to ensure that the government delivers on its development agenda, said Vaibhav Chaturvedi, Fellow at the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW). Officials from the Indian delegation at COP28 said one of the major issues that India managed to deal with at the negotiations was limiting new coal power projects. For example, in the fifth iteration of the GST text, released on December 11, there was a mention of rapidly phasing down unabated coal and limitations on permitting new and unabated coal power generation. In the final document which was adopted on Wednesday this was changed to accelerating efforts towards the phase-down of unabated coal power. We cannot depend on imported oil and gas. Until we achieve our development needs, we will use coal. The language on coal (in the UAE agreement) is a repetition from the Glasgow agreement in 2021. What is important is developed countries wanted to push for language on limiting new coal power which we managed to thwart, environment minister Bhupender Yadav said on Tuesday. HT had reported on December 13 that the UAE Consensus is a very carefully calibrated decision text that calls on countries to contribute in a nationally determined manner to: tripling renewable energy capacity globally and doubling the global average annual rate of energy efficiency improvements by 2030; accelerating efforts towards the phase-down of unabated coal power; accelerating efforts globally towards net zero emission energy systems, utilizing zero- and low-carbon fuels well before or by around mid-century; and transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy systems among others. A provision on using transitional fuels leaves room for several countries to continue using gas and oil, experts have pointed out. A massive traffic gridlock occurred on the route leading to Manali in Himachal Pradesh as a considerable influx of tourists flocked to the hilly regions for Christmas and New Year celebrations. The extensive traffic congestion on the hill state's roads posed considerable challenges for commuters, with local residents also encountering difficulties. Similar traffic jams were observed in various other tourism hotspots leading up to the holidays. In a video shared by news agency ANI, vehicles en route to Manali before Christmas Eve were depicted trapped in an extensive traffic snarl on Sunday(ANI) In a video shared by news agency ANI, vehicles en route to the hilly regions before Christmas Eve were depicted trapped in an extensive traffic snarl. Numerous social media videos surfaced, detailing the duration users had been stalled in the traffic, showcasing vehicles piled up one after the other. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here An X user expressed their frustration, saying, Stuck on Manali to Atal tunnel road since 5 hours where is the traffic police and what the administration is doing.The user shared a video portraying the traffic deadlock. Another individual shared, Going to #Manali , this is the status huge huge jams. We came just before Christmas weekends hence didnt face any such jams. This will be the status for coming few days. Plan accordingly while returning from Manali and exhibiting long queues of stranded vehicles. Furthermore, a user shared a Google Maps video exhibiting the congestion along the extensive route encompassing Solang Valley, Atal Tunnel, and other Manali areas, saying, Saw lots of posts about Manali traffic jam today. Happened to check it on google maps. Situation is really bad. Hope it gets clear soon. Addressing the prolonged wait of tourist vehicles, another user remarked, After few years, native people of Manali and Shimla will have to go to other places for weekend getaways and holidays.. Christmas, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, is a globally recognised annual festival celebrated on December 25 for its religious and cultural significance. Meanwhile, the Atal Tunnel at Rohtang Pass experienced fresh snowfall on Saturday. The Atal Tunnel, a remarkable engineering feat nestled in the Himalayas, constitutes a highway tunnel constructed beneath the Rohtang Pass in the eastern Pir Panjal range. Positioned on the Leh-Manali Highway in Himachal Pradesh, it holds the distinction of being the lengthiest single-tube highway tunnel situated above 10,000 feet, according to the official website of the Border Roads Organisation. Traffic snarls in other tourist hotspots ahead of New Year To spend the Christmas and New Year holidays, people are also heading to other tourist hotspots like Mysuru and Kodagu in Karnataka, causing significant traffic congestion at the tolls and elsewhere. Sharing a video of the traffic snarl at the toll booth on Saturday along the Bengaluru Highway in Mysuru, an X account under the name 'Star Of Mysore' wrote, Thousands of tourists are visiting Mysuru and Kodagu to spend Christmas and New Year holidays. The scenes at toll booths leading to Mysuru on the Bengaluru Highway are choked with bumper-to-bumper traffic. Also, Kodagu's entry points face traffic snarls up to two kilometres. Another X account named 'Kodagu Connect' shared a 20-second video displaying the long line of vehicles at the tourist place's entry point. Kodagu is a stress-free getaway? noted the account. Heavy traffic congestion also plagued the routes spanning from Mumbai to Pune, Mahabaleshwar, and Goa, notably around Lonavala Ghat, as holiday travellers surged ahead. New Delhi: The Iran-backed Houthi drone attack on Mangalore bound MV Chem Pluto took place 210 nautical miles off Dwarka with the Iranian coast 500 nautical miles to the north-west and the Yemen coast 860 nautical miles off the incident site on December 23. MV Chem Pluto While the Pentagon has said that this is the seventh Iran-backed Houthi militants attack on commercial shipping since 2021, the attack has ominous portents for maritime security in the Arabian Sea area as Tehran is even firing at vessels that at least have no overt connections to the targeted ship. MV Chem Pluto is a Liberian-flagged, Japanese-owned and Netherlands-operated tanker with largely Indian crew and it was way out of the currently contested Red Sea and Gulf of Aden region. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Although Iran has missile firing Shahed drone with a range of 1350 nautical miles, it is also important to investigate the role of Iranian Dhow MV Saviz, which was 47 nautical miles off the attacked vessel, and bulk carrier MV Artenos, 230 nautical miles of MV Chem Pluto, in case the two vessels were involved in any way in identifying or targeting of the Mangalore-bound chemical tanker. According to the Pentagon, the Houthi militants fired a one-way expendable drone at the India-bound vessel, which led to a fire on the ship, power failure and a total blackout. The Indian Navy launched a P8I maritime reconnaissance aircraft immediately after receipt of May Day signal and then the Indian Coast Guard vessel provided assistance on high seas. Although the fire on MV Chem Pluto is under control and the distressed vessel is being provided assistance by the Indian Navy and Coast Guard, Iran and its proxies, the Houthi militia in Yemen, have caused havoc to maritime security in the region by targeting commercial shipping from the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden to Persian Gulf and all the way off the coast of India. The Houthi militants' provocative attacks against commercial shipping are deliberately being done to force the US-led West to ask Israel to cease its war against Hamas terrorists in Gaza. The maverick role played by Iran through its terror proxies in the Middle-East with scant regard to international law shows the vulnerability of the Indo-Pacific as Tehran is targeting global maritime security with impunity. This will raise the cost of commercial shipping through the Red Sea as the majority of vessels will take the Cape of Good Hope route to reach the West but will have little repercussions for a pariah state like Iran. Not only Iran is coercing the region with its lethal tactics, it is also seriously hurting the economic interests of Sunni states like Saudi Arabia, Jordan and UAE by creating serious instability in the region. The attack on MV Chem Pluto shows the extent to which Iran can go to bully the entire Middle-East region over its death wish for Israel. Taking to social media X, Israeli ambassador to India Naor Gilon said, This Iranian instigated attack on international shipping shouldnt come as a surprise. After just a few days ago the Commander of the Revolutionary Guards, Mohammad Reza Naqdi, threatened to close the Mediterranean Sea, Gibraltar and other waterways. Disruptions during the Winter Session of Parliament were deliberate and strategised, Rajya Sabha Chairperson Jagdeep Dhankhar on Saturday said in a letter to Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge. Dhankhar also said he had to painfully suffer Kharge's stance to reject his offer for interaction in the Chamber of the House which is unwholesomely unprecedented and not in sync with the well-established parliamentary practice. Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar with Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge(PTI) The disorder was deliberate and strategised. I do not seek to embarrass you by indicating the predetermined role of the main opposition party in this communication but will share with you when I have the benefit of interacting with you, Dhankhar told Kharge in the letter. He further suggested to move ahead and invited the Congress chief for an interaction on December 25 "or a time of your convenience" at his official residence. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here The Rajya Sabha Chairperson's response came a day after Kharge wrote to him expressing his dismay over not being permitted to speak on the pressing matter of the security breach episode of December 13 when two persons jumped into the Chamber of Lok Sabha from the vistors' gallery causing panic among the parliamentarians. The incident sparked a ruckus in the following proceedings of the session with the Opposition leaders demanding a statement from Union home minister Amit Shah, which also led to a series of suspensions of MPs and a premature sine-die adjournment of the session. A total of 146 MPs--100 from Lok Sabha and 46 from Rajya Sabha--were suspended. Kharge said in the letter, Witnessing the suspension of members was painful, agonising, frustrating and disheartening. This... on such a large scale was detrimental to the core principles of India's parliamentary democracy. In response, Dhankhar said the premise of suspensions was deliberate disorder in the House by sloganeering, raising placards, entering the well of the House and gesticulating towards the Chair. He also said before taking the unpleasant step, he exhausted all other means from his end including brief adjournments and seeking interactions. Our gut health and digestion are indicators of our general health and well-being. If they both are compromised, studies show that they often affect our ability to digest food, absorb nutrients to aid our body, metabolism, menstrual cycle, mental health, and more. However, according to celebrity yoga trainer Anshuka Parwani, a yoga asana can help you take care of your digestion and gut health. She shared a video on Instagram sharing the yoga pose and asked her followers to practice it daily after eating a meal. Yoga asana to practice after eating food to take care of your digestion and gut health. (Pexels) Anshuka Parwani shares yoga pose to practice after eating a meal Celebrity fitness trainer Anshuka Parwani, known for working with Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Ananya Panday, Tejasswi Kaul, Rakul Preet Singh and others, posted a clip on Instagram featuring a yoga asana for improving gut health and digestion. The pose is called Vajrasana - also known as Thunderbolt Pose or Diamond Pose. She instructed her followers to practice the asana after eating a meal. While sitting in Vajrasana, one has to perform Pushan Mudra to make the practice more beneficial. To do Pushan Mudra, join the tips of your thumb, index and middle finger in your right hand and join the tips of your thumb, middle and ring finger in your left hand. She said one can start by practising the pose for 3-5 minutes and build up to 15 minutes. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Watch the video below: Anshuka posted the video with the caption, "It's the best time of the year with so much happening and such yummy food! In the midst of all the excitement, don't forget to take care of your digestion and gut health! One Yoga pose you should practice right after all your meals, is Vajrasana." She also shared the benefits of Vajrasana in the caption. According to the yoga trainer, "This kneeling asana helps with digestion, prevents constipation, and acidity and strengthens the pelvic muscles." Meanwhile, the Pushan Mudra "helps to improve gastric health and deal with the after-effects of a heavy meal." This pose will definitely help you enjoy heavy meals during the holiday season. As artificial intelligence and technological advancements continue to take over the world, a recent survey has revealed that cyber attacks and threats are currently the biggest risks faced by Indian organisations. Indian organisations are at a great risk for cyber attacks (Image for representational purpose) The PwC's 2023 Global Risk Survey- India edition said that 38 percent of all the respondents of the survey felt that their company is highly exposed to cyber threats. Cybersecurity has jumped two spots from number three to number one on the risk radar when compared to the 2022 Global Risk Survey, the data stated. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here PwC said the final results of the survey are based on 3,910 survey responses from Business and Risk Management leaders (CEO, board, risk management, operations, technology, finance, audit) across 67 territories providing their views on the status and direction of risk in their organisation. 163 Indian organisations were a part of this survey. In an effort to reduce these risks, many Indian organisations have invested a large sum of money into cybersecurity such as AI and machine learning. The survey results show that more than half of the respondents plan to invest in cybersecurity tools (55 per cent) and AI, machine learning and automation technologies (55 per cent) in the next 1-3 years. Further, 61 percent global firms and 71 percent Indian firms are gathering and analysing cybersecurity and IT data for risk management and opportunity identification in an effort to reduce the cyber attack threat. Cyber attacks on public and private organisations The most recent cyber attack in India was against the e-Nagarpalika portal of Madhya Pradesh, where the data of people living in 413 cities was compromised. The cyber attack brought to light how smaller government portals have low security but highly sensitive data. Recently, US real estate giant First American also got hit by a massive cyber attack, with the organisation forced to take some of its operations offline due to compromised data. Indian businesses are seeing technology disruptors as opportunities, with 69 per cent of Indian executives seeing Generative AI as an opportunity (against 60 per cent globally). With inputs from PTI Indoor plants are useful primarily for purifying the air and creating a cozy atmosphere in the house. They will also add bright accents to any interior. ADVERTISIMENT Experts say that some plants can help fight stress because they have a positive effect on the psyche. What flowers can cheer you up and help you get rid of negativity - read in the OBOZ.UA article. Chrysanthemum Autumn chrysanthemums are based on a specific aromatic compound that is also found in eucalyptus leaves. In 2019, a study was conducted at the University of Nagasaki, which found that aromatherapy with chrysanthemums really helps to improve mood and short-term memory. At the same time, chrysanthemums grown in natural conditions have the best effect. Sansevieria Sansevieria is a plant popular primarily for its unpretentiousness. Sansevieria is popularly called "mother-in-law's tongue". This plant does not require any special conditions, bright lighting, or constant fertilizing. Sansevieria will grow well even in low light. Harvard University researchers have found that mother-in-law's tongue effectively cleanses the air of toxins. It is one of the most productive houseplants in terms of oxygen production. Sansevieria will help you breathe easier and improve your sleep. ADVERTISIMENT Spathiphyllum There is a popular belief that spathiphyllum has a positive effect on the body, not for nothing that it is often called "female happiness". These large-leaved plants are believed to improve the energy in the house, fill the house with joy and well-being. It's not just a matter of superstition - researchers say that spathiphyllum effectively removes toluene and xylene from the air, which can cause stress. Jasmine Fragrant jasmine has therapeutic properties. These flowers can be grown on a windowsill to prevent panic attacks, insomnia, and depression. According to research, inhaling the jasmine scent can even lower blood pressure and relieve fatigue. Lavender Lavender is known for its calming effects. The essential oil is used for aromatherapy. Scientists suggest that lavender can not only stabilize mood and improve well-being. Researchers from the Iranian Center for Neurology said that lavender has anticonvulsant, analgesic, and neuroprotective properties. ADVERTISIMENT Mint Inhaling the aroma of mint improves memory. The most useful is peppermint - it can be grown on a windowsill in small pots. Peppermint leaves have anti-inflammatory, soothing, and tonic effects. Aloe Aloe vera has sedative and hypnotic effects. Scientists from the School of Traditional Medicine in Tehran said that aloe extract can promote deep sleep and reduce stress and anxiety. Earlier, OBOZ.UA told you how to transplant indoor plants in winter so as not to harm them. Subscribe to the OBOZ.UA channels in Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events. A video of an auto driver from Maharashtra expressing how the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transformed his life is gaining much traction on social media. In the video, he shared how UPI helps him save money and enables him to plan the monthly expenses well ahead of time. The auto driver said that his earnings have also increased after he started accepting UPI payments. (X/@Gautaamm) Those who know me know how big a fan of UPI I am. But often, I am reminded of the profound impact it has had on all our lives. Like this rickshaw driver I met today who says: It has been a life changing facility, wrote X user Gautam Govitrikar while sharing a video on the platform. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here When Govitrikar asked him how UPI changed his life, the driver said, Here is how: I have a steady balance in my bank account. That allows me to plan the monthly expenses well ahead of time. When it was all cash, I would make some frivolous expenses. Now I am saving money. The number of fares and hence earning has increased because people gladly choose me over others due to me accepting UPI. It has taken away the hassle of loose change and so the main change has been there are no fights between me and the passengers over change. Everyone is happy. Watch the video here: The video was shared on December 20 on X. It has since been viewed over 2.5 lakh times and liked by over 1,400 people. Many even retweeted the tweet and dropped comments on the video. Check out how people reacted to the video: It feels like ages since I have carried cash since Covid. I handle everything via UPI from rent, bills & groceries purchases. Hardly see anyone who doesnt accept UPI, posted an individual. Another added, Honest and unfiltered feedback! Since the past 1 year I have hardly used cash. Didnt visit the ATM since last November, shared a third. A fourth commented, I just keep a 500 note in my wallet, that too I dont use, everything UPI or card from past 2 years. I am from Hyderabad. The best part of UPI is. If you forgot your wallet at home you can get cash by transferring money digitally to someone, wrote a fifth. What are your thoughts on this video? An individual booked a ride from a Singapore ride-hailing company, Grab, and was waiting for the driver to arrive. When the driver messaged the passenger, explaining he couldnt reach the location due to road blockage, the passenger asked the driver to cancel. This is when their conversation took a hurtful turn. Not only did the driver ask if the passenger was Indian, but he also told the person to go back India. The customer then reported the matter to Grab and even shared the incident with an Instagram account. Soon, the screenshots of their conversation started gaining traction on social media. The company has responded to the incident, stating that they are investigating this distressing incident. Screenshot of the text exchange between the Singapore cab driver and Indian passenger. (Instagram/@sgfollowsall) The passenger shared an account of the incident and screenshots of the conversation with the driver with the Instagram account sgfollowsall. According to the account, It was a Grab ride I booked, and the driver said the road is closed due to roadworks, so he cant turn in my lane. I told him I can wait and then he said no and when I asked him to cancel the ride if he isnt coming, he asked me if I am Indian. When I asked how that matters, he went on to say your behaviour is different and that I should go back to India. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here They added, I reported it to Grab and am still waiting for a response - I got a Gojek in the meanwhile and reached my destination. But was totally uncalled for and blatant racism. I dont want to name and shame the person though. I work here and have been here for 10 years. Whats sad is that its so blatant and for no reason! But then again, one bad apple doesnt change my experience of Singapore - I love it and have had so many people reach out to apologise for what I experienced. Take a look at the text exchange between cab driver and passenger here: In response to the incident, Grabs spokesperson told AsiaOne that they are investigating the matter. The spokesperson emphasised, We take a strong stance against discriminatory behaviour and language on our platform. Our driver-partners are expected to treat passengers fairly and not discriminate against them in any way. This is in line with our code of conduct. The screenshots were shared three days ago on Instagram. Since being shared, they have gained a lot of traction from people. Many even took to the comments section and dropped their thoughts. Heres how people reacted to this incident: Make a police report! suggested an individual. Another added, This driver is a racist. He should quit driving or change his attitude. Singapore is a multi-racial country; being racist is not allowed. I just got this guy as my driver just now, claimed a third. A fourth demanded, Fire him! Also Read| Bengaluru auto driver goes extra mile to assist commuters catch train At least 68 people were killed by an Israeli strike in central Gaza, health officials said Sunday, while the number of Israeli soldiers killed in combat over the weekend rose to 15. Palestinians walk among the rubble, as they inspect houses destroyed in Israeli strikes.(Reuters) Associated Press journalists at a nearby hospital watched frantic Palestinians carry the dead, including a baby, and wounded following the strike on the Maghazi refugee camp east of Deir al-Balah. One bloodied young girl looked stunned while her body was checked for broken bones. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here The 68 fatalities include at least 12 women and seven children, according to early hospital figures. We were all targeted, said Ahmad Turokmani, who lost several family members including his daughter and grandson. There is no safe place in Gaza anyway. READ | Israel-Hamas war pushing Gaza to famine, UN warns Earlier, the Health Ministry in Gaza gave the death toll as 70. The Israeli military had no immediate comment. As Christmas Eve fell, smoke rose over the besieged territory, while in the West Bank Bethlehem was hushed, its holiday celebrations called off. In neighboring Egypt, tentative efforts continued on a deal for another exchange of hostages for Palestinians held by Israel. The war has devastated parts of Gaza, killed roughly 20,400 Palestinians and displaced almost all of the territorys 2.3 million people. The mounting death toll among Israeli troops 154 since the ground offensive began could erode public support for the war, which was sparked when Hamas-led militants stormed communities in southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 and taking 240 hostage. Israelis still largely stand behind the countrys stated goals of crushing Hamas governing and military capabilities and releasing the remaining 129 captives. That's despite rising international pressure against Israels offensive, and the soaring death toll and unprecedented suffering among Palestinians. HAMAS EXACTS A PRICE The war exacts a very heavy price from us, but we have no choice but to continue fighting, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said. In a nationally televised speech, Israeli President Isaac Herzog appealed for the country to remain united. This moment is a test. We will not break nor blink, he said. There has been widespread anger against his government, which many criticize for failing to protect civilians on Oct. 7 and promoting policies that allowed Hamas to gain strength over the years. Netanyahu has avoided accepting responsibility for the military and policy failures. READ | 90 killed in Israeli strikes on Jabalia camp as pressure grows for Gaza ceasefire Over time, the public will find it hard to ignore the heavy price paid, as well as the suspicion that the aims that were loudly heralded are still far from being attained, and that Hamas is showing no signs of capitulating in the near future," wrote Amos Harel, military affairs commentator for the Haaretz newspaper. The Israeli military said it had completed the dismantling of Hamas underground headquarters in northern Gaza, part of an operation to take down the vast tunnel network and kill off top commanders that Israeli leaders have said could take months. Efforts toward negotiations continued. The head of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Ziyad al-Nakhalah, arrived in Egypt for talks. The militant group, which also took part in the Oct. 7 attack, said it was prepared to consider releasing hostages only after fighting ends. Hamas top leader Ismail Haniyeh traveled to Cairo for talks days earlier. INSIDE GAZA Israels offensive has been one of the most devastating military campaigns in recent history. More than two-thirds of the 20,000 Palestinians killed have been women and children, according to the Health Ministry in Gaza, which does not differentiate between civilians and combatants. On Friday, Israeli airstrikes on two homes in Gaza killed 90 Palestinians, including dozens from an extended family, according to rescuers and hospital officials. One of the homes, located in Gaza City, became one of the deadliest airstrikes in the war after 76 people from the al-Mughrabi family were killed, said Mahmoud Bassal, a spokesman for Gazas Civil Defense department. The Palestinian Red Crescent said a 13-year-old boy was shot and killed in an Israeli drone attack while inside al-Amal Hospital in Khan Younis, a part of Gaza where Israel's military believes Hamas leaders are hiding. An Israeli strike overnight hit a house in a refugee camp west of the city of Rafah, on Gazas border with Egypt. At least two men were killed, according to Associated Press journalists in the hospital where the bodies were taken. At least two people were killed and six others wounded when a missile stuck a building in the Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza. And Palestinians reported heavy Israeli bombardment and gunfire in Jabaliya, an area north of Gaza City that Israel had claimed to control. Hamas military arm said its fighters shelled Israeli troops in Jabaliya and Jabaliya refugee camp. Israel faces international criticism for the civilian death toll but it blames Hamas, citing the militants use of crowded residential areas and tunnels. Israel has launched thousands of airstrikes since Oct. 7. It says it has killed thousands of Hamas militants, without presenting evidence. Israel also faces allegations of mistreating Palestinian men and teenage boys detained in homes, shelters, hospitals and elsewhere during the offensive. It has denied abuse allegations and said those without links to militants are quickly released. Speaking to the AP from a hospital bed in Rafah after his release, Khamis al-Burdainy of Gaza City said Israeli forces detained him after tanks and bulldozers partly destroyed his home. He said men were handcuffed and blindfolded. We didnt sleep. We didnt get food and water, he said, crying and covering his face. Another released detainee, Mohammed Salem, from the Gaza City neighborhood of Shijaiyah, said Israeli troops beat them. We were humiliated, he said. A female soldier would come and beat an old man, aged 72 years old. INTERNATIONAL PRESSURE The United Nations Security Council has passed a watered-down resolution calling for the speedy delivery of humanitarian aid for hungry and desperate Palestinians and the release of all the hostages, but not for a cease-fire. But it was not immediately clear how and when deliveries of food, medical supplies and other aid, far below the daily average of 500 before the war, would accelerate. Trucks enter through two crossings: Rafah, and Kerem Shalom on the border with Israel. Wael Abu Omar, a spokesman for the Palestinian Crossings Authority, said 123 aid trucks entered Gaza on Sunday, The head of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, reiterated U.N. calls for a humanitarian cease-fire, adding on social media that the decimation of the Gaza health system is a tragedy. Amid concerns about a wider regional conflict, the U.S. Central Command said a patrol ship in the Red Sea on Saturday shot down four drones launched from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, a while two Houthi anti-ship ballistic missiles were fired into international shipping lanes. The Iran-backed Houthis say their attacks are aimed at Israel-linked ships in an effort to stop the Israeli offensive in Gaza. China's Gansu has suffered direct economic loss of 532 million yuan ($74.6 million) due to the magnitude-6.2 earthquake that hit the region recently, reported news agency Bloomberg citing the countrys state broadcaster. The earthquake was the deadliest one in the country in a decade. Residents pass by a house that crumbled after an earthquake in Dahejia town in northwestern China's Gansu province.(AP) As per the report, Chinese authorities estimate losses that include 345 million yuan on animal husbandry and 102 million yuan on crop production, in the province of Gansu. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Earthquake's epicentre was between the provinces of Gansu and Qinghai. Its focal depth was 10 kilometres. The earthquake caused extensive damages in both the regions. It also triggered landslides in some areas which destroyed highways and rural roads. Lakhs of houses, many of which were made of clay and mud, got damaged in Gansu. More than a hundred people lost their lives. ALSO READ| Gaza war: What did Joe Biden discuss during phone call with Israel's Netanyahu? Overall, 148 people reportedly died and 781 sustained injuries due to the disaster, as per figures shared by official Xinhua News Agency as of Friday. More than 139,000 people have been moved to emergency shelters across the two provinces. About China's Gansu province Located in northwestern China, Gansu is one of the most impoverished provinces of the country. Its economic output ranked 27th out of 31 Chinese provinces and municipalities as of 2022. It lies at a high altitude where temperatures can be sub zero in the winter. The eastern part of Gansu is known to be prone to earthquakes. The region had suffered a magnitude 6.6 earthquake nearly 10 years ago in July 2013. 95 people had died in the disaster at that time. Houthis attacks in Red Sea: The increasing attacks by Yemen's Houthis, an Iran-backed rebel group, in the Red Sea of the Gulf of Aden have adversely affected global trade as some of the world's biggest shipping companies have announced to avoid the area. The Houthis or Huthis have been attacking ships passing through the Bab al-Mandab Strait at the southern end of the Red Sea ever since the start of the Israel-Hamas war. A Houthi fighter stands on the Galaxy Leader cargo ship in the Red Sea(via REUTERS) The US military on Sunday claimed that a crude oil tanker was among two vessels that came under drone attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels in the Southern Red Sea. Meanwhile, the US has shot down four drones launched from Houthi-controlled areas which were headed towards a US destroyer in the Red Sea. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Who are Houthi rebels? The Houthis are an armed group originating from Yemens northwestern Saada province. They practice the Zaydi form of Shiism and take their name from the movement's founder Hussein al Houthi. Reportedly, the group was formed in the 1990s to combat what they saw as the corruption of the then-president, Ali Abdullah Saleh. In 2003, Saleh tried to eliminate the Iran-backed group, however, the Houthis repelled him and Saudi Arabia's military. Notably, Houthis have control over a major part of Sanaa and the north of Yemen, as well as the Red Sea coastline. Hezbollah controls the Houthis The Houthi rebels are controlled by Lebanon's Hezbollah group who have been providing them with extensive military training since 2014, according to a report by the BBC. Why are the Houthis attacking ships in the Red Sea? The situation in the Red Sea and nearby areas has become extremely critical as the Houthis have threatened to hit any target that is passing through. The attacks began after the Israel-Hamas war on October 7 when the Houthis declared their support for Hamas and said they would attack any ship travelling to Israel. Since then, they have attacked several commercial vessels with drones and ballistic missiles - even though it was not clear whether the ships were Israeli cargo. In retaliation to the attacks, the US military has launched an international naval operation to protect the ships in the region. Several other countries including the UK, Canada, France, Spain, Bahrain, and Norway have joined the operation. According to former ambassador Anil Trigunayat, the attacks are very dangerous for the world since trade supplies are being affected. He said that India's 20 per cent of trade passes through the critical region. (With inputs from agencies) US President Joe Biden discussed the Gaza war situation over phone with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday. Biden urged Netanyahu to ensure the protection of civilians amid the ongoing war, reported news agency AFP. US president Joe Biden(right) and Israeli prime minster Benjamin Netanyahu(Reuters) "The President emphasized the critical need to protect the civilian population including those supporting the humanitarian aid operation, and the importance of allowing civilians to move safely away from areas of ongoing fighting," the White House said in a statement. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here In an interaction with reporters at the White House, Biden said he had a "long talk" with Netanyahu and termed it "a private conversation." Responding to a follow-up question, Biden said, "I did not ask for a ceasefire." ALSO READ| Donald Trump cites absolute immunity to appeals panel in 2020 election case The White House informed that the two leaders also discussed the "objectives and phasing" of Israel's military offensive in Gaza. Discussions also have happened over securing the release of all remaining hostages held by the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas. Notably, as per Israel, 129 hostages are still under captivity in Gaza. The conversation between Biden and Netanyahu took place after the UN Security Council passed a resolution on Friday, demanding "safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance at scale." The Council didn't call for a ceasefire in Gaza and thus avoided a US veto. However, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said a "humanitarian ceasefire" is the only way for aid "to be effectively delivered." Earlier, a brief truce had taken place between Israel and Hamas in November. During the truce, 105 hostages, including 80 Israelis were released in exchange for the freedom of 240 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons. However, the war had resumed after negotiations to extend the truce failed. Reportedly, Israel is trying for a new deal to ensure the release of remaining hostages. Qatar has been mediating deals between Israel and Hamas. A plane with 303 Indian passengers detained near Paris over suspicions of human trafficking will be free to leave Monday, French judicial officials said, though its destination remains unclear. The 15 crew members of the Legend Airlines charter flight en route from United Arab Emirates to Nicaragua were questioned and released, according to a lawyer of the Romania-based airline.(AP) The Nicaragua-bound Airbus A340 and its Indian passengers was held at Vatry airport, 150 kilometres (95 miles) east of Paris, when it arrived Thursday from Dubai for refuelling, after an anonymous tip-off that it was carrying potential victims of human trafficking. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here After questioning the passengers for two days, French prosecutors on Sunday gave the go-ahead for the plane to leave, and full approval for its departure is expected Monday, the local prefecture said in a statement. Although the statement did not mention a destination, the head of the local bar association, Francois Procureur, told a press conference the passengers would be flown to India. READ | France grounds Nicaragua-bound plane with 303 Indians, 2 arrested A source close to the inquiry told AFP that the Indians were likely workers in the United Arab Emirates who had been bound for Nicaragua as a jumping off spot for the United States or Canada. The passengers of the flight, operated by Romanian company Legend Airlines, were put up at the airport during the investigation. Beds, toilets and showers were installed, the local prefecture said, while police have prevented press and outsiders from entering the airport. The passengers included 11 unaccompanied minors, according to Paris prosecutors. Two passengers have been detained since Friday "to verify" whether their role "may have been different than the others in this transport, and under what conditions and with what objectives". Twelve of the passengers have requested asylum, a source close to the case said. The Indian embassy in Paris Saturday posted on X that "embassy consular staff" were on site to working with French authorities "for the welfare" of detained passengers for an "early resolution of the situation". The 30 crew members were not detained. Some handled the Dubai-Vatry leg and others were to take over for the flight to Managua. According to Flightradar24, Legend Airlines has just four planes. An Indian-flagged crude oil tanker in the Red Sea reported that it was hit by an attack drone fired by Houthi militants, sending out a distress call to a US warship in the area, the US military said on Saturday. The Gabon-owned tanker MV Saibaba reported no injuries from the strike, Central Command said in a social media post. Picture for representational purpose only.(AFP) The US Central Command also said a US Navy destroyer patrolling in the Red Sea knocked down four attack drones before they could strike the warship. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here The USS Laboon "shot down four unmanned aerial drones originating from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen that were inbound" toward the American vessel, Centcom said in a post on X (formerly Twitter), adding there were "no injuries or damage". The attack came amid a flurry of new drone and missile attacks by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels on the vital Red Sea shipping lane since the start of the Israel-Hamas war on October 7, with the group claiming to act in solidarity with Gaza. Also Read: US Pentagon says Iranian drone attack hit tanker ship off Gujarat coast On December 23 two Houthi anti-ship ballistic missiles were fired into international shipping lanes in the Southern Red Sea from Houthi controlled areas of Yemen. No ships reported being impacted by the ballistic missiles. Between 3 and 8 p.m. (Sanaa time), the USS LABOON (DDG 58) was patrolling in the Southern Red Sea as part of Operation PROSPERITY GUARDIAN (OPG) and shot down four unmanned aerial drones originating from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen that were inbound to the USS LABOON. There were no injuries or damage in this incident, Central Command said in the statement. At approximately 8 p.m. (Sanaa time), U.S. Naval Forces Central Command received reports from two ships in the Southern Red Sea that they were under attack. The M/V BLAAMANEN, a Norwegian-flagged, owned, and operated chemical/oil tanker, reported a near miss of a Houthi one-way attack drone with no injuries or damage reported, it added. A second vessel, the M/V SAIBABA, a Gabon-owned, Indian-flagged crude oil tanker, reported that it was hit by a one-way attack drone with no injuries reported. The USS LABOON (DDG 58) responded to the distress calls from these attacks. These attacks represent the 14th and 15th attacks on commercial shipping by Houthi militants since Oct. 17, the statement said. The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency earlier reported that an uncrewed aerial system had exploded near a vessel in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, 45 nautical miles southwest of Saleef, Yemen, news agency Reuters reported. The United States launched Operation Prosperity Guardian three 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. The Sanaa-based group has obstructed their passage through the strait. The developments come hours after the Pentagon said a chemical tanker struck Saturday off the coast of India was targeted by a one-way attack drone fired from Iran. The attack took place around 10am local time and caused no casualties aboard the Japanese-owned vessel, it said, adding that a fire was extinguished. The US military "remains in communication with the vessel as it continues toward a destination in India," it added. The Pentagon statement said the Chem Pluto ship flew under a Liberian flag and was operated by a Dutch entity. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the strike which came amid a flurry of drone and missile attacks by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. The Indian Navy said it had responded to a request for assistance. Indian Navy, coast guard swing into action The Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard have deployed assets to aid the merchant ship MV Chem Pluto. The vessel was carrying chemicals from Saudi Arabias Jubail port to Mangalore, officials said. It was struck 217 nautical miles from Porbandar around 11.30am, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). In a late night statement, the Indian Coast Guard said the vessel has started making way towards Mumbai post undertaking damage assessment and repairs on its power generation systems. "The Coast Guard Dornier aircraft has sanitised the area and established communication with Chem Pluto. The vessel has started making way towards Mumbai post undertaking damage assessment and repairs on its power generation systems," it said. "The vessel is likely to enter Mumbai and sought escort assistance due to steering issues. Indian Coast Guard Ship Vikram will be escorting the ship during its passage. The Indian Coast Guard Operations Centre is monitoring the situation closely," it said. The UKMTO cited the crew of 21 as having reported that all on board were safe and the attack to have come from an uncrewed aerial system (UAS), which led to an explosion and a fire that disabled its power supply. The Indian Coast Guard Maritime Coordination Centre (MRCC) established real time communication with the vessels agent and ascertained nil loss of life and assured all assistance. It was also learnt that the vessel fire has been doused by the crew, said the coast guard statement. (With inputs from Rahul Singh in New Delhi and Maulik Pathak in Ahmedabad) 13 workers have died and dozens injured after an explosion at a Chinese-owned nickel smelting plant on Indonesia's Sulawesi island, reported news agency AP. On Sunday, an explosion happened in the smelting furnace when it was being repaired. Central Sulawesi police chief Agus Nugroho said that at least five Chinese and eight Indonesian workers died in the incident. A worker in a protective suit pokes a metal rod to tap slag from a smelting furnace at a nickel processing plant in Indonesia (Representational picture)(AP) The horrible incident took place at PT Indonesia Tsingshan Stainless Steel, a subsidiary of PT Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park, known as PT IMIP, in the Bahodopi neighborhood of Morowali regency. The nickel smelting plant has been built under China's ambitious transnational development program known as the Belt and Road Initiative. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here The powerful explosion destroyed the furnace and damaged parts of the side walls of the building. The blast resulted in fire which was extinguished during a nearly four-hour rescue operation. ALSO READ| Eight Chinese fighter jets crossed Taiwan Strait's median line Investigation is on to ascertain if the incident happened due to negligence by the company. We sincerely apologize for this incident and we are working closely with authorities to investigate what caused the accident, said company spokesperson Deddy Kurniawan. Meanwhile, preliminary investigation has revealed that there were explosive liquids at the bottom of the furnace which triggered a fire and explosion in nearby oxygen cylinders. Indonesia's Central Sulawesi province is known to have the largest nickel reserves in the country. PT IMIP is the largest nickel-based industrial area in Indonesia. About 50% of PT IMIPs shares are owned by a Chinese holding company, and the rest are owned by two Indonesian companies. The latest incident is the third deadly instance this year at Chinese-owned nickel smelting plants in the region. In April, two dump truck operators died after getting buried under a wall of black sludge-like material following the collapse of a nickel waste disposal site. King Charles III is the monarch of the United Kingdom but that does not stop him from being cheeky at Christmas because why not? His former butler Grant Harrold shared the unique holiday presents that the sovereign, would leave for them during Christmas. King Charles would sneak gifts into the lockers of staff members at Highgrove which is his Gloucestershire abode. Christmas decorations, including a bauble featuring the cypher of King Charles III, are pictured on the Downing Street Christmas tree in central London.(AFP) The former Prince of Wales would leave funny little things in the pigeonholes where Id get my post in the mornings, Grant Harrold told the Mirror. Once King Charles even left a tin of salmon while another year he gave a salt and pepper grinder tied with a ribbon. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here I just thought it was so bizarre because you dont expect those little things. It shows that theyve got that fun, practical side to them, the ex-butler said. After this, King Charles would also send Christmas cards to his staff and eventually actual proper gifts". [I would get] things like tea cups and saucers or whiskey glasses. One year I got a lovely water jug, he recalled, adding, that Prince William and Prince Harry would give out special holidays memos to the employees. What about Queen Elizabeth? The late Queen Elizabeth II would give each employee a helping of Christmas pudding alongside a personalised holiday card as per royal biographer Brian Hoey. The staff would also receive a gift card with a value reflecting how long they had worked for her. What does the royal family do during Christmas? During the holidays, the royal family departs London and heads to their winter home, Sandringham which is in Norfolk. The family spends their Christmas there, observing various traditions. The royal family attends an elegant dinner on Christmas Eve and attend Christmas church service at St Mary Magdalene the following day. Scientists searching for alien civilizations should also investigate bursts of radiation from tiny black holes. Advanced civilizations could likely use them as extremely powerful quantum computers. ADVERTISIMENT Physicists Georgi Dvali from the Max Planck Institute for Physics and Zaza Osmanov from the Free University of Tbilisi made this assumption. Their work is published in the International Journal of Astrobiology. Scientists have long known that at the edge of a black hole, called the event horizon, physics can become extremely strange. In particular, it means that neither matter nor light can escape from its gravitational grip after crossing this boundary. Instead, the black hole emits a faint glow called the Hawking radiation. If the late physicist Stephen Hawking was right, then this radiation is actually the mass of the black hole that is slowly evaporating. There is a theory among physicists that this radiation is not just some kind of background but literally information about what the black hole consumed. In other words, if you throw a planet into a black hole, the radiation will actually contain all the information about its mass, chemical composition, and other "parameters". ADVERTISIMENT However, Hawking himself believed that this radiation was more likely to contain information disorder. For example, he said that the value of information would be the same as the value of ash from a burnt dictionary: all the information is still in it, but it is simply impossible to recover it. Modern physicists suggest that we are simply not yet capable of recovering information from a black hole. Meanwhile, Dvali and Osmanov suggest that a hypothetical highly advanced alien civilization might know how to read the radiation of black holes and use them as supercomputers. They even suggest that "all sufficiently advanced civilizations eventually use black holes in their quantum computers." Dvali and Osmanov believe that humans may be able to detect the data that comes out of black holes or the light from the powerful particle accelerators used to produce them. We just need to look harder for them. ADVERTISIMENT How a quantum computer works Inverse explains that a quantum computer, unlike a conventional computer, stores information not in bits but in qubits (quantum bits). The difference is that a typical computer encodes information with ones and zeros, and each bit of information is recorded in one of these states. Instead, a quantum computer "works" with subatomic particles, which have a much larger number of properties. In addition, the data of a qubit can be in one state, but it can also be in both states simultaneously (until they are determined). That is, quantum computers represent information in the form of the probability of a quantum state at a given moment. There is also a factor of entanglement of subatomic particles with each other, which ultimately leads to a complication of the possible state of any one qubit. However, in this case, the complexity is only for the better, since qubits can store more data and perform more calculations with it than ordinary bits. ADVERTISIMENT This gives quantum computers greater speed and the ability to perform more complex calculations much faster. Of course, all this is currently known only in theory. While people are trying to fit this theory into reality, Dvali and Osmanov believe that there is a high probability that more advanced civilizations on old planets around old stars have already figured it out. The researchers also explain that a black hole would be an even faster quantum computer than one made of ordinary matter. The fact is that all matter in a black hole is compressed into a single point - a singularity - so it takes almost no time for information about qubits to move from one side of the black hole to the other. Thus, a black hole should be a super-fast, super-efficient piece of computer hardware, as long as the operator avoids falling into it. ADVERTISIMENT At the same time, the researchers do not even begin to speculate on how such a supercomputer could be made. "We will not try to make any assumptions about the software that uses advanced extraterrestrial intelligence. The power of their programming and the sophistication of their algorithms are likely beyond our imagination," Dvali and Osmanov wrote in their paper. They believe that the aliens can create tiny black holes with low mass on their own as they will have more Hawking radiation than ordinary holes. Scientists suggest that it is their radiation that hunters for alien civilizations should look for. Earlier, OBOZ.UA told you that black holes can work as a time machine, but there is an unpleasant nuance. Subscribe to OBOZREVATEL on Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest news The plagiarism and antisemitism scandals surrounding Harvard University President Claudine Gay have tarnished the reputation of the prestigious institution, according to billionaire and Harvard graduate Bill Ackman. He said that even if Gay steps down, the damage will not be undone unless the Harvard Corporation, the universitys top governing body, admits that they made a mistake in appointing her. Bill Ackman calls for Claudine Gay to step down amid controversy(Reuters/AP) In a lengthy X post on Saturday, Ackman wrote that the Harvard Corporation has been unwilling to acknowledge that they made a bad choice of leader and that they can only restore the universitys status as one of the worlds leading academic centers when the Corporation board members acknowledge that they made a bad choice of leader. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here He added that the board members are digging a deeper whole [sic] for themselves by delaying Gays removal and avoiding the accusation of racism. When your CEO has done the indefensible, you must take immediate action to replace her. If you dont, you become culpable in what was initially only her failures, he wrote. They need to act now. ALSO READ| Will Claudine Gay follow Liz Magill's exit? Calls mount for Harvard president's resignation Allegations against Harvard President Gay, who is facing growing pressure to resign, has been accused of plagiarizing dozens of times in her academic publications, including her 1997 doctoral dissertation and four other papers between 1993 and 2017. An internal investigation by Harvard revealed more than 40 instances of plagiarism by Gay. The Harvard President is also under fire for her handling of the antisemitism crisis on campus, which erupted after the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks on Israel. Harvard has been criticized for its lack of response to the antisemitic incidents and protests that occurred on campus, and is being probed by the House Committee on Education and the Workforce and the Department of Education under Title VI, a law that prohibits discrimination based on race, religion or national origin in federally funded institutions. Ackman, who is Jewish, has been vocal in his opposition to Gay and her leadership. Earlier this month, he called for Gay to be fired, along with former University of Pennsylvania President Liz Magill and MIT President Sally Kornbluth, after they testified before Congress about the antisemitism situation on their campuses. Notably, Magill and UPenn Board of Trustees Chair Scott Bok resigned on Dec. 9 after facing backlash from donors over their testimony. Ackman also said that Harvard refused to fire Gay because doing so would look like they were kowtowing to me. ALSO READ| Barack Obama backed Harvard's Claudine Gay amid antisemitism controversy: Report Ackman has been active in the fight against antisemitism in the US since the start of the Israel-Hamas war, demanding that Harvard release the names of the students who blamed Israel for the attack and calling for the suspension of a Harvard student newspaper editor. In November, he urged the Harvard Law Review to discipline its editor after he was filmed obstructing the path of a person who appeared to be a supporter of Israel during a protest. A former Republican congressman and a vocal opponent of Donald Trump, Adam Kinzinger, has sparked a controversy by saying that people need to wear a mask around the former president because of his purported body odour. FILE PHOTO: Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump attend a Waterloo, Iowa campaign event. REUTERS/Scott Morgan/File Photo(REUTERS) Kinzinger posted the comment on Twitter, drawing attention and eliciting a reply from Trumps spokesperson. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Wear a mask if you can, Kinzinger wrote on Twitter, adding, Im genuinely surprised how people close to Trump havent talked about the odour. Its truly something to behold. The allegation attracted a lot of reactions on social media, with many ridiculing the former president for the supposed smell. In retaliation, Trumps spokesperson released a statement insulting Kinzinger, calling him a disgraced and unemployed fraud who has betrayed his country. ALSO READ| 'I never knew that Hitler said it,' Donald Trump denies Fuhrer's link in poisoning the blood remarks Kinzinger did not specify what Trump smells like, but critics have previously referred to a unique smell linked to the former president. Comedian Kathy Griffin, in a conversation with his niece and author Mary Trump, characterized Trumps fragrance as like body odour with a kind of perfumed makeup product. Who is Adam Kinzinger? Kinzinger, who was a member of the House of Representatives during Trumps presidency, never backed the former president. After the January 6 Capitol riot, he adopted a more confrontational position, joining the House Select Committee to investigate January 6. In 2021, Kinzinger quit Congress and became a senior political analyst at CNN. Meanwhile, the former President has expressed his eagerness to debate President Joe Biden, even if the nonpartisan Commission organizes the debates on Presidential Debates. He also says he will debate a single Republican opponent if a serious contender emerges after the New Hampshire primary. ALSO READ| Joe Rogan and Bo Nickal criticise Biden's 'gaffe', realising they're Trump's, faces backlash Trump, who has avoided all the primary debates so far citing his overwhelming lead in the polls, was questioned if he would debate Biden if he becomes his partys nominee during an interview with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt Friday. Oh will I look forward to that, Trump answered. How about 10 debates? Thats even, he said, if the Commission arranges the debates on Presidential Debates, which he and other Republicans have criticized for years. As the year comes to an end, a massive influx of migrants is crossing the US-Mexico border, seeking asylum and a better life. Migrants gather near the border in Eagle Pass after crossing the Rio Bravo river with the intention of turning themselves in to the U.S. Border Patrol agents to request asylum, as seen from Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico December 23, 2023. REUTERS/Jose Luis Gonzalez(REUTERS) On Saturday, more than 600 people, mostly from Venezuela and Honduras, entered the US at Eagle Pass, Tex. This was the biggest group seen at the temporary transit centre, which has processed over 10,000 people in recent days. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here The migrants started crossing before sunrise, gathering on the Mexican side of the Rio Grande. They then walked across the shallow water, using their cell phones as torches. Once they reached the US side, they followed a single-file path along the riverbank. They used blankets and coats to cover the concertina wire and climbed over it. They were greeted by state and federal agents who took them to a holding area for processing. ALSO READ| Former GOP member's 'wear a mask' comment on Donald Trump's smell triggers online uproar Among the migrants was a little girl who wore a Santa hat, a red striped dress, and pink fluffy slippers. She was part of a family group of seven. Some migrants changed into dry clothes after crossing the river, leaving behind their wet garments. Border surge escalates This large-scale crossing came after US Customs and Border Protection officers encountered a record-breaking number of illegal immigrants on Monday. Over 12,600 people were apprehended along the border, the highest single-day total ever. Many asylum seekers are trying to enter the US before a new Texas law takes effect that could make such entries illegal. In November, authorities encountered 242,418 illegal immigrants at the border, another record for the month. This followed the unprecedented fiscal year 2023, when nearly 2.5 million people were caught crossing the border illegally, along with an estimated 670,000 gotaways who avoided capture. Meanwhile, at Tucson International Airport in Arizona, special lines were set up for non-US citizens without passports meaning illegal immigrants with Department of Homeland Security paperwork instead of valid IDs to board domestic flights without normal screening, according to Fox News reporter Bill Melugin. ALSO READ| Tesla recalls over 120,000 cars in the US over 'unlocking doors' safety concerns Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel criticized the administrations announcement of Novembers total, saying it was an attempt to bury the news over the holidays. The numbers dont lie, McDaniel said. Joe Biden created a humanitarian crisis at our border and is actively weakening our national security. A new poll shows that Nikki Haley, the former governor of South Carolina, is close behind Donald Trump in the 2024 Republican presidential primary in New Hampshire. Haley has 29% support, while Trump has 33%, within the 4% margin of error. The primary is scheduled for 23 January. Donald Trump faces legal woes while Nikki Haley's surge draws attention(REUTERS) Haley has gained momentum in New Hampshire since September, when another poll showed her with half her current support. She is seen as a clear alternative to Trump for conservative voters. Trump, however, has less than 50% support, which indicates he has serious competition in the party. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Trump has reacted to Haleys rise in different ways On the one hand, he has insulted her on his Truth Social site, calling her Birdbrain and the polls fake. He has also told a radio show host that he is not worried about her as a challenger. On the other hand, he has reportedly asked his team about choosing her as his running mate if he wins the nomination, which suggests he wants to benefit from her popularity. However, some sources say the far-right is opposed to a Trump-Haley ticket. ALSO READ| Former GOP member's 'wear a mask' comment on Donald Trump's smell triggers online uproar Haley has been proud of her poll results. She said at a town hall in Iowa, where the caucuses are on 15 January: Donald Trump has started to attack me. He said, I dont know what this Nikki Haley surge is all about. Do you want me to tell you what its about? Were surging. Haley was the US ambassador to the UN under Trump, but she quit in 2018. Before that, she was the governor of South Carolina from 2011 to 2017. She signed a law banning abortion with no exceptions for rape or incest. The law took effect after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade, the ruling that gave women the right to abortion. Trump, meanwhile, faces 91 criminal charges for various crimes, such as trying to overturn his 2020 election loss, keeping government secrets after leaving office, and paying off a porn star. He also faces civil lawsuits over his business dealings and a rape accusation. ALSO READ| 'I never knew that Hitler said it,' Donald Trump denies Fuhrer's link in poisoning the blood remarks Trump has faced criticism for allegedly having books by Adolf Hitler the Nazi dictator who killed 6 million Jews in the Holocaust near his bed. Many people have compared Trumps comments that some immigrants were poisoning the blood of the US to the language used by Hitler, Benito Mussolini and other tyrants in history. In the early hours of Thursday morning, a Texas family woke up to a nightmare when a mangled BMW, driven by a drunk driver, crash-landed in their front yard. The aftermath revealed a deceased female passenger in the vehicle, adding a devastating layer to the unfolding tragedy. Drunk driver crashes BMW into Texas family's front yard, killing a woman in her 20s. Driver found unconscious in homeowner's residence. The Harris County Sheriff's Office reported that Daniel Alexander Rodriguez-Olivares was behind the wheel of his 2016 BMW, speeding recklessly through Houston. The crash occurred when the vehicle collided with a culvert, propelling it into the air in a horrifying spectacle caught on surveillance cameras. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here As the BMW went airborne, it somersaulted three times before crashing onto the property of homeowner Carlos Suarec. Surveillance footage vividly captures the car's destructive path, tearing through wooden barricades, crossing a bayou, and ultimately coming to a halt in the front yard. After the high-speed collision, Rodriguez-Olivares allegedly abandoned his wrecked vehicle and unlawfully entered Suarec's residence. Suarec, unaware of the car outside, recounts, I know someone tried to break into my window. I never knew the car was here. Suarec family fled the house and contacted the authorities. Responding officers discovered Rodriguez-Olivares unconscious inside one of the bedrooms, raising questions about the intruder's intentions after the devastating crash. Also Read | Violent Christmas shooting in Florida mall claims one life, injures another Amidst the chaos, officers found not only the drunk driver but also a young woman in her 20s dead inside the mangled BMW. Neighbours expressed their shock at the events. Fuentes described the driver's airborne trajectory, saying, He jumped through the ditch on the other side, all the way down there. That was really bad. Sergeant Bondurant of the Harris County Sheriff's Office emphasized the tragedy's preventability, stating, "There's no reason at all to drive while intoxicated. 2023 almost 2024, we have Uber, we have Lyft's. Heck, call 911, and we'll come get you." Rodriguez-Olivares is expected to be charged with intoxication manslaughter. Just around Christmas, Paddock Mall in Ocala, Florida, became the scene of a targeted shooting that left one man dead and a woman injured. Here's what we know so far about the incident: In this photo provided by the Ocala Police Department, a cruiser sits parked following a fatal shooting at Paddock Mall in Ocala, Fla., located about 80 miles northwest of Orlando, Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023.(AP) On Saturday, around 3:40 p.m., Ocala Police responded to multiple reports of shots fired at Paddock Mall. Contrary to initial fears of an active shooter situation, Police Chief Mike Balken clarified that it appeared to be a targeted attack in a common area. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here "Officers immediately made entry into the mall (and) ultimately discovered that this was not what we would consider an active shooter," said Mike Balken. The deceased victim was identified as 40-year-old David Nathaniel Barron, shot multiple times. A woman suffered a gunshot wound to her leg but is expected to survive. Additionally, several others sustained injuries, including chest pain and a broken arm, during the chaotic aftermath. "We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and we are committed to bringing the perpetrator to justice," said the Ocala Police Department. Suspect on the run The alleged shooter, described as a male in a black hoodie, black pants, and a partially covered face, fled the scene. Authorities released a photo collage of a "person of interest" and urged the public to assist in identification. If you recognize this person, please call Detective Boyer at 352-369-7000 or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers." The mall lockdown Following the incident, the mall remains closed, with the parking lot reopened. The police have conducted a secondary sweep, and investigations are ongoing. The duration of the lockdown is uncertain at this time. Eyewitnesses their harrowing experiences of evacuation and fear. Syriah Williams, who was inside Bath & Body Works at the time of the shooting said, The employees opened the back storage area and told everyone to run. Law enforcement agencies, including the Marion County Sheriff's Office, fire rescue teams, and the Florida Highway Patrol, swiftly responded to the scene. The police recovered the firearm used in the shooting but did not disclose its type. It's the worst. The worst thing we can imagine right now at this time of the year. Somebody has suffered a loss in their family, Mike Balken said. The royal family has been known to keep their Christmas meals consistent as they always follow by long-standing traditions. As King Charles III and Queen Camilla are set to host Christmas at Sandringham House for the second year since Queen Elizabeth's passing away, the couple will be leading holiday traditions of the royal family. Britain's King Charles III and Britain's Queen Camilla react during a visit to Enniskillen Castle.(AFP) What's on royal family's Christmas menu Former royal chef Darren McGrady - who has cooked for the family over the holiday multiple times before - said that the Christmas day doesnt start with a gathering of the entire family as the men and women eat their breakfasts separately. Wrap up the year gone by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here Eggs, mushrooms, kipper, grilled kidneys, and bacon are on the menu for the men while women eat a light breakfast of sliced fruit, half a grapefruit, toast and coffee. Lunch consists of a typical feast: roast turkey, stuffing, potatoes, cranberry, multiple bread sauces, and Christmas pudding. Darren McGrady said, Theyre actually boring when it comes to festivities. They didnt do hams or anything, just traditional turkeys. We did three turkeys for the Queen 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 as "there was never a case of putting a high chair at the table with a little baby squealing and throwing food. It was Victorian, he said. Dinner is more extravagant, he said, detailing, The buffet was when they brought out the whole spread. 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. A year ago, on December 24, 2022, Russian occupation forces ruthlessly attacked the center of Kherson. The enemy forces attacked civilian objects such as a market, a shopping center, residential buildings, and administrative buildings. ADVERTISIMENT This was reported by Roman Mrochko, head of the Kherson City Military Administration. He noted that for many families, the day before Christmas has forever become a symbol of mourning and despair. On that day, the Russian military fired 41 times at the city, killing 10 people and injuring 62 others. "My sincere condolences to the families and friends of the Kherson residents who died on that bloody Christmas! The Russians will not get away with anything - they will definitely pay for every death of a Ukrainian!" Mrochko wrote. Oleksandr Prokudin, head of the Kherson Regional Military Administration, noted that this attack by the occupiers was another manifestation of the boundless cynicism and inhumanity of the Russians. "December 24, 2022. Saturday. Kherson residents are busy with the New Year's Eve preparations. 41 strikes. Pain and despair everywhere. 10 dead. 62 wounded. We will take revenge. We will never forget this terrible crime. And Russia will definitely be held accountable for it. As well as for yesterday's act of terror!" Prokudin wrote. ADVERTISIMENT ADVERTISIMENT As reported by OBOZ.UA, on the night of December 24, the occupying Russian army shelled the central part of Kherson with artillery. As a result of the actions of war criminals, an elderly couple and another man were killed. Earlier it was reported that the troops of the Russian Federation on the evening of Saturday, December 23, launched a massive attack on Kherson. Several districts were under fire, fires broke out as a result of the attacks, and at least seven civilians were injured. Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Veteran Spotlight: Army Staff Sgt. Arthur Wiknik Jr. HIGGANUM, Conn. Arthur Wiknik Jr. served his country in the Army's 101st Airborne as a staff sergeant from 1968 to 1970. Born in Higganum, he was drafted at the age of 19 and did his basic training at Fort Dix, NJ. "Didn't want to go in. I just got a big job at Pratt-Whitney, bought a '68 Camaro and had a girlfriend that I was crazy about," he said. "But I went in." His first assignment was to Fort Polk, La., for Advanced Infantry Training. "Much like basic but a lot more intense," he recalled. "I had lots of aptitude tests. I scored well on the app tests and weapons training." He was then sent to NCO School (Non-Commissioned Officer) at Fort Benning, Ga., and graduated as a sergeant with some additional training at Fort Gordon. Wiknik would be sent to Vietnam in April 1969 after spending almost a full year stateside. "I was head of a unit with 12 guys that had major experience. I was new guy on the block and no way they wanted to listen to me," he said. Just a month later he would be involved in one of the bloodiest and most difficult battles of the Vietnam War Hamburger Hill in the Ashau Valley. Wiknik said there were lots of bombing in the area and there were almost 700 soldiers ready to assault Hill 937 on Ap Bia Mountain. "We couldn't bring food and were told to take no prisoners," he said. "One thing I did bring was a can of peaches. I was sitting down and ate almost the whole can. A couple of guys asked me for some but I had little left. We then got into battle and I fired off a full magazine, three times. A shot hit the ground in front of me, covering my face with dirt and third shot was tracer fire and landed on the equipment on my chest, catching it on fire. "I yelled to my guys to follow me and charged up the hill. I worked my way up to the top, turned around and nobody was there nobody had followed me! I was scared to death. The battle started to die down, then my guys started to come up. I said, 'Why didn't you guys follow me?' They joked that I didn't share my peaches. The guys thought I was a real nut or really brave, whatever the case, after that I had no problem with leadership." How were the holidays? "The holidays meant absolutely nothing," Wiknik said. "I spent most of the time in the jungle. Christmas was just another day with little meaning." When asked about a positive aspect on when he was there, he offered this: "Definitely the guys I was with. Everyone always looked out for each other, didn't matter if you were black, white, purple, polka dot. We had a strong camaraderie." I inquired as to his experience on Hamburger Hill and Wiknik became very emotional. "I just stood there, looking down, just like the [1987] movie. It hit me that I could have been killed," he said with extreme emotion, stopping between sentences. His thoughts on the protestors? "Was actually hoping they could end the war so I could come home," he said. "I didn't want to be in Vietnam but I went. I was ignored at the airport, people wouldn't sit next to me. But I'm proud of the fact that I didn't do anything to embarrass my unit or family." He continued, "When I was initially drafted and getting ready to go at the airport, my mom pulled me aside from everyone and showed me her wallet. It was loaded with $50 and $100 bills. She said, 'I'll send you to Canada with this and send you money every month to get by until the war is over.' "I couldn't do it. When we landed back in the states, the pilot was taxiing and said over the intercom, 'this is my seventh return trip from Vietnam fellas. Welcome home." Wiknik is the author of " Nam Sense: Surviving Vietnam with the 101st Airborne " and provided commentary for the 20th anniversary DVD of the 1987 film "Hamburger Hill." He has written for other publications, speaks about his experiences and was featured on a History Channel special about Vietnam. He and his wife of more than 40 years, Betty, have three daughters and four grandchildren. Staff Sgt. Arthur Wiknik, thank you for your service and welcome home. A migrant tent encampment sits in the field next to the 12th District Police Station in the Little Italy neighborhood on Dec. 8, 2023. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune) The state of Illinois is temporarily providing hotel rooms to house up to 200 asylum-seekers in Chicago. About 30 hotel rooms were available Saturday night, with additional rooms available Sunday. Advertisement The announcement comes after the City of Chicago requested more resources given the latest increase in new arrivals from Texas. Illinois has seen thousands of asylum-seekers arrive since last year, with most people coming from Venezuela. Illinois did not coordinate or receive advanced notice from Texas Gov. Greg Abbott as he sent an unprecedented number of asylum-seekers in recent days, according to a Sunday news release from the state. Advertisement (The Illinois Department of Human Services) continues to welcome our new neighbors with support services and assistance with work-permit applications, which will ultimately hasten their journey to self-sufficiency, said Dulce Quintero, a spokesperson for the Illinois Department of Human Services. [ Migrants flown to Chicago from Texas on chartered flight, officials say ] As of Sunday morning, there were 14,554 migrants in 27 shelters across the city, according to Chicagos Office of Emergency Management and Communications. The city and state have been providing intermediate housing to migrants through shelters and hotels for months. Migrants are then able to apply for city- and state-funded rental assistance to move into more permanent housing. Until recently, many migrants were sleeping on the citys police station floors. The city faced mounting pressure to clear the stations as winter approached, moving new arrivals to city shelters. Migrants receiving housing in the newly available hotel rooms will be moved to a former CVS in Little Village once construction of that shelter is completed in January, according to the state news release. The state said additional sites for shelters are being explored. The hotel housing for migrants is funded through the $160 million the state earmarked in November to address the influx of asylum-seekers, according to the news release. That investment adds to the $478 million in state funding provided for the humanitarian crisis over fiscal years 2023 and 2024, which includes resources for shelter, food, medical care, rental assistance and support services. ekane@chicagotribune.com Aggressive Russian tourists have reached the faraway Kingdom of Tonga in Oceania, where they were least expected to meet. One of the famous Russian bloggers who writes about her travels said that when she met her fellow citizens, she wanted to run away. ADVERTISIMENT The showdown between the Russian family also frightened foreigners who were not used to the noise and public quarrels. Influencer Marina Yershova wrote about her experience with Russians in Congo in a blog post. She started by enjoying the silence and learning about the culture of a country about which there is little information online. That day, the Russian woman was strolling through the market until her attention was diverted by shouting: "Petya, come here, you bastard. Where did you run to, you scum?" It was a Russian mother addressing her young son, who wanted to stay away from his parents. "When we returned, we noticed a group of big-bellied tourists from Russia. Ours immediately turn red like crayfish after a few hours in the sun, so they stood out among the Tongans and were a red spot. And that little Peter seemed to be trying in every way to avoid this noisy company, he wanted to run away somewhere, ignoring his mother's persistent calls," Yershova said. ADVERTISIMENT She noticed that people around her began to give the family surprised looks and avoid them. The fellow citizens of the loud vacationers did the same. "My friends are constantly asking me how we treat Russians when we meet them somewhere on our travels. They think that we definitely come into contact with them. I answer that it depends. Right now we decided to remain invisible. We wanted to avoid close contact with them," the Russian woman said. She summarized that Russian citizens who have long since left the country behave in a more civilized manner than Russians who remain in their homeland. Earlier, OBOZ.UA wrote that on the beach in Phuket near one of the hotels, a Russian tourist had a lively discussion with himself, scaring other vacationers. The police were involved. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Don't fall for fakes! For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} An Israel-affiliated chemical tanker was hit by a drone launched from Iran in the Indian Ocean on Saturday, the US Department of Defence said. The Liberia-flagged Chem Pluto was struck at around 10am (local time) in the Indian Ocean, nearly 200 nautical miles from India's western coast of Veraval in Gujarat, the Pentagon claimed. It added that the one-way attack drone was launched from Iran. The vessel, operated by a Dutch entity and owned by a Japanese company, suffered some structural damage but the fire on board was quickly extinguished, officials said. No casualties were reported. The vessel had reportedly last called in Saudi Arabia and was destined for India's southern Mangalore port at the time of the attack. The Indian Navy responded after the shipping company requested assistance, a naval official said. Indian Navy had dispatched an aircraft, which arrived overhead the MV (merchant vessel), a statement said. Safety of the crew and ship was ascertained. A warship has also been dispatched to provide any assistance as required. The Indian Coast Guard said it deployed its ship, Vikram, on Saturday night and both vessels were expected to reach Mumbai by Monday. Maritime security firm Ambrey said the vessel was heading from Saudi Arabia to India, and was linked to Israel. In a major escalation of a series of maritime attacks in Middle Eastern waters, Yemeni Houthis rebels have targetted multiple vessels amid Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza. Major global shipping firms have since rerouted their vessels after attacks in the Red Sea, taking the longer and costlier route around the southern tip of Africa. The US warship, Laboon, separately shot down four attack drones originating from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen on Saturday, the Pentagons Central Command (Centcom) said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. Centcom said Houthi-controlled rebels fired two anti-ship ballistic missiles into southern Red Sea shipping lanes with no ships reported being impacted". It said an attack drone also came close to a Norwegian-flagged tanker, MV Blaamanen, while another tanker, the Gabon-flagged MV Saibaba, was hit by a one-way attack drone". These attacks represent the 14th and 15th attacks on commercial shipping by Houthi-controlled militants since 17 October, Centcom said. The Indian Navy clarified that 25 Indian crew members onboard the MV Saibaba were safe. Last month, an Israeli-owned cargo ship was hit in a suspected drone attack by Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in the Indian Ocean, US officials said. The Malta-flagged vessel managed by an Israeli-affiliated company suffered damages when the drone exploded close to it. Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Its the most wonderful time of the year after weeks of anticipation and last-minute shopping, finally, Christmas is here. While were all at home inhaling our billionth mince pie and checking the fine print on the gift receipt that came with that novelty mug, its tempting to imagine how the other half are spending their holidays. This festive season, though, our celebrity friends are ditching the ski chalets in St Moritz and swim-up bars in Bora Bora for more understated affairs. Youll find them sitting around the fire, spoiling their furry friends, watching Home Alone on repeat, and guzzling wine by the bottle. Stars theyre just like us. Suranne Jones, star of TV shows Vigil and Doctor Foster Anything to do with Christmas I f***ing love. I love it. I love it. I love it. I always feel Christmassy in October. Im the annoying one thats sending messages around saying, What do you want for Christmas? Its my cue to stop working and go see my friends. In the north, we have a big early Christmas, so on 2 December we get all the family together and we do the full party hats and crackers, and a full Christmas dinner and games. And then we all do Secret Santa because we cant be together on the actual day, so we do that whenever we can. Then on the actual day, itll be just the three of us, or five including the dogs. The dogs arent usually allowed toys because they rip them to pieces ours are dachshunds, they look beautiful but they rip everything to pieces but on Christmas, we give them a toy and we watch while they tear it apart and then we say, Right, good. Thats your Christmas present, you got to kill Teddy Santa! or whatever the hell we give to them. Paapa Essiedu, star of TV shows I May Destroy You and The Capture Sometimes I go back to Ghana for Christmas. I really like doing that because I hate the grey and the cold. My favourite London Christmases have been when its really cold and it snows when it looks a little bit like it does in a Richard Curtis Christmas movie. Ive also just moved to a new house, so Im excited about the idea of maybe cooking a Christmas meal for the first time myself. Richard Curtis and Paapa Essiedu, star of Curtiss festive flick Genie (Getty/Shutterstock) Richard Curtis, writer of films Love Actually and Notting Hill For many years, my family and I have spent Christmas in a kind of communal, mishmash up in Suffolk by the coast. So Ill be doing that again and forever. Harry Shearer, radio host and voice of The Simpsons My wife, Judith Owen, created our Christmas routine some time ago. We gather some of our musical and/or comedy friends and produce a big antidote to Christmas show called Christmas Without Tears as a benefit. This year, its once again in New Orleans with proceeds going to the Innocence Project New Orleans, which frees improperly incarcerated individuals. Simon Pegg keeps it low-key at Christmas (Getty) Simon Pegg, star of films Shaun of the Dead and Mission: Impossible My plans are to stay home and host. We live in an old house. Its a very Christmasy house, so well get it all decked up and then we get the folks around and we have a lovely sort of cosy fireside Christmas. Andy Serkis, star of films Lord of the Rings and Planet of the Apes We sort of alternate between hosting our families at home and going away, and this year [my wife] Lorraine [Asbourne]s family and I are all going away to a hotel in the countryside to stay there for three days, because both of us have been working flat out. Patricia Clarkson, star of films Easy A and Pieces of April We start rehearsals [for the West Ends Long Days Journey Into Night] in February, so Im just getting to grips with the script now. But its impossible to learn [the character] Mary Tyrone in five weeks. Its impossible. Im hoping to learn Act One by the time I leave for Christmas, Act Two through Christmas vacation, and then I hope to get into Act Three in January. This is a necessity! Theres no other way around it. Oscar nominee Patricia Clarkson is all work, no play this festive season (Getty) Rick Astley, musician behind Never Gonna Give You Up We keep things pretty simple these days. Our daughter lives in Denmark (my wife is from there), so this year were going over there for about a week because my daughter has a new place with her fiance. Well celebrate on Christmas Eve, because thats how they do it in Europe. Danish Christmases are very traditional, and a lot of it revolves around what youre going to eat and drink. Im not a wine snob but I know what I like. A production manager once told me, Life is too short to drink s*** wine so Id rather open a nice bottle every now and again and drink that. I dont spend a fortune, but when Christmas is coming, I do start thinking about what were going to have. Adam Brody, Leighton Meester and family cant resist Home Alone (Getty) Leighton Meester, star of TV shows Gossip Girl and 8 Simple Rules I dont resist the Christmas spirit too much. I mean, Im not pumping Christmas music throughout the year and Im not dying to come December, but we watch Home Alone all the time. I know its Christmassy, but its also just a good movie. Marika Hackman, musician behind hits Claudes Girl and Driving Under Stars For Christmas I am heading to the depths of Devon to spend time with my family and relax before chaos ensues in January. Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} 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. Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Despite murmurings of a possible reconciliation at Sandringham, it appears that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will not be joining the royal family for their annual Christmas celebrations in Norfolk after all. The late Queen Elizabeth II hosted every Christmas at the royal estate since 1998, with her son King Charles III expected to continue the same tradition in his first official year as monarch since the coronation in May. Last month, it was reported the couple would not turn down an invite to spend Christmas at Sandringham if they were asked, amid rumours that a reunion between Harry and Charles could be on the horizon. The speculation was prompted by details of a warm phone conversation between the father and son, after they spoke for the first time in six months on the occasion of Charless 75th birthday. Both Harry and Meghan wished Charles a happy birthday during the phone call on 14 November, during which they also played the king a video of his two grandchildren. However, as of 19 November, the couple had reportedly not received any invites to Sandringham. Instead, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will reportedly spend the holidays with their children Prince Archie, four, and Princess Lilibet, two at their mansion in Montecito, California, where the family currently resides. The Sussexes will be joined by Meghans mother Doria Ragland and their friends, according to a report by Us Weekly. Theyll be cooking, playing games and swapping gifts, one source told the publication. They have a tough time trying not to spoil the kids too much. Harry and Meghan pictured with son Archie who Harry says is the focus of his life alongside daughter Lilibet. Toby Melville/PA (PA Archive) The last time Harry and Meghan joined the royal family for their celebrations was in 2018, when they were famously photographed alongside the Prince and Princess of Wales. This led to the two royal couples being dubbed the Fab Four. Over the years, however, Harry and Meghans relationship with the royal family has become increasingly strained. Since resigning as senior members of the Firm, the couple has publicly spoken about the difficulties they faced within the palace, including during a bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey. This was followed by the release of their two-part Netflix docuseries Harry & Meghan, and the release of Harrys revealing memoir Spare in January this year. Now, royal reporter Omid Scobies book Endgame, which reignited the palace race row that first erupted during Harry and Meghans conversation with Winfrey, appears to have widened the rift between the two sides of the family. During the interview, Meghan sensationally claimed that there had been concerns within the palace about how dark Prince Archies skin might be before she gave birth to him. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex during their interview with Oprah Winfrey (Joe Pugliese/Harpo Productions/PA) (PA Media) A rogue Dutch translation of Endgame identified King Charles and Princess Kate as the senior members who allegedly speculated about the young princes appearance. The error led to thousands of copies of the book being pulped in the Netherlands, before it was reprinted without the names. In response, the palace is believed to be considering all available options, including taking legal action. While they will not fly back to the UK this festive season, the Sussexes will likely keep to the Windsor family tradition of opening their presents on Christmas Eve. Members of the royal family exchange gifts with each other at tea time on 24 December, instead of waiting until Christmas morning. This continues a German tradition introduced in the mid-19th century by Queen Victorias Bavarian-born husband King Albert. In his memoir Spare, Harry described how his family spent their first Christmas Eve since relocating to the US in 2020. He wrote: We took Archie to find a Christmas tree. A pop-up lot in Santa Barbara. We bought one of the biggest spruces they had. We brought it home, set it up in the living room. Magnificent. We stood back, admiring, counting our blessings. New home. Healthy boy. It was Christmas Eve. We FaceTimed with several friends, including a few in Britain. We watched Archie running around the tree. And we opened presents. Keeping to the Windsor family tradition. The Sussexes are also creating some of their own, new festive traditions, since stepping down as senior members of the royal family and relocating to the US. Were creating new [traditions] now that our little ones are growing up, Meghan told E! News recently. And were enjoying every moment of it. One of Meghans own favourite Christmas rituals is trimming and decorating the tree with Archie and Lilibet, she added. Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The King is set to deliver a powerful message about the environment to the millions of viewers tuning in to the second Christmas broadcast of his reign. King Charles III, a long-term green campaigner, will make sustainability a key point in his annual festive address to the nation and Commonwealth on Christmas Day in what will be a departure from last year. To attempt to highlight this, he will speak from a Buckingham Palace room decorated with a living Christmas tree, marking the first time a living tree has been used as part of his backdrop. King Charles III during the recording of his Christmas message at Buckingham Palace (Jonathan Brady/PA Wire) Charles, like Queen Elizabeth, writes his Christmas broadcasts, and last year he followed his mothers well-established template, a personal reflection on the year, touching on current issues and with a Christian framework. But this year, sustainability was considered a key point in how the Christmas message was staged, breaking with tradition in that the monarchs festive address is generally apolitical to avoid dragging the Royal Family into controversy. Britain's King Charles speaks at the World Climate Action Summit during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on 1 December (via REUTERS) However, the content of his speech Charles first since his Coronation would also address broader themes, a royal aide told the Mail. Charles recently delivered a speech at the Cop28 UN Climate Change Conference, in which he said trillions of dollars will be needed to drive the transformation across all facets of society required to tackle the climate crisis and that public finance alone will never be sufficient. In 2050 our grandchildren wont be asking what we said, they will be living with the consequences of what we did or did not do, he said. The Queen, in a gold lame dress, is seen in the Long Library at Sandringham shortly after making the traditional Christmas Day broadcast to the nation when it was televised for the first time (PA) In your hands is an unmissable opportunity to keep our common hope alive, he added. I can only urge you to meet it with ambition, imagination, and a true sense of the emergency we face. To drive home this message, his living Christmas tree will be replanted after the broadcast. From its branches hang natural and sustainable decorations, including hand-turned wood, dried oranges, glass baubles, pine cones and paper. King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort are seen during the 'Together at Christmas' Carol Service at Westminster Abbey on 15 December (Getty Images) Charles Christmas message, due to be broadcast at 3pm on Monday, is again delivered standing up, and this years location is the Buckingham Palace room that leads onto the royal residences iconic balcony. Members of the Royal Family have gathered in the Centre Room ahead of historic balcony appearances like after Charles coronation or Trooping the Colour celebrations. In the background can be seen the Queen Victoria Memorial which was planned by King Edward VII as a tribute to his mother and her reign but, after his death in 1910, was opened a year later by his son King George V. King Charles III records his first Christmas broadcast in the Quire of St Georges Chapel in Windsor Castle, Berkshire, last year Resting on a table to the Kings right is a potpourri bowl with gilt metal cover believed to have been acquired by George IV. The circular tazza-shaped bowl of Japanese lacquered wood with gilt bronze mounts is held by the Royal Collection Trust. Activist group Friends Of The Earth welcomed the ecological focus of this years Christmas broadcast. The charitys head of policy, Mike Childs, said: The King has been a long-term champion of the environment, so it wouldnt be surprising if he used his speech to help raise awareness of the urgent need to live more sustainably. With the world facing both a nature and climate crisis, we need everyone especially our politicians to do more to help safeguard our planet. Praising Charles choice of backdrop, he added: If you have a living tree with roots in a pot you can keep it outside and use it again next Christmas where it will keep absorbing carbon from the atmosphere, which improves its environmental impact. Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Prince Andrew is said to be totally tormented at the prospect of his relationship with the paedophile Jeffrey Epstein coming under further scrutiny after a judge ordered the release of secret case files. US Judge Loretta Preska ruled on Monday 18 December that documents relating to more than 170 people who were either associates, friends or victims of disgraced financier Epstein should be made public. They include 40 documents of evidence from Johanna Sjoberg, who has claimed the Duke of York touched her breast while sitting on a couch inside the US billionaires Manhattan apartment in 2001. Andrew has always strongly denied the allegations against him. Prince Andrews connection with Jeffrey Epstein is set to come under further scrutiny (PA) But the Mail on Sunday reports that the royal is bracing himself for the scandal over his links to Epstein to reignite in the New Year. An unnamed source told the newspaper: He is beside himself with this latest development and everyone close to him is concerned for his mental well-being. He is at a loss, totally tormented. He is facing his second Christmas without his mother and now the New Year is going to start with his name being dragged through the mud all over again. Epstein had ties to many famous names, leading to intrigue as to who else will be mentioned in the files (New York State Sex Offender Registry) Buckingham Palace previously said all allegations made against the duke are categorically untrue. The Duke is set to spend Christmas in Sandringham with his brother King Charles, alongside other royals. The documents are part of a 2015 US defamation case by Virginia Giuffre against Ghislaine Maxwell, the British socialite who supplied Epstein with underage girls. Ms Giuffre appeared in an infamous photograph when she was younger, alongside Andrew and Maxwell. The individuals who are set to be named in the documents were given 14 days to appeal against the judge's decision. The order took effect on 1 January 2024, meaning the documents could be unsealed anytime after this date. Ms Giuffre settled her civil claim against Maxwell, but representatives of the media have since argued documents that were sealed as part of the case should be made public. Judge Preska ordered some individuals should be named because they had already given interviews to the media including Ms Sjoberg. Andrew stepped down from public life after the furore over his friendship with Epstein and paid millions to settle a civil sexual assault case to Ms Giuffre, a woman he claimed never to have met. Virginia Giuffre (centre), who was trafficked by Epstein, accused Andrew (left) of sexually assaulting her when she was 17 (PA) The duke was cast out of the working monarchy and no longer uses his HRH style after Ms Giuffre, who was trafficked by Epstein, accused him of sexually assaulting her when she was 17. Andrew has denied the claims. It came after British journalist Emily Maitlis grilled the duke about his friendship with convicted sex offender Epstein as well as his relationship with Ms Giuffre. In the infamous 2019 interview, Andrew denied Ms Giuffres claims and said an alleged encounter with her in 2001 could not have happened as he spent the day with his daughter, Princess Beatrice, taking her to Pizza Express in Woking for a party. But his responses were widely criticised, with many viewers accusing him of being unsympathetic towards Epsteins victims, while others said he showed a lack of remorse. Andrew speaking about his links to Epstein in a now infamous interview with Emily Maitlis (PA) In January 2022, ahead of his legal settlement, his mother the Queen stripped Andrew of all of his honorary military roles, including Colonel of the Grenadier Guards. The duke has largely stayed out of the spotlight since stepping down from public duties. In the summer, he was seen at the coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla, at which he held no formal role. The dukes biography on the royal familys website states: Prior to stepping back from public life, The Duke of York undertook a wide range of public work, with a strong economic and business focus. Epstein was found dead in his cell at a federal jail in Manhattan in August 2019 while he awaited trial on sex trafficking charges. The death was ruled a suicide. In 2021, Maxwell was found guilty of five sex-trafficking-related counts (Getty) Maxwell has been imprisoned since July 2020, despite numerous attempts from her defence counsel to have her released on bail. She was sentenced to 20 years in prison at the federal court in the Southern District of New York in June last year. The socialite indicated her desire to appeal shortly after her conviction, with her lawyers claiming victims had faded, distorted and motivated memories. Her appeal is currently scheduled to be heard in November next year. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} An Orthodox cathedral in Kyiv is hosting its Christmas Eve service today (24 December), after a decree passed earlier this year meaning Ukraine no longer has to celebrate on the same day as the Russian church. Orthodox Christmas is usually held on 7 January due to the calendar differences, with many of those celebrating the later date by fasting in the 40 days leading up to it. Russia and Greece have some of the biggest populations of Orthodox Christians, with Ukraine choosing to distance itself from the Putin-aligned date. It is the first time since 1917 that Ukraine will have its Christmas Day on 25 December. The relentless and successful struggle for their identity contributes to... the desire of every Ukrainian to live their own life with their own traditions and holidays, Ukraines Parliament wrote on their website of the decision. The country will observe a public holiday as a result. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A bereaved family has made an emotional tribute to an honest and hardworking woman killed in a fatal collision in East London. Marie Theobald, 48, was walking her two dogs when the collision with a car, believed to be a white Seat Leon, occurred on Manford Way, Chigwell just at around 5pm on 22 December. Police officers, London Ambulance Service and Londons Air Ambulance attended the scene. Despite their efforts, the Hainault mother was pronounced dead at the scene. The two dogs were also killed in the collision. The driver of the car failed to stop at the scene, and the car was located nearby shortly after the collision. A man was subsequently arrested in connection with the incident and taken into police custody. Detectives are appealing for information and witnesses after the fatal crash. In a statement released on Christmas Eve, her family said: Marie was a loving mother, partner, daughter, sister, niece and friend. Marie was an honest, hardworking, selfless woman who would do anything for anyone. Marie always put others first. The dogs Riley and Honey were much loved members of the family. They adored Marie as she adored them. May they all rest in perfect peace together. The family ask for their privacy to be respected at this time. Anyone with information and any witnesses yet to speak with police are asked to call 101, ref CAD 5312/22dec. To remain anonymous please contact Crimestoppers. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Secret camera footage shows ducks swung by their necks, slammed into drawers and hurled to the ground at a farm supplying the UKs largest duck meat producer, which sells to the UKs biggest supermarkets. The video was shot when birds destined for Gressingham Duck, which supplies Tesco, Sainsburys, Morrisons, Co-op and, until recently, Waitrose, were being caught at a farm endorsed by farming standards project Red Tractor. Animal rights activists said the shocking and harrowing footage revealed the brutal and inhumane treatment of nearly 10,000 intensively farmed ducks that were just 44 days old. A worker carries three ducks by their necks at once (Animal Justice Project) After The Independent showed the clips to Gressingham Foods and supermarkets, the duck giant suspended the farm, and Waitrose cut ties with it. The RSPCA responded by banning the workers involved from catching turkeys and chickens on farms that are certified under its RSPCA Assured scheme. Suffolk-based Gressingham, which produces most of the nine million UK ducks slaughtered every year through its contractor farms, says that, as well as supermarkets, it supplies specialist butchers and top restaurants nationwide. Animal rights organisation Animal Justice Project (AJP), which filmed undercover in June and August at Byram Park Farm in North Yorkshire, said the footage showed extreme abuse inflicted upon ducks. Director Claire Palmer said it also showed violations of welfare laws and government regulations during the crating and loading of nearly 10,000 ducks, which took just over two hours. The deplorable conditions in which ducks were kept left them suffering high rates of feather loss, according to AJP. The footage shows numerous ducks back-peddling, unable to right themselves, said Ms Palmer. Catching is a secretive side of the industry, and this highlights the systemic issues in it. The footage shows ducks being carried by their beaks or necks (Animal Justice Project) She said the video showed: Forceful closure of crate doors onto ducks heads, wings, and limbs Catchers violating Red Tractor rules by swinging ducks by their necks Catchers grabbing up to three ducks per hand, exceeding a Red Tractor rule of no more than two Injured and lame ducks being thrown aside, destined for on-site euthanasia by neck dislocation. Workers grab a duck by the neck, swing them around, breaking their necks, and toss them into a pile where they convulse Insanitary sheds, with bodies piled up Ducks panting due to stress A worker kicks a duck in the video footage (Animal Justice Project) Andrew Knight, a veterinary professor of animal welfare, said the way the birds were handled was frequently callous, and likely to result in severe suffering. Treatment of the ducks in this video was likely to cause serious injuries and deaths, prior to which some ducks would have endured severe suffering. Examples were numerous. I was also concerned about the insanitary conditions evident This is a welfare concern for these ducks, and also potentially risks the health of consumers later eating their meat. An RSPCA spokesperson said: Ducks are sentient creatures and should never be treated like this. We have notified the government Animal Plant and Health Agency so they can carry out a full and independent investigation. We have prohibited the company from allowing the people in the footage to carry out any catches on farms that are RSPCA Assured certified. A Gressingham spokesperson said: The footage is from a contract farm, with contract catching teams, that supply some of our birds. The film contains images of some working practices that are completely unacceptable to us, in particular, the handling of the birds. The welfare of our birds is an absolute priority and we expect all our farms to work to the highest standards of welfare and biosecurity. The practices shown are a very serious breach of these standards, and the farm has been suspended from our supply chain with immediate effect whilst the investigation is ongoing. A vet said conditions were insanitary (Animal Justice Project) Red Tractor said: We suspended the certificates of the farm and catching team, and have set specific conditions for them to return to compliance with Red Tractor standards. Our investigations continue, including through unannounced assessments, and we will look for evidence that these conditions have been met. A Waitrose spokesperson said: We are the number one supermarket globally for animal welfare and are deeply concerned by this footage. This farm has not provided us with any duck for almost two months, and weve asked our supplier to immediately stop any future supply. A Sainsburys spokesperson said: We take animal health and welfare extremely seriously and we are urgently investigating these allegations with Gressingham. Morrisons, Tesco and the Co-op referred to a statement by the British Retail Consortium, whose head of food and sustainability, Andrew Opie, said: Our members take their responsibilities to animal welfare very seriously, and this footage does not meet the high standards they expect. An investigation into these claims is underway, and swift action will be taken against any breaches to the high animal welfare standards of our members. Byram Park Farm declined to comment. On the eve of the new year, we are used to summarizing the results. This is what world film critics do when they determine the best films in various genres. However, some films are less fortunate and end up on the list of the worst films of the outgoing year. ADVERTISIMENT The film critics Owen Gleiberman and Peter Debruge took on the responsibility of choosing the most disastrous films of 2023. Each of them named five films that, in their opinion, deserved to be on the losers' list. The list was published by Variety. The list of the worst films of 2023 by Owen Gleiberman 1. Ghosted Many expected the acting tandem of Chris Evans and Ana de Armas to make a splash. However, the over-the-top romantic spy action comedy did not meet the expectations of either critics or the audience. Gleiberman called the movie "degraded" and "fake". 2. Asteroid City Tom Hanks, Scarlett Johansson, Adrien Brody, Willem Dafoe, Tilda Swinton and Margot Robbie in a new American experimental story from Oscar nominee Wes Anderson. With such a cast and director, many expected a masterpiece! However, in Gleiberman's opinion, Anderson's aesthetics and the talent of the listed Hollywood stars did not save the film from failure. ADVERTISIMENT 3. Your Place or Mine Friends who have known each other for 20 years suddenly realize that this fate and love of their lives is as old as time. But the main roles here are played by Reese Witherspoon and Ashton Kutcher! However, the film critic called this love comedy absolutely ridiculous, adding, "It's like several bad movies in one with a romantic climax." 4. Magic Mike's Last Dance The series of films about the sexy, charismatic, and kind-hearted stripper Mike, played by Channing Tatum, has many fans. Unfortunately, most of them were disappointed with the final chapter, which featured the iconic Salma Hayek. ADVERTISIMENT 5. Heart of Stone In this film, Gal Gadot plays the role of Rachel Stone, the only agent of a global peacekeeping organization who is preventing threats to its most important (and dangerous) resource, codenamed "Heart." Gleiberman commented on it as follows, "What goes around comes around, and here we are again: in the land of pathetic thrillers on streaming services, hyperbolic excess is not just a byproduct but its very essence." List of the worst movies of 2023 by Peter Debruge ADVERTISIMENT 1. Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey How about a horror adaptation of the good old story of Winnie the Pooh and his friends? Debruge believes that such a brutal and cynical use of a story beloved by many generations is a terrible incident in the history of cinema. 2. Carmen The film was Benjamin Millepied's directorial debut. It is a film adaptation of Bizet's opera, but in fact, it is a "complete reimagining" that ignores the plot. The film critic called the director's debut a failure, and the work itself "a clumsy dance movie with almost no dance... and even less chemistry." ADVERTISIMENT 3. The Flash It came as a surprise to many to see this superhero movie on the list of the worst. Debruge explained his choice as follows, "Younger than the other members of the DC team, The Flash may be a funny character who is ahead of his Justice League counterparts in laughter and demeanor. However, as the centerpiece of his own movie, the character is mostly just tiresome, especially when you see his obsessive-compulsive way of going back in time to change the past. Problematic off-screen antics aside, Ezra Miller has a prominent charisma. However, it doesn't help. Director Andy Muschietti destroys any empathy for the movie with the opening scene of falling babies, a boring, endless plot, and terrible visuals." ADVERTISIMENT 4. Paint The film introduces the viewer to Carl Nargle, the No. 1 public television artist in Vermont, who is convinced that he has everything: a signature perm, a custom van, and fans who enjoy his every move. According to the film critic, this indie comedy is an anti-example for all films in this genre, and the jokes were not only unfunny but simply mediocre. 5. Caligula: The Ultimate Cut Here is an alternative version of the movie Caligula by Tinto Brass, which returned to the original script by Gore Vidal. "Like an overpowered Roman guard with a sword at his scrotum, this boring new version somehow manages to be both bloated and neutered: an endless 'who-cares attitude' that has had its transgressive novelty stripped away to make room for McDowell's insufferable chewing," Debruge sharply criticized the film. ADVERTISIMENT Earlier, OBOZ.UA wrote that IndieWire created its own list of the best films of 2023, which were voted for by film critics. Only verified information is available on OBOZ.UA Telegram and Viber. Don't fall for fakes! Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} James Cleverly has apologised for joking about spiking his wifes drink with a date rape drug at a Downing Street reception. The home secretary made the appallingly bad taste remark about putting a little bit of Rohypnol in her drink every night, just hours after announcing a raft of measures to crack down on the crime. Mr Cleverly, who even remarked that it was not really illegal if its only a little bit, said the comments were made during what was always understood as a private conversation. His spokesperson said it was meant to be an ironic joke. Rohypnol and Gamma Hydroxybutyrate (GHB) are the drugs most frequently used to spike victims and leave them feeling physically weak, out-of-control, confused, or passed out. But is Mr Cleverly the most gaffe-prone cabinet minister in history? The Independent has put together a list of his most memorable mess-ups below. Home secretary James Cleverly joked about spiking his wife Susannahs drink with a date rape drug (PA Archive) S***hole constituency In November, Mr Cleverly denied referring to a Labour MPs constituency as a s***hole just weeks after he was appointed as home secretary. Alex Cunningham, MP for Stockton North in County Durham, alleged the comment was made by the Tory cabinet minister and demanded an apology. The comment was said to have taken place after the prime minister was challenged by Mr Cunningham on the level of child poverty in his constituency in northeast England. Mr Cleverlys spokesman said: He did not say that, and would not. Hes disappointed people would accuse him of doing so. A source close to Mr Cleverly later claimed he referred to the MP as a s*** MP. Mr Cleverly previously denied referring to a Labour MPs constituency as a s***hole (AP) Bats*** Rwanda scheme Mr Cleverly was forced to deny he called his cabinets Rwanda scheme bats***. In November, Labour shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper told parliament Mr Cleverly had used the word to describe the plan. He repeatedly said he couldnt remember saying anything like that. He told Sky News: I dont recognise that phrase. The Rwanda scheme is an important part, but only a part, of the range of responses we have to illegal migration. In a different interview, on BBC Radio 4s Today programme, he again said he could not remember having used the phrase. The Government was working to broker a new legally binding treaty on top of the 140 million deal already struck with Kigali after five top justices ruled against the policy. Mr Cleverly denied referring to his cabinets Rwanda policy as a bats*** scheme (PA) Forgets job title in middle of speech In the same month, Mr Cleverly appeared to forget his new job title of home secretary as he was in the middle of a speech. The former foreign secretary was speaking at the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners and National Police Chiefs Council joint summit when he said: I want you to feel that you can speak with me and my team at the Foreign... Old habits die hard. Blames disastrous mini-budget on Labour In 2022, Mr Cleverly appeared to blame former prime minister Liz Trusss disastrous mini-budget on the Labour Partys negative narrative around the plans. Attempting to pin the fallout over the budget on anyone but the government, Cleverly told Sky Newss Kay Burley it was the fault of Labours negativity. Mr Cleverly tried to blame former prime minister Liz Trusss disastrous mini-budget on the Labour Party (PA Wire) Forced to admit he misspoke after BBC blunder In 2022, former prime minister was under growing pressure to clarify her position on the welfare system. Despite expectations Mrs Trusss plans were to be unveiled in a matter of weeks, Mr Cleverly said plans could be expected in the early part of 2023. The BBC later revealed the cabinet minister had reported he misspoke during the exchange and his revelations about a policy announcement date were in fact incorrect. Reminded of Bank of England intervention During the same interview, BBC journalists reminded Mr Cleverly the Bank of England had to intervene to save the UKs economy following Mrs Trusss mini-budget. He was later forced to admit Im not an economist as he was grilled by Richard Madeley and Susanna Reid on Good Morning Britain - where he claimed the mini-budget was not to blame for Britains economic woes. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} David Cameron has warned that Britain will not tolerate the escalation of Irans malign activities on the world stage. The former prime minister described Hamas, the Houthis and Hezbollah as proxies for Iran and said they are contributing to an extremely high level of danger and insecurity around the world. Lord Cameron, who was made a peer in order to become Rishi Sunaks foreign secretary last month, said Iran must be sent a clear message escalation will not be tolerated. Foreign secretary Lord David Cameron has made two visits to the Middle East since returning to government (PA) And he promised that Britain would work with allies to develop a strong set of deterrent measures against Tehran. After a trip to France, Italy, Jordan and Egypt, Lord Cameron told the Telegraph: Iran is a thoroughly malign influence in the region and in the world theres no doubt about that. Youve got the Houthis, youve got Hezbollah, youve got the Iranian-backed militias in Iraq that have actually been attacking British and American bases, troops. And, of course, Hamas. So youve got all of these proxies, and I think its incredibly important that, first of all, Iran receives an incredibly clear message that this escalation will not be tolerated. Second of all, we need to work with our allies to develop a really strong set of deterrent measures against Iran, and its important that we do that. The level of danger and insecurity in the world is at an extremely high level compared with previous years and decades, and the Iran threat is a part of that picture. It comes as Iranian-backed Houthi soldiers have stepped up attacks on commercial shipping vessels in the Red Sea in recent weeks. The Houthi rebels are understood to be targeting ships using the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, with the pro-Hamas group seeking to disrupt ships set for Israel. Last week, oil giant BP became the latest major firm to pause shipping through the Red Sea over the attacks. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, supreme leader of Iran (AP) Lord Cameron summoned Irans most senior diplomat in the UK to the foreign office on Friday to make clear these threats will not be tolerated. It comes amid growing concern in government at Irans increasing aggression on the world stage. Grant Shapps also sounded the alarm over the deteriorating situation in the Gulf, with Houthis attacking commercial ships in the Red Sea. The defence secretary said the UK would not allow the critical maritime route to become a no-go area. In an interview with The Sunday Times, Mr Shapps said: We are committed to protecting British interests [in the Gulf] vessels sailing under a UK flag, or with British sailors or carrying goods destined for our shores. We have seen the disruption the terrorist attacks have caused with major operators, including Maersk and BP, avoiding the region. We cant allow any maritime area to become a no-go area, particularly such a vital route. But wider than that, we need to promote a safer world. The spate of illegal attacks represent a direct threat to international commerce and maritime security. He added that the rules-based world order means Britain must be committed to repelling the attacks and protecting global trade. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Michelle Mone has complained she is being treated like notorious Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar after her bank accounts were reportedly frozen by the National Crime Agency (NCA). The peer, who won government PPE contracts worth more than 200m during the pandemic, said on Sunday it had been an extremely tough year of pain with frozen accounts. Baroness Mone said she has had an extremely tough year (PA) The NCA is believed to have ordered a freeze on Baroness Mones accounts a year ago to prevent her moving cash while it investigates allegations of fraud and bribery around her PPE firm, The Sunday Times reported. One of those frozen is said to include an account at Coutts, an upmarket bank favoured by the rich and famous that was at the centre of the recent Nigel Farage banking row, the newspaper added. Under the Proceeds of Crime Act, Ive been treated like Pablo Escobar, Baroness Mone told The Sunday Times. What happened to innocent until proven guilty? Escobar was dubbed the king of cocaine after amassing an estimated net worth of more than 20bn before he was killed in a shootout while running from the police in 1993. Deceased Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar was worth an estimated 20bn (STF/AFP/Getty Images) Baroness Mone, the multi-millionaire founder of lingerie brand Ultimo, was handed a peerage by former prime minister David Cameron in 2015. She stood to benefit from 60m in profit over a contract signed by her husband Doug Barrowmans company PPE Medpro at the height of the Covid crisis. She had recommended the firm to ministers but only admitted publicly last week that she stood to benefit from the proceeds. PPE Medpro has been under investigation by the NCA since May 2021, with search warrants executed at Baroness Mone and Mr Barrowmans homes in London and the Isle of Man, as well as the firms offices. The government has also launched legal proceedings against PPE Medpro over 122m worth of gowns the Department for Health and Social Care believes were not fit for use. Baroness Mone has taken a leave of absence from the Lords for more than a year as she attempts to clear her name over the scandal. Baroness Mone and her husband being interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg (BBC Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg) She is facing cross-party calls to be removed from the Lords but has insisted she believes she did nothing wrong. Appearing on the BBCs Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme, Baroness Mone claimed her life had been destroyed by allegations about the PPE profits, even though weve only done one thing, which was lie to the press to say we werent involved. She denied having bought a yacht with the money and insisted the cash was her husbands money. Its not my yacht, its not my money, she said. That cash is my husbands cash. Its just like my dad going home with his wage packet on a Friday night and giving it to my mum. So shes benefiting from that as well, but that cash is not my cash and is not my childrens cash. If one day, God forbid, my husband passes away before me, then I am a beneficiary as well as his children and my children. She also insisted that if Mr Barrowman divorced her she would receive nothing. An NCA spokesperson said: The NCA opened an investigation in May 2021 into suspected criminal offences committed in the procurement of PPE contracts by PPE Medpro. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Reform UK has said it plans to stand against the Tories in every seat at the next election in a move which could spell electoral trouble for Rishi Sunak. The party, which contested the 2019 general election as the Brexit Party, has given cast-iron guarantees to top figures that it will not do a deal with the Tories. In the 2019 contest, former leader Nigel Farage stood down hundreds of candidates to help Boris Johnson beat Jeremy Corbyn to No 10. Nigel Farage, the former Reform UK party leader with Tice, his successor (Getty) But Richard Tice, who took over as leader in 2021, has told senior figures including former Tory minister Ann Widdecombe that he will not repeat the move, The Sunday Times reported. The development will set alarm bells ringing in Downing Street, with Reform threatening to split the Tory vote in key seats across the country boosting Labours chances. Luke Tryl, director at pollsters More in Common, said Reform could see the Tories lose more than 30 additional seats. He told The Independent: Reform could well be the difference between a hung parliament and a Labour majority. The partys support has been boosted by growing discontent at Mr Sunaks record on immigration and asylum, with around one-tenth of voters currently supporting Reform. And while it has so far failed to live up to the poll rating in a series of by-elections, in two recent contests Mid Bedfordshire and Tamworth its vote share was larger than the amount by which Labour won. Prime minister Rishi Sunak is already facing a difficult general election campaign (PA) The Tories can take some hope to date that Reforms by-election performances havent been as good as those poll ratings, meaning upcoming contests in Blackpool and Wellingborough will be a good test of how real that reform threat is, Mr Tryl added. Reform could also be boosted by the return of Mr Farage from his stint on Im a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here. He has spoken regularly to Mr Tice since his return and the pair are expected to discuss his future role in the coming days. Mr Tice told The Sunday Times: In the 2024 election year we will be ready whenever it comes, spring, summer or autumn. We will be standing in seats everywhere in England, Scotland and Wales. Many, including Tory MPs and commentators, still dont believe us, but I have news for them: you are seriously underestimating our intent to have a massive impact in this coming election. A senior party figure meanwhile said the toxic Tories are done and finished we will attack them mercilessly. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A man who appears to be obsessed with the Unabomber has been arrested for threatening to blow up an FBI office in Los Angeles. Mark William Anten, a 52-year-old man from Sun Valley, California, is accused of sending multiple threatening emails to the bureau dating back to July including warning that he would bomb the FBIs Los Angeles Field Office. Some of the messages were allegedly signed off referring to himself as the notorious Unabomber. In a press release, the US Attorneys Office for the Central District of California, said that Mr Anten emailed FBI agents on 2 November and claimed that he had been voted most likely in his graduating class to become the next Unabomber. He allegedly went on to list similarities between himself and Ted Kaczynski the man who terrorised America for 17 years, by carrying out a bombing campaign that killed three people and injured 23 others. Mr Anten also told the agents that he was working on a manifesto much like Kaczynski signing off the email Unabomber. After receiving the email, FBI agents visited Mr Antens home later that month where he allegedly confessed to sending the messages. He was told the stop but the communications continued and escalated, according to the criminal affidavit. On 5 December, the suspect allegedly sent a string of threatening emails to FBI agents, threatening to Unabomb the LA field office. Ted Kaczynski flanked by federal agents in 1996 (AP1996) The next day, prosecutors say he sent another email threatening a mass murder spree. I can go on a mass murder spree. In fact, it would be very explainable by your actions, the email read. It was signed off SuperMax or Death an apparent reference to the federal prison where Kaczynski spent the final two decades of his life. Another email featured an image of a Google search for how to make a dirty bomb, according to prosecutors. That same day, Mr Anten then allegedly visited the LA field office a visit that was captured on surveillance footage and sent an email taunting agents that he had been there. Mr Anten was arrested at his home on Thursday morning and charged with a federal felony count of making threats by interstate communication. He appeared in court in downtown Los Angeles that morning where he was ordered to be held without bond. He faces up to five years in federal prison if convicted and is scheduled to appear in court for his arraignment on 11 January. His apparent campaign is said to have begun soon after Kaczynski died by suicide in federal prison back in June. The 81-year-old had been held in Colorados federal Supermax prison since 1998, when he was sentenced to life in prison for carrying out at least 16 bombings between 1978 and 1995. He was transferred to the Federal Medical Center in Butner, North Carolina, in 2021 due to ill health and was found dead in his cell there in June. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} One man has been killed and multiple others injured in a shooting at a mall in Ocala, Florida with the suspect still at large. The shooting broke out just before 3.40pm on Saturday afternoon at Paddock Mall, police said at a press conference on Saturday evening. Authorities said they believe the shooting was a targeted act of violence and that the person killed a man who has not been named was the target. The suspect was described as a Black male wearing all-black attire with a mask partially covering his face, with police adding that he fled the mall being undetected. As well as the victim killed, a woman suffered a gunshot wound to her leg and is being treated at the hospital. Police added that multiple others were injured though the exact number and their conditions are not currently clear. None of the victims names were released. A firearm was recovered from the scene. The mall will be shut down for at least the next 12 hours, and police urged all shoppers who may have witnessed the shooting to come forward to provide information. The worst thing we can imagine this time of the year, the officer said. Earlier, Ocala Police said in a post on X that officers were responding to an active shooting situation that occurred at the Paddock Mall. There is a heavy police presence on scene and we will provide more information as it becomes available. Please avoid the area at this time, the statement read. A SWAT Team, ambulances, fire services and police cars were seen arriving at the scene, according to Ocala Star-Banner. Ten minutes later, police said that the shooting was no longer active and that the suspect is believed to have fled. There is no longer an active shooting situation. There are multiple people injured. The suspect is believed to have fled. The mall is being evacuated at this time. Please avoid the area as police investigate, the post read. The mall is located at 3100 SW College Road. The Independent has reached out to Ocala Police. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Iowa will not participate this summer in a federal program that gives $40 per month to each child in a low-income family to help with food costs while school is out, state officials have announced. The state has notified the U.S. Department of Agriculture that it will not participate in the 2024 Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer for Children or Summer EBT program, the state's Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Education said in a Friday news release. Federal COVID-era cash benefit programs are not sustainable and dont provide long-term solutions for the issues impacting children and families. An EBT card does nothing to promote nutrition at a time when childhood obesity has become an epidemic," Iowa Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds said in the news release. She added, If the Biden Administration and Congress want to make a real commitment to family well-being, they should invest in already existing programs and infrastructure at the state level and give us the flexibility to tailor them to our states needs." States that participate in the federal program are required to cover half of the administrative costs, which would cost an estimated $2.2 million in Iowa, the news release says. Some state lawmakers, including Democratic Sen. Izaah Knox of Des Moines, quickly voiced their opposition to the decision. Its extremely disappointing that the Reynolds administration is planning to reject federal money that could put food on the table for hungry Iowa kids, Knox said in a statement. This cruel and short-sighted decision will have real impacts on children and families in my district and communities all across Iowa. At least 18 states and territories and two tribal nations Cherokee Nation and Chickasaw Nation have announced they intend to participate in the program in summer 2024, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. The list includes Arizona, California, Kansas, Minnesota, West Virginia, American Samoa and Guam, among others. Other states, territories and eligible tribal nations have until Jan. 1 to notify the Department of Agriculture of their intent to participate in the program this summer. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} More than a dozen Israeli soldiers were killed in combat in the Gaza Strip over the weekend, the Israeli military said Sunday, in some of the bloodiest days of battle since the start of Israels ground offensive in late October and a sign that Hamas is still putting up a fight despite weeks of brutal war. The mounting death toll among Israeli troops is likely to play an important factor in Israeli public support for the war, which was sparked when Hamas-led militants stormed communities in southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 and taking 240 hostage. The war has devastated parts of the Gaza Strip, killed more than 20,000 Palestinians and displaced nearly 85% of Gazas 2.3 million people. Israelis still stand firmly behind the countrys stated goals of crushing Hamas governing and military capabilities and releasing the remaining 129 captives. That support has stayed mostly steady despite rising international pressure against Israels offensive and the soaring death toll and unprecedented suffering among Palestinians. But the growing number of dead soldiers could undermine that support. Soldiers deaths are a sensitive and emotional topic in Israel, a country with compulsory military service for most Jews. The names of fallen soldiers are announced at the top of hourly newscasts, and in a small country of about 9 million people, virtually every family knows a relative, friend or co-worker who has lost a family member in war. HAMAS EXACTS A PRICE The 13 Israeli soldiers killed on Friday and Saturday died in battles in central and southern Gaza, an indication of how Hamas is still putting up tough resistance against advancing Israeli troops, even as Israel claims to have dealt a serious blow to the militant group. According to Israeli Army Radio, four soldiers were killed when their vehicle was struck by an anti-tank missile. The others were killed in separate, sporadic fighting. Another soldier was killed in northern Israel by fire from the Lebanese Shiite militant group Hezbollah, which has kept up low-level fighting with Israel since the war with Hamas erupted, raising fears of a wider regional conflict. Their deaths bring the number of Israeli soldiers killed since the ground offensive began to 152. Even if Israelis have been supportive of the war effort, there has been widespread anger against the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which many criticize for failing to protect civilians on Oct. 7 and promoting policies that allowed Hamas to gain strength over the years. On Saturday night, thousands of people demonstrated in pouring rain in Tel Aviv, chanting Bibi, Bibi, we dont want you anymore, referring to Netanyahu by his nickname. Netanyahu has avoided claiming responsibility for the military and policy failures leading up to Oct. 7, saying he would answer tough questions once the fighting is over. EXPANDING THE OFFENSIVE On Saturday, Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said forces were expanding their offensive in northern and southern Gaza and troops were fighting in complex areas in Khan Younis, Gazas second-largest city, where Israel believes Hamas leaders are hiding. Israels offensive has been one of the most devastating military campaigns in recent history and has claimed a staggering toll on Palestinian civilians. More than two-thirds of the 20,000 killed were women and children, according to the Health Ministry in Hamas-controlled Gaza, which does not differentiate between civilians and combatants. The Palestinian Red Crescent said Sunday morning that a 13-year-old boy was shot and killed by an Israeli drone attack while inside the building of al-Amal hospital, which is run by the charity, in Khan Younis. It provided no further details. Palestinians reported heavy Israeli bombardment and gunfire Sunday morning in the town of Jabaliya, an area north of Gaza City that Israel had previously claimed to control. Sounds of explosions and gunfire echoed across the town with Israeli warplanes flying over the area, they said. There are bombing, and fierce battles during the night, said Assad Radwan, a Palestinian fisherman from Jabaliya. Sounds of explosions and gunfire never stopped. On Saturday, rescuers and hospital officials said that more than 90 Palestinians, including dozens from an extended family, were killed in Israeli airstrikes on two homes in Gaza. Israel has come under heavy international criticism for the rising civilian death toll, widespread damage and deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza. Israel blames Hamas for the high civilian death toll, citing the militants use of crowded residential areas and tunnels. Israel has launched thousands of airstrikes since Oct. 7, and has largely refrained from commenting on specific attacks. Israel says it has killed thousands of Hamas militants, including about 2,000 in the past three weeks since expanding its offensive to southern Gaza, but has not presented evidence. It says it is dismantling Hamas' vast underground tunnel network and killing off top Hamas commanders an operation that leaders have said could take months. INTERNATIONAL PRESSURE The mounting casualties on both sides came days after the United Nations Security Council passed a watered-down resolution calling for the speedy delivery of humanitarian aid for hungry and desperate Palestinians and the release of all the hostages, but not for a cease-fire. Following the U.N. resolution, it was not immediately clear how and when aid deliveries would accelerate. Trucks enter through two crossings Rafah on the border with Egypt and Kerem Shalom on the border with Israel. On Friday, fewer than 100 trucks entered, the U.N. said far below the daily average of 500 before the war. Both crossings were closed Saturday by mutual agreement among Israel, Egypt and the U.N., Israeli officials said. Filippo Grandi, the U.N. high commissioner for refugees, on Sunday reiterated calls by other top U.N. officials for a humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza to allow the delivery of aid, and help release hostages. For aid to reach people in need, hostages to be released, more displacement to be avoided and above all the devastating loss of lives to stop a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza is the only way forward, he wrote on X. Israel's allies in Europe have also stepped up calls for a stop to the fighting. But the U.S., Israels top ally, appeared to remain firmly behind Israel even though it has intensified its calls for greater protection for civilians in Gaza. U.S. President Joe Biden spoke with Netanyahu on Saturday, a day after Washington shielded Israel from a harsher U.N. resolution. Biden said he did not ask for a cease-fire, while Netanyahus office said the prime minister made clear that Israel would continue the war until achieving all its goals. ___ Shurafa reported from Rafah, Gaza Strip. Magdy reported from Cairo. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} President Joe Biden convinced Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to attack Hezbollah in the days following the 7 October Hamas attack on Israel, according to a report. The Wall Street Journal reported that, on 11 October, Israeli aircrafts were in the air waiting for their next commands in preparation for a pre-emptive strike against Hezbollah forces. At that moment, Mr Biden reportedly spoke to Mr Netanyahu and urged him to forgo the strike. The president expressed fears that another assault would escalate the existing conflict into a regional war, the paper reported. Israel had obtained intelligence that Hezbollah fighters were planning to enter the country, but US intelligence thought the information was unreliable, according to the outlet. The Journal reported that the White House first heard about the 11 October plan from Israeli officials at around 6.30am that very morning, when they asked for the USs support. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, CIA Director William Burns and Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs CQ Brown were among Mr Bidens top advisers who all met hours later, the outlet reported. The top advisers assessed the countrys scheme, before eventually deciding that US intelligence didnt match that of Israel. US intelligence apparently didnt indicate that Hezbollah which is designated a terrorist organisation by the US planned to attack. The president then phoned Mr Netanyahu with the call spaning 45 minutes, according to the Journal. The two leaders didnt see eye-to-eye on the issue: Mr Biden reportedly said that de-escalation was key to avoiding a broader war, while Mr Netanyahu and members of his war cabinet insisted that the expanding conflict was unavoidable. After roughly six hours exchanging calls, Israeli officials abandoned the original plan. US President Joe Biden meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv on 18 October (via REUTERS) In the meantime, Israeli soldiers along the Israel-Lebanon border received orders to prepare to combat Hezbollah fighters crossing the border. Those along northern Israel were urged to head into bomb shelters for safety. But thanks to Mr Bidens intervention the fighting never transpired. The Biden administrations efforts to prevent fighting between Hezbollah and Israeli forces on 11 October appears to be part of a larger strategy. The New York Times reported on Friday 22 December that senior White House Adviser Amos Hochstein has been holding discussions liaising with Israel, Lebanon and Hezbollah to try to minimise tensions along the border and prevent further escalation. Still, fighting across the Israel-Lebanon border has resulted in the deaths of nine Israeli soldiers, four Israeli civilians and over 100 Lebanese people, most of whom were Hezbollah militants, PBS reported. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley posted his classic holiday tweet featuring his ancient vacuum. On Christmas Eve, Mr Grassley wrote, It is Christmas. No surprise u kno what I have to do. The Iowa Republican continued, Just like when Im at Windsor Heights DQ If u dont celebrate the meaning of Christmas remember cleanliness is second to Godliness. The post included a red and white Hoover Concept Two vacuum which the internet suggests came out in 1987. Mr Grassleys u know what seems to refer to his penchant for posting photos of the vacuum on most holidays. He refers to the vacuum as faithful Beth in a number of previous holiday posts. On Thanksgiving in 2022, Mr Grassley posted a photo of the household appliance and wrote, Thanksgiving has arrived. Getting started early. Got faithful Beth out. He continued, [Have] to take easy w faithful Beth. Been informed its too old to get repairs. With a little care I expect faithful Beth to clean Grassley home for a few more years. Similarly, he made another post last Easter in which he disclosed a hypothetical conversation between him and his vacuum: Grassley to Beth: Sunday we [have] our Easter family gathering are u ready to roll? Beth to GRASSLEY: ready 10/4, he continued. In August, he whipped out faithful Beth for a special occasion. Usually this is only a Easter thxgiving + Christmas photo. But Grassley family reunion is this weekend So BY POPULAR DEMAND IM SHOWING FAITHFUL BETH AGAIN, the senator wrote. The new year of 2024 is on the horizon, and the pre-holiday period is full of hopes and expectations for victory and a peaceful future. This will be the second time Ukrainians will celebrate the holiday in the midst of a full-scale war, so a simple family evening with their loved ones will be a real dream for most. ADVERTISIMENT At the same time, traditional large-scale celebrations with fireworks and mass festivities will take place around the world. The Best Life publication told us about ten of the most interesting traditions of celebrating the New Year. Spain: grapes for good luck Spaniards eat exactly 12 grapes at midnight to honor a tradition that began in the late 19th century. Back in the 1800s, winegrowers in the Alicante area came up with this practice to sell more grapes at the end of the year, but the sweet tradition quickly caught on. You should also eat one grape for every 12 strikes of the clock: this is believed to ward off bad luck and bring a year of good fortune and prosperity. Scotland: the night guest In Scotland, the first day of the new year is so important that it even has an official name: Hogmanay. According to the beliefs, the first person to cross the threshold of the house after midnight on New Year's Eve should be a dark-haired man: it will bring good luck in the next year. Traditionally, men come with gifts and sweets. But why dark-haired men? The story explains everything: when Scotland was conquered by the Vikings, they somehow did not really want to see blonde uninvited guests with huge axes on their doorstep. Since then, it is the dark-haired man who symbolizes wealth and success. ADVERTISIMENT Brazil: white flowers in the ocean If you find yourself in Brazil on New Year's Eve, don't be surprised to see the oceans dotted with white flowers and candles. On New Year's Eve, locals make offerings to Yemoja, the main deity of water, to receive her blessings for the coming year. Brazilians also have a tradition of dressing in white and diving into the ocean after midnight. Italy: a tradition for those who want to get pregnant Italians have a New Year's tradition of wearing red underwear on December 31. In Italian culture, the color red is associated with fertility, so women wear red underwear, hoping that it will help them get pregnant next year. Greece: onions vs pomegranates The Greeks believe that onions are a symbol of rebirth, so they hang them on the door to make the new year generous and prosperous. ADVERTISIMENT In ancient Greek mythology, pomegranate symbolizes fertility, life, and prosperity, so in modern Greece, this fruit has become associated with good luck. Immediately after midnight, the Greeks have a custom of smashing pomegranates against the door of their homes. It is said that the number of pomegranate seeds that fall out directly depends on the amount of future luck. Chile: a night at the cemetery In Chile, New Year's Eve Mass is held not in churches but in cemeteries. People sit next to their deceased family members and "involve" them in the celebration of the New Year. Germany: New Year's fortunetelling In Germany, New Year's celebrations are centered around a rather unique event known as Bleigieen. Using the flame of a candle, you should melt a small piece of lead or tin and pour it into a container of cold water. The resulting shape is said to reveal a person's fate for the next year. ADVERTISIMENT Czech Republic: apple traditions Czechs "predict" their fate on New Year's Eve with the help of an apple. The fruit is cut in half, and it is said that the shape of the apple core determines the fate of everyone around it. If the core of the apple looks like a star, then everyone will soon meet again in happiness and health, and if it looks like a cross, you should expect illness and failure Colombia: three potatoes under the bed On the last night of the year, Colombians put three potatoes under the bed: peeled, unpeeled, and half-peeled. At midnight, they crawl under the bed and randomly grab the first potato they touch. A peeled potato means that you will face financial problems next year, an unpeeled one predicts a year of prosperity, and a half-peeled vegetable means just a good and stable year. ADVERTISIMENT Canada: New Year's fishing Canadians celebrate New Year's Eve by participating in popular fishing events. Large groups of friends and relatives get together, rent a house in the woods and go winter fishing. Then they enjoy cooking fish dishes together. Earlier, OBOZ.UA told you about the Christmas traditions of different regions of Ukraine. Subscribe to OBOZ.UA on Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} California Governor Gavin Newson isnt backing his own lieutenants call to remove Donald Trump from the states 2024 ballot after the Colorado Supreme Court determined that he was ineligible for the presidency. On 19 December, Colorados highest court ruled that the former president is disqualified from the presidency and should be removed from 2024 ballots, citing his role in the January 6 Capitol insurrection. California Lt Gov Eleni Kounalakis responded to the move by suggesting that her state should do the same ahead of its 5 March primary. But her boss Mr Newsom isnt on board. There is no doubt that Donald Trump is a threat to our liberties and even to our democracy, Mr Newsom said on 22 December. But in California, we defeat candidates at the polls. Everything else is a political distraction. Ms Kounalakis had expressed her intent to remove Mr Trump from the ballot in a letter to Californias Secretary of State on 20 December. Prompted by the Colorado ruling, Ms Kounalakis wrote, I urge you to explore every legal option to remove former President Donald Trump from Californias 2024 presidential primary ballot. She continued, California is obligated to determine if Trump is ineligible for the California ballot for the same reasons described in the Colorado Supreme Court decision. The constitution is clear: you must be 35 years old and not be an insurrectionist, she added. On the same day, Democratic state Sen Dave Min announced he planned to introduce a bill in 2024 that would allow California residents to sue to remove ineligible candidates from the ballot. Long before these efforts or the Colorado ruling, nine members of the California State Legislature wrote a 15 September letter to the states attorney general asking for Mr Trump to proactively seek the opinion of the court to determine if Donald J. Trump is or is not eligible to appear on the ballot. The letter continued, Section Three of the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution is clear that no person who has taken the oath of office and engaged in insurrection against the United States can hold public office. In response to the Colorado ruling, Mr Trump took to Truth Social to air out his grievances: A SAD DAY IN AMERICA!!! He also wrote, BANANA REPUBLIC??? ELECTION INTERFERENCE!!! Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Donald Trumps lawyers filed a request to a federal appeals court late on Saturday night, asking to throw out the 2020 election interference case against the former president citing his presidential immunity. The 55-page filing was submitted just two days after the Supreme Court refused to rule on Mr Trumps presidential immunity appeal in the case. Mr Trumps lawyers reiterated much of their previous argument in the filing to the DC circuit for the Court of Appeals, saying that the former presidents decisions were made under his official acts, which are protected according to the Constitution. The filing also leaned on the fact that Mr Trump was acquitted by the Senate for the same and closely related conduct and hinted that the indictment could have a chilling effect on future presidents. It is the latest in a back-and-forth between Special Counsel Jack Smith and Mr Trumps legal team in the fight to keep the indictment moving forward. Mr Smith has asked the court of appeals to expedite the process of hearing the immunity appeal. Mr Smith attempted to circumvent the typical appeals process by fast-tracking Mr Trumps presidential immunity appeal to the Supreme Court earlier this month. Mr Trumps legal team has made a concerted effort to delay the case, which is slated to go to trial in March 2024. After Judge Tanya Chutkan denied the former presidents request to have the case dismissed on presidential immunity grounds, his team got to work appealing the decision. Jack Smith (AFP via Getty Images) In that order, Judge Chutkan said there was nothing in the Constitution or Americas founding documents that supported the argument that a president is not subject to federal criminal law. Mr Trumps team disagrees. In their recent filing, the lawyers wrote extensively criticising Judge Chutkans order saying she incorrectly interpreted statutes and simply failed to address many of President Trumps principal arguments. In their argument, lawyers for Mr Trump said that a separation of powers between the executive and judicial branches does not allow for the judicial branch to judge the presidents official acts. Theyve argued that the allegations against Mr Trump are all decisions he made as an official act albeit the outer perimeter of his duties. However, Mr Smith has previously said that Mr Trumps alleged actions knowingly making false claims about election results to pressure state election officials and others to attempt to overturn results are a crime. A grand jury handed down an indictment against Mr Trump in August. Mr Trump is charged 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. Mr Smith has until 30 December to submit his filing in the case. After that, a three-panel judge will hear oral arguments in the case on 9 January. It is expected that a decision in the presidential immunity case will most likely end up back in the hands of the Supreme Court for a final decision. Close Donald Trump jokes about Chris Christie being his running mate Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} 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. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} First there were Ron DeSantis alleged heeled boots, now there are Donald Trumps toe pads. Social media has not taken kindly to the discovery of the two black rectangular pads spotted under the former presidents feet while he was speaking at Mar-a-Lago. What is Trump standing on here? How often does he use these? one account asked in an X post, which included a photo of Mr Trumps shiny black shoes leaning on the pads. One user joked, trump toe pads, desantis heels - does the Republican Party have a foot fetish? Counter balances the 3-inch lifts in his shoes since he can no longer hold his own weight, someone commented. Another brutally remarked, Trump needs toe pads to stand up without falling over. What an aLpHa MaLe! Yet another wrote, me leveling my uneven furniture. Others posted photos of him leaning forward at press conferences, and is now using toe pads to prevent leaning too far. One wrote, He now uses foot pads to prevent himself from tipping over. If Joe Biden did this, Fox News would talk about nothing else. Others still speculated that his forward lean could be an indicator of health issues. That forward lean is an indicator of Frontotemporal Dementia. Some have thought he was in early stages when he ran in 2016. MAGA candidates relax: it progresses slowly, a user postulated. Other users suggested the same diagnosis with photos of the 2024 frontrunner and a list of symptoms, including poor judgment, socially inappropriate behavior, loss of empathy and problems with balance. Another account posted another list of symptoms for Frontotemporal Dementia but incorporated another rumour circulating about Mr Trump: a decline in personal hygiene. Adam Kinzinger, former Illinois Republican congressman, warned earlier this week that Mr Trump has a nasty odour. Its truly something to behold. Wear a mask if you can, he said. Earlier this year, comedian Kathy Griffin also remarked on his scent: Donald has a distinct smell that doesnt get enough press. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Cologne police acting on indications of a possible attack searched Germany's landmark cathedral with sniffer dogs Saturday and said worshippers attending Christmas Eve Mass would undergo security screening before being allowed in. In Austria, police in Vienna also said they were taking heightened security measures around churches and Christmas markets, deploying both uniformed and plainclothes officers. Neither police agency specified the threat, but the German news agency dpa said authorities were responding to signs of a possible attack by Islamic extremists, without citing a specific source. Michael Esser, head of the criminal investigation department of the Cologne police, said in a news release that the threat indications pointed to New Years Eve rather than Christmas, but added that we are putting everything possible in motion for the security of cathedral visitors on Christmas Eve. Cologne's towering cathedral, whose twin spires are 157 meters (515 feet) tall, is a major tourist destination visited by some 6 million people a year. Police and cathedral officials urged those attending Mass on Sunday evening to arrive early and not bring bags or purses. The European Unions home affairs commissioner, Ylva Johansson, warned on Dec. 5 that Europe faces a huge risk of terrorist attacks over the Christmas holidays due to fallout from the war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} As the Czech Republic grieves for those killed in its worst-ever mass shooting, the country is desperately searching for answers over the gunmans motive for such a horrific act. Armed with as many as seven weapons, history student David Kozak, 24, opened fire on his peers and classmates at Charles University in central Prague on 21 December, killing at least 14 and injuring dozens of others. With no links to extremist ideology or terror organisations, it appears that a deep and morbid fascination with previous school shootings had been the lone gunmans inspiration. History student David Kozak, 24, opened fire on his peers and classmates at Charles University in central Prague on 21 December, killing at least 14 and injuring dozens of others (Czech Police) Authorities are probing a series of violent, Russian-language messages allegedly posted on Kozaks Telegram, including one that indicates inspiration for the attack may have been drawn from two previous mass shootings in Russia one occurring this month at a school in Bryansk near the Ukraine border, and the second in 2021 in Kazan, the capital of the Russian region of Tatarstan. I was very inspired by Alina very much, a message shared on 10 December said, just three days after a 14-year-old Russian schoolgirl, Alina Afanaskina, opened fire on her classmates. Afanaskina entered her secondary school in the Bryansk region armed with her fathers shotgun and a knife hidden in her clothes on 7 December. After entering a biology classroom, she opened fire, killing one of her fellow students and injuring another four, before then killing herself. Investigators work at the scene of a shooting by Alina Afanaskina in a classroom of a school in Bryansk, Russia, in December (Russian Investigative Committee) It has been reported in Russian media that her twin sister was in the classroom at the time, and that Alina had been bullied and struggled with her classmates. Afanaskinas actions seemed to have captured Kozaks imagination to the extent that he described them as his last straw. He allegedly wrote on Telegram: I always wanted to kill, I thought I would become a maniac in the future. Then, when Ilnaz did the shooting, I realized that it was much more profitable to do mass rather than serial murders. I sat.. Waited.. Dreamed.. Wanted.. But Alina became the last straw. It was as if she had come to my aid from heaven just in time. Also referenced in this social media post is Ilnaz Galyaviev, a 19-year-old shooter who entered his former school in Tatarstan, in the western part of Russia, in May 2021, killing nine people and injuring another 23. Ambulances and police cars and a truck are parked at a school after a shooting by Ilnaz Galyaviev in Kazan, Russia, in May 2021 (Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) In a chilling post hours before he carried out the fatal attack, Galyaviev posted a photo on Telegram of himself in a facemask with the word God in Russian written on it, with the caption: Today I will kill a huge amount of biowaste and shoot myself. Upon arriving, he shot a security guard who managed to raise the panic alarm, before marching through the corridors killing two teachers and seven students. After failing to open locked doors, he set off an improvised explosive device before eventually running out of ammunition and he was arrested. He has since been sentenced to life imprisonment in a special regime colony after pleading guilty to the murder of two or more persons. Mourners lay tributes at Prague university after at least 14 killed in mass shooting (PA) One of Kozaks alleged final Telegram messages read: Let me introduce myself. Im David. I want to commit a school shooting and maybe suicide. His motives for this weeks attack are not yet known, but police were reportedly already searching for him at the time of the incident. Kozaks murder campaign is now thought to have started last week, after a 32-year-old father and his baby daughter were found dead in the national park forest of Klanovicky, 15 miles from Prague. With little CCTV and clues available, Kozak had appeared on the list of suspects but had not yet been interviewed by the police. We lacked only a few days to prevent the tragic event [in Prague], said Ales Strach, the head of the Prague homicide department. People, one wrapped in a thermal blanket, walk near the building of Philosophical Faculty of Charles University in downtown Prague, Czech Republic, on Thursday (AP) At 12.26pm on Thursday, police received information that Kozak was suicidal and was not answering his phone, before his fathers body was found in Hostoun. After realising he was due to deliver a lecture at 2pm at a site near the Old Town Square, officers announced a national search and evacuated the building. However, Kozak travelled to the Faculty of Arts in Jan Palach Square where he opened fire on students and teachers, with several forced to hide on window ledges and barricade themselves in classrooms. After realising he was surrounded by armed police, he inflicted devastating injuries upon himself and was pronounced dead. A national day of mourning has been announced while schools and institutions across Prague have ramped up security, in the wake of hate comments being published online. Close Moment armed police storm Prague university after shooting captured in bodycam footage For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} 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. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Ex-Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin was killed in a bomb plot orchestrated by Vladimir Putins oldest ally, a Russian intelligence officer has claimed. Mr Prigozhin, who was killed when his plane crashed over Russia on 23 August this year, launched a mutiny against the Russian ministry of defence in June following a long-running feud with officials over the direction of the war in Ukraine. At the time, the Kremlin denied any involvement with his death and characterised western intelligence assessments of Putins culpability as an absolute lie. Follow live Ukraine updates here A Russian intelligence officer has now said former KGB officer and long-time Putin ally Nikolai Patrushev personally oversaw the planning of the operation which involved planting a bomb under the wing of Prigozhins aircraft. Mr Patrushev first warned the warlord had become dangerous with no respect for the Kremlin after he heard a phone call lambasting Putin for lack of supplies on the battlefield in Ukraine, according to the Wall Street Journal. Nikolai Patrushev (left) was accused of personally overseeing the assassination of Yevgeny Prigozhin (POOL/AFP via Getty Images) From this point, Mr Patrushev began to give orders to his assistant to proceed in planning an operation to get rid of Mr Prigozhin. Putin was shown the plans and didnt object, according to the Wall Street Journal. A small bomb was planted under the wing of the Embraer Legacy 600 plane, while Prigozhin and nine others waited on the tarmac of a Moscow airport for a pre-flight check to be carried out. No one inside the cabin appeared to notice the device being attached as they waited to take off for St Petersburg, Russia. The jet climbed for about 30 minutes to 28,000 feet before the bomb was detonated and the aircraft crashed to the ground. All 10 people on board were killed, including Prigozhin, his four bodyguards, three crew members and two other people who were important to the Wagner group. Prigozhin was killed when his plane crashed over Russia on 23 August this year just months after he launched a mutiny against Russias ministry of defence He had to be removed, a Kremlin official told a European intelligence officer with backchannels of communication to the Russian regime after the incident. The Kremlin has dismissed the reports of Mr Patrushevs involvement as pulp fiction. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: Lately, unfortunately, the Wall Street Journal has been very fond of producing pulp fiction. Close Kyiv suffers largest ever drone attack by Russia leaving five wounded For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A Russian strike on a hotel in Kharkiv has injured 13 people as it has been claimed Vladimir Putins exhausted troops have been hitting their own towns. Two Russian missiles struck a hotel late on Wednesday in the centre of Ukraines second-largest city, Kharkiv Governor Oleh Synehubov wrote on Telegram. Kharkivs prosecutors office said that among the 13 wounded is a 35-year-old man who was seriously injured and two Turkish journalists covering the war. Meanwhile, the British Ministry of Defence (MoD) has claimed Russian forces have been accidentally bombing territories in their own country, or in occupied Ukraine. In its latest intelligence update, the MoD said the likelihood of these accidents had increased due to inadequate training and crew fatigue. It comes as Ukrainian shelling injured three people in the Russian region of Belgorod late on Monday and air defences downed 10 RM-70 Vampir rockets, Russian officials and the defence ministry said. Belgorod has come under repeated attack from Ukrainian forces in recent weeks. A missile and drone attack late last month killed 25 civilians, including five children. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} There is a growing sense of alarm among Ukraines frontline forces at dwindling supplies of arms and ammunition and signs that the commitment of international partners is faltering, according to multiple senior Ukrainian military officials. Ukraines military fears Vladimir Putins forces could break through its defensive lines and secure victory for Russia within days if the US does not commit to more aid, with intense fighting still taking place and hourly assaults targeting the key industrial town of Avdiivka, despite the onset of the countrys bitter winter. It is a very difficult situation, very difficult, but the guys from the defence forces are holding their ground, says Vitaliy Barabash, the head of Avdiivkas military administration, in an interview with The Independent. Volodymyr Zelensky has continued to strike a grittily optimistic tone while appealing for more support from allies in recent days, firmly rejecting the suggestion that Ukraine is about to start losing the war when questioned at a news conference with foreign media on Tuesday. But, with the US Congress failing to agree even a smaller Ukraine aid package or temporary relief before breaking up for the winter recess, Mr Zelenskys frontline commanders have a much more grim warning for the future that awaits the country if it is left to fight on its own. If US aid comes to a halt, Barabash says it will lead to huge losses among both his personnel and the local civilian population. The line of defence may change and it will lead to insane losses, as it was at the beginning of a full-scale war, he says. Ukrainian tank crews take part in a drill not far from the front line in the Bakhmut direction (Getty) Barabash says the fighting in Avdiivka is very hot right now, and that Ukraine urgently needs more supplies if it is to hold onto the town, never mind win the war as a whole. For the last five days, the enemy has been actively using dozens of pieces of [aerial] equipment. Our military is burning this equipment; almost everything is shot down, he says. The enemy is pressing from almost 16 directions precisely along the Avdiivka defence line. The Avdiivka Coke and Chemical Plant and Stepove direction are the most important for their attacks. And, of course, the direction of Pervomaysk, Opytne, Vodyane [villages], where they try to enter from the flanks. Mr Putins forces appear better prepared for the second winter of their invasion compared to Ukraine, which expended a great deal of effort and resources this summer on a long-awaited counter-offensive that produced only small territorial gains. Shortages of ammunition are proving the biggest pressure point, Barabash says. The most important thing we need not only in our direction (Avdiivka) but in general along the entire line of defence to stop the army of the Russian Federation is as much ammunition as possible. 155 mm calibre ammunition, more HIMARS are needed, he says, referring to a US-made mobile artillery system. Dmytro Lazutkin, a spokesperson for Ukraines 47th Separate Mechanised Brigade which is holding the northern outskirts of Avdiivka, says it is no secret that Western arms supplies are what have allowed his military to withstand the onslaught from its much bigger neighbour so far. A Ukrainian soldier walks along the trench with a dog as he holds his position at the front line in Donetsk (Getty) Of course, Western aid is of great importance, he tells The Independent. Our brigade is fighting primarily with Western equipment, we have Bradley [tanks], we have Paladin self-propelled guns, and ammunition for them is crucial for our military to fight effectively. At the moment there is something to hold in Avdiivka, and there are powerful means to prevent the enemy from advancing aggressively. Mr Lazutkin says Ukraine is facing a ruthless enemy in Avdiivka, with Russian forces not even pausing to clear the bodies of its soldiers that litter the battlefield, from the walls of Avdiivka Coke and Chemical Plant to the Stepove village railway station. He points to declassified US intelligence figures suggesting Russia has lost 13,000 soldiers in the fight for Avdiivka just since the beginning of October. They really do not spare people, their attitude is that the goal justifies any means. He says the enemy they face appears largely to consist of so-called Storm Z units, comprising former convicts and recently mobilised recruits who have just finished training. Volodymyr Zelensky continues to push for more international support during his end-of-year news conference (AP) Mr Lazutkin says Russia has committed more than 40,000 troops to try and capture Avdiivka, but while Ukraine is outnumbered the town can still be saved. Ukrainians there, he says, fight not only for their families, for their homeland, for their country, but also for European values, and the European order we are used to. Another senior Ukrainian commander, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the defence forces in Avdiivka had just enough ammunition to hold out in their current positions, but not enough to make Russia stop if the situation intensifies. Some things cannot be predicted, he says. For example, Russians began to use new versions of S-400 rockets to hit ground targets in Kyiv, which means we need more Patriot missiles than we previously expected. Russia has succeeded in crippling Kyivs industry, according to this senior Ukrainian officer, making it impossible for it to produce the supplies it needs domestically. This war has become a war of attrition and we have to hold the line for some time to win. We are really depending on international support from the US, Britain, the EU and South Korea, he says. Of course, it does not mean that we will stop fighting without external help. We have too many examples in front of our eyes to know that this war is a genocide, and no one here wants his town to share the fate of Bucha or Mariupol. Its just about the number of losses we will have in our struggle. Kate Middleton attended a special Christmas tea party as part of this year's Together at Christmas Carol service. The Princess of Wales appeared in a cozy and bright festive look that delighted fans of the British royal family. ADVERTISIMENT Thus, the wife of the heir to the throne, Prince William, put on a red cashmere cardigan decorated with black and white floral patterns. The corresponding photos were posted on the official Instagram page of the Prince and Princess of Wales. Catherine's Christmas look is the work of the popular Italian brand Miu Miu. It is known that the cost of the atmospheric cardigan is 1,350 pounds sterling (62 thousand UAH). The Princess of Wales also wore red pants. The look was complemented by unusual mother-of-pearl earrings in the form of cauliflower from the English brand Cassandra Goad. They cost 4,360 pounds sterling (over 200 thousand UAH). ADVERTISIMENT The wife of the future king wore her traditional elegant hairstyle and light nude makeup. "Three inspirational people who are truly making a difference in the lives of young people. It was such a pleasure to join Rico, Arwyen, Jenson, Poppy, Henry and George for a special surprise celebration for the people who helped shape their lives. Russell, Ray, and Brenda, it was a pleasure to meet you!" Kate Middleton captioned the photos. Meanwhile, commenters were quick to shower the mother of many children with compliments, praising her Christmas outfit. In addition, fans expressed the opinion that Catherine would be a great Queen Consort, so they are looking forward to seeing her in this role. ADVERTISIMENT "The Princess of Wales is so real and grounded. Even through photos and videos, I can feel how involved she is in what she does," "Can't wait to see her as Queen of England," "Kate looks so beautiful," "She is really inspiring! A future queen", "Christmas is a celebration of love and Kate enchants people, young and old, with the magic of love. The Windsors are a family you want to love!" commentators write. Earlier, Josh Shinner, a photographer from Yorkshire, England, who created this year's Christmas card for the Dukes of Wales, commented on his collaboration with the family. The image went viral online due to some mishaps related to the unsuccessful use of Photoshop. Earlier, OBOZ.UA wrote that the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children attended the Together for Christmas service at Westminster Abbey. The two older heirs behaved with restraint, while 5-year-old Louis had as much fun as he could, which annoyed his mother. Details and photos are in the article. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information is available on our Telegram OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Father Christmas is getting ready to fly around the globe to deliver presents to children around the world. Every year Norad - the North American Aerospace Defense Command - tracks Santas journey as he travels the globe in his sleigh. The tradition began in 1955, when a child mistakenly rang a Colorado military command asking to speak to Father Christmas after a local newspaper ran an advert by a department store containing a misprinted phone number. Air Force Commander Harry Shoup, who was manning the phones that Christmas Eve, quickly realised the mistake and assured the child that he was in fact Santa Claus. As more calls came in that night, Commander Shoup assigned a duty officer to continue answering the phone, birthing a tradition that passed over to Norad when it was formed in 1958. Every year since, the agency which ordinarily defends and monitors the skies over North America has fielded childrens questions about the red-and-white-clad chimney intruder and his unrivalled delivery schedule. Stick with us as we follow his route around the world. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Simon Calders Travel email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Spirit Airlines issued an apology after putting a six-year-old unaccompanied minor on the wrong flight. The child was set to fly on Thursday from Philadelphia International Airport to Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers, Florida, to visit his grandmother, WINK-TV reported. Instead, the boy was incorrectly boarded on a flight to Orlando, Spirit acknowledged in a statement on Saturday. The statement did not address how the error came to take place - during a busy holiday travel day. "The child was always under the care and supervision of a Spirit Team Member, and as soon as we discovered the error, we took immediate steps to communicate with the family and reconnect them," Spirit said. "We take the safety and responsibility of transporting all of our Guests seriously and are conducting an international investigation. "We apologize to the family for this experience." The boys grandmother, Maria Ramos, spoke to WINK-TV about her panic upon realising he hadnt arrived on his intended flight. They told me, No, hes not on this flight. He missed his flight. I said, No, he could not miss his flight because I have the check-in tag, Ms Ramos recalled. "I ran inside the plane to the flight attendant and I asked her, Wheres my grandson? He was handed over to you at Philadelphia? She said, No, I had no kids with me. Soon after, the boy called her to report that he had landed safely - in the wrong city. Ms Ramos indicated that Spirit had not given her an explanation for the debacle. "I want them to call me [and] let me know how my grandson ended up in Orlando," she said. "How did that happen? Did they get him off the plane? The flight attendant after mom handed him with paperwork did she let him go by himself? He jumped in the wrong plane by himself?" Carving up a turkey on Christmas day can seem like a daunting task. Cutting up and serving such a large bird can be tricky - but an expert has shared simple tips to make the task easier. Turkey farmer Tom Copass family has been breeding free-range, high-welfare Copas turkeys in Berkshire for more than 65 years for his carving tips. Resting the meat for at least 30 minutes out of the oven to relax will get your carving off to a good start - frees up the oven to get your roast potatoes finished off, Copas advised. And ensure your knife is sharp, as having it blunt can be dangerous and makes a real mess. Police in Peru have been spotted carrying out a drugs raid while dressed as Santa Claus. The undercover agents caught two men allegedly selling cocaine and cannabis in a house in Huaral, just north of Lima. Santa could be seen using a sledgehammer to break down the door of the house, before removing his beard to cuff one of the suspects. A 32-year-old and a 25-year-old were detained at the scene, and led away as the officer remained in his Santa suit. San Diego fire service have released footage from the rescue of a man who had fallen 20 feet down a cliffside hole at Sunset Cliffs. The team worked for 20 hours, with staff rotating every six hours, to chip away at rock and free the unknown man, who is recovering from the incident, and was awake for most of the rescue. He had been pinned from the waist downward by rocks and debris, and specialist officers had to work quickly before a predicted rise in tide. As the man was freed, he was able to say thank you to his rescuers. Danish makers of weight loss drug Ozempic plan Dublin hub Novo Nordisk could create hundreds of jobs in the capital if it gets permission to build on Grange Castle Business Park site Stock image/Getty Sean Pollock Sun 24 Dec 2023 at 03:30 The weight-loss and diabetes drug company Novo Nordisk, which is behind obesity treatment Wegovy, has applied for planning permission to develop a large filling and packaging facility in south Dublin that could create hundreds of jobs. Gunman stabbed multiple times and died Emergency services were called to the scene after 8pmTwo suspects fled in a white Audi carGarda probe whether attack is linked to Corduff feud Taoiseach shocked at attack at restaurant he has visited many times Suspected gunman dead after Dublin restaurant attack, another man in serious condition A man in his 20s has died and another is receiving treatment in hospital for serious injuries following a gun attack tonight in a Dublin restaurant. It is understood that a high velocity weapon was used in the shooting which led to terrified customers, including children and women fleeing the premises. The shooting took place around 8.10pm in a restaurant on the Main Street in Blanchardstown. The men were taken to James Connolly Memorial Hospital to receive medical treatment. One man, aged in his 20s, was pronounced deceased in hospital a short time afterwards. A post mortem will take place tomorrow. The other man, who is in his 40s, is continuing to receive treatment for gunshot wounds. He remains in a serious condition. It is believed that the suspected gunman was overpowered at the scene and suffered fatal injuries. The Irish Independent understands the gunman was stabbed multiple times. It is also believed that the target was a local man, aged in his 40s, and suffered a gunshot wound to the neck. The men are not believed to be related. Video footage of the aftermath of the shooting has been shared on social media, but gardai have pleaded with the public to stop sharing them. "An Garda Siochana is aware of videos of the incident and immediate aftermath which are in circulation on social media and messaging apps. We are appealing to the public for these videos not to be further distributed, a spokesperson said. We are also appealing to the public to be aware of a significant level of speculation, misinformation and disinformation which is in circulation. "Gardai have increased uniform patrols in the Dublin Region, with support from armed patrols, including the Garda Armed Support Unit. One line being investigated is that the shooting is linked to the bitter Corduff feud that has seen numerous violent incidents. Two suspects in the case fled the scene in a white Audi car. Members of the Garda Technical Bureau Photo: Mark Condren Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said he was shocked to hear about the shooting at a well known family restaurant Ive visited many times. Full Garda investigation under way. My thanks to them and solidarity to staff and customers, he said on X. Justice Minister Helen McEntee said that the attack taking place where families had gathered was disgusting. I deplore the violence in Blanchardstown tonight. This viciousness has resulted in unimaginable human suffering this Christmas, she said on Instagram. That anyone could perpetrate such violence as families gathered together is especially disgusting. Im thinking of the bereaved, those who were at the scene and indeed all the emergency service personnel working tonight and over Christmas who have to deal with this senseless violence. I call on anyone with information of any kind to contact An Garda Siochana. Gardai and emergency services were alerted to the incident at around 8pm on Sunday evening. The scene was preserved pending a technical examination and the services of the Office of the State Pathologist were requested. In a statement, An Garda Siochana said: The scene has been preserved for a technical examination and the services of the Office of the State Pathologist have been requested. Investigations are ongoing. Portuguese police probed bank account linked to jailed lawyer Michael Lynn Detectives believed tens of thousands of euro were transferred in breach of laundering laws Michael Lynn has returned guilty verdicts on 10 of the 21 charges against him Maeve Sheehan Sun 24 Dec 2023 at 03:30 Police in Portugal investigated financial transactions drawn on a bank account they suspect is linked to jailed former lawyer Michael Lynn. The Taoiseach and Tanaiste have rounded on Elon Musks X social media site, with Leo Varadkar labelling the online platform formerly known as Twitter as a sewer, amid mounting concern that it is allowing abusive and hateful accounts to remain active. Micheal Martin said X, whose European headquarters is in Dublin, had not been as responsive to Irish authorities in the aftermath of the Dublin riots as other social media sites were. He described this as a serious issue. While X has since disputed this, the Fianna Fail leader said he had noticed himself that the site was now allowing unacceptable material in terms of hate, bile and attacks. The strong comments from the two most senior Coalition figures are likely to worsen relations between the Government and the platforms billionaire owner Elon Musk, who has strongly opposed proposed hate-speech legislation in Ireland and claimed in one post that Mr Varadkar hates the Irish people. The two leaders comment comes after recent reports that X, which was acquired by Mr Musk in October 2022, has significantly watered down its trust and safety rules in recent months. The Business Post last weekend published details of documents which outlined how the sites policies now allow abusive and hateful accounts to remain on the platform, with content moderators at X being told not to suspend the users behind certain hateful material. Twitter, as it used to be called, has always been a bit of a sewer as far as social media goes, Mr Varadkar said at a briefing for journalists. Despite what other people may say, I am actually somebody who believes in free speech but there have to be limitations and standards. I dont believe that Twitter, or X, implements its own community standards. Other social media platforms do and I think if youre not even able to live up to your own standards, it doesnt reflect very well on any organisation. He said the Government has a role to play and had already said that the era of self-regulation was over, citing new EU laws and Irelands own recent legislative and regulatory reforms. We have laws and theyre European laws. We have an online safety commissioner and we have Coimisiun na Mean, and I think things are going to change, he said. Speaking at his own media briefing, Mr Martin said that, in the wake of the Business Post article, he had real concerns about what is happening at X. The article claimed that X has instructed its staff not to suspend users that post explicitly racist, sexist and homophobic content, or who send sexual material to another person. It is part of a new policy that has radically stripped back the companys moderation of abusive material. The degree to which, under the cover of free speech, it essentially is allowing, in my view, unacceptable material in terms of hate, bile and attacks, and so on I have noticed it, yes, Mr Martin said. If you recall in the aftermath of the rioting in Dublin it was communicated to me that X was not as responsive to the authorities as the other platforms were. The Tanaiste was referring to Justice Minister Helen McEntees comments in the Dail last month, when she said that a detective in Pearse Street garda station had told her that she had engaged with social media companies since the Dublin riots on November 23. She said very clearly that social media companies, in particular TikTok and Meta, they were responding, engaging with gardai and taking down these vile posts as they came up. X were not. They didnt engage. They did not fulfil their own community standards, Ms McEntee said in the Dail. The minister said the following day that she was seeking a meeting with X because it had not taken down content that had fuelled some of what happened. X subsequently disputed this, in a post from its global government affairs account on December 4, where it reposted a video put up by Fine Gael which carried Ms McEntees remarks in the Dail. This is inaccurate. We have proactively taken action on more than 1,230 pieces of content under our rules relating to the riots, the social media company said. We met with the Coimisiun na Mean on November 24 to discuss our response. The gardai did not make any formal requests to us until late Monday, November 27. We responded promptly. The only appeal we have received from the gardai relating to the enforcement of our rules is for a single post. We hope the minister will clarify her remarks. McEntees spokesperson subsequently said she was relaying concerns directly raised with her by frontline gardai who were working on the day of the riots. They said she will continue to engage with gardai on these matters and looks forward to directly engaging with X. Yesterday, a spokesperson for Ms McEntee said: Minister McEntee is awaiting a debrief from the Commissioner following an internal review of the events of November 23. The minister looks forward to engaging further with the companies in relation to this important issue. Mr Martin said he would talk with his government colleagues, describing it as a serious issue. I would like to get an assessment of the platforms agenda and its potential impact on democracy and society. Then for us to have an engagement with X whether that would be fruitful or not given the position adopted by its owner I would have concerns, he said. Attempts were made to contact X for comment. In a recent post on its safety account, X said it remains committed to complying with the [EU] Digital Services Act and is cooperating with the regulatory process. It is important that this process remains free of political influence and follows the law. X is focused on creating a safe and inclusive environment for all users on our platform, while protecting freedom of expression, and we will continue to work tirelessly towards this goal. Dermott Jewell was the charitys chairman for 20 years before his resignation last March A State and EU-funded charity that helps consumers with cross-border consumer complaints is to be liquidated after allegations of poor governance led to its funding being pulled. The European Consumer Centre Ireland (ECCI), which has existed as an incorporated charity since 2003, is in the process of making all eight of its staff redundant. A number of staff have instigated Workplace Relations Commission complaints or personal injury actions over their alleged mistreatment by the charity. Earlier this year, the Sunday Independent revealed the Charities Regulator was carrying out an investigation into the ECCI after the majority of its directors resigned last March and delegated their functions to a member of staff who then went on sick leave leaving a junior member of staff in charge. Staff in the Department of Enterprise, which provided some 2.7m in funding to the ECCI over the last 10 years, were shocked by the sudden departure of board members which followed allegations of poor corporate governance by two senior staff in the charity who made protected disclosures. The department has designated the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), which formerly channelled state money into the ECCI, to take over the charitys cross-border consumer protection function which each EU member is required to have. The CCPC is recruiting nine staff ahead of it taking over the ECCIs responsibilities on January 1. The recently filed 2022 annual accounts from the ECCI confirm that it will liquidate in 2024. The company has funding arrangements for 2023 from the CCPC however these funding arrangements are on a month to month basis in order to allow for the company to pay staff and creditors until such time as the company is liquidated in 2024, the accounts state. The accounts show the ECCI was required to make two prior year adjustments to its 2021 accounts which meant its reserves brought forward to 2022 were reduced from 170,000 to 98,287 due to underspending European Commission grants. In a protected disclosure complaint, two ECCI staff blamed the board for creating a toxic work atmosphere that caused an exodus of staff. They said the ECCI had spent some 60,000 in three years on recruitment consultants to fill positions and made other allegations of poor governance. Documents released through Freedom of Information (FoI) revealed that Dermott Jewell, the charitys chairman for 20 years before his resignation last March, was concerned about the charity regulators investigation. The resignations of Mr Jewell, a well-known consumer rights activist, and other directors left the ECCI board inquorate with only Paul Brennan, a civil servant from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, remaining. Before the resignations came into effect on March 16, the board transferred its decision-making powers to Martin Breen, the ECCIs general manager. However, this decision was probed by the Charities Regulator. On May 12, Mr Jewell wrote to Mr Brennan and said this is a serious issue if they are suggesting that we are in some way in breach of our duties under company law to place a manager in charge on an interim basis in circumstances where the board was about to become inquorate and unable to function. The Charity Regulator said it did not comment on individual charities. Today, on December 24, Polish farmers ended their blockade of the Shehyni-Medyka checkpoint. At this point, truck traffic has already been resumed. ADVERTISIMENT According to the Polish Border Guard, the protest ended at 09:30 today. This was reported by the press service of the State Border Guard Service. "The registration and passage of trucks across the border to enter Ukraine is carried out as usual. Border guards together with employees of the control services are working to ensure the passage of the maximum number of trucks," the statement said. What has the blockade resulted in? Exports in November fell by 40%, according to the customs office itself. In total, volumes decreased by 9.2 million tons. Freight transport accounted for 783 thousand tons. At the same time, Ukraine's total imports in November fell by about a fifth. If the situation is not resolved soon, the strike at the border will cost Ukraine 1 percentage point of GDP growth. In addition, the blocking of the Ukrainian border by Polish carriers disrupts contracts for 2024 and may also lead to problems with fuel and lubricants. ADVERTISIMENT "The end of November-December are the months when new contracts for the next year are formed. Accordingly, if we are not able to deliver products on time now, many counterparties with whom producers had relations may renegotiate (contracts - Ed.) with someone else," explained Denys Marchuk, Deputy Chairman of the All-Ukrainian Agrarian Council. As reported by OBOZ.UA, the work of the Ukrainian sea corridor allowed to partially compensate for the multibillion-dollar economic losses from the Polish blockade. Only verified information is available on OBOZ.UA Telegram and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Group acted as judge, jury and executioner says GP nurse reported to gardai over payments Mary Jordan accuses the association she used to chair of holding a kangaroo court Mary Jordan represented practice nurses at a function for nurses at Aras an Uachtarain hosted by President Michael D Higgins last year Mark Tighe Sun 24 Dec 2023 at 03:30 The former chair of the association that represents general practice nurses has threatened legal action against her association, after it reported her to gardai and the Charities Regulator over concerns about agreements she made for thousands of euro in payments from a medical publisher and drug companies. John Dunford, who has died aged 68, was an influential music manager, sound engineer and co-producer who worked with many Irish musicians and set up the Hummingbird label. A dedicated father of four daughters, he was best known as Sharon Shannons manager and long-time mentor, and had recently bought a boat and qualified as a sea angling skipper through Bord Iascaigh Mhara. He played a significant role in the early years of The Waterboys, and was also sound engineer with Planxty, Clannad, Moving Hearts, De Dannan and In Tua Nua among other groups. A mighty sound man, crew boss, travel companion, counsellor, fixer, co-producer, Irish trad music guide, partner-in-mischief, head, magic-seer and friend is how Waterboys founder Mike Scott described him on X, formerly Twitter. He was the one with all the drive and passion that made my musical career what it is, Sharon Shannon said, adding that without his influence she would have just recorded her favourite tunes and played some low key gigs enough to pay bills and mortgage. Through his Hummingbird label, Dunford was involved in releasing albums by Sinead OConnor, Donal Lunnys Mozaik, John Spillane, and the Monks of Glenstal Abbey, and he worked with Philip King and Lunny on the 1991 BBC/RTE/Hummingbird five-part documentary Bringing It All Back Home. Hailing from Castlebar, Co Mayo, Dunford was the eldest in a family of five, and was immersed in music from a young age, playing with the La Salle group. His brother Steve was also a musician and founding member of the group General Humbert, along with Mary Black. Steve Wickhams tune Dunfords Fancy on Fishermans Blues was named after Steve, who passed away several years ago. John Dunford initially taught in a primary school in Killester, Dublin, and it was through his involvement with the Gael Linn youth arts festival, Slogadh, that he changed direction, according to his younger brother, Chuck, a school principal in Ballina. He was working with In Tua Nua when violinist Wickham introduced him to a group he had joined named The Waterboys, and his first job was as sound engineer for one of their gigs in Germany in 1986. He was also production manager, co-producer and location scout over a four-year period, and, in an acknowledged master stroke, located Spiddal House in An Spideal, Co Galway, to record the Fishermans Blues album. Guests included Alec Finn, Charlie Lennon, Mairtin OConnor and Tomas McKeown, and he roped in four sets of waltzers from Hughess bar for the recording of Jimmy Hickeys Waltz, including former Green Party leader Trevor Sargent who had just called to the door. During recordings, a man who had taken a few drinks came into the house with a shotgun and Dunford tackled him to the ground. After he brought Mike Scott to Dun Laoghaires Purty Kitchen to hear her, accordionist Sharon Shannon joined the group for a time. The band was moving more into a rock phase when he decided to part on good terms, and he subsequently began managing Shannon. He supported many charities, such as the Laura Lynn Foundation after his nephew Kevin died just three weeks short of his ninth birthday in 2014. He lost two brothers, Steve and Tom, to lung cancer when he was diagnosed with the same condition, and died in Blackrock Hospice, Dublin. He is survived by his wife Hilly, daughters Becky, Hannah, Katy and Emily, brother Chuck, sister Derval and extended family. Maureen Sweeney was honoured by the US House of Representatives Maureen Sweeney, who died on December 17 aged 100, was a postmistress on the west coast of Ireland who supplied the weather reports of a storm in the Atlantic that persuaded General Dwight D. Eisenhower to delay D-Day by 24 hours. The Blacksod lighthouse-cum-post office, on the wind-battered Mullet peninsula in Co Mayo, was Europes most westerly weather observation station. Every hour, day and night, reports had to be collected on barometric pressure, wind speed, temperature, precipitation, water vapour and other variables, using rudimentary instruments, by the assistant postmistress Maureen Flavin (as she then was); her future husband, Ted Sweeney, the lighthousekeeper; his mother, the postmistress; and his sister. Their reports were then transmitted over crackling telephone line to Ballina, Co Mayo, then to the Irish Meteorological Service in Dublin. What they did not know was that, although Ireland was ostensibly neutral, taoiseach Eamon de Valera was sharing weather intelligence with the Allies, but not the Nazis. From Dublin, the Blacksod reports were passed to the UK Met Office in Dunstable and the Supreme Headquarters of the Allied Expeditionary Force, under the command of Eisenhower. By the start of June 1944, around 5,000 ships, 11,000 aircraft and 156,000 Allied troops were assembled for the invasion of Normandy. D-Day was set for June 5, when the full moon and tides were favourable for seaborne and airborne landings. At 1am on June 3, 1944, her 21st birthday, Maureen Flavin was on duty when she noticed a sharp drop in the barometer, and force-six winds. She woke the more experienced Sweeney, who confirmed her readings, then transmitted her report. At 11am, a woman with an English accent rang, and asked: Please check. Please repeat. Two hours later, she rang back and asked them to double-check again. They checked and rechecked, but the figures remained the same. Group Captain James Stagg, Operation Overlords chief meteorological officer, drew the conclusion that gale-force winds, low cloud and rain would still be affecting the English Channel at dawn on June 5, when 130,000 amphibious troops would be on the move, and advised Eisenhower to postpone the invasion. If the June window of moon and tide were missed, the invasion would have to wait another month a scenario too bitter to contemplate, as Eisenhower put it, since Erwin Rommel was urging for more Panzer divisions to be diverted from Calais to Normandy, to fortify that coast. But Eisenhower did postpone the invasion, thereby averting disaster. The prophesied storm struck, and a jubilant Rommel, confident that no landing could be made, returned to Germany for his wifes birthday. On June 4, oblivious to the havoc her reports were causing, Maureen Flavin began to see the pressure-drop easing. At noon, Ted Sweeney reported that the rain had stopped. The next day, at Eisenhowers morning briefing, a cheer was raised by the latest Blacksod report, confirming a window of fair weather about which the Germans, who had no weather boats west of Ireland, were unaware. The next day, the Allied invasion of Europe went ahead. It was not until 1956 that Maureen Flavin learnt how momentous her work had been. She was born on June 3, 1923 in Knockanure, north Kerry. Aged 20, she applied to be assistant postmistress at Blacksod, two-and-a-half days journey away. It was only when she arrived that she realised she would have to do meteorological work, but you fell into it automatically, she said. She didnt enjoy the night duty, in case the Germans invaded. Once, she and Ted Sweeney saw a submarine surface, but they never knew if it had been German or British. Maureen Sweeney was the subject of the 2019 RTE documentary Storm Front in Mayo, later broadcast in America as Three Days in June. In 2021 Maureen was given a special honour from the US House of Representatives. In 1946 she married Ted Sweeney, and eventually took over from her mother-in-law as postmistress, only retiring in the 2000s. Ted was succeeded as lighthousekeeper by their son, Vincent. Maureen Sweeney died at the Sonas Ti Aire Nursing Home. She is survived by her children Ted, Gerry, Vincent and Emer and was predeceased by her husband Ted. Her funeral took place in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Aughleam, Co Mayo, and she was buried in Faulmore Cemetery. No words, no welcome: How failure to talk with communities housing asylum-seekers leaves a gap that can be filled by fear In the wake of a fire at Rosscahill hotel, concerns of some Galway communities reflect similar issues around the county Footage of a blaze at a Galway hotel due to house asylum seekers as gardai investigate criminal damage incident Lorna Siggins Sun 24 Dec 2023 at 03:30 One councillors soundbite the inn is full has become a contentious phrase around east Connemara. The closure of a file, on the basis the child is no longer at risk, is not necessarily a vindication. Photo: Stock image posed by model A leading childrens rights lawyer believes the Government needs to issue new guidelines and instructions to schools on how to manage cases of alleged abuse and harassment of pupils. The Sunday Independent has been made aware of cases where parents have been left unhappy with how schools investigated or followed up on complaints and allegations of children being physically or emotionally harmed. Parents involved in four cases highlighted how schools dropped their own investigations into the allegations once external bodies, including Tusla and gardai, began to examine them. The parents said the schools investigations never resumed, even after the external agencies concluded theirs. Gareth Noble, a partner at KOD Lyons solicitors, said this is worrying because it can mean incidents that do not warrant a criminal prosecution or intervention by Tusla are not being managed properly. It means internal disciplinary mechanisms or other in-school procedures to deal with cases of alleged harm are being ignored, Mr Noble added. I think there has to be evidence the school has done its own investigation into matters, either if it is another pupil or someone else, he said. I have been involved in lots of cases where no further steps are taken in relation to online bullying or other instances where it is a pupil versus another pupil and the school doesnt do their own investigation because Tusla has said there is nothing to see here. In one case of which the Sunday Independent is aware, a students parents complained to the school about how a teacher was treating their son. By the time the matter was brought to Tuslas attention, the child had moved to another teachers class and was not seen as being exposed to a continuing risk. This meant Tusla had no place to investigate the claims against the teacher, but the school used this as a reason to conclude its own investigation prematurely. The parents eventually removed the child from the school. Mr Noble said his experience of cases where schools have not appropriately managed allegations of harm against children showed principals and boards of management were lacking appropriate guidance. There has to be clear pathways about what schools can or cannot do, or should and should not do, in the context of other investigations, Mr Noble said. There has to be very clear guidance on people who have left the school retrospectively being able to get access to answers and sanctions if necessary. There has to be very clear guidance for schools. The closure of a file on the basis the child is no longer at risk is not necessarily a vindication and doesnt absolve the school of its responsibility to conduct their own investigation. The Department of Education said guidelines revised this year direct schools on how to meet child protection obligations and on their role where allegations of abuse are made to Tusla and the gardai. The departments inspectorate checks on compliance with the key aspects of the procedures during all school inspections, a spokesperson said. There were a total of 2,255 inspections carried out by the inspectorate during 2022, of which 100 were child protection and safeguarding inspection. The inspectorate reports on compliance with aspects of the child protection procedures in all published inspection reports and continues to engage with schools that are not compliant until the school becomes compliant. The family of a young doctor bravely battling an inoperable brain tumour are desperately trying to raise money to send her for treatment abroad so she can have as much time as possible with her two young children. Caitriona 'Triona' Logan (36) was diagnosed with a brain tumour in October and given a devastating 12-18 months prognosis. The consultant radiologist in Mullingar Hospital, Co Westmeath just wants to spend as much time as possible with her husband, Leo Morris and her children, Kitty (3) and Barra (1) and her family are fundraising to get treatment in the US in order to prolong her life as much as possible. "My Christmas wish is that my sister gets as much good quality time as possible with her children, husband and family," said her sister Roisin. "Caitriona developed very non-specific symptoms like pressure in her head and, after telling her colleagues about them, went for scans which led to the heartbreaking diagnosis in early October of Grade 4 Astrocytoma. "Her treatment options are limited because the tumour is inoperable. She has completed radiotherapy and will start oral chemotherapy in the new year. "The medical care and attention she is receiving here in Ireland is incredible and we are so grateful to everyone who is looking after her. "Unfortunately the treatment options available in Ireland are limited. Her life expectancy is only 12-18 months but there are more treatment options available in the US as well as Canada. "We are in contact with hospitals in Boston and New York, who are reviewing her to see what treatment options or trials might suit her specific case. She is being discussed at their multi disciplinary team meetings. Already a GoFundMe amount of 226,000 has overwhelmed the family and has led to offers from medics of second opinions at home and from across the pond. "We have been blown away by the generosity and support of people to the GoFundMe page. We really didn't think it would have taken off like this. It is a testament to the people of Mullingar and all over the country who have donated to help us and we can't thank them enough for their kindness and compassion, said Roisin. The family said any unused funds will be donated to the Irish Cancer Society. "Caitriona is so strong and incredibly brave. She hasn't grumbled at all since her diagnosis and she is well within her rights to be angry but she is just getting on with things and being positive, especially for her babies, said Roisin. "There are four girls in our family, me (38), Caitriona (36) Maeve (33) and Sarah (31) and we've always been incredibly close. We have gone through thick and thin together and this is no different, despite it being our ultimate fight so far. "There is no cure. This is all about buying time for Caitriona to spend with us, Leo and especially to make good memories for her babies. "It has been heartbreaking and very tough but, seeing Caitriona so strong, we are determined to do this and explore every option open to her. "My dad Hugh, ourselves and family will spend Christmas together with Caitriona, Leo and the kids. We will celebrate the now and make memories, be positive and be grateful that Caitriona is feeling well enough to make this an occasion to remember, despite the illness." Anyone who would like to donate can do so at https://www.gofundme.com/f/to-help-raise-funds-for-treatment-outside-ireland Drug detector dog Harley guards the 300kg illegal cocaine haul seized off a cargo ship at the Port of Foynes in Co Limerick (Pic: @gardainfo) Two men charged in connection with the investigation into the seizure of a 21 million cocaine haul in Limerick are due to appear in court later today. The men, aged 32 and 35 are expected to appear in a special sitting of Limerick District Court this afternoon. Four other people were also arrested this week as part of probe into the seizure of 300kg of cocaine on a cargo vessel in the Port of Foynes on Tuesday. They have been released without charge and files are being prepared for the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. Gardai say investigations are ongoing. Revenue officials and specialist search teams discovered over 300kg of cocaine on board the Verile cargo ship at the Port of Foynes last Tuesday, December 19. The ship had travelled from South America via Canada. Earlier this week the Irish Independent learned that detectives had seized a number of electronic devices including mobile phones as part of the investigation. Joe and Johanna McEvoy and their children Frances and Peggy, with Joes brother Niall (left). Photo: Frank McGrath Celebrating for Christmas at Dublin Airport was Ann Ellis from Carrick On Suir Waterford welcoming home her daughter Julianne Ellis and her Grandson Tadhg Delargy (5 months old) from Brussels. Photo by Steve Humphreys 18th December 2023. Celebrating Christmas at Dublin Airport was Seosamh McNally and his daughter Eabha (right) from Westport Mayo welcoming home is other daughter Emily McNally who is returning from San Francisco after 1 and half years. Photo by Steve Humphreys 18th December 2023. The emotional reunions at Dublin Airport are continuing this afternoon, with loved ones arriving home just in time for Christmas. The airport expects about 70,000 people to pass through its terminals today with 40,000 of those being arrivals. More than 1.5 million people will pass through it over the Christmas period. While Friday was the airport's busiest day, Graeme McQueen Media Relations Manager at DAA said Christmas Eve is one of the most emotional. I think the fact theyre coming home today, so close to Christmas. There's little bit of extra nerves, extra excitement. So its just lovely, Mr McQueen said. Celebrating Christmas at Dublin Airport was Bren and Lynn Farren from Foxrock Dublin welcoming home their daughter Sam McGregor and her husband Nick McGregor and 9 month old Grandaughter Aoibhe from Aukland New Zealand. Photo by Steve Humphreys 18th December 2023 While the festive period has seen many of those emotional moments play out in the airport, one in particular has stood out to Mr McQueen. We saw some pretty remarkable stuff. We saw one on Friday night where a 70-year-old woman met her brother for the first time, he said. The woman, who was adopted when she was young, only discovered she had a brother a few months ago. He flew in from New Zealand to be there. So, we were here to see the whole family come together. That was pretty amazing, he said. Sisters reuniting is one of the more emotional moments, according to McQueen. Every year you see grandparents meeting grandkids for the first time. There's been a lot of that this week. Some of the most emotional ones are when you see sisters getting back together. They always are pretty good, he said. Celebrating Christmas at Dublin Airport was Marie and Graham Gough from Roundwood Co Wicklow welcoming home their daughter Naomi , her husband Tim Scarrott and their children Kalena (8) and Albie (7) from Frankfurt Germany. Photo by Steve Humphreys 18th December 2023 The Dublin Gospel Choir is also performing at Terminal 2 this year, which is adding to the Christmas cheer at the airport. They're going down the storm. Everybody's loving it, Mr McQueen said. While there are lots of families flying in from across the globe, relatives reuniting after being abroad in Australia and America are the most common scenes. Ms Moran, from Co Meath, was reunited with her daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren today, when travelled home from New Zealand for Christmas for the first time in five-and-a-half years. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content [It was] just fantastic. Lovely to see her reunited with her daughter. They had travelled from Meath to welcome them, Mr McQueen said. Some of the posters that loved ones have brought with them have been both heartwarming and hilarious. Cameron from Dublin was out to meet his uncle Eddie and apparently the family joke was that uncle Eddie was in prison abroad. So, the sign said, Welcome back from prison uncle Eddie, said Mr McQueen. When uncle Eddie came through the doors he was laughing, which was pretty funny. Cameron from Dublin It is also a special time for those working in Dublin airport, including Mr McQueen whose family came with him to work to soak up the atmosphere and festive cheer at the arrivals gate. I've come in today on a Sunday. I brought my own family in because they wanted to see it and I cant get them to go home. Dublin Airport unites people all year round but at Christmas its just extra special, he said. While Dublin Airport will close for Christmas Day, the only day in the year it will shut its doors, it will reopen on December 26. The airports busiest day after Christmas will be December 29 when more people will return to Ireland from overseas and as thousands more head off to celebrate New Year's Eve around the world. Families reunite for Christmas at Dublin Airport From: Nigeria, in Ireland since 2006. First love: I love drawing, says Ajao. Ive been drawing since I was a child. I used to do all the Disney characters and when people would visit us, I would draw them in my little notebook. When I was 10, a close relative told me that I would not be able to make a living from being an artist. He was encouraged to take a more practical route, something sensible. So he studied healthcare. An adventure: I came to Ireland because it was greener pastures. I was in search of a better life. While working in a nursing home, one of the residents showed him a painting that he had. Ajao admired it but said that he could do better. A few days later, he brought in one of his own paintings. It was much admired. This was the praise he needed to spur him on. He had been painting all his life. For him, creating was like breathing. Finally, he decided that it was time to pursue his passion and his partner supported him with his choice. College: He went to NCAD from 2018 to 2023. He has a degree in Fine Art specialising in painting. Now he works from dawn to dusk, so happily distracted that he often forgets to eat. Art is like therapy. I love it. I enjoy getting commissions. Dream come true: He used to go to IMMA and dream of having his paintings there. That day has come. You can see his work entitled Nostalgia and Gratitude as part of the RDS Visual Art Awards and Exhibition 2023 in IMMA now until March 3. See imma.ie/whats-on/2023-rds-visual-art-awards Instagram: @skenkious_art It is rarely a good idea for neighbours to take one another to court. People who must live together would be better advised to resolve their disagreements amicably through agreement rather than confrontation. That goes doubly when the neighbours in question happen to be countries with a complicated history. But when the Irish Government says it was left with no other option than to reluctantly take the UK to the European Court of Human Rights over its handling of sensitive legacy issues in Northern Ireland, there is no reason to doubt its justified exasperation. The British government faced an unenviable dilemma as its own soldiers became apparently the only people to still be facing prosecution for crimes committed during the Northern conflict. There may even be a strong case, as former attorney general Michael McDowell argues, for ending all Troubles-era prosecutions to finally draw a line under a dark past. The State has effectively done so in all but name. For all that, the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act, which was recently forced through Westminster, is an egregious piece of legislation that leaves victims of some of the worst atrocities of those decades with no legal recourse to find the truth about what really happened to their loved ones. In unilaterally proceeding with the act despite widespread opposition from those most affected, the British government has chosen to ignore the wishes of every single political party on this island, north and south, including unionists; and while domestic legislation passed by its sovereign parliament would normally be a matter for the UK alone, the Belfast Agreement explicitly recognised the Irish Governments special interest in Northern Ireland and provided avenues for its voice to be heard on such matters. That was the quid pro quo for giving up the constitutional claim to the North. By tearing up the provisions of the 2014 Stormont House Agreement, which promised that criminal investigations and inquests would continue, the British have shown an arrogant disregard for hard-won deals reached in good faith. This could not have happened when relations between Ireland and Britain were on a friendlier footing, and London will no doubt be of a mind that Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and former Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney have been guilty at times of degrading that formerly constructive working partnership for their own ends too. They may be right in part about that. Dublins handling of political fragilities in Northern Ireland is far less skilful than it once was. Only a fool would deny that a desire to politically wrong-foot London has now come to the fore. The path of least resistance may have been to await the arrival next year of a likely incoming Labour government in the UK. The partys leader and prime minister-in-waiting, Keir Starmer, has committed to repealing the act in question. The idea that the Irish would have chosen to drag our next-door neighbour before the European court for only the second time in history because there was no other way of getting them to listen to quiet reason is, however, preposterous. Post-Brexit, a weakened, inward-looking British government is in danger of forgetting who its real friends are. London could have avoided this unfortunate turn of events by simply acknowledging from the start that a little mutual respect goes a long way to making good neighbours. While countries around the world are racing to return humans to the Moon, private companies are looking for their own benefits, which, however, will benefit future lunar astronauts. For example, a US company intends to build 100-meter lighthouses on the Moon, which could be of great importance to astronauts. ADVERTISIMENT According to Talker, the US government announced that it has selected the California-based technology company Honeybee Robotics to develop the so-called LUNARSABERs. This strange word stands for "Lunar Aided Navigation with Advanced Remote Sensing and Autonomous Radiation for Energy Redistribution." Simply put, we are talking about giant lights or lighthouses that will show the way for astronauts. But this is not the only thing they will be able to do. Honeybee Robotics was selected as part of a 10-year program of the US Department of Defense's DARPA research agency to study the possibilities of lunar architecture. This structure in the US government is responsible for developing the latest technologies for military applications. ADVERTISIMENT LUNARSABER will be over 100 meters high. These structures will be capable of integrating solar energy, storing and transmitting it at the same time. They will also provide communication support, a mesh network and a PNT system - positioning, navigation and synchronization. In addition, these beacons will also act as a surveillance system. During moonlit nights, LUNARSABER will also perform its direct function of illuminating the area. "This infrastructure will literally shed light on new possibilities, increasing the operating time of manned and robotic missions on the Moon," explained Chris Zackney, Vice President of Research Systems at Honeybee Robotics. ADVERTISIMENT According to him, LUNARSABER will allow astronauts to work even in the deepest craters on the Moon, where sunlight does not reach. Zachney is convinced that the introduction of this system is a "game changer and will pave the way for a prosperous lunar economy." LUNARSABERs will also be able to place payloads at the base of the system or can be mounted on top of the mast to significantly increase the service range. Earlier, OBOZ.UA talked about why all countries are so eager to land on the south pole of the Moon. Subscribe to the OBOZ.UA channels in Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events. Upon his death in 2018 reclusive millionaire William Hampton left the vast majority of his estate to Sinn Fein, despite there being little to link him to the party. Today, a small, derelict house in Carlow is the centre of intense political scrutiny. So who was the man Leo Varadkar called the vagabond who lived in a caravan and why did he choose an Irish political party as the main beneficiary of his will? What does his generosity mean for Sinn Fein, the housing crisis and political donations in Ireland? Ellen Coyne is joined by Fionnan Sheahan, Ireland Editor of the Irish Independent to look at a political curiosity in Carlow. Pictured at the awards were: Comedian Russell Kane; Siofra Carty, Fraser McClean, Rachel Murray and Emma DeMarco of Rachel Murray, with Tom Duncan, Commercial Director of Marcolin, category sponsor and Optician Editor in Chief Chris Bennett. A Sligo-based independent optical practice was the sole Irish winner in Britains prestigious annual Optician Awards, held at a star-studded black-tie event in London recently. Rachel Murray, a Sligo-based optometrist, was presented with the award for Best Fashion Practice at the Hilton, Park Lane in an event attended by more than 500 of the UKs top opticians and optometrists including Specsavers founder Dame Mary Perkins. This is Sligo Newsletter Enter your email address below and click 'Sign Up' to receive the This is Sligo newsletter direct to your inbox. Please check your inbox to verify your details In all,18 trophies were awarded in the Oscars of the eyecare trade, spanning the gamut of the professions disciplines, products and practices. Entres came from across categories highlighting technology, fashion, artificial intelligence and themes such as sustainability. The Dec 6 awards, organised by Britains respected trade publication Optician, attracted entrants from across the UK and Ireland with Rachel Murray collecting her award for Best Fashion Practice the first time an Irish business has won the award. In the citation for Best Fashion Practice, presented by TV star and comedian Russell Kane, the judges citation said of Rachel Murrays practice: The panel singled out one which brought an extra sense of style. This entrant offered superb customer care conducted in a beautifully set-out practice. It takes a minimalistic approach which embodies an understanding of luxury retailing. By stocking just a single frame from each collection, it ensures local exclusivity to discerning customers. Commenting, Rachel Murray, who is this year celebrating the 10th anniversary of opening her practice in Sligo, said: I am astounded that out of a room of 550 of the best people in the optical trade in the UK and Ireland including Dame Mary Perkins, that we have been recognised for what we are doing in our little practice in the West of Ireland. We had so many practice owners coming over congratulating us and wanting to chat and discuss what we do and how we do it imposter syndrome definitely kicked in. It is the first time that an Irish Practice has ever won Fashion Practice of the Year and to win this in London, among some of the biggest names in the trade, is a wonderful testament to all the hard work of our team over the past 10 years. Our aim is to make each one of our clients look good and fell great in their eyewear. We wouldnt have been able to enter without our clients support with many travelling great distances to choose eyewear from us. The fact that our clients love what we do so much was a big part of winning this award. The carol service procession on its way from St. Mary's Church to Church of Our Lady Blessington. Photo: Barry Hamilton THE sixth annual Christmas Crib Exhibition was held at the Coimin Centre in Blessington featuring unique cribs from all over the world. Over 100 cribs were on display, representing different places and cultures from across the globe. The exhibition is now in its sixth year and was started by Parish pastoral worker Aine Egan following her attendance at the World Meeting of Families, which took place in Dublin in 2018. We had some wonderful cribs donated to us for the exhibition, including one crib which was donated by a man called Tom who received it from a relative in Australia in 1980, and which was made out of gum tree nuts, said Aine . We also had another crib donated by Jan Kirsz of Krakow, who was a previous winner of the miniature crib competition which is run in Krakow. Its a tiny little miniature crib which is incredibly intricate. His niece lives in Blessington and she arranged for the crib to be donated to us for the exhibition. We also had a crochet crib on display, which was beautiful. The exhibition generally features unique rather than the traditional cribs, which involve an artists impression of a crib or one made from unusual materials. This year we also welcomed local schools to the exhibition, which was lovely, and culminated in an ecumenical carol service with Mary and Joseph. Donations were also encouraged with any monies received donated to a homeless shelter operating from the South Circular Road in Dublin. The war the world forgot: how Ukraines future slipped from its own hands Much of Ukraine lies in ruins, and the US and EU are growing cautious. Is the end near? Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky. Photo: Reuters Barry O'Halloran Sun 24 Dec 2023 at 03:30 These are troubling times for Ukraine. With Volodymyr Zelensky returning home empty-handed from Washington two weeks ago, and the EU failing to agree on its aid package, the mood in Kyiv is gloomy. Photo courtesy: UNI New Delhi: India registered an increase of 656 new Covid-19 infections in a single day, causing the active caseload to rise from 3,420 to 3,742, the Union Health Ministry said on Sunday. In the last 24 hours, one death in Kerala brought the nationwide death toll to 5,33,333, with a case fatality rate of 1.18 percent. Kerala, where the Covid sub-variant JN.1 was first identified, reported the highest number of daily active cases (126). Other states, such as Karnataka (96), Maharashtra (35), Delhi (16), Telangana (11), and Gujarat (10), also observed an uptick in their daily active caseloads. A total of 333 individuals recovered from Covid-19 the previous day, taking the total number of recoveries to 4.44 crore (4,44,71,545) recoveries, with a national recovery rate of 98.81 percent, as per the Health Ministry. On Saturday, India reported 752 new Covid-19 infections, the highest since May 21, along with four deaths, causing the active cases to surpass 3,000 and reach 3,420. The day before, 640 fresh Covid-19 cases and one death were recorded, leading to an increase in the active caseload from 2,669 to 2,997, according to the Health Ministrys data. Despite the spike, the Central government assured the public that the current rise in Covid-19 cases is not a cause for concern and urged people not to panic. The government advised people with comorbidities to wear face masks as a precaution. As of December 21, 22 cases of the Covid sub-variant JN.1 have been reported in the country, with 19 in Goa and one each in Kerala and Maharashtra. No clustering of cases due to the JN.1 variant has been observed in India, and all reported cases were mild with patients recovering without complications, according to officials. Photo: Screen grab of video posted on X Hyderabad: A major fire erupted at Ankura Hospital in Hyderabad on Saturday, media reports said. The hospital administration said the fire was caused by a short circuit in the outdoor lights positioned on the terrace, India Today reported. Around 15 patients were in the hospital at the time and they have been relocated to another facility, a fire department official said, according to the report. The hospital informed the fire department, which rushed to the spot and swiftly brought the blaze under control, as confirmed by the hospital. #WATCH | Hyderabad, Telangana: A fire broke out at Ankura Hospital in the Gudimalkapur area. Fire tenders reached the spot. More details are awaited. pic.twitter.com/xcDfIZ2S4C ANI (@ANI) December 23, 2023 No casualties were reported in the incident, according to fire department officials. The hospital administration said it is taking precautionary measures to safeguard the well-being of both staff and patients, the said. Photo Courtesy: videograb/file photo New Delhi: A spokesperson for the Czech Ministry of Justice has made it clear that the Indian judicial authorities lack jurisdiction in the case of Nikhil Gupta, media reports said. Gupta faces charges in the United States for an alleged conspiracy to assassinate Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil. This statement comes after Gupta's family sought intervention from the Supreme Court in the matter. Nikhil Gupta, accused by the US government of a plot to kill Pannun, has been in custody in Prague for nearly six months. US federal prosecutors have charged Gupta with associating with an Indian government employee in Pannuns foiled assassination. Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who has been designated as a terrorist by India, holds dual citizenship in the US and Canada. The extradition proceedings for Gupta are currently in progress after the US government engaged with Czech authorities. Recently, a family member of Gupta approached the Supreme Court, urging it to instruct the Indian government to intervene in the extradition process and ensure a fair trial. India has already formed an investigative committee to probe the allegations made by the US against Gupta. Photo Courtesy: UNI Srinagar: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah on Saturday claimed that the police had apprehended several civilians in the course of their counter-terrorism operations following the recent terrorist attack in Poonch district, media reports said. The National Conference MP raised concerns about whether the police were targeting terrorists or civilians and called on Union Home Minister Amit Shah to address the sentiments of the people, reported India Today. "Terrorists attacked Surankote and our soldiers lost their lives...Our police personnel detained some locals...Are we fighting terrorists or our people? If we are fighting with our people then we can never win this," Abdulla was quoted as saying by India Today. He added, "I want to request Home Minister Amit Shah that he should come to Surankote to address people's sentiments. It is important that he tells people that they would investigate the issue and put it in front of people. It is a serious situation and violation of human rights." Earlier today, the Jammu and Kashmir administration confirmed that the dead body of three civilians was found in Poonch district, and legal action has been started in response to the incident. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), the government further said that compensation has been declared for each of the deceased, and compassionate job appointments will be provided to their next of kin. The Indian Army also stated that the "matter is under investigation" and added that the Army is "committed to extending full support and cooperation in the conduct of investigations". Meanwhile, security forces in Jammu and Kashmir have escalated counter-terrorism search operations in the Rajouri sector of Poonch district. As a precautionary measure to curb the spread of rumours and prevent potential law and order issues, mobile Internet services have been suspended in the area. Four soldiers were martyred in the ambush near Dhatyar Morh in Poonch district on Thursday, as heavily armed terrorists attacked two Army vehicles at a blind curve. The People's Anti-Fascist Front (PAFF), allegedly affiliated with Jaish-e-Mohammed, has claimed responsibility for the attack. Photo Courtesy: Pixabay Jammu/UNI: The Indian Army successfully foiled an infiltration bid on Saturday morning and eliminated two terrorists in Khour area here in the city outskirts. Sources said that own troops on seeing a group of heavily armed terrorists trying to cross over on this side from across the border fired at them in Khour sector of Akhnoor. One of the terrorists was hit by a gun shot and he fell down, they said. "The body of the neutralised terrorist has been dragged back by others," said sources. They said that troops are on high alert and maintaining close vigil along the International Border, adding, "second terrorist has also succumbed to injury." They said that fire was set up on sarkanda (wild grass) near Pak post to divert attention and blind own surveillance devices, adding, "Jammu region has potential for greater national eyeballs but constant efforts are being made by Pakistan to revive terrorism in Rajouri-Poonch districts." Sources added that Indian Army is carrying out relentless operations to thwart inimical designs. "Intelligence based operations being carried out in difficult terrain and weather to prevent Dangri like incidents," sources asserted. What can't you imagine a traditional Ukrainian Christmas without? Of course, the first things that come to mind are kutia and uzvar. Even if you don't have all 12 Lenten dishes on the table, you should have kutia. The history of this dish is longer than the history of Christianity as a religion, and its meaning (it is a symbol of wealth) has not changed. ADVERTISIMENT Another important attribute of the holiday is carolers, groups of people who go from house to house and sing ritual songs for a small fee. This tradition also dates back to pre-Christian times, says folklorist Olena Chebaniuk, who explained to BBC Ukraine where carols came from, what their meaning is, and how our ancestors used to sing them. A magical ritual Back in pagan times, carols were considered a form of household magic. Our ancestors believed that sincerely spoken good words could come true. And if you express such a wish at a time when the line between the world of the living and the world of the dead is the thinnest, as, for example, during the winter solstice, that is, on Koliada, and even in a group, it must work. This is how special songs, in which people wish for prosperity and health, as well as describe everyday scenes that should ensure this prosperity, emerged. ADVERTISIMENT After the baptism of Rus', the traditions of Koliada were merged with the new holiday of Christmas, which was new to these lands. The church did not reject pagan traditions but absorbed them, increasing its popularity. Therefore, over time, the Child of God, the Savior, became one of the heroes of carols and Christmas carols. He helps a peasant plow the land, Saints Peter and Paul drive oxen for him, and the Mother of God takes lunch to the field. In the eighteenth century, carols containing elements of biblical stories began to be collected in "bohohlasnyky" collections and published in printing houses. How carols are sung in Ukraine Depending on the region, the composition of the company that goes from one house to another caroling may vary. But as a rule, young men take on this task. During the Christmas fast, they learn the songs they will sing because good carolers should know as many lyrics as possible and sing personally for each family member they visit. The hostess and the host had a different song for children of different ages, grandparents, and a separate song for the deceased if someone in the house had passed away in the past year. There are even special carols for cattle. The survival and prosperity of the family depended on it, so they were also honored with wishes for good offspring and good health for the whole year. On their way from one house to another, separate songs were also sung. Thus, the repertoire of a good ensemble could include up to eight dozen carols in total. ADVERTISIMENT Before the holiday, carolers would appoint a leader: in some regions, he was called a "bereza." It was quite common for the company to have musicians who played tambourines, violins, bells, etc. to accompany the carols. Sometimes dancers were also included in the group, and someone dressed up as a "goat" and entertained the owners with pranks and jokes. The most responsible person was appointed a "horse". He collected treats and gifts in a bag to be passed off as carols. An indispensable attribute was a large homemade star. It was lavishly decorated with colored paper, ribbons, and foil. An icon or a candle could be placed in the center of the star. Nowadays, a flashlight is often attached to this place. Caroling starts on different days and usually ends on Epiphany. In some regions, on Christmas Eve, very young boys go singing from one house to another and perform short songs with jokes and requests for treats. In other regions, the visits with singing begin after the morning church service on Christmas Day. The company has to visit every house. It is considered a good sign for the owners to welcome carolers to their doorstep, so they always open the door. ADVERTISIMENT In the Hutsul regions, where the tradition of caroling is best preserved, groups of carolers divide up the corners of the village in advance. If someone wanders into someone else's territory, a conflict can arise. In some regions, however, it is believed that the more carolers visit a house, the better the year will be, so there is no such competition. Hosts who do not show generosity in exchange for carols may be ridiculed. Such songs should also be in the repertoire of the boys' group. Although in general, all the hosts tried to give their guests a good gift because stinginess could discourage the whole family from having good luck for the whole next year. Earlier, OBOZ.UA told you when to present a dinner to godparents on the Christmas holidays and what to put in the basket. Subscribe to OBOZ.UA on Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events. Image courtesy: Legend Airlines website Paris/IBNS: Several Indians, including unaccompanied minors, remain stuck at an airport in France after local authorities grounded their plane over suspected "human trafficking". The Nicaragua-bound charter plane from Dubai was carrying 303 people, most of them Indians. The Legend Airlines flight was detained in France following an anonymous tipoff. The plane was due for refuelling at Vatry airport near Paris. India on Friday said it had been granted consular access to those onboard. A team from the embassy reached the passengers, the Indian Embassy in France said in a post on X. "French authorities informed us of a plane with 303 people, mostly of Indian origin, from Dubai to Nicaragua detained on a technical halt at a French airport. The embassy team has reached and obtained consular access. We are investigating the situation, also ensuring the well-being of the passengers," the embassy said on Friday. According to reports, the aircraft was carrying passengers who are likely to be victims of human trafficking. France's anti-organised crime unit JUNALCO is investigating the case, said reports. A French judge, who has the authority to extend the detention of the passengers by eight days, is due to hear the case on Sunday. The French border cops can hold a foreign national for up to four days if they land in the country and are not allowed to travel further. This can be extended for eight days a few times and up to 26 days in total in exceptional cases by a judge. The stranded passengers have been provided makeshift beds and access to toilets and showers. They have been given meals and hot drinks at the Vatry airport, media reports said. French law provides for a 20-year jail term for human trafficking cases. Photo courtesy: UNI New Delhi/Chennai: The Tamil Nadu National Congress president SS Alaigiri has slammed Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for accusing the Tamil Nadu government of not managing the recent floods in the state and taking enough proactive measures to prevent loss of lives and property. In a statement issued on Saturday, Alagiri stated that the heavy rainfall on December 3 and 4 in Chennai, Thiruvallur, Chengalpet and Kancheepuram were unprecedented and inflicted widespread damage in these districts. The Tamil Nadu government had worked its best to restore normalcy through a string of measures. Under the situation, heavy downpour ravaged the southern districts of Tuticorin, Tirunelveli, Tenkasi and Kanyakumari, on Dec 17 and Dec 18, this year, he said. Many ministers and IAS officers were asked to take adequate measures to bring things in order in these districts, Alaigiri said. He said that the state government was only demanding special funds be released from the National Disaster Relief fund. The heavy rainfall in the four districts of Tamil Nadu claimed a total of 31 people and caused extensive damage to infrastructure and communication systems. On December 22, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that the Tamil Nadu government did not take adequate measures to prevent extensive damage even as the Regional Meteorological Centre, Chennai, using its ultra-modern equipment including three dopplers, had forecast on December 12 that torrential rains were expected in the four districts - Tenkasi, Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli and Tuticorin on December 17. Chief Minister M K Stalin had accused the India Meteorological Department of failing to issue timely warnings about the extreme rainfall. Sitharaman said Chief Minister MK Stalin was attending a meeting of the INDIA alliance in Delhi instead of overseeing the disaster relief preparations. On the funds released to Tamil Nadu, the Union Minister said every year the State Disaster Response Force receives funds from the NDRF. "At the beginning of this financial year (April 2023), the opening balance of Tamil Nadu's SDRF was Rs 813.15 crore. Of the total Rs 900 crore allocated to TN, the first installment of Rs 450 crore was already released. The second installment of Rs 450 crore was also released before the cyclone. So, we have released the entire fund earmarked for this year Rs 900 crore, to Tamil Nadu," she noted. Till December 21, as many as 42,290 people had been rescued, but 31 people lost their lives in the calamity. Around 800 stranded train passengers at Srivaikuntam railway station were safely accommodated in a nearby school with coordinated efforts from various agencies. The Home Ministry has been monitoring the situation continuously since the onset of the rains, Sitharaman said. The Air Force, Navy, and Coast Guard deployed helicopters for rescues, with a total of 5,049 people rescued by the National Disaster Response Force, Army, Navy, and Coast Guard, she said. Central agencies initiated rescue operations even before the visit of Chief Minister M K Stalin and state government officials. Photo Courtesy: UNI A retired Senior Superintendent of Police was shot dead by suspected militants at a mosque in Jammu Kashmirs Baramulla district in early hours on Sunday. While police termed it a terror incident, it is learnt that they are investigating from all possible angles including possible rivalry. Police officers privy to the investigation said the postmortem revealed that the retired officer Mohammad Shafi Mir, was shot with a 12-bore rifle and had splinter injuries. After finding that the weapon used to attack the retired officer was a 12-bore rifle, we are looking at all angles, including any possible rivalry, they said. Earlier the day, Police said the retired officer, identified as Mohammad Shafi Mir, was fired upon at Gantmulla village on the Baramulla Uri highway while he was offering the call of prayers in the local mosque. He was shifted to a medical facility in Baramulla where doctors declared him dead on arrival. Terrorists fired upon Shri Mohd Shafi, a retired police officer at Gantmulla, Sheeri #Baramulla, while praying Azan ( call for prayers) in the mosque and succumbed to injuries, police said in a post on X. Soon after the attack, a joint team of forces cordoned off the area to trace the attackers. Sources said 71-year old Mir had retired in 2012 and was living in the village. The incident took place in an area that has not seen any violence even during the heyday of militancy. This area has always been peaceful and the killing has shocked everyone here, said a local resident of Gantmulla. The locals said some of them heard a loud sound when the attack took place. Mir sahib was giving Azan on the loudspeaker from a staircase of the mosque and was fired from behind. We heard a loud blast at that time, said another local. " He was regularly giving Azan at the mosque." A pall of gloom descended the entire village as the news of the killing spread in the area. The killing of the retired officer has been widely condemned. J&K Lt Governor, mainstream political parties and a Kashmiri separatist group condemned the killing. (With UNI inputs) In image destruction in Gaza following Israeli airstrike More than 70 members of a family were killed in Gaza following an Israeli airstrike, including a veteran UN aid worker. Despite growing calls for restraint, Israel showed little sign of modulating its 11-week-old "Operation Swords of Iron" which targets to crush Hamas. Fighting is now centred on Gaza City and the southern city of Khan Yunis, both considered strongholds of the Palestinian militant group that carried out bloody October 7 raids into Israel. Issam al-Mughrabi, 56, was killed with his wife, five children, and dozens of other relatives in a bombing near Gaza City, the UN Development Programme (UNDP) said in a statement. "I am deeply saddened to announce the death of our UNDP colleague and his family in Gaza today. The airstrike also reportedly killed more than 70 members of his extended family," Achim Steiner, head of the UNDP was quoted as saying by NDTV. He also called for an immediate ceasefire as the scale of death and destruction inside Gaza is blocking the delivery of desperately needed aid. Since October 7, Israel has been launching a large-scale war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip after Hamas's unprecedented attack on southern Israel, which claimed the lives of about 1,200 Israelis, according to the Israeli authorities. Image credit: UNI Ankara/IBNS/UNI: Six Turkish soldiers were killed and one was injured Saturday in clashes with militants of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in northern Iraq, the Turkish Defense Ministry said. The clashes erupted after PKK members tried to infiltrate a Turkish base in northern Iraq, the ministry said in a statement. At least 13 militants were "neutralized," it said, adding that the clashes continue in the region with Turkish air forces carrying out airstrikes against PKK targets. Turkish authorities often use the term "neutralize" in their statements to imply the "terrorists" in question surrendered or were killed or captured. In a separate conflict with the PKK in Iraq, six Turkish soldiers were killed and one was wounded Friday. The Turkish forces frequently carry out ground operations, airstrikes, and artillery bombardments against the group's positions in northern Iraq, especially the Qandil Mountains, the main base of the PKK. The Turkish government launched Operation Claw-Lock in northern Iraq in April 2022 to fight against the PKK. The PKK, listed as a terrorist organization by Turkiye, the United States, and the European Union, has been rebelling against the Turkish government for more than three decades. Blast at Indonesian nickel factory leaves 13 people dead. Photo Courtesy: Pixabay At least 13 workers died after an explosion rocked a Chinese-owned nickel factory in Indonesia on Sunday (December 24, 2023). The explosion left 38 people injured. The incident took place at a factory in the Morowali Industrial Park on the island of Sulawesi, reported CNN. Morowali police spokesperson Ipda Hamid told CNN affiliate CNN Indonesia that 13 people had died at the scene, with multiple victims being rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. Police have rushed to the spot after the explosion. The injured people are undergoing treatment in hospital. The process of nickel smelting is known to be hazardous due to the requirement of high smelting temperatures reaching up to 1,350 degrees Celsius to produce iron sulfide, commonly referred to as matte, reported Jakarta Globe. Photo Courtesy:Mahrang Baloch X page Prominent Pakistani author and journalist Hanif Mohammad returned the Sitara e Imtiaz award on Saturday to protest against the Pakistani government's action against the Balochistan march. "In protest, returning my Sitara e Imtiaz, given to me by a state that continues to abduct and torture Baloch citizens. Journalists of my generation have seen @SammiBaluch and @MahrangBaloch_ grow up in protest camps. Ashamed to witness a new generation being denied basic dignity," he posted on X. Meanwhile, Islamabad Police on Monday said bail of all detained Baloch protesters, who were taken into custody during a demonstration demanding an end to enforced disappearances and extra-judicial killings, have been approved. Police said they have been released. The development occurred just a day after the Baloch Yakjehti Committee gave authorities three-day ultimatum to quash cases registered against students and activists and ensure their release. Earlier, the long march started from Turbat on December 6 after the alleged extra-judicial killing of a Baloch youth by the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) officials and reached Islamabad on Wednesday when police allegedly used brutal force to disperse and detain the agitators. The action was strongly condemned by human rights organisations, politicians, the Islamabad High Court (IHC), President Dr Arif Alvi and caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar and analysts, reported Dawn News. Meanwhile, Baloch Yakjahti Committee - Kech on Sunday claimed 250 students and activists are still in custody. "The movement against Baloch Genocide and extra-judicial abductions of Baloch continues in the form of a sit-in at National Press Club, Islamabad after a long march from Turbat to Islamabad and continuous torture and harassment by Islamabad Police at the entrance of Capital Territory," the committee posted on X. "Nearly 250 of our students and activists are still in custody of Islamabad Police but our courage and hopes are high and this struggle Shall continue till Baloch Genocide ends," read the post further. Mahrang Baloch, one of the long march organisers, said the status of 100 students is 'missing' and they have not been produced before any court. Baloch posted on X: "Out of 250 students, 100+ students status is missing they are not presented in any court, if the students are not released & FIRs against peaceful protestors are not withdrawn then the long march will be compelled to take harsh steps and the state will be responsible for this." Photo Courtesy: ShareAlike 4.0 International/Wikimedia Commons The Sindh Auqaf Department in Pakistan has booked one of its managers and a private person in the First Information Report (FIR) for allegedly stealing gold and silver jewellery from Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar's shrine. The case was registered at Sehwan police station, Jamshoro district, on Saturday, a day after Auqaf manager, Muhammad Zubair Baloch, was suspended from his job after serving at the shrine for over 12 years, reported The Express Tribune. A private employee, Ali Raza Gopang, was also named in the FIR along with Baloch under sections 407, 409, 380, 457, 427 and 34 of Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), the newspaper reported. Gopang has not been arrested so far. He reportedly escaped from the city after the incident was unearthed. The complainant, Irshad Ali Samo, Auqaf administrator for Sukkur and Larkana divisions, told police that over 57 tolas of gold and 3,133 tolas of silver have been stolen from the shrines maalkhana [store], the news channel reported. He stated that the shrine received 210.6 tolas of gold in a span of almost 20 years from November 22, 2004, to August 17, 2023. Sandeep Reddy Vanga recently said in an interview that he is now working on Animal's OTT version. In addition, he voiced his displeasure with a few scenes in the movie, which he will be changing for the Netflix release. When he talked about his feelings after seeing the Ranbir Kapoor film for the first time, he mentioned that he had a lot of issues. A few things weren't quite right: the makeup in certain places, the tune, and several of the scenes' costumes. Regarding the content, he claimed that the sound was chaotic. t series In a chat with film trade analyst Komal Nahta he said, I dont know how that happened. Actually, because of the five languages in which it was released, I lost track of which language sound I was checking in Chennai. The last 20 days were horrible. We slept in the mixing room for 3-4 days. I should have stayed a week more there, he added. While talking about the OTT version, he said, I was editing the version because there were some problems in 1-2 shots. Im using different and a few more shots from the same take. One thing I felt was I should have left the 3 hours 30 minutes instead of 3 hours 21 minutes. I dont know why I edited those 8-9 minutes. Now, I will be using those 5-6 minutes extra, the filmmaker disclosed. T series Sandeep Vanga Reddy On Parineeti Chopra Being Replaced In Animal Sandeep disclosed in the same interview that he had signed Parineeti Chopra 1.5 years prior to the filming. However, he didnt see Geetanjali in her for some reason. He said The fault is mine only. Some characters dont sit with some actors. I never believe in audition. I go with the instinct only. From day one I like her acting, he said. I wanted to cast her as Preeti in Kabir Singh, but that couldnt happen. So, its a long due. I always wanted to work with her. She also knew that. Instagram He revealed more, saying that he apologized to her and clarified that nothing is bigger than the film. He is choosing to move on with another artist as a result. He added that Parineeti did feel awful, but she could see his reasoning. 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? Christmas 2023: December 25th is just around the corner and all of us are eagerly waiting for Christmas. People have begun their preparations by purchasing gifts for their loved ones, while offices, schools, and public attractions are already adorned with festive decorations in anticipation of Christmas. Christmas celebration begins on December 24 evening, called Christmas Eve. But on this day, the most common Christmas greeting we hear is "Merry Christmas," but have you ever wondered why not "Happy Christmas"? And what is the difference between Merry Christmas and Happy Christmas? Christmas 2023: Why Do We Say Merry Christmas Not Happy Christmas? Difference between Merry Christmas and Happy Christmas The word Merry Christmas is usually used in the United States while Happy Christmas is more prevalent in the United Kingdom since both the expressions have altered and developed with time. What is the History of Merry Christmas Before the 18th century, merry was a far more popular word than it is today. The first written record of someone using Merry Christmas comes from a 1534 letter from a bishop to royal minister Thomas Cromwell. However, with time, now Merry and not Happy Christmas seems soothing to the ears. Happy denotes a more sober form of celebration, while merry has the childlike wilderness and unrestrained happiness associated with it. Why dont people say Happy Christmas? Some argue that the word 'Merry' is connected with the rudeness of the deprived classes, but 'happy' is associated with a higher-class sense, particularly because it is associated with the royal family greeting Happy Christmas. Every year, Queen Elizabeth II of England addresses the citizens of the United Kingdom on Christmas day with 'Happy Christmas'. There is a widespread belief that the term "happy" carried a more elevated social connotation than "merry," which was often associated with the liveliness of the lower classes. Over time, the royal family adopted "Happy Christmas" as their preferred greeting, and it has now become a common expression in Britain. "Merry Christmas" became prevalent in the US while Happy Christmas tends to be the preferred phrase for many in UK, even as both words evolved and changed meanings over time. Christmas 2023: Why Do We Say Merry Christmas Not Happy Christmas? Here's why "Merry" won out: Historical Usage: The first recorded instance of "Merry Christmas" dates back to 1534, while "Happy Christmas" didn't gain common usage until the 19th century. This early adoption gave "merry" a head start in becoming the established greeting. The first recorded instance of "Merry Christmas" dates back to 1534, while "Happy Christmas" didn't gain common usage until the 19th century. This early adoption gave "merry" a head start in becoming the established greeting. Meaningful Distinction: "Merry" and "happy" have slightly different connotations. "Merry" implies a sense of festivity, liveliness, and joyful celebration actively engaging in the joyful spirit of the Christmas season. "Happy," on the other hand, suggests a state of contentment and tranquility, which while fitting, doesn't quite capture the energetic vibe of Christmas festivities. "Merry" and "happy" have slightly different connotations. "Merry" implies a sense of festivity, liveliness, and joyful celebration actively engaging in the joyful spirit of the Christmas season. "Happy," on the other hand, suggests a state of contentment and tranquility, which while fitting, doesn't quite capture the energetic vibe of Christmas festivities. Carol Influence: Popular Christmas carols like "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" and "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen" further cemented the use of "merry" in association with the holiday. The repeated chorus and association with merriment solidified its presence in Christmas traditions. Why not "Happy Christmas" then? While "Happy Christmas" is perfectly acceptable and conveys joyful wishes, it lacks the historical roots and specific festive energy associated with "merry." Christmas 2023: FAQs Q: Is "Merry Christmas" only used in English-speaking countries? A: No, the phrase has transcended language barriers and is used globally in various cultures. Q: Are there any cultural variations in Christmas greetings? A: Yes, different cultures may have unique expressions, but "Merry Christmas" is widely adopted. Q: Why is there a preference for "merry" over "happy" during Christmas? A: The historical roots and cultural connotations of "merry" align closely For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events. Ukraine's Ambassador to Germany Oleksii Makeiev praised German Chancellor Olaf Scholz for his actions during the EU summit in Brussels. The politician then urged Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to leave the room during the vote on starting negotiations with Ukraine on its accession to the EU. ADVERTISIMENT Makeiev said this in an interview with the German radio station rbb24 Inforadio, Deutsche Welle reports. It was this step by the German Chancellor that made it possible to start official negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the European Union. Such "diplomatic skills" of Scholz prevented Hungary's veto, the diplomat noted. He also expressed gratitude to the German government for its assistance to Ukraine. "The government is doing the right thing," Makeev said. The ambassador emphasized that Germans should realize that it is in their interest to help Ukraine during the war as the aggressor country Russia poses a threat to peace in the whole of Europe. Germany should become one of the leaders in supporting our country, he said. First of all, Ukraine needs more weapons to be able to achieve a turning point in the war against Russia. At the same time, it is important to think about rebuilding our country now. ADVERTISIMENT As reported by OBOZ.UA: - Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban walked out of the room during a meeting of the European Council, which was voting on the start of negotiations with Ukraine on its membership. It was German Chancellor Olaf Scholz who advised Orban to do so. - Scholz confirmed that it was he who suggested that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban leave the room during the summit. According to the politician, he lured Orban out with coffee. - Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba emphasized how much the German chancellor had contributed. According to the diplomat, this act of his will go down in modern history. Only verified information on our Telegram OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! In an incident that has left the students and teachers of IIT-Kanpur in a state of shock, a 53-year-old senior professor of IIT-Kanpur collapsed on stage and died, while delivering a speech on health, ironically. The supreme irony of life, they say, is that hardly anyone gets out of it alive. "Take care of your health..." were the last words uttered by Professor Sameer Khandekar, according to those present, at an alumni meet on the campus on Friday evening. He was rushed to Laxmipat Singhania Institute of Cardiology, where he was declared 'dead upon arrival'. IIT Kanpur Who was Professor Sameer Khandekar of IIT-Kanpur? Professor Sameer Khandekar was the dean of student affairs and head of mechanical engineering at IIT Kanpur. Born in Jabalpur, Prof Khandekar earned his BTech from IIT Kanpur and pursued a PhD in mechanical engineering from Germany. In 2020, he assumed the role of head of the mechanical engineering department. Reports suggest that he had been battling with cholesterol-related health issues since 2019 when he had been diagnosed with high cholesterol levels, and had been undergoing treatment since then. What happened at the alumni meet? The alumni meet was held on Friday at the IIT auditorium and was attended by distinguished personalities, including noted physicists Padma Shri awardee Prof Harish Chandra Varma. Representative image/ IIT Kanpur Around 6 pm, witnessed noticed his voice wavering followed by profuse sweating. He finally collapsed on stage. For a few minutes, the attendees assumed he had simply sat down on the stage. It was only when he did not move that he was rushed to the cardiology institute. Cardiologist Dr Neeraj Kumar said, "He died of cardiac arrest or cardiac block." How has the IIT community reacted? The incident has left the IIT community in shock. Students, faculty, and alumni are left grappling with the sudden loss of the senior professor. Former IIT-Kanpur director Abhay Karandikar expressed shock over the sudden demise of Khandekar to PTI. He described Professor Khandekaras an outstanding teacher and researcher. Khandekar's body has been placed at the health centre for people to pay their last respects and final rites were to take place after his son arrived from Cambridge University. For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News. Anthony Joshua has closed out 2023 with a dominating win over Otto Wallin in the fight tagged Day of Reckoning in the early hours of Sunday, in Saudi Arabia. The Nigerian-born boxer left his opponent bleeding the nose in the ring and forced his corner to stop the fight after the fifth round. The bout took place on the same card as Deontay Wilders surprising defeat to Joseph Parker, setting the stage for a potential future showdown between Joshua and Wilder. Joshua demonstrated his intent from the first bell, pressing Wallin and launching forceful combinations. His relentless attack paid off as he bloodied Wallins nose. In the fifth round, Joshua landed a thunderous right hand-left hook combination that rocked Wallin, followed by a barrage of punches that left his opponent reeling against the ropes. Sensing Wallins weakness, his corner made the decision to stop the fight, awarding Joshua a technical knockout victory. READ MORE: Emeka Ikes Ex-Wife Breaks Silence, Tells Her Side Of The Story Looking ahead, Joshuas next steps remain uncertain, with potential matchups against the winner of the upcoming bout between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury or a showdown with Filip Hrgovic on the horizon. Despite Wilders recent defeat, Joshua also remains open to facing him in the future. The presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, at the 2023 election, has stated that the immediate past president, Muhammadu Buhari, should have been arrested by now. Sowore was reacting to investigators discovery of financial fraud perpetrated by ex- governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele. Recall that a special investigation panel set up to investigate the activities of Emefiele had made many findings regarding the fraudulent activities of the embattled apex bank boss while he was serving. One of the many accusations leveled against Emefiele was that Buhari did not approve the naira re-design policy, which caused hardship in the early months of 2023. Meanwhile, Sowore noted in a tweet on Saturday that politicians constantly get away with unprecedented fraud. He believed that Buhari should have been detained in a more rational setting. READ MORE: Emefiele Meets Bail Condition, Leaves Kuje Prison He said: They protected this crook because he was doing their bidding, today, hes left to become the fall guy, Tunde Sabiu opened an airline, he owns the biggest oil haulage ship based in the Niger Delta region, the @officialEFCC even told @officialabat last week Wednesday that former AGF Abubakar Malami stole so much that even a rookie investigator found so much money he laundered they are overwhelmed. Sad part is that these guys would all get away with the unprecedented fraud they perpetrated with ex-crook, former President munafikin @MBuhari. Buhari should have been arrested by now, if we were lucky enough to have a country. Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Segun Showunmi, has reacted to the comprehensive report submitted by Jim Obazee, a special investigator appointed by President Bola Tinubu to probe the activities of the Central Bank of Nigeria, under its former Governor, Godwin Emefiele. It was gathered that in the report, Obazee claimed that while in office as the apex banks governor, Emefiele mismanaged approximately N1.622 trillion in COVID-19 intervention funds. In addition to the mishandling of COVID-19 intervention funds, the report disclosed that Emefieles unauthorized transfers and donations were made to various individuals and organizations. The report also revealed how the former CBN governor allegedly manipulated former President Goodluck Jonathans directives, regarding establishing the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) Stabilization Strategy Limited. He also ordered the fraudulent cash withdrawal of $6.23 million from the CBN vault under a purported approval of the president to pay foreign election observers. READ MORE: Emefiele: Buhari Shouldve Been Arrested By Now Sowore However, in a post via X, Showunmi said, it is painful that such level of corruption, which he described as madness could happen under the administration of former president Muhammadu Buhari. He wrote: As soon as Jim Obaze rounds up the investigation of the madness that took place in CBN, he should be moved to another agency. My suggestion is inec or the judiciary or the Nigerian Police. That he may comb through the place. It is so painful to read that this took place under Buhari of all people. Emeka Ikes first son, Michael Ike, has defended his mother while he emphasised on how much he detests his abusive father. The actor had accused his first wife, Suzanne Emma, of lying about an assault and selling off his properties, among other offences. He claimed that as a result of her acts, he lost both his children and his school, which devastated him. Suzanne shot back, claiming that Emeka was hostile and had attacked her so violently that it almost paralysed her. Michael Ike, also shared his sentiments during an interview with Chude, revealing that his fathers behavior was so harsh that he developed a strong dislike for him. READ MORE: I Dont Want To Go Broke; People Dont Celebrate Failure Portable He expressed, When I met my mum, the first thing I said was I really hate my father. Suzanne confirmed this and mentioned that she had to work on her son to correct that negative impression. Watch the video below Somtochukwu Okwuoha, a Nigerian student at Dundee University, Scotland, has been sentenced to 40 months imprisonment over threats to bomb the institution. The Perth Sheriff Court ruled that the International Energy Studies student should be deported after serving his jail term. In November, the court found the 26-year-old masters student guilty of seven charges, including making terrorist threats against the university, after which he was remanded in custody. Okwuoha claimed he had enlisted Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), a terrorist organisation, to help bomb the university. He also told the university staff that he planned to target the city in a chemical attack. Sheriff William Wood in his ruling said Okwuohas presence in the United Kingdom is not conducive to the public good, and I make a recommendation for your deportation in due course. You came to the UK in 2021 to attend a masters degree at Dundee University. You formed a friendship with Fatmata Barrie and thought the relationship could be taken further. When she rebuffed your advances, you began a malicious campaign against her. You sent threats and tried to manipulate her emotions. You were abusive towards her and tried to have her removed from her university course. You alleged she was a potential terrorist in the UK and, as a Muslim, was able to engage with terrorist agencies that would visit mass murder and other terrorist offences within the UK. The university decided to suspend you from your course and you turned your attention towards staff. You threatened mass murder, and terrorism, and said you would plant bombs and use biological weapons. READ ALSO: I Walked Into Dubai Hotel And Everyone Started Calling Me Item Seven Toke Makinwa On COP28 Experience You said you would commit acts of terror in the UK, and particularly at Dundee University. One member of staff was so fearful he refused to return to work. You were released on bail with conditions not to commit further offences. Despite being barred from campus you repeatedly entered it without reasonable excuse. Over a period of nine months you made these threats and embarked on what can only be described as a campaign to discredit, and to incite terror in those to whom you sent threats, Wood said. During the trial, witnesses told the judge how Okwuoha said he planned to carry out mass murder on campus, claiming he had military background and was capable of making bombs and unleashing a deadly virus. Keith Mackle, now retired director of student services, said he became aware of serious concerns in the autumn of 2021 when staff members received emails containing terrorist threats. According to Mackle, one of the email reads: Expect a massive bomb explosion at the University of Dundee. I have contacted ISIS terrorists to plant bombs on campus. I can assure you staff and students will die in great numbers. 9/11 will be a joke compared to what will happen. Blood will spill and flesh will be scattered. Stewart Kennedy, a campus security officer, said he received a call from an unknown number telling him of a bomb being placed on the campus and that there was going to be carnage tonight. I could tell he was covering his mouth to disguise it but I could tell it was an African accent, Kennedy said. Shane Taylor, an accommodation officer, said Okwuoha accused him of being racist and said he would wipe out Scottish people as revenge. Popular Yoruba actor and movie director, identified as Azeez Ololade Ijaduade, has been shot by a trigger-happy policeman in Iperu, Ogun State. It was gathered that the horrible development was made known by his colleague, Abiodun Adebanjo, in a post shared on Instagram, on Sunday. Abiodun disclosed that Ijaduade is currently battling for his life at the Babcock University Teaching Hospital and pleaded with anyone with the contact of the Inspector General of Police or Commissioner to reach out to them. READ MORE: Actor Dejumo Lewis Passes On At 80 He wrote: Please, we need help in Iperu. My director, Azeez Ijaduade, @kingzeez1, was shot by a Nigeria Police personnel. He is presently at Babcock University Teaching Hospital. Anybody with the contacts of the Police IG or Commissioner should reach out. The spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, has urged Nigerians to register their complaints with the Public Relations Officers of the Police Command in their respective states this festive season. INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that Adejobi led this out via his X handle, adding that Nigerians should not support or promote impunity. He said: Report police unprofessional conducts; lets kick against oppression and extortion. READ MORE: Report Any Officer Searching Through Your Phones Force PRO, Adejobi Urges Nigerians Do not support or promote impunity. Make use of the PPROs numbers and our complaints platforms. They are functional and helpful. We urge you to be familiar and keep the numbers for your use. Call your PPROs as they have been mandated to attend to complaints from Nigerians, particularly at this festival period. Kingsley Moghalu, former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has described media reports tying former CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele to series of fraud as mere media trial. Recall that, Jim Obazee, the CBN investigator accused the embattled ex-apex bank boss of engaging in a series of fraudulent activities, including going ahead with the naira re-design policy without first getting an approval from former President Muhammadu Buhari. Emefiele was also accused to have fraudulently withdrawn $6.23 million from CBN vault under a purported approval of the President to pay foreign election observers. However dismissing the reports that have been making round the media, Moghalu wrote, I have seen in the mainstream media and floating around on social media including Whatsapp, a report purported to be that of the CBN Special Investigator appointed by President Tinubu. I have some comments on this development. READ ALSO: Emefiele Consented To Unlawful $6m Cash Withdrawal From CBN Vault, Forged Buharis Signature Probe Panel 1. The report has no signature appended, so we cant assume it is the real and official report. 2. Assuming it is in fact the real report, its wrong for such a sensitive report to have leaked to the public before the President and his government have reviewed and spoken to it. This is because the report talks of chargeable offenses and mentions specific individuals it recommends to be prosecuted in addition to Emefiele. This is a media trial and prejudices the rights of these individuals named or referred to. This is NOT how a report into the Central Bank of Nigeria should be handled. The central bank of any country is a very sensitive institution and confidence (or the lack of it) in the institution has practical consequences on the ground for Nigerias economy. As much as the Bank and its leaders ought to be accountable for their official actions, we must consider the continuing damage this kind of sensationalism (which, knowing our country, nothing much is likely to come of it at the end of the day) does to Nigerias economy, image, and the institution of the CBN itself. When it comes to law, allegations are simply allegations unless and until proven in a court of law. Attahiru Bafarawa, a former Governor of Sokoto State has opined that it will not augur well for Nigerians if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu avoids probing ex-President Muhammadu Buharis administration. According to him, Nigerians will never forgive Tinubu, if he ignores the probe. He added that the President will only kill himself politically should he disallow Buhari for answering to his wrongdoing. It will be a disaster and it will not help the nation if Tinubu fails to probe Buharis administration. If he wants to get off the blame, he should probe the past administration. If Buhari is found clean, then people will be happy with him. But if he is found wanting, he should answer for his wrongdoing. But it will not augur well for Nigerians to allow Buhari to go just like that. If President Tinubu allows Buhari to go scot-free, he (Tinubu) should know that all that Buhari did while he was in government, Tinubu would be seen as the person who did it, he said in a chat with Punch. READ ALSO: Rivers Crisis: Group Drags Tinubu, Fubara, INEC, Others To Court Over Illegal Peace Agreement Asked whether Buharis probe will solve the economic problems the nation is faced with, he said: If Buhari investigated some persons in (Goodluck) Jonathans administration, what stops Tinubu from investigating Buharis government? I say this because Buhari investigated Jonathans administration and a lot of money was recovered. What some of the officials in Jonathans administration stole is meagre compared to what Buharis government has done. The Buhari administration borrowed money and then they embezzled the money they borrowed. After they borrowed money, we couldnt see what they spent the money on. The President should try and be independent because people will judge him after he leaves office. But for now, he cannot take the blame for all that the Buhari administration did. If he dares to do it, he is going to kill himself politically. Nobody will blame Tinubu for probing Buharis administration. If Buhari is not found guilty, at least, he will continue to say that he is a clean man. Truth be told, Nigerians will never forgive Tinubu if he fails to probe the Buhari administration. Our country's Western partners have created another coalition to support Ukraine - this time, an artillery coalition. It will begin its work in January 2024 in Paris, and its main task is to strengthen the firepower of the Ukrainian army. ADVERTISIMENT In particular, work is planned to implement Caesar fire control using artificial intelligence. The details were disclosed by the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine. Deputy Defense Minister of Ukraine Lieutenant General Ivan Havryliuk said during a meeting with a delegation from the French Senate that the Artillery Coalition to strengthen the Ukrainian army will begin work in January 2024 in Paris. According to Havryliuk, it is extremely important for Ukraine to strengthen its firepower through the supply of artillery systems by allies, in particular, Caesar self-propelled artillery systems. "The Caesar self-propelled artillery systems demonstrated high efficiency and accuracy in combat," the official stated. The Ministry of Defense also announced that a test of Caesar fire control using artificial intelligence is planned for 2024. This is expected to reduce the use of ammunition for target acquisition and engagement by 30%. ADVERTISIMENT Havryliuk also called on French MPs to assist in increasing the amount of ammunition for the Caesar. On December 13, the first conference of the coalition to strengthen Ukraine's air defense was held in Berlin. 22 countries took part in it. The Coalition for Integrated Air and Missile Defense was led by Germany and France. It was also reported that in December, the UK and Norway created a "maritime coalition" and will provide Ukraine with the first ships. As Nigerians joins others, globally to celebrate Yuletide season, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged them to use the Christmas season to look out for one another. In a statement, personally signed by him and made available on Sunday, Tinubu said, he is aware that the necessary reforms his government is implementing to achieve a more prosperous, peaceful nation for all have imposed unique sacrifices. He added that his administration will continue to implement palliative measures to ease the burden on the most vulnerable, address current hardships and alleviate the suffering of all Nigerians. The statement partly reads: Fellow Nigerians, Christmas is a special time of the year for all of us. For Christians, this time of the year marks the birth of Jesus Christ and celebrates the hope and redemption that are the hallmarks of Christs life. For people of all faiths, this is an opportunity to enjoy the company of family, celebrate life, and delight in the gifts of love and friendship that make life worthwhile. This is also a time to look out for each other because, amidst the festivities, this time of year for many will be tinged with sadness: some mourning the loss of loved ones and others grieving the hopes that failed to materialise and the dreams that fell short. READ MORE: Yuletide: Ill Be Fair To All President Tinubu Assures Nigerians In the spirit of Christmas, reflecting the best of Christ, let us all endeavour to extend the warm embrace of kindness to those around us who need it and let the multiple acts of kindness serve as a light that guides us into a happy and wonderful new year. My administration will continue to implement palliative measures to ease the burden on the most vulnerable, address current hardships and alleviate the suffering of all our nations people. Fellow Nigerians, as we navigate this transition to stability, prosperity, and Renewed Hope, I urge you once more to hold fast and rest assured of my commitment to govern with vision, dedication, and empathy. Be confident that by the strength of our joint endeavour, we will shortly emerge into a new dawn of prosperity, peace, and irreversible progress. As you celebrate this season, please spare a moment of remembrance and prayer for the men and women of our nations armed forces, bearing arms in our names and ensuring our safety. My God protect them and bring them back to their families. Jason Kingsborough, left, wanted to donate a kidney to his brother-in-law, Rich Green, right. But he wasn't a good genetic match for Green, 52, of Media. Instead, Green and Kingsborough entered a "paired donation," where they were connected with another kidney donor who was a better match for Green -- and had a loved one compatible with Kingsborough. Their paired donation was the 100th of its kind at Penn Medicine in just 12 months. Read more When Rich Green learned that he needed a new kidney last fall, several of his friends and family members stepped forward as potential donors. But none were an exact match. Patients who need transplanted organs must receive them from someone whose blood type and tissues are compatible with their own, so their body doesnt attack their new organ after surgery. Greens most promising option was his brother-in-law, Jason Kingsborough, who was only a partial match. Still, Kingsborough was determined to donate a kidney even if it wasnt going to his 52-year-old brother-in-law from Media. Thats how the two became part of a paired kidney donation at Penn Medicine. The transplant method connects potential donors and recipients whove had trouble finding matches among relatives and friends. Green was linked with a kidney donor in Los Angeles who was a better match than his relative. That donor, in turn, had a loved one in need of a kidney who was compatible with Kingsborough. Advertisement Theirs was the 100th paired kidney donation that doctors at Penn oversaw in the past year a world record, Penn Medicine officials say. (The hospital did not say whether they planned to submit the achievement to Guinness World Records.) Officials at the National Kidney Registry confirmed that it was a record accomplishment, which they called an example for other transplant centers to follow. Theres goodness in the world Three years ago, Penn partnered with the National Kidney Registry to facilitate more paired donations, and the hospitals Kidney Living Donor Program has since hired additional staff to help recipients and donors navigate the logistics of a transplant operation. That extra capacity helped Penn doctors reach the 100 paired-donation milestone this year, said Amanda Leonberg-Yoo, medical director of the living donor program. Philadelphia has a really high prevalence of kidney disease, she said. I hope this gives people hope that theres the possibility of receiving a kidney. Patients and donors alike have inspired Leonberg-Yoo as the hospital has increased its paired donations. One of her patients received a kidney as part of a chain of donations started by a man who gave a kidney with no particular recipient in mind. Theres goodness in the world. It was a big ask, to give a kidney to someone he didnt know, she said. A milestone transplant Green needed a transplant five years after being diagnosed with primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, a chronic disease that causes scarring in the kidney, preventing it from functioning properly. He could control the disease with medication initially, but his kidney function deteriorated. A year ago in October, he had to start dialysis. Once we found out that I needed a kidney, we mobilized as much as we could, he said. Green and his family launched a website with the National Kidney Registry and started sharing information about donating. Living kidney donation is relatively safe for donors. Still, Green and Kingsborough had several long conversations, discussing the risks of the surgery and the recovery. Kingsborough felt certain in his decision to donate. He would feel terrible if something happened to me, Green said. Its amazing that he decided to do that for me. If you can do this type of thing to help someone, you really should consider it. Green received his kidney in early December and has been recovering at home. His new kidney is beginning to function fully, and Green is looking forward to being off dialysis entirely. Its really cool, the fact that theyve completed this procedure that many times; that theyve helped that many people. Its quite the honor to be No. 100, he said. Participants pair up and fall back on each other during The Feels event on a recent December evening. Read more The notion that Americans are lonely very, very lonely, and anxious, and depressed, and therefore more at risk of heart disease, dementia, and stroke has gained traction in recent years. Its been called an epidemic and a quiet catastrophe, a particular problem for men and young people and adults and the elderly and pretty much everyone. The surgeon general recently proposed a National Strategy to Advance Social Connection. Millennials and Gen Z are navigating the dating world in this context, and they say the overall experience is not inspiring. In a nationally representative Harris poll this year, for example, 30% of Gen Z singles agreed with the statement, I would rather walk across hot coals than go on another online date. People come to me and theyre frustrated. Theyre tired, said Michal Naisteter, a matchmaker and self-described superconnector who runs Michal Matches in Philly. The essence of human connection cant be using my thumbs. Thats where the ancient practice of Meeting People in Person comes in. There seems to be demand: Naisteter co-runs in-person dating events, called Date Him Philly, where attendees bring vouched-for members of the opposite sex. Similarly, the New York-based We Met in Real Life promises no swiping no matching just dating. It was in this spirit that a group of single Philadelphians signed up to participate in a real-life, highly structured ongoing experiment related to dating on a recent December evening. The Feels, as its called, seeks to fast-track intimacy by drawing on meditation, mindfulness, positive psychology, and nonviolent communication. The experience was designed by Allie Hoffman, 40, an energetic facilitator who got the idea while studying for a masters in spiritual psychology at Columbia University and navigating life as a single woman. Advertisement In dating, we can get very in our heads. We can take a very cognitive approach: Where does he live? What does he do? How much money does he make? Hoffman said. She wanted people to focus instead on their bodies and their present experiences, without intellectualizing the whole thing. There would be no algorithms. The young singles who showed up were eager for just that. Some had come because they were definitively off the apps, or because they were new to the city, or because they saw an Instagram ad and were curious (perhaps an algorithm helped a little). Scholars point to the decline of third spaces social environments that arent home or work as another barrier to naturally meeting people; Hoffman effectively created one for a night. Each participant paid $74.50 to participate in a series of increasingly intimate paired interactions. At Hoffmans direction, they complimented people they had just met in tightly-timed 45-second intervals. They answered probing questions like, Whats something youve learned about your sexuality in the last six months? and Whats something that you had to unlearn from your parents? They stared silently into strangers eyes for 3 minutes and 46 seconds while Icelandic instrumental music played in the background. Its just real. Its just nice to not have something thats mediated by some app, said Chase, 29, who The Inquirer is referring to by his first name for privacy reasons. The final activity of the night was a long, wordless hug with a (recent) stranger. A sister event, called The Kiss, will take place in New York in January, featuring a kiss as the apex of the night instead of a hug, Hoffman said. Since hosting the first Feels in August 2022, Hoffman has facilitated nearly 1,500 people in Philly, New York, and D.C. She maintains WhatsApp groups for past attendees in each city and regularly posts intimate musings on her dating life and on relationships more broadly. She just hired three new facilitators. (Posted requirements for the job included strong magnetism and charisma as well as demonstrated willingness to engage in your own inner work.) The Feels will be back in Philly in January and February. Despite early emails indicating there may not be enough male attendees, ultimately more men than women showed up at the candlelit Maas Building near Northern Liberties. Hoffman said women often buy tickets early but then get scared last minute and dont come, while men wait to buy tickets but are more committed once they do. Ill be honest, I was kind of dreading it all day. I really didnt want to come, said KD, 42, who The Inquirer is identifying by her initials for privacy reasons. She has been off the apps for 10 months and is really trying hard not to go back on. She was glad, in the end, that she braved it. Everyone here, she said, is fantastic. Philadelphia health officials said Saturday night people recently inside a Center City building that houses several Jefferson Health offices might have been exposed to measles following a confirmed case of the virus. The possible exposure is limited to people who were in the building located at 33 S. Ninth St. on Dec. 19 between 2 and 5:30 p.m. The building contains numerous medical offices, including several Jefferson Health offices that specialize in areas including pediatrics, dermatology, and urology. Jefferson Health said people may have been exposed to a person with measles at one of their outpatient practice locations in the building. They are working with the city to identify anyone who may have potentially come into contact with the person. Its unclear if it was a patient or a staff member. People not in the building on Dec. 19 during the times listed are not in danger of exposure, the city said. Its unclear how many people may have been exposed, but a city health spokesperson said officials dont think its a large number. Advertisement We believe there is no threat to the general public associated with this case of measles, Philadelphia Health Commissioner Cheryl Bettigole said in a statement. We encourage people who were possibly exposed to take action if they are not protected against measles. The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads easily from person to person through direct contact with respiratory droplets, or through droplets in the air from coughing and sneezing, the citys health department said. The early symptoms of measles are fever, runny nose, cough, and puffy eyes, followed by a rash. In some people, it can be a very serious infection that leads to pneumonia, brain infection, and death. The threat of measles exposure in the United States has been growing over the last decade. We strongly encourage parents to follow the CDCs immunization schedule and get their children fully vaccinated as soon as they are able, Bettigole said. The MMR vaccine is safe and highly effective and is the best way to avoid serious complications of a vaccine-preventable disease. People in the building on Dec. 19 during the times listed should determine if theyre protected against the measles, city health officials said. Youre generally protected if you were born before 1957, have already had measles, or have received two doses of a MMR vaccine, the city said. If youre not protected, city health officials suggest talking to your health-care provider about receiving a dose of MMR vaccine. For those under 12 months of age, pregnant, or immunosuppressed, the city suggests contacting your doctor as soon as possible. More information about measles is available at the CDCs website. Hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched through Center City on Saturday afternoon to disrupt the last-minute Christmas shopping blitz with sorrowful reminders of the ongoing siege in Gaza a protest that culminated in a tense standoff with police officers and the arrest of two protesters for disorderly conduct near Rittenhouse Square, authorities said. Cpl. Jasmine Reilly, a Philadelphia Police Department spokesperson, said a demonstrator attempted to put a sticker on a police vehicle near the park. As the protest was winding down, an officer was seen confronting the man, drawing his baton, and placing him in handcuffs to a loud rebuke from the crowd. Megaphone-wielding leaders of the Philly Palestine Coalition, the activist network that organized the march, urged demonstrators to not intervene. But a section of the crowd circled police officers as they attempted to make the arrest, demanding police release the man. Two officers sustained minor injuries during the scuffle, Reilly said. Soon after, police arrested a second demonstrator near 18th Street for allegedly spraying liquid at officers as the crowd was dispersing around 4:30 p.m. The Philly Palestine Coalition has organized or promoted over 60 demonstrations since the start of the war, from massive protests on the streets of Center City to sit-ins on college campuses. Saturdays rally was the latest in a string targeting holiday shoppers out buying last-minute gifts two days before Christmas. Advertisement While youre shopping, bombs are dropping! protesters chanted repeatedly throughout the three-hour march. Gazas health ministry reported this past week that more than 20,000 Palestinians have been killed since Israel launched military retaliation for the Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist attack. The bloodshed in Gaza has led Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank to suspend Christmas celebrations most notably in Bethlehem, where Jesus was reportedly born and activists in Philadelphia and across the United States have similarly called for a more somber observance of the Christian holy day this year. We cannot celebrate while our siblings in Gaza are being massacred, Jay Bergen, pastor of Germantown Mennonite Church, told protesters who gathered on the bustling City Hall apron around 2 p.m. In addition to a familiar repertoire of protest chants, demonstrators intoned from Philly to Bethlehem, no Christmas as usual! as they marched around the pop-up Christmas Village, past the Fashion District, through Chinatown, and west along the popular Walnut Street retail strip near Rittenhouse. Organizers also stopped the march to protest outside two different Starbucks locations, amid a nationwide dispute between the corporate coffee giant and a pro-Palestinian workers union. The demonstration halted in Rittenhouse Square before 4 p.m., where speakers from the progressive group Jewish Voice for Peace and members of the Philly Palestine Coalition gave speeches and called for a cease-fire in the war. When a police officer began apprehending the demonstrator at the edge of the rally, a group of demonstrators attempted to intervene in the arrest. A crew of officers on bicycles created a barrier around the officer and the man he had detained, and were circled by demonstrators. For nearly 10 minutes, the two sides were at a standoff, at times pushing and shoving. Demonstrators demanded police release the man, and as the confrontation intensified, the crowd started a chant likening the Philadelphia Police Department to the Klu Klux Klan and the Israel Defense Forces. Nada Abuasi, an organizer with Philly Palestine Coalition, said she did not see what transpired leading up to the arrest. While she felt the use of stickers fell under the umbrella of peaceful protest, she stressed that the coalition never encourages demonstrators to cause damage to people or property. All of our protests are peaceful, Abuasi said. We come out here, were a very diverse group, were out in solidarity. Yeah, were here to disrupt and make sure that there is no business as usual, but its not in any way where were projecting harm onto others or any buildings or anything of that nature. The activist network has faced some criticism due to its protest tactics, most notably after a march organized by the coalition stopped and chanted at Goldie, an Israeli-owned falafel spot on Sansom Street near 19th Street.Members of Jewish Voice for Peace, who are part of the coalition, have been arrested for blocking traffic during other recent demonstrations. Before the march kicked off on Saturday, speakers encouraged protesters to rely on volunteer legal observers with Up Against the Law Legal Collective to communicate with police and dissuaded the crowd from engaging. Its always our priority to be safe in our marches, Abuasi said. Organizers called for a moment of silence before asking the crowd to disperse for the night, but not for long. Abuasi said the coalition has other demonstrations planned before the new year. This abandoned building, at 201 N. 36th St., in the city's Powelton section has been listed for a tax sale. The owner owes more than $50,000 in property taxes. But the sheriff's office has not held such auctions in more than 2 1/2 years. Read more The abandoned building at the corner of 36th and Race Streets is in such high demand that would-be buyers are writing their contact information on a demolition notice that city inspectors taped to the front door. Love this building. Interested in buying, one person wrote next to their email address. A local pharmacist left her phone number below that message: Also interested in buying!! Built in 1876 as the original home of Simpsons Apothecary, the three-story Italianate-style building near Drexel University still features the original pressed-metal facade advertising Drugs and Chemicals. Its a beautiful, interesting building. Ive always admired it, said Robert Howell, another potential buyer of the now-vacant building, in the citys Powelton section. Advertisement Instead, the decaying structure has become a monument to Philly blight. The side wall collapsed years ago, prompting the city to declare the building unsafe. The backyard is full of trash and rotting construction materials. The unpaid tax bill now exceeds $50,000, plus $4,000 in trash fees. In April, city lawyers secured a court order to auction the building at a tax sale. The proceeds from such auctions a key function of the Philadelphia Sheriffs Office are used to settle old tax bills. Ideally, the new owners rehab the building and get it back on the tax rolls. At least, thats how it is supposed to work. But the 36th Street property never made it to auction. Nor have hundreds of others across the city that courts have marked for sale. Thats because the sheriffs office hasnt held a tax sale for the last 2 years. Sheriff Rochelle Bilal and her staff wont say why. Since January 2022 alone, about 1,330 tax-delinquent properties have piled up in Common Pleas Court with orders to be sold. But property owners have essentially been free to ignore the threat of auction. For sought-after parcels, like the historic pharmacy building and vacant lots in gentrifying neighborhoods, the citys failure to hold the auctions is a lose-lose: The taxes are not collected and nuisance properties are not developed. Tax sales in Philadelphia initially stopped in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They briefly resumed with online auctions in April 2021, only to be shut down again. Although mortgage foreclosure sales have since resumed, auctions of tax-delinquent properties have not, according to city officials. A report from the revenue department last week blamed the stoppage for rising property-tax delinquency after years of decline. The city is now owed roughly $170 million in back taxes, an increase of nearly $40 million since 2019. READ MORE: Where is the money? Ex-homeowners seeking leftover funds from sheriffs sales are being stonewalled. The lack of Sheriff Sales continues to challenge the Citys delinquent tax collection efforts, the report states. As a result, delinquency has gradually increased. No one in Bilals office or Mayor Jim Kenneys administration in recent weeks would provide a reason for the breakdown in the process, which has left residents and developers across the city perplexed. Last month, a lawyer for Bilal said in a statement to The Inquirer that tax sales have not occurred since April of 2021. Subsequently, the City ceased all Philadelphia County tax sales and has yet to resume them, the statement said, without elaborating. Ava Schwemler, a spokesperson for the citys law department, would confirm only that the city is on a complete pause at the moment for any tax sales. She referred further questions to Tariq El-Shabazz, Bilals undersheriff. Neither El-Shabazz nor Bilal returned requests for comment over the last week. Christian Crespo, a spokesperson for the city revenue department, would not provide any details about why the sales arent happening. This is a question for the Sheriffs Office, Crespo said in an email on Thursday, adding: Sheriff Sales are a critical tool in our enforcement toolbox. We look forward to working with the Sheriffs Office in the coming administration to enforce the law. Developer Ken Weinstein, who runs a loan program that trains city residents to be real estate developers and reduce blight, said he and others in the industry have been unable to figure out whats going on. Whether youre a taxpayer in the city or a developer trying to source properties, he said, its pretty darn frustrating that these sales havent continued. A jungle next door On the border of Kensington and Fishtown, the property next to Tami McHenrys Dauphin Street corner rowhouse has tormented her for years. In 2019, the demolition next door damaged her home, causing water to leak through the roof and chimney. The vacant lot then morphed into a trash-strewn jungle, with weeds reaching above the railing of her second-floor back deck. At one point, a couple moved their belongings onto the lot in the middle of night and appeared to be camping there. The owner of the lot, a limited liability company whose members declined to comment, owes nearly $20,000 in back taxes, according to city records. But the city hasnt followed through on the January 2023 court order to put the property up for sale. I would love to have something there thats nice, said McHenry, 39, an engineering manager. Instead of just this lot thats not maintained. John Kromer, the citys former housing director, said the citys failure to auction off chronically tax-delinquent properties means land speculators could ignore tax bills. The threat of sheriff sale, by itself, may get some owners to pay back taxes or enter into a payment plan, Kromer said. But once the word gets around that sheriff sales are being suspended indefinitely, the really bad actors are going to feel comfortable forgetting about their tax obligations altogether. A lucrative contract The current problem appears to be rooted in an ongoing dispute within city government over a controversial contract that Bilals office announced in March 2021 had been awarded to Maryland-based online auction company Bid4Assets. The contract circumvented usual bidding procedures and was signed without the involvement of the law department, raising questions about its legality. That prompted an outcry from City Council members at the time, including then-Councilwoman Cherelle Parker, now mayor-elect. Competing online auction firms told The Inquirer last week that they were not able to submit their own proposals, and that Bid4Assets appeared to have an inside track on the contract, ultimately landing a deal whose terms they described as unusually favorable to the company. It was an odd process from beginning to end, said Lloyd McClendon, chief executive of Realauction.com, who said the Bid4Assets contract seemed to be awarded surreptitiously, despite being one of the largest contracts of its kind in the country. In online town halls in 2021, Bilal initially said the switch to online auctions was permanent. Then, her office claimed it was a pilot program. The office disclosed soon after that the original contract was actually for six years. Why would it be multiyear and go to 2027 if it was, in fact, a pilot? Parker asked at the time. Within months of the contract being awarded to Bid4Assets, Bilals former campaign manager and current spokesperson in the sheriffs office, Teresa Lundy, began appearing as Bid4Assets media contact on its news releases about auctions in other jurisdictions. Reached by phone last week, Jesse Loomis, the CEO of Bid4Assets, would not provide details on Lundys dual role at his company and in the sheriffs office, or whether she is still employed by the company. He also declined to discuss why tax sales remain on hold in Philadelphia. Im not sure Im going to be able to comment on that, Loomis said. Lundy said in an email Friday: TML Communications provides communications services to a large client base, which includes corporations, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. Neither I, nor my firm, played any role in any contract at the Philadelphia Sheriffs Office. McHenry said she has been waiting for the vacant lot next door to appear on the Bid4Assets site since she saw a notice last year that it was scheduled to go to a tax sale. Ive checked it periodically and called them, asking if this is going to sale, McHenry asked. We dont know when anything is happening. Instead, the site only lists mortgage foreclosures and a leftover batch of properties whose tax debt was sold in 1997 to what is now US Bank, according to city officials. Progress reversed Philadelphia has struggled for decades with tax delinquency. A broken property-tax system had enabled out-of-town investors and low-rent landlords to buy up real estate and evade taxes while waiting for property values to rise so they could flip the parcels for a profit. In the years leading up to the COVID-19 pandemic, however, the city had made significant progress, due to new collection strategies. One of them was more aggressive tax-sale warnings, which jumped from 815 possible foreclosures in 2010 to 10,437 in 2017, focusing on properties with chronically delinquent accounts that are not owner-occupied. In fiscal year 2019, 7,036 new properties began the sheriff sale process, but only 2,265 sold. Many owners end up paying in full or entering into a payment plan before the auction. Only 5% of properties sold at sheriff sales that year were owner-occupied, according to city estimates. This is a legal process, and to the extent that the city operates it and can keep it moving, thats a huge part of the equation, said Thomas Ginsberg, lead researcher on Philadelphia taxes at Pew Charitable Trusts. One of the tools always had been sheriff sales, he said. While city officials describe the sales as a last resort, they can bring in tens of millions of dollars a year, particularly when the real estate market is strong. In 2017, the sheriffs office reported turning over to the city about $64 million in delinquent taxes and fees from the sale of 7,026 properties. But since the suspension of tax sales, property-tax delinquency has been on the rise again, increasing 2% to 8% every year since 2019, or around $5 million to $10 million a year. Today, 60% is owed by investors or landlords, according to the citys 2023 tax delinquency report. Its crazy Jonathan Sgro, an attorney in the homeownership and consumer rights unit at Community Legal Services, said he, like most everyone else, had not been told why tax sales have not resumed. But the city is continuing to file the foreclosures notices, he noted. CLS provides legal representation to help people keep their homes in cases that involve owner-occupied buildings. A lot of these cases are being taken up to the point where they get the order [to sell], then they are just not proceeding with the sale, Sgro said. Most of his clients are willing to enter into a payment plan when they receive a foreclosure notice, he said. Our experience has been that when folks are given an affordable way to pay that they do so. The city says it wants to prepare to resume sales in 2024. With Kenney leaving office next week, it now falls to Parkers administration to work out any disagreements with Bilal. A Parker aide declined to comment on the issue. Weinstein, the developer, said hes been telling anyone who will listen that the city should get the sales moving again. They should be prioritizing any property that is unoccupied and where they owe three or more years of taxes, he said. There is no reason to wait 10 or 20 years if its not occupied. Its crazy. Howell, who would like to buy the abandoned building near Drexel, said he doesnt understand why the city has let it deteriorate, right across the street from a bustling new coffee house. Its just sitting there piling up the owed taxes? he asked. Hopefully they can get it into the hands of somebody. Maybe someone who could preserve it and breathe some life into it. Staff writer Chris A. Williams contributed to this article. A church primarily used by the Brazilian community has donated toys to a childrens hospital to give thanks for being made very welcome in Ireland. The Assembly of God church in Carlow is collecting new toys and financial donations for Crumlin Childrens Hospital, as well as for a mission providing food and support to orphaned children in Mozambique. Project leader Marcio dos Santos explained that Crumlin Childrens Hospital was chosen to express gratitude for the treatment it provided to a child at the church who was diagnosed with cancer. Dozens of toys were collected by the church (Niall Carson/PA) The Crumlin Childrens Hospital did a great service for her, it was amazing. Shes very well now and this is just to be thankful for the service they did for them. The church, which is predominantly attended by Brazilians, is established in various other locations across Ireland and is led by pastor Lincoln Pilar. In previous years, the group previously ran Christmas donation drives for womens refuges and children in Ukraine. Mr dos Santos said: The majority of people in the church are all Brazilians but we feel very thankful. And we feel very welcome as well in Ireland because its a big challenge for us to leave our country and start a new life in your country. But in Ireland we feel very, very, very welcome and we are very thankful for all the Irish people that helped us here and we do whatever we can do in Ireland to help because we feel were in our own country. Jessica Ferrerira of the Assembly of God church in Carlow (Niall Carson/PA) The group collected dozens of new toys and giftwrapped them for delivery to children of all ages at the hospital. In addition, the group also collected hundreds of euro for its chosen charitable causes through a GoFundMe campaign. The churchs GoFundMe campaign can be found here. Shane MacGowans wife has shared her love of Wham! after the band beat The Pogues Fairytale Of New York to claim the coveted 2023 UK Christmas number one title. Victoria Mary Clarke had supported calls for her late husbands gritty festive song to finally reach the top spot following MacGowans death last month, weeks before his 66th birthday on Christmas Day. Originally released in 1987, the track has never reached the top of the UK charts, peaking at number two and beaten to the Christmas number one the year it was released by the Pet Shop Boys cover of Always On My Mind. Whams George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley (PA) Written by MacGowan with fellow Pogues founder Jem Finer, the best-known rendition features a duet between MacGowan and English singer Kirsty MacColl, who died in December 2000. It has returned to the UK Christmas top 40 every year since 2005 but never reached number one, according to the Official Charts Company. On Friday, it was revealed Wham! had secured the UKs official Christmas number one with Last Christmas, 39 years after the track was released. Fairytale Of New York had been competing with the song and other festive hits for the title in the last few weeks, finally placing sixth on the day. Eurovision star Sam Ryder came second with his new song Youre Christmas To Me, Mariah Careys classic All I Want For Christmas Is You took third, Stick Season by US singer Noah Kahan placed fourth while Ed Sheeran and Sir Elton Johns collaboration on Merry Christmas finished fifth. On Christmas Eve, MacGowans wife sent her support to Wham! by sharing their festive hit to X, formerly Twitter. She wrote: I love Wham!!! We loved George. The classic festive song was first released in December 1984 by pop duo George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley, but it also missed out on claiming number one as the top spot that year went to Band Aids charity single Do They Know Its Christmas?. Last Christmas has now made history for taking the longest time to reach number one, according to the Official Charts Company. Michael, who had an extensive solo career with singles including Careless Whisper, died on Christmas Day in 2016 aged 53. Ridgeley said on Friday: Last Christmas has finally ascended to the much-cherished and sought-after Official Christmas number one, which was always the main goal. George would be beside himself (that) after all of these years, (weve) finally obtained Christmas number one. Yog (Michael) said that he wrote Last Christmas with the intention of writing a Christmas number one. Its mission accomplished. Two men have appeared in court charged in connection with a major drug seizure in Co Limerick earlier this week. Around 300kg of cocaine were discovered by gardai and customs officers when they searched a ship carrying grain at the port of Foynes on Tuesday. Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto has said that it is time to look for a "political solution" to the war waged by Russia in Ukraine. He is convinced that "what could not be done with weapons must be done in another way." ADVERTISIMENT Crosetto made this statement on Saturday during a visit to Italian troops stationed in Malbork in Poland. This was reported by the ANSA news agency. "The war has been going on for almost two years, and I believe that along with military participation and support for Ukraine, it is important to follow a path that leads to a political solution," Crosetto said. He is convinced that what cannot be achieved militarily can be achieved through a political front. "What cannot be achieved militarily - and so far we have achieved the preservation of Ukraine, which could have been destroyed, and the consolidation of the border, which has blocked the Russian attack - can be achieved by opening a diplomatic and political front to try to achieve the same result through peace talks," the minister explained. ADVERTISIMENT He added that what existed before the war should be restored and "what could not be done with weapons should be done in another way." It is worth noting that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has named a condition under which negotiations between Ukraine and Russia are possible. Kyiv will discuss the "Ukrainian formula for peace" only. As a reminder, the third summit of the Ukrainian peace formula brought together participants from 66 countries, the largest representation at such a gathering. Among them are the EU, the US, the UK, and Turkey, which acted as a mediator between Russia and Ukraine, as well as members of the BRICS, which includes Russia, South Africa, Brazil and India. As reported by OBOZ.UA, at the beginning of the forum in Malta, Zelenskyy thanked all world leaders who supported a common vision of peace in our country. He noted that the points of our formula were developed so that everyone who truly values international law could express themselves and support global efforts against aggression. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information is available on OBOZ.UA Telegram and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! A man died in a shooting at a shopping mall in central Florida two days before Christmas in which the victim was apparently targeted for the attack, police said. Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken told reporters on Saturday evening that the man was killed after he was shot multiple times in a common area at Paddock Mall in Ocala, located about 80 miles north-west of Orlando. A woman was shot in the leg, police said. The suspect fled the scene and left behind the firearm, Mr Balken said. Police arrived at the mall around 3.40pm local time after a call of multiple shots being fired at the mall. Officers immediately made entry into the mall (and) ultimately discovered that this was not what we would consider an active shooter, Mr Balken told reporters. Several other mall patrons also suffered injuries during the shooting, with one person having chest pain and another reporting a broken arm, police said. An email inquiry was sent to the malls owner, WPG. The mall has dozens of stores, including JC Penney and Foot Locker. Calvin and Diana Amos, who were shopping in the JC Penney store, told the Ocala Star-Banner that they evacuated the store quickly once they figured out what was going on. They described themselves as scared and apprehensive. A man has died in a targeted shooting at a shopping mall in central Florida two days before Christmas, police said. Police chief Mike Balken told reporters that the man was killed after he was shot multiple times in a common area at Paddock Mall in Ocala, about 79 miles north-west of Orlando. A woman also was shot in the leg. She was treated at a local hospital and is expected to recover, Mr Balken said. The suspect fled the scene and left behind the firearm. The suspect fled the scene, leaving the gun behind (Jeff Walczak/Ocala Police Department via AP) Police arrived at the mall at around 3.40pm (8.40pm GMT) on Saturday after reports of multiple shots being fired. Officers immediately made entry into the mall (and) ultimately discovered that this was not what we would consider an active shooter, Mr Balken told reporters. The attack was likely a targeted act of violence against the man, Mr Balken said. Several other mall patrons suffered injuries during the shooting, with one person having chest pain and another reporting a broken arm, police said. The Ocala police posted photos overnight of a person of interest that appear to be taken from a mall security camera. The three images show a male with a red cap and dark clothing. Mr Balken previously said the suspect wore a hooded sweatshirt and a mask partially covering his face. We are deeply saddened by this tragedy. Our thoughts are with all those involved. The safety of our guests, retailers and employees is our top priority The police also asked the public for assistance by submitting mobile phone video of the shooting scene. The malls corporate owner, WPG, said in a statement that they were working with the Ocala Police Department in the investigation of what happened. We are deeply saddened by this tragedy. Our thoughts are with all those involved, the statement said. The safety of our guests, retailers and employees is our top priority. Israel bombed areas of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip overnight, with fighting throughout Sunday morning, residents and Palestinian media said, as Gaza health authorities and the Israeli military both announced mounting death tolls. Israel says it has achieved almost complete operational control over northern Gaza and is preparing to expand a ground offensive against Hamas militants to other areas. But Jabalia residents reported persistent aerial bombardment and shelling from Israeli tanks, which they said had moved further into the town on Saturday. A Gaza health ministry spokesman said on Sunday 166 Palestinians had been killed in the past 24 hours, taking the total Palestinian death toll to 20,424. Tens of thousands have been wounded, with many bodies believed trapped under rubble. Almost all of Gaza's 2.3 million people have been displaced. The Israeli military said nine soldiers had been killed in the past day, bringing to 155 its published combat losses since it began its ground incursion in response to Hamas' October 7 rampage into Israel, in which militants killed 1,200 and took 240 hostages. The daily toll was one of the highest for Israeli forces of the ground assault so far. Palestinians who were arrested by the Israeli military in the north of the Gaza Strip and released through the Kerem Shalom crossing in the south are treated in Rafah on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023. "This is a difficult morning, after a very difficult day of fighting in Gaza," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at a cabinet meeting on Sunday. "The war is exacting a very heavy cost from us; however we have no choice (but) to continue to fight." The White House said on Saturday US President Joe Biden and Netanyahu had discussed the Israeli campaign. Biden "emphasized the critical need to protect the civilian population including those supporting the humanitarian aid operation, and the importance of allowing civilians to move safely away from areas of ongoing fighting", the White House said in a statement. "The leaders discussed the importance of securing the release of all remaining hostages," the White House said. Egyptian and Qatari mediators have been trying to break the deadlock to end the violence. A delegation of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group, which also has captives in custody in Gaza, arrived in Cairo for talks with Egyptian officials over "ways to end the Israeli aggression on our people in Gaza", an official of the group told Reuters on Sunday. Netanyahu, speaking at a weekly cabinet meeting on Sunday, dismissed reports that the United States had convinced Israel not to expand its military campaign. The Wall Street Journal reported on Saturday that Netanyahu was persuaded by Biden not to attack the militant Hezbollah group in neighbouring Lebanon out of concerns it would launch an attack on Israel. "Israel is a sovereign state," Netanyahu said. "Our decisions in the war are based on our operational considerations, and I will not elaborate on that." The UN Security Council averted a threatened U.S. veto on Friday, after days of wrangling, by removing from a draft resolution a call for an immediate end to the war. The US and Israel oppose a ceasefire, contending it would let Iran-backed Hamas regroup and rearm. Washington abstained from the final statement, which urges steps to allow "safe, unhindered, and expanded humanitarian access" to Gaza and "conditions for a sustainable cessation" of fighting. 'THE WORLD IS SICK AND INHUMANE' Israel has long urged residents to leave northern areas of Gaza, but its forces have also been bombarding targets in central and southern parts of the enclave. Six Palestinians were killed and several wounded in an Israeli air strike on a house at the Bureij refugee camp, in the centre of the Gaza Strip, where the Israeli army ordered people to evacuate and head west towards Deir Al-Balah city, medics said. Joudat Imad, 55, a father-of-six, had to leave an area in the Nusseirat refugee camp in central Gaza after a map published by the army marked it as a place people had to evacuate. "I was lucky to get a tent in Rafah," he told Reuters by phone. "From an owner of two buildings to a refugee in a tent awaiting aid - that is what this brutal war has turned us to. The world is sick and inhumane that it can't see Israel's brutality and it is helpless to stop this war of destruction and starvation." In Rafah, on Gaza's southern border with Egypt, an Israeli air strike on a house killed two people, Palestinian medics said. The Palestinian Red Crescent reported an attack on one of its main bases in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. It said a 13-year-old child had been shot dead by an Israeli drone while inside the Al-Amal Hospital. The Israeli military has expressed regret for civilian deaths but blames Hamas for operating in densely populated areas or using civilians as human shields, an allegation the group denies. Palestinians clean up after their home was hit in an Israeli strike in Rafah, Gaza Strip, Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023. 'TOUGH BATTLE' Yiftah Ron-Tal, a former commander of the Israeli ground forces, described the built-up Gaza battlefield as "the most complicated and fortified" in the world, requiring infantry, tanks, artillery and engineer corps. "...I think what's happening now is a product of a tough battle in a condensed area and in this kind of battle, sadly, there are many losses," he told army radio. The conflict has spread, as Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi forces disrupt global trade with missile and drone attacks on vessels in the Red Sea in retaliation for Israel's assault on Gaza. The United States shot down four drones launched from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen towards a US destroyer in the southern Red Sea on Saturday, bringing to 15 the number of such attacks on commercial shipping, US Central Command said. A drone launched from Iran struck a chemical tanker in the Indian Ocean on Saturday, the US Defense Department said. An Iranian Revolutionary Guards commander said the Mediterranean Sea could be closed if the United States and its allies kept committing "crimes" in Gaza, Iranian media reported, without elaborating. Ann Arbor (Informed Comment) The nativity of the Christ child is not solely an occasion of Christian spirituality, but has been celebrated through the ages by Muslim writers and painters, as well. As I have pointed out, the story of the Annunciation and the birth of Jesus is told in the Quran: And once remote from them, she hid behind a screen. Then we sent to her our spirit, who took the shape of a well-formed man. She said, I take refuge in the All-Merciful from you, if you are pious. He said, I am but an angel of your lord, come to bestow on you a son without blemish. She said, Will I have a son, when no mortal has touched me, and I was not rebellious? He said, So it is. He said, Your Lord says, it is easy for me. We will make him a sign for the people and a mercy from us. The matter has already been decreed. So she bore him, and withdrew with him to a remote place. And the pangs of childbirth drove her to the trunk of a palm tree. She said, I wish I had died before now, and had been forgotten in oblivion. But he called to her from beneath her, saying, Do not be sad. For your Lord has made a stream run beneath you. So shake the trunk of the palm tree toward you, and ripe, fresh dates will fall to you. So eat and drink and be comforted. If you see any human being, say, I have taken a vow to the All-Merciful to fast, and will speak to no one today. Many of these details are from material circulating in the late antique Christian community that also reached the Prophet Muhammad. In the Quran Jesus is depicted as in a line of Gods prophets, including Moses, Solomon, David, and others, a line that went on to include the Prophet Muhammad as of the early 600s CE. The tradition of Persian and Mughal miniature painting of painting leaves intended to go into manuscript books for the libraries of kings or very wealthy notables flowered in the 1200s and after, in Iran, Central Asia, India and what is now Turkey. It was influenced by Chinese techniques that came in through the Mongol conquests and the Silk Road and sometimes the people depicted look a little Chinese. In 1519-1687, the Qutb-Shahi dynasty ruled the Kingdom of Golconda, named after their initial capital, a city near Hyderabad in South India. From 1591 Hyderabad itself became the capital. That city today is the capital of Telengana State and is the fourth-most-populous city in the Indian Republic. The dynasty was founded by an adventurer from Hamadan in Iran, who was a Shiite, and so the kingdom had Shiism for its state religion, even though most of its subjects were Hindus and most of its Muslim subjects were Sunnis. In its later decades it became a vassal of the Mughals based up north, and ultimately was absorbed into the Mughal Empire. During the 1600s in particular there was a lot of contact with European maritime empires and merchants, who brought books and paintings from Europe, and so the Renaissance tradition of depicting the Nativity had an impact on court artists. But these paintings were commissioned by Muslim rulers for Muslim court purposes, as their own celebration of Jesus, whom they considered, as did all Muslims, one of their prophets. The National Museum of Asian Art at the Smithsonian has a spectacular miniature painting from Golconda, dated to about 1630, of the adoration of the baby Jesus. Jesus and Mary are both shown with golden halos. Joseph is also there but without a halo. One of the adorers is, (extremely) anachronistically, a 17th-century European merchant in boots, almost certainly Dutch. He also seems to have brought gold vessels, and he has in his hand what looks to me like fine cloth, dyed purple. Indigo dye was one of Indias trading major commodities. More on all that later. There are three winged angels, two hovering above and one on the ground in front of the manger. One of the angels above is holding what looks to me like a crown. Since the Muslim tradition doesnt know about the Gospel language regarding the messiah being the king of the Jews, my guess is that this motif was borrowed from a European artist. Also, gold was one of the gifts traditionally thought by Christians to be brought to the Christ child by one of the 3 magi. The other angel has a bow. In South India, the crown and the bow were royal symbols. So I think the angels are depicted as exalting Jesus in the way royalty was exalted. These symbols raise the possibility that the royal treatment given here to baby Jesus is not Christian in origin but Hindu Indian. After all, the beloved god Ram was a king. For these Indian artists, who did not know the Bible, the symbols may not be an assertion that he was royalty, only that he deserved the sort of glorification that kings received. Although in the West of the Muslim world Arab artists were reluctant to depict holy figures, this Indian artist has no problem with it. Most did not, and they painted Muhammad, as well. Mary is shown wearing hijab but with her face visible, and Joseph and Jesus also have their faces depicted. Shiite Islam puts special emphasis on piety centering on the family of the Prophet, including Muhammads son-in-law and first cousin, Ali, Muhammads daughter Fatimah, and the two sons of Ali and Fatimah, Hasan and Husayn. Although Sunni courts also produced nativity paintings, it could be that this form of Christian piety especially appealed to the Shiite rulers of Golconda. As for the Dutch merchant or factor, Sanu Kainikara explains, In 1627, the Dutch had a disagreement with the Governor of Golconda, under whose jurisdiction the region fell, regarding the grant of a farming permit for Masulipatam (Macchilipatanam). They withdrew to Pulicat and blockaded Masulipatam from the sea. The Qutb Shah dismissed his governor and invited the Dutch to return to Masulipatam. The reason for the Qutb Shahi sultans action was that the Dutch possessed a preponderance of naval strength that was able to threaten an adversary from the sea without exposing themselves to any significant dangera capability that no other European power in India could lay claim to at that time. The Dutch trade from Masulipatam amounted to Rupees 600,000 per year throughout most of the 17th century. In 1660, the Dutch opened a factory in Golconda, whose chief merchant also doubled as the ambassador to the Qutb Shahi king. One of the key commodities traded from Golconda to the Netherlands and later to Britain was diamonds. Map of Hyderabad state, c. 1730, H/t Wikipedia, UM Clement Library . So that Dutch merchant was almost certainly in Hyderabad seeking diamonds. But maybe also indigo dye and textiles, which he is shown in turn offering to baby Jesus. And the court painter, having been commissioned by the king to do a nativity scene, obligingly incorporated the trader into the painting, a common practice. It is unlikely that the painting was commissioned by the foreigner it stayed in India until a British officer purchased it. It just shows that the Prophet Jesus (`Isa in Arabic) had acquired another connotation in the Renaissance period, being associated with the expanding maritime trade empires of the Christian Europeans. The Dutch had just displaced the Portuguese, who can be seen in earlier miniatures. The painting is a reminder that Christmas is not parochial not northern European, as it is often conceived in the US, but a global commemoration of a global event. Not only do Muslims celebrate Jesus as a holy figure, but many Hindus also respect him (and more used to before the rise of Hindutva, Hindu nationalism). And Jews who live alongside Christians often have Christmas trees, even if they cant go along with Christian beliefs about Jesus, who after all was born and bred a Jew. Christmas should be for celebrating rebirth and renewal and hope, in a world that desperately needs all three, for Christians and for everyone. Reddit Email 196 Shares A Washington Post investigation found Israels evidence falls short of showing that Hamas used the facility as a command center. By Jake Johnson | ( Commondreams.org) The Israeli military launched a deadly assault on Gazas largest hospital last month on the grounds that the facility concealed a sprawling Hamas command center. But a detailed Washington Post investigation by By Louisa Loveluck, Evan Hill, Jonathan Baran, Jarrett Ley and Ellen Nakashima published Thursday found that the evidence Israel has presented in support of its claim falls short of demonstrating that Hamas used the al-Shifa Hospital Complex for any significant military operations. U.S. President Joe Biden, who repeated the Israeli governments claim about al-Shifa, has not released any evidence to support the assertions. The claims were remarkably specificthat five hospital buildings were directly involved in Hamas activities; that the buildings sat atop underground tunnels that were used by militants to direct rocket attacks and command fighters; and that the tunnels could be accessed from inside hospital wards, the Post noted. But the newspapers examination of material released by the Israel Defense Forces, satellite imagery, and open-source visuals did not turn up anything resembling the concrete evidence that the IDF promised. Turns out the Shifa hospital wasnt a Hamas headquarters. Turns out the Israelis lied, MSNBCs Mehdi Hasan wrote in response to the investigation. Turns out the Biden administration and U.S. intelligence were wrong. Whod have guessed, he added sarcastically. Well, a lot of us. According to the Post: The rooms connected to the tunnel network discovered by IDF troops showed no immediate evidence of military use by Hamas. None of the five hospital buildings identified by Hagari appeared to be connected to the tunnel network. There is no evidence that the tunnels could be accessed from inside hospital wards. Israels raids on al-Shifa sparked international alarm, with United Nations officials warning at the time that the IDFs attack would put the lives of patients, healthcare workers, and displaced people at severe risk. Dozens of peopleincluding several newbornsdied during and following the IDF raids. The Young Turks: Probe Unveils NO Evidence That Al-Shifa Hospital Was Hamas Command Center Hospitals are protected under international law, with military attacks on them prohibited unless they are used to commit an act harmful to the enemy. The Posts probe indicates that Israel has not produced nearly enough evidence to justify stripping al-Shifa of its protected status. Less than 24 hours after Israeli forces entered the complex, the IDF released video footage showing spokesman Jonathan Conricus walking through the radiology unit. Behind an MRI machine, he points out what he calls a grab bag containing an AK-style rifle and an ammunition magazine, the Post reported. Photos released by the military later that day purported to show the full haul of weapons recovered at the hospitalabout 12 AK-style rifles, in addition to magazines of ammunition and several grenades and bulletproof vests. The Post was unable to independently verify to whom the weapons belonged or how they came to be inside the radiology unit, the newspaper added. The BBC also scrutinized the video footage released by the IDF and similarly concluded that the evidence didnt match the Israeli governments description of al-Shifa as an operational command center for Hamas. The Post went on to analyze IDF visuals showing the entrance to a tunnel shaft in a northeast corner of the hospital complex near the specialty surgery building, which was seen as a potential sign of Hamas activity below al-Shifa. But after mapping the path of the tunnel and comparing the tunnel routes to an IDF map purporting to detail Hamas command center infrastructure, the Post found that none of the five buildings highlighted by the IDF appear to connect to the tunnels, and no evidence has been produced showing that the tunnels could be accessed from inside the hospital wards. If you dont end up finding what you said you were going to find, that justifies skepticism as to whether or not your assessment of military value in conducting the operation was legitimate, Geoffrey Corn, a law professor at Texas Tech University and a former senior law of war adviser to the U.S. Army, told the Post. Its certainly not conclusive. The ultimate question is whether the assessment of military advantage was reasonable under the circumstances. Al-Shifa is one of a number of Gaza hospitals that Israeli forces have attacked since October as part of what one U.N. official described as the IDFs unrelenting war on the territorys healthcare system. Just nine of Gazas 36 hospitals are still functioning. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the World Health Organization, said Friday that northern Gaza currently has no functional hospital. WHO will keep striving to supply health facilities in northern Gaza. But without medicines and other essential needs, all patients will die slowly and painfully, said Tedros. More than ever, a humanitarian cease-fire is needed now to reinforce and restock remaining health facilities, deliver medical services needed by thousands of injured people and those needing other essential care, and, above all, to stop the bloodshed and death. Reddit Email 76 Shares Yoav Litvin is an Israeli-American doctor of psychology/neuroscience, a writer and photographer. ( AlJazeera ) On October 7, Hamas fighters breached the Gaza prison fence, launching a coordinated attack on at least seven Israeli military installations and more than 20 surrounding residential communities. Over 1000 Israeli citizens, both civilian and military, as well as dozens of foreign nationals, were killed in the attack. Some 240 others were taken captive. Caught off guard and in disarray, the Israeli military responded to the attack in a frenzy, firing indiscriminately on breached localities, slaying Israeli captives alongside Hamas fighters in the process. It took the Israeli forces nearly a day to recapture all lost territory and secure the Gaza perimeter. Following Hamass unprecedented incursion, Israels public relations apparatus launched a misinformation campaign aimed at inciting fear and fury and began to spread unverified atrocity propaganda. The campaign, involving tales of babies being beheaded en masse, burned and hung on a clothesline, helped transform the Israeli publics shock into genocidal tribalism and diverted attention from Israels political, intelligence and military blunders that paved the way for the attack in the first place. The campaign also helped the government garner crucial public support for mass mobilisation of reserve units which made the consequent full-scale ground invasion of the Gaza Strip possible. After securing unconditional military, political and diplomatic backing of its imperial sponsors in the West, most notably in Washington, and under the pretext of countering Hamas and rescuing captives, Israel then initiated what has since been accurately described as an AI-guided mass assassination campaign in Gaza. Ten weeks on, most of Gaza is now destroyed, nearly 20,000 Palestinians are dead with many more still under the rubble, and the world continues to watch a genocide unfold in real time. Examining these events through a behavioural-neuroscientific lens could offer insights into the Zionist settler colonialist dynamic in general and the particular motivations behind Israels current genocidal acts in Gaza, as well as potential paths forward. The pillars of Zionist propaganda In response to historical trauma, Jewish people have a deep fear of anti-Semitism. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this fear, along with disdain for oppressors, led to the formation of autonomous Jewish self-defence groups in various geographies. Zionism, a European colonial movement, recognised the potential of this dynamic. It syncretised Jewish longing for safety and self-defence with white supremacist, messianic and fascistic ideologies. This synthesis birthed a new, nationalist Jewish identity that equates Jewish safety with the construction of an exclusivist homeland in Palestine through the displacement of the regions Indigenous populations. Settler colonial endeavours typically depend on depicting the targeted territory as uninhabited, and its existing inhabitants as inhuman barbarians unworthy of any land. This portrayal allowed Zionists to displace the Indigenous population of Palestine without moral qualms, portraying the establishment of Israel not as the destruction of a people but as the construction of a villa in the jungle. Within the Israeli society grounded in land and resource theft, offensive aggression under the guise of self-defence (as in Israel Defence Force) has been rewarded and reinforced from the very beginning and consequently became a routine part of life. By reinstating fear and hijacking trauma associated with past and present negative experiences of Jewish people, Zionist leaders ensured the settler populations continued support for aggressive, expansionist, hegemonic, genocidal policies and shielded their corruption and other criminal endeavours from public scrutiny. To maintain Israels violently oppressive status quo and expand the territory of the settler colony, Zionists opportunistically conflated their colonial ideology with Judaism. CBC News: Israel expands offensive in south Gaza as airstrikes kill more than 90 Palestinians Citing divine dispensation, radical, far-right settlers have been encouraged to seize hilltops on Palestinian land, expel those living there, and form illegal outposts. These outposts are later fortified by the Israeli military and eventually legalised by the Zionist state. Beyond justifying violent land theft, the conflation of Zionism and Judaism serves to delegitimise Indigenous resistance by equating any criticism of Zionism or Israels policies towards the Palestinians as an attack on Jews. Further, it hinders anticolonial resistance by portraying a political struggle over land and resources between occupying settlers backed by imperial forces and an Indigenous-occupied people as a supposed ancient religious conflict between equals. This conflation encourages Zionist appropriation and exceptionalisation of Jewish victimhood. Israeli hasbara presents the Holocaust as an unparalleled genocide, granting Jews special victim status. This narrative justifies privileges, discounts and allowances for Israel as the Jewish state constructed to ensure the safety of Jews, at the expense of Indigenous Palestinians. Notably, Zionist revisionism often neglects and downplays Nazi crimes against other oppressed groups, including communists, socialists, Roma, disabled individuals, LGBTQI and African Germans. The liberal wing of Zionism serves to whitewash the reactionary core of the movement and conceal its true objectives expansionism and apartheid. Misleadingly, Liberal Zionists portray Zionism as an ideology aligned with democratic, progressive values and human rights, falsely projecting a genuine commitment to peace, justice and full integration into the Middle East. Fear and genocidal fervour Until October 7, Israel upheld its founding aspiration, enforcing a doctrine of endless occupation while oscillating between implicit and explicit forms of genocide, the latter often described as mowing the lawn in reference to Israels periodical attacks on Gaza since its 2005 withdrawal from the besieged Palestinian enclave. During this time, Israeli Zionists reaped the benefits of Palestinian land and its resources in a modern, affluent, supposedly democratic consumer paradise, fostering robust connections and identification with white US and Europe and oil/cash-rich Gulf monarchies, rather than its immediate neighbours. On October 7, intense fear and shock gripped Israeli society, presenting Benjamin Netanyahus far-right government with a golden opportunity to quash rising dissent against corruption, and please his coalition membe rs with a genocidal land grab. Fear in Israel is sustained through militarisation, anti-Palestinian narratives, reframing resistance as terrorism, remembering past atrocities, focusing on perceived threats and promoting segregation, ie, apartheid. Chronic fear induces symptoms akin to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), making the Israeli population prone to aggression masked as self-defence. The toxic mix of fear, dehumanising propaganda, rewards for aggression and intense apartheid has bred a lack of empathy in Israelis toward Palestinians. Despite claiming the Gaza conflict as self-defence, Israeli leaders openly blame Palestinian society as a whole, essentially sanctioning collective punishment of civilians. Daily, Israeli institutional leaders mock Palestinian culture and cheerlead the torture, displacement and annihilation of Palestinians, revealing a disturbing genocidal mindset. The path forward On October 7, the carefully constructed Zionist facade of incremental genocide within a liberal/democratic framework collapsed, exposing Israels genocidal and fascistic core. Zionists in Israel and beyond did not mourn the end of this charade, and instead celebrated their newfound freedom to kill and destroy Palestinians without any restraint or pretence. This development not only poses a threat of elimination to the Palestinian people but since the Occupied Territories are used as a laboratory for the development and testing of new military technology and strategies, it could also set the stage for similar violent escalations against oppressed communities in the Global South as well as against BIPOC and immigrant communities within the Global North. Israels genocidal behaviour in Gaza and elsewhere in historic Palestine resonates with patterns seen in the Stanford prison experiment and the Milgram obedience study. In the latter, individuals, swayed by authority, had administered potentially lethal shocks to other participants. For Zionists to break their addiction to aggression, they would need to go through a process of deprogramming and decolonisation. This would require them to embrace the truth about the history and nature of Zionism, commit to sincere accountability, recognise the humanity of Palestinians, and empathise with their suffering and plight. Once the oppressive structure, Zionism, is disassembled, it can be effectively dismantled, paving the way for a process of rehumanisation and reconciliation through the use of empathy. Liberation, reconciliation and an end to Israels genocidal violence can only be achieved within a steadfast and unwavering anti-Zionist framework that aligns with wider leftist, antiracist, anticolonial values. Dedicated to the late Palestinian poet Refaat Alareer. Reprinted from AlJazeera with the authors permission. The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras or Informed Comments editorial stance. Bryan Figueroa cooks steak at a tent encampment in a field next to the Near West District (12th) police station in the Little Italy neighborhood on Dec. 8, 2023. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune) Even after being offered a bed in a city-run shelter multiple times since getting to Chicago from Ecuador in September, Jeancarlos Bosquez refused to take it. Instead, the 25-year-old and his friends, two migrants from Venezuela, got a tent big enough for all three of them, fortified it with wood sticks, wrapped it in a tarp to protect it from the rain and cold, and put carpet on the ground. They also added a microwave and a small fridge, making it their home outside of the Deering District (9th) police station. Advertisement Most mornings they would get up early and make coffee on a small electric stove they connected to an outlet outside the station. And other times, they would cook lunch and dinner on an old grill. Estabamos bien ahi. We were doing fine there, Bosquez said on a recent December morning. Advertisement If it wasnt for the cold, we wouldnt mind living there all the time, he said. But the cold hit, and the city stepped up its efforts to get migrants into shelters, fueled by advocates calls for more dignified treatment of migrants. But many migrants like Bosquez, who had created a community outside some of the stations, and even in parks, felt displaced and unheard. They wanted to stay. Some migrants have left city shelters despite the cold, returning to police stations or spaces where they know that the tent community infrastructure remains. Many say that conditions inside shelters are dire and dangerous and that they prefer to brave the cold, noting rules that do not provide them a viable way out of shelters, as well as tension among the thousands of migrants, and bad food. Experts say that once winter weather subsides and and a city policy capping shelter stays at 60 days takes full effect, migrants will resort to creating those types of spaces commonly known as settlements as they have in other Latin American countries. When Bosquez was told by volunteers that he needed to dismantle the tent, he was angry. Instead of hopping on the bus to a shelter, he and his friends resorted to the Near West District (12th) police station, where a small tent city has been established on an adjacent piece of land. They found an abandoned makeshift house and quickly rebuilt it. Jeancarlos Bosquez walks Dec. 8, 2023, into the shelter he built for himself in the field next to the Near West District (12th) police station in Chicago's Little Italy neighborhood. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune) The insulated interior of Jeancarlos Bosquez's shelter next to the Near West District (12th) police station. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune) The house was erected as a perfect square with wood, wrapped in boards, pieces of carpet, docks of blankets, and tarps. A piece of clear plastic served as a window and layers of heavy blankets made up the door of the house right next to the police station at 1412 S. Blue Island Ave. Just two days later, Bosquez said, they were forced out into a shelter. Advertisement We had no other option, he said. But he and his friends dont anticipate staying there very long, he said, hoping that warmer weather comes soon or that he and his friends can find an apartment. He prefers to live in a settlement. More than a dozen other migrants, mostly single males, stayed in the micro tent city next to the station. The settlements, known as asentamientos in Spanish, are a way of life for many migrants, who often set up micro-communities in vacant land, building houses out of materials they find in the garbage, living off the little money that they make and creating their own economy mostly based on making and selling traditional food, cutting hair, doing nails, braiding hair and even tattooing. A way of life During the summer, life outside some of the police stations across the city was vibrant. The sound of sweet Latin melodies intertwined outside the Deering station with chatter in Spanish, laughs and sometimes the cry of a child. Many of the children played, running from one end to the other. A man swept the whole area, picking up the garbage throughout the station. Advertisement The group had created a makeshift kitchen on the corner of the station, behind a row of port-a-potties. There, some of the women took turns making food. Most times, they made arepas, a traditional Venezuelan dish, to share with their fellow migrants. They would sometimes get the ingredients from people who stopped by to donate them or they would gather money among themselves or buy them. Pruebela! Try it, a woman told one of the volunteers as they talked about getting their kids enrolled in school. Next to them, a man had set up a space to cut hair. A young boy approached him and sat on the table. He hadnt gotten a haircut since we left, his mother laughed. The man said he was a barber back home, in Venezuela, and he was making money by offering his compatriots haircuts for a minimal price. Advertisement We dont mind it here, the mother said. People come here to help us, they give us food, clothes, and everything that we need. Throughout the summer, many of the people that were sent to shelters, would return to the Deering station during the day to leave their children while they worked, to find food, or to be in the community, said Gabriela Castillo from the Brighton Park Neighborhood Council, which helped to address the needs of the migrants at that station. Its a way of life that has been normalized by the Venezuelan community in Colombia over the last decade, said Brayan Lozano, a migrant from Colombia who served as a human rights advocate and community organizer in his native country. Before coming to Chicago, Lozano worked for about five years at a Venezuelan settlement in Barranquilla, Colombia, under the AmeriCares Foundation, a global nonprofit organization focused on health and development for individuals affected by poverty, disaster or crisis. Migrants listen in to Brayan Lozano, foreground, outside the Chicago Police Departments Central District (1st) station on Oct. 6, 2023. Lozano, an asylum seeker from Colombia, became a leader of the mutual aid group at the station. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune) When he arrived in Chicago in May, Lozano quickly became an essential member of the mutual aid groups that have stepped in to help the migrants arriving at police stations since he understands the culture and can recognize their needs and limitations. He has served as a consultant to city leaders, advising on how to deal with the crisis, he said. He identified the pattern when several migrants in the Central District (1st) station would purposely leave when city buses showed up to pick them up to transport them to a shelter. For many, the shelters most now in empty warehouses or other buildings are not hotel rooms, as they expected, Lozano said, so they are resorting to what they deem as more comfortable for them and what they are used to culturally. Advertisement The trend is rooted in the socialist political and socioeconomic policies in Venezuela, Lozano said. Many grew up in a community that has handed them what officials believe they need whether it be enough or not, but its always been given to them, he said. Para muchos, es un circulo vicioso. For many, it is like a vicious cycle, he said. They want to change their life, get ahead, but simply dont understand how to do that because they dont have that knowledge. He said migrants in Chicago must receive help to feel empowered to work and get ahead and fewer of the handouts that can make them feel too comfortable where they are. He said that the 60-day limit in shelters will encourage some to find a way out, identify resources, and find a job and permanent place to live, but it will inevitably push some to the streets, where they may fall into what Chicago identifies as homelessness. Anyone living in an unsheltered setting or in a shelter is considered homeless by the city and counted in the citys annual Homeless Point-in-time Count, according to Mary May, the spokesperson of the Chicagos Office of Emergency Management & Communications. According to May, the city and mutual aid volunteers have focused their engagement on people in the tent locations outside police stations, but as migrants have been moved out of the stations, some of the focus will shift to homeless-outreach teams. Advertisement We cant force anyone to enter a shelter. However, we have made multiple attempts to single individuals and families to enter shelters not only to get out the cold but tor receive the benefits, May said. The Chicago Coalition for the Homeless has not yet taken into account different living conditions of migrants, said Sam Paler-Ponce, the interim associate director of policy. Paler said they intend to release a comprehensive report in the new year, estimating the total number of people experiencing all forms of homelessness. The most recent report, however, shows a 37% increase in homeless individuals in the Chicago area. Bryan Figueroa adds crumbs to steak for grilling at the tent encampment in the field next to the Near West District (12th) police station in the Little Italy neighborhood on Dec. 8, 2023. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune) While some choose to live in the streets, others say they are being forced out of the shelters due to what they say are strict rules, maltreatment by staff members and poor conditions in city-run housing. Alfredo Puma, 37, told the Tribune a week ago he was living in a tent in a park outside the Albany Park District (17th) police station because he wasnt allowed inside the city-run shelter with his family. His wife and five children were moved to a shelter at 3034 W. Foster Ave. after his daughter was quarantined at a different shelter for chickenpox. Advertisement 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, according to city data. Pumas family is from Ecuador. They fled their home country for political reasons, Puma said. He used to run a vibrant business. Puma said he was confused and angry that he couldnt stay at the shelter. Instead of going to a shelter for singles across town, Puma made the decision to stay in a tent outside. There is a small encampment of other migrants who have made similar decisions. Theyve strung a tarp over a camp stove and settled on the wood chips of a playground near the police station in Albany Park. Its terribly cold. I want to go to the shelter. It shouldnt be like that, he said. But at least here, Im close to my family. I love my family. His wife, Maria Gevara, 33, said being from Ecuador, she and her children feel like outsiders at the shelter. They miss their father. Advertisement I dont like their way of life. No me gusta la forma de vivir ahi, she said about the Venezuelans she now cohabitates with. For now, the family has had to adjust to a life where their dad lives away from them. On Dec. 13, the mother and father gathered some food from Pumas encampment and got on a bus to pick up their kids from schools near the shelter. Some advocates and volunteers worry about the well-being of the children when parents chose to stay in encampments or spend the day with them begging for money or looking for work in the cold weather. Erika Villegas, who had been leading mutual aid efforts in far South Side stations since May, said she had to persuade some migrant parents to go into the shelter, explaining to them the danger they could face living in a tent. If theyre an adult, they can go ahead and do that, but you cannot if you have children, Villegas said. The encampment next to the Near West police station is still vibrant, though quieter because of the cold. Most people only return to sleep, spending their days working elsewhere. Advertisement Bosquez and his friends had to leave, but more migrants decided to stay. On a recent Friday afternoon, the group turned on a grill and used an old pot to make eggs for some children who had come with their mother from the shelter in Pilsen. Their mother, who did not want to be named because she feared retaliation from staff members, said she frequents the encampment because she feels more comfortable there. We can make food here and I feel safer, she said. Her children ran around wearing large jackets while some of the men cooked eggs and prepared steaks to grill. As he prepared to cook the meat, Bryan Figueroa, from Venezuela, said that he went into a shelter for a day and immediately left. Migrants in Chicago Weekly By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy > There are fights, robberies and sickness inside the shelters, he said. Theyre also not allowed to cut hair, make food or do nails to keep their economy going. Advertisement Esta horrible ahi, Figueroa said. Thats a place for complacent people, we need the flexibility to work and move forward. Most have made a living out of construction jobs, waiting at hardware stores. Figueroa said that he needs a warm place to live but is not willing to go into city-run shelter. Instead, he planned on staying at the encampment until he could raise enough money to rent a place for the winter. That may change if it snows, he said, laughing. Chicago Tribune reporter Nell Salzman contributed. larodriguez@chicagotribune.com Major General of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Dmytro Marchenko noted that there are fewer and fewer volunteers in Ukraine who want to join the Armed Forces to resist the enemy. However, the military, who have been fighting since the beginning of the full-scale war, need rest and replacement. ADVERTISIMENT Marchenko said this in an interview with DW. He noted that he supports lowering the mobilization age from 27 to 25 years and emphasizes that the increase in the Armed Forces reserve will be carried out in stages. "People don't really understand how those who have been fighting for two years feel. They need to rest, so we need to involve reserves. I think that by working together with local governments, police, and the military, we will be able to convey to our male half of Ukraine that we need to resist. If we do not finish this war, we will not have another chance," said Major General Dmytro Marchenko. He noted that the conscription of persons liable for military service will be carried out in stages and according to a clear distribution and plan of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The major general also added that the occupation forces suffer significant losses at the front, but are replenishing them very quickly. ADVERTISIMENT "The enemy suffers very heavy losses, but has learned to replenish them quickly. And we have to do our best to keep up with this pace. It is not very fair when men aged 50-55 go to war, while 25-year-olds do not mobilize. If you look at those fighting on the other side, the majority are young men," Marchenko said. Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine Mykhailo Fedorov said that there would be no calls for military service for Ukrainians through Diia. As a reminder, NSDC Secretary Oleksiy Danilov explained that recruitment would be voluntary, with Ukrainians realizing that their specialty is needed by the Defense Forces. As OBOZ.UA previously reported, a number of categories of citizens may lose the right to deferment, including police officers and other security officials. This also includes students and employees of the education system. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information is available on OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! A Vancouver Island marmot named Bluebell, is seen in this handout photo in June 2023. The Vancouver Island marmot is one of the most endangered species on Earth. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO, Adam Taylor *MANDATORY CREDIT* The U.S. is facing a significant mental health crisis that has united us in our efforts to make positive changes across the health care ecosystem for those in need of care. As health care providers and experienced clinicians, we hope our joint dedication to addressing barriers to care and expanding digital services to those experiencing mental health challenges can make a lasting impact and start to improve health outcomes. To that, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) recently received more than 38,000 public comments on its proposed telemedicine rules. Subsequently, the Agency, jointly with the Department of Health and Human Services, released a year-long extension of its allowance for telehealth providers to continue to offer controlled substances through telehealth. While we appreciate this extension, we believe there is already adequate information to allow the DEA to move forward with permanent policy including responsible guardrails against abuse as its crucial to expanding access to care and ensuring patients receive adequate, safe support throughout their health journeys. How we got here With our deep experience treating patients with mental health needs and oversight of more than 1,600 mental health professionals who treat hundreds of thousands of Americans each year, we have an important perspective to share on the regulation of prescribing controlled substances through telehealth. It has been more than 14 years since Congress, recognizing that telehealth is an important part of expanding access to mental health services, gave the DEA authority to create a separate process for approving the prescribing of controlled substances through telehealth. That process is called a special registration and is meant for providers who would apply and, if approved, be permitted to use telehealth to prescribe certain controlled substances. This was meant as an additional guardrail to the existing DEA registration to protect against illicit diversion that may occur online. After avoiding using this authority for more than a decade, the DEA granted flexibility for prescribing via telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic to avoid lapses in care. Providers were allowed to prescribe controlled medications via telemedicine even when an in-person medical evaluation wasnt conducted for the patient. This included stimulants and other medications approved and clinically appropriate for the treatment of mental health and substance use disorder conditions. Eventually, the Agency published a draft regulation on how prescribing via telehealth could continue after the pandemic. The Agency, still not using the authority given to them to create a special registration, instead created a regulation that caused an outcry. The issue with access The outcry is a result of the growing mental health crisis across the U.S. The number of adults with any mental illness increased from 39.8 million to 51.5 million, a nearly 30 percent increase over 11 years, which only continued to worsen during the pandemic. In parallel, the U.S. is experiencing a provider shortage. Only 28 percent of people in the U.S. live in an area with enough psychiatrists and other mental health professionals available to meet the needs of the population. Other barriers to care include high costs, social or cultural stigma, lack of awareness, fear of unfamiliar care, health system complexities, and distrust of providers. Each barrier prevents access to quality, safe care that many Americans are in need of today. As a result of untreated mental health conditions, people become more prone to physical illnesses, experience unnecessary disability and inappropriate incarceration, suffer from substance abuse, and have poorer quality of life, amongst many other challenges. The economic cost of untreated mental illness is also more than 100 billion dollars each year in the United States. The path forward Fortunately, the DEA has committed to listening to patients, providers, families, and others impacted by mental illness and re-work the regulatory proposal to better balance safe prescribing with access to care. This is not an easy job, but we believe there is a clear solution: going back to Congresss intent for a special registration should be the basis for the road forward. Modifying the normal DEA registration with enhanced guardrails can achieve the twin goals of access and safety. We have presented the Agency with a variety of guardrails that can be implemented alongside a special registration, including requiring regular virtual patient visits, ensuring only providers trained in the prescribing of controlled substances can offer them, and limiting the total number of controlled substance prescriptions. Finally, we believe our approach takes care not to create additional and undue burdens on the practice of medicine while requiring reasonable policies to maximize the effectiveness of a special registration. These include streamlining the normal DEA registration and the enhanced telehealth registration, ensuring that additional barriers to care across state lines are not created as part of this process, finding an appropriate balance for reporting to the DEA, and providing clarity to pharmacies on their roles and responsibilities when filling telemedicine prescriptions. For many Americans, telehealth is their only viable path to treatment, be it from provider shortages, stigma, or the many other barriers to care. We call on others to join in our vision for a reasonable path forward to continue mental health treatment for patients in need. Our recommendations in detail can be found here. We welcome all to join us in the pursuit of safe, accountable mental health treatment through telehealth. Georgia Gaveras is a physician executive. As of 9:00 a.m. on December 24, there are no Russian terrorist army ships in the Black and Azov Seas. At the same time, the aggressor country continues to violate the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea. ADVERTISIMENT Putin's troops still keep missile carriers in the Mediterranean Sea. This was reported by the Ukrainian Navy Command. As of the morning of December 24, there are no Russian ships in the Black and Azov Seas. There are 4 enemy ships in the Mediterranean Sea, including 2 Kalibr cruise missile carriers with a total volley of up to 16 missiles. The Ukrainian Navy also noted that over the past day, more than ten ships sailed through the Kerch Strait in favor of the terrorist country. Eleven vessels entered the Azov Sea, 4 of which were heading from the Bosphorus, and two vessels entered the Black Sea. In addition, the occupiers continue to violate the 1974 International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) by disabling automatic identification systems (AIS). According to the Ventusky weather service, a powerful storm continues to rage in the Black Sea as of the morning of December 24. Waves are reaching 2.5 meters off the coast of the temporarily occupied Crimea. ADVERTISIMENT As a reminder, in 2023, with the help of naval strike drones, Ukrainian soldiers were able to push the Russian fleet away from the Ukrainian coast and force enemy ships to flee the Sevastopol Bay in the temporarily occupied Crimea. Earlier, British intelligence said that Russia wants to "catch up" with Ukraine in the development of kamikaze maritime drones. In 2024, the invaders want to establish mass production of such equipment. 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. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information on our Telegram OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Subscribe to The Podcast by KevinMD. Catch up on old episodes! Join Frances Mei Hardin, an otolaryngologist, as we delve into the world of distress tolerance in medical residency training. Discover practical techniques, real-life anecdotes, and evidence-based practices to help residents navigate the intense and challenging environment of medical training. Learn how distress tolerance skills, including radical acceptance and TIPP techniques, can be valuable tools for maintaining well-being and enhancing patient care. Frances Mei Hardin is an otolaryngologist. She discusses the KevinMD article, Skills for resident physicians to increase distress tolerance. Our presenting sponsor is Nuance, a Microsoft company. Do you spend more time on administrative tasks like clinical documentation than you do with patients? Youre not alone. Clinicians report spending up to two hours on administrative tasks for each hour of care provided. Nuance, a Microsoft company, is committed to helping clinicians restore the balance with Dragon Ambient eXperience or DAX for short. DAX is an AI-powered, voice-enabled solution that helps physicians cut documentation time in half. DAX Copilot combines proven conversational and ambient AI with the most advanced generative AI in a mobile application that integrates directly with your existing workflows. DAX Copilot can be easily enabled within the workflow of the Dragon Medical application to bring the power of ambient technology to more clinicians faster while leveraging the proven and powerful capabilities used by over 550,000 physicians. Explore DAX Copilot today. Visit https://nuance.com/daxinaction to see a 12-minute DAX Copilot demo. Discover clinical documentation that writes itself and reclaim your work-life balance. VISIT SPONSOR https://nuance.com/daxinaction SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended GET CME FOR THIS EPISODE https://earnc.me/l8SvnZ Powered by CMEfy. 242 Shares Share A recent article in the Macomb Daily reported that a Shelby Township doctor was convicted last Thursday of all counts for conspiring to distribute more than 300,000 opioid prescription pills valued at over $6 million, following a trial in U.S. District Court in Ann Arbor, according to federal authorities. This sounds very serious on its face. But without context, the public, and even we, have no idea what this means. Three hundred thousand pills over a period of ten years to a thousand patients would be an average of 2.5 pills per patient per month. If its only to ten patients over a ten-month period, then thats 100 pills per day, and that would seem excessive, I think. Not the least because its not a practical number for the patient to keep track of. But what if these were 5 mg oxycodone tablets for ten patients dying of terminal brain cancer metastatic to the bone? 500 mg of oxycodone would be 750 MDE, but if thats what it takes to make the suffering of these poor souls tolerable, even the CDC would agree that the normal limits do not apply. Indeed, what if this doctor was only treating cancer patients, and he was using a more conventional fentanyl patch at the maximum of 100mcg/hr.? Which would be 240 MDE according to the MDCalc.com converter. If this doctor was only treating cancer patients as described and he was prescribing this medication as usual, he would only need to treat 104 patients in one year to reach the 300,000 number. But the errors are much worse than that. The article goes on to say that the doctor issued more than 300,000 dosage units of Schedule II opioid prescriptions that had a street value in excess of $6.3 million, according to trial testimony, officials said. Now, we see a big problem if we look closely. The doctor did not prescribe 300,000 pills. He prescribed 300,000 dosage units, which would, of course, be morphine dose equivalents (MDE). An MDE, as we know, is a fraction of a pill. The 5 mg oxycodone mentioned above is 7.5 MDE as the oxycodone ratio is one to one point five, which would mean only 40,000 pills. However, the most commonly prescribed medication for pain is still hydrocodone 10/325. With the hydrocodone ratio being one to one, that means that just one pill of the most commonly prescribed pain medication is 10 MDE. If all the doctor ever prescribed was this weakest of the most commonly used chronic pain medications, that would reduce the number of pills from 300,000 to 30,000. That makes a big difference. Now, just 1,875 patients treated for just 12 months at one pill every six hours or QID, the standard dose, would bring the doctor to 300,000 MDE. Context has taken what the public would perceive as an out-of-control pill pusher to a pain doctor whose prescribing is perfectly normal for moderate chronic pain, but if hes treating patients with bone cancer, his prescribing would be so conservative as to put him at risk of a trip to Nuremberg. This is not an accident. I have been told by a respected historian researching the opioid crisis that the DEA told him personally that a morphine dose is equivalent to a pill or patch. It is my understanding that reporters have been told the same thing. The DEA knows or should know better than this. If they do know, then they are actively and intentionally lying to the American public and poisoning the potential jury pool. If they do not know, then they are too misinformed to have the power to arrest physicians who treat pain. Lets look a little further. The physician, age 74, was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to illegally distribute pills such as Oxycodone, Oxymorphone, and Percocet, and 19 counts of illegal distribution of Oxycodone. And goes on to say, (He) was the only prescribing doctor who primarily prescribed 30 milligrams of Oxycodone, 40 milligrams of Oxymorphone, and 10 to 325 milligrams of Percocet, three of the most addictive prescription opioids and among the most highly diverted prescription opioids due to their high street value, officials said. Did some official really make such an asinine comment? 10 to 325 milligrams of Percocet? Or is the reporter too ignorant of medical issues to hear the statement properly? Percocet has 10 milligrams of oxycodone and 325 milligrams of acetaminophen. Thats Tylenol! Now, the public is being told that the doctor was prescribing what would almost certainly be a lethal dose of hydrocodone when, in fact, this is a common combination pain medication. Finally, the article goes on to say that the doctor issued more than 300,000 dosage units of Schedule II opioid prescriptions that had a street value in excess of $6.3 million, according to trial testimony, officials said. What expert said that? That would be $21 per MDE. So hydrocodone 10/325 goes for $210 on the street! I dont think it has gotten that bad. If more knowledgeable scientists and physicians dont start speaking out, these false statements will stand unopposed. The prosecutor went on to say, My office remains committed to doing what it can to hold doctors and other health care professionals accountable when they illegally feed the opioid epidemic by writing illegal opioid prescriptions, rather than helping to address the terrible impact the opioid epidemic has had on our community, he said in the press release. We will pursue drug dealers whether they are peddling drugs on the street or while wearing white coats in a medical office. Physicians will spend decades in prison, not because they did anything unreasonable, but because politicians and law enforcement have no clue about the actual practice of medicine, and most of the media cannot be bothered with fact-checking what those in power tell them. 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. There have been calls to suspend timber log imports in light of concerns about the threat posed by the great spruce bark beetle to Irish forests. The great spruce bark beetle is spreading through Great Britain at the moment and doing enormous damage to forestry there. It poses a huge threat here in Ireland to our forests, and it is not something we should take lightly, said Deputy Jackie Cahill who is chair of the Oireachtas Agriculture Committee. All possible precautions must be taken in order to avoid further damage to our forestry here in Ireland. Bark beetle has the potential to do catastrophic damage to the forestry industry here. The IFA Farm Forestry Chair Jason Fleming also called for an import suspension because of the non-native bark beetle. Biosecurity measures must be of the highest standard at our ports. If we do not have the appropriate safety mechanisms in place to protect our forests from the bark beetle, then a ban on timber imports from the affected regions is the only option in my view, said Deputy Cahill. Mr Fleming said: Farmers have seen the devastation caused by bark beetles elsewhere in Europe, specifically the spruce bark beetle, and are extremely worried that not enough is being done by the Department to protect their forests, particularly when you consider the financial devastation that could be inflicted. Mr Fleming said IFA wrote to Minister Hackett weeks ago calling for the immediate establishment of a bark beetle taskforce to review the biosecurity measures. The lack of a response from the Minister shows that she has not taken on board the mistakes made in relation to ash dieback, and the need for effective and immediate action when it comes to forest pests he added. The Russian terrorist army continues to build fortifications on the temporarily occupied territory of the Zaporizhzhia region. The invaders are digging new trenches near Tokmak and Melitopol. ADVERTISIMENT In addition, Russian troops have actually repeated the tactics of the German Nazis who came to Ukraine under the leadership of Adolf Hitler. This was reported by Melitopol Mayor Ivan Fedorov on Telegram. According to him, Russian troops are turning the occupied cities of the Zaporizhzhia region into "fortified fortresses." In particular, Tokmak has been surrounded by trenches from all sides. At the same time, Russians are building trenches in the area of the temporarily occupied Melitopol not only from Vasylivka but also from the Crimean peninsula. Fedorov noted that six months ago, the enemy built only a few defense lines around the city, but now there are solid fortifications. Fedorov also pointed out that the Kremlin's murderer Vladimir Putin is repeating the tactics of dictator Adolf Hitler and is trying to build a defense along the Wotan line. However, the German Nazis failed to hold on then, just as the Russians will. ADVERTISIMENT It is worth noting that during World War II, the German Nazis built a strategic defense line on the territory of Ukraine called the Panther-Wotan Line. According to Hitler's plan, this line of defense was supposed to serve as a deterrent to the enemy. However, in 1943, the fortifications were destroyed, after which the liberation of right-bank Ukraine from the Nazis began. Earlier, it was reported that the occupiers had set up a "film studio" in the temporarily occupied Melitopol. Russian security forces regularly film propaganda videos to demonstrate to Russians that "Nazis" allegedly live in the occupied territories. ADVERTISIMENT As OBOZ.UA previously reported, the enemy continues to terrorize residents in the temporarily occupied Melitopol in Zaporizhzhia. They have a special "attitude" towards those people who have not received a Russian passport. Only verified information is available on our Telegram OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! I receive some similar emails but there is a background to this . . that I cannot disclose that makes it so powerful. All the best to you all for your holidays Kiwibloggers politicians media educators etc then please hit the ground running for the children of NZ for 2024. Please keep in mind back to the basics (even teaching them brilliantly) will not work for all it will just restore us to 75% doing okay and children who are anxious, dyslexic, autistic, sensory deprived in their first 5.75 years (in many cases through poverty or family dysfunction) will still be out in the cold. A world-class system is world class for everyone. Please read the two emails word-for-word it is a template for good. Children will return to schools in NZ when they know they are loved, purposed and that the school day is worth their time in every way. Best Alwyn Poole Innovative education Consultants www.innovativeeducation.co.nz www. alwynpoole.substack.com www.linkedin.com/in/alwyn-poole-16b02151/ Hi there Alwyn and Merry christmas to you and your family. I want to relay to you something Joe said to me recently because positive feedback is always a good thing huh! Joe is now studying at Northern Health School and he's doing great having gone thru a difficult time at selwyn (I should say the staff there were very caring and tried hard to accommodate him but for various reasons mainstream school caused him a lot of mental health issues). Anyway when we agreed that he would move to Northern Health School Joe told me that he had realised that the teachers at MHMS had truly understood how to teach him to suit his learning style. He said he felt that he hadn't had the life experience and maturity when he was younger to recognise this. In fact he had only come to the realisation once he'd experienced a big mainstream school. Whilst he got teacher aide support at Selwyn he said they didn't usually have a lot of knowledge of the topic they were helping him with (which was frustrating), he found it difficult to capture the teachers' attentions when he had questions and he spent all his time trying to explain to them that the way they were teaching wasn't suiting how his brain worked and so it was impacting on his opportunities for learning. Joe has developed into a fine eloquent young man who can advocate for himself. He is interested in chemistry and the law and I just thought it would be a nice thing to give you and your team some credit for the important part you played in. getting him to where he is now. Thanks and all the best! Sally From: Alwyn Poolealwyn.poole@gmail.com> Date: Sun, Dec 24, 2023 at 1:55 PM Hello Sally What you describe is exactly why I established MHMS in the first place. For children of all dispositions to find their niche, their keys to development and understand that their uniqueness/differences are purposed and that embracing them is a key to fulfillment. I have no way of truly comprehending what you guys went through but please tell Joe I am so proud of the progress he is making. Please reach out any time you think I can be of use. Best and thank you so much for this communication it means plenty. Alwyn Poole Innovative Education Consultants www.innovativeeducation.co.nz www. alwynpoole.substack.com www.linkedin.com/in/alwyn-poole-16b02151/ Share this: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Reddit WhatsApp More Pinterest Print Tumblr 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. Since the beginning of the full-scale war in Ukraine, many models of Western air defense and artillery systems have been put into service. However, weapons alone are not enough as regular supplies of ammunition and missiles for anti-aircraft missile systems are needed too. ADVERTISIMENT The Russian occupiers, in particular, are familiar with this situation, so they regularly carry out missile and drone attacks to deplete the stocks of missiles for air defense. This was stated by former British intelligence officer Frank Ledwidge in an interview with NV. According to him, after Russia's full-scale invasion, the Ukrainian army is gradually switching to Western air defense systems. Ukrainian sky is already being protected by Patriot, NASAMS, SAMP/T, Iris-T and other Western systems. At the same time, the intelligence officer noted that Ukraine faces a shortage of anti-aircraft ammunition. The Russian occupiers understand this, so regular missile and drone attacks are aimed, in particular, at depleting the stocks of missiles for air defense systems. Ledwidge is confident that the Ukrainian military will not exhaust them completely. However, there is a possibility that the defenders will have to decide what to defend. ADVERTISIMENT "That means you may have to shoot down an Iranian Shahed drone worth $20,000 with a Patriot system if the target is valuable enough. The value of the target, not the value of the weapon system, is taken into account. If there is a shortage of ammunition, Ukraine will have to make tough decisions," the British intelligence officer said. The analyst believes that the situation with anti-aircraft ammunition may become more complicated by the end of winter. In addition, there is an acute shortage of artillery ammunition. "Without enough ammunition to fire at the enemy, you cannot fight them. Russia seems to be doing a little bit better now," Ledwidge said. As a reminder, Germany has handed over the second Patriot air defense system to Ukraine. It was delivered to our country along with spare parts and missiles. The air defense system is part of a new military aid package announced by Germany on December 14. ADVERTISIMENT Earlier, it was reported that the combination of a shortage of artillery ammunition and delays in Western security assistance is likely to force the Ukrainian Defense Forces to cut corners. This could delay future Ukrainian counteroffensives at the front. Only verified information on our Telegram OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! By Hippolyte Fofack CAMBRIDGE For decades, Africa has been the worlds most commodity-dependent continent. At the same time, it has become overly reliant on imports from the rest of the world: intracontinental trade accounts for only 15 percent of total African trade, compared to 60 percent in Asia and 70 percent in the European Union. Worryingly, imports of manufactured goods into African countries have grown by more than 25 percent over the decade ending in 2022. The continents import dependency can be explained primarily by the dearth of African industrial entrepreneurs. And Africas projected population growth and burgeoning middle class suggests that this dependency will only grow in the medium term, with significant implications for macroeconomic stability, unless local actors begin driving innovation and creating new products and services to meet the needs and desires of domestic consumers. The problem, however, is not sustained import growth per se, especially when the rise of global value chains and increasing fragmentation of production have reduced the power of exports as a driver of short-term demand. Instead, the main issue is that African countries are participating in global value chains largely through backward activities, systematically exporting natural resources and primary commodities and importing manufactured goods, an imbalance that drains wealth away from the continent. For African fossil fuel-producing countries, the carbon-intensive round-tripping model of exporting crude oil and importing refined petroleum has been costly, resulting in immense deadweight losses and foreign-exchange leakages. In Nigeria, for example, the opening of a much-anticipated oil refinery could save the country $26 billion annually. Moreover, in an era of hyper-globalization when intermediate goods account for 50 percent of global trade, African countries high level of forward participation in global value chains has scuttled prospects for structural transformation and shrunk the continents share of global trade to around 3 percent. It has also perpetuated the unhealthy correlation between growth and commodity-price cycles, resulting in increased exposure to global volatility and persistent structural current-account deficits. While limited access to finance has been cited as a binding constraint on African economic development, what if the chronic deficit of entrepreneurs is equally limiting? After all, entrepreneurship, which improves competitiveness and business efficiency to lower prices for consumers, has become a leading driver of innovation and growth in many countries in recent decades. And Africa lags behind in this area: in the latest edition of U.S. News and World Reports Best Countries for Entrepreneurship, the continents highest-ranked country, South Africa, places only 44th. One top-ranking country on that list, which includes some of the worlds wealthiest and most complex economies, is Singapore. Recently, companies based in the city-state have pursued major growth opportunities across myriad sectors and industries in Africa, highlighting the continents entrepreneurship deficit. The Tolaram Group, for example, created the instant-noodle market in Nigeria, producing 4.5 billion packets annually and generating almost $1 billion in annual revenue. Compared to more diversified and higher-ranking countries like Singapore, where tight labor markets have pushed unemployment to natural rates, a shortage of industrial entrepreneurs may be doubly costly for Africa, where persistent widespread poverty and high unemployment fuel insecurity and migration pressures. For example, the unemployment rate is at Great Depression-era levels above 30 percent in two of the continents largest economies, Nigeria and South Africa. In other countries, economic informality think of street vendors hawking imported toothpicks, candles, cell phones, and batteries has become a form of disguised unemployment. An increase in entrepreneurship on the continent would generate wealth more sustainably, expand employment, and reduce migration flows. In many African countries, industrial entrepreneurs, in particular, could help diversify sources of growth, improve the current-account balance, and broaden the tax base. This, in turn, would expand countries fiscal space, improve debt sustainability, and gradually ease the constraints associated with capital scarcity. Moreover, when the rules of origin for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) are finalized, they will serve as an industrialization passport enabling made-in-Africa goods to circulate duty-free. This would provide local entrepreneurs with a much-needed boost to operationalize continental trade integration and enhance Africas economic dynamism. But to take full advantage of the economies of scale and the growth opportunities provided by the AfCFTA most notably the drastic reduction of risk associated with investing in smaller markets African entrepreneurs need the support of entrepreneurial states. Fostering business environments that ensure a level playing field for all participants, together with policy coordination at the regional and continental level, would go a long way toward increasing Africa direct investment and stimulating the development of robust regional value chains. African policymakers must also implement financial reforms to eliminate the credit rationing that has long undermined entrepreneurship. Finance is the lifeblood of business; yet, expressed as a percentage of GDP, domestic credit to the private sector has remained very low across Africa, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, where it averaged 37.1 percent of GDP in 2022. By contrast, the GDP share of domestic credit to the private sector in the ten countries that US News and World Report ranked as being the best for entrepreneurship ranges from 83.6 percent in Germany and 129.5 percent in Singapore to 175.9 percent in South Korea and a whopping 216 percent in the United States. In addition to providing easy access to capital, the most successful and enterprising countries share other important attributes: technological expertise, highly skilled labor, well-developed infrastructure (both physical and digital), transparent business practices, and comprehensive legal frameworks. They are also globally connected and fully integrated into value chains, often as manufacturing powerhouses. According to an African proverb, it takes a village to raise a child. Likewise, it will take a host of industrial entrepreneurs and proactive entrepreneurial governments to transform African economies and improve their global engagement with the rest of the world. Supporting local entrepreneurship is the surest path to a more self-reliant and prosperous continent. Hippolyte Fofack, a former chief economist and director of research at the African Export-Import Bank, is a former World Bank economist, a research associate at the Harvard University Center for African Studies, and a fellow at the African Academy of Sciences. This article was distributed by Project Syndicate (www.project-syndicate.org). By Jung Min-ho AirAsia passengers bound for Malaysia were stuck at Incheon International Airport for more than 27 hours due to technical malfunctions, government officials said on Sunday. According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, its flight carrying 315 passengers had been initially scheduled to take off at 7:35 a.m., the previous day. But airline staff opened the boarding gate for passengers some 18 hours after an issue with its engine was rectified. Just before leaving the airport, another technical error surfaced. Due to the protracted delay, the pilot permitted the passengers to leave the airplane at around 3:20 a.m., Sunday, and 50 of them did. After being stuck inside the plane for an additional seven-and-a-half hours, the remaining 265 people departed Incheon at 10:50 a.m. bound for Kuala Lumpur International Airport. An official told reporters that the ministry has been checking whether the Malaysian airline complied properly with the guidelines regarding such issues and took appropriate measures for the passengers affected. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. The aggressor country, the Russian Federation, may conduct a military invasion of European countries in the winter of 2024-2025. In particular, this may happen at a time when the United States will temporarily be left without a stable political leader. ADVERTISIMENT This was reported by the German publication BILD, citing its own source in the intelligence service. According to the intelligence services, Russia may strike at Europe at the very moment when the United States will be "without a leader" and will be able to come to the aid of European states only after some delay. That is the period between the resignation of the current US President Joe Biden in early November 2024 and the inauguration of his potential successor in January 2025. At the same time, the Russian authorities expect that Donald Trump will once again occupy the US presidency, since "anything can happen under him." In one of his recent interviews with German media, Boris Pistorius also said that Berlin has 5-8 years to restore the former strength of its army. As a reminder, Admiral Michael Hofmann, Commander of the Belgian Armed Forces, believes that the aggressor country Russia may open a second front in Europe in the future. After Ukraine, Moldova or the Baltic states may become the Kremlin's next target. ADVERTISIMENT 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 OBOZ.UA Telegram and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Ranchi (Jharkhand) [India], December 24 (ANI): As a part of their ongoing campaign against "conversion," the tribal communities in Jharkhand's Ranchi staged a protest demanding the "delisting" of converted tribals from the Scheduled Tribals (ST) list. The mega protest was organised under the banner of Janjantiya Suraksha Manch (JSM), an affiliate of the RSS-backed Vanvasi Kalyan Kendra. Also Read | SBI Clerk Prelims 2023: Exam Schedule Released For Recruitment of 8283 Posts at sbi.co.in, Check Details. The protestors were seen holding placards demanding the "delisting" of converted tribals from the ST list. "All tribals from across the state have gathered here to demand that all the converted tribals should be removed from the ST list," a protestor told ANI. Also Read | Nagpur: Depressed Over Wife's Death, Man Dies by Suicide. The JSM has been demanding that all the tribals who were converted to Christianity or Islam, be stripped off their ST status so that the additional benefits do not reach their doorsteps. Earlier on Saturday, several civil rights groups jointly wrote to chief secretary L Khiangte, state and district police administration, seeking a special vigil for the tribals rally. The civil rights bodies, in the letter, alleged that the rally was "deliberately" planned just a day before Christmas to create communal disharmony. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Ayodhya (UP), Dec 24 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a roadshow and address a public meeting after inaugurating an airport in the temple town of Ayodhya on December 30, officials said on Sunday. He will also inaugurate the redeveloped railway station in Ayodhya. The airport will be inaugurated ahead of the consecration ceremony at the Ram temple on January 22. Also Read | Madhya Pradesh Horror: Woman Assaulted, Set Afire by Brother-in-Law for 'Revenge' in Ratlam; Accused Arrested (Watch Video). According to an official, the roadshow will cover a distance of about 15 km between the airport and the railway station and pass through Dharam Path, Lata Mangeshkar Chowk, Ram Path, Tedhi Bazaar and Mohabra intersection. Ayodhya District Magistrate Nitish Kumar told PTI, "The prime minister will inaugurate the Ayodhya airport first and then he will move to the railway station in a roadshow." Also Read | Union Sports Ministry Instructs Indian Olympic Association To Form Ad-Hoc Committee To Manage and Control Affairs of WFI. At the railway station, he will flag off Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat trains. The prime minister will then return to the airport by road and address a public meeting there. On the route of the roadshow, cultural programmes will be staged at 51 places and sages and sants will bless the prime minister. The first flight to Ayodhya is scheduled to reach at 11.20 am after taking off from Delhi at 10 am. The prime minister will also lay the foundation of a five-kilometer-long flyover between the railway station to the airport. Modi is also expected to visit the famed Hanuman Garhi Temple. (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 24 (PTI) A court in Maharashtra's Thane district has convicted three persons accused of kidnapping a newborn from a government hospital and sentenced them to five years and six months of rigorous imprisonment. Additional sessions judge GG Bhansali found the accused Gudiya Sonu Rajbhar (43), her husband Sonu (49) and Vilas Kailas Srivastav (57) guilty of charges under section 363 (kidnapping) and 308 (attempt to commit culpable homicide) of the Indian Penal Code. Also Read | Bengaluru: Pregnant Woman Found Dead, Child Critical After Inhaling Gas From Geyser; Second Such Incident This Year. Additional public prosecutor Varsha Chandane informed the court that on January 14, 2018, Gudiya kidnapped a baby boy within four hours of his birth from the labour ward of a government hospital and took him home. The police later traced the accused and found the baby and restored it with its parents, she said. Also Read | Madhya Pradesh Horror: Woman Assaulted, Set Afire by Brother-in-Law for 'Revenge' in Ratlam; Accused Arrested (Watch Video). The accused couple had planned to hand over the infant to the third accused Srivastav, the court was told. Eighteen prosecution witnesses, including the police and experts, were examined during the trial. The judge, in his order, noted that a newborn baby was a sucking child, and the company of a mother and breastmilk is equivalent to oxygen. The court observed that the accused couple were parents to six children and had been in jail since 2018. Hence, it was appropriate to impose punishment for the period they had been in jail. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi, Dec 24 (PTI) The Vishva Hindu Parishad Sunday wrote to Delhi LG Vinay Kumar Saxena, urging him to declare a public holiday on January 22 so that all devotees of Lord Ram can witness the "historic" consecration ceremony at the Ram temple in Ayodhya. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and thousands of saints have been invited for the consecration ceremony to be held on January 22. Also Read | Madhya Pradesh Horror: Woman Assaulted, Set Afire by Brother-in-Law for 'Revenge' in Ratlam; Accused Arrested (Watch Video). The event will be aired live on various TV channels and social media platforms. "On January 22, Pran Pratistha is going to be done in the new temple at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya. Crores of Ram bhakts in India and abroad will be witness to the occasion. All Ram bhakts want to relish this historic moment," the VHP's Delhi unit president Kapil Khanna and secretary Surendra Kumar Gupta said in a letter to the Delhi LG. Also Read | Union Sports Ministry Instructs Indian Olympic Association To Form Ad-Hoc Committee To Manage and Control Affairs of WFI. There should be a public holiday on January 22, 2024, so that all Ram devotees can enjoy the moment. "Hence we urge you to declare January 22, 2024, a public holiday," they said. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) In a significant development, three Naxals were killed in a fierce gunfight with security forces in the jungle area between Tumakpal and Dabba Kunna villages at the Dantewada Sukma Border. The bodies of the three Naxals were recovered following the encounter. In addition to this, the police also seized arms, ammunition, and other Naxal-related materials from the site. The incident marks a major breakthrough in the ongoing efforts to curb Naxal activities in the region. Chhattisgarh: Jawan Injured After Stepping on IED Amid Encounter With Naxalites in Bijapur District. Naxals Killed in Chhattisgarh Chhattisgarh | 3 naxals killed in fierce exchange of fire between security forces and Naxals in the jungle between Tumakpal & Dabba Kunna village at Dantewada Sukma Border area. bodies of 3 Naxals recovered. Arms & ammunition and Naxals related materials were also recovered: ANI MP/CG/Rajasthan (@ANI_MP_CG_RJ) December 24, 2023 (SocialLY brings you all the latest breaking news, viral trends and information from social media world, including Twitter, Instagram and Youtube. The above post is embeded directly from the user's social media account and LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body. The views and facts appearing in the social media post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY, also LatestLY does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.) A pair of decades-old, oceanfront hotels have been purchased by the same company, paving the way for them to be renovated and combined into one larger Jersey Shore 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 offer over 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 Aug. 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 currently undergoing renovations that include updating rooms, renovating the pool and Madison-brand standards to the entire property. 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 and 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. What started as simple updates to the doo-wop style building grew into a much larger demolition and rebuild renovation, according to Madison Resorts. Rooms have been completely rebuilt, the pool has been entirely renovated, exterior railings have been updated and a deck was removed to incorporate unobstructed ocean views. The Oceanview motel was originally 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 boast three restaurants, two pools, five conference rooms, two rooftop event spaces, complimentary beach service for guests and also be pet friendly, the company said. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Matthew Enuco may be reached at Menuco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Matt on X Its Christmas Eve and Santas sleigh is on the way! If youre wondering where Santa is right now (and when you can expect him where you live), the NORAD Santa tracker is here with live updates for 2023. The interactive map below will be continuously updated throughout the day with the whereabouts of Santa Claus. (Cant see the map? Click here.) According to NORAD, Santa starts at the International Date Line in the Pacific Ocean and proceeds west. The exact route may be unpredictable, but he usually arrives between 9 p.m. and midnight local time. Remember: He only stops when kids are sleeping! If youre awake, hell come back later. Pennsylvania officially cleared Santas reindeer for flight last week at Hersheypark. But its the North American Aerospace Defense Command which usually tracks aircraft, missiles and vehicles for the U.S. and Canada that tracks his position every year on Christmas Eve with a stable of volunteers staffing phone lines and social media accounts for the annual NORAD Tracks Santa program. The tradition started in 1955 when an ad in a Colorado Springs newspaper published an incorrect phone number for children to talk to Santa. According to NORAD, which was then the Continental Air Defense Command, the published number instead went to the commander-in-chiefs operations hotline. The colonel fielded a call from a curious child and directed his staff check the radar for indications of Santa making his way from the North Pole. This image provided by NORAD shows NORAD's Santa Tracker. The North American Aerospace Defense Command is responsible for monitoring and defending the skies above North America. (NORAD via AP)AP Santas flight map will go live at www.noradsanta.org starting at 6 a.m. Eastern time. The website is available in nine languages. Live phone operators will field calls at 1-877-HI-NORAD starting at 8 a.m. Eastern. There is also the NORAD Tracks Santa app for Apple and Google devices; through social media on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram; and via Bing, Amazon Alexa and and OnStar services. How does NORAD track Santa? NORAD uses the same technology that tracks planes and missiles for tracking Santa Claus. According to publicly available information, the North Warning System of radar installations across northern Canada and Alaska watch for signs that Santa has lifted off from the North Pole. Then orbiting satellites pick up the infrared signature from Rudolphs shiny nose. Fighter jets will then intercept Santa near Newfoundland to welcome him to North America by tipping their wings. Santa can outpace any fighter but will slow down and offer a wave to allow the pilots to escort him through national airspace. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@lehighvalleylive.com. Egypts foreign minister Sameh Shoukry headed on Thursday morning to Eritrea to deliver a message from President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi to his counterpart Isaias Afwerki and to tackle regional challenges, including developments in the Horn of Africa and Gaza. New safety work is being planned at Ballyadams National School. Fianna Fail Cllr Padraig Fleming asked for a number of measures at the school at a recent meeting. He tabled a motion requesting that Laois County Council carry out safety measures at Ballyadams National School to include a new railing on part of the footpath from the school to the carpark, minor passing bays for pedestrians and to upgrade road markings. Also, to move back further the flashing school light on the car park side as the current position is too close to the school to be effective following a meeting with school management and parent representatives. He said the councillors had a meeting at Ballyadams with the parents' representatives and management of the school which he described as very positive. Cllr Fleming expressed concern about the safety of children in the area. He said the footpaths down to the carpark, they are away from the school. The younger children, the four, fives and sixes, they kind of run on the path and theres nothing to keep them on the path and it can be dangerous for the kids there, he said. He said the railings would keep children on the paths but he thinks the path will need to be widened first. They are only 1.2 metres wide. If you take out a bit of the ditch it would be nearly enough, said Cllr Fleming. In response to the motion, Senior Executive Engineer, Philip McVeigh said Laois County Council recently met with the school management and representatives for the school and will arrange for the installation of new road markings on the approach to the school as soon as possible. Works on the footpath and passing bay could be carried out pending agreement with the adjacent landowner. The flashing school lights have been referred to the Councils public lighting section for review. Cllr Fleming said flashing lights were placed too close to the school and needed to be moved back. Independent Cllr Aisling Moran seconded the motion. It is good to see that we can now actually put in a few bits in the same area, she said, although she questioned the number of elements in the single motion. Cllr Fleming and Fianna Fail Cllr Paschal McEvoy both said it was a single motion and had been treated as such. The issue was discussed at the latest meeting of Portarlington Graiguecullen Municipal District. Maynooth University is proud to announce the establishment of the new W.A. Barrett Scholarship in Engineering. This scholarship has been developed through the generosity of Earthridge International and the Barrett Family to commemorate the late William Anthony (Tony) Barrett. As an inspiring leader and local businessman, Tony was committed to supporting people to develop and progress and he possessed a strong interest in the field of engineering throughout his life. Earthridge International and Barretts of Maynooth were established by Tony Barrett in 1978 and today remain family-owned national leaders in the plumbing and heating sector in Ireland. The W.A. Barrett Scholarship in Engineering provides 3,000 to two eligible first year undergraduate engineering students who are taking a Level 8 course that is accredited by Engineers Ireland at Maynooth University. The first two scholarship recipients were presented with their awards at the Entrance Scholars Ceremony which took place at Maynooth University in October this year. The Entrance Scholars Ceremony celebrates first year students who are in receipt of several categories of scholarships including 2023 Entrance Scholars, the 2023 Music Scholar, and this year included the first W.A. Barrett Scholarships in Engineering which were awarded to Jekaterina Makarova and Adam Hubert Kaczynski. Both Jekaterina and Adam are first year BE Electronic Engineering students. Maynooth University was also be joined by members of the Barrett family, including Tonys wife, Bridie, at the Entrance Scholars Ceremony. The 2023 Graduates of the Teagasc/UCD Level 7 Professional Diploma in Dairy Farm Management course were presented with their diplomas at an awards ceremony at Teagasc Moorepark on Tuesday, December 19. The awards were presented by Dr Anne-Marie Butler, Head of Education at Teagasc and Associate Professor in Dairy Production Professor Karina Pierce from UCD. Professor Karina Pierce congratulated the 10 participants who graduated at the ceremony, commenting on the knowledge and skills the graduates have developed over the last two years and wished them well in their dairy careers. Dr Anne-Marie Butler congratulated the graduates and their families on the significant achievement. Dr Butler explained that these graduates join an elite group of skilled and vibrant fellow graduates who have completed the course over the last decade and are now leaders within the Irish dairy industry. Dr Butler acknowledged the significant contribution of Teagasc research, education and advisory staff in delivering the programme as well as the commitment from host farmers who run successful farm businesses, while also providing invaluable mentoring to students and very generously share their time and private farm information with students. The Overall Student of the Year award from the Professional Diploma in Dairy Farm Management course went to Tommy Dillane from Ardagh, County Limerick. The Grassland Student of the Year award went to Linda Pfennig from Callan, County Kilkenny. This aerial picture taken on May 14, 2023, shows a general view of PT. Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park (IMIP), one of the biggest nickel producers in Konawe Utara. RIZA SALMAN / AFP At least 13 people were killed and 46 injured in eastern Indonesia on Sunday, December 24, in an explosion at a Chinese-funded nickel-processing plant, the owner of the industrial park that hosts the facility said. The accident occurred around 5:30 am at a plant owned by PT Indonesia Tsingshan Stainless Steel (ITSS) in the Morowali Industrial Park in Central Sulawesi province, a spokesperson for the complex said in a statement. He identified the dead as eight Indonesians and five Chinese workers. "The confirmed number of fatalities is 13 people, consisting of nine Indonesian workers and four workers from China," the spokesperson said in a statement, revising the number of the fallen foreign workers down one to four. Forty-six other victims were injured, mostly due to exposure to hot steam, he said. About 29 victims were referred to a government-run hospital in Morowali district, while 12 others were under observation at a clinic in the industrial complex and five people were receiving outpatient care. An investigation showed the explosion happened during repair work on a furnace, which was closed for maintenance, when residual slag from the furnace flowed out and came in contact with flammable materials around the location. The fire was extinguished Sunday morning, according to the statement. The island of Sulawesi is a hub for the mineral-rich country's production of nickel, a base metal used for electric vehicle batteries and stainless steel, and Beijing's growing investment has stoked unrest over working conditions at its facilities. Tsingshan Holding Group, the world's biggest nickel producer and China's biggest stainless steelmaker, holds a majority stake in ITSS. ITSS is a tenant in the industrial park, which is also majority-owned by Tsingshan along with local partner Bintang Delapan. Safety fears The firm that runs the industrial park said it was "deeply saddened by this disaster, particularly for the families affected." It said the remains of several identified victims had been flown home. Acting Morowali district head Rachmansyah Ismail earlier told broadcaster Kompas TV that as of Sunday afternoon 25 of the injured -- 15 Indonesians and 10 foreign nationals -- had been immediately rushed to hospital after the blast. Seventeen were seriously injured while eight suffered moderate injuries, he said. In January, two workers including a Chinese national were killed at a nickel smelting plant in the same industrial park after a riot broke out during a protest over safety conditions and pay. In June a fire at the same plant left one dead and six others injured, in another incident that has stoked concern over safety at facilities funded and operated by Chinese companies. The facility where the riot and fire took place is operated by PT Gunbuster Nickel Industry (GNI), a local unit of China's Jiangsu Delong Nickel Industry. Read more Article reserve a nos abonnes Full steam ahead for China's Belt and Road Initiative in Indonesia Moldovan President Maia Sandu addresses participants of a rally and concert to celebrate the European Union's decision to open membership talks with Moldova, in Chisinau, Moldova, December 17, 2023. VLADISLAV CULIOMZA / REUTERS Moldovan President Maia Sandu on Sunday, December 24, said she would seek a second term next year as she looks to steer the country to EU membership. "We still have important steps to take and I promise to continue if you give me your confidence for a new term in 2024," she said in a post on Facebook. She also asked parliament to "initiate the organization of a referendum [on EU membership] next autumn, in which the voice of the citizens would be decisive." European Union leaders agreed earlier this month to open formal membership negotiations with Moldova and neighboring Ukraine. Sandu has said this opened a "new page" for the country of 2.6 million people that borders Ukraine and EU member Romania. Sandu, a 51-year-old former World Bank economist, is leading polls for the presidential vote to be held by late next year. A poll earlier this month put her support at some 30%, ahead of Russia-friendly ex-president Igor Dodon at 24%. Sandu defeated Dodon at the end of 2020 to become president. Moldova's current pro-EU government has condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine and alleged that Moscow was behind a plot to try and overthrow it. Read more Article reserve a nos abonnes Pro-Russian interference campaign targets Moldova on Facebook "Moldova is full of surprises," "Moldova Live," "Inspiration from Moldova": A number of curious Facebook pages about the nation located between Ukraine and Romania have appeared in recent months. Their names are mostly in Romanian, but some in Russian, and they present themselves as journalistic or news pages, sporting Moldovan colors and posting extensively about local politics and the economy. According to data shared with Le Monde by the NGO Reset, these fake pages have been used as part of an interference campaign since July 2023 to defend pro-Russian figures and their interests in Moldova, using Facebook advertisements. Manipulative operations of this kind are not uncommon. According to Reset, though, this one stands out for the significant resources invested. The campaign's estimated advertising budget is between 198,000 and 280,000, said the NGO almost a quarter of all spending on Facebook political ads in Moldova since 2020. A preliminary report seen by Le Monde lists 605 ads identified since July, garnering at least 155 million views. Read more Article reserve a nos abonnes As the post-Soviet space looks elsewhere, Moscow keeps a watchful eye Attacking the European Union The campaign's main objective is promoting the Moldovan investments of Ilan Shor, the famous pro-Russian oligarch who fled the country and is now subject to both American and European sanctions for his links with the Russian authorities. "Ilan Shor's team repaired the roads on Trandafirilor Street in Orhei. The potholes have been filled in, the asphalt repaved and the road markings redone," boasts an advertisement on the "Moldova Live" page, bought for a price of over 1,500 and seen by almost a million people. Screenshot of a sponsored post on the "Moldova Live" page, identified by the NGO Reset. RESET Some content identified by Reset was also distributed prior to the local elections on November 5. The posts promoted the candidates of Chance, a pro-Russian organization and clone of Shor, the former political party to which the exiled oligarch gave his name. Although the Chance party was banned from taking part in the elections prior to the poll, a Moldovan court recently overturned this decision. The campaign also aims to attack the European Union (EU) and the Moldovan government, at a time when the country is making further efforts to draw closer to the EU. The European Commission has recently come out in favor of opening negotiations for its accession to the EU. In October, for example, the "Patriots of Moldova" page broadcast a video of Shor claiming that European monetary aid to the country was a decoy and a trap, and that Moldova had to develop on its own. Texts in Russian and Romanian You have 45% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only. A Ukrainian soldier near the front line in Donbas, eastern Ukraine on December 9, 2023. RAFAEL YAGHOBZADEH FOR LE MONDE The meeting took place in Astana on November 9. It was a private affair, in Kazakhstan's gilded presidential palace, a building typical of the architecture favored by leaders of former Soviet countries. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev had just wished Vladimir Putin, who he was receiving on a diplomatic visit, a happy birthday. The two presidents were seated behind lecterns. Tokayev introduced the session: "Allow me to begin by thanking the highly respected Vladimir Vladimirovich." A simple message, but spoken in Kazakh. Although Kazakh along with Russian is the country's official language, this was a first. You only had to look at the faces of the Russian delegation, eyebrows raised as they searched for the translation screen, to understand the significance of these 25 seconds the time taken by Tokayev to switch back to Russian. "Tokayev would never have allowed himself such an initiative before the war in Ukraine," said Temur Umarov, a researcher at the Carnegie Center and specialist in the foreign policy of Central Asian states. "It's both a continuation of Kazakhstan's policy of national assertion and a clear message that the country is not ready to blindly follow Russia." Tokayev had already got that message across. In June 2022, at Putin's side in Saint Petersburg, the Kazakh president warned that his country had no intention of recognizing Russia's annexations of Ukraine, unless it wanted to see the world descend into "chaos." Six months earlier, it was thanks to the intervention of Moscow's troops that Tokayev had saved his seat, threatened by huge riots. These signals from Astana are all the more revealing given that Kazakhstan has always been extremely cautious in its dealings with Russia, which it regards as its most important partner in Central Asia, if not its most important ally. The reactions of Russian diplomats do little to mask the turmoil that has gripped Moscow. Commenting on French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Kazakhstan a few days before Putin's, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expressed his annoyance in a television appearance: "The European Union makes no secret of its intention to contain us in every possible way, to drive us out of Central Asia and the South Caucasus. It won't work." Today, Russia finds itself on the defensive in these two regions which, along with the former Soviet countries of Eastern Europe, form what Moscow calls its "near abroad" a concept that aptly describes the strength of the embrace, from which only the Baltic States have managed to extricate themselves without too much damage. The war in Ukraine has sent shockwaves unprecedented since the collapse of the USSR, upsetting the balance of power, sometimes imperceptibly, sometimes brutally. You have 85% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only. Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content. Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist. If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter . Support our mission and join our community now. WE asked some famous Limerick faces about their favourite Christmas songs. Sinead O'Brien PATRICKSWELL native, influencer and entrepreneur Sinead OBrien is best known for her shapewear business Vacious. The influencer's favourite Christmas song reflects her late dad, Dermot, who passed away in March. Sinead said: O Holy Night by Adolphe Adam has to be my favourite as it reminds me of my dad. I have been singing for so many years now and it is my favourite song to perform. My dad used to loved it when I sang it and my mam loves it too. The influencer also enjoys the Christmas classic Fairytale of New York by The Pogues. Sinead said: When I hear this song it is the start of Christmas for me. It is one that gets everybody up and moving and it is a sure sign the festive season has begun. It gives me all the Christmas feels. When you hear those first three notes, you know it is Christmas. It was the first Christmas song I heard this year and it got it off to a good start. And wiith The Pogues front man Shane MacGowan passing away this November we are sure to be hearing the Christmas classic more than usual. Reece Creed REECE Creed is an up-and-coming influencer from Limerick. He is known for his style, confidence and chatty get ready with me videos. The holiday season is a time when Reece loves to shine more than ever as the festivities bring out the joy in the influencer. Reece explained his favourite song is one that encapsulates Christmas for him. Reece said: One of my favourite Christmas songs is Last Christmas by Wham! My mother loves George Michael and she was always playing it around the house. I always remember it being on around the house when I was younger waiting for Santa. I love that it is having a resurgence on social media especially on TikTok as it has been all over my feed and it just proves how timeless it is. The fashion on show is also a factor for the stylish influencer as to why this song is his favourite. Reece said: In later years I have watched the music video and I just adore the aesthetic of it. I love the clothes they wore and George Michaels hair. I just think it is all so fabulous. No matter the occasion we can count on Reece celebrating in style. Brianna Barry BRIANNA Barry is an influencer and is best known for her relatable content on Instagram. Brianna is a student nurse and shares her life as a student and an influencer. Showcasing the best of both worlds, Brianna, originally from Brazil, has grown an Irish and specifically a Limerick following. The influencer grew up in Limerick and has so many special Christmas memories from her early years. Brianna said: My favourite Christmas song has to be, I saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus by The Jackson 5 because I used to sing it in the car with my granny all year when she would collect me from primary school. Ed Roche ED ROCHE is best known for presenting Fully Charged with Valerie Wheeler, a breakfast show on Spin South West. Ed is from Cork but moved to Limerick to pursue his dream in broadcasting. Eds birthday is Christmas Eve, December 24 and everything about the holiday is extra special for the presenter. Ed said: This is a very hard task to pick my favourite Christmas song as I love Christmas music. I love the carols, all the pop numbers, the sad songs, so to narrow it down to one is a task, however, Shakin' Stevens - Merry Christmas Everyone is my favourite. I just love it. It is a happy, feel-good tune and when I think of it I think of joy and that is what Christmas is all about. Ed continued: I remember the first time I heard it at a little disco I went to as a kid and I remember everyone having a good time so I know that is my favourite song. Chloe Koyce DOORADOYLE influencer Chloe Koyce is best known for her beauty tutorials and more recently becoming Irish brand ambassador for makeup brand Flormar. The influencer grew her following on social media during the pandemic while working as a makeup artist for big cosmetics brand MAC, in Brown Thomas Limerick. The influencer loves Christmas and takes everything to do with the holiday very seriously. Chloe said: Michael Buble is played all year round in our house, however, Fairytale of New York by The Pogues is my favourite Christmas song. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. I just love it, everybody does. Although Chloe and her siblings are older now, the magic of Christmas is still all around. Chloe said: The first thing we do in the morning is get our stockings and sit on the bottom of my parents bed and open them, it is so magical and has to be my favourite time. Sophie La Touche LIMERICK influencer Sophie La Touche is best known for her hilarious Instagram stories. Sophie grew her following during the pandemic and was best known for her segment 'Sophie's Secrets'. The segment allowed people to open up and confidently share their secrets. Sophie won people over with her personality and people follow her for her quick wit and charm. Sophie's favourite Christmas song is a classic and one everybody knows when it comes on. Sophie said: My favourite song is Mariah Carey's All I Want For Christmas Is You. That is when it feels like Christmas for everyone. It is the first sign of Christmas for me and you always see social media posts with the song and I absolutely love it. When it comes on in a club everyone gets involved and it just brings everyone together. It is always one you hear and you know it is Christmas. It is just so timeless. Christmas will look a little different for Sophie this year as her uncle sadly passed away this year, however, Sophie said: We will be together as a family and it will be a little easier. TWO MEN were were being questioned about the seizure of 21 million worth of cocaine on a cargo vessel at Foynes Port earlier this week have been charged by investigating gardai. Five men - aged 50, 46, 44, 41 and 35 years - were arrested on Friday morning while a sixth, whose aged 32, was arrested on Friday evening. In an update, issued this Christmas Eve, a garda spokesperson said: "Two men (aged 32 and 35) have been charged in connection with this investigation and are expected to appear before a special sitting of Limerick District Court this (Christmas Eve) afternoon. Four other individuals arrested as part of this investigation have been released without charge and files are being prepared for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. Earlier this week, it was confirmed that 300kg of cocaine was seized onboard the Verila (pictured) on Tuesday. The vessel sails under the flag of Malta but it's understood is is Bulgarian-owned. The ship, which has now been formally seized by Revenue, had travelled from Montreal Canada, having left on Saturday, December 9. Investigations are ongoing. More than 50 countries that are home to half the planet's population are due to hold national elections in 2024, but the number of citizens exercising the right to vote is not unalloyed good news. The year looks set to test even the most robust democracies and to strengthen the hands of leaders with authoritarian leanings. Sam Altman-backed startup Humane has recently introduced its inaugural product, Ai Pin, on November 10. This innovative wearable gadget deploys AI technology, offering a unique approach by minimizing user interaction time. Unlike conventional consumer tech products, Ai Pin boasts a displayless design, relying instead on voice and laser ink technology to efficiently convey information through an AI chatbot. Humane emphasizes enabling users to swiftly access information, allowing them to concentrate on the present moment. Recently, the company disclosed that the product is scheduled for shipment to consumers starting March 2024. In a formal announcement via its official X account, Humane expressed excitement, stating, We are thrilled to announce that Ai Pin will start shipping in March 2024. All of us here at Humane can't wait for you to experience your Ai Pin, the world's first wearable computer powered by Ai. We're incredibly grateful for the enthusiasm and support, especially from our earliest supporters." Humane additionally disclosed its plan to prioritize the dispatch of products to customers with priority orders. Shipping sequence will be determined by the chronological order of purchase, with the initial units dispatched to those who placed their orders earliest. If you are considering making a purchase, the Ai Pin, inclusive of the battery booster, is priced at $699. Alongside this, there is a monthly charge of $24 for a Humane subscription, offering cellular connectivity, a dedicated number, and data coverage. Currently, this service is exclusively available through T-Mobile in the United States. The Ai Pin operates using an undisclosed Snapdragon chipset and an AI engine that is presumed to be GPT-4, even though the specific name is not explicitly stated by the company. However, the press release does acknowledge collaborations with OpenAI and Microsoft, stating, "Humane's distinctive partnerships with Microsoft and OpenAI grant Ai Pin access to some of the most potent AI models and platforms globally, laying the groundwork for incorporating new capabilities as technology advances." The association with OpenAI is evident, particularly due to Sam Altman holding the largest ownership stake of 14 percent in the company. Equipped with various sensors, a camera, speaker, microphone, and a laser ink display, the Ai Pin serves as a quasi-smartphone with restricted functionality. Notably, the device prioritizes privacy. Although it includes a camera directed outward, the company asserts that it remains inactive and non-listening unless explicitly activated. Importantly, the device does not even respond to wake words. The company highlights several features of the Ai Pin, including its ability to compose and send messages and emails without manual typing. Users can effortlessly communicate with the device through voice commands, prompting it to generate draft suggestions displayed on its laser ink screen. The display can be conveniently viewed by extending one's palm. If the user is dissatisfied, additional prompts can be added to modify the drafts accordingly. Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! Christmas Sale: Vistara Airlines has extended its Christmas sale till December 25, spreading the Christmas cheer and taking wanderlust to new heights. Vistara Airlines is offering discounted airfares from December 21 - December 25 for domestic and international flights, making travel plans more attainable than ever. To keep the holiday cheer alive, we have extended the Christmas Sale till 25-Dec-2023! Hurry & get the chance to enjoy discounted fares, applicable for travel until 30-Sep-2024. Blackout dates apply. T&C Apply," The airline announced on its website. Vistara is offering domestic one-way fares starting at 1924 (Dibrugarh-Guwahati) for economy class. Premium economy class (Dibrugarh-Guwahati) ticket flights start at 2324. For those seeking the ultimate in luxury, business-class prices start at 9924, guaranteeing a journey with spacious seats and personalized service. For international destinations, the sale is valid for travel to and from Kathmandu, Dhaka, Singapore, Jeddah, Dammam, Colombo, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Male, Doha, Muscat, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Bali and Mauritius, according to the official website. International, return all-inclusive fares start at 10999 for Economy Class (Delhi-Dhaka), 14999 for Premium Economy (Delhi-Kathmandu), and 29999 for Business Class (Delhi-Dhaka). However, the Sale fares are available on select routes. Plan ahead, travel far This festive offer isn't just for immediate getaways. Book your flights during the sale and travel anytime between now and September 30, 2024. The booking window opens at 00:01 hours on December 21 and will close at 23:59 hours on December 25, 2023. The discounts is offering a perfect opportunity to plan their vacations, family trips, or business travels well in advance. The Christmas sale allows individuals and families across the country to enjoy the comfort and luxury of Vistara at prices that are too good to miss. Earlier, Mint reported that Tata Sons and SIA-owned Vistara Airline announced that they are starting acomplimentary inflight Wi-Fi service for Club Vistara members. In an official statement, the airline company wrote, we are proud to be the only Indian airline to provide this service onboard." The official statement from Vistara airline mentioned that the Club Vistara member passenger would be able to avail services like WhatsApp, Messenger, andiMessage even at 35000 ft. Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! BENGALURU : Byjus has shifted the ownership of half a billion dollars that its special purpose vehicle Alpha borrowed in the US to one of its unnamed subsidiaries, a move that has stumped its US lenders trying to retrieve their money. Byjus, which borrowed $1.2 billion in the US in November 2021, moved $533 million of it to Camshaft Capital Fund, a three-year-old hedge fund. When Glas Trust Co., the trustee representing 37 lenders, pressed for the whereabouts of this money, the hedge fund disclosed for the first time that Alpha is no longer a limited partner in the fund, it had a zero-balance capital account, and hence the fund cannot meet Byjus Alphas demand for the records. Byjus Alpha is a former limited partner of Camshaft Capital Fund, LP, and was never a limited partner of any other Camshaft entity," David Massey, a lawyer representing Camshaft wrote in a letter dated 4 December to Timothy Pohl, the representative appointed by the lenders. As such, Byjus Alphas demand for books and records is rejected because Byjus Alpha has no statutory right or standing to demand books and records from Camshaft Capital Fund, LP (or any other Camshaft entity identified in your letter). Nor does Byjus Alpha have any rights under the Limited Partnership Agreement between Byjus Alpha and Camshaft Capital Fund, LP, as a former limited partner with a zero-balance capital account." Mint has seen a copy of Camshafts letter to Pohl. Byjus set up the special purpose vehicle Alpha, which received $1.2 billion from lenders in 2021. Between April and July 2022, Byjus Alpha deposited $533 million with Camshaft Capital Fund and Alpha became a limited partner in Camshaft Capital Fund. But the creditors were peeved that Byjus had failed to get WhiteHat Jr, a company bought by Byjus for $300 million, to stand as guarantor for the $1.2 billion loan, and seized control of Alpha in March this year. The creditors appointed Pohl as the sole director and removed Riju Raveendran, the younger brother of Byju Raveendran, as the director. Byjus challenged this decision of lenders taking control of Alpha in a Delaware court; last month, the Delaware court stamped its approval on the creditors decision appointing Pohl as the sole director of Alpha. An offshore subsidiary remains the beneficiary of the money invested in high-security fixed income instruments invested with a multi-hundred billion dollar fund in the US," said a spokesperson for Byjus, declining to share the name of the entity. [A]s a commercially prudent borrower, and like any other large corporate treasury, in compliance with the Credit Agreement, Byjus has safe-guarded the referenced funds with the global fund," said Byjus. Byjus would like to clarify that there is no requirement to maintain cash as collateral for the lenders under the credit agreement, and emphasize that its credit agreement with the lenders does not prohibit or restrict the usage, movement or investment of funds disbursed thereunder," the spokesperson added. The creditors have been locked in a legal battle with Camshaft in a Miami court to disclose the location of the money. However, an amended complaint by Camshaft on 15 December, the three-year-old hedge fund, said Byjus transferred all the investment interests" as a limited partner from Camshaft Capital Fund to a third party in the first three months of 2023, and that details of this transaction cannot be shared with a former limited partner. An email sent on Friday to Pohl and Massey, partner at Hogan Lovells, the counsel for Camshaft, went unanswered. This is poor governance because Byjus until now has not made any disclosure of this transaction, nor does it want to share with its investors," said Amarjit Chopra, a former president of the Institute of the Chartered Account of India (ICAI). The creditors filing a case against Byjus in May in Delaware prompted Think and Learn Pvt. Ltd, which runs the business under Byjus, to countersue this group of lenders in the New York Supreme Court in June. Byjus claimed that creditors claims of default are bogus". In September, Glas Trust fired a fresh salvo, filing a complaint in a Florida court alleging that Byjus Alpha transferred $533 million to Camshaft Capital Fund, a Miami-based hedge fund, to conceal the whereabouts" of the cash. The legal troubles faced by Byjus are among various challenges faced by the edtech giant that was once the countrys most valuable privately held firm, with a valuation of $22 billion. Now, at least one of its investorsProsushas valued Byjus at $3 billion. At the heart of the troubles at Byjus is the companys aggressive expansion in 2020 and 2021, when it snapped up 10 companies. Questions over corporate governance and poor execution have now forced Byjus to sell some of the companys assets to repay loans. Now, Byjus, which has been forced to let go of over half of its workforce, is looking to sell a few of the companies it bought in the past, to clear its dues. MUMBAI , NEW DELHI : Tata Steel Ltd is looking to capture Indias infrastructure boom by doubling the manufacturing of long steel products used in construction over the next six years, a top company executive said. Currently, three-fourth of its capacity is in flat steel, used in automobiles and consumer goods. The company will boost capacity at its recently acquired Neelachal Ispat Nigam Ltd (NINL) to 5.5 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) from the present 1 mtpa, said Ashish Anupam, vice-president, long products at Tata Steel. It will also install multiple electric arc furnaces, including one already under construction at Ludhiana, adding around 2 million tonnes of extra long-product capacity. This will take Tata Steels total long products capacity to 10-11 mtpa by 2029-30 from 5.3 mtpa at present, Anupam said in an interview. The entire project may cost 35,000 crore. If I look at FY30we have a seven-year runwaylongs would be close to about 10 to 11 million tonnes, ballpark," he said. He clarified that this was still at a planning stage, and no formal proposal has been presented to the companys board. Currently, Tata Steel has 5.3 mtpa of long steel capacity out of its total set-up of around 21.6 mtpa in India. This capacity is spread across NINL (1 mtpa), Jamshedpur (3.3 mtpa) and Usha Martin (1 mtpa) facilities. If I look at Tata Steel, in 2019, the company was only 3.3 MTPA in longs out of a basket of around 21 MTPA. And that was primarily because Tata Steels portfolio was predominantly flat steel. The acquired Bhushan plant was all flat steel," Anupam said. The company therefore decided to increase its long steel capacity." Long products refer to steel bars, rods and wires that primarily find applications in construction and engineering products. Flat steel includes steel plates and sheets which find uses across a variety of industries, including consumer goods and automobiles. Demand for long products is expected to swell as India continues to invest to ramp up infrastructure. The Union budget for 2023-24 raised capital investment outlay for infrastructure by 33% to 10 trillion, which is almost three times the outlay in 2019-20. Construction activities account for nearly two-thirds of the total steel demand in India. As India develops, there will be an increasing spending on infrastructure given our moderate level of infrastructure penetration. To that extent, the demand for long products is expected to increase faster than the overall steel industry," said Jayanta Roy, senior vice-president, Icra Ltd. In India, the flat steel market is dominated by primary steelmakers such as Tata Steel and JSW Steel. Secondary steelmakers, which tend to have a smaller set-up, currently dominate the long steel market. Their smaller size affords them the ability to be located closer to demand centres rather than mines. Their cost overheads also tend to be lower. These benefits help them undercut primary steel mills. However, they seldom match primary mills in terms of quality and volumes. Among primary steelmakers, Jindal Steel and Power is the only company whose capacity is already geared more towards long products. To be sure, other primary steelmakers too are looking to ramp up their long-products capacity to cater to the growing demand from infrastructure and construction. In fact, one of the key reasons that many companies are closely watching the planned divestment of state-owned Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd is its long steel capacity. Tata Steel shares ended 1.91% higher on BSE on Friday at 133.5, up against a 0.34% rise in the benchmark Sensex. The stock has given nearly 31% returns over the past year compared to an almost 19% gain in the Sensex. Peers JSW Steel and Jindal Steel and Power have given 18% and 39% returns, respectively, over the same period. nehal.chaliawala@livemint.com NEW DELHI : Basmati rice export prices are likely to rise by about 20% due to rising logistics costs caused by trade route disruptions in the Red Sea region, two people with direct knowledge of the matter said. However, Basmati demand is not expected to be affected unless the unrest persists for an extended period, leading to a further price rise, they said. Logistics firms were forced to suspend operations, and opt for longer routes to reach destinations in Europe and Middle East, after Yemens Houthi group launched attacks using drones and missiles on commercial ships at the southern end of the Red Sea. The Middle East is one of the largest export markets for Basmati rice. Demand for Basmati rice, especially in the Middle East, is unlikely to be impacted with a 20% price rise. However, if the disruptions in the Red Sea persist, prices could be hiked further," one of the people, a government official, said. Trade expert Biswajit Dhar agreed: As the blockade continues, commodity prices are surely going to increase since ships are being re-routed via a longer route. The global economy, which is already on the edge due to the impact of the two conflict zones, could get further disrupted as a result." Dhar, is a professor at the Centre for Economic Studies and Planning, Jawaharlal Nehru University. The Centre is also likely to consider alternative routes along Africa for shipments of basmati rice if attacks by the Houthi group persists, the second person said. And, this longer route could affect exports to Europe, he added. Raising a concerns over the fate of trade, former president of Rice Exporters Association, Vijay Setia, said: Due to the ongoing disturbances, freight for Middle East surged from $600 for one container to $2,000, while freight for Europe consignment increased to $6,000 per container from existing $2,000 as ships are getting re-routed and taking a longer route. Buyers get scared and they start negotiations affecting the Indian traders." Setia said that farmers are not going to suffer from it as a majority of them have sold their produce. Emailed queries to a commerce ministry spokesperson on Saturday didnt elicit any response till press time. The disruptions in shipping operations in Red Sea region, a major trade route for various commodities, has led to a rise in logistic costs for commodities transported through these routes, including rice, wheat, oil and manufactured goods. India has a commitment to export 500,000 metric tonnes of new season basmati rice to Europe and the Middle East. Contracts have already been signed. The emerging situation will reduce the earnings of the country as there is going to be a significant rise in logistics costs," said Rajesh Sharma, an agriculture commodity expert. After a ban on non-basmati white rice exports in June to stabilize domestic prices, India set a floor price, or minimum export price (MEP) of $1200 a tonne for overseas sales of basmati in August. It was reduced to $950 per tonne in October. India is a leading exporter of Basmati rice, with over 4 million tonnes annual shipments. According to commerce ministrys data, rice export witnessed a significant decline from $6.98 billion a year ago to $6.45 billion in April-November 2023, down 8%. In November, trade deficit widened to a record high to 27% over a year ago. Basmati is produced in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttarakhand and western Uttar Pradesh. Currently 34 varieties of Basmati rice have been notified under the seeds Act, 1966. Some key varieties include, Dehraduni basmati, Punjab basmati, Pusa basmati, and Haryana basmati. NEW DELHI : Spain is pushing for a high level visit from its Prime Minister to India in 2024 according to people aware of the matter. The focus of both countries will be on deepening defence ties and inking migration and mobility agreements. The move comes after Spains Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez missed the G20 Leaders Summit in Delhi in September due to a positive covid diagnosis. New developments in the bilateral defence relationship have caught much attention in recent years. Spanish governments military shipbuilding company Navantia is teaming up with Larsen and Toubro in India to bid for a contract to build six submarines for the Indian Navy under the P-75 (I) programme. Expected to be valued at over 4.8 billion, it will be Indias largest defence acquisition project. This will also be followed by a 30-year life-cycle sustenance contract of similar value," Navantia said in a statement, announcing its agreement with L&T earlier this year. Navantia is competing with Germanys ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems for the contract. In a previous interview, Jose Maria Ridao Dominguez, the Spanish ambassador to India, had told Mint that the firm had developed a competitive propulsion technology, that gives Navantia-designed submarines an edge over its competitors. It will also bid for four landing platform dock amphibious vessels along with Larsen and Toubro, said Jose Porto, managing director, Navantia India in an interview with Mint earlier this year. The LPD vessels can be used to transport military assets, supplies, and manpower for warfare, as well as for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. Navantia will also be looking for Indian partners to build wind turbine and renewable energy projects in overseas markets. We are looking for partners in India to work with us for programmes and projects not only in India, but also in other countries in Europe, and America," said Porto. The other key focus of the bilateral partnership in 2024 will be a migration and mobility pact. These agreements will aid India secure labour mobility with key European countries such as the UK, Germany, Italy, Greece and Portugal. Migration agreements help smooth the travel of labour, high-skilled talent and students to foreign nations while also establishing mechanisms to combat illegal migration. According to the people cited above, Spain is looking at Indias request to negotiate a similar agreement. Mint earlier reported that New Delhi is looking at signing migration agreements with Taiwan and South Korea as well. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited Spain in 2017 while an official visit by Spains head of state or head of government has not taken place for a while. In 2012, King Juan Carlos I of Spain visited India. PM Modi met his counterpart, Pedro Sanchez, on the sidelines of the 2021 G20 Summit in Italy. The two also had a telephonic conversation earlier in 2023. After spending 28 years, two months and 19 days marooned on an island, Robinson Crusoe does not lose his nose for adventure or his native propensity to rambling". He crosses the Pyrenees, stalked by hellish wolves", witnesses the pomp and poverty" of China and battles Tartars on the Russian steppe. The characters strangest adventure, however, is none of these. It is surely his centuries-long ramble through the literature of economics. Crusoe has appeared in Karl Marxs Das Kapital, John Maynard Keyness General Theory and Milton Friedmans Chicago lectures on Price Theory. He has an entry in the New Palgrave Dictionary of Economics. And he often washes up in economics textbooks. Crusoes economic appeal is unsurprising. The sailor spends a few pages escaping pirates and shooting cannibals. But his real battle is against scarcity, which he defeats through careful deployment of the resources at his disposal, including his own labour. After being shipwrecked, Crusoe makes his island prison habitable, even hospitable. Salvaging what he can from the wreck, he fortifies a cave (his castle"), erects a tent (my country house"), plants crops, tames goats (and a parrot) and fills his improvised shelves with pigeon, turtle and other foodstuffs. Scarcity also stalked Daniel Defoe, the novelist who created Crusoe in 1719. Over a chequered career he traded in bricks, wines, pickles, tobacco and the glands of civet cats. He dabbled in horse-trading. Literally. He defaulted on his debts. Twice. No man has tasted differing fortunes more," he wrote. And thirteen times I have been rich and poor." He wrote allegories that turned dry economic variables into colourful characters like Count Tariff", an English nobleman dressed in domestically manufactured cloth, and Lady Credit" (if she be once Disobligd; no Entreaties will bring her back again). His publication The Compleat English Tradesman has been described as the first business textbook. But it is his island fable that has most resonated, as Michael White of Monash University has documented. Economists are eager to find behavioural laws that apply anywhere. Crusoes isolation thus provides a useful thought experiment. Principles that hold true on his island must be elemental, not socially incidental. William Forster Lloyd, for example, was keen to show that economics had something to say about value even in the absence of markets and exchange. In a publication in 1834, he pointed out that Crusoe prizes his goods more dearly as they become more scarce (my ink beginning to fail me", Crusoe says, I contented myself to use it more sparingly"). He took that as evidence for the principle of diminishing marginal utility: a second bottle of ink is worth less than the first. Most economists have turned to the tale not to corroborate a theory but merely to illustrate it. Textbook authors, for example, want to introduce the principles of supply and demand in the simplest possible case, and nothing is simpler than a one-person Robinson Crusoe" economy. Such an economy features in a textbook by Hal Varian, chief economist at Google. Crusoe must decide how to divide his day between gathering coconuts and working on his tan". In keeping with diminishing marginal utility, each extra coconut or hour of sunbathing is worth less than the last. Each hour of work also yields fewer coconuts than the last. Under these assumptions, Crusoe should stop working at the point when an extra coconut is worth no more to him than the additional leisure he must sacrifice to gather it. A one-person economy has several things going for it. There is no waste. If an extra coconut is not wanted, it will not be collectedsupply implies its own demand. There is no unemployment. If Crusoe wants the extra coconut more than the leisure, he will employ himself to gather it. Such an economy, Keynes pointed out, cannot suffer the kind of slump that cursed the 1930swhen people fail to spend enough of their income on the goods the economy could produce. Textbooks present Crusoes one-man economy as a kind of benchmark, against which more sophisticated economies can be judged. Can its harmony be replicated, even when decision-making is divided up and dispersedeven when consumers and producers do not share the same mind? The answer is yes, through the magic of flexible prices and wages. In his own more elaborate version of the parable, Daniel McFadden, a Nobel prize-winning economist who was also Mr Varians thesis adviser, introduces a second character (Friday"). In this version, Crusoe gathers yams not coconuts. Friday acts as a manager, hiring Crusoes labour, paying him in yams, and giving him leftover yams as a dividend". Mr McFadden shows that there is an hourly wage that will reconcile the demand and supply of labour, and also, miraculously, the demand and supply of yams. But things can go wrong if wages get misaligned or expectations sink too low. If the wage gets stuck at too high a level, for example, Crusoe might find himself unable to work as long as he wants. The yams he could collect in an extra hour may be worth more to him than the leisure he would lose. But if the wage he must receive is higher still, Friday will deny him the extra employment. The island would suffer a recession, combining unmet needs (for yams) with unused resources (Crusoes spare labour). If Friday worries that he will not be able to sell as many yams as he can produce, he may limit his demand for labour. That will curb his customers purchasing power, thereby seeming to bear out his pessimistic sales forecast. Crusoe will lack work, because Friday lacks sales. And Friday will lack sales, because Crusoe lacks work. An obvious objection to these parables is their cartoonishness. The concept of a Crusoe economy has become another cuss-word to people who crave realism and are contemptuous of theory" noted Frank Knight, a Chicago economist, in 1960. But simplification can often aid understanding. Mr McFaddens parable, for example, illustrates that recessions are not necessary or salutary, but absurd and inefficient. Never too late to be wise For Crusoe-lovers, however, what is most striking about these exercises is not their distance from reality, but their distance from Defoes original tale. Neither coconuts nor yams appear in the book. And far from working on his tan, Crusoe took a world of pains" to hide from the sun, making a clumsy, ugly, goats-skin umbrella" to ward off its rays. His island is not in the South Seas, as Mr McFadden maintains, but near Trinidad. And Friday and Crusoe do not bargain over labour or anything else. After Crusoe saves him from the cannibals who have carried him to the island by canoe, Friday in effect indentures himself to the sailor. One of the first English words he is taught is Master". Even a task as simple as bread-making is hugely complex Obliviousness to Defoes tale does not invalidate the textbook parables. Little of importance hangs on whether Crusoe gathers coconuts, yams or grapes, in the South Seas or anywhere else. But the neglect is nonetheless a missed opportunity. There is a lot of economic incident and insight in the original story. Economists might enjoy rediscovering it. They could start not with coconut-gathering but with bread-making. Few people have thought much upon...the strange multitude of little things necessary in the providing, producing, curing, dressing, making, and finishing [of] this one article of bread," Crusoe says, as he struggles to make some for himself. In trying to start from near-scratch, Crusoe discovers that even the simplest product is a minor miracle of economic choreography. His thoughts resemble the classic essay, I, Pencil", written by Leonard Read in 1958, which details the genealogy" of the humble pencil, with its wood from Oregon, graphite from Sri Lanka and rubber from Indonesia, all collected, transported and refined by machines that have their own even more complex genealogy. After bread-making, economists could turn to Crusoes pottery. It takes him about two months to make a pair of jarstwo large, earthen ugly things"in which to store his grain. Preserving resources is no easy matter: pests threaten his crops and decay unravels his clothes. In his 1916 book The Natural Economic Order, Silvio Gesell imagines how grateful Crusoe would be to lend his spare provisions to another islander, like Friday, in return for similar provisions a few years hence. He would accept the deal even if Friday pays no interest, because merely keeping wealth intact represents a victory against the relentless forces of decay. It is a useful thought experiment for anyone who resents todays financial system, which for all its flaws, allows people to preserve their wealth in convenient savings accounts, not misshapen jars. The Crusoe in the textbooks is a rational man, always equating marginal this with marginal that. He is the stock character of economics 101. The Crusoe in Defoes story is more mercurial and conflicted. As such, he lends himself to more recent, psychologically informed theories of decision-making. He could become an icon of behavioural economics". The want of thankfulness for what we have At one point, Crusoe uses his scarce ink to take stock of his predicament, drawing up a kind of balance-sheet of comforts and miseries, credits and debits. He is a lone castaway (a debit), but he is alive (a credit). The island is uninhabited, but it is not barren. He has no defences, but the island has no obvious predators. No companion survived the wreck, but provisions could be salvaged from it. Daniel Kahneman, a psychologist who won the Nobel prize in economics, and Amos Tversky have shown that when assessing their lives, people often evaluate not their level of well-being, but their gains or losses from some neutral" reference point. Crusoe could become an icon of behavioural economics" The choice of reference point is not always obvious. On each line of his balance sheet, Crusoe entertains alternatives. His shipwrecked isolation represents a grievous loss from where he was. But it counts as a gain from an alternative scenarionot hard to imaginein which he drowned or washed up on a more perilous shore. Mr Kahneman and Tversky point out that in dreaming up these alternative scenarios, people follow certain rules. They reimagine the chain of events leading up to their predicament, removing any strange or surprising twists of fate. After Crusoe abandons the wrecked ship, it drifts closer to shore, allowing him to return to it and strip it bare. That, Crusoe recognises, was unlikely (100,000 to one, he says). It is therefore easy for him to imagine an alternative reference point in which he rescued nothing from the wreck. That helps him psychologically. Indeed, Crusoe later concludes that he can be happier within the tight compass of his island than he would be in the outside world, where he had once lived a wicked, cursed, abominable life". He also immediately admits to himself that if offered the chance to escape, he would nonetheless take it. Behavioural economists stress that more choice is not always better. People may be unable to resist choices they know will hurt them in the long run. Choice also invites regret. It obliges us to compare our fate with the alternative we could have chosen. Forced to stay on his island, Crusoe can be happy. But if he were to choose his isolation, he would be haunted by the alternative life he could have chosen elsewhere. As these examples show, economists might profit from greater familiarity with the Crusoe story. And the trade could be two-way. Defoe scholarship could and has benefited from a closer acquaintance with economics. There are several corners of Defoes works that require some economic knowledge to appreciate. When Crusoe embarks on his ill-fated voyage to Guinea to buy slaves, he leaves behind a growing tobacco plantation in Brazil that would soon be worth three or four thousand pounds". It is hard for a reader today to make sense of such a figure. Drawing on the work of economic historians, David Spielman, formerly of Penn State University, calculates that the income on such a sum would have put Crusoe in the top 5% of English families at the time. With so much wealth in prospect, Crusoe has no reason to take risks. His voyage was as preposterous" as he himself admits. Economists might also resolve some other mysteries. After his return from the island, Crusoe reclaims his plantation and sells it. In the first six editions of the book, he receives 328,000 pieces of eight, worth about 72,000. But in later ones, a zero is deleted. That matters for the interpretation of the story. Does Crusoe finish the novel a rich man or a very rich one? Literary scholars pride themselves on their sensitivity to every nuance of a text. But the decimation of Crusoes wealth has barely registered. Despite the careful attention that the textual history of Robinson Crusoe has received, no one has even noticed a problem," Mr Spielman has pointed out. Economists may have lost sight of Robinson Crusoes richness. But literary scholars have overlooked most of his riches. 2023, the economist newspaper limited. all rights reserved. MUMBAI : It has been a tepid student placements season so far at Indias engineering colleges, and a similar lull is expected in business schools, particularly in the small cities. But for some, there's a bigger worry: without a job straight out of college, or jobs at lower salaries than expected, students whove borrowed lakhs of rupees to fund their expensive education might struggle to repay. While banks and non-banksthe ones who should be concerneddo not seem perturbed, faculty members Mint spoke with fear that the number of students defaulting on their loans could rise on the back of an estimated drop in median salaries. The fees (at the Indian Institutes of Management) can range from 25 lakh to a little over 30 lakh. If the hiring sentiment remains muted then the number of students defaulting on their loans will increase, and this will specially be a concern for students from the newer IIMs and the second-rung colleges," said a faculty member at IIM-Calcutta, asking not to be identified. Campus placements at both engineering and B-schools, irrespective of their hierarchy, have been a cause of concern. At Indias premier engineering collegeIndian Institutes of Technologythe number of offers rolled out by consulting, core engineering, and trading companies has dipped compared with the previous year. B-schools will start their campus placements from February. Recruiters Mint spoke with said they had over-hired earlier and did not have enough vacant profiles to justify visiting campuses in large numbers this year. Backed by government funding, IITs can charge 8 lakh for a four-year course; fees at an IIM can range between 20 lakh and 30 lakh for a two-year course. Fees at private engineering and management institutes could be higher. The larger chunk of the batch will not face any challenges but it will be the tail-enders who will find it tough to get a placement of their choice," said an IIM-Lucknow professor, speaking on condition of anonymity. Lenders queue up to offer loans but they bank upon the top lot. When you put the entire batch together, low placements will be a concern." The median salary for graduating students of IIM-Lucknows batch of 2023 was 30 lakh. A senior executive with a private bank said education loan default rates were in control, and that loans above 7.5 lakh are anyway backed by collateral. About 5.8% of education loans had turned sour as on 31 March, down from 6.7% as on 31 March 2022, as per Reserve Bank of India data. If placements are poor this time round there could be defaults, but most loans are backed by guarantees from parents," the banker said on condition of anonymity, adding that lenders expect parents to step in if their children find it difficult to repay in time. Suppose there is a delay in placements, parents can make interim payments and moratoriums can also be availed. That said, economic revival is underway and the job market is expected to improve; I am not quite worried right now," the banker said. Sectoral experts said repayments are never a concern for students from the top institutes. While placements may not be as good as before, there are no general concerns on students from the top colleges being able to repay their loans," said Sanjay Agarwal, senior director, Care Ratings. Rating agencies largely cover lenders focussed on overseas education. The local education loan market is dominated by banks for whom education loan is a very small portion of their book." Education loans from banks stood at 1.1 trillion at the end of October, 20.6% higher than in the same period last year, RBI data show. Education loans accounted for 2.2% of aggregate retail bank loans in the same period. One of the IIM faculty members cited above said that while banks are eager to give loans, they often come to the campuses with enquiries on a couple of defaulters from earlier batches. The numbers on that list will increase," the professor cautioned. Banks use the Indian Banks Association Model Educational Loan scheme for deciding the eligibility criteria, quantum of loan, security and margin, rate of interest, among other things. Under RBI regulations, education loans of up to 4 lakh do not require any collateral. The government has also launched a credit guarantee fund scheme for educational loans, under which lenders can give collateral-free loans of up to 7.5 lakh, as per information submitted in the Lok Sabha on 19 December 2022. A batch of 1998 of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has gifted 57 crore to its alma mater as part of the silver jubilee reunion celebration. The donation is the highest by a single class. The previous highest donation was 41 crore by the class of 1971 for their golden jubilee celebration. The contribution was made by over 200-plus alumni including major donations from top global executives private equity firm Silver Lake managing director Apoorv Saxena, Peak XV managing director Shailendra Singh, Vector Capital MD Anupam Banerjee, Dileep George of AI Research, Google Deepmind, Great Learning CEO Mohan Lakahmraju, Colopast SVP Manu Varma, Silicon Valley entrepreneur Sundar Iyer, Indovance co-founder and CEO Sandeep Joshi, and Srikant Shetty, chief growth officer, Americas, HCL, the students said in a statement. The contribution by the Class of 1998 will help accelerate IIT Bombay's growth and contribute to our shared vision of excellence", said Subhasis Chaudhuri, director, IIT Bombay. Bound by a collective spirit and a shared commitment, the Class of 1998's contribution has left a significant mark on their legacy at their alma mater. Their dedication to IIT Bombay demonstrates the enduring bonds forged during their formative years and serves as an inspiration for all alumni. Together, we are shaping a future where IIT Bombay will stand amongst the world's top universities, fuelled by the collective efforts of our diverse and accomplished community," he said. Amit Khandelwal, Apoorv Saxena, Ashutosh Gore, and Sharad Goenka - the leads of the reunion and fundraising efforts on behalf of their class - said: We are a very diverse batch, with people spread across 100 cities across the world and are involved in startups to corporates, social causes and non-profits. But we all share some great memories and timeless bonds that were forged during the formative years of our lives and sustained through many family visits and connections over the years." This year when we got together there was another big focus for us: the spirit of giving back inspired by alumni such as Nandan Nilekani and previous silver jubilee batches. We are glad all this came together in this record raise supported by all the donors and the volunteers. We hope this helps to make IIT Bombay one of the premier global universities in the coming years and inspires other alumni to give back as well." The funds raised will help the IIT Bombay support key academic projects and the research landscape. Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! Egypt's Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry and his Portuguese counterpart, Joao Cravinho, agreed in a phone call on Sunday on the necessity of fully and immediately implementing the provisions of the recent United Nations Security Council's resolution on Gaza. The resolution includes establishing a mechanism for accelerating the provision of humanitarian relief consignments to the Gaza Strip to meet the urgent needs of the Palestinian people. According to the Ministry's official statement, both ministers discussed the latest developments in the Gaza Strip and the deteriorating humanitarian conditions there. They also reviewed the necessary international efforts to halt the war and contain its repercussions. During the call, Shoukry emphasized that the commitment of international parties to reach a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire in Gaza constitutes the best way to effectively implement the provisions of the UNSC resolution and save the lives of Palestinian civilians. Cravinho, on the other hand, seconded Shoukry's view, stressing that Portugal aspires to reach a ceasefire as soon as possible. Egypt's Foreign Minister further stressed that in view of the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza, the international parties must use the correct terms to describe Israel's violations of international and international humanitarian law. He also emphasized that it was imperative to denounce and halt Israel's violations and policies of collective punishment against the Palestinian civilians, including targeting, siege, forced displacement, and the complete destruction of the basic services system in the strip. The two officials also discussed the situation in the occupied West Bank and the increasing violence of Israeli settlers against Palestinians and their properties. Shoukry warned against the security and political repercussions of the violence in the West Bank, urging the international community to take the necessary measures to stop the settlers' violence and hold them accountable. Moreover, both ministers agreed to continue consultation during the coming period to contain the crisis in Gaza, limit its repercussions, and prevent the conflict from expanding to other parts of the region. On Friday, the UNSC approved a much-delayed resolution to boost aid to the besieged Palestinian territory where civilians are struggling to find food as Israel's bloody war on Gaza continues. The resolution will allow a safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance at scale and create conditions for a sustainable cessation of hostilities. At least 20,424 Palestinians have been killed by Israel in Gaza, and 54,036 injured since 7 October, according to the latest death toll. Search Keywords: Short link: Banks will remain closed tomorrow, December 25, on the occasion of Christmas across the country, according to the Reserve Bank of India's list of bank holidays. Christmas celebrations will continue till December 27 in some Indian states, leading to additional bank holidays in those cities. On December 25, all banks will remain closed on the occasion of Christmas which falls on Monday this year. In Nagaland, Kohina will continue to celebrate Christmas on December 26 and 27 (Monday and Tuesday). Additionally, banks will also remain shut in Mizoram's capital Aizawl, and Meghalaya's capital Shillong on December 26 due to extended Christmas celebrations. In other cities, banks will remain closed only on December 25. There were a total of 18 official bank holidays in the month of December, including Saturdays and Sundays. However, online banking services will remain available nationwide, even during the closure of private or public sector banks. Individuals need to be mindful of bank holidays and make note of the dates to plan their visits accordingly. It is pertinent to note that bank holidays vary from region to region as some bank holidays are scheduled nationwide, while some are considered local holidays. Meanwhile, the domestic financial exchanges - Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE) will also be closed on Monday, December 25. This annual holiday means a one-day pause in trading across all segments, including equity, equity derivatives, and Security Lending and Borrowing (SLB) segments. Trading will resume on BSE the next day at 9 am for the pre-opening session and the normal market will begin at 9.15 am and will end at 3.30 pm like all business days. This decision comes as a part of the routine holiday schedule observed by stock markets worldwide, allowing market participants and stakeholders to enjoy the Christmas holiday with their families and loved ones. It also provides an opportunity for investors to reflect on market trends and make informed decisions ahead of the upcoming trading days. BSE More Information Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! French government-owned utility services provider Electricite de France SA (EDF) is looking to raise more than $100 million for its smart meter platform, three people with knowledge of the development said. The company is looking to bid for contracts in major cities across India, the first person cited above said. A few strategics and climate funds have been reached out to. It is still early days. The deal is likely to be closed in the first quarter of next calendar year," the second person said. In 2019, EDF was chosen by state-run Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL) for putting up five million smart meters in Bihar and Andhra Pradesh. This contract was awarded to EDF in association with Accenture Solutions Private Ltd (India). It has so far installed more than 200,000 meters so far. The firm designs an advanced metering infrastructure, installs smart meters across India, integrates the smart meters with existing billing system of electricity distribution companies as well as operation and maintenance of the whole system for a period of six-and-a-half years, as per the contract. EDF is active in three sectors in Indianuclear, renewables and services, according to the company website. In the nuclear space, EDF is involved in the development of a nuclear power plant in Jaitapur, Maharashtra. In the renewable energy segment, it has a 2.84 GW of renewable energy portfolio including solar and wind power projects along with developing three solar photovoltaic module plants through its joint venture EDEN Renewables India. Emailed queries sent to the EDF spokesperson went unanswered. Indias smart metering ambition has seen a lot of interest from local as well as global players. Last week Mint reported Eversource, the joint venture between Everstone Capital and Lightsource is looking at setting up a smart meter platform. In July, the Singapore governments sovereign wealth fund GIC said it has tied up with Genus Power & Infrastructures Ltd to set up a platform to fund smart metering projects and has around $2 billion worth of initial pipeline. Creating a smart meter architecture minimises human intervention in metering, billing and collection process and helps reduce theft by identifying pockets of losses. The government has targeted setting up prepaid smart meters in the country in a bid to ensure financial discipline in the power sector. In a recent written reply to the parliament, the Union minister for power RK Singh said energy accounting and timely collection of dues from government departments, among others, are essential for improving operational and financial efficiency of power distribution companies (discom), and accordingly prepaid smart metering project for government departments and retail consumers have been envisaged to be undertaken on priority as per RDSS guidelines. Under the /3 trillion Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), the Centre aims to install 250 million smart meters by March 2025. It has so far sanctioned 222.26 million prepaid consumers smart meters for deployment across states and Union territories, out of which only 7.92 million have been installed as on 13 December, according to data from the National Smart Grid Mission dashboard. Indian equities experienced a tumultuous ride in 2023 with the prevalence of a risk-off sentiment in the second half of the year, followed by a sudden turn of mood that sparked a market rally at the fag end. Equity mutual funds, however, continued to exhibit resilience. Consistent growth in folio count and unprecedented peak inflows from systematic investment plans serve as a testament to growing investor confidence and surging retail participation. Mint captures the key highlights of the mutual funds industry in 2023. Rising assets The mutual fund industrys assets under management (AUM) climbed to a new peak of 49 trillion in November, led by impressive growth in equity funds amid bullish market sentiment and strong inflows. Equity assets (including index funds) in November were up 32.3% from a year earlier. Since January, equity-oriented schemes have seen net inflows of 1.4 trillion, a tad lower than 1.5 trillion in the same period a year ago. Slower redemptions of late also point towards growing confidence among investors, which has pushed up the net flows-to-redemptions ratio significantly. Rupesh Patel, senior fund manager for equity investments at Nippon India Mutual Fund, attributes these trends to limited investment options to generate higher post-tax returns and the long-term track record of wealth creation", as well as growing awareness, transparency, ease of investing and low cost" of mutual funds as an investment option. He said these factors would keep domestic investors hooked to equity markets. SIP power The growing momentum in SIPs is another attestation of sustained belief among investors. SIP contributions grew consistently over the previous five months, reaching an all-time high of 17,073 crore in November. In 2023 so far, inflows through SIPs, at 1.7 trillion, have already surpassed the entire inflows through this route in 2022. Further, SIPs AUM recorded a 36.2% year-on-year growth in November, while 31.1 million new SIP accounts have been registered in the year so far. The monthly average of nearly 3 million was sharply up from 2.2 million in 2022. Over the years investors have seen various market cycles and possibly have recognized the importance of staying invested and using a systematic approach to investing rather than trying to time the market," said Ankit Agarwal, fund manager at UTI Asset Management Co. Contribution from SIPs has risen despite worryingly high valuation levels in the markets. Retail play Growing participation of retail investors has been instrumental in catapulting the mutual fund industry. Quarterly disclosures by the Association of Mutual Funds in India (Amfi) showed retail investors had a little over 25% share in MF assets, and together with wealthy individuals held almost 61% share as of September. The retail segment maintains a clear dominance in folios, with a 91.2% share. Between November 2022 and November 2023, the value of assets held by individual investors, including wealthy investors, in mutual funds increased by around 24%. Individual assets were primarily invested through the conventional route of going via distributors. About 55% of the assets of these investors are from the top 30 cities brought in by distributors, Amfi data showed. Direct investments (those bought independently, and not via distributors) amount to 24% of individual assets. Equity-oriented schemes derive 89% of their assets from individual investors. Small is big Another emerging trend among equity mutual funds this year was the concentration of inflows in categories such as smallcap and midcap funds. Large-cap funds faced hardships with net outflows to the tune of 3,752 crore in the 12 months ended November. Of the total flows into equity-oriented schemes in the last one year, small-cap funds accounted for about one-fourth, followed by midcap (16% share) and large and mid-cap" funds (12%). Further, based on trailing returns, smallcap and midcap funds have overshadowed large-cap funds in the one-year, three-year, five-year and 10-year periods. The valuation premium that the mid-cap index trades at with respect to the large-cap index is now close to a 10-year high," said Agarwal of UTI Asset Management. Considering the principle of reversion to the mean, we believe that some of the premiums could possibly reverse in future." Sectoral bets In order to chase big returns, mutual funds often rejig their portfolios. This year they bet big on stocks from the construction sector, with a higher portion of their AUMs deployed in this segment than in the year prior. The AUM in this sector grew nearly 51% in September, on a year-on-year basis, the latest data published by the Securities and Exchange Board of India showed. Equity funds also remain bullish on segments such as banking and information technology. Large-cap financials have significantly underperformed broader markets in recent times," said Patel of Nippon India Mutual Fund. However, fundamentals for them continue to remain robust and valuations reasonable. Discretionary consumption and power are other themes that look attractive." The engineering segment, meanwhile, seems to be falling out of favour: the AUM deployed in this sector declined to nearly 28 crore in September from 625 crore in the corresponding month last year. The debate related to dual citizenship is still alive", Union external affairs minister S Jaishankar cited and further asserted, but there are challenges in providing it to Indians settled abroad" There are economic and security challenges as to Indians living in which countries should be provided with dual citizenship," Jaishankar said while speaking at an event in Chennai. He pointed out that the Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) drive is a step towards meeting the demand, however, the debate is still alive, as reported by Hindustan Times. What is dual or multiple citizenship? Dual or multiple citizenship grants an individual legal status as a citizen of two or more countries simultaneously. This allows participation in the political affairs of both nations, exempts from visa requirements, and provides automatic work permits. Dual citizens can hold passports for each country, enjoying equal social and legal rights. However, restrictions may apply depending on the policies of the involved countries. United States, Finland, Albania, Israel and Pakistan are some of the countries that provide dual citizenship. However, the rules and regulations differ for each country. Is dual citizenship possible in India? The Indian Constitution prohibits dual citizenship for nationals but offers the Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) program to non-resident Indians. However, this benefit does not apply to those who migrated to Pakistan and Bangladesh. OCIs enjoy various benefits, including multi-entry visas, They can also have a lifelong visa facility for visiting India, and have a specific right to become Indian citizens upon meeting certain conditions But are ineligible for voting or contesting elections in India, a Hindustan Times report explained. Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! Delhi Traffic Police has issued an advisory in view of the Christmas celebrations in the city, highlighting the possible areas where heavy traffic is expected and the possible diversions that will be followed, if required. Also Read | Himachal Pradesh news: Traffic congestion in Kasol, Manali, Shimla Highway ahead of Christmas Eve While issuing the advisory in a post on X (formerly Twitter), the traffic police said, In view of #Christmas, special traffic arrangements will be effective on the various routes near churches in Delhi. Kindly follow the advisory." The Delhi Traffic Police noted that Christmas celebrations in the capital will begin on the eve of December 24 and continue till December 25, which is expected to result in heavy congregation at some key churches. Churches where high congregation is expected: The major churches where a large number of devotees are expected to gather include Sacred Heart Cathedral, Saint Thomas Church, Free Church, Cathedral Church, Church Carmel Convent School, St. Martin's Church, St. Thomas Church, St. Mary Knanaya Church, United Free Church, The Pentecostal Mission, Independent Church of India, FOLJ Church and St. Alphonsa's Church. Delhi Traffic alert: The Traffic Police department have stated that the possible routes where traffic is expected to remain heavy include: Gol Dak Khana; Ashoka Road (Gol Dak Khana to Windsor Place); Baba Kharak Singh Marg; Sansad Marg; Church Road; Lodhi Road; Aurobindo Marg; Patel Chowk; and Africa Avenue Road. The Delhi Police have advised that traffic may be diverted from the following routes, if necessary: From Roundabout RML going towards Gol Dak Khana; from Bhai Veer Singh Marg/Kali Bari T-point going towards Gol Dak Khana; from Patel Chowk on Ashoka Road going towards Gol Dak Khana; from Outer Circle Connaught Place going towards Gol Dak Khana on Baba Kharak Singh Marg. Christmas falls on 25th December every year and it commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. It is one of the most sacred days in Christianity and the is often spent with meeting friends and family. People set up Christmas trees in their homes and decorate the house with lights, and hanging wreaths. Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! With an aim to set up a vigil for any concerning variant of coronavirus infection, the Government of India has been directing states to send samples of all COVID-19 test swabs for whole genome sequencing after the country witnessed an outbreak of JN.1 sub-variant of SARS-COV2. So far, India has reported 22 cases of Covid subvariant JN.1. The affected states, including Maharashtra, Goa, Puducherry, Gujarat, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Punjab, and Telangana, have amped up their preparedness against the new variant. Here are the top 10 updates on Covid cases in India, 1) The number of active COVID cases in Gurugram district reached four after two more instances of the infection were detected, the health department said on Saturday, adding that it has collected samples from 102 people on Saturday and sent those for testing. 2) The Mizoram government appealed to the people of the state to adhere to COVID-appropriate behavior during the upcoming Christmas-New Year festive season given an increase in JN.1 sub-variant cases in some parts of the country. 3) The Assam Health Department has also directed all hospitals in the state to make arrangements to fight against COVID after the detection of many cases of the new COVID subvariant JN.1. 4) India SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) chief Dr NK Arora said that no additional dose of vaccine is needed against the subvariant at present, ANI reports. 5) I would say prevention is required for all those who are 60 years of age or older, who are likely to have comorbidities and those who are on drugs that suppress our immunity, like cancer patients. If they have not taken precautions so far, then they are advised to take precautions; otherwise, there is no need for any additional doses," Dr. Arora said. Also Read: Live updates on Covid cases in India 6) The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently designated JN.1 as a variant of interest, differentiating it from its parent lineage BA.2.86. Despite its swift dissemination, the global health organization has underscored that the overall risk associated with JN.1 is currently considered low based on available evidence. 7) Bihar has also reported two Covid-19 cases. Following this, CM Nitish Kumar called to spread awareness about Covid-appropriate behavior through social media and other channels and issued instructions that hospital staff must be told to wear masks. 8) Odisha also detected a fresh COVID-19 case and the spread of the JN.1 variant in some parts of southern India. The Odisha government on Saturday advised elderly persons and those with comorbidities to wear masks. 9) A health official has said that Jharkhand is prepared to deal with any spurt in COVID-19 cases, although the situation is presently under control. 10) India saw a single-day rise of 752 coronavirus infections, the highest since May 21 this year, while active cases have increased to 3,420, the health ministry said. (With inputs from agencies) Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! A drone strike damaged a Israel-affiliated" merchant ship off India's coast in the southwest of Gujarat's Veraval two maritime agencies said on Saturday. One of them reported that the vessel was linked to Israel. No casualties have been reported so far. Indian officials said that Navy's "P-8I maritime surveillance aircraft has established communication with the distressed vessel MV Chem Pluto after taking off from INS Hansa naval air base in Goa". "The Indian Navy warship is moving towards the vessel and is expected to reach the merchant ship in the next few hours," the Indian Navy said in a statement. What happened exactly? The United Kingdom Marine Trade Operations (UKMTO) said it received a report of an attack by Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) on a vessel causing an explosion and fire" on Saturday. The incident happened 200 km (120 miles) southwest of Veraval, India. The attack by the unmanned aerial vehicle caused a fire aboard the ship. The fire on the Liberian-flagged chemical products tanker was extinguished without crew casualties," British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations and maritime security firm Ambrey was quoted by AFP as saying. ALSO READ: Rise of pirates in Red Sea to take toll on Indias exim business. Here are items that will turn costlier Maritime security firm Ambrey also informed that the Liberia-flagged chemical/products tanker... was Israel-affiliated." ALSO READ: Red Sea News-Shipping Corp, other shipping, ports in focus as Red Sea route gets disrupted "Some structural damage was also reported and some water was taken onboard. The vessel was Israel-affiliated. She had last called Saudi Arabia and was destined for India at the time," the firm said on its website as per Reuters. It added that the Indian navy was responding. A word of caution In the wake of the incident, the United Kingdom Marine Trade Operations (UKMTO) issued a notification on Saturday, cautioning vessels which plan to transit from that area. It added authorities are investigating the matter. Authorities are investigating. Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO," the UKMTO's notification read. In the wake of Houthi attacks The incident was reported in the wake of attacks by Iran-backed Yemen's Houthi militants targeting commercial shipping in the Red Sea. The militants have resorted to upscale their attacks on commercial ships and tankers in the Red Sea to show support for the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Israel's military offensive in Hams-ruled Gaza continues since October 7. Amid the maritime challenges, Indias foreign ministry recently confirmed that it has had communications regarding the US-led naval task force in the Red Sea, which has been set up to combat the threat to global shipping from Yemens Houthi militants. (With inputs from agencies) Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! A Gabon-flagged commercial crude oil tanker with 25 Indian crew members reportedly came under a drone attack in the Southern Red Sea but no one was injured, Indian officials and the US military said on Sunday as quoted by the news agency PTI. The US Central Command said the vessel, MV Sai Baba, was targeted by a drone launched by Houthi militants in the Southern Red Sea on Saturday. The US military's statement on the attack came a day after merchant vessel MV Chem Pluto, with around 20 Indian crew members, was hit by a suspected drone about 217 nautical miles off the Porbandar coast in the Arabian SeaA. An Indian military official said, All 25 crew members of MV Sai Baba are learned to be Indians." The Gabon-owned tanker MV Saibaba reported no injuries from the strike, Central Command said in a social media post. The official said MV Sai Baba is a Gabon-flagged vessel and it had received a certification from the Indian register of shipping. The US Central Command described the vessel as an Indian-flagged tanker. The vessel was reportedly on its way to India. The officials said the Indian Navy is closely monitoring the situation, as per PTI reports. The United States shot down four drones headed towards a US destroyer in the southern Red Sea and launched from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen on Saturday, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said. The fresh attack came against the backdrop of Iran-backed Houthi rebels stepping up attacks on ships in the Red Sea amid the Israel-Hamas conflict. The US Central Command is one of the key unified combatant commands of the US. A Norwegian-flagged, -owned and -operated chemical/oil tanker reported a near miss of a Houthi drone attack, and a Gabon-owned, Indian-flagged crude oil tanker reported being hit by a one-way attack, the post said. Two Houthi anti-ship ballistic missiles were also "fired into international shipping lanes in the Southern Red Sea from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen", it said. No ships reported being impacted by the ballistic missiles." Three days ago, the United States initiated Operation Prosperity Guardian, with over a dozen countries indicating their commitment to participating. This operation entails collaborative patrols in the Red Sea waters adjacent to Yemen, where the group based in Sanaa has been impeding the passage through the strait. (With inputs from agencies) Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! The Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav Sunday said the cabinet of the government will be expanded on Monday. However, he refused to divulge details like the number of inductees in the council of ministers. " Tomorrow at 3:30 pm Madhya Pradesh cabinet expansion will take place...under the leadership of PM Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP chief JP Nadda, we will come again as double engine govt," Yadav told reporters after meeting BJP president JP Nadda in New Delhi on Sunday evening. Earlier in the day, the MP chief minister met with President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, party president JP Nadda, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Union Minister Anurag Thakur in the national capital. It is important to note that currently, the cabinet has only three members: Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and two deputy CMs, Rajendra Shukla and Jagdish Devda. "Today in New Delhi, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav received guidance from Her Excellency President Droupadi Murmu ji by paying a courtesy visit at Rashtrapati Bhavan," posted the official administrative handle of the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Office. Preparations for the oath-taking ceremony are underway at Raj Bhawan. The maximum strength of the council of ministers in Madhya Pradesh, which has 230 MLAs, can be 35, including the CM. In the assembly elections held last month, the BJP won 163 seats and Congress 66. Yadav took oath as chief minister on December 13 along with Shukla and Devda who were sworn in as Deputy CMs. Madhya Pradesh went to poll for 230 assembly seats in a single phase on November 17 and the counting of votes was done on December 3. Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! The five-day visit of External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar to Russia will begin on Monday, 25 December. His visit to Russia will take place as a part of the ongoing high-level exchanges between the two sides, according to the Ministry of External Affairs. During his visit, EAM will meet Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry and Trade of Russia Denis Manturov to discuss matters related to economic engagement. h "The time-tested India-Russia partnership has remained stable and resilient and continues to be characterized by the spirit of the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership," it said. He is also scheduled to meet his counterpart, the Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Lavrov for discussion on bilateral, multilateral, and international issues. " Focusing on the strong people-to-people and cultural ties between our two countries, the external affairs minister's program will include engagements in Moscow and in St. Petersburg," the MEA said. The two sides are likely to discuss different aspects of bilateral relations with special emphasis on areas of trade, energy, defence, and connectivity. This is the second time when the annual India-Russia leaders' summit will not take place. The annual summit, joined by the prime minister of India and the Russian president, is the highest institutional dialogue mechanism in the strategic partnership between the two sides. The summit has been taking place between the two nations for more than ten years. Till now, 21 annual summits have taken place alternatively in India and Russia. The last summit took place in New Delhi in December 2021. Amid isolation from the West of Russia due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, India and Russia continue to hold strong relations with each other. Since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, India has maintained its stance that the crisis must be solved through diplomacy and dialogue. Despite the pressure from the US, India continued to import crude oil from Russia. Consequentially, the import of Russian crude oil increased significantly in the past two years. Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! Egypt's Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources Hani Sewilam said Saturday that Addis Ababa is building the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) to exhert political dominance over the Nile River, in addition to the declared purpose of generating electricity. The irrigation minister pointed to the dams excessively large reservoir, which exceeds what is required to generate the claimed amount of electricity declared over the past 12 years of negotiations. There are other hidden goals inferred from Ethiopias formulations during talks, its approach towards the dam, and the exaggerated size of the dam reservoir, Sewilam said. The GERD will have a political usage, and Egypt will not allow Ethiopia's control and domination of the Nile waters, he stressed. Sewilam made his remarks to Al-Arabiya satellite channel in an interview that focused on the GERD, which Ethiopia has been building on the Blue Nile since 2011 for the stated purpose of generating up to 5,000 megawatts of electricity. Trilateral talks tangle The interview came after the latest GERD negotiation track between Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia unsuccessfully concluded last week. At the time, the irrigation ministry blamed Ethiopia for rejecting any proposed technical or legal solutions and backtracking on previous commitments, all while seeking a fait accompli on the ground. During the interview, Sewilam elaborated, pointing out that Ethiopia had committed to respect Egyptian and Sudanese water needs during the four-month negotiating period that began in late summer and overlapped with the fourth filling of the GERDs 74-billion-cubic-metre reservoir. Nonetheless, during this period, Ethiopia did not adhere to its commitment and reserved 26 billion cubic metres (53 percent) of the Nile waters during the filling. Sewilam revealed that all negotiating paths over the GERD had been halted and warned Ethiopia from taking any unilateral action that would harm Egypt's water security, "We will take appropriate measures if Egypts water security is harmed," he stressed. Refuting Ethiopian claims The irrigation minister also addressed previous Ethiopian allegations that Egypt is relying on "unacceptable colonial-era agreements" during negotiations. Sewilam affirmed that Egypt has four agreements on Nile waters with Ethiopia, none of which were signed when Ethiopia was a colony. I do not know where they got the term colonial-era agreements, he said, adding that Ethiopia frequently uses this term to mislead the global public opinion. The minister also indicated that Addis Ababa has not adhered to the "Declaration of Principles," and has not conducted the required economic, social, and environmental studies. The minister also stated that Ethiopia tried to insert other future projects into the negotiations, noting that their goal with these projects [dams] is to dominate the waters of the Nile. Sewilam refuted the claim that Egypt had agreed to the GERDs filling schedule, stressing that the country would never approve an agreement that harms its water security. In response to a question on whether the GERD could collapse, Sewilam said that Egypt has no information about the dams final design details and cannot assess its safety. However, he did note that any such collapse would destroy Sudanese dams and affect over 150 million citizens in Egypt and Sudan. For more than a decade of negotiations, Egypt and Sudan have been seeking a legally binding agreement governing the filling and operating of the dam that ensures their water security and own dams' safety along with the interests of Ethiopia. However, Ethiopia seeks to sign non-binding guidelines on the dam's filling and operation rules that can be modified at any time at its discretion. Egypt, which relies mainly on the Nile for its water needs, fears that the dam will harm the countrys already scarce water supply. Search Keywords: Short link: The snowballing crisis in the Red Sea is threatening to disrupt an already fragile global supply chain, as shippers begin to avoid one of the worlds busiest trade routes. Mint looks at the crisis, efforts taken to contain it, and its implication for India and the world. What is happening in the Red Sea? The Yemen-based and Iran-backed Houthi militants have fired over 100 drones and missiles at ships belonging to over 35 countries plying the Red Sea. They are doing so ostensibly in support of the Palestinian cause. Many missiles have been intercepted by the navies of Western nations present in the region, but a few have slipped through, damaging the vessels. Many large container shipping firms and BP, one of the worlds largest oil producers, have suspended voyages through the narrow waterwayone of the busiest trade routes that connects Europe and Asia through the Suez Canal. What are its implications? More than 20,000 ships pass through the Red Sea and Suez Canal annually. They carry as much as 30% of the worlds container volume, 9% of oil, 6% of gas and account for 12% of global sea-borne trade. Any disruption to this trade route would naturally have significant implications. In the last one week, more than 300 vessels have opted to take a 6,000 nautical mile detour around Africa. This means an additional 12 days of transit time. The crisis, if not contained quickly, will disrupt the global supply chain and hurt the world economy. It is already sending the cost of transportation up significantly. What about freight rates? In the last three weeks, spot freight rates between Asia and Europe have soared 40%. Insurance premiums have also shot up. Crude prices have risen too. Experts warn this is just the start. As ships take the longer route around Africa, it will soak up a lot more shipping capacity and create container mismatch as more containers are leaving China than those returning to the country. How is the world reacting to this crisis? The US is leading an effort to put in place a multilateral task force, Operation Prosperity Guardian, to patrol the area and create a safe corridor for the ships. Over 10 countries have agreed to participate in it. India, not part of this task force yet, has sent naval vessels to protect ships that are bound for India. Saudi Arabia, which is in talks with the Houthis to end the civil war in Yemen, is also being leaned on to end this crisis. Concerted efforts are needed as the Houthis have a huge stockpile of missiles. How does this crisis impact India? India is already facing a brunt of the crisis. This weekend, an India-flagged crude carrier MV Sai Baba was hit by a drone in Southern Red Sea. On Saturday, a Liberian-flagged vessel carrying crude to India was hit just outside Indias exclusive Economic Zone in the Arabian Sea. About 65% of Indias crude imports pass through the Suez Canal and 50% of its exports use this artificial waterway that connects the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. India is exploring ways to protect its supply chain. The US Department of Defense on Saturday said that a chemical tanker in the Indian Ocean was hit by a drone launched from Iran. The motor vessel CHEM PLUTO, a Liberia-flagged, Japanese-owned, and Netherlands-operated chemical tanker was struck at approximately 10 a.m. local time (6 a.m. GMT) today in the Indian Ocean, 200 nautical miles from the coast of India, by a one-way attack drone fired from Iran," a Pentagon spokesperson told Reuters. Also Read: Israel-linked vessel, with 20 Indians onboard, hit by drone strike near Indian coast; Indian Navy warships reaching site Meanwhile, ANI reported citing Indian Coast Guard officials, Indian Coast Guard Ship Vikram is escorting the MV Chem Pluto and they are expected to reach off Mumbai by tomorrow. ICGS Vikram reached the distressed ship last evening itself and is moving in Indian waters at the moment." Indian Navy officials further informed that the Indian Navy warship INS Mormugao had reached the MV Chem Pluto last night and ascertained details of the attack on it. The Indian Navy is now investigating whether the drone used to attack the vessel was launched from long range or from a nearby vessel. The vessels operating in the area where the attack took place are being checked," Indian Navy official said. The increasing tensions in the region and heightened risks to shipping lanes have come to the forefront following the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel. The Iranian government and its allied militant forces in Yemen have openly criticized Israel's military operations in Gaza. The ongoing conflict has resulted in the death of thousands of Palestinian citizens, as reported by aid monitors. The Pentagon statement said this was the "seventh Iranian attack on commercial shipping since 2021." Also Read: Rise of pirates in Red Sea to take toll on Indias exim business. Here are items that will turn costlier Reuters reported that there were no casualties as a result of the attack and a brief fire on board the tanker was extinguished. The incident took place only 200 nautical miles from the coast of India. A spokesperson for the Iranian delegation at the United Nations did not immediately respond to a request for comment, the report said. Indian Defense officials said that Indian Coast Guard ship ICGS Vikram is moving towards a merchant vessel MV Chem Pluto in the Arabian Sea, 217 nautical miles off Porbandar coast, after it reported a fire incident suspected to be caused by a drone attack. Also Read: Drone strike hits Israel-affiliated ship off India's coast, say maritime agencies Meanwhile, Defence officials said, As per inputs received, the fire has been extinguished but it has affected its functioning. The ICGS Vikram was deployed on the patrol of the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone when it was directed towards the merchant ship in distress. All crew are safe which includes around 20 Indians. The ICGS Vikram has alerted all ships in the area to provide assistance to it." Furthermore, officials from the Indian Navy revealed that the distressed vessel MV Chem Pluto was communicated with by the Indian Navy's P-8I maritime surveillance aircraft. The aircraft took off from the INS Hansa naval air base in Goa for this purpose. Also Read: India exports face shortfall of nearly $5 billion, Red Sea attacks pose fresh risks to basmati rice shipments The Indian Navy warship is moving towards the vessel and is expected to reach the merchant ship in the next few hours", Navy officials said. Last month, an Israeli-owned cargo ship was hit in a suspected drone attack by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in the Indian Ocean, according to a US official. The Malta-flagged vessel, which is operated by a company affiliated with Israel, sustained damage when an unmanned aerial vehicle exploded in close proximity, as reported by Ambrey. As reported by AFP, Ambrey, a maritime security firm, said the "chemical/products tanker... was Israel-affiliated" and had been on its way from Saudi Arabia to India. The Wall Street Journal reported that the Dutch company operating the MV Chem Pluto "is connected to Israeli shipping tycoon Idan Ofer." The Indian Navy said it had responded to a request for assistance. An aircraft was dispatched and it reached overhead the vessel and established safety of the involved ship and its crew," a navy official told AFP. An Indian navy warship has also been dispatched so as to provide assistance as required." Meanwhile, US warship the Laboon shot down four attack drones originating from Huthi-controlled areas in Yemen" on Saturday, the Pentagon's Central Command (Centcom) said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, adding that no injuries or damage were reported. (With inputs from agencies) Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! Russain-Ukraine war: If they want to negotiate, let them negotiate,' Russian President Vladimir Putin has been quietly signaling that he is open to a ceasefire in Ukraine despite publicly refusing to back down from the ongoing conflict between the two nations, The New York Times reported. The United Nations reported that more than 10,000 civilians have been killed and over 18,500 injured since the war began between Russia and Ukraine. Former senior Russian officials close to the Kremlin and other American and international officials said Putin has been signaling since September that he is open to stopping the fight at the current boundary lines, as per NYT reports. However, sources quoted by The Times warned that it could just be an attempt at misdirection" or even Putin could change his mind if his troops regain momentum in Ukraine. Also, it's not yet clear whether Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy would accept the deal or not as Russia still holds part of the country. On February 24, 2022, Russia invaded neighboring Ukraine and swiftly occupied vast regions of the nation. However, Russian forces were successfully forced to retreat from its northern regions by the strong pushback of Ukrainian forces. The battle lines have mostly not changed since October 2022, with Russia controlling portions of Ukraine's east and south. By early 2023, the Russian military was severely depleted as professional soldiers were replaced with draftees and prisoners, who proved to be weaker against the forces of Ukraine. A mere minority of Russians endorsed the war endeavor, and Putin was confronted with a humiliating defection from mercenary commander Yevgeny Prigozhin. But Ukraine hasn't been able to reclaim the lost ground. It isn't getting much support in the West, and the Gaza War is taking up more of the world's attention. Zelenskyy visited Washington last week to meet with President Joe Biden and members of Congress as part of his efforts to persuade American officials to approve more aid for his nation. Biden has requested $60 billion for Ukraine. However, the US administration warned that it will soon run out of money for Ukraine's war effort. Republicans insisted on making substantial adjustments to border and asylum policies before voting on the supplemental funding request. Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! The United States shot down four drones headed towards a U.S. destroyer in the southern Red Sea and launched from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen on Saturday, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said. These attacks represent the 14th and 15th attacks on commercial shipping by Houthi militants since Oct. 17," CENTCOM said in a post on X. The Iran-aligned Houthis, who control much of Yemen, have disrupted world trade for weeks with attacks on ships passing through the Bab al-Mandab Strait at the southern end of the Red Sea in what they say is a response to Israel's war in Gaza, Reuters reported. The U.S. Naval Forces Central Command responded to distress calls from two ships under attack, CENTCOM said. Also Read: Iranian drone attack hit chemical tanker near India, says Pentagon. What we know so far A Norwegian-flagged, -owned and -operated chemical/oil tanker reported a near miss of a Houthi drone attack, and a Gabon-owned, Indian-flagged crude oil tanker reported being hit by a one-way attack, the post said. Two Houthi anti-ship ballistic missiles were also "fired into international shipping lanes in the Southern Red Sea from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen", it said. No ships reported being impacted by the ballistic missiles." Also Read: Explained | Who are Houthi rebels causing Red Sea crisis, what do they want The U.K. Maritime Trade Operations agency earlier reported that an uncrewed aerial system had exploded near a vessel in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, 45 nautical miles southwest of Saleef, Yemen. Three days ago, the United States initiated Operation Prosperity Guardian, with over a dozen countries indicating their commitment to participating. Also Read: Houthi Red Sea threat: Ikea faces delays, possible supply shortages This operation entails collaborative patrols in the Red Sea waters adjacent to Yemen, where the group based in Sanaa has been impeding the passage through the strait, Reuters reported. (With inputs from Reuters) Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! With the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas conflicts dragging on, the threat of further conflicts or wars breaking out elsewhere has intensified. What we are seeing is the global community, completely absorbed in the communication medium, has become entirely divided from within. An incident at a family gathering in Varanasi bore testimony to this. Three youngsters were at the gathering. The trio struck up a conversation on the Israel-Hamas conflict, while they were relaxing after taking part in some religious rituals. The youngest of the three had initiated the discussion. What was surprising, though, was their legitimization of Israels retaliatory actions. The youngest held the belief that Palestinians were facing the consequences of their actions and advocated the continuation of Israels action as a means to be taught a lasting lesson. The eldest of the trio also acknowledged Israels right to self-defence, but cast doubts on the spilling of innocent civilian blood. Drawing upon the wealth of experiences he had gained from traversing Europe and managing his multinational company, he highlighted the need for a broader perspective. He advocated a visit to Auschwitz in Poland to understand the atrocities and racial violence meted out to the jews by Hitlers regime. Despite enduring such horrors, the Jewish community, he said, chose a path of advancement rather than harbouring animosity and not only established a nation for themselves, but also contributed to technological progress and social advancement, globally. He also questioned the timing of Hamas attack on Israel as the latter was on the verge of forging a peace agreement with its age-old adversary, Saudi Arabiaa move that didnt sit well with some nations. Furthermore, he cited some videos that suggested the involvement of terrorists from some African countries in the attack. According to him, the attack may have been orchestrated to sabotage the budding of ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia. The third young man, who is preparing for competitive exams after completing a degree in engineering, and had been silent till then, now decided to make his point. Citing instances where similar attacks had followed efforts by India and Pakistan for peace, he emphasized the existence of entities that were working against global harmony. The youngest of the trio, who initiated the conversation, however, persisted in steering the conversation away from geopolitical intricacies. He said those" entities and their" leaders bear the blame for every problem, worldwide. There, however, was an issue with his logic. It appeared to serve a particular agenda or purpose, fuelling a growing desire to outmanoeuvre opponents at every turn. Consequently, this escalation in competitive tendencies led the youngest" one to gradually resort to sophistry in arguments. What initially began as a discussion concerning Israel and Palestine became ensnared in an us" versus them" dichotomy. Amid this standoff, the other two participants questioned his approach, asking why he was distorting historical facts. They inquired about the source of his information. His innocent response was revealinghe had gathered this knowledge through television debates and WhatsApp messages. He expressed a sense of helplessness that if these sources were wrong, what could he do about it. Amid chuckles from the others, I felt concerned seeing how educated youth can be misled, even within my own family. Such debates have proliferated in our environment. From airports to train compartments, to crowded buses, educational institutions, and even at the dinner table, topics once deemed off-limits are now commonplace. The legislation designed for this specific purpose has proven to be ineffective. Despite the registration of thousands of hate speech cases in India over the last five years, the outcomes in terms of convictions remain uncertain. Additionally, the adequacy of the punishment for such offences raises concerns. Hatred propagation is legally categorized as a crime under Sections 153A, 153B, and 295A of the Indian Penal Code. It carries a maximum penalty of three to five years imprisonment, coupled with a fine. Undoubtedly, this penalty appears inadequate. Similarly, in numerous other nations, legal frameworks have struggled to effectively tackle the proliferation of hatred, leading to the widespread utilization of social media platforms to instigate riots and violence. Will we witness any relief from this lethal scourge in the forthcoming year? Shashi Shekhar is editor-in-chief, Hindustan. Views are personal. Partnering with the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and the Global Development Network (GDN), and with the active involvement of Indias G20 Sherpa, in July this year, Niti Aayog hosted an international conference on A Green and Sustainable Growth Agenda for the Global Economy. The conference was an official side-event of Indias G20 presidency, timed such that the discussion could inform the forthcoming summit communique, which subsequently emerged as the landmark New Delhi Leaders Declaration. Leadership of the G20 passed from India to Brazil on 1 December, just as the two-week long 28th Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention of Climate Change (UNFCCC) got going in the UAE. As both gatherings indicate, global negotiations represent the art of the possible; progress is measured in inches rather than yards. Yet, they took place within the context of profound changes in the location of global economic activity, environmental challenges and technological change, not to mention an intensification of proxy wars between major combatants. With the long shadow forward cast by covid, both for India and much of the emerging as well as developing world (the Global South), the G20s core commitment to Strong, Sustainable, Balanced and Inclusive Growth (SSBIG) in both its global and domestic dimensions requires fresh thinking on paths to inclusive growth. At the conference, about 40 policy academics and practitioners from a wide spectrum of G20 and African countries debated six themes likely to determine inclusive growth over the medium term: energy, climate and growth; technology, policy and jobs; growth implications of a fractured trading system; reshaping global finance for sustainable growth; multilateralism: geopolitics, governance and the global commons; and adjustment, resilience and inclusion in an uncertain world. A publication based on the international conference has now been released by Niti Aayog. Drawing on the volume, what follows is an eclectic summary of the discussion on three themes relevant for Indias current Amrit Kaal: resilience, inclusion and uncertainty. These all need to be managed in Indias journey to becoming a developed nation by 2047, while maintaining, and indeed reinforcing the momentum of high-quality growth. Trade, technology and nimbleness will be key. There are many definitions of resilience, as well as many dimensions: national, regional, local, personal. The multiple shocks suffered by the global economy in the last 15 years have generated considerable international discussion of resilience, while Indias own rapid post-covid recovery also provides some encouraging pointers. A measure of resilience is the speed with which an economy returns to its earlier growth path. Resilient economies are flexible at both macro and micro levels, and there is abundant evidence that the Indian economy has become more resilient since liberalization 30 years ago. The discussions in the conference on industrial policy, trade policy, the financial system and social protection illuminate the issues involved as we plan for the future. Will the future trading system continue to support integration as a cost-effective form of shock insurance, or has the world changed so that a higher degree of self-sufficiency is now more prudent? Increased investment rates would normally imply larger balance of payments and current account deficits. Is the global financial safety net adequate, or will it require even higher reserve holdings, adding to the cost of importing capital? In a continental country like India, local shocks arising from extreme climate events, and indeed structural changes like the energy transition will entail greater labour market flexibility and mobility. This has implications for everything from transport infrastructure to housing markets. What lessons does international experience (and indeed the experience across Indian states) offer on the best design of social safety nets? There can be little doubt that creating fiscal space in good times is the right thing to do, at the level of both the Union and states, and Niti Aayog plans to strengthen its analytic capacity in state-level fiscal analysis. While inclusion is partly about social protection, it is even more about the future of work. Conditions in India contain both positives and negatives. The positives include a young, technology-savvy labour force and a vibrant service sector. The legacy issues are a high proportion of the non- agricultural labour force in the unorganized sector and the proportion of womens time devoted to the care economy. There is also a global trend towards a lower share of the labour force being employed in manufacturing. India is still a large and fragmented domestic market, and there will undoubtedly be substantial gains from moving to a more unified single market, where both physical infrastructure and new technologies such as AI can make a big difference. But trade openness also matters, and protectionism in rich countries under the guise of environment leakage is an emerging risk, even as traditional supporters of a rules-based trading system seem less interested in defending it. Finally, there is the issue of uncertainty. Here, the conference provided only indirect guidance, and I will draw upon my former experience as a chief economist of Shell to suggest an approach. Shell scans the horizon for long-term trends that seem likely to persist and overlays these with other developments which are more fluid. The axes of long-term scenarios are Indias own demography and demographic trends elsewhere in the world; the impact of climate change and technology; and the likelihood that two of the three largest economies in the world will not be among the richest. As Indias G20 presidency has shown, India is already preparing for such a world. It is now time for academics and analysts to explore the range of alternate realities and how India can prepare for both positive and negative shocks. Netflix and its 265 million premium subscribers globally exist in an ad-free world; at 4 users per subscription, this is over a billion premium consumers who arent easily reached by traditional advertising. The streaming service had a head-start built on content from traditional studios and TV networks. By the time others woke up, it had enough momentum to create original content to feed its global service. Companies seeking to emulate Netflix struggle with the economics of it: Content is costly, as also customer acquisition and retention of low-paying, high-churn customers. Now with many competitors in the mix, consumers are not paying for every service. Indians have figured how to alternate between services to get the best of all worlds. Since late 2022, with the first fall in subscribers quarterly guidance, Wall Street has punished (perhaps irrationally) the entire streaming business. To add to their woes, in 2023, writers and then actors went on strike in the US. Many have deferred expansion plans, cut costs, revised strategies and sought consolidation. While it is the same storm, not all platforms are in the same boat. For some, it is just another business vertical. For others, its their only business. Some have deep pockets, others seek prestige, some have momentum, and many need revenue to drive growth. All this can make for curious content strategies. Now what happens to the billions who cannot afford a paid subscription service, the fabled bottom of the pyramid that is unable to buy content but still has an appetite for it? Does a market not exist there? The subscription video on demand (VOD) model is giving way to advertising VOD. But consumers around the world dont like ad interruptionsthe close/skip ad buttons are the most clicked in our internet universe. The bigger premium a customer pays, the less the interruption. Which means ad-supported streaming caters to people who often cant afford to buy the products being advertised. Ad- supported services also require transparency of watch-time data and need to compete with the big boys of the internet, Meta and Google, among others. When revenues are difficult, one looks at costs. So costs, both of content and customer acquisition are being cut. Reduced cost often translates to reduced quality. And free does not mean audiences will watch mediocre content. Another way to reduce costs is to have varied revenue streams. In the world of movies, preserving a longer theatrical window (six months) allows an opportunity to collect physical retail revenue, and the consequent delayed streaming/telecast will reduce the cost of digital rights. The present construct places a huge strain on the already struggling streaming model. Similarly, sub-licensing of content by geography or language could yield gains. What else does reduced quality mean? Between TV Plus and HBO Minus, there is talk that we must again create content for a mass audience that wants everything free, much like traditional TV. That this content must be masala instead of the high quality we have grown accustomed to. This is where the mass of niches comes in. Within the giant mass audience exist nichesby age, language, geography, genre, tradition and modernity. In a country like India, some niches can be very large. Often, they overlap, and once in a while, they unite to create massive hits. Audience segmentation allows for creating quality and quantity. In an era of devices and distractions, one can be seduced into thinking that short-form material, snacking and social-media clips will devour everything else. However, the truth is less dramatic. Human beings have moods and consume different content typesmovies, series, comedies, tragedies, action, indie, sports, newsin different formats of varying duration for varied moods. Once consumers are used to better quality in one aspect of life, they expect it across all. The same is true of content. Once consumers are used to good content, they wont go back to bad content because its free or the business model of incumbents isnt working. Then a nimbler player comes along to disrupt the market. The financial model of disruptors often does not make sense and market disruption gives us winners and losers, but all investors contribute towards creating new consumption habits. For example, affordable Smart TVs mean that individual device viewing will coexist with a more settled iPhone on the Wall experience. And what about AI in all of this? Can it replace human creativity? Global storytelling has come of age; will it grow from here or fall prey to the politics of ultra-nationalist protectionist tendencies? Consolidation is underway. But nature abhors a monopoly as much as a vacuum. It fosters diversity. Evolution, innovation and mutation are the way ahead. Too big to fail isnt really a thing; too big to manage is. One size truly doesnt fit all. Life always finds a way. And its not the big that eat the small, its the fast that eat the slow. After a stupendous victory in assembly polls in 3 states - Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, BJP has set its sights on winning an "unprecedented majority" in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Keeping this as the vision, in a recent meeting, senior BJP leaders, including Amit Shah and PM Narendra Modi, chalked out key strategies ahead of the elections. During the meeting, PM Modi urged key organisational leaders to work towards boosting the party's vote share by 10%, while Home Minister Amit Shah said that the BJP's performance should leave the opposition stunned". "We have to reach every home with our ideology and historic works of BJP governments and make Modi ji prime minister again in 2024 with an unprecedented majority," Shah later posted on X about his address at the meet. Here are the key things discussed during the meeting: Modi called for raising the BJP's vote share by 10% from its show in the 2019 polls when the ruling party had fetched over 37% of votes while the National Democratic Alliance led by it had bagged around 45% votes. The party's top brass did not set any specific seat target but emphasised on ensuring a win which should be bigger than its 2019 performance when the BJP had bagged 303 of the 543 Lok Sabha seats. Party leaders have been advised to reach out to first-time voters The prime minister also emphasised the need to reach out to women, youth, farmers and the poor - whom he has often described as the four biggest "castes". He asked party leaders to connect a maximum number of these people with the ongoing 'Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra', which aims at saturation of his government's flagship welfare schemes. Senionr party leaders have also been advised focus on spreading the word about the government's positive works instead of joining issues with opposition parties in their "negative" campaign. The consecration ceremony at the Ram temple was one of the highlights of the two-day deliberations as the party is confident it will be a major issue in its favour in the polls. Modi's leadership, the appeal of his government's welfare schemes and the strength of its organisational machinery were cited as big reasons for the win. Different 'morchas' of the party spoke about their upcoming programmes in the run-up to the general elections. The BJP's big win in the recent assembly polls came up for praise in the meeting, with the party unit presidents of the three Hindi heartland states of Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh speaking on the victories. (With inputs from PTI) Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! Russia's Central Election Commission refused to accept the initial nomination of President Vladimir Putin's challenger Yekaterina Duntsova citing errors in the documents submitted. Yekaterina Duntsova wanted to contest the elections calling for peace in Ukraine and with a vision of a humane" Russia that's peaceful, friendly and ready to cooperate with everyone on the principle of respect". After Central Election Commission rejected the nomination, Duntsova wrote on the Telegram messaging app, On December 23, the Central Election Commission refused to register my initiative group." According to a Telegram channel close to Duntsova's campaign, the commission found 100 errors in her nomination papers, including mistakes in the spelling of names. Meanwhile, the head of Russia's Central Election Commission, Ella Pamfilova, said at the commission meeting, addressing Duntsova, You are a young woman, you still have everything ahead of you. Any minus can always be turned into a plus," Duntsova urges the Yabloko political party leaders to nominate her Duntsova plans to appeal the decision in Russia's Supreme Court and urges the Yabloko political party leaders to nominate her as a candidate. Russian state media cited earlier Yabloko party founder and leader Grigory Yavlinsky would not run for the presidency, citing the party's press service. Speaking in a live interview on YouTube, once Duntsova's appeal to Yabloko became known, Yavlinsky said that he didn't know" whether the party would consider her application. Duntsova took her first steps toward candidate status on Sunday, when her run was endorsed by 500 supporters as required by Russian election law, and presented documents on Wednesday to Russia's Central Election Commission to register her nomination. Putin is confident to win next elections A number of Russian parties also announced which candidates they would be backing in the presidential election next March which incumbent President Vladimir Putin is all but certain to win. Putin submitted his nomination papers to the Central Election Commission on Monday. Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! The United States, wielding its economic might like a scepter, attempts to tighten its grip on the global banking sector through fresh sanctions on foreign banks aiding Russias war in Ukraine. But cracks are appearing in the facade. Bitcoin and alternative banking systems whisper promises of a future beyond American dominance, raising the question: are these sanctions just a last-ditch effort to maintain control? Sanctions: A Blunt Tool in a Changing Landscape The new executive order, brandished by President Biden himself, authorizes secondary sanctions against institutions aiding Russias military-industrial complex. The message is clear: choose American dollars or face exile from the worlds biggest financial playground. Its a bold power play, one rooted in the assumption of American financial supremacy. But this supremacy faces challenges. Russia, stung by Western sanctions, seeks solace in Chinas renminbi-fueled arms. Beijing, eager to shed its economic vassalage, welcomes the embrace. European banks, though cautious, may succumb to pressure from American counterparts, further tightening the noose around Russia. The Whispers of a New Dawn: Bitcoin and Beyond Yet, in the shadows, murmurs of a financial revolution grow louder. Bitcoin, the digital rebel, offers an escape from centralized control. Alternative banking systems, nimble and independent, sprout like mushrooms after a rain. The future, once painted in hues of the American dollar, now shimmers with a kaleidoscope of possibilities. Is America Facing an Endgame? The economic impact of sanctions on Russia is undeniable. Yet, a rosy path to victory remains elusive. Experts question the effectiveness of secondary sanctions, fearing they might alienate allies and accelerate the worlds descent into a multipolar financial landscape. The Kyiv School of Economics paints a grim picture of widespread fraud undermining the price cap on Russian oil, further dimming the luster of American economic might. Direct US assistance to Ukraine, the lifeblood of its resistance, hangs by a thread, entangled in domestic political squabbles. The specter of a weakened Ukraine, abandoned by its American patron, looms large. Beyond the Battlefield: A Fight for the Future of Finance The battlefield in Ukraine is not just about territorial borders; its about the future of the global financial order. The American eagle, once the undisputed sovereign of the skies, faces a rising tide of challengers. Bitcoin, alternative systems, and even Chinas renminbi circle like vultures, waiting for the inevitable fall. Can the United States maintain its financial hegemony through brute force and sanctions? Or is this the final act of a fading empire, desperately clinging to the vestiges of its power? Only time will tell who will rule the financial kingdom in the post-American era. But one thing is certain: the fight for control has just begun. Shayne Heffernan A delegation of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad Movement (PIJ), headed by Ziad Nakhaleh, the secretary-general of the movement, arrived in Egypt on Sunday, Egyptian news outlet Al Qahera News reported. The visit comes in response to an invitation from Egypt. The discussions will deal with means of stopping the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip -- now entering its 79th day -- and measures needed to reach a new deal on a captive-prisoner swap, a prominent source within the movement said. The delegation will present the PIJ's vision for stopping Israeli aggression, withdrawing the Israeli forces from Gaza, and reconstructing the war-ravaged strip. The source also noted that the PIJs delegation stressed that any deal to exchange Israeli captives for Palestinian prisoners must adhere to the principle of "all for all" and will be carried out, following a ceasefire, through a political process agreed upon with various political forces representing the Palestinian people. Nakhaleh's visit comes three days after a delegation headed by Ismail Haniyeh, the head of Palestinian movement Hamas, arrived in Cairo for talks on ceasefire efforts with Egyptian officials. Egypt and Qatar helped mediate a week-long cease-fire in November, in which Hamas freed over 100 captives in exchange for Israel's release of 240 Palestinian children and women detainees. On Friday, the United Nations Security Council approved a much-delayed resolution to bring more aid into the blockaded Gaza Strip by ensuring "safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance at scale." The resolution also called for creating "conditions for a sustainable cessation of hostilities" without calling for an immediate end to the fighting. Since the beginning of its bloody war on Gaza in 7 October, Israel has killed over 20,000 Palestinians, including women and children, and wounded thousands of others. Search Keywords: Short link: Smoke rises following an Israeli bombardment in the Gaza Strip, as seen from southern Israel, Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023. The army is battling Palestinian militants across Gaza in the war ignited by Hamas' Oct. 7 attack into Israel. (Ariel Schalit/AP) At least 68 people were killed by an Israeli strike in central Gaza, health officials said Sunday, while the number of Israeli soldiers killed in combat over the weekend rose to 17. Associated Press journalists at a nearby hospital watched frantic Palestinians carry the dead, including a baby, and wounded following the strike on the Maghazi refugee camp east of Deir al-Balah. One bloodied young girl looked stunned while her body was checked for broken bones. Advertisement The 68 fatalities include at least 12 women and seven children, according to early hospital figures. We were all targeted, said Ahmad Turkomani, who lost several family members including his daughter and grandson. There is no safe place in Gaza anyway. Advertisement Earlier, the Health Ministry in Gaza gave the death toll as 70. The Israeli military had no immediate comment. As Christmas Eve fell, smoke rose over the besieged territory, while in the West Bank Bethlehem was hushed, its holiday celebrations called off. In neighboring Egypt, tentative efforts continued on a deal for another exchange of hostages for Palestinians held by Israel. The war has devastated parts of Gaza, killed roughly 20,400 Palestinians and displaced almost all of the territorys 2.3 million people. The mounting death toll among Israeli troops 156 since the ground offensive began could erode public support for the war, which was sparked when Hamas-led militants stormed communities in southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 and taking 240 hostage. Israelis still largely stand behind the countrys stated goals of crushing Hamas governing and military capabilities and releasing the remaining 129 captives. Thats despite rising international pressure against Israels offensive, and the soaring death toll and unprecedented suffering among Palestinians. Hamas exacts a price The war exacts a very heavy price from us, but we have no choice but to continue fighting, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said. In a nationally televised speech, Israeli President Isaac Herzog appealed for the country to remain united. This moment is a test. We will not break nor blink, he said. There has been widespread anger against his government, which many criticize for failing to protect civilians on Oct. 7 and promoting policies that allowed Hamas to gain strength over the years. Netanyahu has avoided accepting responsibility for the military and policy failures. Advertisement Over time, the public will find it hard to ignore the heavy price paid, as well as the suspicion that the aims that were loudly heralded are still far from being attained, and that Hamas is showing no signs of capitulating in the near future, wrote Amos Harel, military affairs commentator for the Haaretz newspaper. The Israeli military said it had completed the dismantling of Hamas underground headquarters in northern Gaza, part of an operation to take down the vast tunnel network and kill off top commanders that Israeli leaders have said could take months. Efforts toward negotiations continued. The head of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Ziyad al-Nakhalah, arrived in Egypt for talks. The militant group, which also took part in the Oct. 7 attack, said it was prepared to consider releasing hostages only after fighting ends. Hamas top leader Ismail Haniyeh traveled to Cairo for talks days earlier. Inside Gaza Israels offensive has been one of the most devastating military campaigns in recent history. More than two-thirds of the 20,000 Palestinians killed have been women and children, according to the Health Ministry in Gaza, which does not differentiate between civilians and combatants. On Friday, Israeli airstrikes on two homes in Gaza killed 90 Palestinians, including dozens from an extended family, according to rescuers and hospital officials. One of the homes, located in Gaza City, became one of the deadliest airstrikes in the war after 76 people from the al-Mughrabi family were killed, said Mahmoud Bassal, a spokesman for Gazas Civil Defense department. The Palestinian Red Crescent said a 13-year-old boy was shot and killed in an Israeli drone attack while inside al-Amal Hospital in Khan Younis, a part of Gaza where Israels military believes Hamas leaders are hiding. Advertisement An Israeli strike overnight hit a house in a refugee camp west of the city of Rafah, on Gazas border with Egypt. At least two men were killed, according to Associated Press journalists in the hospital where the bodies were taken. At least two people were killed and six others wounded when a missile stuck a building in the Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza. And Palestinians reported heavy Israeli bombardment and gunfire in Jabaliya, an area north of Gaza City that Israel had claimed to control. Hamas military arm said its fighters shelled Israeli troops in Jabaliya and Jabaliya refugee camp. Israel faces international criticism for the civilian death toll but it blames Hamas, citing the militants use of crowded residential areas and tunnels. Israel has launched thousands of airstrikes since Oct. 7. It says it has killed thousands of Hamas militants, without presenting evidence. Israel also faces allegations of mistreating Palestinian men and teenage boys detained in homes, shelters, hospitals and elsewhere during the offensive. It has denied abuse allegations and said those without links to militants are quickly released. Speaking to the AP from a hospital bed in Rafah after his release, Khamis al-Burdainy of Gaza City said Israeli forces detained him after tanks and bulldozers partly destroyed his home. He said men were handcuffed and blindfolded. Advertisement We didnt sleep. We didnt get food and water, he said, crying and covering his face. Another released detainee, Mohammed Salem, from the Gaza City neighborhood of Shijaiyah, said Israeli troops beat them. We were humiliated, he said. A female soldier would come and beat an old man, aged 72 years old. International pressure The United Nations Security Council has passed a watered-down resolution calling for the speedy delivery of humanitarian aid for hungry and desperate Palestinians and the release of all the hostages, but not for a cease-fire. But it was not immediately clear how and when deliveries of food, medical supplies and other aid, far below the daily average of 500 before the war, would accelerate. Trucks enter through two crossings: Rafah, and Kerem Shalom on the border with Israel. Wael Abu Omar, a spokesman for the Palestinian Crossings Authority, said 123 aid trucks entered Gaza on Sunday, The head of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, reiterated U.N. calls for a humanitarian cease-fire, adding on social media that the decimation of the Gaza health system is a tragedy. Amid concerns about a wider regional conflict, the U.S. Central Command said a patrol ship in the Red Sea on Saturday shot down four drones launched from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, a while two Houthi anti-ship ballistic missiles were fired into international shipping lanes. Advertisement The Iran-backed Houthis say their attacks are aimed at Israel-linked ships in an effort to stop the Israeli offensive in Gaza. Authorities are investigating a Fall River mans death as a homicide after he was found shot dead on a porch Saturday evening, the Bristol County District Attorneys Office announced. Fall River police responded to 911 calls about a man shot at 326 Bank St. just before 5:20 p.m., the district attorneys office said in a press release. At the scene, they found a 44-year-old man dead from a gunshot wound on the porch of the home. A second person was found nearby with a minor hand injury, Fall River police said in a press release. They were taken to Charlton Memorial Hospital for treatment. It is unclear what caused the injury or whether it is related to the shooting. Several individuals are being interviewed in regards to this incident, and the investigation remains extremely active at this time, the district attorneys office said. Authorities havent identified the victim, as they are still waiting to notify his family, the district attorneys office said. They will identify the victim once they have. No further information about the shooting has been released. Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call Fall River police at 508-324-2796. A 29-year-old man was killed in a shooting at a Lawrence nightclub just after midnight on Christmas Eve, according to police. Lawrence police responded to a report of shots fired at Energy Lounge on Broadway around 12:20 a.m. Sunday morning, police said in a press release. There, officers and paramedics found the victim with a gunshot wound. They treated him before taking him to Lawrence General Hospital where he was declared dead. Energy Lounge confirmed in a statement posted to its Instagram account that the shooting happened inside the nightclub. It said it is cooperating with investigators. Energy Lounge deeply regrets the human loss, and we send our most sincere condolences to the victims relatives. We accompany them in their pain, the nightclub wrote. No further information about the shooting, including the identity of the victim, has been released. The power of social media has helped raise money, support petitions and fulfill peoples dreams. And for one former homeless man from Central Massachusetts, the power of another mans social media fulfilled his dream of getting a new set of teeth ahead of the holidays. Victor Oliveira, who goes by victorthegoodboss on social media, has made it a habit to pull over to the side of the road and offer homeless people jobs at his landscaping company. Im always the type of person to help somebody no matter what, he told MassLive in a phone interview on Tuesday, Dec. 5. If it involves anything, I will say yes. Oliveira, of Wakefield, who has gained more than 3 million TikTok followers, has helped about 28 people some homeless and others in addiction over the past year and a half, he told MassLive. Among them is young man named Ryan Kenneway, originally from Athol, who Oliveira found roaming the streets of Lowell over the summer. I stumbled across him on July 13 standing very thin on the street corner, holding a sign begging for money, Oliveira wrote in a GoFundMe campaign that he organized to help get Kenneways life back on track. Victor Oliveira (left) found Ryan Kenneway (right) roaming the streets of Lowell over the summer.Victor Oliveira Kenneway, 28, told Oliveira hes done all sorts of jobs from painting to demolition. I love to work, Kenneway said in a video posted on July 22, Ive been working since I was 14. This led Oliveira to offer Kenneway a job after first getting him new glasses. Hes an amazing worker, Oliveira said. This became a friendship and I just see so much potential in him. Oliveira also got Kenneway into a rehabilitation facility in North Carolina to help treat his addiction to drugs and alcohol. Oliveira even flew down with Kenneway, which he said is part of his nature. My thing is if you do this, Ill go with you. Ill bring you there, he said. Ill stay by your side the whole time, and thats kind of what makes what I do unique, and it really helps the person that Im helping. Ryan Kenneway before his dental surgery.Victor Oliveira Oliveira understands the importance of getting clean. The Saugus native dropped out of high school and developed an addiction to drinking, opioids and cocaine. This eventually netted Oliveira two years in prison for drug trafficking. After that, Oliveira wanted to do better with his life. Coming up on 12 years of sobriety, Oliveira works to transform the lives of others struggling with mental health and addiction, such as Kenneway, for whom he launched another GoFundMe on Nov. 28 to help him get a new set of teeth. The campaign caught the attention of a dentist in upstate New York, who offered to do the procedure for free. Kenneway successfully got the procedure on Dec. 5. Im beyond grateful for everyone coming together to make this happen, Oliveira said in a video posted Wednesday, Dec. 6. Ryan is an inspiration to so many others. While some of the money from the GoFundMe campaign went towards gas for the duos five-hour drive and a hotel, leftover money helped others. We set the GoFundMe just to go help other people along the journey and do just random blessings to people, Oliveira told MassLive. Anything left in this GoFundMe that we dont use out here, were going to still give that back to other people in good ways. Through their encounters, Victor Oliveira (left) and Ryan Kenneway (right) have become friends.Victor Oliveira As of Friday, Dec. 22 the campaign has raised $3,870 of its $3,500 goal. Meanwhile the first GoFundMe has raised more than $14,000, nearing its $15,000 goal. The campaigns, along with Oliveiras videos, legitimize his good deeds that he said have often been questioned in the past. I put it on video. I show people what were doing so they can see that the money is not going to my pocket, he explained. Its not, you know, going anywhere misused. As for why he keeps helping Kenneway, Oliveira said he wants to keep him from going back to his old ways. I want to see him have a better life, Oliveira said, recalling how Kenneway almost died three times from substance abuse. I just see something in him that I dont want to let go. I dont want to give up. No one is too far gone to be saved, said Kenneway, who is now in a sober home on the North Shore. Ryan Kenneway's journey to recovery has inspired others to get sober.Victor Oliveira You can follow Oliveira on TikTok to learn more about Kenneway and the other people he has helped. Egypts exports dropped 22 percent year-on-year (YoY) to $30.8 billion during the first nine months of 2023, according to data released by the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS) on Sunday. Meanwhile, imports declined by 21 percent YoY to $58.5 billion from January to the end of September. Thus, the Egyptian trade deficit declined by around 20 percent YoY to $27.7 billion in the January-September period. Egypts exports increased by 19.4 percent in 2022 to reach $52.1 billion, up from $43.6 billion in 2021, as shown in previous data by CAPMAS. Search Keywords: Short link: A New Bedford man broke into a Taunton home and tried to kill a man Friday evening, but only succeeded in shooting him in the leg, according to authorities. Taunton police charged 22-year-old Joshua Manuel Deleon with assault with intent to murder, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, home invasion and seven other charges in connection with the incident, police said in a press release. Officers responded to a home on Newcomb Place around 10 p.m. Friday evening after dispatchers received a screaming 911 call, followed by reports of a disturbance involving a gun, police said. When they arrived at the multi-family home, a woman answered the door and led them to the second-floor apartment. Inside the apartment, officers found two men struggling on the ground with one on top of the other, police said. Knowing a gun may be involved, they took out their department-issued firearms and pointed them at the two men while ordering them to stop the fight. The men complied, and officers noticed that one was shot in the leg, police said. The other man, who was later identified as Deleon, had head trauma and other injuries as a result of the fight. Officers found a gun near Deleon and noticed that he was wearing body armor, police said. They also found two more guns, three bullet casings on the floor and bullet holes in the ceiling. Officers discovered that the third-floor apartments residents a woman and her four children were in the apartment when the shots were fired, police said. The residents were frightened, but uninjured. The victim and Deleon were taken to a local hospital, police said. The victim is expected to recover. Deleon was taken by medical helicopter to a Boston hospital where he is being treated for serious injuries, police said. He is in police custody at the hospital. The incident was not a random act of violence, as Deleon and the victim knew each other previously, police said. Police believe the conflict originated in a different community and spilled over into Taunton. Unfortunate circumstances befell Falmouth Fire Lieutenant Timothy Bailey on Sunday, Dec. 17, when he was injured fighting a three-alarm fire in town. Reporters at the scene of the blaze said that firefighters had to rush to the basement of the building to save a firefighter who fell through the first floor. A post to X, formerly known as Twitter, by NBC10 Boston reporter Eli Rosenberg said that the firefighter had significant non-life-threatening traumatic injuries. Since that day, a fundraiser has been set up for Bailey, whom the fundraiser said has a long road to recovery, including multiple surgeries and a lengthy hospital stay in Boston. With an original goal of $5,000, the fundraiser has blown past that, with more than $68,000 collected as of 3:45 p.m. on Saturday. Tim is a 19-year veteran of the Falmouth Fire Dept., and he and his wife Debra were looking forward to spending Christmas with their 14-year-old son Jack, the fundraiser page said. The Greg Hill Foundation agreed to match the first $5,000 donated. Bailey had to be airlifted to Massachusetts General Hospital following the fire, and suffered multiple traumatic injuries, according to the fundraiser. The Cape Cod Times reported that there were three firefighters hospitalized during the blaze, but that only one was taken to Mass. General. (Firefighters) just did one heck of a job, not only getting him out of the building and one of their comrades being injured but then having to turn and to work on extinguishing the fire, which was very significant, Jake Wark, a spokesperson for the state Department of Fire Services, told the Times. A pharmaceutical company reached a multimillion-dollar settlement agreement this week with federal authorities in Boston to resolve claims it engaged in a kickback scheme, in which it gave away free test kits to acquire patients data to target them for treatment, in turn causing fraudulent insurance claims to be submitted, authorities said. Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical, Inc. agreed to pay $6 million to resolve allegations it caused false claims to be submitted to Medicare and Medicaid. The company was accused of paying for free genetic tests for patients and buying test result information. Ultragenyx then used that information to target patients for prescriptions of a drug it manufactures that is used to treat hypophosphatemia, a condition that causes people to have abnormally low levels of phosphate in their blood, according to a statement from Acting United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts Joshua S. Levys office. Kickbacks, in whatever form, have no business in our federal healthcare system. We are always on the lookout for financial kickbacks that can improperly influence medical decisions, undermine patient care, and cause waste to federal healthcare programs, Levy said. As medical practices evolve, our office is committed to ferreting out improper financial kickbacks of any permutation. The California-based company manufactures Crysvita, a U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved drug used to treat X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) in adult and pediatric patients six months of age and older. The condition is a rare inherited disorder characterized by low levels of phosphate in the blood, which can lead to weak bones and, in many instances, may require a genetic test to definitively diagnose, the U.S. Attorneys Offices statement read. As part of the settlement, Ultragenyx admitted in some cases, an insurer, like Medicare or Medicaid, would require a positive genetic test for a mutation consistent with XLH to pay for a patients prescription for Crysvita and a health care provider would require a positive test to make a definitive diagnosis of the condition and prescribe the drug, federal authorities said. According to prosecutors, Ultragenyx entered into an arrangement, which it called its sponsored XLH testing program, with a genetic testing laboratory, in which the company paid the lab to conduct tests at no cost to providers or patients and provide the results to providers. As part of the scheme, Ultragenyx sales workers allegedly discussed the program with providers and delivered order forms for the tests to providers offices. Ultragenyx was also accused of paying the lab to provide it the test results, including the name of the provider who ordered the test, a patient ID number, the date the test was ordered and, once ready, the test result itself, called a result report. The company then used the reports, in part, to market its drug and find potential patients and their providers, the U.S. Attorneys Office detailed. Until April 2022, Ultragenyx received results reports and gave the information to its sales force with instructions to make sales calls for Crysvita to providers who ordered a test or who had a patient with a positive test result, according to federal authorities. The companys sales employees then allegedly followed up with providers about patients test results. Prosecutors argued because of Ultragenyxs scheme, the company caused false claims to be submitted to Medicare and Medicaid by paying kickbacks to beneficiaries in the form of free genetic tests to get them buy reimbursed Crysvita and to the lab for the results reports to induce the lab to provide to Ultragenyx the names of providers the company could market the drug to. Read more: Shelter opens in Cambridge for dozens of families amid emergency housing crisis Todays settlement makes it crystal clear that pharmaceutical companies like Ultragenyx will not be allowed to exploit patient data to target patients for treatments in order to boost their bottom line at the expense of taxpayer-funded health care programs, said Jodi Cohen, special agent in charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigations Boston Division. Let this case be a warning to others that the FBI and our law enforcement partners are hard at work investigating allegations of health care fraud, and anyone engaging in similar conduct will face similar consequences. Compared to the second quarter of 2023, total employment in EOE decreased by 498 (-1.4%) from 34,471 to 33,973. Some 815 jobs were lost due to the contraction of workforce in some enterprises whilst 317 jobs were created due to expansion in existing enterprises. Employment of Mauritians decreased by 261 (-1.4%) from 19,273 to 19,012 and that of foreign workers decreased by 237 (-1.6%) from 15,198 to 14,961. EOE exports during the third quarter of 2023 amounted to R 12,635 million, 5.4% higher compared to the second quarter of 2023 and 6.6% lower compared to the third quarter of 2022. EOE imports during the third quarter of 2023 amounted to R 6,277 million, 14.6% lower than the second quarter of 2023 and 28.6% lower than the third quarter of 2022. Donegal TikTok star Eric Roberts was the victim of a robbery in the days before Christmas. The Squid Games: The Challenge star was in Dublin when thieves broke into his car and stole several items, including Christmas presents. I came back to my car to find my back window had been smashed and pretty much everything was taken out of the car, Roberts told his 268,000 followers on Instagram. He said that while nothing major was taken in the incident, the occurrence just feels very intrusive. Guards were here and its all dealt with just a bit of a disaster, he said. He thanked iMotors, who assisted in organising a replacement car to see him over the festive season. I have been so, so lucky, he said. Roberts recently featured as one of 456 contestants in the Netflix show, Squid Game: The Challenge and was eliminated on episode seven of the series. THE appointment of a staff member to oversee the application for a bypass for Ballinrobe has put the project firmly back on the agenda, according to a local representative. From January 2, a member of staff will begin working with Mayo County Councils National Roads Office to begin preparing a Phase 0 strategic assessment report on the bypass. Members of Mayo County Councils Roads SPC recently met with TII representatives in Dublin, where a variety of proposed and ongoing capital projects were discussed. Speaking at the Roads SPCs December meeting, Ballinrobe-based councillor said that there was a real acknowledgement of a major traffic problem in the area from TII. A bypass for Ballinrobe was first proposed as far back as 2009 when a preferred route along the east of the town was ratified by Mayo County Council and adopted in the Ballinrobe Local Area Plan. A sum of 600,000 was allocated for traffic alleviation measures in Ballinrobe earlier this year, including a set of traffic lights at Stauntons corner. Cllr Ryan said that a second or a third set of traffic lights may be needed to address ongoing traffic congestion in the South Mayo town. Were pushing an open door with them [TII], theres an acknowledgement that theres a real problem in Ballinrobe, Cllr Ryan told the Roads SPC. Theres also an acknowledgement with them that the bypass is being firmly put back on the agenda. That has to happen. We have to manage expectation in how long that will take. The Fianna Fail councillor also welcomed the recent commencement of work to upgrade the R332 between Kilmaine and Foxhall. The three-kilometre road, which straddles the border of Galway and Mayo, will undergo online and offline carriageway construction involving vertical and horizontal realignment, road widening and road pavement overlay. Over 850,000 has so far been allocated to the project, which will link South Mayo to the road network in Tuam when complete. A West Mayo county councillor has said a proposed greenway extension should not go through land where dogs are trained. Cllr John OMalley voiced concern over a proposal from Transport Infrastructure Ireland to extend a greenway from Belclare to Roonagh, which will involve acquiring farmland which is being used to train dogs. The Carrowholly-based councillor said the woman who trains the animals will lose her business if her field is divided by a new greenway. Another nearby agricultural field will also be divided by the proposed new route, which will form part of the long-mooted extension to the Great Western Greenway. Speaking at the meeting of Mayo County Councils Roads SPC, Cllr OMalley warned that there would be an objection to the proposed route by affected landowners. The Independent councillor called for TII to alter the route, saying there was plenty of other room for a greenway in other areas from Belclare to Roonagh. The other thing about it is that that field actually floods. And if there was a greenway there in the last month, nobody would be on it because there was two foot of water in that area, Cllr OMalley added. Over 1.2 in government funding which had been allocated to extend the Great Western Greenway from Belclare to Roonagh had to be paid back by Mayo County Council in 2021 after it emerged the council drew down money for projects it falsely claimed were started or completed. All new greenway projects are now overseen by TII. Construction of the proposed extension to the Great Western Greenway is not expected to commence until 2028. Police in the UK have launched a murder inquiry following the death in Scotland of a woman originally from Donegal. Ann Coll was pronounced dead at the scene at an apartment in Rutherglen, South Lanarkshire, in the early hours of Friday. The body of the 61-year-old, who hailed from Gweedore, was found with serious injuries and Police Scotland have launched a murder probe. A cordon was immediately placed and officers conducted door-to-door visits in the Newfield Place area in a bid to piece together vital clues. Detective Chief Inspector Lynsey Watters, of the major investigations team, said: "Our thoughts are with Ann's family and we are providing them with support at this very difficult time. "Our investigation into her murder is ongoing and I would urge anyone who can help to get in touch as soon as you can. "I would ask anyone who believes they may have seen or heard anything which may be suspicious around the area to get in touch with us." Iran's deputy foreign minister on Saturday dismissed US accusations that Tehran was involved in attacks by Yemeni rebels on commercial ships, saying the group was acting on its own. Yemen's Houthi rebels have launched more than 100 drone and missile attacks, targeting 10 merchant vessels in the Red Sea, linked with Israel, in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, under Israeli brutal attacks. On Friday, the White House released US intelligence claiming that Iran provided drones, missiles, and tactical intelligence to the Houthi, who control vast parts of Yemen including the capital, Sanaa. "The resistance (Houthi) has its own tools... and acts in accordance with its own decisions and capabilities," said Ali Bagheri, Iran's deputy foreign minister. "The fact that certain powers, such as the Americans and the Israelis, suffer strikes from the resistance movement... should in no way call into question the reality of the strength of the resistance in the region," he told Mehr news agency. Earlier on Saturday, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said Washington had previously asked Iran to advise Yemeni rebels not to act against US and Israeli interests in the region. "We have made it clear to the Americans that these groups have decided, based on their interests, on how to support Gaza," said Amir-Abdollahian during a conference in Tehran in support of Palestinians. "We have not and will not order them to stop the attacks." The Gaza Strip has endured 11 weeks of Israeli air and ground genocidal war that killed more than 20,000 people, mostly women and children, according to the health ministry. Iran has repeatedly warned of a widening conflict, and last month Amir-Abdollahian said the intensity of the war has rendered its expansion "inevitable". President Ebrahim Raisi has said Iran sees it as "its duty to support the resistance groups" but insisted that they "are independent in their opinion, decision and action". Last month, Tehran dismissed as "invalid" Israel's accusations that Houthi rebels were acting on Tehran's "guidance" when they seized a Red Sea ship owned by an Israeli businessman. Despite the presumed findings presented by the White House, there have been doubts among some US and allied policymakers on whether the Houthis are acting at the behest of Iran. One diplomat from a US ally who follows the region noted that Lebanon's Hezbollah -- which has much closer ties with Iran -- has been comparatively restrained in the face of US warnings including a show of naval might in the Eastern Mediterranean. "Of Iran's proxies in the region, the Houthis have the weakest link to Tehran. And it is hard to see how the attacks serve their or Iran's interests," the diplomat said. * This story has been edited by Ahram Online. Search Keywords: Short link: The Blue Jays and right-hander Paolo Espino are in agreement on a contract, according to a report from Jon Heyman of the New York Post. There are no details on the specifics of the deal, though its presumably a minor league pact with an invite to major league Spring Training. Espino, 37 next month, started his professional career all the way back in 2006 when he was drafted by Cleveland in the 10th round of that years draft. He first broke into the big leagues more than a decade later with a 6.00 ERA in 24 innings of work split between the Brewers and Rangers during the 2017 season. Espino was then relegated to the minors for the next two seasons before eventually resurfacing with the Nationals during the 2020 season. Though he pitched just six innings for the club during the shortened season, the performance went reasonably well as he posted a 4.50 ERA and 4.02 FIP with seven strikeouts across two appearances. That cup of coffee with the Nationals in 2020 kicked off a four-year stint in D.C. that saw Espino relied upon as a swingman for the rebuilding club. Espino appeared in 77 games for the Nationals between 2021 and 2022, drawing 38 starts and pitching 223 innings during that time. While his numbers, while unimpressive, were more or less that which would be expected of a clubs #5 or #6 starter: a 4.56 ERA (88 ERA+) and a 4.70 FIP despite a meager 19.5% strikeout rate thanks in large part to a walk rate of just 5.2%. Things took a turn for the worse for Espino in 2023. The veteran righty pitched just four innings for the big league club this past season, and was lit up for 11 runs on 14 hits and three walks while striking out just three in that limited time on the mound. Though Espinos 13 starts at the Triple-A level went better as he posted a 4.33 ERA across 60 1/3 innings of work, Espinos season came to an end in July when the righty was placed on the injured list due to a flexor strain. The end of his time in the Nationals organization came shortly thereafter, as the club placed Espino on release waivers in early August. Since then, Espino has made nine starts in the Dominican Winter League, pitching to a strong 2.40 ERA in 48 2/3 innings of work while striking out 25.8% of batters faced. That strong performance clearly caught the attention of the Blue Jays, who decided to take a chance on Espino as a depth option headed into the 2024 season. The club appears set in the rotation with a quintet of Kevin Gausman, Jose Berrios, Yusei Kikuchi, Chris Bassitt, and Alek Manoah penciled in while the club prepares for the arrival of top prospect Ricky Tiedemann, but Espino could act as a depth option alongside the likes of Bowden Francis and Wes Parsons or perhaps provide competition for Mitch White as the clubs long relief option out of the bullpen. The Padres released right-hander Michel Baez and outfielder Jorge Ona earlier this week according to the transaction section of each players MLB.com player page. Neither of the two former big leaguers were still on the clubs 40-man roster and had been in the organization on minor league contracts. Baez, 28 next month, signed with the Padres out of Cuba prior to the 2017 season and quickly impressed prospect evaluators. Prior to the 2018 season, Baez was a consensus top-50 prospect in the sport with some publications even ranking him in the top 30. While Baez was moved to the bullpen in 2019, when he made his big league debut later that year the right-hander appeared to be on track to live up to his potential with an impressive 3.03 ERA in 29 2/3 innings of work. Unfortunately, thats not how things worked out as Baez has made just five appearances in the majors since, most recently in 2022. While injuries, including Tommy John surgery during the 2021 season, have played a role in Baezs fall from promising prospect to released from the Padres organization entirely, the right-hander has largely struggled at the upper levels of the minors even when hes been healthy enough to take the mound. Hes pitched just 35 innings at the Triple-A level in his career with a brutal 8.23 ERA and more walks than strikeouts, while he owns a career 4.47 ERA in 86 2/3 innings of work at the Double-A level. Ona, 27 next week, signed out of Cuba as part of the same class as Baez, though he didnt receive the same fanfare as a prospect. Ona has been dogged by injuries all throughout his career, last reaching even 70 games played in a single season back in 2018. When on the field, however, Ona occasionally showed flashes of potentially including a 25-game stint at the Double-A level back in 2019 where he slashed an impressive .348/.418/.539 in 103 plate appearances. That strong performance earned Ona a brief cup of coffee at the big league level during the shortened 2020 season, where he managed to hit .250/.400/.583 in 15 trips to the plate. Unfortunately, Ona has scarcely taken the field since then with just 422 plate appearances across all levels in the past three seasons, almost all of which have come at the Double-A level. In 2023, Ona managed to get into just 35 games and when on the field slashed a lackluster .218/.301/.391 in 123 trips to the plate. Now on the open market for the first time in their careers, both Ona and Baez will have the opportunity to either attempt to catch on with another organization at the minor league level or else depart affiliated ball for an independent league or potential overseas opportunities. Baezs brief flashes of success at the big league level and prospect pedigree could give him better odds of securing another role in affiliated ball than Ona, though its possible the outfielder could be of interest to a team as well if he can prove himself to be healthy enough to handle a full professional season. ANN ARBOR, MI -- Goodbye 2023, and hello 2024. As 2024 approaches, there are plenty of bars, nightclubs and other businesses ready to ring in the new year. Here are just five great places to check out in Ann Arbor. MLive file photo at LIVE NIGHTCLUB on Friday, Jan. 20, 2023.Sydney Verlinde | MLive.com LIVE NIGHTCLUB Dance the remainder of 2023 away at LIVE NIGHTCLUBs upcoming celebration. The nightclub at 102 S. First St. is hosting its New Years Eve celebration from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 31, for anyone 21 years old and older. Entry fee is $30 per person at the door. LIVEs celebration will feature party favors, a photo booth, VIP packages and music from Kevin Michael, DJ Mainframe and DJ JustCause. Learn more online or on social media. The Circ Bar Go back in time with The Circ Bars Great Gatsby-themed New Years Eve party. The event is 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 31, at 210 S. First St. and is filled with everything related to The Roaring Twenties, from flapper dresses to suits. Theres karaoke from 8 to 10 p.m. before DJs take over the music for the rest of the night. The event also features stilt walking, juggling, LED performances, fire performances and other acts. General admission tickets are $30. Learn more online. A bar in the can shop features multiple taps at HOMES Brewerys new location, 112 Jackson Plaza in Scio Township on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021.Jacob Hamilton | The Ann Arbor News HOMES Brewery HOMES Brewery, 112 Jackson Plaza, is bringing a tiki-themed celebration to New Years Eve with its party from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 31. The event features a three-course buffet of Polynesian-inspired dishes and cocktails, along with HOMES Brewery beers on tap. The buffet is vegetarian friendly. Along with food and booze, the party will have music from DJ Batz. Tickets are $100 and include two drink tickets, access to the buffet and a champagne toast when the ball drops at midnight. Learn more online. The dining area can be seen beyond the keys of the house piano inside Blue LLama Jazz Club, 314 S. Main St. in Ann Arbor Monday, March 25 2019.MLive.com Blue LLama Jazz Club Sit back, relax and enjoy dinner with music at Blue LLama Jazz Club on New Years Eve. The restaurant and music venue at 314 S. Main St. is hosting two shows on Sunday, Dec. 31. The first dinner and show will feature Bob Mervak Quartet from 6 to 7:45 p.m. Along with music, attendees can expect chef-curated four-course tasting menus. Tickets are $95. The later dinner and show is from 8:30 p.m. to midnight featuring Gayelynn McKinney and the McKinney Zone. Tickets are $195 per person which includes a special New Years Eve chefs tasting menu with a matching wine pairing, along with a champagne toast at midnight. Learn more online. Necto Necto, 516 E. Liberty St. will open its doors from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 31. The night features performances by DJs Maestro, Joey P, Sins, Skoobe, Edward Alan, Rondon, KHawk, Slim and MC 3Steez and catering from Cottage Inn Pizza. Ticket prices range from $25 to $120, depending on when someone purchases their tickets, their age and if they choose to skip the line or not. Learn more online. Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Ann Arbor daily newsletter. More great places in Ann Arbor: 5 great restaurants open on Christmas Day in Ann Arbor 5 great places to get a fresh Christmas tree near Ann Arbor 5 great places to get cinnamon rolls around Ann Arbor 5 great places for barbecue around Ann Arbor 5 great places for cheese curds around Ann Arbor 5 great places for pancakes in Ann Arbor 5 great places to get married around Ann Arbor 5 great places to get a milkshake in Ann Arbor 5 great bars that serve craft cocktails around Ann Arbor 5 great places for apple cider around Ann Arbor 5 great places for a first date in Ann Arbor 5 great places to watch Michigan football if you cant score tickets 5 great places to get a croissant around Ann Arbor 5 great places to get a bagel around Ann Arbor 5 great places for indoor fun around Ann Arbor 5 great places to get vegan desserts around Ann Arbor 5 great places to get fries in Ann Arbor 5 great vegetarian restaurants around Ann Arbor 5 great places to snag birthday deals in Ann Arbor 5 great spots to get a margarita around Ann Arbor 5 places to get a great glass of wine in Ann Arbor 5 great places to get fresh-baked bread around Ann Arbor 5 great places to get Asian cuisine in Ann Arbor 5 great restaurants for the morning after a late night out in Ann Arbor 5 great restaurants to check out after hitting the bars in Ann Arbor 5 great chic restaurants for fine dining in Ann Arbor 5 great places to enjoy a glass of whiskey around Ann Arbor 5 great Mediterranean, Middle Eastern restaurants around Ann Arbor 5 great diners to check out in Ann Arbor 5 great Mexican restaurants around Ann Arbor 5 great dive bars to check out around Ann Arbor 5 great places in Ann Arbor to dine and drink with your dog 5 great places to get a beer in Ann Arbor 5 great places to get a cookie in Ann Arbor 5 great places to get a frozen treat in Ann Arbor 5 great spots for seafood in Ann Arbor 5 great restaurants for Italian food in Ann Arbor 5 great pastry shops in Ann Arbor 5 great spots for Indian cuisine in Ann Arbor 5 great places to get a midnight snack in Ann Arbor 5 great places to get pizza in Ann Arbor 5 great places to get a burger in Ann Arbor 5 great spots for brunch in Ann Arbor 5 great hidden gem restaurants in Ann Arbor 5 great spots for breakfast in Ann Arbor 5 great places to get a sandwich in Ann Arbor 5 great places to get a salad in Ann Arbor 5 great walkable coffee shops in downtown Ann Arbor 5 great places for meals under $10 in Ann Arbor 5 great places to try chicken wings in Ann Arbor JACKSON COUNTY, MI While Christmas can be a time for family memories, delicious food and new toys, it can also be a weight on parents shoulders. That was the case for Jackson County resident Tameka Strouss in 2022. Strouss, a single mom, was dealing with pancreatitis and gastroparesis. The stomach illnesses made it difficult to work and provide the best Christmas for her 7-year-old son Jedidiah Wheeler-Strouss, especially since his birthday was a few days before the holiday. It gets stressful, Im just starting to work again, and rent and everything is piling up, Strouss said. Im like, I got to choose, do I pay my bills, or do I buy him a gift? But on Christmas Eve, she received a visit from a kilted man dressed in a big green suit. He delivered gifts including books, science experiment kits and other essentials to their family, she said. My son was super excited. He jumped off the steps, gave him a hug and everything because there was a green Santa, Strouss said. He unloaded the gifts, brought them into our house. I was excited knowing my son could at least have something to open the next day. This kilted Santa Claus is Justin Fairchild. In Jackson County, Fairchild is known as The Kilted Farmer the rest of the year, where he sells produce, makes pasta and bee keeps. But since 2020, his Kilted Santa Project has delivered presents around Jackson County to families in need. Related: From produce to presents, Jacksons Kilted Farmer becomes Kilted Santa for Christmas It was the end of a hard COVID year, and I announced the idea to The Kilted Farmer group (on social media), Fairchild said. People loved the idea, so we started the project, and its kind of grown each year. Fairchild fundraises for the project through a GoFundMe and by placing donation toy bins around local businesses. He also sets up family adoptions, he said. People can sign up to adopt a family to give gifts to, and others can request help by reaching out to Fairchild on Facebook or commenting on one of his inquiry posts. The gifts are then wrapped, stocked in his vehicle and driven to the families. Fairchild will also peek around the neighborhood for Santa Stop Here signs or other decorations on homes to pay them a visit, he said. To make it a successful Christmas, he gets help from his ELVES, Fairchilds acronym for Enthusiastic Loving Volunteers Empowering Santa. These people have either donated or offered some help to the project. Fairchild makes his deliveries all dressed up in a green Santa Claus suit, rather than the traditional red and white. He also dons a kilt, which he started wearing in 2020 during the COVID-19 shutdowns. To him, the kilt helps pay homage to his Celtic roots and represents community standing up for each other, he said. While many kids realize he isnt the real Santa, he still likes to get into character, with a bubbly personality when he wears the suit. In 2021, Fairchild delivered about 120 gifts throughout the county. That increased to 150 last year. They try to increase this number of families helped each year, and Fairchild has even recruited his friend Phil Towns as a second Santa to reach more families now. Towns fully commits to also wearing the kilt on his route. Towns and his wife Paulette Towns already dress as Santa and Mrs. Claus for other events, so joining The Kilted Santa came natural to him, he said. I think that project hes doing is just fantastic, just giving back to the community, and its kind of what Santas do, Phil Towns said. The Kilted Santa has left a mark on some Jackson County families, either by surprising kids or easing the minds of parents. Its been very beneficial to (the families), Fairchild said. It helps a lot because theres been a lot of struggle out there. Fairchild can recall many of his favorite moments. One was when Jedidiah ran up to him and gave him a hug out of appreciation, he said. Getting a visit from The Kilted Santa meant a lot to their family, Strouss said. Theyre also thankful to be adopted again this year and are ecstatic to see The Kilted Santa again. It makes me feel really good and shows that theres still kindness out there in the community, and that people dont just think about themselves during this time of year, Strouss said. Theyre willing to think about others that may not be as fortunate as them. Fairchild is hoping for another great year in 2023. In the future, he hopes to see the project grow into more communities. Any additional Santa helpers he recruits dont have to don a kilt, like himself, he said. Want more Jackson-area news? Bookmark the local Jackson news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Jackson daily newsletter. AUBURN, MI For Julie Tolers family, Christmas came early this year when Sleep in Heavenly Peace volunteers delivered three new twin-sized beds to her Bay City home on a Tuesday afternoon in November. The Tolers recently relocated to Bay City from Saginaw and have experienced some financial hardship. Before Sleep in Heavenly Peace provided the volunteer-built beds, her children, ages 10, 11 and 13, slept on the floor or took turns sharing the couch. Honestly, they feel right now that this is kind of a Christmas present because, unfortunately, this year, we cant do Christmas for them, Julie Toler said on the delivery day while her children were still at school. They actually dont know when theyre coming. ... This is going to be a big surprise for them. Brian K. Reuger and the other volunteers behind Sleep in Heavenly Peace have one simple mission: to ensure every child has a bed of their own. Reuger is president of the nonprofits Auburn-based chapter, serving Auburn, Midland, Sanford, Kawkawlin, Bay City, Essexville and parts of Saginaw County. It is 100% volunteer-run, and all funds are used to build and deliver fully-furnished beds to children in mid-Michigan. Nationwide, Sleep in Heavenly Peace has more than 270 local chapters. Its other Michigan chapters include Cedar Springs, Flushing, Holland, Kelloggsville, Lansing, Lapeer, Muskegon, Plainwell, western Wayne County and Wexford/Missaukee. Reuger founded the Auburn chapter in 2020, and volunteers delivered their first bed on Oct. 30 of that year. Since then, the chapters volunteers have built and delivered more than 1,100 beds in mid-Michigan, and the applications keep coming. We thought we would build 60 beds, and then wed twiddle our thumbs, he said. The need has not slowed down. Reuger said there are many more families in need of childrens beds than he ever imagined, and for a variety of reasons. Some chapters, he noted, have waitlists with hundreds of children hoping for a bed of their own. They cannot build them fast enough, he said. Theres single-parent families, people who have lost everything, people in domestic violence who left everything, grandparents getting their grandkids back on fixed incomes, foster care theres so many different things. Reuger said his chapter is fortunate to have enough volunteers and support to meet local demand, but he has been asked to expand his service area further into Saginaw County. Saginaw has a big need, he said. Ive got to have the resources to do that, more people. Dozens of volunteers come together on build days scheduled throughout the year to build the beds in an assembly-line fashion. No experience is required. The Auburn chapter hosted 10 build days this year, and the next one is planned for January. The organizations expenses include the tools, lumber and hardware used on build days and the new mattresses, bedding and pillows the beds are delivered with. Reuger has a core group of experienced volunteers, and new ones are joining all the time, including church groups, family groups, employee groups, college students and retirees. Theres always somebody wanting to help us out, he said. For those who want to contribute in other ways, Sleep in Heavenly Peace also accepts monetary donations and donations of new twin-sized bedding. Some area quilters groups have even volunteered to make quilts for the children. Drop boxes for the bedding are located at Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library, 500 Center Ave. in Bay City; Sage Branch Library, 100 E. Midland St., and the Auburn Area Branch Library, 235 W. Midland Road. Thanks to the kindness and dedication of these volunteers and donors, more than 1,000 mid-Michigan children now have beds to sleep in each night who didnt before. I dont know how many hundreds of people just this year have been involved with the builds, deliveries and fundraising, Reuger said. God brings new people in with a passion. Families in need can apply to receive a free bed here. To be eligible, children must be between the ages of 3 and 17. Find a complete list of Sleep in Heavenly Peaces local chapters here. Just so much joy Felice Wilfords six children, ages 3 to 17, received their new beds this holiday season. When the Bay City woman applied online and got a phone call from the organization soon after, she worried it was too good to be true at first. It was actually surprising. I didnt expect it to happen so fast, and with everything on the internet, I didnt even think it was a real thing, she said. For several months, her children had been taking turns sleeping on two shared beds and a couple of couches. Now, their home has two new bunk beds and two single beds, so everyone has a comfortable place to sleep each night. They were really excited, overwhelmed, just so much joy, Wilford said. The 3-year-old, he got a Paw Patrol bed set, which really was exciting for him. She encouraged anyone in need to apply. Theyre a wonderful organization. Im thankful that theyre around, she said. Toler said getting the call that their application was accepted was an emotional and exciting experience for her and her husband, Daniel Toler. We really dont try to reach out for help. We try to do everything we can to support our kids ourself, she said. But shes glad she did and encourages others in need to do the same. If you really, desperately need help, dont be scared to reach out. There is people out there that are kind enough to actually help and not make you feel ashamed or embarrassed, she said. When theyre able, the Tolers plan to pay it forward. Me and my husband said, once we can get on our feet, we would like to volunteer and help and do the same thing, she said. For information about Sleep in Heavenly Peace, click here. Want more Bay City- and Saginaw-area news? Bookmark the local Bay City and Saginaw news page or sign up for the free 3@3 daily newsletter for Bay City and Saginaw. Happy Sunday! With Christmas just hours away, heres a special edition of the newsletter: After you catch up on political news, we have four tips on how to handle political conversations at your familys holiday gathering. First, the news... Two former aides of ex-House Speaker Lee Chatfield (R) face felony charges for embezzlement while working for him. Anne and Rob Minard , says Attorney General Dana Nessel, misappropriated at least $525,000 from 2018-2020. Rob Minard was Chatfields chief of staff, and Anne Minard was a political consultant. Thirteen legislative districts must be redrawn, a federal court told Michigans redistricting commission. These Democrat-leaning Metro Detroit districts unfairly reduced the power of Black voters , judges ruled. The redrawing must happen before the primary on Aug. 6. Former President Donald Trump pressured Wayne County Republicans not to certify the 2020 election, according to phone recordings reviewed by The Detroit News. Those two GOP members of Waynes canvasser board initially voted not to certify but reversed the next day. Trumps call came before the reversal, and in it he pushed false claims of a stolen election. Road and bridge improvements are getting $234 million after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a funding bill. Five school districts will also get $114 million to relieve debt. Manufacturers are concerned about upcoming Democratic legislative efforts that include requiring paid family and medical leave. research and development tax credit. But, the Michigan Manufacturers Association also said , its encouraged by efforts to approve atax credit. Talking politics with family Saginaw News file photo.Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com Do you dread Christmas dinner or any holiday gathering because politics always comes up? has advice for a civil discussion. Andrew Jason Cohen , a professor who directs Georgia State Universitys Philosophy, Politics and Economics program, Below are some highlights from my interview with Cohen we published last December. Tip 1: Engage Its disrespectful to refuse to engage with a family member, Cohen says, despite the adage that politics doesnt belong in polite conversation. Term to know: Americans suffer from affective polarization when we dont talk because of a perceived disagreement. In reality, were not as different as we think. A 2022 study from civil discourse group More in Common found significant common ground in the debate over race and history teachings in schools. 83% of Republicans believe students should learn about slavery, Jim Crow and segregation. 83% of Democrats believe students shouldnt be made to feel guilty or responsible for ancestors errors. Recognize that the disagreements are not as deep or significant as people think, Cohen said. Tip 2: Rational and reasonable Start your discussion by defining the disagreement. Be calm, actively listen, give the other person the benefit of the doubt, and dont let past tension affect the conversation. Thats really hard, Cohen knows, but being rational and reasonable means that you have to concentrate on whatever the topic is at hand and not go off into these other things. If you feel offended, dont end the discussion, he adds. Instead, we should look for reasons why we feel the way we do. Tip 3: What to avoid Name calling is obvious, but also dont assume the other person comes by their views selfishly. Example: An immigration opponent may not be selfishly concerned about losing their job. And an immigration supporter may not be trying to disrespect American-born workers. Neither side has a monopoly on patriotism nor care for their community, Cohen says. Keep in mind: Not all issues are one-sided, he adds, as there may be third views or fourth views or fifth views youre leaving out. Tip 4: What you can gain Improving empathy and discourse happens through curious discussion with a goal in mind to move things forward. Oftentimes theres a middle ground thats better than either of the sides, Cohen said, and you miss that if you dont engage in the dialogue. Research shows that diverse discussions improve outcomes, he adds. To get the better outcome, you have to have the discussion, and you have to be willing to have the discussion with people you disagree with, Cohen said. 5 more stories from MLive: Efforts to extend Michigans sex assault statute of limitations are stalling Michigan drivers picking phones back up 5 months after new law Michigan bringing back vintage green plate, changing drivers license Michigan man injured in jump from U.S. Capitol during Jan. 6 riot, FBI says Michigan could offer up to $2,500 rebates for new cars under Whitmer plan KYODO NEWS - Dec 24, 2023 - 12:25 | Japan, All, Travel/Tourism The Japanese government is estimated to spend a higher-than-expected 164.7 billion yen ($1.16 billion) on the 2025 World Exposition in Osaka, amid public concern about inflated costs for the global event. In addition to the total, which includes spending on bidding activities, the central government, local authorities and the private sector are projected to pour some 9.7 trillion yen into the development of infrastructure for the event. With costs becoming larger than initially estimated, the government will set up a panel including third-party experts to examine whether continuing to inject massive amounts of taxpayer money into the project is appropriate. Of the 9.7 trillion, 839 billion yen will be spent on building infrastructure for the expo in western Japan, slated for April 13 through Oct. 13, 2025, such as the road for accessing the venue in Yumeshima, a man-made island in Osaka Bay. The expenses also include funds secured to improve roads and rivers associated with the event in and around the area, which is expected to be joined by around 160 countries and regions. In addition, some 3.4 trillion yen will be allocated to demonstration projects at the event such as "flying cars," the government said. The expert panel, to be launched by the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry, will review costs and operating expenses every three months, the ministry said. "We would like to regularly and continuously conduct checkups on the expo's cost," said industry minister Ken Saito at a press conference on Dec. 19. "We will review the costs constantly so as not to cause unnecessary burdens on the public." Public sentiment toward the event remains skeptical, as spending on developing the venue has nearly doubled from the previous estimate to 235 billion yen amid high material costs and labor fees. The total cost will be split equally between the central government, the Osaka prefectural and city governments, and the business community. About 35 billion yen will be used to construct the grand roof called Ring, a gigantic wooden structure where visitors can take shelter from the elements, with the state minister for the expo calling it the "symbol" of the event. But opposition lawmakers have said the roof is a waste of public money, with one of them describing it as "the most expensive parasol in the world." Among the various costs to be shouldered by the state, 78.3 billion yen will be set aside for building facilities at the venue, alongside up to 36 billion yen for building the Japan pavilion, 24 billion yen to support developing countries taking part, and 3.8 billion yen for creating momentum across the country for the event. In a recent survey by Kyodo News, over 49 percent of the respondents said the expo should be scaled down, while 22.5 percent favored its cancellation and 7.8 percent its postponement. Related coverage: Palestine envoy hopes to showcase resilience at 2025 Osaka Expo 2025 Expo ticket sales begin with 500 days to go amid cost concerns Mexico, Estonia withdraw from 2025 World Expo: Japan minister KYODO NEWS - Dec 24, 2023 - 21:36 | All, World, Japan A Japanese-owned commercial tanker was attacked by a drone launched from Iran in the Indian Ocean on Saturday, causing a fire but leaving no one injured, the U.S. Department of Defense said. The Liberian-flagged, Netherlands-operated chemical tanker was struck about 370 kilometers off India "by a one-way attack drone fired from Iran," the Pentagon said in a statement, adding the fire on board has been extinguished. The Associated Press reported the tanker had ties with Israel, citing a British maritime security firm. The tanker, which was carrying 20 Indians and one Vietnamese, had left Saudi Arabia on Tuesday and was heading to Mangalore, southwestern India, according to the U.S. Defense Department and the Indian Coast Guard. But the vessel decided to head to Mumbai for repairs and to have the damage assessed with the assistance of the Indian Coast Guard. The incident came amid a series of attacks on ships in the Red Sea since the start of the war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which began on Oct. 7. Related coverage: Japan, Israel leaders agree to closely communicate on Gaza situation Cargo ship operated by Japan firm seized by Houthi armed group in Red Sea Five Point Holdings, LLC (NYSE:FPH Get Free Report) major shareholder Luxor Capital Group, Lp sold 4,139 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $2.75, for a total value of $11,382.25. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 66,691 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $183,400.25. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Major shareholders that own 10% or more of a companys stock are required to disclose their transactions with the SEC. Luxor Capital Group, Lp also recently made the following trade(s): Get Five Point alerts: On Monday, December 11th, Luxor Capital Group, Lp sold 52,100 shares of Five Point stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $2.54, for a total value of $132,334.00. On Wednesday, December 6th, Luxor Capital Group, Lp sold 16,400 shares of Five Point stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $2.63, for a total value of $43,132.00. On Tuesday, November 28th, Luxor Capital Group, Lp sold 6,000 shares of Five Point stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $2.56, for a total value of $15,360.00. On Tuesday, November 14th, Luxor Capital Group, Lp sold 14,500 shares of Five Point stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $2.59, for a total value of $37,555.00. On Monday, November 6th, Luxor Capital Group, Lp sold 5,000 shares of Five Point stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $2.60, for a total value of $13,000.00. On Monday, October 2nd, Luxor Capital Group, Lp sold 45,500 shares of Five Point stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $2.92, for a total value of $132,860.00. On Friday, September 22nd, Luxor Capital Group, Lp sold 37,456 shares of Five Point stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $2.92, for a total value of $109,371.52. Five Point Stock Up 4.7 % Shares of Five Point stock opened at $2.91 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $431.94 million, a PE ratio of 5.71 and a beta of 1.40. The business has a 50 day moving average of $2.55 and a 200 day moving average of $2.81. Five Point Holdings, LLC has a 52 week low of $1.88 and a 52 week high of $3.74. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Five Point Five Point ( NYSE:FPH Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 19th. The company reported $0.09 earnings per share for the quarter. The company had revenue of $65.92 million for the quarter. Five Point had a return on equity of 1.95% and a net margin of 33.57%. Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Swiss National Bank grew its stake in shares of Five Point by 8.9% in the first quarter. Swiss National Bank now owns 140,900 shares of the companys stock worth $861,000 after acquiring an additional 11,500 shares during the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. grew its stake in shares of Five Point by 60.0% in the first quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 31,405 shares of the companys stock worth $192,000 after acquiring an additional 11,776 shares during the last quarter. Raymond James & Associates grew its stake in shares of Five Point by 15.8% in the first quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 184,854 shares of the companys stock worth $1,129,000 after acquiring an additional 25,199 shares during the last quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS purchased a new stake in shares of Five Point in the first quarter worth $62,000. Finally, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP grew its stake in shares of Five Point by 25.0% in the first quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 589,837 shares of the companys stock worth $3,604,000 after acquiring an additional 117,810 shares during the last quarter. 29.40% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Five Point Company Profile (Get Free Report) Five Point Holdings, LLC, through its subsidiary, Five Point Operating Company, LP, owns and develops mixed-use and planned communities in Orange County, Los Angeles County, and San Francisco County. The company operates in four segments: Valencia, San Francisco, Great Park, and Commercial. It sells residential and commercial land sites to homebuilders, commercial developers, and commercial buyers; operates and owns a commercial office, research and development and medical campus, and other properties; and provides development and property management services. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Five Point Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Five Point and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. CACI International (NYSE:CACI Get Free Report) and SmartRent (NYSE:SMRT Get Free Report) are both computer and technology companies, but which is the better investment? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their risk, institutional ownership, profitability, earnings, valuation, analyst recommendations and dividends. Profitability This table compares CACI International and SmartRents net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Get CACI International alerts: Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets CACI International 5.49% 13.74% 6.59% SmartRent -24.26% -14.13% -9.33% Earnings & Valuation This table compares CACI International and SmartRents top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio CACI International $6.70 billion 1.07 $384.73 million $16.45 19.51 SmartRent $167.82 million 3.98 -$96.32 million ($0.27) -12.19 Volatility and Risk CACI International has higher revenue and earnings than SmartRent. SmartRent is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than CACI International, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. CACI International has a beta of 0.95, suggesting that its stock price is 5% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, SmartRent has a beta of 2.08, suggesting that its stock price is 108% more volatile than the S&P 500. Institutional and Insider Ownership 87.3% of CACI International shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 55.7% of SmartRent shares are owned by institutional investors. 1.2% of CACI International shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 12.0% of SmartRent 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. Analyst Recommendations This is a summary of current recommendations and price targets for CACI International and SmartRent, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score CACI International 0 0 10 0 3.00 SmartRent 0 1 2 0 2.67 CACI International currently has a consensus price target of $374.09, suggesting a potential upside of 16.56%. SmartRent has a consensus price target of $4.43, suggesting a potential upside of 34.50%. Given SmartRents higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe SmartRent is more favorable than CACI International. Summary CACI International beats SmartRent on 10 of the 14 factors compared between the two stocks. About CACI International (Get Free Report) CACI International Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides expertise and technology to enterprise and mission customers in support of national security missions and government modernization/transformation in the intelligence, defense, and federal civilian sectors. It operates through two segments: Domestic Operations and International Operations. The Domestic Operations segment offers information solutions and services to the U.S. federal government agencies and commercial enterprises in the areas, such as digital solutions, C4ISR, cyber and space, engineering services, enterprise IT, and mission support. The International Operations segment provides a range of IT services, proprietary data, and software products to the commercial and government customers in the United Kingdom, continental Europe, and internationally. The company designs, implements, protects, and manages secure enterprise IT solutions. It also offers software-defined, full-spectrum cyber, electronic warfare, and counter-unmanned aircraft system solutions; and platform integration and modernization and sustainment, as well as system engineering, naval architecture, training and simulation, and logistics engineering. In addition, the company provides enterprise cloud solutions for classified and unclassified networks; and intelligence support that ensures continuous advances in collection, analysis, and dissemination to optimize decision-making. CACI International Inc was founded in 1962 and is headquartered in Reston, Virginia. About SmartRent (Get Free Report) SmartRent, Inc., an enterprise software company, provides an integrated smart home operating system to residential property owners and operators, homebuilders, institutional home buyers, developers, and residents in the United States. The companys products and solutions include smart apartments and homes, access control for buildings, common areas, and rental units, asset protection and monitoring, parking management, self-guided tours, and community and resident Wi-Fi. It also offers professional services to customers, which include training, installation, and support services. The company was founded in 2017 and is headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona. Receive News & Ratings for CACI International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CACI International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BUJUMBURA, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- At least 20 people were killed in Gatumba, Mutimbuzi district in west Burundi's Bujumbura province, near the border between Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), by unidentified gunmen on Friday night, a Burundian government spokesman said on Saturday. "The deadly attack targeted nine households around 8:40 p.m. at Vugizo village quite near the border between Burundi and the DRC. The terrorists killed 20 persons including 12 children, three women and five men," said Burundian government spokesman Jerome Niyonzima in a statement to the press. According to him, nine people were injured and rushed to health facilities in the area, adding that their health condition was not in danger. "The Burundian government extends its condolences to the families of the innocent victims and agrees that it will take charge of hospital fees for the injured victims," said Niyonzima. The government reiterated its commitment to preserving peace and security of the population and called on joint security committees to be watchful during this end-of-year festive season. December 24, 2023 / 08:21 PM IST Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the programme Mazdooron Ka Hit Mazdooron ko Samarpit and will hand over a cheque of about Rs 224 crore pertaining to the dues of the Hukumchand Mill workers, to the official liquidator and heads of the Labour Union of Hukumchand Mill, Indore on 25th December at 12pm via video conferencing. The programme will mark the settlement of long pending demands of the Hukumchand Mill workers. Prime Minister will also address the gathering on the occasion: PMO Check Free Credit Score on Moneycontrol: Easily track your loans, get insights, and enjoy a 100 cashback on your first check! BEIJING, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- The Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee held a criticism and self-criticism meeting on the theoretical study program on the study and implementation of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era from Thursday to Friday. The meeting focused on the general requirements of studying the Thought, strengthening Party consciousness, emphasizing practical work, and making new achievements. The meeting followed the specific objectives of strengthening cohesion and forging the Party's soul as the fundamental, tempering personal character and loyalty, promoting development through hard work and fulfilling duties, acting on the Party's purpose to work for the well-being of the people, and establishing a clean and upright work style. Following the important requirements of using learning to strengthen political awareness, increase intellect, rectify conduct, and promote implementation, the meeting was meant to sum up achievements, find out deficiencies and carry out criticism and self-criticism on the work of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, on whether the bureau has taken the lead in being politically conscious, in understanding and implementing Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, in carrying out the decisions and arrangements of the CPC Central Committee, in acting on the Party's purpose to work for the well-being of the people, and in fulfilling its duties when it comes to full and rigorous Party self-governance. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, presided over the meeting and delivered an important speech. Preparations were made before the meeting. Members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee had discussions with leading officials of relevant departments, listened to their opinions and suggestions and thereby prepared speeches. During the meeting, reports were presented on how the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee has implemented the CPC Central Committee's eight-point decision on conduct and its efforts to reduce burdens on grassroots levels by combating pointless formalities since the 20th CPC National Congress. Members of the Political Bureau spoke one by one, focusing on the theme of the meeting, conducting serious self-examination and profound analysis in accordance with the Regulations of the Political Bureau on Strengthening and Upholding the Centralized and Unified Leadership of the CPC Central Committee and the Detailed Rules of the Political Bureau for Enforcing the CPC Central Committee's Eight-Point Decision on Conduct. The meeting's atmosphere was serious and lively, the discussions were open and frank, and it has achieved the expected results. As far as the speeches of the members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee were concerned, they focused on the following six aspects. First, they have become more conscious and firm in studying and implementing Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. Second, they have become more conscious and firm in upholding the CPC Central Committee's authority and centralized, unified leadership. Third, they have become more conscious and firm in acting on the Party's purpose to serve the people. Fourth, they have become more conscious and firm in being pragmatic and ensuring effective implementation of the Thought. Fifth, they have become more conscious and firm in playing an exemplary role in maintaining integrity and self-discipline, and firmly opposing privilege-seeking mindset and phenomena, keeping themselves clean, upright and corruption-free. Sixth, they have become more conscious and firm in performing political duties for exercising full and rigorous self-governance of the Party, maintaining constant vigilance and determination in addressing the unique challenges faced by our large Party, and persistently advancing the Party's self-reform. It was noted at the meeting that this year is the first year for implementing the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress, and it is also a year of economic recovery following three years of COVID-19 prevention and control. The CPC Central Committee has led the entire Party and the Chinese people of all ethnic groups in withstanding external pressures and overcoming internal difficulties, in adhering to the general principle of seeking progress while maintaining stability, in deepening reform and opening up across the board, in working tenaciously and courageously to promote economic recovery, and in achieving the major expected goals of economic and social development. The total grain output has reached a new high, employment and overall prices have remained stable, breakthroughs have been made in technological innovation, new productive forces have rapidly taken shape, the new round of Party and government institutional reshuffling has basically finished, and high-level opening up continues to expand. Notable achievements have been made in flood control, in defusing the risk of debts, and in ensuring timely deliveries of pre-sold houses. Personal income grew faster than economic growth. Work related to Hong Kong and Macao continues to be strengthened. China's major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics has been steadily advanced, and the external environment for China's development continues to improve. Relentless efforts are continuously made in exercising full and rigorous Party self-governance and fighting against corruption, and a good political environment has been consolidated and developed. The Chengdu Universiade and Hangzhou Asian Games have been successfully held. Chinese athletes have achieved excellent results. These achievements have not come easily and are commendable. Members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee unanimously believe that the practice over the past year has once again verified that the affirmation of Xi Jinping's core position on the CPC Central Committee and in the Party as a whole, and the affirmation of the guiding role of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era have been of decisive significance to our response to various risks and challenges and to advancing Chinese modernization. The whole Party, the entire military, and the people must deeply understand the decisive significance of the Two Affirmations, become more conscious of the need to maintain political integrity, think in big-picture terms, follow the leadership core, and keep in alignment with the central Party leadership, strengthen confidence in the path, theory, system, and culture of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and uphold General Secretary Xi Jinping's core position on the CPC Central Committee and in the Party as a whole, uphold the CPC Central Committee's authority and its centralized, unified leadership, and resolutely implement the policies and work arrangements of the CPC Central Committee. Next year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and is a critical year for achieving the goals and tasks of the 14th Five-Year Plan. It is imperative to follow the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, fully implement the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress and the Second Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee on all fronts, adhere to the general principle of seeking progress while maintaining stability, and faithfully implement the new development philosophy on all fronts. It is essential to comprehensively deepen reform and opening up, and build greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology. It is also essential to boost economic vitality, prevent and mitigate risks, improve social expectations, consolidate and promote the momentum of economic recovery, and make further progress in building China into a strong country and realizing the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through a path to Chinese modernization. Xi made comments on the self-examination speech of each member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, put forward requirements, and delivered a concluding speech. He pointed out that this criticism and self-criticism meeting of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee has produced expected results, achieving the purpose of undergoing a political check-up, sweeping away political dust, and purifying political souls. It serves to help the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee promote unity, improve work, and shoulder responsibilities. Xi stressed that the theoretical study program on studying and carrying out the Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era is a significant measure to implement the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress. This program has a prominent theme and main focus, with clear goals and tasks, and has achieved prominent results in cultivating political awareness, increasing intellect, rectifying conduct, and promoting work. The Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee must take the lead in consolidating and expanding the achievements of the program, establish a long-term mechanism, intensify self-improvement, and play a leading and exemplary role in this regard throughout the entire Party. Xi pointed out that alignment in thinking is the basis for alignment in political stand and action. To maintain a high degree of consistency in politics and action with the Party Central Committee, we must first maintain a high degree of consistency in thinking with the Party Central Committee. Members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee should play an exemplary and leading role in studying and implementing the Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, make a thorough understanding of its scientific system, core essence, and practical requirements, and enhance their political capacity and leadership through improving their ideological and theoretical level. Upholding the centralized and unified leadership of the Party Central Committee is concrete rather than abstract, and it must first materialize in firmly upholding the authority of the Party Central Committee, and in action through enhancing the consciousness of the need to maintain political integrity, think in big-picture terms, follow the leadership core, and keep in alignment with the central Party leadership, staying confident in the path, theory, system, and culture of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and upholding Comrade Xi Jinping's core position on the Party Central Committee and in the Party as a whole and upholding the Central Committee's authority and its centralized, unified leadership. Xi stressed that democratic centralism is the fundamental organizational principle and leadership system of our Party. The democratic centralism comprises two aspects: democracy and centralism, each serving as a condition for the other and mutually reinforcing each other. To adhere to scientific decision-making, we must fully promote intra-Party democracy and pool the wisdom of the whole Party. Members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee should take the lead in implementing democratic centralism, think carefully and express their opinions fully when participating in the Party Central Committee's deliberations on major decisions. They must tell the real situation learned in the work in a timely, objective and comprehensive manner, instead of reporting only what is positive while concealing what is negative. They should attach importance to promoting democracy in the sectors or localities under their charge, and encourage others to express opinions freely. They should be good at summarizing correctly and able to identify the correct opinions that comply with the laws governing things' development and represent the fundamental interests of the people so as to ensure sound decision-making. They should also discover in a timely manner wrong acts that violate democratic centralism, and resolutely rectify them. Xi noted that political acumen comprehensively represents political awareness and insight, and that is an important prerequisite for officials to improve their political judgment, thinking and implementation. Facing the complex international and domestic situation, to grasp the overarching strategic context, strengthen strategic initiative and be more far-sighted and forward-looking for all the initiatives, it is imperative to maintain high degree of political acumen, be prepared for all contingencies and save for a rainy day. Members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee should have high degree of political acumen that enables them to be sharp-sighted and see what is coming from a small clue. They should be good at analyzing the changes and trends of development of situations from a political perspective and seeing the essence through the phenomenon to grasp the internal rule governing development. They should also be able to accurately identify time and momentum, crisis and opportunity as well as advantages and disadvantages, proactively identify, respond to and steer changes, accurately grasp opportunities, effectively respond to risks, and never act hastily before decisions are made. Whether it is planning major strategies, making major decisions or arranging major tasks, it is imperative to maintain correct political orientation and meet political requirements. When resolving disputes and problems, it is essential to pay attention to preventing and defusing political risks with a sharp sight and quick actions, and identify risks as early as possible, so as to remove all kinds of hidden political dangers in a timely manner. It is imperative to attach great importance to and cut the channels where risks from different sectors could transform so as to prevent non-political risks from becoming political ones. Xi stressed that leading officials must have a correct understanding that they perform their duties for the purpose of serving the interest of the people. We communists do our work and try to make achievements for the well-being of the people, rather than for personal gains or promotions. Members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee should take the lead in adhering to a people-centered development philosophy, pushing ahead with high-quality development, and refraining from pursuing excessive scale, blindly following foreign examples as well as taking reckless actions. They should pay attention to taking concrete measures for solid outcomes, and guard against flashy and impractical approaches and falsification of statistics. They should focus on laying a solid foundation for delivering long-term benefits while opposing short-sighted practices that harm the interest of the people and drain our resources. With high-quality development as the top priority in building China into a modern socialist country in all respects, adherence to high-quality development should serve as a significant component of leading officials' understanding of what it means to perform well. It is imperative to improve the performance assessment methods for promoting high-quality development, and thereby effectively guide and encourage leaderships at all levels to earnestly put into practice the correct understanding of what it means to perform well and follow a correct orientation in conducting their work. Xi pointed out that only by striving in unity can the Party lead the people in achieving monumental feats of historic significance. To strive in unity calls for common goals to concentrate efforts; and on our new journey, the goal of Chinese modernization will help us focus and apply our endeavor. Chinese modernization is a common cause of all the people, and it is also a magnificent undertaking accompanied by risks and challenges that require strenuous efforts. We must ensure that the people will all participate in it, contribute to it, and share its outcome, and we must rely on the concerted efforts of the people. Members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee must inherit and carry forward the Party's fine traditions, find ways to inspire, motivate, and appeal to the people with the Party's goals, mobilize all possible positive factors, unite all available forces, and make it possible for Party members, officials and the masses to be of one mind in pursuing our cause, so that all will participate in advancing Chinese modernization to the best of their efforts. Xi emphasized that the Party's greatest political strength lies in its close ties with the general public, while the greatest danger after the Party assumes state power is to become detached from the people. It is essential to always place the people in the highest position in our hearts, firmly stand with the people, cultivate a strong sense of serving the people, grasp the characteristics and rules of carrying out work related to the general public in the new situation, take the lead in following the mass line, and materialize our concern for and connection with the people in fulfilling our duties in all aspects. Efforts should be made to secure and improve people's livelihoods, promptly respond to their reasonable demands, and effectively handle matters well, dealing with real problems, and address difficult issues. The stubborn and recurrent pointless formalities and bureaucratism that officials and the general public strongly oppose require sustained and coordinated efforts to resolutely rectify. Leading organs and leading officials should take the lead in this regard. Members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee should take the lead in addressing and rectifying these issues as well. Xi pointed out that being bold enough to engage in self-reform is the most distinctive character of our Party and where we draw our strength. Members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee should exert rigorous requirements on themselves according to the standards of Marxist statesmen, setting an example in maintaining personal integrity and self-discipline for the whole Party. They must set strict rules for their family members, relatives, and staff workers around them when it comes to the efforts against corruption. They must take the lead in implementing the Party's political responsibilities, and ensuring the building of a clean and honest political atmosphere in their areas of responsibility and the regions they take charge of. They should exert pressure to make sure that their subordinates take responsibilities and do their work well so as to create a sound and clean political environment. Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Vikram Poddar is an ex-investment banker turned comedian. He tweets @BoredRoomComedy Check Free Credit Score on Moneycontrol: Easily track your loans, get insights, and enjoy a 100 cashback on your first check! Danish Khan is a London-based independent journalist and author of 'Escaped: True Stories of Indian fugitives in London'. He is researching Indian capitalism at University of Oxford. LANZHOU, Dec. 24 (Xinhua) -- Construction workers are busy day and night building prefabricated houses in northwest China's Gansu Province so that residents impacted by a recent 6.2-magnitude earthquake can move from tents to warmer structures for the winter. According to the housing and urban-rural development bureau of the Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture, a total of 12,000 prefab houses will be built by Dec. 27. By 9 p.m. Saturday, more than 3,500 had already been completed. The massive earthquake jolted parts of Gansu at 11:59 p.m. Monday. In Bonan-Dongxiang-Salar Autonomous County of Jishishan in Linxia, 117 have been killed and 781 injured, and almost 15,000 houses have been toppled. Wang Yong, deputy head of the provincial department of housing and urban-rural development, said the thrust-type earthquake reached Level-8 seismic intensity -- higher than the Level-7 seismic design regulated for local buildings -- and was forceful in its destruction. Jishishan is positioned on the western edge of the Loess Plateau. Research shows that earthquakes that occur on the Loess Plateau have greater destructive power on the surface. Wang said that most of the houses in Jishishan's rural areas were built by locals, meaning they have diverse levels of earthquake resistance, and this was another reason that a large number of houses fell in the earthquake. By noon on Friday, more than 110,000 residents had been relocated to over 300 sites in the province. Excavators and cranes have been mobilized to level the ground on site and lift the portable houses, enabling a single prefab house to be built in just 10 minutes. The 18-square-meter houses can home four to six people each and are equipped with basic living facilities, including beds, quilts and stoves. "It only took two days for us to move from a tent to a warm prefab house. I was very relieved," said Tao Yongping, a resident of Taojia Village in Liuji Township. Also at the temporary settlement site in the village, a team of power supply workers used a crane to install a 10-kilovolt transformer. Zheng Wenlong, leader of the team from the Baiyin branch of State Grid, said the transformer will be able to supply power to 260 prefab houses that have already been built and another 200 that are still under construction. Yang Faren, who works for a company affiliated with China Railway 21st Bureau Group Corporation Limited, said his company has completed the construction of 500 prefab houses in Meipo Village in Dahejia Town. "And we will set up another 3,000," Yang said. President Joe Biden speaks to reporters before departing the White House on Marine One in route to Camp David on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023, in Washington, D.C. (Julia Nikhinson/Pool/Abaca Press/TNS) National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge Todd Gunther at a media briefing on the investigation of the 6abc helicopter crash in Burlington County that killed the pilot and a photographer. (Elizabeth Robertson/The Philadelphia Inquirer/TNS) Staff members of Ankang Heng'an Toy Ltd., work at a workshop in Ankang, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Dec. 21, 2023. (Xinhua/Zou Jingyi) XI'AN, Dec. 24 (Xinhua) -- During the Christmas season, Care Bears dressed in Santa Claus hats and other decorations, an adorable plush toy favored by kids, can be easily found on the shelves of shopping malls in the United States. Care Bears are multicolored bears that were used on greeting cards and later turned into plush bears. Before these stuffed animals reached their destination, they had been produced in the hinterland of the Qinling Mountains in China and journeyed for almost a month across the ocean. In the birthplace of toys, Ankang Heng'an Toy Ltd., in the city of Ankang in northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Huang Longhua threaded a needle deftly and sewed the back of a stuffed bear in just one minute. "I have been working here for four years. Every day I can sew more than 400 toys and earn 150 yuan (about 21 U.S. dollars)," said the 43-year-old worker, who used to be a stay-at-home mom. Company manager Min Hua said the production of a Care Bear involves nearly 20 workers covering eight procedures. After applying textile printing on piece goods, workers would add embroidery. Then, they use machines to cut patterns, stitch them by following the given sketch, and stuff them. "In particular, we stuff toys with polypropylene cotton, a kind of fluffy and springy material that is made from recycled materials," added Min. After that, workers sew every edge close before the inspection and packaging processes. Founded in 2018, the company continues to expand its export business of soft toys in North America and Europe. It produces over 10 million Care Bears each year. Last year, its exports reached 180 million yuan. "Orders once dropped during the pandemic, but market demand quickly recovered and we began to prepare for the Christmas season six months ago," said Min. She also noted the toy factory is highly labor-hungry, and that was why the company chose to settle down in Ankang, where labor and land costs were relatively low. To ensure quick delivery, in 2020, the local government and Shanghai International Port (Group) Co., Ltd. (SIPG) co-founded a logistics company named Ankang SIPG, ensuring multimodal transport at a lower cost. "Some of the bears can take trains to central China's Wuhan, and then reach Shanghai by waterway before heading to the U.S. by sea. Those with tighter schedules can ride on trucks to Shanghai and then to the U.S. by ship, a whole trip of less than a month. To reach the European market, China-Europe freight train services are a good choice," said Li Wanhua, deputy director of the office of Ankang's plush toy industry leading group. The toy companies are the epitome of the flourishing plush toy industry in Ankang, which boasts 788 enterprises in this industry, creating more than 19,000 jobs, with an annual output totaling over 5.8 billion yuan by November 2023. It is estimated that Ankang's exports of soft toys will reach 600 million yuan this year. "Plush toys are regarded as bearers of happiness. We want to bring more joy to kids across the globe," said Li. A staff member of Ankang Heng'an Toy Ltd., works at a workshop in Ankang, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Dec. 21, 2023. (Xinhua/Wu Hongbo) A rebel attack on Burundi from neighboring Congo has left at least 20 dead, the government says NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) At least 20 people have been killed in Burundi following an attack by a rebel group based in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo, a Burundian government spokesman said Saturday. Among those killed were 12 children and three women, two of whom were pregnant, spokesman Jerome Niyonzima said in a statement. The attack targeted nine homes on Friday evening in the western town of Vugizo, close to the Lake Tanganyika border with Congo, according to the Burundian government. RED-Tabara, a Burundian armed rebel group based in South Kivu, eastern Congo, claimed responsibility for the attack in a post on X, formerly Twitter. The group, which denied having targeted civilians, claimed to have killed nine soldiers and a police officer. Burundian authorities consider RED-Tabara a terrorist movement. The group first appeared in 2011 and has been accused of a string of attacks in Burundi since 2015. Witnesses who spoke to The Associated Press said the rebels appeared to be wearing Burundian army uniform and civilians were left to their own devices after the military and police fled. We realized they were attackers when they attacked the police position guarding the border, said Priscille Kanyange, a farmer. Many people here were injured by bullets (as they were) trying to flee. Farmer Innocent Hajayandi, who witnessed the attack said security forces fled, leaving the residents to their own devices. Andre Kabura a grocery shop owner, who was wounded in both legs by gunfire, said the military and police were slow to regroup and fend off the attackers. On Friday, Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye told army, police and intelligence officers to remain vigilant, warning that the enemy never sleeps even if we have security. In August last year, Burundi deployed soldiers to eastern Congo as part of a regional force invited by Congo to tackle the resurgence of the M23 rebel group there. Some observers believed that the Burundi troops from the seven-nation East African Community force would be used to crush RED-Tabara. However, the East African Regional force is currently being withdrawn in phases from the violence-plagued eastern Congo following complaints from locals and authorities that instead of disarming the rebels, the forces were cohabiting with them. The Burundi Human Rights Initiative said Burundi had secretly deployed hundreds of troops and militia to Congo in 2021 to fight RED-Tabara. The impact of that secret deployment is not clear. By ELOGE WILLY KANEZA Associated Press 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) Generations of Chicagoans accustomed to grimy politics might view former Ald. Ed Burkes federal racketeering conviction last week as just another case in a long conga line of crooked aldermen. But Burke was an undisputed Democratic kingpin. He not only set a record for serving 54 years in the City Council, but he departed in May as the last alderman who rose to power in the era of Mayor Richard J. Daleys vaunted Democratic machine. Advertisement And, as such, his downfall will reverberate in City Hall history. Days after a federal jury convicted Burke on all but one of the 14 counts against him, friends and foes alike remained stunned that Burke, who once was viewed as untouchable, is now a convicted felon. Found guilty by a jury of using his public position to leverage property tax appeal business for his law firm, Burke, who turns 80 on Friday, is looking at a potentially long term in prison. Advertisement The pre-Christmas verdict also capped a year of extraordinary public corruption victories racked up by federal prosecutors in cases arising from a sweeping investigation of ex-Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, the once-all-powerful state Democratic Party chairman. Burkes conviction and Madigans upcoming federal corruption trial mark the end of an era for the two legendary Southwest Side Democrats from neighboring wards who long held almost unchecked political power. In addition, the jurors on Thursday did far more than topple Burke, a stalwart political figure with old-school connections and a wife, Anne, who once was chief justice of the Illinois Supreme Court. They did what very few of even his fiercest political enemies could ever do: They humbled him. A long list of corrupt City Council aldermen As the verdicts were read in U.S. District Judge Virginia Kendalls 25th floor courtroom, Burke kept his hands clasped and rested his chin on his fingers, his face flushed. For much of the trial, Burke had worn a slightly more subdued version of his trademark pinstriped suits, flashy green ties and pocket squares. But on the afternoon he was convicted, Burke dressed in a black suit and muted black tie. 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) Moments after the verdict, acting U.S. Attorney Morris Pasqual noted the thriving culture of corruption at City Hall, telling reporters, Ald. Burke obviously joins a long list of corrupt City Council aldermen who have been convicted of corruption charges over here in federal court. [ Corruption trial of ex-Ald. Edward Burke: What you need to know ] Asked whether Burkes conviction would serve as any kind of deterrent to others at City Hall, Pasqual suggested solemnly that many may think twice once they see Burke fully face the consequences when hes sentenced in June. We have not had the sentencing yet, Pasqual said. Obviously Ald. Burke was a very powerful alderman, this case has had massive publicity, and Id like to think that public officials out there who are tempted to start down this path will be even further on notice that the federal government is out there and were aggressively pursuing these kinds of matters. Advertisement Pasqual also stood behind his offices choice to cut a deal with former Ald. Daniel Solis, 25th, who will avoid punishment for his own misdeeds in exchange for secretly recording Burke. The audio and video Solis recorded, Pasqual said, represented the best evidence going to show Ald. Burkes knowledge and intent: The words out of his own mouth. We dont regret that trial strategy one bit, Pasqual said. Acting U.S. Attorney Morris Pasqual talks to reporters following Edward Burke's guilty verdict at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse in Chicago on Dec. 21, 2023. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune) Solis improbable turn as an undercover FBI mole pierced the veil that may have protected Burke through his five decades on the City Council, even as Burke watched dozens of colleagues carted off to prison as he built a lucrative private law practice that constantly commingled with his duties as alderman and Finance Committee chairman. Through Solis cooperation, Burke was memorably caught saying such lines as he was not motivated to help developers since the cash register has not rung yet. When the developers dragged their feet, he told Solis as far as Im concerned they can go (expletive) themselves. And perhaps most notably, he asked Solis on a wiretapped call: So did we land the, uh, the tuna? [ Ex-Ald. Ed Burke convicted on 13 of 14 counts at landmark federal corruption trial; jury convicts one co-defendant and acquits the other ] One juror told the Tribune the members of the jury listened to every single recording during their 23 hours of deliberations. Advertisement The number of Chicago aldermen convicted of wrongdoing is breathtaking: 38 since 1971. Three died while charges were pending; only one was acquitted. FBI mole and former Chicago Ald. Daniel Solis leaves the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse in Chicago on Dec. 11, 2023, after another day in the corruption trial of former Ald. Edward Burke. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune) Charges are pending against former 34th Ward Ald. Carrie Austin, who had been the second-longest serving alderman next to Burke when she was charged in 2021. Solis has also been charged, although that case is expected to be dropped once his cooperation is complete. Former Ald. Dick Simpson, who served with Burke from 1971 to 1979 and led the councils small reform-minded bloc, viewed Burkes conviction as a continuation of a terrible pattern of corruption in which public officials have used their public power for private gain. The Richard J. Daley era created the modern political machine, which spawned the highest level of corruption in the country, said Simpson, who previously represented the North Sides 44th Ward. Despite Burkes long tenure, he leaves in disgrace, Simpson said. Madigan trial looms Burkes racketeering conviction comes with a maximum potential sentence of 20 years in prison, though hell likely receive a much lower term. Burkes conviction undoubtedly puts in jeopardy his nearly six-figure pension. Advertisement Burkes attorneys had no comment after the verdict, but an appeal is likely. And they surely will cite Burkes age, the length of his public service, and lack of any previous criminal history in trying to minimize any time behind bars. [ Defendants found guilty on all counts in ComEd Four trial ] With the Burke verdict, federal prosecutors have continued to build momentum that began in May with convictions they got in the ComEd Four case that netted a close Madigan confidant, the utilitys former CEO and two other lobbyists in a bribery-related scheme to boost the utilitys legislative agenda. In a separate case, the longtime speakers ousted chief of staff got nailed for lying to a federal grand jury even though hed been granted immunity. All of the convictions serve as precursors to the scheduled April 1 corruption trial of Madigan himself, the prosecutions main target. Madigan, who holds the nationwide record of 36 years as speaker, has filed a motion to delay his trial, citing an Indiana case now before the U.S. Supreme Court that challenges some of the same laws Madigan is accused of violating, including whether a quid pro quo is required to prove bribery under the statute. A judge ordered Madigan to be in court in person on Jan. 3, which will be his first public courtroom appearance since being indicted nearly two years ago. The issue Madigan raises is one that Burke also may cite on appeal. [ Michael Madigan, ComEd and corruption: Timeline of how the investigation unfolded ] Madigan, like Burke, faces federal racketeering charges. And, if the Madigan trial date holds, its expected to wrap up only weeks before next summers Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Convention officials looking for a positive boost might be asked to defend Illinois national reputation as a politically corrupt state following high-profile convictions of two iconic Chicago Democrats who followed their fathers into politics and looked to the first Mayor Daley for guidance. Advertisement Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley talks with Ald. Edward Burke on June 28, 2006, at a City Council meeting. (Chuck Berman/Chicago Tribune) Over the years, Burke and Madigan also managed to find a political balance in their off-and-on relationships with Mayor Richard M. Daley, the son who exorcised the ghosts of Hizzoners 1968 DNC billy-club debacle by running a successful 1996 Democratic convention in Chicago. Mr. Chairman Until Thursdays guilty verdicts, Burke was a survivor, a tenacious backroom insider who seeded City Hall with an army of loyalists ready to give him the latest political intelligence or insider tips that could enhance his knowledge on all matters big and small. He showed his greatest political resilience when he carried out his role as one of the two Eddies in the Vrdolyak 29. He and then-Ald. Ed Vrdolyak, 10th, led the anti-administration bloc of mostly white ethnic aldermen who tried to block nearly every issue pushed by Harold Washington, the first Black mayor of Chicago, a period known as Council Wars. Ald. Edward Vrdolyak, 10th, left, with Ald. Edward Burke, 14th, in 1977. (Frank Hanes / Chicago Tribune) At the height of his power, Burke spent decades commanding the all-powerful position of chairman of the councils Finance Committee under the second Mayor Daley, a nod to the notion that it was better to have a savvy political operative such as Burke working on the mayors playbook than against it. [ From Chicago machine maestro to indicted alderman, Ed Burkes corruption trial follows half-century of clout ] Being Mr. Chairman made Burke a player on virtually every significant issue that affected the city. He continued in that role under Mayor Rahm Emanuel until an FBI raid of the aldermans City Hall and 14th Ward offices five years ago led to the federal case that eventually forced him out of the coveted chairmanship. Despite winning reelection in 2019 with a federal charge pending, Burke became a political punching bag for Mayor Lori Lightfoot and opted not to run for his aldermanic seat again this year with the trial pending. He also would have had to overcome the extra challenge of running in newly redrawn ward boundaries that he had almost no say in redrawing unlike previous remaps. Advertisement The indictment against Burke centered on a series of schemes to win private law business for his firm, Klafter & Burke. Among them were attempts to shake down the developers of the $600 million Old Post Office renovation and the owners of a Burger King in his ward who needed permits for remodeling work. Burke also was convicted of taking property tax business from a developer who wanted a pole sign permit for a Binnys Beverage Depot. The jury also found him guilty on charges he threatened to block an admission fee increase at the prestigious Field Museum when the daughter of former 32nd Ward Ald. Terry Gabinski, a longtime Burke ally, didnt get a paid internship despite Burkes support. As a student of history, Burke surely knows the uncanny parallels between his rise and fall and that of longtime 31st Ward Ald. Tom Keane, who preceded Burke as head of the Finance Committee. In the 1970s, when Burke was still relatively new on the council, Keane, the first Mayor Daleys City Council floor leader, was convicted on 17 counts of mail fraud and one of conspiracy to commit mail fraud. He was sentenced to five years in prison and paroled after serving 22 months. [ Jurors hear tuna recording for first time ] Keanes downfall came in 1974, when an ambitious federal prosecutor named James R. Thompson directed Keanes conviction on charges stemming from his City Council votes on the citys purchase of real estate in which he had a vested interest. Some counts were overturned on appeal. The U.S. Supreme Court subsequently held unconstitutional the portion of the mail-fraud law under which Keane was found guilty, but it refused in 1989 to grant his request to have the conviction removed from his record. Thompson, a Republican, went on to serve a record 14 years as Illinois governor. Advertisement Like Burke, Keane had moved up to his fathers seat in the City Council upon his death. At one point in the early 1970s, Burke and Keane actually clashed. A small group of Young Turk aldermen, including Burke, staged a brief Coffee Rebellion, so named because the young aldermen held their meetings in the mornings. They challenged the iron-fisted rule of Daley and Keane. As a result, some of the rebels were given committee chairmanships and more voice in the council. As his council status grew, Burke would adopt much of Keanes style of politicking, enforcing loyalty among his colleagues by honing his parliamentary skills and know-how to tie up mayors agendas. With the Cook County Democratic Party, Burkes chairmanship of the judicial slate-making committee meant he could make or break future judges. If he goes to prison, Burke will experience a severe shift in his lifestyle from impeccably coifed clothes and private dining in downtown clubs to an oversized jumpsuit and a drab prison cell. A closing of a door to old-school politics The potential 2024 trial for Madigan may also serve to hobble a man who was once the most influential politician in the state, even more powerful than governors. Advertisement His status as the Democratic leader was first weakened in 2018 when several aides and allies, including Timothy Mapes, the chief of staff convicted of lying to a grand jury, were accused of sexual harassment. The scandal lingered in the minds of many lawmakers, particularly women, when the U.S. attorneys office entered a deferred prosecution agreement with ComEd in July 2020 and gave Madigan the ignominious title of Public Official A. ComEd paid a record $200 million fine, and a bribery charge was dropped against the company following an agreed-upon three years of cooperating with federal authorities. ComEd also admitted it sought to influence Madigan into supporting the utilitys successful legislative agenda by showering his allies with no-work jobs, giving internships to a bevy of college students from his Southwest Side 13th Ward, and appointing the person he wanted on the state-regulated companys board of directors. In January 2021, Madigan lost the speakership when 19 members mostly women refused to support him for another term as head of the House. A few weeks later, Madigan quit the House, where he had served for more than 50 years, and resigned his post as chairman of the state Democratic Party. [ Cloutless in the jury room ] He was indicted in March 2022 in the racketeering case involving ComEd and in a superseding indictment in October 2022 for a similar scheme tied to AT&T, which also paid a $23 million fine. Madigan has emphatically denied wrongdoing in what prosecutors describe as a criminal enterprise, and so far has spent $8 million from his campaign war chest on defense lawyers. Advertisement For now, though, the politically seismic impact of Burkes conviction alone may not be fully grasped by many everyday Chicagoans. It is a closing of a door to old-school politics that were run by bosses, a closing of a door of several generations of tactics run by old-school bosses when the peoples voices were not respected and not valued, said Eddie Read, chairman of Chicago Black United Communities, a group founded by activist Lu Palmer that became a leading supporter of Washington for mayor. While Burkes supporters have often praised his contributions to the city and decried his prosecution, the ex-aldermans comedown is also seen in some quarters as an overdue comeuppance. Sending him to prison is one thing, Read said of Burkes potential sentence. But to me a greater sense of justice would be to have him pay for the injustices done to the people who didnt have the old Democratic hookups contractors, workers, developers and investors who probably would have given resources back to the broader community. They were robbed of the opportunity. Chicago Tribunes Rick Pearson and A.D. Quig contributed. rlong@chicagotribune.com Advertisement jmeisner@chicagotribune.com mcrepeau@chicagotribune.com Prisoners are released from the Welikada prison in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Dec. 25, 2023. Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has granted a special pardon to 1,004 inmates in view of Christmas Day, spokesman for the Department of Prisons Gamini B. Dissanayake told the media on Sunday. (Photo by Gayan Sameera/Xinhua) COLOMBO, Dec. 24 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has granted a special pardon to 1,004 inmates in view of Christmas Day, spokesman for the Department of Prisons Gamini B. Dissanayake told the media on Sunday. Dissanayake said out of the inmates qualified to receive the presidential pardon, there are 989 male inmates and 15 female inmates. They will be released from the prisons on December 25, he said. Prisoners are released from the Welikada prison in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Dec. 25, 2023. Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has granted a special pardon to 1,004 inmates in view of Christmas Day, spokesman for the Department of Prisons Gamini B. Dissanayake told the media on Sunday. (Photo by Gayan Sameera/Xinhua) Thousands join migrant caravan in Mexico ahead of Secretary of State Blinkens visit to the capital View Photo TAPACHULA, Mexico (AP) A sprawling caravan of migrants from Central America, Venezuela, Cuba and other countries trekked through Mexico on Sunday, heading toward the U.S. border. The procession came just days before Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrives in Mexico City to hammer out new agreements to control the surge of migrants seeking entry into the United States. The caravan, estimated at around 6,000 people, many of them families with young children, is the largest in more than a year, a clear indication that joint efforts by the Biden administration and President Andres Manuel Lopez Obradors government to deter migration are falling short. The Christmas Eve caravan departed from the city of Tapachula, near the countrys southern border with Guatemala. Security forces looked on in what appeared to be a repeat of past tactics when authorities waited for the marchers to tire out and then offered them a form of temporary legal status that is used by many to continue their journey northward. Weve been waiting here for three or four months without an answer, said Cristian Rivera, traveling alone, having left his wife and child in his native Honduras. Hopefully with this march there will be a change and we can get the permission we need to head north. Lopez Obrador in May agreed to take in migrants from countries such as Venezuela, Nicaragua and Cuba turned away by the U.S. for not following rules that provided new legal pathways to asylum and other forms of migration. But that deal, aimed at curbing a post-pandemic jump in migration, appears to be insufficient as the number of migrants once again surges, disrupting bilateral trade and stoking anti-migrant sentiment among conservative voters in the U.S. This month, as many as 10,000 migrants were arrested per day at the U.S. southwest border. Meanwhile, U.S. Customs and Border Protection had to suspend cross-border rail traffic in the Texas cities of Eagle Pass and El Paso as migrants were riding atop freight trains. Arrests for illegal crossing topped 2 million in each of the U.S. governments last two fiscal years, reflecting technological changes that have made it easier for migrants to leave home to escape poverty, natural disasters, political repression and organized crime. On Friday, Lopez Obrador said he was willing to work again with the U.S. to address concerns about migration. But he also urged the Biden administration to ease sanctions on leftist governments in Cuba and Venezuela where about 20% of 617,865 migrants encountered nationwide in October and November hail from and send more aid to developing countries in Latin America and beyond. That is what we are going to discuss, it is not just contention, Lopez Obrador said at a press briefing Friday following a phone conversation the day before with President Joe Biden to pave the way for the high level U.S. delegation. The U.S. delegation, which will meet the Mexican president on Wednesday, will also include Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and White House homeland security adviser Liz Sherwood-Randall. Mexicos ability to assist the U.S. may be limited, however. In December, the government halted a program to repatriate and transfer migrants inside Mexico due to a lack of funds. So far this year, Mexico has detected more than 680,000 migrants living illegally in the country, while the number of foreigners seeking asylum in the country has reached a record 137,000. Sundays caravan was the largest since June 2022, when a similarly sized group departed as Biden hosted leaders in Los Angeles for the Summit of the Americas. Another march departed Mexico in October, coinciding with a summit organized by Lopez Obrador to discuss the migration crisis with regional leaders. A month later, 3,000 migrants blocked for more than 30 hours the main border crossing with Guatemala. ___ Associated Press writers Joshua Goodman in Miami and Maria Verza in Mexico City contributed to this report. ___ https://apnews.com/hub/migration By EDGAR H. CLEMENTE Associated Press New York governor vetoes bill that would ban noncompete agreements View Photo ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) New Yorks governor vetoed a bill days before Christmas that would have banned noncompete agreements, which restrict workers ability to leave their job for a role with a rival business. Gov. Kathy Hochul, who said she tried to work with the Legislature on a reasonable compromise this year, called the bill a one-size-fits-all-approach for New York companies legitimately trying to retain top talent. I continue to recognize the urgent need to restrict non-compete agreements for middle-class and low-wage workers, and am open to future legislation that achieves the right balance, she wrote in a veto letter released Saturday. The veto is a blow to labor groups, who have long argued that the agreements hurt workers and stifle economic growth. The Federal Trade Commission had also sent a letter to Hochul in November, urging her to sign the bill and saying that the agreements can harm innovation and prevent new businesses from forming in the state. But in recent months, the legislation had come under fierce attack by Wall Street and top business groups in New York. They argued the agreements are necessary to protect investment strategies and keep highly-paid workers from leaving their companies with prized inside information and working for an industry rival. While the agreements are often associated with top executives, about 1 in 5 American workers nearly 30 million people are now bound by noncompete agreements, according to the Federal Trade Commission. For example, the sandwich chain Jimmy Johns previously came under scrutiny for forcing its low-wage workers to sign noncompete agreements that prevented them from working for a nearby business for two years after they left. In 2016, the company reached a settlement with the New York attorney general agreeing to no longer enforce the agreements. The Federal Trade Commission has proposed its own rule to eliminate all noncompete agreements nationwide under the idea that they unfairly reduce competition. Peter Rahbar, an employment attorney who represents individuals dealing with noncompete issues, said he was disappointed the governor vetoed the bill. I view it as a missed opportunity to help employees and workers gain leverage in their negotiations with employers, he said. She is missing an important step that would help employees not only have freedom of choice on where they want to work, but deprive them of an opportunity to increase their income. The Federal Trade Commission has estimated that banning noncompete agreements could increase workers earnings by approximately $250 billion to $296 billion per year. Rahbar pointed to California as the center of American innovation, crediting that to the states longtime ban on noncompete agreements. ___ Maysoon Khan is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Follow Maysoon Khan on X, formerly known as Twitter. By MAYSOON KHAN Associated Press/Report for America Israeli Member of Knesset Dr. Ofer Cassif is a member of the Hadash Party, which supports Jewish-Arab cooperation and workers rights. MK Cassif highlights how the occupation generates class inequalities and a regime of elite oppressors vs. the oppressed, which is not exclusively based along ethnic or religious lines. He outlines Prime Minister Netanyahus disregard for the well-being of both Israelis and Palestinians, as well as a history of propping up Hamas. Originally published at theAnalysis.news. Talia Baroncelli Hi, youre watching theAnalysis.news, and Im your host, Talia Baroncelli. In a bit, well be joined by a member of the Israeli Knesset, Dr. Ofer Cassif, to speak about Israels ongoing occupation of the Palestinian territories and its illegal and discriminatory bombardment of the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. Were nearing the end of the year, so if youd like to support us, you can do so by going to our website, theAnalysis.news, and hitting the donate button at the top right corner of the screen. We cant make this show without you, so we rely on your support and are thankful for all your contributions. If youre in the U.S., your contribution will be tax deductible as we are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in the United States. See you in a bit with Dr. Ofer Cassif. Joining me now is Dr. Ofer Cassif. He is a member of the Israeli Knesset representing the Hadash party, which is also known as the Democratic Front for Peace and Equality. The Hadash party was formed in 1977 and continues to stand for Jewish-Arab cooperation. Dr. Cassif, its great to have you here tonight. Dr. Ofer Cassif Thank you very much. Nice to be here. I am very grateful that youre having me. Talia Baroncelli Weve seen the situation in Gaza progressively deteriorate. The UN has said that over 90% of the population has been forcibly displaced. Human Rights Watch said that Israel is now using starvation as a tool of war, and the death toll has reached almost 20,000 Palestinians, of whom 9,000 are children. In your view, what would you say needs to be done to end this cycle of violence? Dr. Ofer Cassif First of all, we have to get rid of the seeds of this massacre. This is a peaceful solution to the situation. Weve been saying for ages, since 1967 and more so as the years went by, that the only solution is a political one, not a military one. That means ending the occupation and the siege. The only way that the two peoples of the land, the Israelis and the Palestinians, Arabs, Jews, and others, can live together and live in peace, security, and prosperity is, first and foremost, to end the occupation. The Palestinians, as a people, are entitled to have their own independent state. The compromise, the historical compromise, is by dividing the land alongside the state of Israel, an independent, sovereign, Palestinian state, which would exist in the old territories that Israel occupied in June 67. That means the Gaza Strip, East Jerusalem, and the West Bank. There is no other way. In the long run, I wish it was in the short run, but thats the solution that we must reach for. There is no other solution. The two sides must understand that we are going to be here forever, both peoples. The only way to live together is not by killing each other but by living side by side, together as good neighbors, in good relations. In the short run, of course, what should be done is to stop the war. As you said before, the war incorporates, unfortunately, war crimes. What Hamas did on October 7 is a war crime and a crime against humanity. This barbaric massacre against innocent civilians, children, women, the elderly, and others that Hamas did on October 7 is something that no one can justify, whatever the situation was before. Even the crimes of the occupation and siege cannot justify such a carnage. At the same time, the carnage that Hamas committed cannot justify the massacre that Israel has been carrying out against the Palestinians in Gaza. As you said before, the death toll is incredible. Im afraid that its not 20 or almost 20 because there are so many missing, and unfortunately, the assault still goes on. I am afraid, of course, I dont know the numbers, but Im afraid that the death toll is already much closer to 25,000-30,000. As you said before, and it was published as well, at least 70% of those who were killed were innocent civilians, especially children and women. This is something that is intolerable. Unfortunately, the international community doesnt do anything to stop that. That should be done immediately. First, because, as I said before, it involves war crimes, this is a massacre that should be stopped. First and foremost, of course, for the well-being and benefit of the Palestinians, but this is also of Israeli interest as far as Im concerned. The government of Israel is anti-Israeli. I put it that way because the government of Israel, the only thing that the government of Israel, first and foremost, the Prime Minister, is interested in, is their own survival. Nothing else. They dont care about the lives of Palestinians for sure, but they dont care either for the lives of Israelis, those who are killed, or the hostages. The hostages are still there suffering. Im afraid that many of them have already died. Im afraid that some of them are going to die in the future because they live under terrible conditions. Israel, unfortunately, the government of Israel, is much more interested in revenge against Gaza rather than releasing the hostages and bringing them home safely. A ceasefire, ending the war, releasing hostages, exchanging prisoners, and beginning a real and rapid political process toward ending the occupation and reaching a just peace between both parties is a must. Talia Baroncelli Well, I do want to speak about Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus efforts to prop up Hamas. Before we speak about that, theres one thing that Ive noticed as an outsider, as someone whos not Israeli, and thats the normalization of this dehumanizing rhetoric on the part of many Israeli officials. We just heard one member of a local council in an Israeli town close to Lebanon saying that Gaza needs to be flattened like Auschwitz. We heard the Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, saying that Palestinians are human animals. Of course, the Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich, has even said that Palestinians are not people. Would you say that this is more of a right-wing phenomenon, or is this a general normalization of this dehumanizing rhetoric thats taking place within Israeli society? Dr. Ofer Cassif Look, Ill be very frank and blunt with you. The government of Israel is a fascist government, and there are components that are even worse. There is a part of the coalition where most of its members profoundly believe in racial and Jewish supremacy. This is something which is unacceptable. Now, Im saying that because its relevant. Not too many years ago, less than two years ago, those parties, especially the [Itamar] Ben-Gvirs gang, who is now the Minister for so-called National Security, although the only thing that he has achieved is bringing insecurity, hes a supporter of a mass murderer. He had a picture in his living room of Baruch Goldstein, who killed 29 Palestinian Muslims during their prayer in Hebron about 30 years ago. Thats the Minister of National Security at the moment, and hes not alone there. Theres a bunch of thugs like him, racists, who dont care about the lives of Palestinians for sure and the lives of others because they are Messianic. They believe in a Messianic project. One of them even said before the massacre that the land of Israel should be acquired by suffering. Perhaps they think that the killing of 1,200 Israelis is part of the suffering. They were against any deal for releasing the hostages. They dont care for their lives. They are dreaming and saying that Israel should occupy the Gaza Strip and reestablish the settlements there. They have this crazy Messianic, deadly dream, which is, in fact, a nightmare for all of us, the Palestinians and Israelis alike. Anyway, unfortunately, those thugs, those racists who were, until two years ago, more or less quite marginal, now dominate the government. They dominate the government because Netanyahu doesnt care about anything but his own political survival. Not only political, his civic survival out of prison. As you probably know, there are three serious charges against Netanyahu. Hes accused in three different cases of corruption, bribery, etc. The only thing that drives him is staying out of prison. Thats the only thing he cares about. Because of that, he legitimized and normalized those racist thugs that I mentioned before because he is dependent upon them. He doesnt care that they arent in the interest of the state of Israel and the Israelis, let alone the Palestinians. He doesnt care. Because of that, they actually dominate the government. It is true that they are not the majority among the ministers, but they dominate the government because they hold Netanyahu as their own hostage. They can achieve almost everything for Netanyahu. He allows them to, by legalization and different things, make different crazy decisions that are accepted in the government and the cabinet, crazy things. He allows them to do so, and he aligns the ad-joined forces with them for his own sake at the expense of everybody here, Israelis and Palestinians alike. Now, because of that, until two years ago, even less than that, they were regarded by the vast majority of Israelis as crazy. Now, they have become mainstream because of Netanyahu and his dependency on those racist thugs. Now we can hear such slogans, criminal slogans that call to, for instance, a minister, one of those among those thugs from this racist gang, who is a minister and not only a bigot but also not very clever, to say the least. He actually said not too long ago that one option is to bomb the Gaza Strip with an atomic bomb. The vice chairperson of the Knesset, from the Likud party, from the party of Netanyahu, said that Gaza should be burnt down. You can hear it. People use the term elimination, including members of the Knesset and their companions in the parties in the settlements. The language of elimination, the language of eliminating a people, which involves necessarily the dehumanization and demonization of the Palestinians, became, unfortunately, the norm. Of course, not all Israelis think like that, and I guess that not even the majority, but they dominate the public discourse, including the media. You can hear such terms in the media. It reminds me of a philosopher, a French philosopher, Albert Memmi, who died two years ago. In one of his famous books, he said, in other words, that the occupier doesnt like to see a monster when he looks in the mirror. In order to justify the crimes that an occupier does, occupiers always, eventually, deteriorate into crimes because, eventually, occupation leads to resistance. In order to refrain from seeing yourself or recognizing yourself as a monster, you have to justify the crimes that you do. You do that by demonizing the occupied. Its the same everywhere. Its not something that was born under the Israeli occupation. The slave orders in the United States of America did so. The Germans did so, too, with the Jews. The Apartheid regime in South Africa did that with the non-whites, especially with the blacks; of course, there was a hierarchy of different so-called races. It is the same here, a language of occupation. This is the language of occupation. In that sense, I repeat what I said before: ending the occupation is also in the interest of Israel because Israel has been turning into a monstrous regime because of the occupation. The Palestinians should be liberated from the occupation, but we, the Israelis, should be liberated from the occupation as well. The demonization is indeed the other side of the coin of the occupation and the brutality of the occupation. Talia Baroncelli Similar to the philosopher Memmi, Frantz Fanon, another post-colonial writer, also said that the violence unleashed by the colonizers on the colonized also affects the colonizers themselves. It has an effect on them, too, and everyone. Dr. Ofer Cassif Absolutely. They are not the only ones. I want to be very clear: we in Hadash, and myself, of course, as part of Hadash, support a non-violent resistance to the occupation. Of course, we oppose and condemn the massacre carried out by Hamas. That should be emphasized. But unfortunately, the writing was on the wall. Im not talking about the massacre as it was, but it was very clear that one or another thing would have happened, and it was going to happen. The occupation began in the last few years, especially in the last year, or even more so, the occupation became more violent and more brutal, and programs by settlers against Palestinians, innocent civilians, shepherds, farmers, etc, in the West Bank became a daily issue. It was very clear that something was going to explode. Unfortunately, it did. As I said, it is in the interest of both peoples to end the occupation and reach a just peace. Talia Baroncelli Yeah, and while this war has been continuing in Gaza, theres also been a war by the settlers on the West Bank and on the Palestinians in the West Bank as well. I think there was a shipment of 27,000 guns, which was prevented by the U.S. because there were fears that it would go into the hands of violent settlers. I was wondering if you could comment on this regime of administrative detention because so many Palestinians are unlawfully arrested and then placed in detention without trial; why do you think this issue has only been recently spoken about? Dr. Ofer Cassif Unfortunately, I think its not spoken about even now, not enough. Definitely not in Israel. Look, Israel was established in 1948. Since the very first second that Israel was established as a state, there were two systems of emergency rules that still operate. People should absorb what I just said. Israel has been under, formally speaking, Israel has been under a state of emergency for 75 successive years. There was not even one second since Israel was established as a state that there was not a state of emergency. Given the state of emergency, there are also emergency rules. One of them is so-called, its a sugarcoated term to call it administrative detention. In fact, it is kidnapping people and putting them behind bars. Thats the real way to describe it. Even before evaluating this, before saying if its good or bad, this is real. If someone comes to your house or your field when youre working on it or to your office and without charges takes you away and puts you behind bars for one month or six months or even years. Sometimes, it can be years without charges, without seeing a lawyer, without being brought in front of a judge. This is because part of the occupation, the military occupation, is that the Palestinians, this is part of the Apartheid system as well, the Palestinians, that are in the occupied territories, are under military rule. That means that they are also under a military set of laws. The settlers who live in the same place, of course, the settlements are altogether illegal according to international law. Ill put it aside for a second. But if you are, for instance, a Palestinian and Im your neighbor, its not exactly a good neighbor, but anyway, I leave two matters from you as a Jewish settler. I am subordinated to Israeli civic law. You are subordinated to the military law. Part of the military law means that its much easier for the state to put you under the so-called sugarcoated term of administrative detention. Thousands and thousands of Palestinians, since the occupation in 67 began, have been put under this administrative detention, which I prefer to call legal hostages, quote-unquote, of course. This is part of the demonization and, of course, of the oppression of the Palestinians. Its very, very common in colonialist regimes. Everybody knows about it. In colonialist regimes, the occupier, the colonizer that wants to oppress any resistance of the occupied, uses different instruments. One of them is the so-called administrative detention. I guess you know Carl Schmitt. I think Carl Schmitt is very useful in understanding that, in using two terms, he actually used combined. One is saying that, who is the sovereign? The sovereign, according to Carl Schmitt, is not the people, even in his so-called democracy, but it is the one who dictates the exception. This is a very clear example because those Palestinians were put under the so-called, again, administrative detention; this is, as it were, an exception that the state apparatus dictates, but unfortunately, given the occupation, the exception became the rule. Another way around. This is one thing. Another thing that Carl Schmitt used to describe politics in general is that, like in esthetics, the distinction is between the beautiful and the ugly. Of course, I have to refer to it quite superficially, given our platform, but perhaps one day you can invite me to give some lectures in Germany. I would love that. Anyway, he actually said, like in esthetics theres a distinction between the beautiful and the ugly, and like in ethics, the good and the bad in politics is a friend and foe. The foe is used sometimes to unite the so-called nation. This is another part of the occupation, the ongoing system in Israel, which we struggle against. Again, I want to emphasize it. I know that I repeat myself, but its very important for me because Im afraid that many people around the world do not understand that the struggle, as far as we are concerned, as we see it, is not between Israelis and Palestinians. Here, it is a class issue. It is between the oppressed and the oppressor, between the exploiter and the exploited. This distinction is much more important. We in Hadash, for instance, Palestinians and Jews together and some others, we see ourselves as part of those who oppose the oppression. It doesnt matter to us if we are Jews or Palestinians or Argentinean Christians, just hypothetically. For us, its important to refer to the situation as one that distinguishes not between the peoples, but between the exploited and the exploited, the oppressor and the oppressed. To take the right side, of course, given a struggle that we agree with, which is not violent, and we continue. Its tough, but we never give up. Talia Baroncelli I think its really important that you brought up the class element because, arguably, theres a class divide within the Palestinian territories as well. Perhaps there are some Palestinian elite who are somehow benefiting from the occupation. But most importantly, the network of Israeli elite who are propped up and supported by the U.S. and different military and industrial defense tech companies are able to perpetuate the occupation. How do you see this convergence of elite interests propelling the conflict further? Dr. Ofer Cassif Look, Lenin, of course, wrote a lot about national conflicts and occupation, and especially, of course, the era of imperialism, analyzing the First World War, given imperialism, as they say, and then capitalism. Imperialism as a stage of capitalism. I would like to use, if I may, one thing that I think is very, very important that Lenin referred to in length in more than one essay. I think its very crucial to understand this situation, which I dont want to call a conflict, because conflict assumes a symmetry or a balance that does not exist. What Lenin said is that a situation of occupation and war assists the bourgeoisie on both sides. The bourgeois or bourgeoisie. How do I say it as a noun? Is it the bourgeoisie? Talia Baroncelli The bourgeoisie. Dr. Ofer Cassif Im always confused about that. He said that the bourgeoisie of the occupying nation and the occupied nation use the situation to mobilize their own parliamentarian to their own side. Why? Once there is a sense of conflict, once there is a war or an armed struggle between occupied and occupier, I do not refer to the situation in the Middle East, between Israel and Palestinians, but in general; instead of struggling against your exploiter, which is the bourgeoisie, you join forces with your bourgeoisie against the other people. Whether as an occupier that oppresses the resistance, or you have an occupied that carry on with the resistance to the occupier. Lenin himself used the term hostility. National hostility serves the economic and political interests of the ruling classes because that way they can divert the rage, the frustration, the alienation from a class-based one to a national-based one. This is exactly what I think we should pay attention to. Those who actually benefit from the ongoing occupation on top of using cheap labor, Palestinian cheap labor, or in the north of Qatar, for instance, there are apparently some resources like gas, etc., beyond that, the hostility serves them because as long as the occupation goes on, the Palestinian proletarian, and even peasants will see the Israelis, generally speaking, of course, I have to simplify the picture; obviously its much more complicated. For our conversation, for analytical purposes, if I may say so, the ruled classes, Palestinian-ruled classes, are going to see not their own Palestinian exploiters as the so-called rival or enemy but the Israelis and vice versa. They are exploited within Israel. The exploited Israelis, especially the proletarians, will not see their own employers as their exploiters and class enemies but as the Palestinians. Who benefits from that? Whos going to benefit from that? The exploiters. So, ending the occupation, besides being an end in itself because it involves direct oppression and exploitation, will also reduce, using the language of Lenin, the hostility between the peoples. In that sense, it will not only give us a better future to live as good neighbors but will also allow us to make it easier for us to divert our rage against our so-called domestic exploiters. There is a huge class issue. Talia Baroncelli Of course, we cant forget the role that the United States plays in delivering weapons and delivering unconditional aid to Israel. I did want to pivot to something historical that took place in the 90s to the Oslo Accords. Oftentimes, people say that it was Yasser Arafat who just walked away, and the conversations or the negotiations fell apart because of him. What was it that was being offered at the time? What was the Palestinian state being offered? It doesnt seem like it was really much. Dr. Ofer Cassif Look, thats a question that I find very difficult to answer, not even to you, but to myself. First of all, there are so many details, facts, and data that are questionable. I do believe that Arafat and the PLO believed that the Oslo Accords would eventually lead to a Palestinian liberation and independent state alongside Israel. I cannot tell you that for sure. I wasnt there. From what I know, I tend to believe that they thought, and perhaps they were quite optimistic. Im saying that because I heard an interview with Hanan Ashrawi, who you may know. I think it was on the anniversary of the Oslo Accords, the 30th anniversary, in September. She said not these exact words, but she said that she warned Arafat that Israel was not working towards the solution he believed they were going to. She warned Arafat and probably others, we say, closed ones politically, that if they believed that the Israelis were going with them side by side towards ending the occupation was a false belief. I take from that Arafat and others, again, I unfortunately have never met him, so I never asked him and never talked to him, so everything I say is speculation. I tend to believe what Ive read and heard that there was a belief, an optimistic belief, I dont want to say a naive belief, that at the end of the day, a Palestinian independent state is waiting. Now, as far as the Israeli Party is concerned, I dont know if [Yitzhak] Rabin and others worked together. I know for sure that those in the government, [inaudible 00:32:36], for instance, they did support a Palestinian state alongside Israel. So whether they planned to get there or not, in what way, what process, Im not sure. The only thing Im sure about is that the assassination of Rabin is the beginning of the decline. Thats for sure. No one can say what would have happened had Rabin stayed alive. Of course, this is a stupid speculation that historians, for instance, always hate to be asked. I dont know. But for sure, the assassination of Rabin brought Netanyahu in 95 to power. Although Netanyahu continued one way or another with all the problems and the reservations, it didnt totally abolish the Oslo Accords. We know that he followed the agreement, etc. By the way, Rabin made a lot of mistakes. For instance, I think that probably the main mistake or even sin that Rabin made was that after the assassination of those 29 Palestinians in Hebron by a settler, there was a chance, and many advised Rabin to use this terrible incident, this carnage to take out this cancer from the center of Hebron. That means the settlers. Rabin didnt. He refused to do so for one reason or another. It cost the lives of more Palestinians afterward, but it also made this a cancerous settlement in the midst of a Palestinian city even more deadly, more violent, and more dangerous. As I began to say before, the assassination of Rabin created a decline, a continuous decline, which we can see now the consequences. Israel, unfortunately, has turned into a more brutal occupier controlled by the most fanatic, Messianic, and deadly settler. Its much more dangerous to the region as a whole, not only to Palestinians and Israelis. I lament that the world doesnt want to be aware of that and doesnt want to do anything about that. Talia Baroncelli Well, on your point about Rabin, Mark Regev, whos the spokesperson for the Netanyahu administration, was also saying, I dont know if this is accurate or apocryphal, but he was saying that Rabin didnt really believe in a true Palestinian state, a fully-fledged state. I dont know if hes [inaudible 00:35:42]. Dr. Ofer Cassif Look, I know those interpretations. Its very, very easy to speak in the name of the dead. I dont want to do that. By the way, more often than not, as history shows, you know how a specific process begins; you never know how it ends. The goal was not to be interested in the freedom of [Inaudible], and we know how it ended. This is only one example. There are many other examples. I cannot say what Rabin actually wanted. I know that for sure, for instance, its very funny or ironic, if you like, [inaudible 00:36:23] at the end of 87, I was the first soldier who was imprisoned for refusing to serve in the Palestinian-occupied territories. The last time I was in prison for the very same thing, altogether, it was four times I was in a military prison for refusing. The fourth and last time that I was in prison for that was September 93. I remember that we were taken out of our cells to watch [Yasser] Arafat and Rabin shaking hands at the White House. Now, I remember that because a friend of mine, a very acclaimed journalist, wrote a piece after the Oslo Accords when I was in prison. I remember that he wrote about me. I was skeptical about the Oslo Accords. It was true. I can never tell what would have happened if Rabin was alive. Perhaps you are right, and nothing would have happened. Who knows? Talia Baroncelli Well, if you have time, I would like to ask you quickly about Bibi Netanyahu because he recently said that he doesnt believe in a Palestinian state. The day after, he is the one to ensure that a two-state solution wont come about and that his legacy has been to prevent the creation of a two-state solution. How would you say or how would you assess his legacy? Is it true, according to former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, that he was involved in propping up Hamas to ensure that the Palestinian Authority wouldnt be a legitimate partner with which Israel could negotiate with and that, instead, they would want Hamas to be there to ensure that thered be no [crosstalk 00:38:23]. Dr. Ofer Cassif Absolutely. Look, as I said before, Netanyahus only interest is Netanyahu. He cares only about himself. Even in the late 80s, when he ousted [Yitzhak] Shamir from the Likud Party, who was even more to the right than Netanyahu, he warned the Likud about Netanyahu. Before Netanyahu was in Israeli politics, he was the Ambassador to the UN, if I remember correctly. Already then, Shamir warned about him, and he said that Netanyahu is dangerous. Netanyahu, in my view, is a psychopath. Im not a psychologist, Im not a psychiatrist, so Im not using this term in the accurate, clinical, pathological sense, but he acts as if he were a psychopath. By the way, an Israeli psychiatrist, two months ago or something like that, before the massacre, I think, but Im not sure, wrote a piece in the Haaretz newspaper in which he said that Netanyahu was a psychopath, as a psychiatrist. When Im saying that Netanyahu is a psychopath, it is not something totally out of the blue. By the way, this psychiatrist who wrote it because he wrote it against Netanyahu was interrogated by the police. But thats another issue thats part of whats going on within Israel now, which Israel is in the process of fascisation and toward dictatorship. Basic civil rights are under attack. People like myself and others are persecuted. Students have been suspended from universities because of posts and tweets. People were fired from their jobs, especially Palestinian citizens and others. Theres a total prohibition on demonstrations in Palestinian cities within Israel. Its just the tip of the iceberg. There is a move towards a full-fledged fascist dictatorship on top of the ethnic cleansing in the West Bank and the criminal assault on Gaza. What I began to say about Netanyahu is that he cares only about himself. Because of that, he may change his attitude, endeavors, and deeds according to what he thinks may serve him better. Now, it is true. Everybody knows about it. Thats a matter of fact. Its not an interpretation. Its not an assumption. It is true. Netanyahu said with his own voice and was quoted in 2019 in the convention of the Likud party that one that doesnt want to see a Palestinian state must weaken the Palestinian Authority and strengthen Hamas. Smotrich, probably the most fanatic and extremist in this government, said in 2015, and I quote, The Palestinian Authority is a burden. Hamas is an asset. Its not only words. Under the rule of Netanyahu, Qatar transferred more than a billion dollars to Hamas via Israel, thanks to Netanyahu. Netanyahu supported that. He was in charge of those suitcases full of dollars that went to Hamas, not to the people of Gaza. Hamas is a brutal dictatorship. Hamas doesnt do anything in favor of the people of Gaza. It does everything in favor of itself. What do you think they use the money for? For those tunnels that are now bombarded? For weapons? That was not only under the rule of Netanyahu; it was given the consent of Netanyahu and the active cooperation of Netanyahu. He wanted a strong Hamas and a weak Palestinian Authority because that way he could create a division among the Palestinians, a classic divide and rule, a classic colonialist attitude, and use the rule of Hamas in the Gaza Strip to say that theres no one to talk to because they are extremists. Thats part of the legacy of Netanyahu, if you like. He will be remembered not only as the worst Prime Minister in the history of Israel but also as the deadliest one. Not only for assaulting and killing thousands and thousands of Palestinians but also because of his responsibility for the carnage that Hamas did in the south of Israel, and also because he doesnt care and doesnt do anything to save the poor hostages that Hamas holds. He will be remembered for that. Talia Baroncelli Well, Dr. Cassif, it was great speaking to you, and I hope that well be able to have you on again soon for you to share insights, as there are so many other facets of whats going on that we can speak about. It was really great to get your insights on this. Dr. Ofer Cassif Thank you very much. It was a pleasure. Talia Baroncelli Thank you. Thank you for watching theAnalysis.news. If youd like to support the work that we do, feel free to go to our website, theAnalysis.news, and make a donation by hitting the button at the top right corner of the screen. Thanks, and see you next time. Paws on the ground: How Colorado got its wolves back High Country News A new study reports 309 lab acquired infections and 16 pathogen lab escapes between 2000 and 2021 Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists Flowering plant undoes 100 million years of evolution, shows signs of self-pollination Down to Earth The Unending Quest To Build A Better Chicken NOEMA Octopus DNA Reveals Clues to When the West Antarctic Ice Sheet Last Collapsed Smithsonian Mag Climate/Environment Water Secret Acres: Boom or bubble? High farmland prices encourage investors, concern farmers Investigate Midwest #COVID-19 Its normal for your colds to last for weeks, remember? https://t.co/URWuo2LENK T. Ryan Gregory (@TRyanGregory) December 23, 2023 Mystery illness surging through Britain after Christmas parties as Covid cases skyrocket Mystery. 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The Deep Dive Class Warfare Antidote du jour (via): Bonus: In a world where you can be anything, be kind pic.twitter.com/pLsxDDMFxC WOW ANIMALS (@WOW_ANIMALS1) December 23, 2023 See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here. ISLAMABAD, Dec. 24 (Xinhua) -- At least nine people were killed in a housefire in Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Sunday, police said. The incident happened in Abbottabad district, where the house caved in, following the fire, burying all nine family members under the rubbles, the police told media, adding that nine bodies have been retrieved from the debris. The fire erupted due to a short circuit, swiftly engulfing the whole house before the residents could manage to contain it, the police said. The bodies have been shifted to a nearby hospital for the identification process, the police added. As Project Ukraine collapses, the Wests efforts to isolate Russia show no signs of slowing down. So far, they have been ineffective, if not counterproductive, but that doesnt mean they will end. Transport and logistics continues to be a major target of the sanctions, which means much of this geopolitical struggle revolves around transit and trade, and for Moscow that means minimizing any dependence on countries hostile to Moscow. Access to the seas has historically been key for Russia and remains paramount, which is summarized here by Glenn Diesen, a Norwegian political scientist who specializes in Russian foreign policy: Russias economic development was obstructed ever since the disintegration of Kievan Rus as it severed Russia from the maritime arteries of international trade. Russias return to Europe and subsequently becoming a great power was made possible under Peter the Great by gaining access to the Baltic Sea. Containment of Russia has since relied to some extent on denying Russia reliable access to the sea In Europe, NATO has been instrumental to expand US control over the Black Sea, the Baltic Sea and the Arctic. NATO expansion to Bulgaria, Romania and possibly Ukraine aims to convert the Black Sea into a NATO lake. In the Baltic Sea, NATO membership to Baltic states has extended the reach of the US. Former NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, argued that the pending NATO expansion to Sweden and Finland was a strategic victory because if we wish, we can block all entry and exit to Russia through St. Petersburg. The US is also expanding its reach in the high north by converting Norway into a frontline in the Arctic with increased military activity and soon to establish four US military bases on Norwegian soil. Russias goal is to maintain and expand its maritime trade corridors while the West aims to thwart it any way possible. Data from Rosmorrechflot, Russias Federal Agency for Sea and Inland Water Transport, show that Russia is winning with 2023 seaport cargo turnover increasing by 7.8 percent in the January-October period compared to the previous year. The following is a brief look at each major sea corridor for Russia and western efforts in the same area. The Baltic & The Arctic Despite Western declarations that the Baltic Sea is a NATO lake, cargo turnover at Russias Baltic seaports, including St. Petersburg, increased by 2.5 percent. Surging oil exports to China played a major role in the increase. Flows from Russias Arctic and Baltic ports to China totaled 10.4 million barrels in the 2023 summer season, data from S&P Global Commodities at Sea showed. That total was up from just 484,000 barrels in 2022 and 2.2 million barrels in 2019 when the first commercial shipments began. This is still only a fraction of the seaborne Russian crude to China shipped mostly south via the Suez Canal. A big reason both Moscow and Beijing are working to make the Northern route viable is to have multiple connection routes in the case of direct war with the West or if other corridors suffer from local conflict, as is currently happening now in the Bab al-Mandab Strait. The building out of the Northern route is also part of Chinas plans to diversify its supply routes in case of any future conflict with the West. Compared to the Suez route, the Northern route is about a third shorter for Russian Baltic shipments to northern China and about 45 percent shorter for shipments from terminals near the arctic port of Murmansk, but those times can vary due to unpredictable weather and ice. Still, Moscow is planning on climate change making the route more passable, and Russia has built up its fleet of icebreakers, ships and submarines. According to S&P Global, Russia has three nuclear icebreakers working the Northern Sea Route, plus a nuclear-powered ice-breaking container ship on the route, and other icebreakers under repair. In June, Russia said it planned to build more than 50 icebreakers and ice-class vessels, ports and terminals and other assets over the next 13 years at a cost of $22 billion. Additionally, according to Silk Road Briefing, a central hub for building large-capacity offshore structures to produce liquefied natural gas (LNG) on a very large scale is underway based in Murmansk. Russia is active in boosting the production of sea-borne super-cooled gas as its pipeline gas exports to Europe, once a key source of revenue for Moscow, have plummeted amid the Western sanctions imposed over the conflict in Ukraine. Those resources are now being directed East, where consumer demand is far greater. The determination to make the Northern Sea Route viable has only been boosted by Western sanctions. The effort recently hit an important milestone. From Maritime Executive: In another demonstration of the efforts to expand shipping along Russias Northern Sea Route, the Chinese-owned containership Newnew Polar Bear (15,950 dwt) became the first to reach the Russian port in Kaliningrad after a six-week passage. The governor of the Kaliningrad region Anton Alikhanov hailed the achievement on his Telegram account. The vessel was acquired earlier this year by a new Chinese shipping company, Hainan Yangpu Newnew Shipping Co., and ushered in the route sailing from St. Petersburg at the beginning of July. She started the return trip from China in late August, reaching Kaliningrad on Tuesday and spending three days on dock. The ship registered in Hong Kong is 554 feet long with a capacity of 1,600 TEU. She is part of the effort to expand trade between China and Russia and grow traffic along the Northern Sea Route. President Vladimir Putin has ordered the authorities overseeing the route to boost annual shipments to 80 million metric tons in 2024. Transport companies plan to make this logistics product permanent. It turns out cheaper and faster than through the Suez Canal, writes Alikhanov touting the party line on his Telegram account. The Newnews trip was marred, however, by Baltic European states allegations that the ship damaged a Finland-Estonia gas pipeline. Anonymous EU officials have recently floated the idea of stopping ships in the Baltic to check their insurance papers as part of a desperate attempt to enforce the ill-conceived oil price caps. Under that failed plan oil not sold under the $60-a-barrel limit cannot be covered by western insurance for its sea voyage. Some anonymous EU officials are saying that the reason they must stop ships carrying Russian crude is that non-western insurance policies may not be effective in the event of an oil spill. Meanwhile, Moscow continues full speed ahead with its development in its Arctic, including mining and oil well operations along its 15,000 miles of coastline. Much of the oil and gas from the Russian arctic used to go to Europe. Its now headed to China and India. India got its first shipment of Arctic liquefied gas last year, and the countrys energy companies are looking at investing in Russian projects there. LB Vardomsky writes at the Russian Academy of Sciences Institute of Economics: The rapid growth of traffic along the NSR is difficult to overstate. It creates an additional impetus for development of the Far Eastern and Northern regions due to deployment of capacities in shipbuilding, port, and airfield infrastructure and overcoming the isolation of northern territories adjacent to it from the economic space of mainstream Russia. In the context of geopolitical struggle, strengthening of the Arctic vector of development means strengthening Russias economic and political influence in the world. Therefore, the NSR should be considered in the context of not only growth of the international importance of hydrocarbon reserves in the circumpolar regions and issues of Russias security, but also implementation of the concept of the Greater Eurasian Partnership. The US is trying to play catch up by pouring money into existing bases in Alaska and Greenland and establishing four US military bases on Norwegian soil. Sweden is increasing land forces in its north and expanding military cooperation with Finland and Norway, but Russian economic activity in the Arctic is only expected to increase in coming years, and Moscow considers it an area of existential importance where it can use all components in the defense of its interests, including force. On the icebreaker front, the US fleet consists of two aging ships the USCG Healy and USCG Polar Star that have repeatedly suffered mechanical failures, including onboard fires, leaving them unavailable for extended periods of time. Russia currently has at least three dozen icebreakers, while China has increased its count to four, according to High North News. The US Coast Guard icebreaker program is way behind schedule, and the first vessel will not be ready until the middle of 2028, while the second isnt likely to enter service in the next six years, extending the problem into the 2030s. Last week the US enlarged its claims in the Arctic beyond 200 nautical miles from the coast into whats called its extended continental shelf, which would add roughly one million square kilometers and contain many resources like strategic minerals and rare earth elements. But US claims will be complicated due to Washingtons failure to join the international procedure for delineating claims. According to Arctic Research Professor Abbie Tingstad at the Center for Arctic Study and Policy, US Coast Guard Academy: Unfortunately, the significance of this step is muted by the implementation and credibility challenges the U.S. will face as a consequence of its continuing failure to ratify the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), in which the process for arbitrating ECS claims is laid out, among many other areas of important maritime governance. Azov-Black Sea Despite Ukrainian threats to hamper Russian trade in the Azov and Black Seas, cargo turnover grew by 17.2 percent. NATO continues to be frustrated by Turkeys unwillingness to apply sanctions on Russia and its refusal to allow passage for NATO warships through the Bosphorus and Dardanelles Straits into the Black Sea. The Center for Maritime Strategy sums up NATOs predicament: While NATO strains to formulate policy for policing aggression by Russia and lacks any meaningful Naval Order of Battle, Ukraine with allied support continues to innovate with ingenuity via development of ad-hoc, uncrewed surface, air, and underwater vehicles (USV, UAV, and UUV) engaged in Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) and so called suicide missions. Beyond providing a morale boost for Ukrainians and some short-term tactical gains, it is not a sustainable means for prosecuting a littoral warfare campaign, nor is it a path to victory. Three NATO countries have Black Sea coastlines: Romania, Bulgaria, and Turkiye. However, for any policing activity or future hostilities, greater numbers and types of naval assets are required. Conversely, an Armada of large, slow, combatant vessels is no solution either, especially given vulnerability within the cramped confines of the Black Sea and the 300 km (186 mi.) WEZ of Russian surface to surface coastal defenses plus fast-moving radius of air to surface weaponry (see Figure 1). Maritime success surely requires the ability to operate freely inside these zones. NATO is attempting to enlarge its presence according to anonymous officials in a Bloomberg report that NATO members Bulgaria, Turkiye, and Romania are closing in on an agreement to create a joint mine-clearing force in the Black Sea. Bloomberg goes to pains to describe the potential effort as peaceful and non-NATO: The proposed plan would be peaceful in nature and focused on reducing the danger that errant mines pose to shipping routes through the Black Sea. It would not be considered a NATO effort. It would, however, be the first joint action of Black Sea allies since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. But western neocons are clearly thinking of using Romania and any mine-sweeping as a NATO Trojan Horse in the Black Sea. The mine-sweeping plan sounds very familiar to a recent piece at War on the Rocks by Aaron Stein, a Black Sea Fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute and former senior fellow at the Atlantic Council. The report is titled Side-Stepping Turkiye: Using Minesweepers to Increase Allied Presence in the Black Sea and heres the central push: Minesweeping ships are purely defensive and therefore would not be as risky as providing Black Sea powers with warships for the armed escort civilian ships in the area. This should assuage Ankara and be a point of potential cooperation, rather than yet another point of friction between Turkiye and its NATO allies. Once transferred and in Romania, these ships (and potentially clearance divers) could be used for a series of bilateral exercises between U.S. and European forces deployed in country, in neighboring countries, or flying over the Black Sea. These bilateral exercises can augment NATOs minesweeping capabilities and are a way to conduct exercises with NATO members without needing Turkiyes official sanction. The obvious benefits of bilateral exercises have tangential benefits for NATO more broadly and could help augment NATOs regional capabilities in the longer term. The data from these ships sensors should be fused with the aerial surveillance intelligence NATO and its member states collect during daily flights over the Black Sea. This data could be used to enhance situational awareness about threats to international shipping and be an important mechanism for the allies to share information about Russian Black Sea military operations currently and long into the future. During recent testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, assistant secretary of state James OBrien outlined the five pillars of the administrations plan: more bilateral and multilateral engagement, regional security based upon a stronger NATO presence, economic cooperation, energy security, and democratic resilience. Arnold C. Dupoy at the Atlantic Council picks up the ball and runs with it from there, describing in a Dec. 5 article how all countries of the region (minus Russia) will benefit from Washingtons presence as the honest broker. Turkey must be brought onboard somehow, he stresses, and the US must provide more support for the other two Black Sea NATO members (Romania and Bulgaria), as well as Moldova, Georgia, Armenia, and even Azerbaijan. Dupoy stresses that all this will require deep pockets in order to fund and train regional military establishments, as well as offer support and incentives to US companies to move into the region. He does not mention that the commander of the Turkish navy reiterated in a recent speech that Turkiye does not want NATO in the Black Sea and that any presence of non-Black Sea countries would increase tensions. Russia is taking note of US designs, and in October Putin ordered Russian jets armed with hypersonic missiles to patrol neutral areas of the Sea. The Caspian Turnover at the Caspian basin seaports, which is a transit point for the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), grew by 36.1 percent. The INSTC refers to the use of several routes through the region, including: The Trans-Caspian running through the Russian ports of Astrakhan, Olya, Makhachkala. The Eastern route, which is a direct railroad connection through Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan and can hook up to the Iranian railroad network. The Western route which runs through Astrakhan, Makhachkala, Samur, and on through Azerbaijan. The INSTC, which formally opened in 2002, is meant to provide a shorter route than the Suez Canal from Russia and central Asian countries to Iran, the Persian Gulf, India, and Pakistan. For years the project was largely a dud, but Western sanctions on Iran and Russia is leading to renewed focus on the corridor.The INSTC still has issues to overcome. For one, there is US meddling at key points in the Southern Caucasus that appears designed to throw a wrench in these trade connection plans. There is also the problem of infrastructure in Iran, which is difficult to overcome due to sanctions. As PlutoniumKun commented on a recent piece: A key problem with using Iran as a connection to India is internal infrastructure. The two railway lines connecting the Caspian to the Arabian Sea are mostly single track and go over very difficult terrain, so I doubt if their capacity could be easily increased. So any heavy goods trade would be dependent on a very long and slow road journey across Iran. Most Iranian interest has been in developing east to west, not north to south road/rail investments. Moscow and Tehran are working to overcome these issues, but it will take time as Lana Rawandi-Fadai details at Modern Diplomacy: On May 17, an intergovernmental agreement was signed in Tehran between Russia and Iran on the construction of the 162 km long Resht-Astara railway line, which is scheduled for completion by 2027. As a result of this route being launched, the transit of freights over the western corridor of the North-South ITC can be increased to the level of 30 million tons, whereas the overall cargo traffic of the ITC will have to increase from 15 million tons today to 41-45 million tons by 2030, and reach 100 million tons in the longer term. Russia is going to invest 1.3 billion euros in the construction of this line. Once the above-mentioned section of the railroad is completed, a through railroad corridor will be formed from Russia to the southern ports of Iran, which will open direct access to the Persian Gulf for Russian freights. The Pacific With closer ties between Russia and the Pacific region, countries, the cargo turnover of Russias Far Eastern seaports increased by 5.7% In September of 2022 China and Russia launched a shipping route between Quanzhou and Vladivostok. The NSR is considered by the Chinese side as a separate cargo (blue) corridor of theBelt and Road, called the Ice Silk Road. It is becoming an important structure for RussianChinese economic and political cooperation. China hopes to extend the NSR from Vladivostok to various seaports on the east coast and connect its Maritime Silk Road through them, thereby closing the maritime transport ring around Eurasia Moscow and New Delhi also continue to pursue the Chennai-Vladivostok Eastern Maritime Corridor. With the West effectively cutting itself off from Russia, it has forced Moscow to focus on developing trade infrastructure in places like the far east. LB Vardomsky at the Russian Academy of Sciences Institute of Economics notes the many projects underway there to speed up inland connections from Siberia (which has massive energy reserves and nearly every type of strategic minerals) with Eastern ports, as well as land routes to China: Such corridors connecting with China are currently being formed in Russias Far East; these include Primorye-1 and Primorye-2. The first will connect Harbin via Suifenhe and Grodekovo to the ports of Vladivostok, Nakhodka, and Vostochny, through which transportation will go between Heilongjian province and the southern provinces of China, as well as between this province and the Asia-Pacific countries along the shortest route. The Primorye-2 corridor is designed to provide the shortest access to the sea in Jilin province through Hongchun and the port of Zarubino. To increase the formation of these corridors, the customs regime of the Free Port of Vladivostok was extended to all ports of Primorsky krai. It is quite likely that a new corridor will be formed as a result of construction of a railway bridge across the Amur River near the NizhneleninskoyeTongjiang border checkpoint, which will shorten the railway route between Khabarovsk, Birobidzhan, and Chinese Harbin; it will also connect the BAM and Chinese railway network in the shortest manner. *** The US continues to engage in a sanctions whack-a-mole game with the growing shadow fleet of tankers transporting Russian and Iranian oil. Reuters recently reported that several Greek shipping companies had vowed to stop transporting Russian oil after getting warnings from the US, and this has been treated as a success story. The problem is Greek shipowners are instead just turning around and selling the ships, which only adds to the shadow flotilla. From Foreign Policy: But now many Greek shipowners have decided that they can profit even more by selling the ships. Sales began soaring in February 2022, and theres demand for tankers, for older tankers across the world, particularly in jurisdictions unencumbered by sanctions against Russia, the trade publication TradeWinds explained. In the 12 months since then, Greek owners have sold some 125 crude and vessel carriers to the tune of $4 billion. In June, Hellenic Shipping News reported that Greek companies had sold 97 tankers so far this year, 25 percent of the world total. Despite the good news for the sellers, the generous buyers identities have mostly not been announced. The buyers now rushing to pay a premium for secondhand tankers are, in fact, decidedly mysterious. Companies based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have bought the most Greek tankers, followed by buyers in China, Turkey, and India. S&P Global Market Intelligence reports that 2022 saw the creation of an astounding 864 maritime companies with an association or link to Russia. My research assistant, Katherine Camberg, has traced more than two dozen formerly Greek-owned vessels to new owners often so obscure that they even lack a mailing address. While the isolation efforts are an ongoing failure, they continue to produce upheavals in transit and logistics, including reductions in traffic through Russia between the EU and China, an increase in the role of Belarus between the EU and Russia and EU and Central Asian trade, and the increased importance of Turkiye, South Caucasus countries, and Kazakhstan for Russia. The moral of the story from Russia Briefing: By IANS NEW DELHI: A Delhi court has sent three freshly arrested top executives to three-day ED custody in a money laundering case against the Chinese smartphone maker Vivo. The three accused -- Vivo India interim CEO Hong Xuquan, Vivo chief financial officer (CFO) Harinder Dahiya and consultant Hemant Munjal -- will now be produced before the court on December 26, on expiry of their three-day Enforcement Directorate (ED) custody. The arrests were made in the case months after the four accused -- Lava International MD Hari Om Rai, Chinese national Guangwen alias Andrew Kuang, Chartered Accountants Nitin Garg and Rajan Malik -- were arrested on October 10. A Vivo spokesperson said: "We are deeply alarmed by the current action of the authorities. The recent arrests demonstrate continued harassment and as such induce an environment of uncertainty amongst the wider industry landscape. We are resolute in using all legal avenues to address and challenge these accusations." On December 20, the court took cognisance of the charge sheet filed by the financial probe agency naming the four accused in it. Special Judge Kiran Gupta of Patiala House Courts summoned the accused, who are in judicial custody, on February 19, 2024. The Delhi High Court, recently, also dismissed the habeas corpus petitions of three individuals who are accused in a money laundering case related to Vivo. The petitioners argued that their continued detention in Tihar jail was illegal due to the absence of a court order extending their judicial custody beyond December 7. The ED countered, explaining that a charge sheet was filed on December 6, and the accused were produced via video conference on December 7. The court was informed that due to a transfer, the accused were not physically brought before ASJ-04, who then adjourned the case and issued production warrants. After examining the facts, Justices Suresh Kumar Kait and Shalinder Kaur concluded that there was no break in the custody of the accused, as the trial court had issued production warrants to ensure their presence on December 13, indicating lawful judicial custody. The court upheld the ED's stance, saying that the legal representatives of the accused were present, and no objections were raised during the issuance of production warrants. It clarified that continuous custody is maintained when a legitimate reason prevents physical appearance, as in this case. The court had earlier noted that the probe agency was able to make out the case for the grant of further custody. "There appears to be continuity in the stand taken by the ED about the extraction of digital data and the accused persons to be confronted with the same. Therefore, considering the settled principles of law and Delhi High Court Rules, I am of the considered opinion that the ED can make out the case for grant of further custody remand, the judge had said. In response to the ED's allegation that there has been recovery of several incriminating documents, a counsel for Guangwen had argued, "The nature of such documents has not been specified and why these are relevant to the investigation was not apprised or substantiated by the ED. It was only submitted that they relate to the incorporation of companies which is not an offence." ALSO READ | Delhi High Court upholds ED custody of Chinese national Earlier, a source said that the arrests were made after the financial probe agency carried out searches at the premises of the four accused and recovered cash to the tune of Rs 10 lakh. The ED action came more than a year after it carried out searches at 48 locations across the country belonging to Vivo Mobiles India Private Ltd and its 23 associated companies such as Grand Prospect International Communication Pvt Ltd (GPICPL), and claimed that it has busted a major money laundering racket involving Chinese nationals and multiple Indian firms. According to the ED, Vivo Mobiles India Pvt Ltd was incorporated on August 1, 2014, as a subsidiary of Multi Accord Ltd, a Hong Kong-based company, and was registered at ROC Delhi. GPICPL was registered on December 3, 2014, at ROC Shimla, with registered addresses of Solan, Himachal Pradesh, and Gandhi Nagar, Jammu. The PMLA investigation by ED was initiated by registering a money laundering case on February 3, 2022, based on an FIR registered at the Kalkaji police station in the national Capital by Delhi Police against the GPICPL, its director, shareholders and certifying professionals etc., based on a complaint filed by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp NEW DELHI: A Delhi court has sent three freshly arrested top executives to three-day ED custody in a money laundering case against the Chinese smartphone maker Vivo. The three accused -- Vivo India interim CEO Hong Xuquan, Vivo chief financial officer (CFO) Harinder Dahiya and consultant Hemant Munjal -- will now be produced before the court on December 26, on expiry of their three-day Enforcement Directorate (ED) custody. The arrests were made in the case months after the four accused -- Lava International MD Hari Om Rai, Chinese national Guangwen alias Andrew Kuang, Chartered Accountants Nitin Garg and Rajan Malik -- were arrested on October 10. A Vivo spokesperson said: "We are deeply alarmed by the current action of the authorities. The recent arrests demonstrate continued harassment and as such induce an environment of uncertainty amongst the wider industry landscape. We are resolute in using all legal avenues to address and challenge these accusations."googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); On December 20, the court took cognisance of the charge sheet filed by the financial probe agency naming the four accused in it. Special Judge Kiran Gupta of Patiala House Courts summoned the accused, who are in judicial custody, on February 19, 2024. The Delhi High Court, recently, also dismissed the habeas corpus petitions of three individuals who are accused in a money laundering case related to Vivo. The petitioners argued that their continued detention in Tihar jail was illegal due to the absence of a court order extending their judicial custody beyond December 7. The ED countered, explaining that a charge sheet was filed on December 6, and the accused were produced via video conference on December 7. The court was informed that due to a transfer, the accused were not physically brought before ASJ-04, who then adjourned the case and issued production warrants. After examining the facts, Justices Suresh Kumar Kait and Shalinder Kaur concluded that there was no break in the custody of the accused, as the trial court had issued production warrants to ensure their presence on December 13, indicating lawful judicial custody. The court upheld the ED's stance, saying that the legal representatives of the accused were present, and no objections were raised during the issuance of production warrants. It clarified that continuous custody is maintained when a legitimate reason prevents physical appearance, as in this case. The court had earlier noted that the probe agency was able to make out the case for the grant of further custody. "There appears to be continuity in the stand taken by the ED about the extraction of digital data and the accused persons to be confronted with the same. Therefore, considering the settled principles of law and Delhi High Court Rules, I am of the considered opinion that the ED can make out the case for grant of further custody remand, the judge had said. In response to the ED's allegation that there has been recovery of several incriminating documents, a counsel for Guangwen had argued, "The nature of such documents has not been specified and why these are relevant to the investigation was not apprised or substantiated by the ED. It was only submitted that they relate to the incorporation of companies which is not an offence." ALSO READ | Delhi High Court upholds ED custody of Chinese national Earlier, a source said that the arrests were made after the financial probe agency carried out searches at the premises of the four accused and recovered cash to the tune of Rs 10 lakh. The ED action came more than a year after it carried out searches at 48 locations across the country belonging to Vivo Mobiles India Private Ltd and its 23 associated companies such as Grand Prospect International Communication Pvt Ltd (GPICPL), and claimed that it has busted a major money laundering racket involving Chinese nationals and multiple Indian firms. According to the ED, Vivo Mobiles India Pvt Ltd was incorporated on August 1, 2014, as a subsidiary of Multi Accord Ltd, a Hong Kong-based company, and was registered at ROC Delhi. GPICPL was registered on December 3, 2014, at ROC Shimla, with registered addresses of Solan, Himachal Pradesh, and Gandhi Nagar, Jammu. The PMLA investigation by ED was initiated by registering a money laundering case on February 3, 2022, based on an FIR registered at the Kalkaji police station in the national Capital by Delhi Police against the GPICPL, its director, shareholders and certifying professionals etc., based on a complaint filed by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Pronab Mondal By Express News Service KOLKATA: West Bengal governor CV Ananda Bose on Saturday removed the officiating vice-chancellor of Jadavpur University, Budhhadeb Sau, a day before the university is scheduled to hold its annual convocation. The decision to continue as the acting VC of the university is for the sake of the students of the institution, said Sau. The governors decision came after the university authorities decided to go ahead with its annual convocation event on December 24 after getting permission from the state higher education department, despite objections raised by the governor, the ex-officio chancellor of all state-run universities. The authorisation given to Prof Budhhadeb Sau as per order number CU/WB/22/23 dated August 17, 2023, to exercise the powers and perform duties of the office of the vice-chancellor, is withdrawn. The order will take immediate effect, stated the letter signed by Bose. A Raj Bhavan official said the governor, who is also the chancellor of the university, has said that the public money incurred on this unauthorised convocation would be recovered from the salary of the VC and others responsible. The governor is seeking legal opinion on this, he added. The state higher education department, last week, granted permission to university authorities to hold meetings of the executive council and the court to discuss issues related to organising the convocation, clearing the path for the annual convocation but not the honorary degree event on December 24. The executive council meeting was held on December 18 and modalities of the convocation were discussed. The university authorities requested the higher education department to grant funds for organising the convocation, said an official of the university. The problem surfaced when the governor, as a chancellor, refused to allow the authorities to hold the court meeting to ratify decisions to go ahead with the convocation. Sau said he received two letters, one from the governor and the other from the state government. I put both the letters before the Universitys court which asked me to continue, he said. JU does not have a full-term VC. It is being helmed by Sau, a professor at the university who has been entrusted by the governor, in his capacity as chancellor of JU, to discharge the duties of VC. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp KOLKATA: West Bengal governor CV Ananda Bose on Saturday removed the officiating vice-chancellor of Jadavpur University, Budhhadeb Sau, a day before the university is scheduled to hold its annual convocation. The decision to continue as the acting VC of the university is for the sake of the students of the institution, said Sau. The governors decision came after the university authorities decided to go ahead with its annual convocation event on December 24 after getting permission from the state higher education department, despite objections raised by the governor, the ex-officio chancellor of all state-run universities.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The authorisation given to Prof Budhhadeb Sau as per order number CU/WB/22/23 dated August 17, 2023, to exercise the powers and perform duties of the office of the vice-chancellor, is withdrawn. The order will take immediate effect, stated the letter signed by Bose. A Raj Bhavan official said the governor, who is also the chancellor of the university, has said that the public money incurred on this unauthorised convocation would be recovered from the salary of the VC and others responsible. The governor is seeking legal opinion on this, he added. The state higher education department, last week, granted permission to university authorities to hold meetings of the executive council and the court to discuss issues related to organising the convocation, clearing the path for the annual convocation but not the honorary degree event on December 24. The executive council meeting was held on December 18 and modalities of the convocation were discussed. The university authorities requested the higher education department to grant funds for organising the convocation, said an official of the university. The problem surfaced when the governor, as a chancellor, refused to allow the authorities to hold the court meeting to ratify decisions to go ahead with the convocation. Sau said he received two letters, one from the governor and the other from the state government. I put both the letters before the Universitys court which asked me to continue, he said. JU does not have a full-term VC. It is being helmed by Sau, a professor at the university who has been entrusted by the governor, in his capacity as chancellor of JU, to discharge the duties of VC. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Jitendra Choubey By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Underlining the current rural crisis, the government think tank NITI Aayog member Prof Ramesh Chand has today advocated for minimum support price (MSP) to the country's farmers to double their income. However, the government always encourages farmers to increase their income through market-linked prices instead of MSP. There are many states in the country like Uttar Pradesh, if MSP provided to farmers produce, their income doubles in no time while some states reach the saturation point of MSP as they are no longer required, said Prof. Chand on the occasion of Farmers Day. Punjab and Haryana are two states where a majority of farmers receive MSP of their produce. Underlining the importance of direct government support to farmers to bring them out of the clutches of poverty, Prof Chand advocated for state government interventions. There is no room for expansion in those states where farmers already receive MSP. The government needs to focus on other states like UP, Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand and West Bengal to encourage farmers to produce more to double their income, Prof Chand further said. He encouraged farmers to create more pressure on State governments to ensure better prices as agriculture is a state subject. According to the latest Periodic Labour Force Survey 2022-23, around 46% of the country's workforce livelihood depends on the agricultural sector. To ensure the inclusive expansion of the Indian economy, the agriculture sector needs to at least grow above 4%. States like Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Telangana have shown agriculture growth of 6-7% which is better than even the manufacturing sector. Experts say better growth led to improvement in rural infra which would help in the expansion of MSP. Unlike Punjab and Haryana, other states have poor rural infrastructure like a lack of last mile connectivity to encourage farmers to bring their produce to rural mandi to sell it to the government, said Ajay VirJakhar, ex-chairman of Punjab State Farmers and Farm Workers Commission. Punjab and Haryana have robust mandi infrastructure which smoothens the process of procurement while other states are lagging, Jakhar further adds. In 2020, the Union government brought three farm laws to enable farmers to depend more on the market instead of the government. After more than a year of protest by farmers, the government had finally withdrawn those laws. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp NEW DELHI: Underlining the current rural crisis, the government think tank NITI Aayog member Prof Ramesh Chand has today advocated for minimum support price (MSP) to the country's farmers to double their income. However, the government always encourages farmers to increase their income through market-linked prices instead of MSP. There are many states in the country like Uttar Pradesh, if MSP provided to farmers produce, their income doubles in no time while some states reach the saturation point of MSP as they are no longer required, said Prof. Chand on the occasion of Farmers Day. Punjab and Haryana are two states where a majority of farmers receive MSP of their produce. Underlining the importance of direct government support to farmers to bring them out of the clutches of poverty, Prof Chand advocated for state government interventions. There is no room for expansion in those states where farmers already receive MSP. The government needs to focus on other states like UP, Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand and West Bengal to encourage farmers to produce more to double their income, Prof Chand further said. He encouraged farmers to create more pressure on State governments to ensure better prices as agriculture is a state subject. According to the latest Periodic Labour Force Survey 2022-23, around 46% of the country's workforce livelihood depends on the agricultural sector. To ensure the inclusive expansion of the Indian economy, the agriculture sector needs to at least grow above 4%. States like Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Telangana have shown agriculture growth of 6-7% which is better than even the manufacturing sector. Experts say better growth led to improvement in rural infra which would help in the expansion of MSP. Unlike Punjab and Haryana, other states have poor rural infrastructure like a lack of last mile connectivity to encourage farmers to bring their produce to rural mandi to sell it to the government, said Ajay VirJakhar, ex-chairman of Punjab State Farmers and Farm Workers Commission. Punjab and Haryana have robust mandi infrastructure which smoothens the process of procurement while other states are lagging, Jakhar further adds. In 2020, the Union government brought three farm laws to enable farmers to depend more on the market instead of the government. After more than a year of protest by farmers, the government had finally withdrawn those laws. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Yeshi Seli By Express News Service NEW DELHI: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will pay a five-day visit to Russia beginning Monday to discuss various bilateral and global issues. Jaishankar will travel to Moscow as well as St.Petersburg, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Sunday, announcing the trip. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will visit Russia from December 25 to 29 as a part of the ongoing high-level exchanges between the two sides, it said. This is the second year in a row that there hasnt been an India-Russia Summit. "During the visit, Dr Jaishankar will meet with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Trade and Industry, Denis Manturov, and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. There will be discussions on bilateral issues, multilateral issues and international issues. The focus will also be on the strong people-to-people and cultural ties between the two nations. Dr Jaishankar will have meetings in Saint Petersburg and Moscow, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). "The time-tested India-Russia partnership has remained stable and resilient and continues to be characterized by the spirit of the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership," it said. The MEA said the external affairs minister will meet Russia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov to discuss matters related to economic engagement. It added that Jaishankar will also hold talks with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov for discussion on bilateral, multilateral and international issues. "Focusing on the strong people-to-people and cultural ties between our two countries, the external affairs minister's programme will include engagements in Moscow and St.Petersburg," the MEA said. It is learnt that the two sides are expected to discuss various aspects of the bilateral relations, especially in areas of trade, energy, defence and connectivity. India and Russias partnership is a Special and Privileged Partnership. Discussions will likely be held on the expansion of trade in local currencies, investments and enhancing defence partnership. The bilateral trade between India and Russia during 2022-23 was USD 49.36 billion. Indian exports were $ 3.14 billion while imports from Russia were around $ 46.21 billion. During April-May 2023-24, Indias trade with Russia saw a 161.22 per cent increase compared with the same period last year. Meanwhile, the last Annual Summit between the PM of India and the President of the Russian Federation was held on December 6th, 2021. That was the 21st India-Russia Annual Summit that was held in Delhi. Russian President Vladimir Putin came to Delhi to attend it and PM Modi was to go to Russia in 2022. However, the outbreak of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine on February 24th, 2022 led to the Summit being skipped for the second year in a row. (With inputs from PTI) Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp NEW DELHI: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will pay a five-day visit to Russia beginning Monday to discuss various bilateral and global issues. Jaishankar will travel to Moscow as well as St.Petersburg, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Sunday, announcing the trip. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will visit Russia from December 25 to 29 as a part of the ongoing high-level exchanges between the two sides, it said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); This is the second year in a row that there hasnt been an India-Russia Summit. "During the visit, Dr Jaishankar will meet with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Trade and Industry, Denis Manturov, and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. There will be discussions on bilateral issues, multilateral issues and international issues. The focus will also be on the strong people-to-people and cultural ties between the two nations. Dr Jaishankar will have meetings in Saint Petersburg and Moscow, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). "The time-tested India-Russia partnership has remained stable and resilient and continues to be characterized by the spirit of the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership," it said. The MEA said the external affairs minister will meet Russia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov to discuss matters related to economic engagement. It added that Jaishankar will also hold talks with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov for discussion on bilateral, multilateral and international issues. "Focusing on the strong people-to-people and cultural ties between our two countries, the external affairs minister's programme will include engagements in Moscow and St.Petersburg," the MEA said. It is learnt that the two sides are expected to discuss various aspects of the bilateral relations, especially in areas of trade, energy, defence and connectivity. India and Russias partnership is a Special and Privileged Partnership. Discussions will likely be held on the expansion of trade in local currencies, investments and enhancing defence partnership. The bilateral trade between India and Russia during 2022-23 was USD 49.36 billion. Indian exports were $ 3.14 billion while imports from Russia were around $ 46.21 billion. During April-May 2023-24, Indias trade with Russia saw a 161.22 per cent increase compared with the same period last year. Meanwhile, the last Annual Summit between the PM of India and the President of the Russian Federation was held on December 6th, 2021. That was the 21st India-Russia Annual Summit that was held in Delhi. Russian President Vladimir Putin came to Delhi to attend it and PM Modi was to go to Russia in 2022. However, the outbreak of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine on February 24th, 2022 led to the Summit being skipped for the second year in a row. (With inputs from PTI) Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By Express News Service NEW DELHI: A Gabon-flagged commercial tanker, transporting 25 Indian crew members, was targeted in a drone attack in the Southern Red Sea, according to reports of another assault on a Merchant Vessel. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, as stated by officials on Sunday. The United States's CENTCOM said on social media platform X on Sunday. "At approximately 8 p.m. (Sanaa time), U.S. Naval Forces Central Command received reports from two ships in the Southern Red Sea that they were under attack," The USS Laboon responded to the distress calls from these attacks, it stated. The CENTCOM is one of the 11 unified combat commands of the US having Middle East, Central Asia and parts of South Asia under its area of responsibility. As per the US Central Command, the vessel MV Sai Baba was attacked by a drone launched by Houthi militants in the Southern Red Sea on Saturday, along with another Norwegian-flagged tanker. The incident reported by the US military comes a day after merchant vessel MV Chem Pluto, with around 21 Indian crew members, was hit by a suspected drone about 200 nautical miles southwest of Veraval, Gujarat, in the Arabian Sea. Indian Navy's mission-deployed platforms respond swiftly to distress calls by MV Chem Pluto in Arabian Sea involving a missile/ drone attack on MT Chem Pluto. The vessel with 22 crew (21 Indian and one Vietnamese) was reported on fire after being hit by a projectile at around 0745 h on 23 Dec 23 likely to be a missile or drone. ALSO READ | 'MV Sai Baba not Indian-flagged vessel': Officials on oil tanker that came under drone attack in Red Sea Responding swiftly to the developing situation, the Indian Navy diverted a maritime patrol aircraft operating in the area undertaking routine surveillance. The Indian Navy also diverted the Indian naval ship Mormugao to assess the situation and provide assistance to MV Chem Pluto. The US military had said MV Saibaba was an Indian-flagged crude oil tanker, but Indian officials clarified that it was a Gabon-flagged vessel. In a post on 'X', the US Central Command highlighted the attack on MV Sai Baba along with a drone strike on another vessel on Saturday. In yet another Incident on Dec 14, a Malta-flagged Merchant Vessel Ruen was boarded and hijacked by unknown assailants in the Arabian Sea, and was taken to the Somali coast. The citadel onboard MV Ruen was breached and all crew members were held hostage by the pirates. One of the crew members was also injured. It was the Indian Navy's mission deployed platform, which responded to the maritime incident in the Arabian Sea involving the hijacking of the Malta-flagged vessel MV Ruen. The vessel, with 18 crew members onboard, had sent a Mayday message on the UKMTO portal on December 14, indicating boarding by about six unknown personnel. The ship is anchored at the Somalian shore. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp NEW DELHI: A Gabon-flagged commercial tanker, transporting 25 Indian crew members, was targeted in a drone attack in the Southern Red Sea, according to reports of another assault on a Merchant Vessel. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, as stated by officials on Sunday. The United States's CENTCOM said on social media platform X on Sunday. "At approximately 8 p.m. (Sanaa time), U.S. Naval Forces Central Command received reports from two ships in the Southern Red Sea that they were under attack," The USS Laboon responded to the distress calls from these attacks, it stated. The CENTCOM is one of the 11 unified combat commands of the US having Middle East, Central Asia and parts of South Asia under its area of responsibility.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); As per the US Central Command, the vessel MV Sai Baba was attacked by a drone launched by Houthi militants in the Southern Red Sea on Saturday, along with another Norwegian-flagged tanker. The incident reported by the US military comes a day after merchant vessel MV Chem Pluto, with around 21 Indian crew members, was hit by a suspected drone about 200 nautical miles southwest of Veraval, Gujarat, in the Arabian Sea. Indian Navy's mission-deployed platforms respond swiftly to distress calls by MV Chem Pluto in Arabian Sea involving a missile/ drone attack on MT Chem Pluto. The vessel with 22 crew (21 Indian and one Vietnamese) was reported on fire after being hit by a projectile at around 0745 h on 23 Dec 23 likely to be a missile or drone. ALSO READ | 'MV Sai Baba not Indian-flagged vessel': Officials on oil tanker that came under drone attack in Red Sea Responding swiftly to the developing situation, the Indian Navy diverted a maritime patrol aircraft operating in the area undertaking routine surveillance. The Indian Navy also diverted the Indian naval ship Mormugao to assess the situation and provide assistance to MV Chem Pluto. The US military had said MV Saibaba was an Indian-flagged crude oil tanker, but Indian officials clarified that it was a Gabon-flagged vessel. In a post on 'X', the US Central Command highlighted the attack on MV Sai Baba along with a drone strike on another vessel on Saturday. In yet another Incident on Dec 14, a Malta-flagged Merchant Vessel Ruen was boarded and hijacked by unknown assailants in the Arabian Sea, and was taken to the Somali coast. The citadel onboard MV Ruen was breached and all crew members were held hostage by the pirates. One of the crew members was also injured. It was the Indian Navy's mission deployed platform, which responded to the maritime incident in the Arabian Sea involving the hijacking of the Malta-flagged vessel MV Ruen. The vessel, with 18 crew members onboard, had sent a Mayday message on the UKMTO portal on December 14, indicating boarding by about six unknown personnel. The ship is anchored at the Somalian shore. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Pronab Mondal By Express News Service KOLKATA: Extending his best wishes to the Gita recitation event by one lakh participants in Brigade Parade Ground on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his belief that the recitation by a huge gathering from diverse backgrounds will not only enhance social harmony but also infuse energy into nations development journey. Though the organisers of the event, Lokhho Konthe Gitapatha Committee, an association of several organisations, claimed that the Prime Minister would be present at the mega programme but Modi skipped the invitation. I am positive that the recitation of Srimad Bhagavad Gita by such a huge gathering of people who have come together from different walks of life will not only boost social harmony but will also infuse energy into our nations development journey, Modi said in his message to the organisers. In his message, Modi described the Hindu scripture as a practical guide providing a path to lead a meaningful life. It also serves as a handbook to navigate through the challenges of life. The Prime Minister highlighted Indias cultural heritage as a blend of lofty traditions, profound knowledge and philosophical wisdom. Inclusivity, cultural diversity and harmony are our inherent strengths. Whether it is Jana Bhakti, Karma or any other path, the Gita offers multiple different but eventually connected paths to attain progress, he mentioned in the message. Modi concluded his message by expressing his optimism about the period until 2047, describing it as an opportunity to fulfil the vision of building a strong, developed and inclusive Bharat through collective efforts. Sharing Modis message on his official social media account, BJPs state president Sukanta Majumdar emphasised the unwavering support received from the Prime Minister as encouraging and heartwarming for all. The Brigade Parade Ground, Kolkatas prime seat to organise protest programmes, echoed when about 1 lakh people chanted verses from Gita. Adorned in traditional attires, people from various age groups and social status congregated at the iconic venue and recited the verses from the Gita alongside revered sages. Though the event was said to be an apolitical one, many found it was organised to spread BJPs Hindutva rhetoric as the organisers have connections with the saffron camps ideological wings. Many said the event was organised days before the grand inauguration of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya at the hands of Modi ahead of next years Lok Sabha elections. Prominent figures from the Bengal BJP and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), BJPs ideological parent, were among the participants who were seen actively reciting the verses. Organisers said around 1,20,000 individuals had registered to participate in the event. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp KOLKATA: Extending his best wishes to the Gita recitation event by one lakh participants in Brigade Parade Ground on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his belief that the recitation by a huge gathering from diverse backgrounds will not only enhance social harmony but also infuse energy into nations development journey. Though the organisers of the event, Lokhho Konthe Gitapatha Committee, an association of several organisations, claimed that the Prime Minister would be present at the mega programme but Modi skipped the invitation. I am positive that the recitation of Srimad Bhagavad Gita by such a huge gathering of people who have come together from different walks of life will not only boost social harmony but will also infuse energy into our nations development journey, Modi said in his message to the organisers.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); In his message, Modi described the Hindu scripture as a practical guide providing a path to lead a meaningful life. It also serves as a handbook to navigate through the challenges of life. The Prime Minister highlighted Indias cultural heritage as a blend of lofty traditions, profound knowledge and philosophical wisdom. Inclusivity, cultural diversity and harmony are our inherent strengths. Whether it is Jana Bhakti, Karma or any other path, the Gita offers multiple different but eventually connected paths to attain progress, he mentioned in the message. Modi concluded his message by expressing his optimism about the period until 2047, describing it as an opportunity to fulfil the vision of building a strong, developed and inclusive Bharat through collective efforts. Sharing Modis message on his official social media account, BJPs state president Sukanta Majumdar emphasised the unwavering support received from the Prime Minister as encouraging and heartwarming for all. The Brigade Parade Ground, Kolkatas prime seat to organise protest programmes, echoed when about 1 lakh people chanted verses from Gita. Adorned in traditional attires, people from various age groups and social status congregated at the iconic venue and recited the verses from the Gita alongside revered sages. Though the event was said to be an apolitical one, many found it was organised to spread BJPs Hindutva rhetoric as the organisers have connections with the saffron camps ideological wings. Many said the event was organised days before the grand inauguration of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya at the hands of Modi ahead of next years Lok Sabha elections. Prominent figures from the Bengal BJP and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), BJPs ideological parent, were among the participants who were seen actively reciting the verses. Organisers said around 1,20,000 individuals had registered to participate in the event. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By PTI THANE: More than 1,000 cases of child malnutrition have been found in Maharashtra's Thane district neighbouring Mumbai, according to officials. Currently, there are 83 cases of `severe acute malnutrition' and 1,161 cases of `moderate acute malnutrition' in the district, an official release said. Every effort will be made to end malnourishment in Thane within six months, Zilla Parishad chief executive officer (CEO) Manuj Jindal on Friday said after visiting the families of some of the malnourished children in the district's Shahapur taluka. To bring down the number of malnourished children, 'Kuposhan Muktisathi Dattak-Palak Abhiyan' has been undertaken in the district in which government officials will adopt one child each and take care of him/her, the release said. During his visit, the CEO took stock of the work being carried out at the public health centres in villages and child treatment centres. He asked the officials to be in touch with the adopted children every 15 days and also directed the anganwadi workers, ASHA (accredited social health activist) workers, doctors, nurses and supervisors to visit the malnourished children daily and check their progress. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp THANE: More than 1,000 cases of child malnutrition have been found in Maharashtra's Thane district neighbouring Mumbai, according to officials. Currently, there are 83 cases of `severe acute malnutrition' and 1,161 cases of `moderate acute malnutrition' in the district, an official release said. Every effort will be made to end malnourishment in Thane within six months, Zilla Parishad chief executive officer (CEO) Manuj Jindal on Friday said after visiting the families of some of the malnourished children in the district's Shahapur taluka.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); To bring down the number of malnourished children, 'Kuposhan Muktisathi Dattak-Palak Abhiyan' has been undertaken in the district in which government officials will adopt one child each and take care of him/her, the release said. During his visit, the CEO took stock of the work being carried out at the public health centres in villages and child treatment centres. He asked the officials to be in touch with the adopted children every 15 days and also directed the anganwadi workers, ASHA (accredited social health activist) workers, doctors, nurses and supervisors to visit the malnourished children daily and check their progress. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp KIGALI, Dec. 24 (Xinhua) --There is a new sight on the streets of Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda: new electric vehicles whizzing among the old gasoline-powered vehicles. The Kigali city authorities in partnership with BasiGo, a Kenyan based company launched the pilot electric buses in public transport earlier this month, following a similar trial on minibuses which are also plying Kigali streets. When fully charged the bus can travel 300 kilometers without need to be recharged, with charging points installed at specific spot in Kigali's Kicukiro district. The goal is to introduce 200 buses on the streets of Kigali, within 18 months each with capacity to carry 70 passengers, according to officials. A number of ordinary Rwandans and experts said the introduction of the electric buses boosts Rwanda's efforts to advance smart mobility systems in a bid to ensure sustainability measures into the economy. "Sincerely I'm excited about the introduction of electric buses. In terms of environment protection, it was long overdue. I hope that a rollout of electric cars will reduce pollution," a passenger who gave his name only as Hirwa told Xinhua, adding that the bus is comfortable and reduces the travel time by around half. In July, the Rwandan government and Vivo Energy company signed a deal to introduce more than 200 electric buses to the country to promote the use of electric locomotives. Innocent Umuhoza, a driver with 18 years of experience who drives a shining green-electric bus from Kigali town center to Remera Park along the airport road, says "old, combustion-engine buses can be a menace as they produce a lot of dangerous fumes which affect our environment." Thus far, the majority of the buses on Rwandan roads are gasoline-powered. The last time Umuhoza filled a gasoline-powered bus with 100 liters of diesel, it cost him between 160,000 Rwandan francs (about 127 U.S. dollars) to 170,000 francs. The electric bus now he drives, by comparison, consumes electricity worth 40,000 Rwandan francs (about 31 U.S. dollars) from Kigali town center to Remera Taxi Park, saving about 120,000 Rwandan francs of the money previously spent on fuel, according to Umuhoza. He asserts that transporters using gasoline-powered vehicles make losses during non-peak days when travellers are few. "Fuel is sometimes prohibitively expensive. For example driving from the town center to Remera Taxi Park if I carry say 40 passengers in a bus with capacity to take 76 passengers their transport fare cannot cover the fuel consumed," he said, adding that "Compared, for an electric bus with capacity to carry 70 passengers, even when I take 40 there is no loss on the part of my employer because electricity consumption is very low." The operational cost of an electric vehicle is said to be 40 percent less than that of petrol vehicles. Umuhoza argued that since electricity is locally produced, part of the money previously used to import fuel by the government will be saved and invested in the economy. Jean d'Amour Nsengimana, a passenger on board a bus from town center to Kigali suburb of Remera, said there is a need for more electric vehicles on Rwandan roads to avoid pollution. Rashid Rutayisire, another driver, said after years of driving gasoline-powered vehicles he doesn't even want to smell gasoline any more. He added that the electric buses are well built in the interior, installed with mobile phone charging system and internet. They also have comfortable seats for both the driver and passengers. Abias Maniragaba, a Rwandan environmentalist, said the introduction of electric vehicles is "a right step towards the global goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by adopting green technology, green transport in the country, and in terms of nature conservation." "This initiative will help the movement to be greener, where people can move with zero emissions. When we reduce the greenhouse gas we are sending to the atmosphere, that's our contribution to the international commitment," he told Xinhua. Maniragaba suggested the government should find a way of subsiding transport fare for people using electric buses to encourage more people to abandon use of individual fuel vehicles. He also called for more awareness about the benefits of electric vehicles to increase their adoption. "We need to think globally, and act locally. Thinking globally is reducing greenhouse emissions. Although Rwanda's emission is quite low compared to developed countries it has a direct impact on our community." Rwanda this fiscal year abolished import taxes on electric vehicles, as well as vehicles that utilize both electricity and petroleum products (hybrids), including electric motorcycles, to encourage their adoption and contribute to a greener, cleaner future. By PTI PARIS: A Nicaragua-bound flight carrying 303 passengers, mostly Indians, was allowed to resume its journey on Monday three days after they were detained by the French authorities at an airport near Paris over suspected "human trafficking", according to local media reports on Sunday. After authorising the A340 aircraft, operated by Romanian company Legend Airlines, to leave, the French judges chose to cancel the hearings of the over 300 passengers due to irregularities in the procedure, BFM TV, a French news broadcast television and radio network, reported. Four French judges earlier in the day began questioning the passengers detained by the French authorities at Vatry airport, 150 km east of Paris, since Thursday over suspected "human trafficking". The hearings were conducted as part of the investigation opened by the Paris prosecutor's office on suspicion of human trafficking. The plane is expected to take off again on Monday morning. Its destination is not yet known. It could travel to India, where the passengers are from, to Nicaragua, its original destination, or Dubai, from where it took off, it added. According to the French media, some of the passengers spoke Hindi and others Tamil and are believed to have contacted their families by telephone. Ten of the passengers have requested asylum, the newspaper quoted a source close to the case as saying. The plane includes 11 unaccompanied minors and two passengers in custody since Friday had their detention extended on Saturday evening for up to 48 hours, according to French prosecutors. The aircraft is owned by Romanian charter company Legend Airlines. A lawyer for the firm, Liliana Bakayoko, denied any involvement in the trafficking. A partner company that chartered the plane was responsible for verifying the identity documents of each passenger, and communicated the passengers' passport information to the airline 48 hours before the flight, Bakayoko said. Human trafficking carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in France. On Saturday, India's embassy in France said its staff are stationed at the airport near Paris to ensure the welfare of Indian nationals after the passengers were detained by French authorities over suspected "human trafficking". In an updated message on social media on Saturday evening, the embassy thanked the French authorities for working over the long Christmas holiday weekend in pursuit of an early resolution of the situation. According to the reports, the travel may have been planned by the Indian passengers to reach Central America from where they can attempt to enter the United States or Canada illegally. But an anonymous tip indicated that passengers were likely to be victims of human trafficking in an organised gang, alerted the authorities. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp PARIS: A Nicaragua-bound flight carrying 303 passengers, mostly Indians, was allowed to resume its journey on Monday three days after they were detained by the French authorities at an airport near Paris over suspected "human trafficking", according to local media reports on Sunday. After authorising the A340 aircraft, operated by Romanian company Legend Airlines, to leave, the French judges chose to cancel the hearings of the over 300 passengers due to irregularities in the procedure, BFM TV, a French news broadcast television and radio network, reported. Four French judges earlier in the day began questioning the passengers detained by the French authorities at Vatry airport, 150 km east of Paris, since Thursday over suspected "human trafficking".googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The hearings were conducted as part of the investigation opened by the Paris prosecutor's office on suspicion of human trafficking. The plane is expected to take off again on Monday morning. Its destination is not yet known. It could travel to India, where the passengers are from, to Nicaragua, its original destination, or Dubai, from where it took off, it added. According to the French media, some of the passengers spoke Hindi and others Tamil and are believed to have contacted their families by telephone. Ten of the passengers have requested asylum, the newspaper quoted a source close to the case as saying. The plane includes 11 unaccompanied minors and two passengers in custody since Friday had their detention extended on Saturday evening for up to 48 hours, according to French prosecutors. The aircraft is owned by Romanian charter company Legend Airlines. A lawyer for the firm, Liliana Bakayoko, denied any involvement in the trafficking. A partner company that chartered the plane was responsible for verifying the identity documents of each passenger, and communicated the passengers' passport information to the airline 48 hours before the flight, Bakayoko said. Human trafficking carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in France. On Saturday, India's embassy in France said its staff are stationed at the airport near Paris to ensure the welfare of Indian nationals after the passengers were detained by French authorities over suspected "human trafficking". In an updated message on social media on Saturday evening, the embassy thanked the French authorities for working over the long Christmas holiday weekend in pursuit of an early resolution of the situation. According to the reports, the travel may have been planned by the Indian passengers to reach Central America from where they can attempt to enter the United States or Canada illegally. But an anonymous tip indicated that passengers were likely to be victims of human trafficking in an organised gang, alerted the authorities. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By PTI JAIPUR: Three police constables have been booked for raping an 18-year-old woman for more than a year in Rajasthan's Alwar district, officials said on Sunday. Superintendent of Police (SP) Anand Sharma told PTI that the woman gave a complaint against the three policemen to him on Saturday evening. She also claimed that the accused threatened to implicate her brother in a false case if she reported the matter, the officer said. The policemen have been called back from their places of posting and attached to the Police Lines, the officials said. They said that a case has been registered under sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 376-D (gang rape), and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act at the Raini police station. One of the accused was posted at the Raini police station, one at the office of Rajgarh Circle Officer and another at the Malakheda police station. The Raini police station falls under the Rajgarh Circle. In her complaint, she stated she was raped by them for more than a year, the SP said. The victim had come to the SP Office along with her mother. On provisions of the POCSO Act being invoked against the accused, Sharma said when she was first raped in November last year, she was a minor. He said after he got the complaint, it was immediately sent to the Raini police station and FIR was registered on Saturday night. "After the FIR was registered, all the three constables were shunted to the Police Lines so that investigation into the case is not affected," the SP said and added that no arrests have been made yet. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp JAIPUR: Three police constables have been booked for raping an 18-year-old woman for more than a year in Rajasthan's Alwar district, officials said on Sunday. Superintendent of Police (SP) Anand Sharma told PTI that the woman gave a complaint against the three policemen to him on Saturday evening. She also claimed that the accused threatened to implicate her brother in a false case if she reported the matter, the officer said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The policemen have been called back from their places of posting and attached to the Police Lines, the officials said. They said that a case has been registered under sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 376-D (gang rape), and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act at the Raini police station. One of the accused was posted at the Raini police station, one at the office of Rajgarh Circle Officer and another at the Malakheda police station. The Raini police station falls under the Rajgarh Circle. In her complaint, she stated she was raped by them for more than a year, the SP said. The victim had come to the SP Office along with her mother. On provisions of the POCSO Act being invoked against the accused, Sharma said when she was first raped in November last year, she was a minor. He said after he got the complaint, it was immediately sent to the Raini police station and FIR was registered on Saturday night. "After the FIR was registered, all the three constables were shunted to the Police Lines so that investigation into the case is not affected," the SP said and added that no arrests have been made yet. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp The December 21 terrorist attack on an Army convoy in Jammu & Kashmirs Poonch, in which five soldiers lost their lives, bares the chinks in the intelligence apparatus. Following the deadly ambush, the security forces picked up eight locals for questioning but three of them were later found dead, triggering a massive outrage in their villages. That the killed civilians were tribal Gujjar men further complicated matters. Meanwhile, the hunt for the militants involved in the attack is on and mobile Internet services continue to be suspended in Poonch and Rajouri districts. The rising number of military casualties is a big worry for the forces. Since 2021, the Army has lost 33 personnel in Rajouri and Poonch districts. There have been 251 terrorist-initiated incidents in J&K between 2021 and May this year. In November 2023, four Army personnel including two Captains were martyred in Rajouri district. In September, two Army officers of the rank of Major and Captain, and a police officer of DySP rank were killed in action in the forests of Kokernag near Anantnag. In April, five soldiers lost their lives in a militant attack in Pir Panjal Valley in Pooch district. While militancy has been on a downward trend in J&K post the abrogation of Article 370 in August, 2019, security forces have suffered casualties, particularly in Poonch and Rajouri districts, which fall in the Pir Panjal region and are close to the Line of Control. A heavily forested area, marked with difficult terrain, militants find it easy to hide, target convoys and security personnel before escaping to the other side, of Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir. Most of these militants have not fallen under the radar of security personnel. While local militant recruitment has witnessed a decline, the number of foreign and hybrid (those not identified) recruits has gone up. The main reason why these terrorists remain undetected is due to the drying of Intelligence at the village level. Fencing of forests for conservation purposes has reportedly restricted the movement of tribals who have families in the PoK. Earlier, they would keep a watch and report suspicious movements to the security forces. But with restrictions and a feeling of disenchantment with the administration, local intelligence is drying up. To address this, the administration and security forces need to involve confidence-building measures, especially with the tribals in the Pir Panjal area, to counter the scourge of cross-border militancy supported by Pakistans deep state. Nothing works better than human intelligence. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp The December 21 terrorist attack on an Army convoy in Jammu & Kashmirs Poonch, in which five soldiers lost their lives, bares the chinks in the intelligence apparatus. Following the deadly ambush, the security forces picked up eight locals for questioning but three of them were later found dead, triggering a massive outrage in their villages. That the killed civilians were tribal Gujjar men further complicated matters. Meanwhile, the hunt for the militants involved in the attack is on and mobile Internet services continue to be suspended in Poonch and Rajouri districts. The rising number of military casualties is a big worry for the forces. Since 2021, the Army has lost 33 personnel in Rajouri and Poonch districts. There have been 251 terrorist-initiated incidents in J&K between 2021 and May this year. In November 2023, four Army personnel including two Captains were martyred in Rajouri district. In September, two Army officers of the rank of Major and Captain, and a police officer of DySP rank were killed in action in the forests of Kokernag near Anantnag. In April, five soldiers lost their lives in a militant attack in Pir Panjal Valley in Pooch district. While militancy has been on a downward trend in J&K post the abrogation of Article 370 in August, 2019, security forces have suffered casualties, particularly in Poonch and Rajouri districts, which fall in the Pir Panjal region and are close to the Line of Control. A heavily forested area, marked with difficult terrain, militants find it easy to hide, target convoys and security personnel before escaping to the other side, of Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Most of these militants have not fallen under the radar of security personnel. While local militant recruitment has witnessed a decline, the number of foreign and hybrid (those not identified) recruits has gone up. The main reason why these terrorists remain undetected is due to the drying of Intelligence at the village level. Fencing of forests for conservation purposes has reportedly restricted the movement of tribals who have families in the PoK. Earlier, they would keep a watch and report suspicious movements to the security forces. But with restrictions and a feeling of disenchantment with the administration, local intelligence is drying up. To address this, the administration and security forces need to involve confidence-building measures, especially with the tribals in the Pir Panjal area, to counter the scourge of cross-border militancy supported by Pakistans deep state. Nothing works better than human intelligence. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By Express News Service VIJAYAWADA: Six new cases of COVID-19 were reported in the State within 24 hours, bringing the total active cases to 18. Officials of the Health and Family Welfare Department disclosed that 12 active cases were recorded on Friday and six more cases were reported on Saturday. According to the health bulletin released on Saturday at 10.00 am by the Health and Family Welfare Department, six cases were detected out of 140 samples tested. Neither deaths nor recoveries have been reported in the last 24 hours. Speaking to TNIE, Director of Health Dr K Padmavathi assured the public that the situation is being closely monitored. She provided details on the distribution of the new cases, stating, Two cases were reported in Kakinada, three in Visakhapatnam, and one in the NTR district. Meanwhile, the State government has set up a command control room to monitor the COVID situation in the state in the wake of the spike in cases due to the JN.1 variant. It has been learnt that all 18 individuals, who have been affected by the virus, are experiencing only mild symptoms. None of them have required hospitalisations either. Amid growing concerns, Dr Padmavathi disclosed that the results of the genome sequencing test are pending and will take some time. She emphasised on the importance of testing and confirmed that all RT-PCR-positive samples have been dispatched to the genome sequencing lab located at Siddhartha College campus in Vijayawada. Commissioner of Health J Nivas stated, We are actively tackling the situation. The public must remain vigilant and follow COVID-19 protocol. We are committed to providing transparent and timely updates as the situation evolves. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp VIJAYAWADA: Six new cases of COVID-19 were reported in the State within 24 hours, bringing the total active cases to 18. Officials of the Health and Family Welfare Department disclosed that 12 active cases were recorded on Friday and six more cases were reported on Saturday. According to the health bulletin released on Saturday at 10.00 am by the Health and Family Welfare Department, six cases were detected out of 140 samples tested. Neither deaths nor recoveries have been reported in the last 24 hours. Speaking to TNIE, Director of Health Dr K Padmavathi assured the public that the situation is being closely monitored. She provided details on the distribution of the new cases, stating, Two cases were reported in Kakinada, three in Visakhapatnam, and one in the NTR district.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Meanwhile, the State government has set up a command control room to monitor the COVID situation in the state in the wake of the spike in cases due to the JN.1 variant. It has been learnt that all 18 individuals, who have been affected by the virus, are experiencing only mild symptoms. None of them have required hospitalisations either. Amid growing concerns, Dr Padmavathi disclosed that the results of the genome sequencing test are pending and will take some time. She emphasised on the importance of testing and confirmed that all RT-PCR-positive samples have been dispatched to the genome sequencing lab located at Siddhartha College campus in Vijayawada. Commissioner of Health J Nivas stated, We are actively tackling the situation. The public must remain vigilant and follow COVID-19 protocol. We are committed to providing transparent and timely updates as the situation evolves. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By Express News Service WARANGAL: 81 female students from the School of Economics, commerce, and Zoology departments at the Kakatiya University (KU) were suspended from their hostel accommodations for a week for allegedly ragging their juniors at the Padmakshi Hostel for women, situated within the campus, on Friday night. The universitys registrar, Prof T Srinivas Rao, said that the students can attend the classes as usual and despite the severity of the incident, a decision was made not to involve the police keeping given the impact it will have on their career. The suspended students had been ragging their juniors, who belonged to the same departments, over the past three days. However, the victims had refrained from reporting the incidents to their HoDs or other staff members. Padmakshi Hostel is said to accommodate the highest number of female students. It is learned that Kakatiya University (KU) Registrar, Prof T Srinivas Rao, became aware of the situation on Friday night. In response, the registrar notified security guards at the hostel, members of the universitys anti-ragging committee, and the principal of the school of commerce S Narsimha Chary. On Saturday, both junior and senior female students were summoned to their respective departments for counseling in the presence of the anti-ragging committee members and senior professors. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp WARANGAL: 81 female students from the School of Economics, commerce, and Zoology departments at the Kakatiya University (KU) were suspended from their hostel accommodations for a week for allegedly ragging their juniors at the Padmakshi Hostel for women, situated within the campus, on Friday night. The universitys registrar, Prof T Srinivas Rao, said that the students can attend the classes as usual and despite the severity of the incident, a decision was made not to involve the police keeping given the impact it will have on their career. The suspended students had been ragging their juniors, who belonged to the same departments, over the past three days. However, the victims had refrained from reporting the incidents to their HoDs or other staff members.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Padmakshi Hostel is said to accommodate the highest number of female students. It is learned that Kakatiya University (KU) Registrar, Prof T Srinivas Rao, became aware of the situation on Friday night. In response, the registrar notified security guards at the hostel, members of the universitys anti-ragging committee, and the principal of the school of commerce S Narsimha Chary. On Saturday, both junior and senior female students were summoned to their respective departments for counseling in the presence of the anti-ragging committee members and senior professors. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Yeshi Seli By NEW DELHI: A day after 303 Indian passengers were grounded at Vatry Airport in France, reports indicate that the group includes minors ranging in age from 21 months to 17 years. Approximately 13 of these minors are unaccompanied, while others have companions. These 303 individuals, suspected to be part of a human trafficking network and potential illegal immigrants, had departed from Dubai, en route to Managua on an A340 aircraft operated by Legend Airlines, a Romanian charter company. To date, neither Indian nor French authorities have provided additional details about the passengers, who were grounded during their aircrafts refueling stop at Vatry Airport, located 150 kilometers east of Paris. Tarpaulin now covers the glass exterior of the entrance hall of Vatry Airport, as well as its adjacent administrative buildings, restricting access to the area. The Indian Embassy in France continues to collaborate with the French government for the welfare of the Indians currently at Vatry Airport, seeking an early resolution to the situation. Our consular staff is on-site in Vatry, and we are grateful to the French authorities for their cooperation throughout the extended holiday weekend, stated an embassy spokesperson. Frances national anti-organised crime unit, JUNALCO, has taken over the investigation, prompted by a tip-off concerning human trafficking. Although the airline staff has been released, their attorney, Liliana Bakayoko, asserted that Legend Airlines has committed no offense and is willing to cooperate fully with French authorities. There is speculation that these Indians, possibly from Punjab or Gujarat, were aiming to enter the United States via South America. It is reminiscent of an incident in February 2022 when a four-member Indian family, attempting to illegally enter the U.S. from Canada, tragically froze to death. According to the latest Pew Research Centre report, there are approximately 725,000 illegal Indian immigrants in the U.S., constituting the third-largest group of unauthorised immigrants after those from Mexico and El Salvador. Meanwhile, the reception hall at Vatry Airport has been converted into a waiting area, equipped with individual beds, to provide the stranded passengers with the best possible accommodations. AROUND 7.25L ILLEGAL INDIAN IMMIGRANTS IN US: REPORT According to the latest Pew Research Centre report, there are approximately 725,000 illegal Indian immigrants in the U.S., constituting the third-largest group of unauthorised immigrants after those from Mexico and El Salvador. Meanwhile, the reception hall at Vatry Airport has been converted into a waiting area, equipped with individual beds, to provide the stranded passengers with the best possible accommodations. ALSO READ | French judge to decide on extending stay of 303 passengers, mostly Indians, of grounded flight Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp NEW DELHI: A day after 303 Indian passengers were grounded at Vatry Airport in France, reports indicate that the group includes minors ranging in age from 21 months to 17 years. Approximately 13 of these minors are unaccompanied, while others have companions. These 303 individuals, suspected to be part of a human trafficking network and potential illegal immigrants, had departed from Dubai, en route to Managua on an A340 aircraft operated by Legend Airlines, a Romanian charter company. To date, neither Indian nor French authorities have provided additional details about the passengers, who were grounded during their aircrafts refueling stop at Vatry Airport, located 150 kilometers east of Paris.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Tarpaulin now covers the glass exterior of the entrance hall of Vatry Airport, as well as its adjacent administrative buildings, restricting access to the area. The Indian Embassy in France continues to collaborate with the French government for the welfare of the Indians currently at Vatry Airport, seeking an early resolution to the situation. Our consular staff is on-site in Vatry, and we are grateful to the French authorities for their cooperation throughout the extended holiday weekend, stated an embassy spokesperson. Frances national anti-organised crime unit, JUNALCO, has taken over the investigation, prompted by a tip-off concerning human trafficking. Although the airline staff has been released, their attorney, Liliana Bakayoko, asserted that Legend Airlines has committed no offense and is willing to cooperate fully with French authorities. There is speculation that these Indians, possibly from Punjab or Gujarat, were aiming to enter the United States via South America. It is reminiscent of an incident in February 2022 when a four-member Indian family, attempting to illegally enter the U.S. from Canada, tragically froze to death. According to the latest Pew Research Centre report, there are approximately 725,000 illegal Indian immigrants in the U.S., constituting the third-largest group of unauthorised immigrants after those from Mexico and El Salvador. Meanwhile, the reception hall at Vatry Airport has been converted into a waiting area, equipped with individual beds, to provide the stranded passengers with the best possible accommodations. AROUND 7.25L ILLEGAL INDIAN IMMIGRANTS IN US: REPORT According to the latest Pew Research Centre report, there are approximately 725,000 illegal Indian immigrants in the U.S., constituting the third-largest group of unauthorised immigrants after those from Mexico and El Salvador. Meanwhile, the reception hall at Vatry Airport has been converted into a waiting area, equipped with individual beds, to provide the stranded passengers with the best possible accommodations. ALSO READ | French judge to decide on extending stay of 303 passengers, mostly Indians, of grounded flight Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Preetha Nair By NEW DELHI: Gearing up for the 2024 general elections, the newly formed National Alliance Committee (NAC) of the Congress held its first strategy meeting on Saturday and asserted that a seat-sharing formula will be worked out at the earliest after deliberations with all state units. The meeting assumes significance as many of the INDIA alliance partners like All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the JD(U) have been pushing the Congress to set a deadline for a seat-sharing formula at the state levels ahead of the general elections. On Tuesday, the Congress formed the five-member NAC with Gujarat in-charge Mukul Wasnik as convenor and veteran leaders, including former chief ministers Ashok Gehlot and Bhupesh Baghel, Salman Khurshid, and Mohan Prakash as members to negotiate with INDIA bloc partners for seat sharing for the 2024 Parliamentary polls. The meeting comes on the heels of the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting on Thursday, which adopted a resolution that it would take all necessary steps to make the INDIA bloc an effective bulwark and force against the BJP and its allies. While interacting with the media after the meeting, Wasnik said that the committee will decide on a seat-sharing formula after discussing with state units. We have taken stock of the situation. In the next few days, we will hold discussions with senior leaders in the state committees of Congress on strategies to go forward, and the seats to be discussed. We will take their opinions and decide the way forward, he said. There is no deadline set for this. But we will decide as soon as possible, he said. At the fourth meeting of the INDIA bloc on December 19, West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC chief Mamata Banerjee proposed December 31 as the deadline for seat sharing among allies. Several parties have suggested that the seat-sharing talks should be completed by January second week as elections are looming. Seat-sharing among the INDIA partners and Congress has emerged as a thorny issue which has also dominated the CWC meeting. Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was reportedly upset with the regional satraps Kamal Nath, former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, and former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel over the poor performance of the party in the recent assembly elections and for not accommodating smaller parties. The Congress faced flak from its INDIA partners -- Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Left parties -- for refusing to cede seats in all three states. After the Madhya Pradesh Assembly election debacle, Congress replaced Kamal Nath with Jitu Patwari as the state president. On the INDIA bloc meeting and seat-sharing, Wasnik said, INDIA bloc has met several times. Wherever there are the alliance parties, we will discuss the seat-sharing formula with the leaders. Except for Khurshid, all other members were present in the inaugural meeting of the committee. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp NEW DELHI: Gearing up for the 2024 general elections, the newly formed National Alliance Committee (NAC) of the Congress held its first strategy meeting on Saturday and asserted that a seat-sharing formula will be worked out at the earliest after deliberations with all state units. The meeting assumes significance as many of the INDIA alliance partners like All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the JD(U) have been pushing the Congress to set a deadline for a seat-sharing formula at the state levels ahead of the general elections. On Tuesday, the Congress formed the five-member NAC with Gujarat in-charge Mukul Wasnik as convenor and veteran leaders, including former chief ministers Ashok Gehlot and Bhupesh Baghel, Salman Khurshid, and Mohan Prakash as members to negotiate with INDIA bloc partners for seat sharing for the 2024 Parliamentary polls.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The meeting comes on the heels of the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting on Thursday, which adopted a resolution that it would take all necessary steps to make the INDIA bloc an effective bulwark and force against the BJP and its allies. While interacting with the media after the meeting, Wasnik said that the committee will decide on a seat-sharing formula after discussing with state units. We have taken stock of the situation. In the next few days, we will hold discussions with senior leaders in the state committees of Congress on strategies to go forward, and the seats to be discussed. We will take their opinions and decide the way forward, he said. There is no deadline set for this. But we will decide as soon as possible, he said. At the fourth meeting of the INDIA bloc on December 19, West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC chief Mamata Banerjee proposed December 31 as the deadline for seat sharing among allies. Several parties have suggested that the seat-sharing talks should be completed by January second week as elections are looming. Seat-sharing among the INDIA partners and Congress has emerged as a thorny issue which has also dominated the CWC meeting. Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was reportedly upset with the regional satraps Kamal Nath, former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, and former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel over the poor performance of the party in the recent assembly elections and for not accommodating smaller parties. The Congress faced flak from its INDIA partners -- Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Left parties -- for refusing to cede seats in all three states. After the Madhya Pradesh Assembly election debacle, Congress replaced Kamal Nath with Jitu Patwari as the state president. On the INDIA bloc meeting and seat-sharing, Wasnik said, INDIA bloc has met several times. Wherever there are the alliance parties, we will discuss the seat-sharing formula with the leaders. Except for Khurshid, all other members were present in the inaugural meeting of the committee. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Fayaz Wani By SRINAGAR: The Army on Saturday began its probe into the mysterious death of three civilians near the site of an anti-militancy operation in Poonch district. As for the government, it started legal action and announced compensation and jobs to next of kin of the victims. Internet services were suspended in both border districts of Poonch and Rajouri as a precautionary measure. In a post on X, the Army said it received reports regarding the civilian deaths. The matter is under investigation. Indian Army stands committed to extending full support and cooperation in the conduct of investigations, it said. The three civilians Safeer Hussain (43), Mohammad Showket (27) and Mohammad Shabir (32) all residents of Topi village of Baffliaz, were found dead in an area where the Army had started search operations after an attack by terrorists at Deri Ki Gali area of Thanamandi in Rajouri district, killing five soldiers. The three civilians were among a group of eight persons allegedly picked up by Army for questioning in connection with the attack. The death of three civilians was reported yesterday in Baffliaz of Poonch district. The medico legal formalities were conducted and legal action in this matter has been initiated by the appropriate authority, the J&K administration posted on X. Unverified videos of civilians being tortured have gone viral on social media. J&K politicians shared their concern. It is a heart-wrenching video. However, I do not know about its authenticity, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti said. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp SRINAGAR: The Army on Saturday began its probe into the mysterious death of three civilians near the site of an anti-militancy operation in Poonch district. As for the government, it started legal action and announced compensation and jobs to next of kin of the victims. Internet services were suspended in both border districts of Poonch and Rajouri as a precautionary measure. In a post on X, the Army said it received reports regarding the civilian deaths. The matter is under investigation. Indian Army stands committed to extending full support and cooperation in the conduct of investigations, it said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The three civilians Safeer Hussain (43), Mohammad Showket (27) and Mohammad Shabir (32) all residents of Topi village of Baffliaz, were found dead in an area where the Army had started search operations after an attack by terrorists at Deri Ki Gali area of Thanamandi in Rajouri district, killing five soldiers. The three civilians were among a group of eight persons allegedly picked up by Army for questioning in connection with the attack. The death of three civilians was reported yesterday in Baffliaz of Poonch district. The medico legal formalities were conducted and legal action in this matter has been initiated by the appropriate authority, the J&K administration posted on X. Unverified videos of civilians being tortured have gone viral on social media. J&K politicians shared their concern. It is a heart-wrenching video. However, I do not know about its authenticity, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti said. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Ashish Srivastava By NEW DELHI: Another political storm unleashed on Saturday as L-G VK Saxena recommended a CBI inquiry into the procurement and supply of alleged spurious drugs to Mohalla clinics and some hospitals under the city government. Raj Niwas officials said that certain drugs, available at government health facilities, failed quality standard tests and were found potentially life-threatening for a vast population as they are prescribed in treatment of a range of illnesses. The drugs include antibiotics, steroids, anti-anxiety pills and a medicine given to hypertension patients. The drugs, which failed the quality tests are Cephalexin, an antibiotic used for treatment of lungs and Urinary Tract infections; Dexamethasone, a steroid for curing life-threatening inflammation in lungs, joints and swelling in the body; Levetiracetam, an anti-epilepsy and anti-anxiety psychiatric drug; and Amlodepin, an antihypertensive medicine. Reacting to the development, Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj said that after assuming office, he had directed an audit of the medicines procured, but no action was taken by the health secretary. He also demanded the suspension of the bureaucrat and other officials concerned. The Delhi BJP, however, demanded the sacking of Bharadwaj over the matter. Officials said that the drug quality test was ordered after receiving complaints from several patients. Drug samples were collected from three hospitals, IHBAS, Lok Nayak and Deen Dayal Upadhyay, that cater to lakhs of patients. The drug controller randomly collected the 86 samples. DELHI HEALTH SEVICES INVOLED IN PROCUREMENT In a note to Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar, L-G VK Saxena said that the drugs were procured by the Central Procurement Agency, which comes under the ambit of Delhi Health Services and possibly also supplied to Mohalla Clinics. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp NEW DELHI: Another political storm unleashed on Saturday as L-G VK Saxena recommended a CBI inquiry into the procurement and supply of alleged spurious drugs to Mohalla clinics and some hospitals under the city government. Raj Niwas officials said that certain drugs, available at government health facilities, failed quality standard tests and were found potentially life-threatening for a vast population as they are prescribed in treatment of a range of illnesses. The drugs include antibiotics, steroids, anti-anxiety pills and a medicine given to hypertension patients. The drugs, which failed the quality tests are Cephalexin, an antibiotic used for treatment of lungs and Urinary Tract infections; Dexamethasone, a steroid for curing life-threatening inflammation in lungs, joints and swelling in the body; Levetiracetam, an anti-epilepsy and anti-anxiety psychiatric drug; and Amlodepin, an antihypertensive medicine.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Reacting to the development, Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj said that after assuming office, he had directed an audit of the medicines procured, but no action was taken by the health secretary. He also demanded the suspension of the bureaucrat and other officials concerned. The Delhi BJP, however, demanded the sacking of Bharadwaj over the matter. Officials said that the drug quality test was ordered after receiving complaints from several patients. Drug samples were collected from three hospitals, IHBAS, Lok Nayak and Deen Dayal Upadhyay, that cater to lakhs of patients. The drug controller randomly collected the 86 samples. DELHI HEALTH SEVICES INVOLED IN PROCUREMENT In a note to Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar, L-G VK Saxena said that the drugs were procured by the Central Procurement Agency, which comes under the ambit of Delhi Health Services and possibly also supplied to Mohalla Clinics. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Yeshi Seli By NEW DELHI: Another Hindu temple, the SMVS Swaminarayan Mandir in Newark, California, was vandalised with anti-India and pro-Khalistani graffiti visible on the walls of the temple. The Indian consulate in San Francisco has condemned the incident and registered a complaint with the police. We are concerned about the incident that took place in California. Extremism and separatism should not be tolerated in any country nor should any space be provided to them. Our consulate in San Francisco has complained to the government and the police and an inquiry is underway, said Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar on Saturday. The graffiti eulogised slain Khalistani terrorist Bhindranwale and had anti-India slogans too. We strongly condemn the defacing of the walls of SMVS Swaminarayan Mandir at Newark with anti-India graffiti. The incident has hurt the sentiments of the Indian community. We have pressed for quick investigation and prompt action against the vandals by the US authorities, said the Consulate General of India in San Francisco. The instances of pro-Khalistani slogans, attacks on Indian consulates, and threats to diplomats in the US, Canada, the UK and Australia have been noticed in the past year. India has always brought them up with the local authorities. This can be the fallout of the ongoing US indictment, where an Indian has been named as a conspirator in a foiled assassination attempt of a Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Indias Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu was heckled by pro-Khalistani supporters in a Gurdwara in Long Island. There was anti-India and pro-Khalistani sloganeering that followed but the crowd managed to control the situation. In July this year, attempts were made to torch the Indian consulate in San Francisco by pro-Khalistani supporters. It is baffling to know that there are so many perpetrators of hate crimes in the US and other countries and none of them has been brought to book. Such instances have taken place in Canada, where temples have been vandalised, and also in Australia, said a source. Meanwhile, the US State Department for Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA) condemned the vandalism. We condemn the vandalism of the temple and welcome efforts by Newark Police Department to ensure that those responsible are held accountable, US State Department SCA said. Pannun, who was allegedly targeted in a murder-for-hire conspiracy for which an Indian has been jailed in the Czech Republic, has been threatening India repeatedly this year. He threatened the security of Air India and urged Sikh passengers not to take their flights from Canada, threatened the airports in India and more recently, spoke about attacking Parliament. However, none of his statements which are sometimes released through videos are taken against him. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp NEW DELHI: Another Hindu temple, the SMVS Swaminarayan Mandir in Newark, California, was vandalised with anti-India and pro-Khalistani graffiti visible on the walls of the temple. The Indian consulate in San Francisco has condemned the incident and registered a complaint with the police. We are concerned about the incident that took place in California. Extremism and separatism should not be tolerated in any country nor should any space be provided to them. Our consulate in San Francisco has complained to the government and the police and an inquiry is underway, said Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar on Saturday. The graffiti eulogised slain Khalistani terrorist Bhindranwale and had anti-India slogans too. We strongly condemn the defacing of the walls of SMVS Swaminarayan Mandir at Newark with anti-India graffiti. The incident has hurt the sentiments of the Indian community. We have pressed for quick investigation and prompt action against the vandals by the US authorities, said the Consulate General of India in San Francisco.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The instances of pro-Khalistani slogans, attacks on Indian consulates, and threats to diplomats in the US, Canada, the UK and Australia have been noticed in the past year. India has always brought them up with the local authorities. This can be the fallout of the ongoing US indictment, where an Indian has been named as a conspirator in a foiled assassination attempt of a Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Indias Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu was heckled by pro-Khalistani supporters in a Gurdwara in Long Island. There was anti-India and pro-Khalistani sloganeering that followed but the crowd managed to control the situation. In July this year, attempts were made to torch the Indian consulate in San Francisco by pro-Khalistani supporters. It is baffling to know that there are so many perpetrators of hate crimes in the US and other countries and none of them has been brought to book. Such instances have taken place in Canada, where temples have been vandalised, and also in Australia, said a source. Meanwhile, the US State Department for Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA) condemned the vandalism. We condemn the vandalism of the temple and welcome efforts by Newark Police Department to ensure that those responsible are held accountable, US State Department SCA said. Pannun, who was allegedly targeted in a murder-for-hire conspiracy for which an Indian has been jailed in the Czech Republic, has been threatening India repeatedly this year. He threatened the security of Air India and urged Sikh passengers not to take their flights from Canada, threatened the airports in India and more recently, spoke about attacking Parliament. However, none of his statements which are sometimes released through videos are taken against him. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp KATHMANDU, Dec. 24 (Xinhua) -- Nepal's import of electric vehicles went up by nearly three times during the first five months of the current 2023-24 fiscal year that began in mid-July, the Department of Customs reported on Sunday. A total of 3,686 electric vehicles were imported by mid-December, up from 1,353 imported during the same period of the previous fiscal year, according to the department figures. Among them, 2,297 were imported from China. In 2022-23, Nepal imported 4,050 electric vehicles, up from 1,807 in 2021-22, the department said. Under Nepal's plan, electric vehicles will make up 90 percent of all private passenger vehicle sales and 60 percent of all four-wheeler public passenger vehicle sales by 2030. Anuraag Singh By BHOPAL: Wait for the new council of ministers is getting longer in Madhya Pradesh, as the new chief minister Dr Mohan Yadav was set to travel to Delhi second time in three days to get the BJP top leaderships nod for his team of ministers. Yadav, who spent two days in Delhi (Thursday and Friday) before returning to MP to attend a programme at his native Ujjain, was scheduled to fly to the national capital again on Saturday evening, to attend the ongoing meeting of the partys national office bearers. While in Delhi, he is likely to meet the partys top brass again to get their final stamp of approval about the new council of ministers. Yadav was sworn in as the new CM along with two deputy CMs Jagdish Dewda and Rajendra Shukla on December 13, but neither has the new council of ministers formed yet nor the two deputy CMs allotted any ministerial portfolios. On Thursday, the CM left for Delhi for a two days visit, during which he met PM Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He also met the defence minister Rajnath Singh and civil aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, besides hosting a dinner for MPs (both BJP and Congress) from Madhya Pradesh. Hell fly from Indore to Delhi on Saturday evening again, a key MP government source told this newspaper. During the coming visit to Delhi, not only is Yadav likely to attend the national BJPs ongoing meeting, but he will also meet other national leaders of the party, including President JP Nadda, particularly for finalising the council of ministers in MP. According to key sources within MP BJP, the delay in the formation of the council of ministers, is happening as the party is taking time to accommodate the senior MLAs and ex-ministers, the five heavyweights (including ex-union minister Prahlad Patel, party national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya and three other ex-MPs who won the assembly polls) and new faces in the council of ministers. Also, the party is zeroing in on getting the right balance between the six regions and all 29 Lok Sabha segments with an eye on the coming elections. Another challenge before the party and the CM is to establish the right mix of all communities in the cabinet. No portfolio for Dy CMs Yadav was sworn in as the new CM along with two deputy CMs Jagdish Dewda and Rajendra Shukla on December 13, but neither has the cabinet formed yet nor the deputy CMs given ministerial portfolios Attempting balance The delay in formation of council of ministers is due to party taking time to accommodate the senior MLAs, ex-ministers, and new faces in the council of ministers. They are zeroing in on getting the right balance between the six regions. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp BHOPAL: Wait for the new council of ministers is getting longer in Madhya Pradesh, as the new chief minister Dr Mohan Yadav was set to travel to Delhi second time in three days to get the BJP top leaderships nod for his team of ministers. Yadav, who spent two days in Delhi (Thursday and Friday) before returning to MP to attend a programme at his native Ujjain, was scheduled to fly to the national capital again on Saturday evening, to attend the ongoing meeting of the partys national office bearers. While in Delhi, he is likely to meet the partys top brass again to get their final stamp of approval about the new council of ministers.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Yadav was sworn in as the new CM along with two deputy CMs Jagdish Dewda and Rajendra Shukla on December 13, but neither has the new council of ministers formed yet nor the two deputy CMs allotted any ministerial portfolios. On Thursday, the CM left for Delhi for a two days visit, during which he met PM Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He also met the defence minister Rajnath Singh and civil aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, besides hosting a dinner for MPs (both BJP and Congress) from Madhya Pradesh. Hell fly from Indore to Delhi on Saturday evening again, a key MP government source told this newspaper. During the coming visit to Delhi, not only is Yadav likely to attend the national BJPs ongoing meeting, but he will also meet other national leaders of the party, including President JP Nadda, particularly for finalising the council of ministers in MP. According to key sources within MP BJP, the delay in the formation of the council of ministers, is happening as the party is taking time to accommodate the senior MLAs and ex-ministers, the five heavyweights (including ex-union minister Prahlad Patel, party national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya and three other ex-MPs who won the assembly polls) and new faces in the council of ministers. Also, the party is zeroing in on getting the right balance between the six regions and all 29 Lok Sabha segments with an eye on the coming elections. Another challenge before the party and the CM is to establish the right mix of all communities in the cabinet. No portfolio for Dy CMs Yadav was sworn in as the new CM along with two deputy CMs Jagdish Dewda and Rajendra Shukla on December 13, but neither has the cabinet formed yet nor the deputy CMs given ministerial portfolios Attempting balance The delay in formation of council of ministers is due to party taking time to accommodate the senior MLAs, ex-ministers, and new faces in the council of ministers. They are zeroing in on getting the right balance between the six regions. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Yeshi Seli and Mayank Singh By NEW DELHI: Four days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the rising maritime threats as a result of the conflict between Israel and Hamas, a suspected drone strike caused an explosion aboard a Mangalore-bound merchant ship with around 21 Indian crew about 200 nautical miles off the coast of Gujarats Veraval. The ship had set sail from Saudi Arabia, carrying crude oil, and was heading towards Mangalore. It was sailing under the flag of Liberia. The attack was first reported by the British watchdog, United Kingdom Marine Trade Operations (UKMTO). UKMTO has received a report of an attack by uncrewed aerial system (UAS) on a vessel causing an explosion and fire. Fire was extinguished and no casualties were reported. Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity, UKMTO said in a statement. The incident comes in the wake of Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen stepping up attacks on vessels in the Red Sea. The US has since initiated a multilateral coalition to provide protection to cargo ships in the Red Sea. ALSO READ | Tanker ship off India coast hit by attack drone 'fired from Iran': Pentagon Saturdays attack is viewed as having links to the Red Sea attacks. Though the distance between Red Sea and Veraval is 3,315 km, reports suggest the attackers could have taken this ship to have an Israeli connect, even though the ship was carrying the flag of Liberia. This appears to be a spillover of the Red Sea conflict and since its so close to India. The Indian crew members narrowly escaped. It is a major cause of concern, a source said. Reacting swiftly, the Indian Coast Guard Ship Vikram, which was on patrol duty in the Arabian Sea was dispatched to the site to provide assistance. A P-8I maritime patrol aircraft was also deployed. The situation will be assessed and relevant steps will be taken. As per the initial information, it is suspected to be a drone-based attack, a source said. No crew members have been injured in the incident, which led to a fire on board. The attacked vessel is being towed away to Mumbai, where it is expected to reach on Monday. INCREASE IN MARITIME THREATS, SAYS IFC-IOR The Information Fusion Centre Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), a maritime security centre hosted by the Indian Navy said there has been an increase in maritime security threats over the past one week. Houthis have pledged to continue attacks till Israel stops its war in Gaza Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp NEW DELHI: Four days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the rising maritime threats as a result of the conflict between Israel and Hamas, a suspected drone strike caused an explosion aboard a Mangalore-bound merchant ship with around 21 Indian crew about 200 nautical miles off the coast of Gujarats Veraval. The ship had set sail from Saudi Arabia, carrying crude oil, and was heading towards Mangalore. It was sailing under the flag of Liberia. The attack was first reported by the British watchdog, United Kingdom Marine Trade Operations (UKMTO).googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); UKMTO has received a report of an attack by uncrewed aerial system (UAS) on a vessel causing an explosion and fire. Fire was extinguished and no casualties were reported. Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity, UKMTO said in a statement. The incident comes in the wake of Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen stepping up attacks on vessels in the Red Sea. The US has since initiated a multilateral coalition to provide protection to cargo ships in the Red Sea. ALSO READ | Tanker ship off India coast hit by attack drone 'fired from Iran': Pentagon Saturdays attack is viewed as having links to the Red Sea attacks. Though the distance between Red Sea and Veraval is 3,315 km, reports suggest the attackers could have taken this ship to have an Israeli connect, even though the ship was carrying the flag of Liberia. This appears to be a spillover of the Red Sea conflict and since its so close to India. The Indian crew members narrowly escaped. It is a major cause of concern, a source said. Reacting swiftly, the Indian Coast Guard Ship Vikram, which was on patrol duty in the Arabian Sea was dispatched to the site to provide assistance. A P-8I maritime patrol aircraft was also deployed. The situation will be assessed and relevant steps will be taken. As per the initial information, it is suspected to be a drone-based attack, a source said. No crew members have been injured in the incident, which led to a fire on board. The attacked vessel is being towed away to Mumbai, where it is expected to reach on Monday. INCREASE IN MARITIME THREATS, SAYS IFC-IOR The Information Fusion Centre Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), a maritime security centre hosted by the Indian Navy said there has been an increase in maritime security threats over the past one week. Houthis have pledged to continue attacks till Israel stops its war in Gaza Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By PTI NEW DELHI: A commercial oil tanker named MV Sai Baba that reportedly came under a drone attack in the Southern Red Sea is not an Indian-flagged vessel, Indian officials said on Sunday. The clarification came after the US Central Command (CENTCOM) described the vessel as an Indian-flagged ship. The officials said MV Sai Baba is a Gabon-flagged vessel and it had received a certification from the Indian register of shipping. Vessels around the world can obtain the certification from registration authorities in various countries. In a post on 'X', the US Central Command mentioned the attack on MV Sai Baba along with a similar strike targeting another vessel on Saturday. ALSO READ | Tanker ship off India coast hit by attack drone 'fired from Iran': Pentagon "The M/V BLAAMANEN, a Norwegian-flagged, owned, and operated chemical/oil tanker, reported a near miss of a Houthi one-way attack drone with no injuries or damage reported," it said. "A second vessel, the M/V SAIBABA, a Gabon-owned, Indian-flagged crude oil tanker, reported that it was hit by a one-way attack drone with no injuries reported," it added. The US Central Command is one of the key unified combatant commands of the US. "It is a Gabon-flagged vessel," clarified an Indian official. The US Central Command's report came a day after merchant vessel MV Chem Pluto, with around 20 Indian crew members, was hit by a suspected drone about 217 nautical miles off the Porbandar coast in the Arabian Sea. There was no report of any casualties in the incident, Indian military sources said. The officials also confirmed that all 25 Indian crew members are safe. ALSO READ | Drone strike hits ship off India's coast, ICGS Vikram deployed to investigate The incidents came against the backdrop of Iran-backed Houthi rebels stepping up attacks on ships in the Red Sea amid the Israel-Hamas conflict. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp NEW DELHI: A commercial oil tanker named MV Sai Baba that reportedly came under a drone attack in the Southern Red Sea is not an Indian-flagged vessel, Indian officials said on Sunday. The clarification came after the US Central Command (CENTCOM) described the vessel as an Indian-flagged ship. The officials said MV Sai Baba is a Gabon-flagged vessel and it had received a certification from the Indian register of shipping.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Vessels around the world can obtain the certification from registration authorities in various countries. In a post on 'X', the US Central Command mentioned the attack on MV Sai Baba along with a similar strike targeting another vessel on Saturday. ALSO READ | Tanker ship off India coast hit by attack drone 'fired from Iran': Pentagon "The M/V BLAAMANEN, a Norwegian-flagged, owned, and operated chemical/oil tanker, reported a near miss of a Houthi one-way attack drone with no injuries or damage reported," it said. "A second vessel, the M/V SAIBABA, a Gabon-owned, Indian-flagged crude oil tanker, reported that it was hit by a one-way attack drone with no injuries reported," it added. The US Central Command is one of the key unified combatant commands of the US. "It is a Gabon-flagged vessel," clarified an Indian official. The US Central Command's report came a day after merchant vessel MV Chem Pluto, with around 20 Indian crew members, was hit by a suspected drone about 217 nautical miles off the Porbandar coast in the Arabian Sea. There was no report of any casualties in the incident, Indian military sources said. The officials also confirmed that all 25 Indian crew members are safe. ALSO READ | Drone strike hits ship off India's coast, ICGS Vikram deployed to investigate The incidents came against the backdrop of Iran-backed Houthi rebels stepping up attacks on ships in the Red Sea amid the Israel-Hamas conflict. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Dive into Adventure - Where to Find the World's Most Exhilarating Dolphin-Surfing Experiences! London, Dec 24 T he ocean, with its vast expanse and rolling waves, offers surfers an exhilarating experience. Adding to this thrill is the chance to share the waters with one of the sea's most intelligent inhabitants: dolphins. Surfing with dolphins is a magical experience, and several spots around the globe are renowned for these encounters. Here's a guide to the best places to surf with dolphins, taking into account the latest trends among surf enthusiasts. Australia's Dolphin Surfing Hotspots Byron Bay: A Surfer's Paradise Byron Bay, on Australia's east coast, is a popular destination for surfers looking to ride waves alongside dolphins. The Pass and Wategos Beach are two spots where dolphins frequently make an appearance, often joining surfers as they catch waves. Margaret River: A Blend of Wine and Waves Located in Western Australia, Margaret River is as famous for its premium wines as it is for its surf breaks. Dolphins are commonly seen at surf spots like Surfers Point and Main Break, where the majestic creatures glide through the waves. California's Coastal Gems Santa Cruz: The Surfing Museum Santa Cruz is home to the iconic Steamer Lane, where surfing history intertwines with frequent dolphin sightings. The area's nutrient-rich waters attract a plethora of marine life, making it a top spot for surfing with these marine mammals. Malibu: Celebrity Dolphins and Surfers Malibu's Surfrider Beach has long drawn surfers and celebrities alike. Dolphins are often spotted riding the swells alongside surfers, offering a unique experience in this glamorous locale. Hawaiian Havens North Shore, Oahu: The Surfing Mecca Oahu's North Shore is a bucket-list destination for any serious surfer. Spots like Waimea Bay and Banzai Pipeline are not only known for their big waves but also for playful dolphins that surf the crystal-clear Hawaiian waters. Maui: The Valley Isle's Aquatic Playground Maui's Ho'okipa Beach is another prime location for surfing with dolphins. The area's abundant marine life and consistent waves make it a preferred choice for those looking to share the water with these friendly creatures. South Africa's Wild Coast Jeffreys Bay: A World-Class Wave Jeffreys Bay, or J-Bay as it's affectionately known, hosts the annual World Surf League competition and is one of the world's best right-hand point breaks. It's also a place where dolphins are frequent visitors, much to the delight of surfers. Durban: The Golden Mile Durban's warm waters are home to bottlenose dolphins that often frolic in the waves along the Golden Mile. This stretch of beach is famous for its good weather and consistent surf conditions. Brazil's Tropical Surf Spots Florianopolis: Island of Magic Florianopolis, or Floripa as locals call it, boasts 42 beaches, many of which are perfect for surfing. Dolphins join in on the fun at spots like Joaquina Beach and Mole Beach, adding to the island's enchanting vibe. Rio de Janeiro: The Marvelous City Rio de Janeiro is known for its iconic beaches such as Copacabana and Ipanema. However, for surfers looking to ride with dolphins, Prainha and Macumba beaches offer less crowded alternatives with a high chance of dolphin encounters. Portugal's Coastal Charms Ericeira: Europe's Surfing Reserve As Europe's first World Surfing Reserve, Ericeira boasts a high frequency of dolphin sightings at spots like Ribeira d'Ilhas and Coxos. The conservation efforts here ensure a pristine environment for both surfers and marine life. Algarve: The Southern Gem The Algarve region is famous for its beautiful coastline and friendly dolphin populations. Arrifana and Amado are two notable beaches where surfers can often spot pods of dolphins while waiting for the perfect wave. Costa Rica's Pura Vida Nosara: Eco-Surfing Destination Nosara, with its sustainability-focused mindset, attracts surfers who appreciate nature. Playa Guiones is known not just for its consistent waves but also for being a regular haunt for dolphins. Santa Teresa: A Hidden Treasure The laid-back town of Santa Teresa on the Nicoya Peninsula has become a hotspot for those seeking surf adventures with dolphins. Its remote location keeps the crowds away, making encounters with marine life more intimate. Embracing the Surf-and-Dolphin Experience Surfing with dolphins is an awe-inspiring activity that connects humans with nature in profound ways. These destinations are not just about chasing waves; they're about respecting and celebrating the marine life that shares our oceans. When planning your next surf trip, consider these spots for an unforgettable experience in the company of the sea's most playful creatures. Before heading out, always remember to keep a respectful distance from wildlife and adhere to local guidelines for safe and sustainable surfing practices. Enjoy the waves, and perhaps, make a few dolphin friends along the way. Dive into Adventure - Where to Find the World's Most Exhilarating Dolphin-Surfing Experiences! Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Los Angeles, Dec 24 H ollywood star Vin Diesel, who has faced allegations of sexual assault from his former assistant, his reputation has put been even further into question after a past interview resurfaced. The 56-year-old actor was accused of assaulting his assistant while filming Fast and the Furious and now, he is under even further scrutiny for acting "creepy" in a 2017 interview with Brazilian YouTube star which was shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, reports mirror.co.uk. In the interview to promote his film XXX: The Return of Zander Cage, Vin Diesel acted extremely flirty with host, whom he described as "the most gorgeous girl in Brazil." "God, you're so beautiful, you're so beautiful, man, am I right or wrong?" he said in the clip, addressing the camera crew. He then added, "How am I supposed to do this interview?" To which a shy-looking host responded, "Thank You." Despite her visible discomfort, he continued on, stating, "She's so beautiful. Let's get out of here, let's go have lunch. My god, I love her. Look how beautiful she is. God, I love her. Wow." The YouTuber tried to change the subject, but he persisted with this behaviour. The interview took a turn for the worse when the actor dropped to his knees and began crawling toward Carol. "She's so f*****g beautiful it's like, you can't even do an interview with her." "Oh my God, someone save me. When did this turn into a beautiful world? When did this turn into the most gorgeous girl in Brazil? When did this turn into I love you?" he asked as he stood to his feet. The YouTuber was left dumbfounded and kept saying "thank you" in response to has advancements. A clip of the interview was shared to X. The user who shared the video gave their own commentary, writing, "I gotta say, Ive always had a weird feeling about Vin Diesel since I saw this video years back. While disappointing, I cant say that the news surrounding him rn is all that surprising." Other users expressed their disapproval of Vin Diesel's behaviour. "Yup. That video turned me right off of him. Disrespectful, unprofessional and predatory," one user wrote. Another added, "I never liked watching his interviews and Im not a big fan of most of his work so I had no idea he was this creepy. Like shes not flirting back so leave her alone." "Literally just trying to do her job by interviewing him and hes making it impossible by being a creep," a third penned. Vin Diesel has been accused of sexual assault by his former assistant Atsa Jonasson. Jonasson was hired by the production company One Race to organise the actor's personal affairs and attend parties with him. The assault allegedly occurred in 2010 during filming of Fast and the Furious. She had reportedly been waiting for him outside of a hotel room for him to finish entertaining women. When the women left, he allegedly grabbed her wrist and pulled her onto the bed where he supposedly groped her and felt her up before she was able to escape. He has denied the claims. Vin Diesel tagged 'creepy' as 'cringeworthy' interview resurfaces amid assault claims Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! For many, volunteerism is woven into the fabric of their lives. They feel compelled to give back, to make a positive impact in their community. They crave purpose, and the holiday season just seems to accentuate that feeling, Peggy Prichard writes. Champaign, IL (61820) Today Sunshine and clouds mixed. High 38F. Winds SW at 15 to 25 mph.. Tonight Cloudy with occasional rain late. Low 33F. Winds E at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a half an inch. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph. BEIJING, Dec. 24 (Xinhua) -- Prompt and effective medical treatment has been provided to those who sustained injuries in the 6.2-magnitude earthquake that jolted the Jishishan Bonan-Dongxiang-Salar Autonomous County of Gansu Province on Dec. 18, a health official said on Sunday. Normal medical services have been restored in the affected areas, National Health Commission spokesperson Mi Feng said at a press conference. The commission has dispatched two national emergency medical rescue teams to the affected areas. The teams are comprised of experts in fields such as critical care, orthopedics and general surgery, and they are cooperating with local medical workers to attend to the needs of those who were injured, Mi added. The commission will work with relevant departments to coordinate medical resources, ensuring medical treatment for people with injuries in the affected areas, Mi said. It will also continue to monitor infectious diseases and drinking water, and conduct disinfection work. Download Now The News-Gazette mobile app brings you the latest local breaking news, updates, and more. Read the News-Gazette on your mobile device just as it appears in print. ARIES Ganesha says progress awaits you today, Aries! A potential foreign trip could bring promising benefits. However, be mindful of your words, as something you say might upset family members. An apology would be wise. Keep your spending in check, considering your income. If single, introducing your partner to your family could be fruitful. Money matters will shine, bringing a positive aura. Lucky Colour: Black Lucky Number: 1 TAURUS Ganesha says financial success is on the horizon for Taureans! Your political connections will expand, and new opportunities might arise. Your charming communication skills will attract allies, but beware of jealous rivals who might try to hinder your progress. Family members might surprise a senior member with a retirement celebration. A trip with friends could be just the escape you need to clear your mind. Lucky Colour: Maroon Lucky Number: 4 GEMINI Ganesha warns, Gemini, avoid speaking in anger today, as it could lead to unwanted conflict. Your improving finances might encourage you to embark on new ventures. If a family member is nearing marriage, a promising opportunity might present itself. However, those in social work should exercise caution and trust carefully to avoid gossip. Completing your fathers requests promptly will earn his favour. Lucky Colour: Grey Lucky Number: 2 CANCER Expect a neutral day, Cancer, Ganesha says. Family discord requires listening to both sides before making any decisions. A relative might seek your assistance. Students, confide in your father if facing difficulties. At work, prepare for a demanding project requiring your dedication. A family members health might cause you concern. Lucky Colour: Golden Lucky Number: 5 LEO Face challenges head-on, Leo, Ganesha advises. Be it in your personal life or professional dealings, courage will serve you well. Approach land-related transactions with prudence. New income sources will bolster your financial security. Women contemplating home businesses might find today favourable. In love, understanding your partners perspective is key. Lucky Colour: White Lucky Number: 8 VIRGO Good news awaits you today, Virgo! Ganesha says youll successfully complete projects, boosting your confidence. Practice attentive listening when interacting with your siblings to avoid arguments. A long-standing property dispute might finally be settled in your favor. Recovering pending business dues is also a possibility. Job seekers, your search might yield positive results. Expect appreciation from your maternal side. Lucky Colour: Purple Lucky Number: 11 LIBRA Ganesha says today will be filled with joy for those in family life. Witnessing your partners progress will spark happiness, and you might even consider organizing a celebration for them. Business owners should handle any disputes with partners wisely, as discord can damage their ventures. Your home life will be harmonious, and solutions to child-related concerns might arise. Remember to approach tasks with positivity, as negativity can hinder your progress. Lucky Colour: Brown Lucky Number: 6 SCORPIO Ganesha predicts success through your hard work today, Scorpio. You might even receive exciting news about a new job opportunity. Entrepreneurs seeking loans will find the process smooth and hassle-free. However, be mindful of potential arguments with your in-laws. Utilize your full potential to launch new initiatives, but remember, profitability requires proper planning and execution. Lucky Colour: Green Lucky Number: 12 SAGITTARIUS Ganesha advises against impulsiveness today, Sagittarius. Approaching tasks with haste can lead to errors. Your dedication and hard work will impress your superiors in the banking sector, potentially leading to positive news. Be cautious when accepting financial enticements, and seek your siblings counsel before making any investments. Avoid emotional decision-making, as you might regret your choices later. Lucky Colour: Blue Lucky Number: 7 CAPRICORN Ganesha predicts an energetic day for you, Capricorn. Students will experience heightened enthusiasm for their studies. However, unfavourable situations are brewing in the business sector, causing worry and hampering your work motivation. Expect news from your children that will bring honour to both them and your family. Government employees should exercise caution with female colleagues, as deceit can lurk under the surface. You might attempt business restructuring, and success should follow. Lucky Colour: Yellow Lucky Number: 9 AQUARIUS Ganesha foretells good news for job seekers today, Aquarius, as a new opportunity might arise. A work-related trip is likely, and financial planning will prove fruitful. Your dedication will be acknowledged and praised. Be mindful of unnecessary household expenses, as saving for the future is crucial. If your mother has any health concerns, her condition might worsen slightly. Lucky Colour: Orange Lucky Number: 3 PISCES Ganesha predicts a joyous day for Pisces. Your conscientious efforts at work will be rewarded with professional progress, further boosting your confidence. Remember to practice polite communication to avoid upsetting anyone. Those involved in politics can expect expansion in their areas of influence. Business transaction hurdles will be overcome. Embrace an opportunity to try your hand at something new, as it holds potential for success. Lucky Colour: Red Lucky Number: 10. (The author Chirag Daruwalla is the son of Astrologer Bejan Daruwalla) As many as 4.30 lakh passengers have travelled by Navi Mumbai Metro in the first month of its operation, Maharashtras city planning agency CIDCO said on Friday and termed peoples response to the rapid transit system as overwhelming. The Line No. 1 of Navi Mumbai Metro is an 11.10km long stretch from Belapur to Pendhar where services began on November 17. The corridor has 11 elevated stations and is part of the four-phase metro project in the satellite city. City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO), in an official release, said the metro was getting an overwhelming response from Navi Mumbaikars. Navi Mumbaikars have developed a unique relationship with the rapid transit system not only as a means of transportation but through the feeling of Our Metro, said the release. An average 12,000 passengers are travelling on the route every day and 4.30 lakh commuters have availed of metro services in one month since their commencement, it said.The metro services have been well received by working class people and tourists visiting CIDCOs Central Park on holidays, said the release. People have got an efficient option of fast, comfortable and safe travel in the form of Navi Mumbai Metro. Due to this, passengers of all age groups prefer to use metro services, said CIDCO, which is implementing the metro network in the satellite city.Metro services operate from 6 am to 10 pm with a train every 15 minutes. Fares range from Rs 10 to Rs 40, depending on the distance travelled. Employers in India anticipate opening 2024 with a prudent and watchful approach to hiring in the first quarter of the calendar year. According to the latest ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey of nearly 3100 employers across sectors and regions, the western part of the country dominates the job demand with an outlook of +39% followed by the North (+38%). Also Read: Indias Job Postings Trend: Govt, PSUs, Defence See 14% Upsurge In Hiring, Says Report The research is based on survey responses between October 1-31, 2023. The Net Employment Outlook (NEO) for Q1, 2024 is +37%, up 5% from Q1 2023, and the same when compared with the last quarter. Key Findings From The Q1, 2024 Survey Employers across all sectors report net positive hiring intentions with Financials and Real Estate having the strongest outlook of +45% followed by Information Technology (+44) and Consumer Goods and Services (+42%). The least optimistic prospects were witnessed in the Energy and Utilities (+28%) for the first quarter. The western region of India dominates the job demand with an outlook of +39% followed by North (+38%). The lowest in the list of key drivers of HR strategies for 2024 include Layoffs, great resignations and quiet quitting. The survey is a reflection of the changing world of work where companies are in the transformational phase but the IT talent with the desired skill sets are scarce, said Sandeep Gulati, MD, ManpowerGroup India and Middle East. As organisations plan their strategic HR objectives for 2024, employee well-being, recruitment for skilled roles and adopting AI and technology seem to be the top 3 in the chart of priorities. However, training the staff to leverage AI and narrowing down on roles that can take advantage of this advancement continues to remain a concern, Gulati said. Gulati further stated, Domestic demand remains buoyant and private investment continues to flow in making India a lucrative economy. With stability in the political arena, progressive India is not a dream but a reality. Talent Shortage Survey Key Findings Banks Holidays In December 2023: During December, banks in India were scheduled to remain closed for a total of 18 days. Individuals planning to visit the bank for urgent matters should be mindful of the specified holiday dates. Bank customers need to note that although physical branches will be closed on these holidays, digital services such as mobile banking, UPI and internet banking will remain operational without any disruptions. Christmas Bank Holiday In India Are Banks Closed On Christmas In India? Banks in India will be closed on December 25, 2023, as it is Christmas Day. This is a nationwide holiday and all banks, regardless of location, will be closed for the day. In addition to December 25th, some states in India may also have additional bank holidays on December 26th due to extended Christmas celebrations. Bank Holidays In December 2023 As of December 24, a total of 13 bank holidays have been observed in India. Below is the list of the remaining bank holidays in India; December 25, 2023 There will be a holiday for banks across the country due to Christmas. There will be a holiday for banks across the country due to Christmas. December 26, 2023 Due to Christmas celebrations, banks will not open in Mizoram, Nagaland and Meghalaya. Due to Christmas celebrations, banks will not open in Mizoram, Nagaland and Meghalaya. December 27, 2023 Bank holiday in Nagaland due to Christmas. Bank holiday in Nagaland due to Christmas. December 30, 2023 Banks will not open in Meghalaya given U Kiang Nangbah. Banks will not open in Meghalaya given U Kiang Nangbah. December 31, 2023 There will be a bank holiday due to Sunday. The RBI classifies holidays into three categories: Holidays under the Negotiable Instruments Act, Holidays under the Negotiable Instruments Act and Real-Time Gross Settlement Holiday, and Banks Closing of Accounts. The occurrence of bank holidays differs among states, contingent on the festivals observed in specific regions. On gazetted holidays, banks will be closed nationwide. Government job opportunities continue to attract a significant number of aspirants in todays competitive job market due to their stability, perks, and sense of public service. From the Patna High Court to the DRDO, weve compiled a list of government job openings for this week. Patna High Court District Judge Recruitment: The Patna High Court commenced the online application process for the District Judge positions on December 22. Candidates can apply for direct recruitment at patnahighcourt.gov.in until January 20, 2024. Under this recruitment drive, the Patna High Court plans to recruit 30 eligible candidates for the post of District Judge. As per the notice, the exam for the post of District Judge is scheduled to be conducted on March 31, 2024read more APPSC Recruitment For 897 Group 2 Posts: On December 21, the Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) began the registration process for the recruitment of various posts falling under Group II Services. Candidates can visit the official website of APPSC at psc.ap.gov.in and apply for the vacancies. Applicants should keep in mind that the deadline to apply for the Group II Services posts is January 10, 2024 (till 11:59 PM). A total of 897 vacancies in the commission will be filled through this recruitment drive. Out of the total, 331 seats are reserved for executive posts while 566 are for non-executive vacanciesread more NTRO Recruitment For 74 Scientist B Vacancies: The National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO) has announced 74 openings for Scientist B positions. The application process began on December 21 and will end on January 19, 2024. To apply for these openings, visit the official website at recruit-ndl.nielit.gov.in. The official notification states that Stage I (Written Examination) will be held in February 2024read more PSPCL Assistant Linesman Recruitment: The Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) released a notice regarding a recruitment drive for the position of Assistant Lineman. The PSPCL aims to fill a total of 2,500 vacancies through this recruitment campaign. Candidates can apply via the official website at pspcl.in. The online registration process will begin on December 26, 2023, with the last date for submission of application forms is January 15, 2024. The Punjab government has mandated a three-year probation period for the positionread more DRDO Recruitment: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Defence Institute of Bio-Energy Research (DIBER), Haldwani, has invited applications for apprenticeship programmes. A total of 32 apprentice positions have been announced for Haldwani and the DIBER Field Station in Pithoragarh. The Employment News (December 16-22) published the official notice for these vacancies. The duration of each programme will be one yearread more The educational landscape in India has changed as a result of several ground-breaking announcements, marking a dynamic turn of events this year for the academic sector. These developments, which range from the periodic table being moved from class 10 to class 11 textbooks to the Anubhuti curriculum being added in UP school books, mark a major step in education and the improvement of academic excellence. We have listed down the top changes brought in school teaching or curriculum: Periodic Table Moved from Class 10 to Class 11 NCERT Textbooks: The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) issued a clarification in response to widespread criticism about the alleged removal of the periodic table from Class 10 textbooks. The topic had not been removed, according to the council, but has been moved to Class 11 textbooks as part of a rationalisation effort to reduce the burden on students in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. NCERT had also dropped or relocated a few other topics across subjects. Veer Savarkars Biography In School Syllabus: The Madhya Pradesh Education Department included Veer Savarkars biography in the school curriculum after Uttar Pradesh. The biography had been included in the departments mandatory school curriculum to be taught by teachers. While announcing the decision, Madhya Pradesh School Education Minister Inder Singh Parma chastised previous governments for failing to include true revolutionaries of India in the countrys curriculum. ALSO READ | Newsmaker | Rationalisation & Revision of Textbooks, How NCERT Chief Tried to Make History in 2023 Vedas in Curriculum: In November, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced that the Centre had set aside Rs 100 crore for projects aimed at incorporating Vedas and Indian languages into the curriculum. Students who pass the Vedic boards Class 10 (Veda Bhushan) and Class 12 (Veda Vibhushan) examinations will now be eligible to attend any college for higher education, such as medicine and engineering. This decision comes after the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), a government-designated body, agreed to reinstate Vedic education. Advanced Coding & AI Modules in Schools: Amazon announced the expansion of its Amazon Future Engineer (AFE) programme on December 4, with the goal of introducing advanced coding and artificial intelligence (AI) modules in 100 Karnataka Residential Educational Institutions Society (KREIS) schools. According to a statement, the company will also improve digital infrastructure at 30 KREIS schools. The 20-hour module is designed to address students current knowledge of computer science and coding. Bengali Mandatory in English Medium Schools: According to a senior official, the West Bengal cabinet approved a proposal in August to make Bengali mandatory as a second language in private English medium schools. The cabinet meeting, presided over by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, also approved the formation of an Education Commission to investigate complaints about private schools, according to a senior official. CBSE Students Can Now Learn In 22 Languages: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced in July that 22 languages, including Odia, will be used as mediums of instruction in Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) schools across India. The mediums of instruction in CBSE schools were only English and Hindi. According to Pradhan, the CBSE issued a circular in this regard, allowing other languages to be used as mediums of instruction in their schools. Anubhuti Curriculum in UP Schools: The Uttar Pradesh government decided in November to implement the Anubhuti Curriculum, which is intended to instill values and foster character development in students of the states over 45,000 government-run upper primary schools. This groundbreaking initiative in Uttar Pradesh schools adheres to the standards outlined in the new National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework (NCF). As many as 303 Indian passengers, who are stranded in France after their plane was detained on suspicion of human trafficking, have received clearance from the French judge to fly out of the country, said top sources in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). French prosecutors and the judge are keen that Indians should go back as soon as possible. They are likely to fly on December 26. It is not clear whether they will go to India or the UAE, sources said. There is a technical issue related to chartered flights which has permission only to fly up to Dubai and no permission for India. At present, two plans are being explored for their travel out of France. One plan is Indians go by same flight and the second option is to send by commercial Air India flight and question will be the payments of tickets. The local mission is exploring both options to send them by this Romanian flight directly to India by getting permission or send by Air India. Permission to fly to Delhi is unlikely and another problem is logistics from Varty to Paris. Indian Embassy strongly recommended their deportation to India, top MEA sources said. A Nicaragua-bound plane carrying 303 Indian passengers flying from Dubai, which was stopped at Vatry airport in France for refuelling, was detained by local authorities on suspicion of human trafficking earlier this week. According to government sources, it is believed that poor villagers from Punjab and Gujarat wanted to enter the USA through Nicaragua. In consular access, it was found that the passengers were mostly Gujarati and Punjabi who were tutored that they were travelling for tourism. Nicaragua is a popular illegal route to enter the USA after the Mexican side was closed. According to an AFP report, the aircraft was detained on Thursday after an anonymous tipoff saying the passengers aboard the plane were likely to be victims of human trafficking, Paris prosecutors said. DAMASCUS, Dec. 24 (Xinhua) -- Turkish warplanes conducted airstrikes targeting energy facilities in the northeastern Syrian province of al-Hasakah Saturday night, the Syrian state television reported. The report said that the Al-Ouda oil field in the town of Al-Qahtaniyah, near Al-Qamishli, was hit in the aerial assault. The Turkish strikes were extended to other oil facilities, including the Saida and Zarbah oil stations, as well as an Agricultural Bank site in Al-Qahtaniyah. Additional strikes hit various locations in the city of Al-Malikiyah. The attacks, which reportedly caused fires in at least two locations, were confirmed by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor. While the Observatory confirmed the airstrikes, there is a lack of information regarding human casualties. Turkish warplanes continue to patrol the skies over the region, the Britain-based watchdog group added. Turkiye usually attacks areas under the control of the Kurdish-led forces in northern Syria. Al-Hasakah is largely controlled by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, which is deemed by Turkiye as a terrorist group. India on Sunday recorded 656 fresh Covid-19 cases and 4 related deaths in the last 24 hours. This has increased the tally of active cases in the country to 3,742, according to the latest data updated by the Union Health Ministry. The death toll was recorded at 5,33,333, with one new death from Kerala, according to the data updated at 8:00 am. Meanwhile, India SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) chief Dr NK Arora has stated that no additional vaccine dose is currently needed to protect against the JN.1 subvariant, despite the increase in Covid-19 cases in India. Arora spoke to the news agency, ANI that they have identified a large number of subvariants, over 400 subvariants, or mutations of the virus, and none of them have been associated with more severe disease or hospitalisation. According to a Times Of India report, top officials in the Union Health Ministry said the government has no plans to issue any travel advisory or make testing mandatory at airports at this point. However, officials said there have been no reports of clustering of cases till now, and all the cases of the JN.1 subvariant have mild symptoms. LATEST UPDATES ON COVID SITUATION IN INDIA: Union Minister of State for Tourism Shripad Naik on Sunday said citizens and the tourism industry need not worry about the latest wave of Covid-19, as the country has fought the disease in the past. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has urged countries in South-East Asia to strengthen surveillance in view of the increasing cases of respiratory diseases, including due to Covid-19 and its new sub-variant JN.1, and influenza. The regional director of the Organisation also emphasised on the importance of vaccination against Covid-19 and influenza, especially for people at high risk. In light of the emergence of the JN.1 Covid variant, Maharashtra Minister Sanjay Bansode instructed health officials to ensure the availability of ventilators, oxygen cylinders and other necessary equipment at government hospitals. Maharashtra on Sunday reported 50 new Covid-19 cases from which nine were caused by JN.1. This has increased the number of infections tied to the new sub-variant in the state to 10. Kerala reported 128 fresh Covid-19 infections and one death due to the disease in the last 24 hours, according to data on the Union Health Ministry website on Sunday. Of the 334 active coronavirus infections reported nationwide till 8 am today, 128 were from Kerala`. Odisha logged one Covid-19 case in the past 24 hours, a health department official said on Sunday. The patients are under home isolation and their health parameters are normal, said director of public health Niranjan Mishra. The Mizoram government has requested people of the state to adhere to Covid-appropriate behaviour during the upcoming Christmas-New Year festive season in view of an increase in JN.1 sub-variant cases in some parts of the country. However, Health Minister Lalrinpuii also said that no case of the JN.1 sub-variant has been reported in the northeastern state as of now. Bihar government has directed all districts and hospitals in the state to increase Covid-19 RT-PCR testing with random testing of arrivals at Patna, Gaya and Darbhanga airports. (with PTI inputs) The Information Fusion Centre(IFC), established in 2018 to enhance maritime safety and security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), has evolved into a vital conduit for communication and assistance for distressed maritime ships. The maritime agency, located in Gurugram, played a crucial role in the backend as the hijacking incident of (Malta-flagged Merchant Vessel) MV Ruen and another one involving Chem Pluto a vessel attacked en route to Mangalore on Saturdayunfolded by coordinating between the Navy and the ship owner. The Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), which acts as an information-sharing hub, can now boast several success stories where it worked as a reliable partner. Missile Strike Targets MV Chem Pluto At approximately 06:07 coordinated universal time (UTC) on December 23, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) received a report of an attack by an Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) on MV Chem Pluto, resulting in an explosion and fire. The incident occurred about 200 nautical miles southwest of Veraval, India. The IFC-IOR became operational soon after the alert. The MV Chem Pluto, which set sail from Saudi Arabia en route to Mangalore in India, encountered the incident and reportedly sustained damage. Despite no confirmed links to Israel, the ship may have assumed to have such connections, leading to the attack. IFC-IOR officials engaged with the shipping company, obtaining crucial details and maintaining communication with the crew. They gathered essential information about the attack, following which it was presumed to be a missile strike. Meanwhile, following the details and communication with IFC-IOR, the Indian Navy dispatched aircraft to assess the situation and confirm the safety of those on board. It was verified that the crew consisted of 21 Indians. The Indian Coast Guard also took swift action after getting the necessary information from IFC-IOR and a Dornier was deployed to the location, along with instructions for ICGS Vikram to head in that direction. The story doesnt end here. According to the latest updates, IFC-IOR officials remain in contact with the shipping company, crew, Indian Navy, and Indian Coast Guard. Aircraft from both the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard have reached the location and have confirmed the safety of the crew members. Rescue of Injured Crew Member from MV Ruen The MV Ruen incident is a paradigmatic example of how IFC-IOR assisted in rescuing an injured crew from a hijacked vessel. On December 14, perpetrators boarded and hijacked the vessel in the mid-Arabian Sea, 450 nautical miles east of the Socotra Islands, holding crew members hostage. These perpetrators hijacked a dhow operating off Somalia and used it to attack MV Ruen. IFC-IOR monitored a MAYDAY alert raised by MV Ruen on the Mercury Net and initiated a response through its international and national connections. In this incident, the Director of IFC-IOR, Captain Rohit Bajpai, personally coordinated not only with the Indian Navy but also communicated with the shipping company. Coordinates, along with several visible changes and patterns, were shared with relevant agencies. Furthermore, the Indian Navys assistance was sought, diverting a maritime patrol aircraft conducting surveillance in the area and its warship on an anti-piracy patrol in the Gulf of Aden to locate and assist MV Ruen. The chosen area for the attack by pirates was strategically distant from the embarkation/disembarkation point of private Marine Armed Security Personnel (PMASP) ex-floating armouries. The scene of the incident also had limited warship presence nearby. However, INS Kochi reached the vessel and began monitoring it from December 16 onwards. The crew was safely evacuated to the citadel or a safe house onboard the MV and communication was established with a naval maritime patrol aircraft. However, one crew member was reportedly injured by a gunshot. IFC-IOR once again served as a bridge, aiding the Indian Navy in establishing a negotiation channel with the pirates. Through joint efforts, the injured crew was successfully rescued before the vessel entered the territorial waters of Somalia. 25 Partner Nations with 12 ILOs The centre has established working-level linkages with more than 25 partner countries and 43 multinational constructs. To enable better correlation and information cycles, and provide timely inputs, the centre also hosts International Liaison Officers (ILOS) from partner nations. To date, the agency has hosted ILOs from 12 partner nations includingAustralia, France, Italy, Japan, Maldives, Mauritius, Myanmar, Seychelles, Singapore, Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. More ILOs from countries like Bangladesh are expected to join the team soon. A combined team of Indian Naval personnel and ILO, duly assisted by civil MDA Analysts, produced various publications such as Weekly Maritime Security Update (WMSU), Monthly Maritime Security Update (MMSU), half-yearly overview and annual reports. Additionally, monthly weather forecasts and weather warnings are also disseminated to the seafaring community. A retired senior police officer Mohammed Shafi Mir, a resident of Gantamulla Bala village in Jammu and Kashmirs Baramulla, was shot dead by terrorists while he was offering prayers inside a mosque on Sunday morning. Shafi Mir had been retired as the Superintendent of Police (SP). #WATCH | Baramulla, J&K: Area cordoned off after terrorists fired upon a retired police officer, Mohd Shafi, at Gantmulla, Sheeri Baramulla, while praying Azan in the mosque and succumbed to injuries.(Visuals deferred by unspecified time) https://t.co/2RZuD3G404 pic.twitter.com/iFR5DUNRkO ANI (@ANI) December 24, 2023 Terrorists fired upon Shri Mohd Shafi, a retired police officer at Gantmulla, Sheeri Baramulla, while praying Azan in the mosque and succumbed to injuries. The area has been cordoned off. Further details awaited, a statement by the police said. The last rites of Shafi Mir were being performed in Baramula. #WATCH | Jammu and Kashmir: Last rites of Mohd Shafi, a retired police officer, who was shot dead by terrorists today, are being performed in Baramulla pic.twitter.com/SRnme6WrWX ANI (@ANI) December 24, 2023 Congress spokesperson Ravinder Sharma condemned the murder saying this is not Jihad, this is the killing of humanity and sheer terrorism. Speaking to CNN-News18, he also said the incident exposed tall claims of the government that the situation has become normal in Kashmir. Reacting to the incident, National Conference (NC) chief patron Dr Farooq Abdullah took a dig at the Centre by saying the government claims normalcy in the Valley after the abrogation of article 370, but still, a terror-related incident happened unabated in Jammu and Kashmir. He also raised a question on the governments intention to hold elections in Jammu and Kashmir saying if elections could be held in Kargil, why does the government not hold municipal elections in the Valley? LG, Jammu and Kashmir called it a barbaric act and assured that the cowards responsible for it will not be spared. Pained beyond words on the dastardly terrorist attack on a retired police officer, Shri Mohammad Shafi Mir while he was giving a call for prayer in the mosque. Cowards responsible for this barbaric act will not be spared. My condolences to the bereaved family in this hour of grief, the office of Jammu and Kashmir LG said in an X post. The incident comes a day after the Indian Army thwarted an infiltration attempt at the International Border (IB) in Jammu killing at least one terrorist. A group of four heavily armed terrorists attempted to sneak across the IB in the Khour sector of Akhnoor when security forces guarding the IB engaged in firing on the infiltrating terrorists in the early hours of Saturday. Forests were set on fire by the Pakistani side to divert the Indian Army in the Khour area during the infiltration attempt by terrorists, sources told CNN-News18. Infiltration bid foiled in IB sector of Khour, Akhnoor. Suspected move of four terrorists seen through own surveillance devices on the night of 22/23 Dec 23. Effective fire brought down. Terrorists seen dragging one body back across the IB, White Knight Corps of the Indian Army said in an X post. Quota activist Manoj Jarange has announced that he will start an indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan in Mumbai from January 20 to intensify his demand of reservation for the Maratha community. However, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has urged people to exercise restraint and said the Supreme Court has accepted the curative petition filed by the state government on the Maratha reservation issue and scheduled a hearing on January 24. This has opened a window of hope for the community, the CM said in a video message. Jarange had given the state government time till December 24 to fulfil his demand of reservation for the Maratha community. Addressing a massive rally in Beed district of Marathwada region on Saturday, Jarange said, I will start an indefinite hunger strike at the Azad Maidan in Mumbai from January 20. It is difficult to suppress the Marathas. We will not return without getting reservation for the community. He claimed crores of people from the Maratha community will come to Mumbai on January 20. The quota activist said he will leave his Antarwali Sarati village in Jalna district on foot and reach Mumbai and members from the community will also join him. Meanwhile, in a video message, CM Shinde said the state governments legal team comprising a battery of efficient lawyers will present its view before the Supreme Court and make all efforts to prove that the Maratha community is socially and economically backward. The State Backward Class Commission has been gathering empirical data on a large scale on the Maratha community and its plight, he said. The CM asserted his government is committed to giving reservation to the Maratha community and urged people to observe restraint. He also said that quota benefits of other groups will remain untouched while giving reservation to the Marathas. Shinde said the previous Devendra Fadnavis-led government had given reservation to the Maratha community, which was upheld by the Bombay High Court. However, the Supreme Court struck it down as the Maha Vikas Aghadi government (led by Uddhav Thackeray) failed to prove its point before the court. The observations of the Supreme Court (while striking down the reservation) will be taken into cognisance while gathering empirical data about the Maratha community. This will help in presenting the case before the Supreme Court, the CM said. Ahead of the Christmas and New Year season, roads in Himachal Pradeshs Manali are witnessing traffic congestion as several tourists have started to flock to the popular hill station to spend the festive season. #WATCH | Himachal Pradesh: Traffic congestion and slow vehicular movement witnessed in Manali ahead of Christmas. pic.twitter.com/U5ZqBToDHc ANI (@ANI) December 24, 2023 Manali has always been a favourite tourist destination for people and people from all across the country visit there in large numbers, especially during the winter hoping to experience snowfall and spend the festive season with friends and family. Amidst the overcrowding by tourists, traffic snarls are reported in the region during this time, every year. This often creates problems for tourists and locals as they find themselves stuck amidst the massive traffic congestion. Vehicular movement was stalled after some areas near the Atal Tunnel received fresh snowfall on Saturday. The Atal Tunnel, an engineering marvel in the Himalayas, is a highway tunnel constructed under the Rohtang Pass in the eastern Pir Panjal range. Located on the Leh-Manali Highway in Himachal Pradesh, India, Atal Tunnel holds the distinction of being the longest single-tube highway tunnel situated above 10,000 feet, as per the Border Roads Organisations official website. As per an ANI report, police in Shimla district on Thursday said that a huge rush of visitors ahead of the year-end festivities was expected. The first-ever winter carnival to draw tourists to the state during this season has also been planned by the Mayor of Shimla City, in order to promote the traditions and culture of Himachal Pradesh. Tourists have already started arriving in the hilly state in large numbers in anticipation of snowfall in the exotic locales as the year draws to a close. Speaking to ANI, Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi, Superintendent of Police (SP) of Shimla, said, The police are expecting over one lakh tourist vehicles to roll into the hill town in the last week of this year. Christmas is an annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, commemorated on December 25 as a religious and cultural celebration by billions of people worldwide. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday said religion is not a method of worship, but a coordinated form of morality, moral values and duty. Addressing the convocation ceremony of Gautam Buddha University in Greater Noida, Adityanath invoked the teachings of Gautam Buddha, saying his life is not only inspirational but also shows a new path to the country and the world. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar was the chief guest at the ceremony. Adityanath said that Gautam Buddhas teachings inspire people to accept problems first in order to be able to find solutions and also to work as a team, adding that working under a single leader is more rewarding. Buddha gives the message of following the path of religion with wisdom and discretion and acquiring knowledge, he said. The chief minister said the convocation ceremony has come from the Gurukal tradition of India, in which a Guru, after teaching, preaches to his disciple that the essence of whatever knowledge they have acquired is to speak the truth and follow the path of religion. Buddha also says to take refuge in religion, he pointed out. Religion is not a method of worship, but a coordinated form of morality, moral values and duty. It remains the same in every country, time and situation. The method of worship varies according to the country, time and circumstances. But religion is an eternal system, Adityanath said. Buddha has asked each of his followers to acquire wisdom and prudence. Apart from this, he asked them to work with team spirit. Be it university, industry or family, teamwork always gives results. However, only that team, which works under one leadership, gives results. Buddhas teachings pave the way for the welfare of humanity, he added. During his address, the chief minister described the vice president as an ideal example of someone reaching from zero to zenith. The chief minister told the students, who received the degrees on Sunday, that endless possibilities awaited them after university, adding that the young generation has to decide the course of the welfare of the world. He also said educational institutions should not be reduced to become mere centres for distributing degrees. Educational institutions are built with the money received with the support of the society, so we should be grateful not only towards our mother, father and teachers, but also towards the society, he added. Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has said the state government will provide Rs 5 lakh accident insurance to gig workers such as those involved in food delivery, and driving cabs and autorickshaws. According to an official release on Saturday, he also assured the gig workers that the government would provide Rs 10 lakh health cover under the Rajiv Arogyasri scheme. Attending a meeting of cab and autorickshaw drivers and food delivery executives here, the chief minister said the state government will provide social security to workers in the unorganised sectors and will make a policy decision in this direction. Reddy promised that the state government would study the existing policy for gig workers in Rajasthan and introduce an effective law in the next state budget session, the release said. He also announced Rs 2 lakh financial assistance to the family of a food delivery executive who died four months ago after he fell from a building. The chief minister advised the cab and autorickshaw drivers and food delivery executives to submit their applications either online or physically in the Grama Sabhas to be organised from December 28 to January 6, the release said. IT and Industries minister D Sridhar Babu was among those who attended the meeting. More than four months after 18 patients died in 24 hours at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Hospital in Maharashtras Thane, the citys civic administration has suspended two doctors for dereliction of duty, an official said on Sunday. Thane is the home turf of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and the large number of patient deaths on August 12 and 13 at the civic-run facility had prompted the opposition to target the government, alleging mismanagement. According to a spokesperson of the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC), an assistant doctor and an associate doctor have been suspended for dereliction of duty in connection with the single-day deaths. Amid political bickering over the deaths, CM Shinde had ordered the constitution of a high-level committee to probe the matter. The committees report was tabled during the recent winter session of the assembly, said an official. A source in TMC said that show-cause notices have been issued to a few doctors and senior management personnel in connection with the patient deaths on August 12-13. Earlier, officials had said that some of the patients arrived at the Kalwa hospital in a critical stage and they succumbed during treatment. Some were elderly, they had said. Former Thane mayor Naresh Mhakse, who is also spokesperson of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, had said that the hospital was over loaded and was treating 650 patients per day against a capacity of 500 at the time. However, NCP leader and MLA from the region Jitendra Awhad had alleged that the hospital was mismanaged and asked the administration to set things right before it was too late. A senior professor of IIT-Kanpur has died after suffering a cardiac arrest while he was delivering a lecture during an alumni meet at the institute. According to institute authorities, 53-year-old Sameer Khandekar collapsed on the dais while addressing the gathering on Friday. Khandekar, who was the dean of student affairs and the head of the mechanical engineering department, was immediately rushed to the hospital where he was declared dead upon arrival. Khandekar was reportedly diagnosed with high cholesterol levels about five years ago. Khandekar was delivering a lecture when he felt severe chest pain and started sweating profusely, according to former IIT-Kanpur Director Abhay Karandikar. Before anyone could make sense of what was happening, he collapsed on the stage, Karandikar added. Talking to news agency PTI over the phone from Delhi, Karandikar also expressed shock over Khandekars sudden demise, whom he described as an outstanding teacher and researcher. He said the body has been kept at the IIT-Kanpurs health centre and final rites would be performed only after the arrival of his only son Pravah Khandekar who is studying at Cambridge University. Over the years, single malts have become a favourite of whisky connoisseurs, especially because of its unique flavours and characters. Every brand has its unique characteristics which makes it a fan favourite. Indian single malts too have created quite an impact globally of late. Here are some fine spirits, the best amongst the best single malts that one can choose from.So choose one year end merry making as per your taste. Make sure your bar is stocked up with them, and ensure free flowing drinks and conversations. GianChand Premium Single Malt WhiskyFrom the house of DeVANS, GC is distilled in Jammu, capturing the essence of the climate, minerals and water of the region located on the foothills of Himalaya. Among other factors, the unique taste of GC is attributed to the specially designed copper pots with long swan necks where it is aged. It has distinct peaty fruity notes that lend it a very unique taste, making it truly unmatchable. The bold yet classy bottle packaging ensures that the whisky looks like it is worth million dollars. It has gone on to become a global favourite even as noted whisky critic, Jim Murray hailed it as the best single malt from India he has tasted in recent times. A Good Old-Fashioned Christmas WhiskyThis fruity single malt was aged exclusively in ex-sherry casks laid down 15 years ago at a Speyside distillery. Theyve created a rich dram with nostalgic flavours of fruit cake, clementines, hazelnuts and plum pudding by carefully mixing these casks together. It has an old-fashioned profile that resembles traditional sherried malts from the past, as the name suggests. This limited-edition whisky is ideal for everyone who appreciates great spirits and is best enjoyed with friends and family in front of the Christmas tree. The Singleton of GlendullanThe Singleton Single Malt Scotch Whisky, which hails from the country of scotch, is available in three distinct flavours: 12 Years Old Luscious Nectar, 15 Years Old Fruity Decadence, and 18 Years Old Sublimely Smooth. While it has a pleasant fruity flavour, it is also thick and warmly spicy. The Singleton of Glendullan comes in a bold 750 ml bottle and has a 40% abv. To achieve a balance, it is primarily aged in American oak casks, with a small part of this whisky is also aged in European oak casks. Paul John NirvanaPaul John Nirvana dresses in a deep red tone, replicating a compelling expression for the beaches of Goa, Indias tourism centre. The nose of this one entices your senses with excellent honeycombed bourbon and some delectable fruitcake. It has a lovely flavour, with vanilla notes and salt-tinged barley on the palate, and a deeply scented honey on the finish. This unpeated single malt whisky with 40% abv, matured in high quality oak casks, promises to be a true embodiment of Goan flavour. The whisky is said to have a young, raw malt flavour. Amrut FusionAmrut Fusion, one of Indias pioneering single malts, is hailed as a cracking whisky with abundant aromas of honey, fresh fruits, and spices. Yes, the adventure of Indian single malts began with this wonderful whisky, which has barley-sugar aromas masked by a whiff of smoke. The single malt whisky, which has won multiple honours, is made in Bengaluru and is said to have a rich flavour. It is blended with spices, which contribute significantly to the unique finish of this spirit. Laphroaig Scotch 10 YearsThis will be an investment in which you will be pleased. Laphroaig creates single malts using centuries-old traditions and expert distillers whose passion will captivate all. It is made with malted barley and cold-smoked before being dried over a peat fire. The powerful, smoky aroma offers a delightful surprise in every sip, flowing with notes of seaweed and peat. It is full-bodied and has a powerful finish, making it ideal for special occasions. Laphroaig 10 Year OldThe 10 year old Laphroaig is a full-bodied, smokeydrink with a residual sweetness and a tinge of salt among the seaweedy, peaty flavours before a long warming finish. It is a traditional dram with surprising sweetness, a salty undertone as well as peaty flavours. With a smoky smell, it has seaweedy, medicinal fragrance, with a hint of sweetness.The sparkling gold colored drink is very different from anything that you have ever tried before. China has seen a decline in acute respiratory illnesses, a trend that is expected to continue in the coming week, a health official said on Sunday. Christmas is just around the corner, and the excitement among kids worldwide is palpable as they eagerly await the arrival of Santa Claus. Interestingly, Santa Claus has been on the radar of the North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD) since the 1950s. NORAD, a binational organization responsible for aerospace warning, air sovereignty, and security for both Canada and the United States (US), has a unique tradition of tracking Santa. This practice originated in 1955 through NORADs predecessor organization, the Continental Air Defence Command (CONAD). ALSO READ: Merry Christmas 2023: Xmas Wishes, Images, Greetings, Quotes, Messages to Share on WhatsApp and Facebook on December 25 After seeing a newspaper advertisement instructing children to call Santa, a child dialled the phone number of the CONAD Operations Centre. At the time, Harry Shoup, the Director of Operations for CONAD, answered the phone and instructed staff to check the radar for signs of Santa making his way south from the North Pole. ALSO READ: Christmas 2023: Xmas Date, Origin, Traditions, History, 10 Facts, and How to Celebrate This gave birth to a tradition in which NORAD reports Santas location on December 24 every year. Since then, the organisation has established the NORAD Tracks Santa website, which allows children and adults all over the world to track Santas location. While the tradition of tracking Santa began purely by accident, NORAD continues to track Santa. Were the only organisation that has the technology, the qualifications, and the people to do it. And, we love it! NORAD is honoured to be Santas official tracker! NORADs official website reads. ALSO READ: 101+ Christmas Wishes to Melt Your Heart (and Fill Your Card!) Check how to use the Track Santa feature on Google and NORAD. HOW TO TRACK SANTA CLAUS ON NORAD To track Santa with the help of NORAD, visit noradsanta.org. Upon entering the website, youll be welcomed by a captivating 3D simulation of Santa and his sleigh, pulled by reindeer, making their way across the globe. The tracker provides real-time information on Santas last known location, his upcoming destinations, and the number of gifts he has delivered. TRACKING SANTA CLAUS USING GOOGLE It should come as no surprise that Google, which operates the most widely used search engine globally, can track Santa even without the advanced aerospace tracking capabilities of NORAD. Visit https://santatracker.google.com/ to use Googles Santa tracker. Googles Santa tracker is limited to 2D tracking, with an animated Santa and his sleigh travelling the globe, unlike NORADs tracker. Important data is also shown by Googles tracker, including the distance travelled, the gifts delivered, and Santas next destination. December 25 is celebrated as Christmas everywhere across the world. Blue sapphire is one of the hardest and most alluring gemstones in the world. From rings to necklaces, earrings and bracelets, their deep, rich hue, robustness and timeless beauty make them a popular choice for jewellery enthusiasts. In addition to its positive and protective effects in astrology, it is also considered a powerful gemstone that symbolises wisdom, divine favour, and nobility. This precious gemstone comes in various shades of blue, ranging from light to dark blue. This stylish blue sapphire is found in various locations around the world, including Kashmir, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Madagascar. It is worth noting that Kashmir is well-known for its velvety blue sapphires. During an interview with HT Lifestyle, the Head of Jewellery and Product Insights at March Jewellery, Latika Kapoor, gave some tips to consider when shopping for a blue sapphire to ensure you make the right choice of the perfect gemstone: Quality Assessment:Examine the cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight of the sapphire. For maximum brilliance, go for a rich, vibrant blue hue with exceptional clarity and a well-proportioned cut. Colour Grading:Take note of the colour grading system for blue sapphires. A rich, velvety blue without any overtones of green or grey is the most desirable colour. Avoid stones that are too dark or too light. Clarity Examination:Look for any visible inclusions or imperfections in the sapphire. Even though the majority of natural sapphires contain some inclusions, choose a stone with minimal eye-visible flaws for the best overall appearance. Cut Considerations:The colour and brilliance of a well-cut blue sapphire will be enhanced. Look for a cut that is proportional and symmetrical and that allows light to reflect optimally, resulting in a striking gemstone. Certification and origin:Blue sapphires should be purchased from reputable jewellers that offer an authenticity certificate. Also, ask about the sapphires origin, as stones from certain regions, such as Kashmir or Ceylon, are highly sought-after sapphires. In addition to that, Director at Kohinoor Jewellers in Agra, Milind Mathur, also recommended a few tips to buy a perfect blue sapphire: Most travellers, while touring Europe, tend to cover all the famous and major cities like Paris (France) and Rome (Italy). The glamour of cities like Venice and Florence (both in Italy) is well documented, but there are small towns in Italy that are the dreamiest getaways. These places offer quintessential Italian charm and attract fewer travellers. These towns are not just Instagram-worthy but also offer vibrant facades and historic charm. From the Sicilian seaside escapes to the perfect Tuscan hamlets, we have gathered a few of the beautiful towns in Italy that you can add to your itinerary for your next trip around the country. Assisi, Umbria This ancient town lies in the rolling hills of Umbria and has historical significance. The place is also the birthplace of Italys patron saint, St. Francis. The town has been a pilgrimage site for years and has been attracting devotees to the 13th-century Basilica di San Francesco. Polignano a Mare, Apulia The tiny town of Polignano a Mare is located on a limestone cliff that slices into the ocean. Also known as the Pearl of the Adriatic, it is considered to be one of the most romantic spots in all of Puglia. You can explore the sandy bays and inlets via boats and the towns whitewashed streets. Cinque Terre, Manarola Cinque Terre is one of the tiniest cities in Italy. The place is a postcard-perfect sight filled with a rainbow of brightly coloured homes, placed one on top of another above the indigo Ligurian Sea. The place has steeply terraced vineyards, which look like they are straight out of an old Italian movie. Sovana, Tuscany Sovana is a perfectly preserved, off-the-radar Tuscan village in Maremma. The period of sandy stone architecture will definitely take you back in history. You can explore the historical monuments, art-filled Romanesque churches and fabulous Etruscan tombs. Cefalu, Sicily Cefalu is an hours drive from Palermo. The mediaeval town of Cefalu is so postcard-pretty that it has even been featured in many films, like Cinema Paradiso. The town has many mosaic-adorned cathedrals. You can walk along its picturesque seafront promenade and catch the sunset from the towering La Rocca. Arbaaz Khan seemingly confirms hes getting married again. The actor, who was married to Malaika Arora, is rumoured to be getting married again. It is reported that he is marrying makeup artist Shura Khan in an intimate ceremony today, December 24. Although Arbaaz and the Khan family is tight lipped about the news, Arbaaz made an appearance at the Umang 2023 ceremony and seemingly confirmed the rumours of his wedding. In a video shared a paparazzo, Arbaaz was seen walking on the red carpet of the event when the paparazzi began teasing him and congratulating him on his second wedding. Arbaaz was seen thanking them but quickly put a finger on his lips, gesturing that hes going to remain quiet, when the paparazzi asked him details about the wedding venue and what time they should come down to capture him and his bride. Last week, a source told News18 that Arbaaz is getting married again this weekend. Arbaaz and Shura are extremely serious about their relationship and will get hitched very soon. Its supposed to be an intimate affair with family and a few close friends, the insider said. Arbaaz and Shura met on the sets of his upcoming film, Patna Shukla, which might release next year. Going by Shuras Instagram, she works as Raveena Tandon and her daughter, Rasha Thadanis make-up artist. We reached out to Arbaazs team regarding the same but they remained unavailable for a comment. Arbaaz Khan was previously married to Malaika Arora for 19 years. The couple tied the knot in 1998 but announced their separation in March 2016 and officially got divorced in May 2017. They share a son together. Later, Arbaaz was dating Giorgia Andriani. He had confirmed his relationship with her in 2019. But recently there were rumours that the couple had broken up last year. Georgia confirmed the same in an interview when she said, We were friends, we were like best friends. I will always have feelings for him. I will always do. Arbaaz Khan has finally tied the knot with Shura Khan and the news was confirmed by Raveena Tandon. She took to her social handle to share the good news and also posted a throwback video. The actor along with his family members have arrived for the wedding. Many celebrities including Riteish Deshmukh was seen at the ceremony. Raveena Tandon wrote, Mubarak Mubarak Mubarak!!! My darlings @sshurakhan and @arbaazkhanofficial ! So surreal! So so Happy for both of you! Abhi toh party shuru hui hai!!!! Mrs and Mr Shurra Arbaaz Khan! In the video, both Raveena and Arbaaz are seen dancing their heart out. Looks like it is from an old party. Watch the video here: Salman Khan wearing a brown colour kurta and he did not pose for the camera. He was seen entering the house for the ceremony. Bride Shura Khan was also seen arriving. She looked very pretty in a pink colour bridal dress. Arbaaz Khans son Arhaan Khan was seen. The young Khan made a stylish and dapper appearance as he attended the Nikaah in a classic black ensemble. Watch the video here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Raveena Tandon (@officialraveenatandon) Earlier, Alvira along with her husband Atul was seen. Helen, Salma Khan and Salim Khan were seen arriving for the wedding. Salman Khan also attended. Arbaazs son Arhaan Khan also came. Last week, a source told News18 that Arbaaz is getting married again this weekend. Arbaaz and Shura are extremely serious about their relationship and will get hitched very soon. Its supposed to be an intimate affair with family and a few close friends, the insider said. Arbaaz and Shura met on the sets of his upcoming film, Patna Shukla, which might release next year. Going by Shuras Instagram, she works as Raveena Tandon and her daughter, Rasha Thadanis make-up artist. We reached out to Arbaazs team regarding the same but they remained unavailable for a comment. Earlier, Arbaaz was dating Giorgia Andriani. He had confirmed his relationship with her in 2019. But recently there were rumours that the couple had broken up last year. Georgia confirmed the same in an interview when she said, We were friends, we were like best friends. I will always have feelings for him. I will always do. Sandeep Reddy Vanga said there was only one thing that Ranbir Kapoor said no to in Animal. The actor worked with the Telugu filmmaker for the first time in Animal and has done a number of bold scenes, including baring it all for the camera and filming intimate scenes with Triptii Dimri. Sandeep, in a new interview, said that Ranbir did not object to any scene or dialogue but was not only with the tag superstar associated to his name in the title credits of the film. He didnt like it at all. I was going to place the superstar tag in the audio teaser. He saw and he said, Nahi, ye nikal do. They do it in the South but not here. I told him, Ranbir, this is my feeling, my conviction. Through the three years weve worked together, that was the only thing Ranbir refused to. He never said no for anything. By the time the poster came in, I told him, If you say no also, I am going to put it. That is my feeling, that he is a superstar, Sandeep told Komal Nahta in an interview. I have seen his movies in Hyderabad and I have noticed the crowd cheer for him. I feel that only a star gets that welcome. Without a reason I had that feeling, you cannot reason out a few things. I felt like giving him the superstar tag. No one asked me why we gave him that tag. He is not on social media. If you want to see him, you have to give money over the counter and see him (in theatres). He doesnt do many ads either so thats a star na, he added. Animal has emerged as Ranbirs biggest film of his career. The film has collected over Rs 500 crore in India. Sunny Deol delivered one of the biggest blockbusters of his career with Gadar 2. The actor who had a fallout with Shah Rukh Khan after Yash Chopras 1993 classic Darr, has recently opened up about his current equations with the actor as Darr completed 30 years on Sunday. Speaking with the news agency PTI, Sunny Deol shared, Im so thankful to him (Shah Rukh). I remember speaking to him and he was in Dubai for the promotions (of Jawan). I thought he wouldnt come but he came straight from there. He was there for a little while. I didnt get a chance to meet or speak to him after that (party) but whenever I do it would be beautiful. He added, We as actors have certain things (that happen) over a period of time. When we are younger, we are a bit different, and as time goes by, we start maturing and we start understanding what life is in reality. All of us have changed quite a lot. Thats the beautiful thing about it. Time is a healer of everything. During his appearance on Koffee With Karan Season 8, Sunny spilled the beans on his comeback movie Gadar 2, his equation with step sisters Ahana and Esha Deol and what he doesnt like about his contemporaries. Sunny said that he disliked how SRK has made actors a commodity. He is very hardworking. What I dont like about him is making the actors a commodity, Sunny said. Karan exclaimed Oh god, upon hearing the Gadar 2 stars response. In September, Sunny Deol reflected on his fallout with Shah Rukh Khan on the sets of Darr (1993). The actor did not speak with SRK for 16 years after he disagreed with the climax of the film. Sunny had revealed in the past that he had a heated discussion with director Yash Chopra about the climax and ripped off his pants in anger. He said his issue with Darr was that the film glorified the villain and he was unaware of it. However, Sunny pulled the plug on the feud by not only inviting Shah Rukh Khan to the success party of Gadar 2 but also posing with him for the cameras. The actors were seen hugging, thus assuring fans that they moved on from the past and shared a good bond now. Sunny Deol delivered one of the biggest blockbusters of his career with Gadar 2. The actor who is all set to collaborate with Aamir Khan for his next has time and again spoken about his fondness for the three Khans. In another recent interaction, Sunny Deol explained how he has developed a special connection with Salman Khan. During an interview with the news agency PTI, Sunny Deol shared, We spent nearly two-three hours in Goa. We were laughing and joking about just in general, we were happy with how things are. We also spoke about doing something together. He (Salman) was very happy. I remember he had called me once and how emotional he was and he said how much he loves me. Thats the kind of connection we have. In the same interview, Sunny Deol also opened up about Shah Rukh Khan, Im so thankful to him (Shah Rukh). I remember speaking to him and he was in Dubai for the promotions (of Jawan). I thought he wouldnt come but he came straight from there. He was there for a little while. I didnt get a chance to meet or speak to him after that (party) but whenever I do it would be beautiful. We as actors have certain things (that happen) over a period of time. When we are younger, we are a bit different, and as time goes by, we start maturing and we start understanding what life is in reality. All of us have changed quite a lot. Thats the beautiful thing about it. Time is a healer of everything, he stated. Sunny Deol has been in the news since the release of Gadar 2 earlier this year. The film was released 22 years after the first film dropped. Gadar 2 brought back Indias most loved family Tara, Sakeena, and re-introduced their son, Jeete. Set against the backdrop of the Indo-Pakistan war in 1971, the film revolved around the love of Tara Singh and Sakeena and the strong father-son bond between Tara Singh and Charanjeet. In the latter sequel, Jeete lands in Pakistan and ends up being caught and tortured. Tara Singh saves him. The film brought back Sunny as Tara and Ameesha Patel as Sakeena. The film was a massive hit. Gadar 2 collected Rs 685 Crore in India alone and Sunny had hosted a star-studded party which was attended by Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan. Ehsanullah Ehsan, a former spokesman of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), has accused the Pakistani Army and, in particular, its Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) of providing special hospitality to scores of high-profile leaders of the Islamic State of Khorasan extremist group, also called Daesh. This allegation made in an article written by Ehsan comes in the backdrop of Pakistani governments widespread crackdown to deport hundreds of thousands of Afghan refugees from its territory to coerce the Afghan Taliban government in Kabul into taking action against TTP. The latter has emerged as a formidable threat to Pakistans internal security. Even if Ehsans allegations are kept aside on account of originating from a spokesperson of an extremist group, there are serious questions about the Pakistani establishments historical reliance on non-state actors to further its foreign policy goals. It has shaped the countrys geopolitical landscape and ensured the Army maintains an upper hand in deciding the regional policy of the country and by extension provides it a means of control over the state institutions. While many argue that Islamabads adoption of this policy dates to Soviet occupation of Afghanistan starting in 1979, its roots, in essence, extend back to Pakistans emergence from British India in 1947. The countrys use of non-state actors was intricately linked to its quest for asymmetric methods to counter its larger adversary, India, during its formative years as an independent state. For instance, within three months of its establishment, Pakistan mobilised thousands of tribal militiamen who launched an invasion of Jammu and Kashmir on 22 October 1947. This action was in gross violation of its standstill agreement with Maharaja Hari Singh, the then ruler of the princely state, who was keen on joining India. This explicit use of non-state actors aimed to fulfil the foreign policy objective of annexing Kashmir and change the facts on the ground amidst the redrawing of the Indian subcontinent. Despite the setback of failure in 1948 to accomplish this objective, Pakistan pursued Operation Gibraltar, discreetly inserting hundreds of its military personnel disguised as militants into Kashmir, aiming to foment what could be construed as an internal insurgency against India. This trend of proxy utilisation persisted over time, gaining momentum particularly in the late 1980s when Pakistan redirected hundreds of fighters who had returned from Afghanistan into Kashmir, resulting in numerous civilian casualties. The strategic use of proxy actors gained prominence during the Afghan-Soviet War in the 1980s, a period deeply entrenched within the broader Cold War dynamics between the US-led capitalist bloc and the Soviet-led Communist bloc. In this war, Pakistan, under General Zia-ul-Haq who Islamised state institutions, assumed a frontline role in organising and training anti-Soviet Mujahideen forces through its powerful Army. The success of the Afghan campaign brought first dividends to Pakistan and is the reason being considered as the inception of Islamabads strategic alliance with non-state actors to achieve regional goals. Non-state actors in essence offer unique advantages to their state sponsors, with their independence from official government structures allowing plausible deniability, enabling the pursuit of objectives without direct attribution or accountability. For Pakistan, these proxy groups served as a potent lever to disrupt regional stability and exert pressure on neighbouring countries, notably Afghanistan, a tactic that endured until the downfall of the Afghan Taliban, supported by Islamabad in August 2021. With Afghan Taliban back in power in Afghanistan, Pakistan appears to have successfully courted the Islamic State Khorasan leadership as a counterweight to Kabul to exert pressure as and when required. This can be demonstrated by gradual decline of the terror acts committed by the Daesh in Pakistan and a surge in their violence inside Afghanistan since the last few years. Interestingly, most of the attacks have been attributed to TTP and Baloch nationalists, with Islamabad accusing the Afghan Taliban of extending their patronage to these groups. This is a classic case of blowback that Pakistan has suffered with its own patronised group turning against it, symbolising the double-edged sword nature of these relations. Therefore, the allegations that the hospitality extended to Daesh extremists across Pakistan by the ISI and Army does not come as a surprise. With the return of the Afghan Taliban to power in Afghanistan, it seems Islamabad has strategically and successfully courted the leadership of the Islamic State Khorasan, possibly to exert pressure on Kabul when deemed necessary like the current standoff between the Pakistani government and Afghan Taliban. Notably, there are reports circulating about a covert Dobari Agreement between the Pakistani Army and Daesh, in which the extremist group has purportedly committed to scaling down its violence within Pakistans borders. More importantly, this agreement outlines an exemption for military entities as Daesh targets within Pakistan, shedding light on why the few attacks that have been attributed to this have predominantly focused on the sectarian targets. This shift becomes evident through the gradual decrease in Daesh-led terror activities within Pakistan, juxtaposed against a noticeable surge in their violent actions inside Afghanistan over recent years. This assumes significance in the light of international media reporting a gradual increase in the presence of Islamic State Khorasan militants in Pakistans tribal regions. However, what is noteworthy is that despite this, an overwhelming 90 percent of the 300 attacks recorded in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province in 2023 have been attributed to the TTP, prompting Islamabad to accuse the Afghan Taliban of extending an umbrella of support to these groups. Furthermore, the bulk of military actions have been directed towards the TTP and Baloch nationalist groups. This narrative aligns with the speculation that Pakistan might be nurturing ISKP leaders as a strategic counterbalance to the Afghan Taliban, potentially leveraging them as a means to coerce Kabul into adhering to Islamabads directives while curbing the influence of groups like TTP. In the light of these allegations and assertions, it is not surprising that Pakistan continues to rely on its much-tested policy of using non-state actors to achieve its regional objectives. However, this has come at the cost of regional instability whose ramifications have also been a blowback to Pakistan itself through various groups turning rogue and creating internal insecurity. While this should have served as a lesson for the Pakistani policymakers, yet unfortunately, it appears they refuse to learn from their historical blunders. The writer is an author and columnist and has written several books. He tweets @ArunAnandLive. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. The Bharatiya Janata Party has set a target of achieving a 50 per cent vote share in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections. To reach the target, the party will start cluster meetings after January 15 and Yuva Morcha will hold 5000 conferences across the country. This was decided in the two-day meeting of BJP national office-bearers concluded on Saturday. In this meeting, it was concluded that the party will run a campaign across the country to connect with new voters. The BJP will also organise programmes at booth level to connect with new voters. According to sources privy to the development, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has asked all the officials in the meeting to ensure a bumper victory margin in the Lok Sabha elections. For this, public meetings will be organized by dividing Lok Sabhas across the country into clusters. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and BJP President JP Nadda will address public meetings in these clusters. Moreover, BJPs Yuva Morcha will start new voter conferences on January 24. The partys youth wing is tasked to organise 5,000 conferences across the country. Along with this, social conferences will also be organised across the country. It was said in the meeting that party leaders should not wait for the announcement of the list of candidates. Every BJP leader must now gear up to ensure victory by a record margin in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Along with this, BJP has decided to run a campaign for Ram Mandir celebrations starting January 1, in which BJP workers will go door to door in all the villages across the country and encourage ten crore families to participate in Diya Lightning programs for Ram Temple in Ayodhya. (With ANI Inputs) A woman lights a candle outside the building of the Faculty of Arts of Charles University in Prague, the Czech Republic, Dec. 23, 2023. The Czech Republic on Saturday mourned the victims of a university shooting in the capital Prague that has left 14 people dead. On Thursday, a 24-year-old student from the faculty shot and killed 14 people before committing suicide. The tragic incident also left 25 others injured, among whom, three were foreigners, according to police. (Xinhua/Deng Yaomin) PRAGUE, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- The Czech Republic on Saturday mourned the victims of a university shooting in the capital Prague that has left 14 people dead. Czech flags flew at half-mast at official and public institutions. At noon, church bells rang across the country, and people observed a minute of silence in memory of the victims of the shooting at the Faculty of Arts of Charles University. Saturday has been declared a state mourning day by the government. In Prague, people came in the rain to the faculty's building in the city center, placing candles and flowers outside the building. A memorial service was also held in the St. Vitus Cathedral at Prague Castle. Christmas markets in some Czech cities have also canceled or reduced their programs. On Thursday, a 24-year-old student from the faculty shot and killed 14 people before committing suicide. The tragic incident also left 25 others injured, among whom, three were foreigners, according to police. Following the shooting, police on Friday tightened nationwide preventive measures concerning schools and other so-called soft targets. Czech Interior Minister Vit Rakusan has called the shooting "a terrible act, unprecedented in the history of the Czech Republic," adding that there is no indication that the shooting was linked to "international terrorism." Before this latest incident, the most devastating mass shooting in the Czech Republic occurred in 2015, when a gunman unleashed gunfire in the southeastern town of Uhersky Brod, claiming eight lives before fatally shooting himself. People light candles outside the building of the Faculty of Arts of Charles University in Prague, the Czech Republic, Dec. 23, 2023. The Czech Republic on Saturday mourned the victims of a university shooting in the capital Prague that has left 14 people dead. On Thursday, a 24-year-old student from the faculty shot and killed 14 people before committing suicide. The tragic incident also left 25 others injured, among whom, three were foreigners, according to police. (Xinhua/Deng Yaomin) People hug as they observe a minute of silence near the building of the Faculty of Arts of Charles University in Prague, the Czech Republic, Dec. 23, 2023. The Czech Republic on Saturday mourned the victims of a university shooting in the capital Prague that has left 14 people dead. On Thursday, a 24-year-old student from the faculty shot and killed 14 people before committing suicide. The tragic incident also left 25 others injured, among whom, three were foreigners, according to police. (Xinhua/Deng Yaomin) People observe a minute of silence near the building of the Faculty of Arts of Charles University in Prague, the Czech Republic, Dec. 23, 2023. The Czech Republic on Saturday mourned the victims of a university shooting in the capital Prague that has left 14 people dead. On Thursday, a 24-year-old student from the faculty shot and killed 14 people before committing suicide. The tragic incident also left 25 others injured, among whom, three were foreigners, according to police. (Xinhua/Deng Yaomin) Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday alleged industries and businesses from Maharashtra are being snatched to make Gujarat stronger. He also expressed apprehensions that north Indian migrants settled in Mumbai and nearby areas will be forced to shift to Gujarat for employment. Addressing a public event of north Indians in Mira Bhayander area, Thackeray said, Most of you are assimilated with local people like sugar and milk. But be watchful, someone will add salt to spoil this relationship. Shiv Sena is always proud of its Hindutva but it was never about hating other religions. You came to Mumbai in search of work, you made immense efforts and settled here. Now, you will be forced to shift to Gujarat for employment, he said. Thackeray told the gathering to chant Jai Shri Ram to end dictatorship. PM Narendra Modi was in Gujarat around 10 days back. The business activity here is now being taken to Gujarat to strengthen that state. If he wants to make Gujarat stronger, he can do it, but not by snatching our businesses, the former Maharashtra chief minister said. The Jadavpur University has decided to go ahead with the annual convocation ceremony on Sunday to confer degrees to over 5,000 undergraduate, postgraduate, MPhil and PhD students, despite Raj Bhavans sudden decision to remove officiating vice-chancellor Buddhadeb Sau from the post. Soon after West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose removed Sau from his post on disciplinary grounds, West Bengal Education Minister Bratya Basu accused the Raj Bhavan of destroying the higher education ambience in the state. Trinamool Congress-led state government on Saturday night also wrote a letter to the Registrar of Jadavpur University saying Sau will continue as VC. The governor, who is the chancellor of all state-run universities, took the decision on Saturday on the eve of the annual convocation of the premier varsity of West Bengal. Guv Accuses VC Of Defying SC Orders As per sources, the chancellor got complaints that the VC was defying the Supreme Courts orders. Chancellor said no VC will be allowed to defy the Supreme Court of India. Supreme Court is our ultimate hope. An enquiry committee will be constituted to enquire into the serious allegations against VC. Public money incurred on this unauthorised convocation will be recovered from the salary of the VC and others responsible, said sources privy to the development. They further said that students approached the Chancellors office with complaints that they had to spend the hard-earned money of their poor parents to come for the illegal convocation convened by VC under political pressure. The Chancellors office has sought legal opinion on whether the money can be recovered from the VC and political forces which pressurised him to convene the illegal convocation, they added. Further, the sources said that strict legal action will be taken against former JU international relations department head Om Prakash Mishra over charges of corruption, swindling and harassment Mishra, who is also a former VC of North Bengal University, is currently the spokesperson of the pro-Trinamool Congress Educationists Forum. The Chancellor is determined that he will clean up the universities as per law and the decisions of the Supreme Court of India. Chancellor is convinced that universities in West Bengal and students studying there are better than the best. He will not allow corruption, politics, or violence to destroy the great universities of Bengal, added sources. State Vs Guv Sau had apparently earned the wrath of Raj Bhavan for going ahead with the convocation of the university, which is held on December 24 every year, on the scheduled date despite Bose not having given consent to the function citing legal issues. However, despite the governors order, all officials and heads of departments have been asked to reach the university by 9 am for convocation, a report by Times of India said quoting sources. The higher education department had given the go ahead to JU for holding the convocation after both Sau and Registrar Snehamanju Basu had called upon Basu. In a post on X on Saturday, Basu said, I have come to know from media reports that the professor authorised to exercise the powers of the vice chancellor of Jadavpur University has been removed by the governor. It appears that he is hell-bent on destroying the higher education ambience in the state. For that, he is not only disregarding the advice of the elected state government, but he has also stooped to a new low by disrespecting the interim judgement of the Highest Court of the land. To maintain the status quo in the universities. He has bared his fangs and nails, Basu added. Holding the convocation is important and crucial for the future of students and the university fraternity is exploring the legal and technical issues involved, Jadavpur University Executive Council member and leader of All Bengal University Teachers Association Goutam Maity said. Sau was only working to facilitate that the JU convocation is held on the scheduled date as demanded by the students and others. The higher education department responded after being approached by students. Lets hope the Honble governor will see to it that there is no impasse and students dont suffer, he added. Maity also said it appears that Sau had been mandated to oversee the convocation arrangements by the universitys decision-making bodies. (With PTI Inputs) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday said Visva-Bharati should not be run in an autocratic manner. Banerjee virtually inaugurated from Kolkata the Poush Mela in Santiniketan in Birbhum district. The heritage fair is being held after a gap of three years. It was not organised in the first two years due to COVID-19, and in the third year due to infrastructural problems cited by authorities of the central university. We wont allow anyone to pollute this place associated with Rabindranath Tagore. Visva-Bharati should not be run in an autocratic manner. Each and every student and ashramite should be given equal respect, she said. Banerjees comments seemed to allude to the controversy-ridden tenure of former vice chancellor Bidyut Chakraborty, who had frequent run-ins with a section of the students and faculty over certain academic and administrative actions, including the suspension of student leaders and senior members of faculty. His tenure also saw a land controversy involving Nobel laureate Amartya Sen and the university and omission of Tagores name from the commemorative plaque installed by the institute after UNESCO honour to Santiniketan. The state came forward to organise the five-day Poush Mela after Visva-Bharati and Santiniketan Trust, who had been hosting it traditionally for years, opted out in the first week of December saying there was not much time left to organise a fair of such scale and traders and locals approached the administration. (Reuters) OpenAI is in early talks to raise a fresh round of funding at a valuation at or above $100 billion, Bloomberg News reported on Friday, citing people with knowledge of the matter. The terms, valuation and timing of the funding round have not yet been finalized and could still change, the report said. OpenAI has also held discussions to raise funding for a new chip venture with Abu Dhabi-based G42, according to the report. It is unclear if the chip venture and wider company funding were related, the report said, adding that OpenAI has discussed raising between $8 billion and $10 billion from G42. OpenAI is set to complete a separate tender offer led by Thrive Capital in early January, which would allow employees to sell shares at a valuation of $86 billion, according to the report. Microsoft has committed to invest over $10 billion in OpenAI, which kicked off the generative artificial intelligence craze in November 2022 by releasing ChatGPT. Microsoft said it had nothing to share when contacted by Reuters. OpenAI did not respond to a Reuters request for comment. ChatGPT, a chatbot which can generate human-like responses based on user prompts, has helped AI's popularity and fueled a meteoric rise in the valuation of San Francisco-based OpenAI. The company has previously made a $300 million share sale at a valuation of $30 billion. In late November, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said Microsoft would take a non-voting, observer position on the company's board. OpenAI had ousted Altman on Nov. 17 without any detailed cause, setting off alarm bells among investors and employees. He was reinstated four days later with the promise of a new board. 2023 has been a year of iterative updates for the smartphone industry. If you take a quick look at all the major releases this year, you might get the impression that theres nothing truly groundbreaking or new in terms of design. And thats partly true. The trends have remained the same; yes, foldables have started becoming more mainstream, but its more or less the same story that we saw in 2022. But, thats not really a bad thing. While we havent seen any major changes this year, the changes that have been made have made products more mature and practical to use than their 2022 counterparts. For example, the iPhone 15 Pro has a new ProRes LOG recording feature, and Google has finally realised that its strength lies in AI with the launch of the Pixel 8 series. Smartphones have come a long way, and theres something for everyone now. Why Iterative Upgrades Compound Over Time Smartphone features add up over time like compound interest, giving you a remarkably different product. You might dismiss the iPhone 15 Pro as a minor specifications bump or just notice the change to titanium as the frame material, but for creators, the ability to shoot in LOG has made the iPhone a serious pocket-sized content powerhouse. The ProRes LOG video from the new models is easy to grade, and it essentially removes the digital look while preserving all the details you might want to tweak. This puts it in a class of its own, and when combined with other features, and features Apple has layered over the years, the iPhone finally lives up to its Pro moniker. Like Apple, Google also made incremental changes to the Pixel 8 series and doubled down on what made the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 really good options. The company realized that its strengths lie in artificial intelligence and machine learning, and thats why its committed to pushing AI-powered features for the Pixel 8 Pro. In fact, the Pixel 8 Pro now comes with Googles latest LLM called Gemini, and its the only phone to do so. The Pixel 8 Pro also offers a refined design with a flat display instead of a curved panel, and this change along with its continued focus on AI makes it a really mature product. Nothing Changed With the Nothing Phone 2? Last year, Nothing released the Phone (1), which was loaded with flashy features like the Glyph lighting and the transparent back. This year, the London-based brand released the Nothing Phone (2), which is an iterative update to the original device. Again, the iterative approach made the phone a solid contender in the upper mid-range, entering the level premium market. The brand refined the design with the back glass curvature and reduced bezels. Additionally, the phone now offers interaction with apps like Zomato to indicate where your order has reached, which is truly unique. The specifications bump was also modest. The phone features a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, which isnt the latest but still provides a premium, fast, and reliable experience. Nothing has also made the Nothing OS feel a lot more premium and pleasant, thanks to all the polish to the UI, how animations feel, and how the OS looks. All of these minor changes add up to create a product that is a solid choice under the Rs 40,000 price bracket moving into 2024. The same can be said about other manufacturers like OnePlus as well. Their updates are modest compared to previous models, but the added efficiency, better software support, and overall stability make their products feel substantially better than before. No matter which category you choose to buy a phone in this year, or in early 2024, its really hard to find a bad phone. And with next-gen models like the iQOO 12 coming out, this trend looks set to continue into next year. German police have said they were increasing security at Cologne Cathedral following indications of an attack planned for New Years Eve. This heightening of security came in the wake of government warnings about the rising threat of Islamist violence. The police said they would use tracker dogs to check the cathedral after evening mass and then close it off. On Sunday, Christmas Eve, they would carry out a security check on all visitors, and recommended they get to services early. Police said they could not elaborate, citing the ongoing investigation. The security authorities in Austria, Germany and Spain had received indications an Islamist group wants to carry out attacks during the Christmas and New Year festivities, German newspaper Bild reported. In recent weeks, German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser has warned of the rising threat of Islamist violence in Germany and elsewhere in Europe as the Israel-Hamas war increases the risk of radicalisation. Austrian police said in a statement they were increasing security on churches and Christmas markets given a heightened state of alert. Given that terrorist actors throughout Europe are calling for attacks on Christian events, especially around Dec. 24, the security authorities have taken the corresponding protection measures in public spaces, the police was quoted as saying by Reuters. Even amid security warnings across Europe in the wake of the war between Israel and Hamas, holiday travel is reaching peak levels. Despite cautionary advisories, popular Christmas markets and tourist sites in cities like Munich and Paris are bustling with activity. European security officials, in late November, underscored a growing risk of attacks linked to the Israel-Hamas conflict, warning about the threat posed by potential lone wolf attacks. In early December, the European Unions home affairs commissioner warned that Europe faces a huge risk of terrorist attacks over the Christmas holiday period due to the fallout from the war between Israel and Hamas. (With agency inputs) An Indian-flagged crude oil tanker in the Red Sea reported that it was hit by an attack drone fired by Houthi militants, the US military said Saturday. The Gabon-owned tanker MV Saibaba reported no injuries from the strike, Central Command said in a post on X. At around 8 pm (Sanaa time), the US military received reports of two ships in the Southern Red Sea coming under attack. The M/V Blaamanen, a Norwegian-flagged chemical/oil tanker, reported a near miss by a Houthi attack drone with no injuries or damage. The second vessel, M/V Saibaba, a Gabon-owned, Indian-flagged crude oil tanker, reported being hit by a one-way attack drone with no injuries. On December 23 two Houthi anti-ship ballistic missiles were fired into international shipping lanes in the Southern Red Sea from Houthi controlled areas of Yemen. No ships reported being impacted by the ballistic missiles.Between 3 and 8 p.m. (Sanaa time), the USS LABOON (DDG pic.twitter.com/jcBisbXBaS U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) December 24, 2023 Attack Was Unsuccessful Sources said the attack was unsuccessful and the vessel was not hit. They said the ship had 25 Indians in the crew and all are safe. These incidents mark the 14th and 15th attacks on commercial shipping by Houthi militants since October 17. This comes a day after a Japanese-owned chemical tanker struck Saturday off the coast of India in a targetted drone fired from Iran, according to the Pentagon. Tehran has denied these accusations. The attack came amid a flurry of new drone and missile attacks by Yemens Iran-backed Houthi rebels on the vital Red Sea shipping lane since the start of the Israel-Hamas war on October 7, with the group claiming to act in solidarity with Gaza. Last month, an Israeli-owned cargo ship was hit in a suspected drone attack by Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in the Indian Ocean. The Malta-flagged vessel managed by an Israeli-affiliated company was reportedly damaged when the unmanned aerial vehicle exploded close to it, according to Ambrey. The attacks on commercial ships have led to the rerouting of global trade away from the crucial maritime artery for consumer goods and energy supplies. Oil, natural gas, grain, and everything from toys to electronics typically travel through the waterway separating Africa and the Arabian Peninsula en route to the Suez Canal. Some of the worlds largest container shipping companies and oil giant BP are sending vessels on longer journeys that bypass the Red Sea. (With inputs from Akash Sharma) The head of the World Health Organization said Sunday the health system in Gaza was being destroyed and reiterated his call for a ceasefire. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus also hailed Gazas medical workers who continue their work under increasingly dire circumstances. The decimation of the Gaza health system is a tragedy, he posted on X, formerly Twitter. We persist in calling for CeasefireNow. In the face of constant insecurity and inflows of wounded patients, we see doctors, nurses, ambulance drivers and more continue striving to save lives, Tedros said. The UN health agency has long been sounding the alarm about the state of health care since the bloodiest ever war in Gaza erupted following Hamass unprecedented attack inside Israel on October 7. The militants killed about 1,140 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures, and seized around 250 hostages, 129 of whom are believed to remain captive in Gaza. Israels withering military campaign, including massive aerial bombardment, has killed 20,424 people, mostly women and children, according to the Hamas-run territorys health ministry. Vast areas of Gaza lie in ruins and its 2.4 million people have endured dire shortages of water, food, fuel and medicine due to an Israeli siege, alleviated only by the limited arrival of aid trucks. Unbearable Of Gazas original 36 hospitals, only nine are now partially functional, all of them in the south and all of them overwhelmed. After missions last week to two badly damaged hospitals in the north, Al-Shifa and Al-Ahli, WHO staff described unbearable scenes of largely abandoned patients, including young children, begging for food and water. WHO warned that even as healthcare needs soar, only 38 percent of pre-conflict hospital beds remained available in the Palestinian territory and only 30 percent of original health staff were still working. At the same time, hospitals, protected under international humanitarian law, have repeatedly been hit by Israeli strikes since the war erupted. The Israeli military accuses Hamas of having tunnels under hospitals and using the medical facilities as command centres, a charge denied by the Islamist group. As of December 20, WHO had registered 246 attacks on health care in Gaza, including hospitals and ambulances, resulting in 582 deaths and 748 injuries. Iran has summoned Russias envoy to protest a recent statement by Moscow and Arab countries calling for talks over three islands controlled by Tehran but claimed by the United Arab Emirates. The summoning of Moscows charge daffaires came days after Irans key ally Russia signed a joint declaration with Arab countries which supported peaceful solutions and initiatives to resolve the dispute over the islands. Irans foreign ministry said on Saturday it summoned Moscows charge daffaires in Tehran, in the absence of its ambassador, to submit a note of protest on the contents of the joint statement. The Islamic Republic of Iran considers any claim from any side in this regard as rejected and unacceptable, Irans foreign ministry said in a statement. Irans top diplomat Hossein Amir-Abdollahian also called the islands an integral part of Irans territorial integrity, in a phone call with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov on Friday. Tehran will not compromise with any side on the issue of respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty, he added. Iran in July summoned the Russian ambassador to protest a similar joint statement signed by Moscow and Arab countries on the islands. Located in the Gulf, the three strategic islands of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa are located near the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of world oil output passes. A chemical tanker struck Saturday off the coast of India was targeted by a one-way attack drone fired from Iran, the US Department of Defense said in a statement. The attack took place around 10 am local time and caused no casualties aboard the Japanese-owned vessel, it said, adding that a fire was extinguished. The US military remains in communication with the vessel as it continues toward a destination in India, it added. In the statement, the Pentagon said the Chem Pluto ship flew under a Liberian flag and was operated by a Dutch entity. The drone strike occurred 370 kilometers off the coast of India, it said. Houthis acts on its own Irans deputy foreign minister meanwhile dismissed US accusations that Tehran was involved in attacks by Yemeni rebels on commercial ships, saying the group was acting on its own. The resistance (Huthis) has its own tools and acts in accordance with its own decisions and capabilities, said Ali Bagheri, Irans deputy foreign minister. The fact that certain powers, such as the Americans and the Israelis, suffer strikes from the resistance movement should in no way call into question the reality of the strength of the resistance in the region, he told Mehr news agency. The Indian Navy earlier said it had responded to a request for assistance. The vessel was reportedly bringing crude oil from a port in Saudi Arabia to Mangalore port. As per government sources, the incident happened close to the Indian coast, however, it was away from the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). At least 21 members of the crew are Indian nationals and the Indian Navy is expected to investigate the incident as it is the resident power, they said. Surge in attacks There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the strike which came amid a flurry of drone and missile attacks by Yemens Iran-backed Huthi rebels on a vital shipping lane in the Red Sea. The Huthis say they are conducting the attacks in solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. A recent surge in attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea has disrupted a major global trade route. The Houthis targeted Israeli-linked vessels over the Israel-Hamas war initially, but then escalated their attacks, hitting ships without clear ties. The attacks on commercial ships have led to the rerouting of a majority of global trade away from the crucial maritime artery for consumer goods and energy supplies. (With agency inputs) CAIRO, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi received a phone call from his Iranian counterpart Ebrahim Raisi on Saturday, where they discussed the ties between the two countries as well as the situation in the Gaza Strip, said the Egyptian presidency in a statement. "The two presidents followed up on discussions to address the outstanding issues between the two countries," it added. Raisi congratulated Sisi on his recent re-election as Egyptian president, according to the statement. "The phone call also tackled developments in the Gaza Strip," said the Egyptian presidency. Raisi said Iran was ready to provide all its capacities to stop the killing and send aid to the Palestinians, Iranian state TV reported, adding that it was the first time the two presidents had spoken by phone. Iran and Egypt severed diplomatic relations in 1980 as Egypt signed a peace treaty with Israel in 1979 and later hosted the deposed Iranian shah following the Islamic revolution in Iran in the same year. In 2023, following the China-brokered Saudi-Iran reconciliation deal, Egypt and Iran engaged in Oman-mediated rounds of talks aimed at restoring ties. Both countries have announced a willingness to mend bilateral ties by settling differences on certain issues. Sisi and Raisi held their first meeting in Riyadh in November on the sidelines of the Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit to end the Gaza conflict. The Israeli army said on Sunday that 152 soldiers have been killed so far in its offensive against Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip. It said nine soldiers died in fighting on Saturday, one of the deadliest days for the military since it launched a ground assault in the Palestinian territory on October 27. Russian bombardment killed four people and injured nine over 24 hours in the frontline southern Ukrainian city of Kherson, a regional official said Sunday. Russian forces fired 71 shells at Kherson from Saturday to Sunday morning, hitting the city centre, residential areas, medical and educational institutions and critical infrastructure facilities, the regions governor Oleksandr Prokudin wrote on Telegram. As a result of Russian aggression, four people died and nine others were wounded, including one child. President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned what he called brutal terrorist shelling deliberately targeting life-sustaining civilian infrastructure and ordinary streets. Unfortunately there are fatalities. My condolences to the families, the president added in a message on social media. Prokudin said an 87-year-old man and his 81-year-old wife were among the victims after an artillery shell hit a residential building. Rescuers found a third male victim under rubble, he added. Zelensky said that repair teams would work around the clock to restore electricity and heat supply to the city after the strikes. Ukraine recaptured Kherson following several months of Russian occupation in November last year. It is now a regular target for Moscows forces based on the opposite bank of the Dnipro river, which became a natural front line as the conflict slowed to a war of attrition. Separately, Ukraines air force on Sunday said it had intercepted all but one of 15 drones launched by Russia overnight. A man died in a shooting at a shopping mall in the US state of Florida two days before Christmas, in which the victim was apparently targeted for the attack. One adult male was found deceased in a common area, and one woman was taken to the hospital and is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries. We believe the shooter fled the area and is at large. We also believe this shooting may have been targeted, Ocala Police said in a post on X. This afternoon at around 3:40 p.m., OPD received a call in regarding a shooting at the Paddock mall with multiple shots fired. pic.twitter.com/byYiP4VNIR Ocala Police (@ocalapd) December 23, 2023 Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken told reporters that the man was killed after he was shot multiple times in a common area at Paddock Mall in Ocala, located about 80 miles northwest of Orlando. A woman was shot in the leg, police said Saturday evening. The suspect fled the scene and left behind the firearm, Balken said. Police arrived at the mall around 3:40 p.m. after a call of multiple shots being fired at the mall. Officers immediately made entry into the mall (and) ultimately discovered that this was not what we would consider an active shooter, Balken told reporters. Several other mall patrons also suffered injuries during the shooting, with one person having chest pain and another reporting a broken arm, police said. An email inquiry was sent to the malls owner, WPG. This incident comes as gun violence deaths in the United States topped 42,000 this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive. American communities across the country seek solutions as state-level firearm regulations face legal setbacks in California, New York, Maryland, and beyond. (With agency inputs) An Indian student studying at Harvard University found herself stranded in Boston after a Lyft driver abruptly canceled her ride to Logan International Airport in Massachusetts. In a long LinkedIn post, Shreya Verma shared her experience, along with screenshots of her chat with Lyft customer service. Verma requested the company to promptly contact the driver, urging the immediate return of her belongings. Shreya, a resident of Cambridge, Massachusetts, was en route to India to reunite with her family, when the incident happened. The ordeal began when she realised she left her headphones behind, prompting her to ask the driver to return to her home. After she returned, she found that her ride was canceled and her luggage was missing. Yesterday, at 6 PM, I booked a ride to Boston airport. Shockingly, after loading my luggage, the driver abruptly canceled, leaving with all my belongings, including my passport, VISA, OPT/EAD Card, and vital document, electronics, resulting in a devastating loss of $30,000. I have been actively seeking assistance from Lyft customer service, but unfortunately, crucial driver details remain elusive, compounding the challenges I am already facing, she said. Equally important is providing the necessary ride details to the Cambridge Police Department, as it is critical for the ongoing legal proceedings, she added. Despite active engagement with the local authorities, Shreya faced hurdles due to the lack of information. Regrettably, despite active engagement with Cambridge Police Department and The Corporation of the City of Cambridge lack of pertinent information is hindering progress. The mandated legal procedures, involving subpoenas, court orders, and search warrants, are proving to be time-consuming and emotionally taxing, she wrote on her social media. The incident, shared nearly a week ago, gained traction online, prompting responses from Lyfts official LinkedIn profile and CEO David Risher. The company assured ongoing support and swift resolution, stating they were in contact with the driver. Risher expressed deep regret and stressed the companys commitment to addressing the issue promptly. Very sorry youre going through this, Shreya. Thats absolutely awful. Our team is on it, he said. From fisherman to river patroller, Zhou Gang from Yichang, China's Hubei, has witnessed the improving ecology of the Yangtze River thanks to a 10-year fishing ban. Produced by Xinhua Global Service Like Christmas trees, Santa, and reindeer, the poinsettia has long been a ubiquitous symbol of the holiday season in the US and Europe. But now, nearly 200 years after the plant with the bright crimson leaves was introduced north of the Rio Grande, attention is once again turning to the poinsettia's origins and the checkered history of its namesake. The AP offers a primer: The name "poinsettia" comes from the amateur botanist and statesman Joel Roberts Poinsett, who happened upon the plant in 1828 on a side trip during his tenure as the first US minister to a newly independent Mexico. 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. While Poinsett is known for introducing the plant to the United States and Europe, its cultivationunder different Indigenous and Spanish language namesdates 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." It's an apt description of the thin red leaves on wild varieties of the plant that grow to heights above 10 feet. An Israeli attack on Gaza killed dozens of people in an extended family, rescue officials said Saturday, as aid workers criticized a newly passed UN resolution and President Biden had a long talk with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In addition, a Washington Post analysis assessed the historic level of destruction in the Gaza Strip. Developments in the Israeli-Hamas war include: In public, Vladimir Putin continues to talk a confident game about his war in Ukraine, vowing that Russia won't be deterred from retaking control of its neighbor. But Putin is sending a much different message in private, reports the New York Times . "He is ready to make a deal," according to the lengthy account, which quotes former Russian officials described as close to the Kremlin, as well as American and international officials. The Russian leader has been using "back-channel diplomacy" to make clear he is open to a ceasefire, according to the story. "The signals come through multiple channels, including via foreign governments with ties to both the United States and Russia," it reads. "Unofficial Russian emissaries have spoken to interlocutors about the contours of a potential deal that Mr. Putin would accept." In broad strokes, Russia would settle for keeping the approximately 20% of Ukraine territory it controls in the east and the south, but it would allow Ukraine to remain as a sovereign nation with Kyiv as its capital. Also, Putin would drop his demand for the departure of Volodomyr Zelensky's government. Such a deal would fall far short of Russia's earlier stated goals, but it's also seen as one that would be difficult, if not impossible, for Ukraine to accept. Still, USA Today notes that the war's battle lines largely haven't budged for more than a year, and the long slog is taking a devastating toll on both nations. The AP notes that "international political outlook could turn sharply in Putin's favor after next November's elections in the United States"meaning if Donald Trump winsbut the Times suggests that Putin is eager to reach a deal to end the fighting before then. (Read more Russia-Ukraine war stories.) The Houthis, a group in Yemen tied to Iran, has been attacking commercial ships in the Red Sea in what it says is an operation to support Gaza. An Iranian military leader now has suggested a broadening of that effort that would close waterways to US traffic as punishment over Israel's offensive, Reuters reports. "They shall soon await the closure of the Mediterranean Sea, (the Strait of) Gibraltar and other waterways," Brig. Gen. Mohammad Reza Naqdi of the Revolutionary Guards was quoted as saying by Iranian media. Donald Trump was acting within his role as president when he pressed claims about "alleged fraud and irregularity" in the 2020 election, his lawyers told a federal appeals court in arguing that he is immune from prosecution. The attorneys also asserted in a filing late Saturday night that the "historical fallout is tremendous" from the four-count indictment charging Trump with plotting to overturn the election he lost to Joe Biden, per the AP . "The indictment of President Trump threatens to launch cycles of recrimination and politically motivated prosecution that will plague our Nation for many decades to come and stands likely to shatter the very bedrock of our Republicthe confidence of American citizens in an independent judicial system," the attorneys wrote in a brief filed with the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. At issue before the court, which has set arguments for Jan. 9, is whether Trump is immune from prosecution for what defense lawyers say are official acts that fell within the outer perimeter of a president's duties and responsibilities. US District Judge Tanya Chutkan earlier this month rejected that argument, siding with prosecutors from special counsel Jack Smith's team and declaring that the office of the presidency "does not confer a lifelong 'get-out-of-jail-free' pass." The appeals court's role in the dispute is center stage after the Supreme Court on Friday rejected a request from Smith to fast-track a decision on the immunity question. With that request denied, the two sides are advancing their arguments before the appeals court, where a three-judge panel will decide as early as next month whether to affirm or overrule Chutkan's decision. In their latest filing, Trump's lawyers say that all of the acts Trump is accused ofincluding urging the Justice Department to investigate claims of voter fraud and telling state election officials the contests had been tainted by irregularitiesare "quintessential" presidential acts that protect him from prosecution. "They all reflect President Trump's efforts and duties, squarely as Chief Executive of the United States, to advocate for and defend the integrity of the federal election," they said. Federal prosecutors, by contrast, say Trump broke the law after the election by scheming to disrupt the Jan. 6, 2021, counting of electoral votes, including by pressing then-Vice President Mike Pence to not certify the results and by participating in a plot to organize slates of fake electors in battleground states. (Read more Donald Trump stories.) Russian shelling in southern Ukraine's Kherson region killed four people Sunday, including an 87-year-old man and his 81-year-old wife who died after a strike on their apartment building. The barrage injured nine other people, including a 15-year-old, sparked fires in homes and at a private medical facility, and set a local gas pipeline alight, said the head of the regional military administration, Oleksandr Prokudin. "There are no holidays for the enemy," Andrii Yermak, the head of the Ukrainian president's office, wrote on social media, per the AP . "They do not exist for us as long as the enemy kills our people and remains on our land." The shelling across Kherson reached the center of the region's capital city of the same name. The assault took place as Ukraine prepared to officially celebrate Christmas for the first time on Dec. 25, having previously marked the date on Jan. 7. Some Orthodox Ukrainians observed Christmas on Dec. 25 last year in response to Russia's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The Russian Orthodox Church observes the birth of Jesus on Jan. 7. The cathedral in the Monastery of the Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kyiv, held its Christmas celebration on Jan. 7 of this year, but the service was held in the Ukrainian language for the first time in the 31 years of Ukraine's independence from the Soviet Union. To mark Christmas Eve on Dec. 24, President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation in a video filmed in front of the floodlit St. Sophia Cathedral in central Kyiv. He reassured Ukrainians fighting against Russia's full-scale invasion that "step by step, day by day, the darkness is losing." Kherson was not the only region of Ukraine to come under attack Sunday. Russian forces launched 15 drone strikes overnight, and 14 of the Iranian-made Shahed drones were destroyed over the Mykolaiv, Kirovohrad, Zaporizhzhya, Dnipropetrovsk, and Khmelnytskyi regions, the Ukrainian air force reported. In Russia, a man was injured in the Bryansk region after a village close to the Ukrainian border came under fire, the region's governor, Alexander Bogomaz, said. (Read more Russia-Ukraine war stories.) Air New Zealand head of flight operations Captain Hugh Pearce told Newshub five flights in Nelson have had to be cancelled because of the weather. "Due to weather, flights between Christchurch and Hokitika have also had to be cancelled," Pearce said. "Air New Zealand is reaccommodating affected customers by adding additional flights to and from Nelson, also from Auckland, Blenheim, Wellington and Christchurch, as well as a bus service, ensuring customers get to their destination in time for Christmas today," he said. "We'd like to thank customers for their patience and understanding while we work through this weather disruption." 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) As a young (Jewish) man, I worked for The Resurrection Project, or TRP, to this day a well-known and well-respected organization led by Latinos and based in the Catholic Church. I remember once listening to Ald. Daniel Solis testify to his support for a TRP housing project needing an approval, to Ald. Edward Burke, chair of the City Councils Finance Committee. Solis broke from his prepared remarks and spoke directly to Burke in an informal manner, praising the work TRP was doing to build a healthy community. Burke listened seriously and nodded, and it was done. At the time, I wondered how much these two spoke of the work of people and organizations like TRP in private. I think the verdict is, for both, too little. Advertisement I write now directly to Burke. He should meet with one or more priests and look to the Bible. He should read it carefully and repeatedly and ask himself: What can he now do for God, by serving others, not himself? Burke may well have the opportunity to write historically in a way he has not to date. There will be an audience, not for score-settling but for confession and repentance and reflection. He should study the website of the late Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks and his books. They can help the former alderman find a way forward, if he has the strength of will, and even to deepen his Catholic faith. Sacks teaches that Revelation is not about tragedy but rather hope. Advertisement Our sages teach: On Rosh Hashana, it is written, and on Yom Kippur, it is sealed. But heavens court of appeal is still in session, nearly to the end of Sukkot. Our sages are clear: God does not desire the death of the sinner but that he turn from sin. There is still time for Burke to recognize before whom he stands and write another chapter in the story of his life. Quite literally. Dan Alexander, Skokie A victory for all the nobodies Ex-Ald. Edward Burkes guilty verdicts are a win for all of the Nobody, nobody sent people who dont have any connections, sponsors or juice to make big salaries or get things that connected people get from corrupt politicians. Walter Brzeski, Chicago Ohioans horrifying experience Regarding the story Miscarriage spurs criminal charges (Dec. 19): As a survivor of a 24-week gestation spontaneous abortion, I am aghast at the treatment that Ohio woman Brittany Watts received. Please know that any loss of a baby is tragic. While reading her story about the last days of her pregnancy, I noticed many similarities with Watts. I bled (as a 30-year-old middle-class white woman with good insurance who was followed by her OB-GYN for months) like Watts did, I delivered my baby like she did; I mourned in shock and great pain right after the birth of our daughter. As opposed to Watts, I was followed as an inpatient at the hospital for three days, bleeding in bed and receiving blood transfusions and medications to try to stop the progression of the labor. Watts was admitted to the hospital twice because of vaginal bleeding, but she wasnt treated. I also bled for days, which led to the spontaneous abortion of our daughter. Advertisement In a sterile hospital room, our daughter was delivered at 24 weeks gestation, weighing 1.5 pounds. We were beyond devastated and spent months in mourning. Look at the way I was treated. Look at the way Watts was ignored and then arrested. My daughter would have also been delivered into a toilet, like what happened with Watts, if Id been home and bleeding and laboring for days. What is wrong with this countrys uneducated, inexperienced members of male-dominated legislatures who feel they deserve the power to control a womans body for her? Melanie S. Wolf, New Haven, Connecticut Rep. Stefanik a poor choice When the U.S. House of Representatives decided to hold the feet of three university presidents to the fire regarding the question of whether or not students calling for the genocide of Jews violated the code of conduct at their schools, I wish the House leadership had chosen a representative respected on both sides of the aisle, as well among the general population, to do the interrogation. I try to treat people with dignity and respect, even if I disagree with them or they disagree with me. Therefore, in the unlikely circumstance I have a personal interaction with U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, I would treat her with dignity and respect, although I do not personally respect her. Stefanik follows the example of her mentor who does not treat people he doesnt like with dignity and respect. Advertisement Why do I not respect Stefanik? One of her tweets explains it well with no further comment needed from me. Rather, Ill quote journalist and commentator Dan Rather in his tweeted response to Stefaniks tweet. @EliseStefanik: The Republican Party is the party of parents, babies, grandparents, families, and patriotic Americans. Todays Democrat Party is the party of Socialists, illegals, criminals, Communist Truth Ministers, & media stenographers. @DanRather: Us and Them. Vitriol, hate, and division. I have seen where this rhetoric leads. It is chilling and dangerous. David Thiessen, Woodstock When are we no longer poison? 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 > Greetings from the Schueler family of southwestern Illinois. We would like Donald Trumps permission to continue to live here, even though we might be a poison to the blood of the country. I am the fifth generation descended from German immigrants in the 1840s. My great-great-grandparents immigrated here to escape religious and political persecution in central Germany. Our eight grandchildren are the seventh generation living in the same small community for nearly 175 years. My grandfather, my father, my uncle and my older brother were homebuilders in this area most of the last century. My father and uncle served in World War II and my older brother during the Vietnam War. They also served in many civic organizations and helped make this area the highly desirable place it is to live. Advertisement Can Trump please tell us just what his criteria are for someone or some family to be socially acceptable and not be a poison to the blood of the country? Just how long does it take, in his estimation, to be considered part of the in crowd? We all would like to know. David C. Schueler, independent voter, Columbia, Illinois Join the conversation in our Letters to the Editor Facebook group. Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com. Tunisian President Kais Saied (1st R) registers and votes at a polling station in Tunis, Tunisia on Dec. 24, 2023. Voting for Tunisia's local council elections began on Sunday, the Independent High Authority for Elections (ISIE) said. The elections, the first to be held under the country's new Tunisian Constitution ratified in 2022, will result in the creation of local, regional and district councils, and will allow for the establishment of the second chamber of parliament, known as the National Council of Regions and Districts, which will play the role of drawing up development projects for the regions. (Tunisian Presidency/Handout via Xinhua) TUNIS, Dec. 24 (Xinhua) -- Voting for Tunisia's local council elections began on Sunday, the Independent High Authority for Elections (ISIE) said. Polling started at 8 a.m. local time (0700 GMT) and will close at 6 p.m. local time, with 4,685 voting centers and 8,174 polling stations being set up in 2,155 constituencies, said the ISIE. More than 9 million voters are expected to cast their ballots in the elections to choose their local representatives, according to data from the Supreme Electoral Council. A total of 7,205 candidates are running for the elections, with 279 local councils expected to be elected. Preliminary results of the parliamentary elections will be announced on Wednesday, the ISIE said. The elections, the first to be held under the country's new Tunisian Constitution ratified in 2022, will result in the creation of local, regional and district councils, and will allow for the establishment of the second chamber of parliament, known as the National Council of Regions and Districts, which will play the role of drawing up development projects for the regions. Tunisian President Kais Saied (1st R) registers and votes at a polling station in Tunis, Tunisia on Dec. 24, 2023. Voting for Tunisia's local council elections began on Sunday, the Independent High Authority for Elections (ISIE) said. The elections, the first to be held under the country's new Tunisian Constitution ratified in 2022, will result in the creation of local, regional and district councils, and will allow for the establishment of the second chamber of parliament, known as the National Council of Regions and Districts, which will play the role of drawing up development projects for the regions. (Tunisian Presidency/Handout via Xinhua) We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. Julie Sande is the commissioner for the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development. Doug Vincent-Lang is the commissioner for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. TOKYO, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- Amid a burgeoning scandal, the largest faction of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has been suspected of misusing funds earmarked for political campaigns, local media reported on Saturday. The largest LDP faction previously led by late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, is suspected of diverting revenue from fundraising events, specifically sales of fundraising tickets, to support upper house election campaigns for years, the national news agency Kyodo reported citing sources close to the matter. The faction, which holds a significant presence within the LDP with over a quarter of its lawmakers, is believed to have systematically returned revenue from the sales of fundraising tickets to lawmakers participating in House of Councillors elections. The income was reportedly not declared in required political funds reports, suggesting an intention to use them as secret funds, said the report. The Abe faction, namely Seiwaken, or the Seiwa policy study group, was suspected to have pooled secret funds amounting to around 500 million yen (about 3.51 million U.S. dollars) over the past five years. On Friday, the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office's special investigation squad searched offices of two ruling Liberal Democratic Party factions, including Seiwaken, which was suspected of violating the Political Funds Control Law by failing to report kickbacks allegedly given to offices of lawmakers. In the wake of the unfolding scandal where five major factions were suspected of paying kickbacks to member lawmakers who sold fundraising party tickets above their quota without recording the amount as revenue in its political fund reports, over 10 senior officials or heavyweight lawmakers have stepped down from their positions in the cabinet of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida or the LDP. The scandal has pushed the support rate for Kishida's cabinet to a fresh low of 22.3 percent in the latest survey by Kyodo News, signaling that the administration may be in the "danger zone." TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the UN Security Council Resolution, which calls for urgent measures to facilitate the immediate and expanded delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip in a safe and unimpeded manner. The statement also expressed approval of the appointment of the United Nations Secretary-General as a senior coordinator for humanitarian and reconstruction affairs, aiming to accelerate the dispatch of humanitarian relief shipments to Gaza. The resolution urges conflicting parties to adhere to international law obligations, particularly in safeguarding civilians and civilian infrastructure. It strongly condemns the forced displacement of the civilian population, including children. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed gratitude for the diplomatic efforts of the United Arab Emirates, an Arab member of the Security Council, commending its initiative to propose the draft resolution, ultimately leading to its adoption. This is seen as a significant stride toward achieving a lasting ceasefire, safeguarding civilians, and establishing a secure environment to address the essential humanitarian needs of the population. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com A bank employee in Bahrain is facing trial on charges of stealing from customers accounts as well as money laundering. The accused is alleged to have misappropriated funds exceeding BHD500,000 by exploiting official access to the bank's electronic system, enabling unauthorised entry into multiple client accounts. The employee is also charged with forging cash withdrawal vouchers, activating accounts on the "BenefitPay" application, issuing ATM cards, and utilising them for personal gain. The Chief Prosecutor of Financial Crimes and Money Laundering revealed that the trial stems from an investigation initiated by the Public Prosecution following a complaint lodged by the bank with the Anti-Corruption Directorate at the General Directorate for Combating Corruption, Economic Security, and Cybercrime. In the course of the investigation, the Public Prosecution gathered statements from bank officials, experts, and several clients. Additionally, it authorised the National Financial Investigations Centre to freeze the accounts linked to the accused. During questioning by the Public Prosecution, the suspect confessed to the crime, leading to detention and subsequent referral to the High Criminal Court. The court is scheduled to hear the case on January 7, 2024. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com Export Bahrain Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) have signed a strategic partnership agreement to strengthen trade ties and create new avenues of opportunity for small and medium-sized enterprises in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The partnership seeks to foster mutually beneficial trade and economic cooperation. It also establishes a framework for the regular exchange of information regarding business prospects and regulations in Bahrain and Hong Kong. Under this agreement, Export Bahrain and HKTDC will facilitate access to a wide range of opportunitie, including business matchmaking, business development platforms, online B2B events, webinars, and various promotional activities. The signing is expected to open new doors for enterprises from all sectors in both countries, significantly expanding their growth potential. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry & Commerce and Chairman of Export Bahrain, stated, This landmark collaboration is a significant leap forward in our mission to expand the horizons for Bahraini SMEs and foster their growth in the global marketplace. By aligning with one of the worlds most vibrant and influential trade hubs, we are unlocking a plethora of new opportunities for our local businesses, enabling them to showcase their potential on an international stage. This partnership is a testament to our commitment to driving economic diversification and empowering Bahraini enterprises with the tools, knowledge, and networks necessary to succeed globally. We are poised to witness an era of unprecedented growth and innovation, as we collectively work towards elevating Bahrains position in the global trade ecosystem. Daniel Lam, Regional Director, Middle East & Africa, Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, saying, We look forward to working alongside Export Bahrain to develop a more prosperous business environment, and this MoU is an excellent opportunity to create joint development by establishing more lucrative connections for businesses in Hong Kong and Bahrain. KIGOMA, Tanzania, Dec. 24 (Xinhua) -- At least eight people were killed on Saturday evening and six others were injured after a mini-bus collided with a truck in the Kigoma region in western Tanzania, police said on Sunday. Philemon Maungu, the Kigoma regional commissioner, told a news conference in the Kigona-Ujiji municipality that the collision occurred at 5 p.m. local time Saturday at Mumkugwa village in Kibondo district after the driver of the mini-bus who was driving at high speed failed to control the bus at a sharp corner along the Kibondo-Kakonko highway. The Kigoma regional commissioner, Thobias Andengenye, sent a condolence message to the victims' families and wished the injured quick recovery. He also urged motorists to be cautious, especially during the festive season, to avoid road accidents that claimed the lives of innocent people and loss of property. State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Postal Code The Ogun State Police Command has said an ammunition shell, not a bullet, hit popular Nigerian actor and movie director, Azeez Ololade Ijaduade, in the neck. The news of the alleged shooting filtered into social media over the night when a colleague of the victim, Abiodun Adebanjo, with the handle @iamabiodunadebanjo, posted the incident on Instagram. The post read, Please, we need help in Iperu. My director, Azeez Ijaduade, @kingzeez1, was shot by a Nigeria Police personnel. He is presently at Babcock University Teaching Hospital. Anybody with the contacts of the Police IG or Commissioner should reach out. The police in the state have since been brought under intense criticism over alleged unprofessionalism. Reacting through a statement, the spokesperson of the state command, Omolola Odutola, confirmed the incident, explaining that a bullet shell hit the actor in the neck. During the Bramaj Company end-of-year party in a hotel, a mobile policeman attached to the Chinese expatriate expended a shot into the air, and unfortunately, the ammunition shell hit one Azeez Ijaduade m an actor, on the neck, Odutola said. The present situation of the actor, but the police claimed that he is in a stable condition He was rushed to hospital in Ilishan and he is in a very stable condition, she said. Odutola, however, added that the officer had been arrested, and an investigation commenced into the incident. The family of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, on Sunday applauded the President-General and leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and Southeast governors for standing by the Biafra agitator since his extraordinary rendition in 2021. Kanus family also commended the Chairman and members of the joint body of southeast traditional rulers, bishops and archbishops, Southeast governors and members of the National Assembly for their interventions in the trial of the Biafra agitator. A statement signed by Kingsley Kanunta Kanu for the family urged those blackmailed and allegedly falsely accused due to Kanus trial not to relent. He urged them to see such blackmails as the mischievous workings and betrayals of those against Kanu and the Southeast. The statement reads: To all those that this may concern, we, the siblings of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu hereby wish to express our heartfelt appreciation for the exceptional support and dedication to the cause of justice for our brother and head of our family, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu since his rendition from Kenya. In particular recognition of certain Southeast civic and political leaders of renown, we have noted your unwavering and sincere commitment to seeking his release from detention and other support you have rendered, noticed or unnoticed. We must not fail to thank in particular the President-General and leadership of Ohaneze Ndigbo, the Chairman and members of the Joint Body of Southeast Traditional Rulers, Bishops & Archbishops; certain Southeast Governors and members of the National Assembly. Your constant interventions, covert or overt, have not only made a difference, but they have also inspired and motivated others to see the injustice of the case. We are genuinely grateful for what you all have done. To those of you who have been blackmailed or accused falsely and baselessly, we ask you not to relent but to see such blackmails and false accusations as the mischievous workings and betrayals of those that do not wish Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and Southeast well. Once again, thank you all for your remarkable efforts and unwavering support. We are truly appreciative of everything you all have done; and we look forward to the opportunity of soon witnessing the positive outcome of your interventions. A leaked audio has surfaced on social media platforms wherein Emeka Ike appeared to have asked Michael, his first son, to commit suicide. The Nollywood stars 17-year-old marriage to Suzanne Emma was dissolved by a Lagos Island customary court in 2017 over incessant battery. The court also granted Ike the custody of their four children but ruled that Suzanne be allowed unhindered access to them. The actor, who has not been featured in movies for over 13 years, however, made a comeback in Malaika, a film by Toyin Abraham. During an interview last week, the film star revisited issues that led to his failed marriage. Ike alleged that Suzanne made him lose his properties worth millions and access to his four kids. The actor also denied ever beating his former wife. He claimed she orchestrated false accusations of assault, leading to the dissolution of their marriage and the closure of his N480 million investment. Advertisement Emma, however, fired back at Ike, alleging that she endured physical abuse during their marriage. She claimed the actor is a drug addict. She also alleged that the actors drug addiction was one of the reasons for the abuse she suffered in their marriage. But on Saturday, Michael shared a voice recording wherein Ike appeared to be urging him to kill himself. In the recording, the actor is heard raising his voice at his first son. Michael go and jump in front of a truck right now. Now now, go and jump. Jump from where you are and break your head and smash it. You are my stress. You are my problem, he was heard saying in the voice note. You are the one I sent to school. I spent all my money that I did not have. I was just getting money to save you. In the recording, Emeka also alleged that his children were being used to blackmail him. You took my children out and gave them to blackmailers. And they are blackmailing me using you, he said. And you are telling me it is better I die. Go and do that now now now. Do not do it tomorrow. I want to hear it. Do you think I will let you blackmail me? I will still get your mother the people behind this will hear from me. Do not wait for me to kill you. My hands no suppose touch you. Go and kill yourself you. Michael also opened up about his parents messy divorce when he featured on the #WithChude podcast. He claimed that his father once threatened to kill him and his siblings. Michael added that he does not want to have anything to do with his father. Everyone should just kill their selves, Michael quoted his dad to have said. He said they can kill themselves He said he has other kids that are my age around the world. I am just like okay guy is that supposed to faze me? Okay, the next morning. I collect 10-minute VN. This is not the first time. He is always sending me VNs, insulting my life. You are doing music. You will never prosper. I will see you on the side of the road and I will spit in you. Don Jazzy will never see you. He kept going. Sending more VNs, about eight VNs. I sent them to my mum. My mum could not even listen to it. She was trying to calm me down. I was so surprised. I am like this can not be. This cannot be someone I should be proud of I do not want anything from him. I think it is four days ago I realised I do not want anything from this man. He told me to go crush my head by the truck. I am dead to this man. I do not want anything from him. Boss Mustapha, former secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), says he is not involved in the alleged withdrawal of over $6 million from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). His statement comes on the heels of the report of the special panel tasked with probing the CBN. The report had disclosed that the money withdrawn from the foreign payments office, Abuja branch of the CBN, was purportedly for foreign election observer missions. The panel, chaired by Jim Obazee, the special investigator who was appointed by President Bola Tinubu, probed the activities of the apex bank under Godwin Emefiele. The panel said the unlawful removal was captured on closed-circuit television (CCTV) which was viewed and preserved. The report said a letter, dated January 23, 2023, with the signature of former President Muhammadu Buhari, was sent to Mustapha, with the caption Presidential Directive on Foreign Election Observer Missions. The panel said it was later found that Buharis signature appeared to have been forged. ILL DEFEND MY REPUTATION Reacting to the report on Sunday, Mustapha said he is not familiar with the case. I have no knowledge of such a directive, nor was I ever involved in any discussions or transactions regarding the alleged payment to foreign election observers, he said. He added that the allegation was a malicious ploy to damage his reputation. The article hinges on the dubious premise of forged documents and a misleading narrative, Mustapha said. It claims that $6.3 million was withdrawn from the CBN vaults based on a purported Presidential Directive bearing the signature of President Buhari. This document, unsurprisingly, has not been presented for public scrutiny. I demand a thorough and transparent investigation into this matter. Let the relevant authorities probe the source of these fabricated documents and expose those responsible for this malicious attempt to damage my reputation. I have nothing to hide and welcome any legitimate investigation that sheds light on the truth. The former SGF said he would defend his reputation vigorously. Throughout my career in public service, I have always upheld the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct. I have served with dedication and transparency, and my record speaks for itself, he added. I will not allow this baseless and defamatory attack to go unchallenged. I will defend my reputation vigorously and ensure that the truth prevails. This is not just about me; it is about upholding the integrity of public service and safeguarding the reputation of those who have served this country with honour. I trust that the Nigerian people will see through this orchestrated attack and recognize it for what it truly is: a desperate attempt to silence a voice of reason and integrity. Popular Nigerian actor and movie director cum producer, Azeez Ololade Ijaduade was in the early hours of Sunday, reportedly shot by a trigger-happy policeman in Iperu, Ogun State. He is currently battling for his life at the Babcock University Teaching Hospital, Ilishan Remo. This was disclosed in a midnight Instagram message by Ijaduades colleague, Abiodun Adebanjo, with the handle @iamabiodunadebanjo, seen by our correspondent. It was captioned, Please we need help in Iperu. My director, Azeez Ijaduade, @kingzeez1, was shot by a Nigeria Police personnel. Anybody with the contacts of the Police IG or Commissioner should reach out. Confirming the incident, spokesperson for Ogun State Police PPRO, Omolola Odutola said that Azeez Ijaduade attended an end of the year party in Iperu area of the state before an argument came up between the organizers of the party and the police, which led to accidental discharge by the officer. She said, Yes we got the story, but I can confirm to you that the Nollywood actor is in a stable condition now. Jim Obazee, a special investigator, says his team has uncovered how Godwin Emefiele, the former Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN) governor, set up Titan Trust Bank (TTB) to acquire Union Bank of Nigeria(UBN). Obazee, the head of the special investigation panel on the CBN and related entities, revealed this in a report submitted to President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday. The report said Emefiele used two Dubai-based companies Luxis International DMCC (Luxis) and Magna International DMCC (MAGNA) owned by Vink Corporation Middle East FZC, to set up Titan Trust Bank as proxies. With the help of the Nigerian embassy in UAE, the panel report said the two companies do not have a physical presence in Dubai as claimed in their acquisition documents. The panel also said such discovery contravenes section 3 subsection 5 of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act, 2020, adding that Luxis and Magna are not supposed to be allowed to operate or acquire a bank in Nigeria. EMEFIELE, THE MYSTERIOUS SHAREHOLDER ISSUING TTB FREE-INTEREST LOANS During the investigation, according to the panel, it was discovered that there is a mysterious shareholder who has issued interest-free, long-term loans to TTB with no fixed repayment plan. The report said the mysterious shareholder was traced to be Emefiele. From one financial scandal to another, Emefiele has been languishing in prison and facing a plethora of court charges concerning corruption since the beginning of Tinubus administration. The former CBN governor was locked in the Kuje correctional facility after he was arraigned on a six-count charge bordering on procurement fraud valued at N1.2 billion from November 22 to December 12 because he failed to meet the N300 million bail granted him by a high court. HOW TTB ACQUIRED UNION BANK The Obazee-led panel said TTB had in a letter of October 25, 2021, sought CBNs no-objection to its proposed consolidation with Union Bank excluding its UK operations. This, the letter noted, should be in four phases: the acquisition of 91.5 percent of the issued shares of the UBN; mandatory tender offer (MTO) for the remaining shares of the UBN; buyout of any share not voluntarily sold to TTB on the MTO; and merger of TTB and UBN with UBN as the surviving entity. According to the panel, the letter also stated that the consolidation was to be funded via a combination of debt and equity, and CBN via letters dated March 3 and 9, 2022, which granted no objections to TTBs request to obtain a $300,000,000 facility from Afrexim Bank, as well as capital injection of $175,000,000 from two existing shareholders of TTB: Luxis and Magna. The TTB, via a letter dated June 3, 2022, informed the CBN that it had made the payment of the purchase consideration to the selling shareholders on June 1, 2022, and had, thus, completed the acquisition of 93.4 percent of the issued shares of the Union Bank. The report said the ultimate goal of acquiring UBN hinged on the ongoing court-ordered scheme of arrangement between the TTB and the holders of the balance of 5.95%. Obazee has asked the federal government to take over the Titan Trust and Union banks by strengthening it for a lucrative future sellout. Titan Trust Bank has debunked media reports alleging illegalities in the acquisition of Union Bank of Nigeria Plc. In a statement by the management of the bank made available to the media on Sunday, the lender insisted that the transaction followed due process and met all regulatory requirements, including that of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN. The statement further noted that the former Governor of the CBN, Mr. Godwin Emefiele has no link with the ownership of the bank. The statement reads: The attention of the Board and Management of Titan Trust Bank Limited has been drawn to the widely circulating report of the special investigation into the activities of the Central Bank of Nigeria wherein among other things allegation of illegal acquisition of Union Bank of Nigeria Plc (Union Bank) by Titan Trust Bank Limited (or TTB, the Bank) has featured prominently. We are aware that our customers, shareholders, employees, and other stakeholders of the two banks will naturally be troubled by this allegation. Consequently, the Board and Management of Titan Trust Bank Limited wish to make the following clarifications to set the records straight. On December 18, 2021 Titan Trust Bank Limited (on the buy side) signed a Share Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) with Atlas Mara Limited, Union Global Partners Limited, Emeka Emuwa, Standard Chartered Bank, Montane Partners West Africa Limited, TLG Africa Growth Impact Fund, and Sanlam Life Assurance Limited on the sale side (otherwise referred to as the bulk shareholders). The bulk shareholders together owned 93.41% of Union Banks issued ordinary share capital. The SPA was a product of a long and tortious due diligence process which involved leading financial and technical advisers. Titan Trust Bank engaged reputable firms like PricewaterhouseCoopers Limited (or PWC) for the financial due diligence, Drey Law Practice (DLP) for the legal due diligence, Norton Rose Fulbright (NRF) UK as legal Advisers and Citibank London as financial/Transaction Advisers. The Bulk shareholders engaged a prominent UK Law firm of White & Case as their Legal advisers on the transaction. The acquisition was conducted in the most professional, open, and transparent bidding process. The acquisition was funded by a combination of debt ($300 million) and additional equity injection of about $190 million which was contributed by TTBs two major shareholders Magna International DMCC, and Luxis International DMCC. The Certificates of Capital Importation (CCI) for both the debt and the equity financing evidencing the receipt of these funds into Nigeria by legal means have been made available where requested. The $300 million acquisition facility is sourced from Afreximbank and is priced on SOFR with a margin of 6.25% (all together almost 12% pa) and a moratorium period of 30 months. TTB has paid interest on the loan for three interest periods (18 months so far). TTB sought and obtained all necessary regulatory approvals from its primary regulator the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) among others. Following TTBs acquisition of 93.41% controlling interest in Union Bank on June 1, 2022 a change in control was effected with the dissolution of the former Board and the reconstitution of a new Board with new leadership. TTB proceeded to conduct a Mandatory Takeover Offer (MTO) which was legally triggered by the acquisition of 93.41% of Union Bank by TTB which brought the percentage float of Union Bank shares to less than 20%. The purpose of the MTO was to give the minority shareholders the opportunity to offer their own shares on the same terms as was offered to the bulk shareholders. The MTO was conducted after all due regulatory approvals were obtained. The slow pace of TTBs acquisition and ultimate merger with Union Bank has been because of TTBs and the regulators determination to ensure that the process remains fully compliant with extant laws, meets best global practices, and is conducted in open and transparent manner. During the special investigation, the Board and Management of TTB and Union Bank have made all representations to the investigation team. There is no illegality or fraud in the acquisition as alleged. We insist that this acquisition can vie for one of the most professional and transparent in the history of this country. On allegations relating to the ownership of Titan Trust Bank, the Board and Management provided to the special investigators with the share ownership structure in TTB including the holdings of Magna International DMCC and Luxis International DMCC owned by Mr. Rahul Savara and Mr. Cornelis Vink. These individuals are prominent global entrepreneurs and have thriving businesses in Nigeria and several countries around the world. The shareholding structure is also verifiable at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). We, therefore, urge our customers, shareholders, and all stakeholders to remain calm as we are doing everything legal to ensure that the current misunderstanding is clarified, the statement said. Security camera footage being shown as evidence in New Jersey criminal trials can be replayed in slow motion or paused, a state appeals court ruled last week. The issue of slowing the playback of footage had never been argued by a state appeals court, so a three-judge panel decided the issue in a Dec. 21 decision as matter of first impression in the case of an East Orange armed robbery committed by three men. The judges found the footage key and crucial in the case, since it showed the perpetrators physical appearances which could have aided jurors in deciding whether the defendants resembled the robbers. And, it could also help them in deciding if the victims identification of the suspects - which occurred in the case twice - was credible. Slowing down the footage, which the jurors asked for in deliberation, was also permitted since the clip in question was just six seconds, the decision says. The decision was published, meaning its case law going forward. And in it, the appeals judges laid out suggestions for courts for such playbacks in the future and suggested a state courts committee come up with guidance for jurors who view the footage. For example, the playbacks should be in open court with attorneys present and under the trial court judges supervision. The case involved brothers Fuquan K. Knight and Shaquan K. Knight, who appealed their convictions of robbery and related crimes for the October 2018 armed holdup of a man at a deli. (A third man was also part of the crime, but pleaded guilty before trial.) The brothers lawyers argued that the video playbacks were prejudicial, since they distorted reality, and the slow motion can increase a viewers perception or inferences of intentional conduct. Footage from several cameras was used by prosecutors at the trial, from several locations and angles, but the case hinged on the six-second clip from the rear of the deli that showed the parking lot when the crime occurred. Prosecutors played that footage without objection from defense attorneys, then played it again several times in their closing argument without objection, once in slow motion, the decision says. Then, the jurors asked to see it again during deliberations, in which it was played in slow motion and intermittently paused a total of 15 times. For those showings, for which the defense objected, they occurred in court under the judges eye. Since no New Jersey court had decided the issue, the appeals judge looked to similar decisions from other states, and was cognizant of prior New Jersey decisions, which noted the explosive growth in the number of surveillance cameras and their use a staple in criminal investigations. Police investigations now routinely include searching areas of crime scenes, not just for potential suspects and eyewitnesses but also for public and privately-owned video cameras that may have captured a reported crime, the events leading up to it, or its aftermath, the decision said, quoting another case. That said, the appeals judges concluded: We discern no reversible error concerning the video playbacks in this case, which would have aided the jurors in resolving the parties disputes over the robbers identities and their respective actions with the victim behind the deli. While the decision upheld the brothers convictions, it did send back to the trial judge their sentencings for reconsideration, due to their disparity in length. The judge sentenced Fuquan Knight, who was 27 during the crime, to 16 years, while Shaquan Knight, who was 19, to 11 years, while the third robber who pleaded guilty received just six years. Both brothers are currently incarcerated in the state prison system. Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. Kevin Shea may be reached at kshea@njadvancemedia.com WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- A shooting at a central Florida shopping mall on Saturday claimed the life of one man and injured several people, according to local police. The authorities indicated that the victim was deliberately singled out in the attack. CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (AP) A few years back, Sage Brook Carbone was attending a powwow at the Mashantucket Western Pequot reservation in Connecticut when she noticed signs in the Pequot language. Carbone, a citizen of the Northern Narragansett Indian Tribe of Rhode Island, thought back to Cambridge, Massachusetts, where she has lived for much of her life. She never saw any street signs honoring Native Americans, nor any featuring Indigenous languages. She submitted to city officials the idea of adding Native American translations to city street signs. Residents approved her plan and will install about 70 signs featuring the language of the Massachusett Tribe, which English settlers encountered upon their arrival. What a great, universal way of teaching language, she said of the project done in consultation with a a member of the Massachusett Tribe and other Native Americans. We see multiple languages written almost everywhere, but not on municipal signage, she said. Living on a numbered street, I thought this is a great opportunity to include Native language with these basic terms that were all familiar with around the city. Carbone has joined a growing push around the country to use Indigenous translations on signs to raise awareness about Native American communities. It also is way to revive some Native American languages, highlight a tribes sovereignty as well as open the door for wider debates on land rights, discrimination and Indigenous representation in the political process. We have a moment where there is a search for some reconciliation and justice around Indigenous issues, said Darren Ranco, chair of Native American Programs at the University of Maine and a citizen of the Penobscot Nation. The signs represent that, but by no means is that the end point around these issues. My concern is that people will think that putting up signs solves the problem, when in fact, its the beginning point to addressing deeper histories. At least six states have followed suit, including Iowa, New York, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Signs along U.S. Highway 30 in Iowa include the Meskwaki Nations own spelling of the tribe, Meskwakiinaki, near its settlement. In upstate New York, bilingual highway signs in the languages of the Seneca, Onondaga and Tuscarora tribes border highways and their reservations. In Wisconsin, six of the 11 federally recognized tribes in the state have installed dual language signs. Wisconsin is derived from the Menominee word Weskohsaeh, meaning a good place and the word Meskousing, which means where it lies red in Algonquian. Our partnerships with Wisconsins Native Nations are deeper than putting up highway signs, WisDOT Secretary Craig Thompson said in a statement. We are proud of the longstanding commitment to foster meaningful partnerships focused on our future by providing great care and consideration to our past. Minnesota has put up signs in English and the Dakota or Ojibwe languages on roads and highways that traverse tribal lands, while the southeast Alaska community of Haines this summer erected stop, yield, Children at Play and street name signs in both English and Tlingit. Douglas Olerud, the mayor at the time, told the Juneau Empire it was healing for him after hearing for years from Tlingit elders that they were not allowed to use their language when sent to boarding schools. This is a great way to honor some of those people that have been working really hard to keep their traditions and keep the language alive, and hopefully they can have some small amount of healing from when they were robbed of the culture, he said. In New Mexico, the state transportation department has been working with tribes for years to include traditional names and artwork along highway overpasses. Travelers heading north from Santa Fe pass under multiple bridges with references to Pojoaque Pueblo in the communitys native language of Tewa. There have also been local efforts in places like Bemidji, Minnesota, where Michael Meuers, a non-Native resident, started the Bemidji Ojibwe Language Project. Since 2009, more than 300 signs in English and Ojibwe have been put up across northern Minnesota, mostly on buildings, including schools. The signs can also be found in hospitals and businesses and are used broadly to spell out names of places and animals, identify things such as elevators, hospital departments, bear crossings MAKWA XING and food within a grocery store, and include translations for welcome, thank you and other phrases. Maybe its going to open up conversations so that we understand that we are all one people, said Meuers, who worked for the Red Lake Nation for 29 years and started the project after seeing signs in Hawaiian on a visit to the state. The University of Maine put up dual language signs around its main campus. The Native American Programs, in partnership with the Penobscot Nation, also launched a website where visitors can hear the words spoken by language master Gabe Paul, a Penobscot pronunciation guide. For me, and for many of our tribal citizens and descendants, it is a daily reminder that we are in our homeland and we should be at home at the university, even though it has felt for generations like it can be an unwelcome place, Ranco said. But not all efforts to provide dual language signs have gone well. In New Zealand, the election of a conservative government in October has thrown into doubt efforts by transportation officials to start using road signs written in both English and the Indigenous Maori language. Waka Kotahi, the New Zealand Transport Agency, earlier this year proposed making 94 road signs bilingual to promote the revitalization of the language. But many conservatives have been irked by the increased use of Maori words by government agencies. Thousands wrote form submissions opposing the road sign plan, saying it could confuse or distract drivers. The effort in Cambridge has been welcomed as part of what is called the participatory budgeting process, which allows residents to propose ideas on spending part of the budget. Carbone proposed the sign project and, together with a plan to make improvements to the African American Heritage Trail, it was approved by residents. I am so excited to see the final products and the initial run of these signs, Carbone said. When people traveling around Cambridge see them, they will feel the same way. It will be just different enough to be noticeable but not different enough that it would cause a stir. Carbone and others also hope the signs open a broader discussion of Native American concerns in the city, including representation in the city government, funding for Native American programs as well as efforts to ensure historical markers offer an accurate portrayal of Indigenous people. When she first heard about the proposal, Sarah Burks, preservation planner at the Cambridge Historical Commission, acknowledged there were questions. Which signs would get the translations? How would translation be handled? Would this involve extensive research? The translation on streets signs will be relatively easy for people to understand, she said, and inspire residents to stop and think about the Massachusett Tribe and to recognize the diversity of people in our community. It will be attention-grabbing in a good way, she said of the signs, which are expected to go up early next year. ___ By MICHAEL CASEY Associated Press Associated Press writers Nick Perry in Wellington, New Zealand; Susan Montoya Bryan in Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Mark Thiessen in Anchorage, Alaska, contributed to this report. 2023 Shell LiveWIRE graduate Marsharae Cage (center) with her students at HEART Academy. Students from left to right, Amber Sharp, Deniyah Robinson, Medanie Rowe and instructor Sharamee Skipper. ULAN BATOR, Dec. 24 (Xinhua) -- Mongolia is seeking to promote economic growth and expand foreign trade through port revival projects, a senior Mongolian official has said. One of the key goals of the Mongolian government's medium-term development target program "New Revival Policy" for economic independence is port revival, Buya Tulga, a member of the Cabinet of Ministers and chairman of the National Committee for Port Revival, told Xinhua in a recent interview. Tulga said that Mongolia aims to expand its current economy by at least three times by 2030 by reviving the ports. Mongolia is home to 39 ports, among which 24 are now in regular operation. The minister said that the Mongolia-China ports are essential for Mongolia's foreign trade, adding that, for example, almost all food products and construction materials, among others, imported from China, Mongolia's largest trade partner, are transported through the Zamiin-Uud-Erenhot port. Within the framework of the port revival efforts, three new railway lines have already reached the Chinese border and are in preparation for operation, said Tulga. In addition, the auto road ports bordering China are expanding and modernizing via public-private partnerships, the state budget, as well as loans and investments from foreign governments and international financial institutions. Among Mongolian ports bordering China, the Zamiin-Uud port not only handles much of the bilateral trade between the two neighbors but is also one of the crucial parts of the China-Mongolia-Russia economic corridor and China-Europe freight train service under the Belt and Road Initiative, he said. "The port is also one of the most important ones for the implementation of the 'Transit Mongolia' goal proposed by Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh, which offers the shortest route from Europe to Asia through Mongolian territory." Therefore, the Zamiin-Uud auto road port commenced 24-hour freight customs clearance on a two-week trial basis starting this month, becoming the first port on the Mongolia-China border that has rolled out the round-the-clock service, according to the National Committee for Port Revival. There are six airports in Mongolia, two of which -- Chinggis Khaan International Airport in the central province of Tuv and Buyant-Ukhaa International Airport in the capital Ulan Bator -- are now operational. The Mongolian government is also making efforts to expand and modernize the remaining four airports to increase passenger and cargo flows, Tulga said, adding that the government is open to investors from other countries to participate in these projects. "We are working to expand and modernize many railway, air and auto road ports," said Tulga. He noted that Mongolian authorities believe that port revitalization works will play an important role in Mongolia-China bilateral trade and in implementing the China-Mongolia-Russia economic corridor. For many years our coast has proved to be a social and economic barrier to growth. We have been passive observers of the marine vessels passing along the Bristol Channel visiting the port of Bristol. We have been aware of, but not participated in, the increasingly busy marine port activities along the South Wales coast. Our local fishing fleets have declined to an alarming level. Despite valiant efforts to capitalise on this potential huge marine asset with initiatives involving such ideas as rebooting cross channel ferries (Ilfracombe to Swansea), it has proved hard to make progress and the reality of deprivation in our coastal communities has been a harsh one. I am confident however to state that in five years or less we will views these waters as rich assets for future employment and economic growth. Why so? The progress at Appledore Shipyard is hugely encouraging. The latest order book shows a pipeline of work including the three large Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships starting in March 2025. This is in addition to ongoing work to refit the former Royal Navy Mine-hunter (HMS Quorn) for the Lithuanian Navy. This means pushing direct local employment up to around 300 and more indirectly. Also there are opportunities for many local companies to become part of the dedicated supply. The South West Institute of Technology at Petroc is already breaking into new marine markets and talking to international operators. Critically it is establishing a bedrock for this nascent industry by providing training for the future skills required. The Appledore Clean Marine Innovation Centre will be a centre of excellence for clean-propulsion shipbuilding and floating offshore wind innovation. This is a combination of Torridge District Council working with the University of Plymouth and 15.6million from the Department for Levelling Up. It could result in more than 200 local vessels running on green fuels. The ambition of this project will also extend to seabed farming and specialist products such those from seaweed which can provide plastic replacements and essential ingredients for the pharmaceutical industry. The links here with the University of Plymouth are extremely exciting because Plymouth already has world leading marine research and testing facilities. Links to the ground breaking modelling and data management at Exeter University are also part of the extraordinary opportunity. There are around 21 research institutes around the South West who can feed into this. Not a bad start! What makes this part of the here and now is the latest announcements from the Crown Estates to create some of the biggest floating offshore wind farms in the world. This is the formal release of leases for three projects in the Celtic Sea off the South West and South Wales coasts. This will be for Phase One with a combined capacity of up to 4.5GW which can power around 4 m properties by 2030. Phase two will follow unlocking space for a further 12GW during the 2030s. The operators are already crawling all over the area assessing our business potential. We will not get to build the big turbines which are perfect projects for Pembroke and Milford Haven. These contracts are huge and also involve significant land based elements such a cable laying. Also not forgetting the maintenance of these huge monsters and welfare of the staff. Plenty here for us and our bright future. Behind the scenes preparations are advancing well. I can keep you updated. Track Santa this Christmas Eve as he makes his way around the globe and heads towards the UK at about 9pm tonight. Thanks to US defence system NORAD you can use the Santa Tracker right now to watch the man in reds progress around the world as he makes his way ever closer to Devon hopefully the blustery conditions wont put him off course! NORAD the North American Aerospace Defense Command has been using its multi-billion dollar satellites and high-tech tracking equipment to follow Father Christmas since 1958. Google now also has its own Santa Tracker too. Typically, Santa starts his journey out in the Pacific Ocean early on Christmas Eve (UK time) and travels west. After visiting the islands around the South Pacific, he delivers presents to the children of New Zealand and Australia. After that, follow him on the tracker as he travels to Japan, over to the rest of Asia, across to Africa, then onto Western Europe, Canada, the United States, Mexico and Central and South America. As at 3.30pm today he was fittingly one minute out from Christmas Island, an Australian territory south of Jakarta. We cant say exactly when his sleigh will be over Devon, but hes estimated to be above the UK between 9pm and midnight tonight. To follow Santas progress CLICK HERE for the NORAD Santa Tracker or HERE for Googles tracker The year 2023 was good to Gracie Abrams. She released her debut album. She opened for Taylor Swift. She sold out a U.S. tour, and took that tour to Europe. She started writing new music. And to cap it all off, she got her first Grammy nomination: best new artist. When the nominations dropped in early November, Abrams, 24, was at home, alone. I just couldnt have anticipated it less, you know. And so it was kind of this really, extremely exciting honor and a really sweet cherry on top to a year of so many gifts. Abrams immediately called her mom. But the first person to call her was fellow best new artist and first-time nominee, Noah Kahan. (They were screaming on the phone, she says.) The two are joined in the category by Ice Spice, Victoria Monet, Fred again.., Jelly Roll, Coco Jones and The War and Treaty. Looking ahead to the Feb. 4 Grammy ceremony in Los Angeles, Abrams said: Im really stoked to just cheer really loudly for everyone. Her debut album, Good Riddance, will turn 1 around then. The whole thesis of the record for me was kind of just walking away from versions of myself that I didnt recognize anymore, Abrams said. That comes through on songs like Right Now (with lyrics like left my past life on the ground/think Im more alive, somehow) and the deluxe track Unsteady (Im in danger/the girl in the mirrors a stranger). Both reference personal situations and ubiquitous emotions in a way that is typical of Abrams work a combination that makes fans often so clearly feel the lyrics at her shows, where tears are not uncommon. The luckiest thing Ive gotten to experience from all this, I think, is being able to connect with people that way, she said. Theres something really rare about places where you can just show up and be so outwardly emotional with strangers. Abrams made the album with The National's Aaron Dessner, at Long Pond, his studio in upstate New York. The wooded setting (as seen in Swifts folklore film ) was isolated, but different than the bedroom solitude much of her music had been composed in previously. That was freeing. I remember getting there. I had never actually met him, but I stayed for a week and it was immediately kind of like, 'Oh, let me tell you everything as if like you are a licensed psychiatrist,' she said of their collaboration. The thing thats so magical about Long Pond is like nine times out of 10, it feels like were just pulling things out of thin air and they end up in a way that were satisfied with." Those songs quickly made their way to one of the years biggest stages, as Abrams joined the stacked roster of young performers opening for Swifts Eras Tour. Perhaps the pinnacle of that experience for Abrams came in Cincinnati, when Swift invited her onstage for a duet after weather canceled Abrams' set. They traded verses of Abrams I miss you, Im sorry, with Swift on the guitar and Abrams on the piano. It really was nuts, Abrams said. Theres nothing weirder than getting raised up in the middle of a stage on a platform. It felt like the Hunger Games or something. So far, Abrams' is the only song Swift has performed on the Eras Tour stage other than her own. Abrams will return to Swift's stage next fall, on 18 added dates in the U.S. and Canada. Those shows have become a sort of benchmark for her as she looks ahead to 2024, to new music and to this new more free version of herself onstage. That environment, her stage and that tour has had massive influence on the way that Ive wanted to work to maybe one day be able to fill the space better than I did last time, Abrams said. That is a superpower, and I want to do that." By then, she'll hopefully have new music to share. Ive never been more excited for music to come out like by miles and miles," she said, laughing. "I just cant quite wait. This photo taken on Dec. 25, 2023 shows a damaged building after an Israeli airstrike in al-Maghazi refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip. At least 70 Palestinians were killed on Sunday in an Israeli airstrike on the al-Maghazi refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip, reported the state-run Palestine TV. (Xinhua) GAZA, Dec. 24 (Xinhua) -- At least 70 Palestinians were killed on Sunday in an Israeli airstrike on the al-Maghazi refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip, reported the state-run Palestine TV. Ashraf Al-Qedra, spokesman for the Gaza-based Health Ministry, said in a statement that the death toll is likely to rise as the airstrike hit a crowded residential area. He added that Israeli forces are bombing the central region's main roads between camps, which obstructs ambulances and civil vehicles from reaching targeted locations. Local sources told Xinhua that most of the killed were women and children, and it is currently difficult for local hospitals to receive more injured people. The sources added that in addition to the al-Maghazi refugee camp, the Israeli army also attacked central Gaza's al-Bureij refugee camp and the southern city of Khan Younis. The latest tally by the Gaza-based Health Ministry showed on Sunday that the Palestinian death toll from Israeli attacks has reached 20,424, and 54,036 others were wounded since the conflict broke out on Oct. 7. Meanwhile, a total of 15 Israeli soldiers were confirmed killed in Gaza over the past weekend, said the Israeli army, bringing to 154 the overall number of slain Israeli soldiers during its ground offensive in Gaza, which was launched in retaliation for a Hamas assault on Oct. 7 that left about 1,200 Israelis killed and more than 200 captivated. This photo taken on Dec. 25, 2023 shows damaged buildings after an Israeli airstrike in al-Maghazi refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip. At least 70 Palestinians were killed on Sunday in an Israeli airstrike on the al-Maghazi refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip, reported the state-run Palestine TV. (Xinhua) Renewable energy will have covered almost 52% of gross electricity consumption in Germany in 2023, according to the Centre for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Wurttemberg. This is an increase from 46% in 2022 and the first time to see it clear 50% in total. Germany has been in the news this year with their decision to push forward on phasing out nuclear energy. The last three remaining nuclear power plants were phased out in 2023. Power generated from coal has gone up in total along with renewables. Germany intends to have 80% of their total electricity coming from renewables in 2030. Having your paycheck depend on the weather and the clock is not new for a lot of folks, especially those in the ag industry, but now they will have company at the coffee shop discussing the effects on the billing side as well. In related news, Europe is going into Christmas with a warm, wet and windy weather pattern. January 2024 natural gas futures are trading around $2.60, near the lows of the year, which were put in one week ago at a price of $2.235. Turmoil spreads to Red Sea Terrorist attacks on container ships in the Red Sea from Houthi rebels based out of Yemen has major shipping companies rerouting to avoid the area and the Suez Canal, adding time and cost to normal shipping procedures. The U.S. Navy and allied forces have been called into action attempting to calm the choppy waters. This route is critical to any ocean shipping coming out of Europe or the Black Sea area headed towards Asia. With the Black Sea shipping channels already suffering increased stress due to the Ukraine/Russia conflict, adding an additional gauntlet to run for any shipper still willing to attempt a pass through the Suez Canal into the Red Sea will come with increased freight cost, in the form of increased insurance premiums, and perhaps a heavier laundry load for the maritime sailors facing tense waters thick enough to be cut with a drone missile. February crude oil futures were up $2.49/brl for the week around noon on Friday at $74/brl. Have a comment or question? Please reach out to derrick.hermesch@pinionglobal.com or call at 785-338-9605. The Jean Shepherd biographer Eugene B. Bergmann has died. Bergmann, who grew up listening to the Hammond native on the radio on WOR in New York City, wrote the biography Excelsior, You Fathead! The Art and Enigma of Jean Shepherd, chronicling the life of the humorist, radio host, raconteur and writer best known for A Christmas Story and the In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash book on which its based. Bergmann also edited Sheps Army: Bummers, Blisters and Boondoggles, a book compiling Shepherds broadcasted stories about his experiences as a World War II-era U.S. Army radar technician. It had a foreword by the well-known television commentator Keith Olbermann, who was one of Shepherds many celebrity fans along with Jerry Seinfeld, Steely Dans Donald Fagen and Zippy the Pinhead creator Bill Griffith. Bergmann, a New York City native who worked as an exhibit designer at the renowned American Museum of Natural History, died of a combination of heart failure, cancer and failing kidneys, according to his family. He was 85 years old. He was a self-proclaimed Jean Shepherd nerd who loved Jean Shepherd, said Nick Mantis, whos been working on a Jean Shepherd documentary. He was a jovial guy. He knew I was working on a documentary and invited me to A Night To Remember Jean Shepherd at the Paley Center. He told me things that werent available online or in his book. Bergmann had a large collection of Shepherd memorabilia, some of which the family donated to the A Christmas Story house in Cleveland. He said he was a shy and timid kid growing up and Jean Shepherd helped him come out of his shell, Mantis said. He published a biography of Jean Shepherd, the only such book that exists. He embraced Hammond as a second home with open arms because Jean Shepherd was from there. He was always open to dialogue and conversation. I was grateful for his contributions to the documentary. Bergmann listened to all Shepherds radio tapes and studied any media he was featured in, such as his PBS show, television movies and many magazine articles and books. Over the past decade, Shepherd has become my main obsession, to the point where my wife is jealous, he told The Times of Northwest Indiana in a 2013 interview. Jean Shepherd grew up in Hammond, gaining a lifetime of material he spun into stories he told on the radio, in magazine articles, books, television shows and eventually films, including the immortal holiday classic A Christmas Story. Shepherd, or Shep, as he was known to his loyal listeners up and down the eastern seaboard while broadcasting on WOR in New York City, often talked about his Region roots. He would talk on the radio about Lake Michigan, steel mills, the Indiana Dunes, the Roby Speedway and the Great Orpheum Gravy Boat Riot, in which the bygone movie theater in downtown Hammond lured customers with special giveaways, provoking the ire of a crowd of moviegoers when the owner fails to make good on a promise. Shepherd wrote about fishing for crappies created by God for the express purpose of surviving in waters that would kill a bubonic-plague bacillus in Cedar Lake while his dads drinking buddies told dirty jokes. Shepherd, who was wont to exaggerate for comedic effect, joked in Hairy Gertz and the 47 Crappies they condemned Cedar Lake and that it was the first time I heard of em doing it to a lake. It is composed of roughly 10% waste glop spewed out by Shell, Sinclair, Phillips, and the Grasseli Chemical Corporation; twelve percent used detergent; thirty-five percent thick gruel composed of decayed garter snakes, deceased toads, fermented crappies, and a strange, unidentifiable liquid that holds it all together, he wrote in the article that first appeared in Playboy magazine. No one is quite sure what that is, because everybody is afraid to admit what it really is. They dont want to look at it too closely. So this melange lays there under the sun, and about August it is slowly simmering like a rich mulligatawny stew. The natives, in their superstitious way, believe that it is highly inflammable. They take no chances. Shepherds masterpiece A Christmas Story, based loosely on his experiences growing up in Hammond in the 1920s and 1930s, has become one of the most beloved holiday films of all time due in part to it running around the clock on the cable television stations TNT and TBS. It makes many references to the Region, including some clodhopper down in Griffith, and my father wove a tapestry of obscenities that as far as we know is still hanging in space over Lake Michigan. The 1983 movie is based on Shepherds book In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash. Its set in a lightly fictionalized version of his hometown called Hohman, which is of course Hammonds main drag. He said in an interview Hohman also was based on East Chicago and Gary, which is why he didnt just call it Hammond, said Nick Mantis, a local filmmaker who has been working on a Jean Shepherd documentary. Much of the movie that people often quote and watch over and over was drawn from his experiences and based on real-life places in Hammond. Most obviously, Goldblatts and also E.C. Minas had window decorations like those in the movie and Santas in the basement like in the movie, Mantis said. They filmed it at Higbees in Cleveland. They had a small budget and it kind of looked like Hammond. The department store is where Ralphie first lays eyes on a the coveted official Red Ryder, carbine action, two-hundred shot range model air rifle and where he cant stammer out his desire when atop Santas Mountain until hes sent down the slide and claws his way back up. What hes referencing was the window displays that show trains and the hot toys at the time, which would have been the Red Ryder BB gun when he was a kid, Mantis said. The Hammond Christmas Parade was almost like what you saw in the movie. Pretty much the entire downtown area was packed and Santa was always at the end of it on a float. It originated on Hohman Avenue downtown before moving over the Indianapolis Boulevard. It was a pretty accurate depiction. The Chinese restaurant the Parkers visited after the Bumpus hounds burst in and devour their coveted Christmas turkey was based on Cam Lan on Hohman Avenue. It was right behind the old Goldblatts. My mom and dad loved that place, Hammond City Councilman David Woerpel said. If you ask older people to name their favorite Chinese restaurant in Hammond, its the one they would name. The school scenes, including where Ralphie submits the essay on wanting a Red Ryder BB gun and where Flick gets his tongue stuck to the flagpole, were set at Warren G. Harding Elementary School. Its been rebuilt three different times now, Mantis said. Shepherd was born just over a century ago in 1921. Many of the places he depicted in A Christmas Story are no longer still standing in Hammond. Shepherds childhood home remains at 2907 Cleveland St., where its a private residence. The childhood house of his friend Schwartz, who teaches Ralphie a swear word that gets his mouth cleaned out with Lifebuoy Soap, stands at 6810 Arizona Ave. nearby in Hessville. Flick, whose accepted the infamous triple dog dare only to get his tongue stuck! stuck! STUCK! on a flagpole to the point where firefighters had to extricate him, lived at 3024 Cleveland St. down the street from Shepherd. The Flickinger family that inspired the Flick character from the movie owned a Hammond watering hole called Flicks Tavern, which was featured in Shepherds stories and was where the opening of the HBO Max sequel A Christmas Story Christmas took place. It was located at 165th Street and Kennedy Avenue across from Freddys Steakhouse in Hammonds Hessville neighborhood. More recently, Flicks Tap operated at 6205 Kennedy Avenue in Hessville where McGings Pub is now. A Christmas Story locations like Shepherds childhood home are common knowledge but other sites are shrouded in speculation, Woerpel said. Thirty years ago I met a guy who claimed to be the inspiration for Scut Farkus, Woerpel said. I got the impression that that was a composite character, but he was claiming this happened here and that happened there. He told Woerpel the fight in which Ralphie finally bests Scut Farkus took place on 165th Street by what is now a tire shop. Its not verifiable but its supposed to be where kids then went to settle scores, Woerpel said. In the movie it takes place by a junkyard and theres no junkyard in Hammond between where Shepherd lived and his school. The Old Man was based on Shepherds father, who worked at Bordens Dairy at Clinton and Oakley streets in Hammond, Woerpel said. The teacher Ms. Shields was based on a teacher at Hammond High who went on to teach at East Chicago Roosevelt. Im assuming he liked her and thats why he made her a character, he said. But he was vague about a lot of what he was talking about or would embellish it. The goal of a storyteller isnt to report every detail. Thats a news writers. He was telling stories like Bruce Springsteen or John Mellencamp. There are 10 different ways to interpret what he meant. You can get what you want out of it. Once the movie came out in 1983, many people claimed to have known Shepherd or the real stories behind the movie scenes, Woerpel said. Lots of people have their own version of events, he said. There are three sides to every stone. One side, the other side and the truth thats somewhere in the middle. While many of his stories were based on his own experiences, Shepherd never explicitly noted where some took place, Woerpel said. The tire changing scene in which Ralphie immediately regrets blurting out an expletive for instance takes place on a bridge but its never clarified if it was supposed to be a bridge on 165th Street or the famous nine-span bridge that has since been torn down, he said. Since Shepherd was a boy nearly a century ago, its only natural that many of the landmarks of his Hammond childhood would no longer be standing, Mantis said. A lot of the locations in Hammond are no longer around, Mantis said. Even Hammond High, which he often talked about on the radio, was demolished. Its a sad thing that we dont do more to honor him. We have a statue of Flick at the Indiana Welcome Center but no statue of Jean Shepherd. I guess the movie is always going to come first and Jean Shepherd second, the way people think of Star Wars before they do of George Lucas. The film was inspired by a rally Shepherd witnessed of mothers protesting the the toy industry, calling for a ban on all toy guns. He wrote an article about it, which morphed into one thing and then morphed into another, Mantis said. Its not just a fun story about a kid wanting a BB gun. He told Mark Taylor in an article for the 1998 Christmas edition of the Gary Post-Tribune it was an anti-gun, anti-war movie. Its a timeless story about human nature. If it took place today, it could be about a kid wanting a Nintendo Switch. He wanted to document life in the Midwest and used his own experiences of Northwest Indiana. Boz Hot Dogs, a longtime institution in Northwest Indiana and the south suburbs, is expanding to Schererville and Cedar Lake. The chain started in 1969 at 142nd and Cottage Grove Avenue in Dolton. It now has nine locations, including in Dyer and Lansing. Known for its orange and white stripes and a logo with a ponytailed girl licking her lips, the hot dog joint serves Boz hot dogs, jumbo all beef hot dogs, Polish sausage, bratwurst, Italian beef, meatball sandwiches, BBQ pork sandwiches, nachos, tamales, chili soup and chips. Secretary Roberta Hart said the two new locations would open next year. Each has a different franchisee. "The Schererville Boz Hot Dogs has plans for opening at the end of winter," Hart said. "The Cedar Lake location we hope will open by March 1, 2024." Schererville Town Manager Jim Gorman said the Schererville Boz would be located at 1935 Wicker Drive. It's a former Long John Silver's on U.S. 41 that was most recently home to Burrito Station. Boz, which was often voted best hot dog in The Times' Best of the Region contest, is beefing up its presence in Northwest Indiana after closing longtime hot dog joints in Hammond in 2010 and Griffith in 2013. Open Richie's Corner Deli is serving up freshly sliced meats in downtown Whiting. "It's a family-owned business," owner Jessica Garcia said. "It's named after my brother who died in 2015. He had cystic fibrosis." The deli took over the former Whiting Cafe and Cantina space at 1320 119th St. It sells hot subs, cold subs and soup, including lemon rice, tomato bisque, wild rice, cheddar broccoli and stuffed pepper. "It's made fresh to order," she said. "The meat is sliced daily. Whatever sub you get, you're getting it fresh." Richie's Corner Deli also brings in freshly baked bagels from Clutch Bagels in St. John every morning. It offers breakfast sandwiches with sausage, egg and ham. It hopes to make bakery items in-house like pastries, muffins and cookies soon. "We smoke our meatballs in house," Garcia said. "We have pork belly cheesesteaks. We serve different soups daily, which are announced on social media." It's owned by the same family that owns Buzzin BBQ just down the street at 1423 119th St. in Whiting. "We always wanted to open a second business in the Whiting community and an opportunity came along," she said. "Whiting has felt like home. We're not from the area but it's been warm and welcoming." Richie's Corner Deli has three or four tables for inside dining and offers takeout, online ordering, catering and lunch boxes for work meetings or corporate events. Most sandwiches are named after streets in Whiting. The 119th has Krakus ham and a choice of cheese; the New York Ave. Genoa salami, hot capicola, mortadella, provolone cheese; the Cleveland Ave. Krakus ham, roasted turkey, genoa salami and a choice of cheese; and the Temple Court hot capicola, hot soppressata, pepperoni, provolone cheese It will eventually sell meat by the pound, including corned beef and pastrami, and also add lox to serve with the bagels. It offers samples of the meat so customers can try before they buy. "We're trying to build here in Whiting, build something from the ground up," she said. "We like the atmosphere in Whiting. It's small but it's part of a large area. It's a beautiful little city. We want to be here long term. We feel like there's a lot of opportunity in Whiting. We want to get our small business on the map and hopefully bring more people to the city to shop and visit other small businesses." Garcia also hopes to eventually open a bakery in downtown Whiting as well. Richie's Corner Deli is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday through Tuesday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 7 a.m. to noon Sunday. It expects to extend the hours in the summer. For more information, call 219-655-5005, visit www.richiescornerdeli.com or find the business on Facebook and Instagram. Coming soon Bibibop Asian Grill is coming soon to Munster. The Korean fast-casual restaurant that serves "real, unprocessed, high quality food" in the style of Chipotle is moving into the former Meatheads burger spot at 9140 Calumet Ave., where it will be located next to Noodles and Co., Potbelly's and Starbucks. The chain has a location in Carmel in suburban Indianapolis and is in the process of opening one in Naperville. It specializes in chef-curated bowls like the Bibibop Fan Favorite, which mixes sweet potato noodles, purple rice, chicken, broccoli, potatoes, carrots, cheese, corn and Yum Yum sauce. The Steak & Noodle bowl blends sweet potato noodles, steak, bean sprouts, broccoli, carrots, egg, sesame seeds and Gochujang sauce, while the Teriyaki Tofu & Greens bowl features salad, tofu, potatoes, black beans, bean sprouts, kale, corn and teriyaki sauce. The Sweet & Spicy Chicken bowl combines spicy chicken, white rice, corn, kimchi, red cabbage, pineapple, kale and Gochujang sauce. It also offers customizable bowls, family meats, party packs and traditional catering spreads that can feed more than 2,000 people. Sides include pineapples, veggies, kimchi and sweet potato noodles. It also has desserts and drinks like kombucha, green tea, black currant tea, lemonade and pop. For more information, call 219-332-2021 or call www.bibibop.com. Open Wrap City Grill opened at 3365 Willowcreek Road in Portage. The restaurant specializes in wraps like veggie, chicken city club, California chicken, fajita, Buffalo chicken, black pepper chicken, Philly cheesesteak, Reuben, red pepper turkey, curry chicken, blackened shrimp, roast beef, roast beef, tuna, tilapia, Italian, honey chicken and jerk salmon. Sides include jerk chicken fries, seasoned crinkled fries, potato salad, chicken and dumplings, mac and cheese and jerk egg rolls. It also has spuds, salads, desserts and beverages, including seamoss water that's supposed to be packed with nutrients. Its open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. For more information, call 219-254-2986 or find the business on Facebook. Coming soon The Florida-based law firm Kelley Kronenberg is coming to Merrillville. The nationally recognized law firm started in 1980 and has grown to having more than 200 attorneys in 16 locations nationwide. It practices many areas of law including business law and criminal defense law. The law firm is moving into Park Tower at 233 E. 84th Drive in Merrillville. We definitely found the right spot to bring a national law firm to the Region. This location is minutes from the expressway and in a high traffic office and retail corridor. Everything that Kelley Kronenbergs staff may need is only minutes away," said Antony Miocic of Crown Pointbased Latitude Commercial, one of the Region's top commercial real estate firms. Coming soon Plum Creek Surgery Center signed a long-term lease to come to Munster. It will join Dermio Dermatology, Midwest Orthopedics at Rush, The Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery and other medical providers in the Lake Business Center. It plans to take over 10,500 square feet on the southwest side of the medical center. The goal is to open by the third quarter of 2024. This is a prime location within a medical corridor in Northwest Indiana. Plum Creek will provide a much-needed service to the community," said Miocic, who represented the landlord along with Brian Edgerton of NAI Hiffman. For more information, call 219-254-2986 or find the business on Facebook. The recent explosive congressional hearing with presidents from among some of the nations most elite universities Harvard, MIT and the University of Pennsylvania nearly broke the internet. All three academic leaders could not clearly state that advocating genocide against Jews might violate their campus codes of conduct. Politicians of all stripes along with students, faculty, alumni and prominent donors were shocked that what seemed like something defined by a bright line of morality would be portrayed as requiring nuance in response. Elizabeth Magill, Penns president, created the most memorable soundbite while under intense questioning by Rep. Elise Stefanik, (R-N.Y.). When asked by Stefanik whether calling for the genocide of Jews constituted bullying or harassment, Magill soberly replied, It is a context-dependent decision, congresswoman. Within 24 hours, she issued an apologetic video for misspeaking under pressure, but that did not prove to be enough to mitigate the damage by not responding affirmatively. The Penn Board of Trustees accepted her resignation by the end of the week, along with that of its chair, Scott Bok. Although this controversy has been framed as a debate about protecting the First Amendment and free speech values on campus, more focus needs be made on the actual legal standard that would be applied to the context-dependent decision that Magill indicated would be necessary to consider. Penn, a private university, isnt covered by the First Amendment, which deals with restrictions on free speech by state actors. Nevertheless, it models its campus code of conduct on the same constitutional principles applicable here. There is a new Supreme Court precedent that underscores why Magills assertion could not be supported as a matter of law. When chants of Kill the Jews are made during demonstrations on Penns campus or elsewhere, they would not be considered as just angry words but rather as true threats. Consequently, like other expressive categories such as child pornography or obscenity, they would not be covered by the free speech protection of the First Amendment or by any university code of conduct that references it as a benchmark. The central legal issue is whether this phrase (or others, such as Intifada or From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free) constitutes a threat that may be punished by a university. The Supreme Court has indicated that the speaker need not actually intend to carry out the threat. Rather, all that must be proven is that the speaker intended to communicate a threat. Not surprisingly, over the last 20 years, lower federal appellate courts have not followed a uniform standard about what level of intention was needed to distinguish a genuine threat from protected free speech. Thats why the courts decision in Counterman v. Colorado this year is so important. The court finally adopted a rule that speech is not protected if the speaker consciously disregarded a substantial risk that his communications would be viewed as threatening violence. This subjective standard now has been set at a level of recklessness on behalf of the speaker, which is a lower threshold than establishing an intent to do harm or knowing that the communication would do harm. Anyone who defaces campus property with a Kill the Jews slogan or leads the chanting of this type of mantra in a public demonstration would be consciously assuming the risk that these words would be threatening violence. Under the Counterman decision, these words clearly are meant to threaten violence (and, in some cases, have been accompanied by physical assaults on nearby individuals identified as Jews, too). This means that Magills response (along with similar ones by Harvards Claudine Gay and MITs Sally Kornbluth) was wrong on both moral and legal grounds. There is no way to contextualize that genocidal expressions against Jews can be anything other than bullying or harassing threats of violence. They are clearly actual threats not free speech and must be dealt with accordingly. Lawyers for former President Donald J. Trump asked an appeals court in Washington on Saturday night to toss a federal indictment accusing him of plotting to overturn the 2020 election, arguing that he was immune to the charges because they arose from actions he had taken while he was in the White House. The weekend filing to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit was the latest salvo in a long-running and crucial battle between Mr. Trump and the special counsel, Jack Smith, over whether the former president enjoys immunity to the election interference charges. The fight over immunity has now touched all three levels of the federal court system, including the Supreme Court, which on Friday declined Mr. Smiths request to intervene and hear the case before the appeals court. The ultimate resolution of the issue will have a significant effect not only on the overall viability of the election interference case, but also on whether a trial on the charges is postponed until the heart of the 2024 campaign or even until after the election. At that point, if Mr. Trump wins the presidency, he could order the charges to be dropped. In a 55-page brief to a three-judge panel of the court, D. John Sauer, a lawyer who has been handling appeals for Mr. Trump, argued that under the Constitution, judges cannot hold the president accountable for any acts undertaken while in office. A federal judge on Friday gave the go-ahead to a lawsuit against the social media company X, formerly known as Twitter, in which workers claim that the company promised but never paid millions of dollars in bonuses. In June, Mark Schobinger, a former senior director of compensation for Twitter who lives in Texas, sued the company, claiming breach of contract under California law. The company has its headquarters in San Francisco. Mr. Schobinger said that both before and after the billionaire Elon Musk bought Twitter last year, the company had orally promised employees 50 percent of their 2022 targeted bonuses if they stayed with the company in the first quarter of 2023. However, the bonuses were never paid, according to the suit. Mr. Schobinger filed the suit on his own behalf and on behalf of nearly 2,000 other current and former workers. The amount in dispute is greater than $5 million, according to court records. In Ferrari, Adam Driver looms like a colossus as Enzo Ferrari. Driver is tall and rangy, but he looks even bigger here wider, too partly because Enzo wears boxy suits with linebacker shoulders so broad they nearly scrape the edges of the frame. The most famous man in Italy aside from the Pope, Enzo makes blood-red racecars with sexy curves and supercharged engines. The Commendatore, as hes called, looks more like a tank. He seems an ideal vehicle for Michael Mann, a filmmaker with his own line of beautiful obsessions. Set largely in 1957, the movie Ferrari focuses on an especially catastrophic year in Enzos convoluted life. He makes some of the most coveted cars in the world: Theres a king impatiently waiting in Enzos office not long after the story takes off. (That royal personage, whos short, is anxious that, this time, his feet will reach the pedals easily.) All the world wants something from Ferrari, who in turn seems to care only about his racecars, ravishing red beasts that roar out of his factory near his home in Modena and into the worlds fastest, most lethally dangerous races, where records, machines and bodies are routinely broken. What makes those cars and Ferrari run permeates the movie, which opens with the young Enzo (Driver) behind the wheel, racing and all but flying. The jaunty, propulsive jazz on the soundtrack give the scene inviting charm (youre ready to jump in Enzos car, too), as does the smile that spreads across his face. Its one of the few times he cracks one. Soon after, the story downshifts to an older Commendatore, now gray and imperial and facing bankruptcy as he struggles both with work and two households with two very different women. One greets him on an especially angry morning by firing a gun at him, which does get his attention. Death stalks Enzo and this movie, which energetically gathers momentum even as Mann busily juggles the storys numerous parts and warring dualisms. Written by Troy Kennedy Martin, the film is based on Brock Yatess cleareyed 1991 biography Enzo Ferrari: The Man, the Cars, the Races, the Machine, if only in strategic part. (Martin also wrote the original, car-centric caper film The Italian Job.) While the book traces its subject (and brand) from cradle to beyond the grave, the movie condenses the auto makers life into a brief, emblematic period and a series of dramatic oppositions, including two sons, one living and one dead, as well as the road cars that Enzo sells and the racecars that are his lifes passion. Filmmakers know that the courtroom is a hell of a place to put on a show and this year, French movies like Anatomy of a Fall and Saint Omer have put women on trial to dramatize, not so much their crimes, but the gendered biases that make them look criminal. The Crime is Mine, a snappy showbiz screwball, takes this feminist conceit and adds stardust and firecrackers to the mix. Directed by Francois Ozon a French director known for his winking subversions of genre the film puts a twist on the trope of the spotlight-seeking murderess: the women in the film want us to know they did it. Freely adapted from a 1934 play by Georges Berr and Louis Verneuil and set in a vintage Paris, the film revolves around the roommates Madeleine (Nadia Tereszkiewicz) and Pauline (Rebecca Marder), two dead-broke ingenues angling for a break. In the opening scene, Madeleine, a blonde bombshell who dreams of her name in lights, comes home distraught after a slimy theater producer Montferrand (Jean-Christophe Bouvet) attempts to rape her. And Madeleines beau, a Buster Keaton look-alike, announces his plans to marry a wealthy heiress and keep Madeleine as his mistress. Hours later, the cops swing by Montferrand is dead and the revolver on Madeleines dresser looks awfully fishy. At one of the few chain pharmacies still open in the South Bronx a Rite Aid on Southern Boulevard just about everything except for the greeting cards is behind plexiglass barriers and sealed with a lock. The Kit Kats. The Pringles. The soda. The dog toys. Yet near a subway station on that same bustling shopping street, four mom-and-pop pharmacies are doing brisk business. Their unlocked shelves are filled with merchandise. The pharmacist and technicians are on the phones, answering calls in Spanish and English from patients whose names they often know. Im the kind of person who likes to speak to the patients, said Dr. Rana Makki, supervising pharmacist at Bronx Specialty Pharmacy, a few doors down from the Rite Aid, explaining why she works there instead of a chain. We know who you are, delivery is faster here and there you have to deal more with people stealing. GAZA, Dec. 24 (Xinhua) -- A Palestinian man was killed and several others were wounded Sunday during clashes and chaos at a humanitarian aid distribution center in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, Palestinian sources said. The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the clashes erupted after hundreds of people rushed to the center, causing stampedes as security forces fired shots to disperse the crowd. They said the relatives of the slain man set fire to the center and a nearby police station and blocked roads with burning tires. The Follow-Up Committee of the National and Islamic Forces in Gaza, a coalition of factions, issued a statement condemning the incident and stressed the necessity of protecting public property and maintaining law and order. It said that "any transgression or negligence" at this time was unacceptable and served the interests of "the Israeli occupation." It also urged the security agencies in Gaza to take firm action against anyone who disrupts the security and stability of the Palestinian people. The Gaza Strip, which is under Israel's relentless attacks and tight blockade, has been experiencing a surge in unrest and insecurity, especially during the delivery and distribution of humanitarian aid, amid complaints of hunger and food shortages. Of all the qualities that the New Testament ascribes to God, compassion is among the most shocking. Compassion has nothing to do with power, with immortality or with immutability, which is what many people think of when they contemplate Gods qualities. The Greek gods of myth who lived on Mt. Olympus were defined by many things, but compassion was not high among them. For much of antiquity feeling the pain of others was regarded as a weakness, John Dickson, a professor of biblical studies and public Christianity at Wheaton College, told me. This comes to full flowering in the Stoics, he said, on the grounds that this involved allowing an external factor the emotions or plight of another to control your own inner life. Compassion, on the other hand, is central to the Christian understanding of God. Compassion implies the capacity to enter into places of pain, to weep with those who weep, according to the Apostle Paul, who was central both to the early conception of Christianity and to the idea of its underpinning in compassion. In the Hebrew Scriptures, were told many times that God is compassionate. It is at the center of the Jewish conception of God. But for Christians, there is an incarnational expression of that compassion. The embodiment of God in Jesus the deity made flesh, dwelling among us means that God both suffered and, crucially, suffered with others in a way that was a seismic break with all that came before. In the Gospels, we repeatedly read of the compassion of Jesus for those suffering physically and emotionally, for those harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. To the Editor: Re What Is Happening at the Columbia School of Social Work?, by Pamela Paul (column, Dec. 18): I am outraged by Ms. Pauls column. I dont know what is happening at the Columbia School of Social Work, but if engagement around issues of social justice and racism were entering the curriculum only in recent years, it would be a very unusual social work school. The equally renowned Smith College School for Social Work, from which I received an M.S.W. 32 years ago, identified itself as an anti-racist institution shortly after my cohort graduated, and a critical understanding of race and racism is central to everything that is taught (and hopefully learned) there. Its hard to imagine that Columbia is lagging far behind. My experience has been that contrary to the stereotypes that abound in Ms. Pauls essay social workers at our best are compassionate, brave and radical, alert to the oppressive conditions that harm our clients and our communities and active in working to change those conditions. The National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics identifies social justice as a core value of our profession and one of our fundamental ethical principles: Social workers challenge social injustice. Social workers pursue social change, particularly with and on behalf of vulnerable and oppressed individuals and groups of people. These activities seek to promote sensitivity to and knowledge about oppression and cultural and ethnic diversity. I spent much of my young life proving how Japanese I was. I would grow angry when people praised my impeccable Japanese. Too often I felt I didnt belong in my own society. It was all too much. Always standing out felt so suffocating that at 19 years old, I moved to New York. Japan was closed off from the Western world until the late 1800s. For much of the countrys history, mixed-race children were uncommon, particularly outside Tokyo. In the post-World War II era, derogatory words like ainoko and konketsuji were used to describe children born of a Japanese and foreign parent. It wasnt until the 1980s that interracial marriages became more common. How many ways are there to leave this universe? Perhaps the best known exit entails the death of a star. In 1939 the physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer and his student Hartland Snyder, of the University of California, Berkeley, predicted that when a sufficiently massive star runs out of thermonuclear fuel, it collapses inward and keeps collapsing forever, shrink-wrapping space, time and light around itself in what today is called a black hole. But it turns out that a dead star might not be needed to make a black hole. Instead, at least in the early universe, giant clouds of primordial gas may have collapsed directly into black holes, bypassing millions of years spent in stardom. That is the tentative conclusion recently reached by a group of astronomers studying UHZ-1, a speck of light dating from not long after the Big Bang. In fact, UHZ-1 is (or was) a powerful quasar that spat fire and X-rays from a monstrous black hole 13.2 billion years ago, when the universe was not quite 500 million years young. That is unusually soon, cosmically speaking, for so massive a black hole to have come into being through stellar collapses and mergers. Priyamvada Natarajan, an astronomer at Yale and the lead author of a paper published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters, and her colleagues, contend that in UHZ-1 they have discovered a new celestial species, which they call an overmassive black hole galaxy, or O.B.G. In essence, an O.B.G. is a young galaxy anchored by a black hole that became too big too fast. In late August, amid a rising outcry over revelations that Justice Clarence Thomas had received decades of undisclosed gifts and free luxury travel, a lawyer in Chicago fired off an email to her fellow former Thomas clerks. Many of us have been asked recently about the justice, wrote the lawyer, Taylor Meehan. In response, theres not always the opportunity to tell his story and share what it was like to work for him. And theres rarely the opportunity for us to do so all together. Ms. Meehan attached a letter in support of Justice Thomas. Minutes later came a reply. I just had to jump up right away and say bravo for this, wrote Steven G. Bradbury, a Heritage Foundation fellow who served in the George W. Bush and Trump administrations. Within days Fox News viewers were hearing about the letter, now signed by 112 former clerks and testifying that the justices integrity is unimpeachable. Among the signers was the popular Fox host Laura Ingraham. In turn, the justices wife, the conservative activist Virginia Thomas, soon took to the clerks private email listserv. We feel less alone today, because of you all!!! she wrote, offering special thanks to the letters coordinators and all who stepped into our fire!!! On Tuesday, the day before Harvard acknowledged more problems with its presidents scholarly work, two members of its governing body sat in a private dining room at Bar Enza, a popular Cambridge restaurant, and faced a grilling. It was an exceedingly rare opportunity for a small group of prominent academics to speak directly to members of the reclusive board in charge of the school, as it endured a turbulent period. The campus was convulsed by demands for the resignation of Harvards president, Claudine Gay, after allegations of plagiarism and anger over her handling of antisemitism and threats to Jewish students, which spurred a donor revolt. The two board members, the nonprofit founder Tracy Palandjian and the private-equity executive Paul Finnegan, were told directly that they had to do more to address the ongoing maelstrom consuming the campus. You need to be more out front of this, Jeff Flier, the former dean of Harvard Medical School, recalled telling them. If people are saying the university is making mistakes they are talking about you! Heres what to know about the boards current members. Timothy R. Barakett Timothy R. Barakett is the universitys treasurer and a donor. He founded the now-fallen hedge fund, Atticus Capital, which he led as chairman and chief executive for 15 years. He is now the chief executive of TRB Advisors, a family investment firm he founded in 2010. Mr. Barakett has also worked in philanthropy; he serves on the board of the Harvard Management Company, which manages Harvards endowment. Image Kenneth I. Chenault Credit... Mike Cohen for The New York Times Kenneth I. Chenault Kenneth I. Chenault is the chairman and a managing director for General Catalyst, a venture capital firm. Previously he served as chairman and chief executive of American Express Company. Mr. Chenault has served on the boards of many influential corporations, including I.B.M. and Procter & Gamble. He is also a board member of the Smithsonian Institutions National Museum of African American History and Culture, and Bloomberg Philanthropies. Image Mariano-Florentino Cuellar Credit... Pool photo by Tolga Akmen Mariano-Florentino (Tino) Cuellar Mariano-Florentino (Tino) Cuellar is a former justice of the Supreme Court of California; he now serves as president of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Mr. Cuellar worked in the White House for the Clinton and Obama administrations and served as co-chair of the U.S. Department of Educations Equity and Excellence Commission and of the Immigration Policy Working Group for the Obama-Biden Transition Project. He was also the special assistant to the president for justice and regulatory policy during President Barack Obamas first term. For two decades, he was a Stanford University faculty member. The U.S. government is preparing for its adversaries to intensify efforts to influence American voters next year. Russia has huge stakes in the presidential election. China seems poised to back a more aggressive campaign. Other countries, like Iran, might again try to sow division in the United States. As Washington looks ahead to the 2024 vote, U.S. intelligence agencies last week released a report on the 2022 midterm elections a document that gives us some hints about what might be to come. Spy agencies concluded Russia favored Trump in 2016. What about in 2024? Russia appears to be paying close attention to the election, as its war in Ukraine is soon to enter a third year. Former President Donald J. Trump, the leading Republican candidate, has expressed skepticism about Ukraine funding. President Biden has argued that assisting Ukraine is in Americas interest. Former President Donald J. Trump has drawn widespread censure after reprising a line that casts undocumented immigrants as poisoning the blood of our country. The remark underscored Mr. Trumps hard-line approach to immigration, which has been central to his platform since he made his first bid for president in 2015. If elected again, he has vowed to carry out mass deportations and enact other strict policies. He and his Republican rivals have pointed to the surge of migrants at the southern border to make their political case. Some Democrats, too, have been critical of the Biden administrations approach toward immigration. But even with legitimate lines of attack, Mr. Trump has at times turned to baseless and misleading claims during rallies in recent months. Opposition leaders in the Democratic Republic of Congo have called for the annulment of the results of the recent general election over accusations of fraud, in a dispute that risks plunging the vast and mineral-rich Central African nation into new political turmoil. Five opposition leaders, including the presidents main challenger, published a statement late Saturday accusing the countrys electoral commission of massive fraud, including ballot stuffing, delaying opening polling stations and falsely declaring President Felix Tshisekedi the winner in areas where they say he did not win any votes. The five leaders who include Moise Katumbi, a business tycoon and the presidents closest rival also called on the head of the commission to resign for having planned and orchestrated the worst electoral fraud that our country has ever known. The results of the elections are being watched closely not only in Africa, but around the world. Congo is Africas second-largest nation and home to deep reserves of cobalt, which is vital in making electric cars. And the wrangling over the elections credibility could fuel unrest in Congo, which is already dealing with an enormous security and humanitarian crisis in its eastern region. JAKARTA, Dec. 24 (Xinhua) -- Twelve people were killed and several others wounded as an explosion happened at a steel factory in Indonesia's Central Sulawesi province on Sunday, local MetroTV reported. By 7 a.m., lines of customers snake down the block outside stores on the main commercial strip in Musina, a bustling South African border town where thousands of people arrive daily from neighboring Zimbabwe to buy food, clothes and other necessities that are hard to get back home. A few miles away, at the border, pickup trucks bearing the seal of South Africas newly formed border patrol inspect the razor-wire fence, looking to arrest people who cross illegally braving bandits, crocodiles and the rushing Limpopo River. The border force represents an effort by the government, months ahead of crucial national elections, to respond to popular demand and clamp down on migrants sneaking into the country. Musina, surrounded by farms and a copper mine, is where the governments muscular immigration policy collides with a tricky reality that many South Africans are loath to concede: that even people who cross the border illegally may be good for the country. Without them, Musina is going to be a big ghost town, said Jan-Pierre Vivier, a South African who, with his family, owns a butcher shop that relies on migrant customers. Kashmiris are calling for an investigation into the deaths of three civilians on Friday who were among several people Indian soldiers had detained for questioning in connection with an attack by separatist militants in the restive region. The ambush, on Thursday, of two army vehicles, which left four soldiers dead and three others injured, was the latest in a campaign of violence that militants resisting Indian rule have carried out in remote villages in the Himalayan mountains in Kashmir, an area at the heart of a bitter and longstanding dispute between India and Pakistan. Mohammad Iqbal, a local businessman and an uncle of one of the victims, said that soldiers arrived on Friday morning in the village of Topa Peer in the Poonch District, not far from where the attack occurred, and detained at least eight people, he said. His nephew and two others were found dead on a roadside that evening. Their bodies showed signs of torture, he said. They were innocent civilians, Mr. Iqbal said. This is a grave injustice. The local police took custody of the bodies and contacted the families. Several other people detained on Friday were released and have been hospitalized, according to local officials. A video that purported to show the torture of the detained civilians spread online, fueling widespread anger. When Gus Kuster finished a one-year prison sentence in Australia, he anticipated rebuilding his life there, in the only country he has ever known. Instead, as a noncitizen and stateless person, he spent the following five years being shuttled between grim immigration detention centers, with seemingly no release date in sight. Dozens of other people, none of them Australian citizens, have been subjected to the same experience. Some, like Mr. Kuster, had served time for minor crimes, others had been found guilty of serious crimes like murder, and a handful had no criminal background at all. Australia has been criticized for years internationally for its harsh treatment toward asylum seekers, many of whom were housed in the countrys infamous offshore detention centers, where a few dozen people still remain. But hundreds more are still held indefinitely in similar institutions onshore. Until very recently, that included people who were once given a shot at life in Australia, then had that opportunity snatched away after they committed crimes. Last month, many of these indefinite detentions came to an abrupt end. A detainee successfully challenged the two-decade precedent in Australias highest court, and in the ensuing weeks, more than 150 people have been freed. Just as many cases are under review. So he knocked a hole in a wall to get to a small tunnel, stashed some supplies and made plans to stay hidden for 10 days, hoping that the Russians who had taken control of the ruined plant would let down their guard by then, allowing him to creep through the ruins unnoticed and make his way into the city he once called home. But after a week, he had gone through the six cans of stewed chicken and 10 cans of sardines and almost all of the eight 1.5 liter bottles of water he had secreted away. I felt very bad, I was dehydrated, and my thoughts were getting confused, he said. I realized that I had to leave because I could not live there for three more days. Mr. Ivantsovs account of his escape from Azovstal is supported by photographs and videos from the city and factory that he shared with The New York Times. It was verified by superior officers and by medical records documenting his treatment after he made it to Ukrainian-controlled territory. Still, his tale seemed so far-fetched that Ukraines security services made him take a polygraph test to assure them he was not a double agent. They search for explosives and are the first members of the Israeli military to enter tunnels and other areas that could have traps in the Gaza Strip. Israel is relying heavily on dogs in its military campaign to push Hamas and other militant groups out of Gazas maze of tunnels and blasted buildings. Dogs are doing amazing work, the Israeli militarys chief spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, said in a briefing on Friday, after the military released a video of a dog exploring a tunnel. But the canine unit also draws criticism. Israel says its dogs support elite commando units and save the lives of soldiers. Critics say the dogs are used improperly to intimidate people. The use of dogs came back into the spotlight this week when Admiral Hagari said that the army recently sent a dog, equipped with a video camera, into a building complex to clear the area. The dog was shot and killed, and the animals encounter with militants was recorded by the camera. The camera, later recovered, also captured the voices of three Israeli hostages who were believed to have escaped after soldiers killed the militants. The video became a key piece of evidence later, after the hostages were mistakenly shot and killed by Israeli soldiers, because it showed that the Israeli military had come close to finding the hostages before they were killed. Dogs have lost their lives in Israels military, known as the Israeli Defense Forces. In November, the Israeli military posted on social media about the deaths of four dogs that helped uncover booby traps and stockpiles of weapons. Specially trained dogs play an essential role in the I.D.F.s operational activities inside Gaza, the post noted. About 100 soldiers annually are drafted for a 16-month training course to join Israel's canine unit, Israeli military spokesman Lt. Col. Richard Hecht said. The Israeli militarys use of dogs has been criticized. At a briefing on Sunday, Hussam Abu Safiya, head of the pediatric department of Kamal Adwan hospital in Gaza, accused the Israeli military of unleashing attack dogs in a raid at the hospital and called for an international investigation, Turkish media reported. The Israeli military raided the hospital over several days last week. A military spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In September, before the war in Gaza began, the Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported on soldiers searching the home of Palestinians in the West Bank using a dog to intimidate female family members. It was one of several incidents involving military dogs to generate headlines in Israel over the years. Dogs have a long history of participating in military conflicts, going as far back as 600 B.C. In 1942, the United States created the first official canine army unit, and American special forces used dogs in the raids that killed the Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden in 2011 and Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the leader of the Islamic State, in 2019. Still, this practice is controversial the animals dont have a legal status and are essentially equipment or technology, and dont enlist voluntarily. Like humans, dogs can become traumatized by war and bear psychological scars from their work. Mangled pipes poured sewer water into what remained of the road. On either side of the runoff were piles of broken pavement, churned up by bulldozers. The archway at the entrance to the neighborhood had been demolished; the gnarled hull of a black car sat nearby. Almost all of the residents of Jenin, a more than 70-year-old refugee camp turned neighborhood in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, had fled in recent weeks. Of the handful who remained, few dared venture out onto the street. They knew that at any moment the quiet could erupt in the paw-paw-paw of gunfire and the hissing hydraulics of bulldozers as Israeli security forces carried out a new raid. Since the Hamas-led terrorist attack on Israel on Oct. 7, the Jenin neighborhood long known as a bastion of armed resistance to the Israeli occupation has been a focal point of what Israeli officials describe as counterterrorism operations in the West Bank and an extension of their war in Gaza. At night, amid heavy rains and dropping temperatures, Heba and Ehab Ahmad held their two youngest children tightly, relying on their body heat and a thin blanket to keep them warm as water and gusts of wind blew through the holes in their makeshift tent. We have nothing to keep us warm and dry, said Heba Ahmad, 36. We are living in conditions that I could have never in my entire life imagined were possible. The Ahmad family is among the 1.9 million Gazans who the United Nations says have been displaced since Israel began its relentless bombing campaign and expanded ground operation in retaliation for the Oct. 7 Hamas-led attacks on Israel. They came to Gazas southern Al-Mawasi neighborhood three weeks ago, just as winter crept in. The family of seven took shelter in a small, flimsy tent that they built using overpriced nylon sheets and a few wooden planks, said Ehab Ahmad, 45. They share it with 16 other relatives, he added. Pictured above at the beautiful 'Walk to Bethlehem' event, where a live nativity makes a procession through the town visiting all four Churches, was held in Roscrea. Pictured is Rodney the Donkey with Ella Mulrooney as the Shining Star, Natalie Tonelyte as Holy Mary and Benas Pukas as Joseph for the unique event. Photo: PJ Wright ROSCREA'S annual live Nativity procession, 'The Walk to Bethlehem', took place in Roscrea on Saturday December 16. The unique event was organised by the four churches in Roscrea - St. Cronan's Catholic Church, The Church of Ireland, The Methodist Church and Oasis Elim Church. The first scene was in St Cronan's, where the Transition Year students from Colaiste Phobal were waiting and recreated the angels appearing to Mary and Joseph with the good news about Jesus. Goodie bags were given out with information on the Christmas story. Rodney the donkey was waiting outside and the cast and the crowd set out for the next stop on the procession through Roscrea. Rodney, the donkey is led over the Moneen by Aoife and Gearoid Maher and followed by Mary and Joseph. Photo: PJ Wright The Church of Ireland was the location for the next reenactment, where the three inn keepers made an appearance. There was crafts for the children and a prayer walk for the adults and an opportunity for people to leave prayer requests as part of the walk and each Church will pray over these. The third scene took place at the Methodist Church. A lovely fire awaited everyone and the shepherds were gathered around it. The community choir led the audience with some lovely singing. Finally the walk ended up at the Oasis Elim Church. Here Mary and Joseph were present with the baby Jesus. The donkey was present as were some sheep. The unique event was enjoyed by members of the local community who took part in the procession. Photo: PJ Wright The Church Choir led some Christmas carols and the large audience joined in. There was refreshments after this at the Oasis Centre and everyone rested after their journey. This event would not have been possible without all the help involved. The organisers thanked everyone who took part and all the churches involved in the planning and organising of this special event. The Clergy of St Cronan's Catholic Church, Rev. Jane of the Church of Ireland, Rev. Denis of the Methodist Church and Pastor Pam of Oasis Elim Church and all their congregations were thaned for their involvement and special thanks was given to the Community Choir and the organist for the wonderful music. Lauren, Roisin, Aoife and Gearoid Maher relaxing with Rodney after his big day in Roscrea. Photo: PJ Wright Ann Marie Mulrooney and the Transition Year students were thanked for their outstanding job on providing the cast for the day, as many of them were still recovering from their horrific ordeal during the week when the coach they were travelling in was involved in a serious road accident. TWO MEN were were being questioned about the seizure of 21 million worth of cocaine on a cargo vessel at Foynes Port in County Limerick earlier this week have been charged by investigating gardai. Five men - aged 50, 46, 44, 41 and 35 years - were arrested on Friday morning while a sixth, whose aged 32, was arrested on Friday evening. In an update, issued this Christmas Eve, a garda spokesperson said: "Two men (aged 32 and 35) have been charged in connection with this investigation and are expected to appear before a special sitting of Limerick District Court this (Christmas Eve) afternoon. Four other individuals arrested as part of this investigation have been released without charge and files are being prepared for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. Earlier this week, it was confirmed that 300kg of cocaine was seized onboard the Verila (pictured) on Tuesday. The vessel sails under the flag of Malta but it's understood is is Bulgarian-owned. The ship, which has now been formally seized by Revenue, had travelled from Montreal Canada, having left on Saturday, December 9. Investigations are ongoing. MANAGUA, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- At least 16 people were killed and 26 others injured in a traffic accident in the central Nicaraguan department of Matagalpa on Saturday, said Vice President Rosario Murillo. Among the fatalities were several children, she told local television Channel 4. The accident occurred in the morning when a bus carrying some 70 passengers crashed into the fence of the Mancera river bridge in the Rancho Grande municipality. "We are dismayed with this tragedy in the city of Matagalpa," said Pedro Haslam, political secretary of Matagalpa. Matagalpa government authorities, the Ministry of Health, the National Police and units of the Fire Department were at the scene to attend to the victims, Haslam added. THE popular Birr priest Fr Antony Sajeesh returned home to India recently, flying out on Thursday morning December 14. It was only a week previously when it was announced that Fr Antony was no longer going to minister in Birr but was heading back to his native land. The announcement came as a bolt out of the blue for many who were hoping that Fr Antony would carry on for many years more. He had a very affable and hard-working nature which endeared him to a lot of the parishioners. I am so sad to say that my Missionary Congregation, began Fr Antony when making his announcement that he was leaving, have asked me to return home to prepare for a new mission. I am very sad to be leaving Birr and the Brendan Pastoral area. I have really enjoyed the last 5 years here and I will miss you all very much. I want to thank you all for everything you have done for me over the last 5 years. It has been a wonderful experience to minister among you." I once again thank you all for your support and I ask you to keep me in your prayers as I embark on my next chapter. Parish Priest Fr Tom Hogan told The Midland Tribune that he had hoped this day would never come and he was very upset when the announcement came through. Antony's recall has been a body-blow for me and for the parish, said Fr Tom. It was fantastic having his energy and hard-working spirit in our busy parish. We were very fortunate to have such an excellent priest in our midst. He was only meant to be with us for three years but thankfully that was extended out to five. We of course would have liked him to stay for years more but his Missionary Congregation called out for his return. Fr Antony's departure places a huge and impossible burden of work on Fr Tom's shoulders but thankfully the powers that be have told Fr Tom that a replacement will be arriving in the new year as soon as the visa is finalised. Fr Antony grew up in Kochi, a major port city on the south-west coast of India in the province of Kerala. Kochi has a population of two million and is known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea. Tragically his father died of a heart attack at the age of 43 and it was left to his mother to look after Fr Antony and his sister, who were only five and six years of age when their Dad passed away. Their mother raised her children extremely well and her faith inspired Antony. My mother was great, he commented, she did so much for us. She was part of the inspiration for my vocation. He felt the call to be a priest at a young age. I joined the seminary in 2001 when I was 15 years old. I joined an order called the Missionary Fathers of Incarnation. His intention was to become a Missionary. He studied for a degree in Philosophy in India and for a degree in Theology in Italy. During his time in Italy he helped the poorer, abandoned and troubled young people in his area. In 2015 he was ordained a Deacon and in 2017 he became a Vice Rector. In 2018 the Superior of the Kochi Seminary told him Bishop Fintan Monahan was looking for priests to go to Ireland. Antony arrived in Ireland on September 25, 2018. He knew little about Ireland (for example, he thought everyone only spoke Irish!) however he soon found his feet and settled in. One of the problems he saw in Ireland is the difficulty of getting young people to continue attending the church after the sacrament of Confirmation. There is a big gap now between young people and the church, he remarked. Did Bengaluru CEO Suchana Seth Overdose Her Son With Cough Syrup Before Smothering? Chaos At Mangaluru Airport: Air India Flight Cancellation Sparks Passenger Outcry Bengaluru oi-Madhuri Adnal The scheduled Air India flight departing from Mangalore to Bengaluru on Saturday (Dec. 23) at 8:15 pm was abruptly canceled, causing distress among passengers. This sudden turn of events left travelers, including those bound for America, exam candidates, and Christmas festival-goers stranded at the Mangalore airport. Expecting to board the flight at the specified time, passengers were disheartened to discover its absence. Frustration escalated as urgent travel plans were disrupted, compelling the flight crew to seek alternative arrangements. Despite their efforts to pacify the passengers, grievances persisted. Ultimately, it was disclosed that the Air India crew faced a technical issue with the aircraft, causing them to be stuck in Bengaluru. Subsequently, assurances were given of an alternate flight at 2:15 am. Passengers initially awaiting the 8:15 pm departure endured a wait until midnight, anticipating a change in arrangements before finally boarding the subsequent flight. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Sunday, December 24, 2023, 12:52 [IST] Did Bengaluru CEO Suchana Seth Overdose Her Son With Cough Syrup Before Smothering? IISc Bangalore GATE Admit Card 2024: Check Steps To Download Hall Tickets @ iisc.ac.in Bengaluru oi-Gaurav Sharma The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore is set to release admit cards for the GATE 2024 examination. According to the reports, the IISc is likely to share the hall tickets in the first week of January 2024. The reports added that the Candidates appearing for the GATE 2024 exam would be allowed to download their admit card most likely by January 3 and the exam is expected to be held in February 2024. IISc Banglore Gate Admit Card 2024 will be available to download at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore's official website @ iisc.ac.in. To download the GATE 2024 admit card, aspirants need to fill in their login credentials on the official website. The GATE 2024 admit card will carry all the important details of candidates like exam code, center, name, date of birth, and other important instructions for the students. The candidates can follow the steps mentioned below to download their IISc GATE 2024 Admit card. Steps to download IISc Bangalore Admit Cards 2024: Step 1: Visit GATE's official website to download the IISc Admit Card 2024. Step 2: On the home page, look for the link that reads GATE 2024 admit card. Step 3: Click on the link and you will be redirected to a new page. Step 4: Login using candidate credentials. Step 5: The IISc Bangalore GATE 2024 admit card will pop on your screen now. Step 6: Check the candidate details and download the admit card for future use. The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore has already shared the examination schedule so that candidates appearing for the Graduate Aptitude Test for Engineering (GATE) 2024 can prepare themselves accordingly. According to the schedule shared by the IISc, the GATE 2024 Exam for admission to IISc Bangalore is slated to be held from February 3 to February 11, 2024. The examination authority will conduct the GATE exam 2024 in two shifts, 9:30 am to 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm, every day. Notably, the Civil Engineering (CE) and Computer Science and Information Technology (CS) exams are designated as multi-session papers, as mentioned by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Sunday, December 24, 2023, 23:19 [IST] We Need To Know Who's Behind This: PM Modi On Parliament Breach Incident BJP MP Pratap Simha's First Reaction To Parliament Security Breach Incident, 'Traitor' Charges India oi-Madhuri Adnal BJP MP Pratap Simha, embroiled in the Lok Sabha security breach controversy, addressed the uproar and 'traitor' accusations, asserting that the public would pass their judgment during the 2024 general elections. Simha's office had issued visitor passes to the individuals who breached the Lok Sabha, sparking a political uproar that led to the suspension of 143 Opposition MPs from the Winter Session. In his initial public response, he left the verdict of being a traitor or patriot to the divine and his supporters. The Opposition, led by Congress, demanded action against Simha. "Whether I'm perceived as a traitor or a patriot will be determined by the people-the divine Chamundeshwari, the Cauvery, my dedicated readers across Karnataka for two decades, and the residents of Mysuru and Kodgu who've witnessed my work and stance on national issues. Their verdict will speak through the 2024 Lok Sabha polls," Simha stated, per PTI reports. Regarding the 'traitor' posters, he stated, "Ultimately, it's the people who decide. Their judgment will define whether I'm a patriot. I trust their decision. There's little more for me to add." Simha encountered protests from Congress workers. Pralhad Joshi, the Parliamentary Affairs Minister, confirmed Simha's statement had been recorded in the Parliament security breach investigation. Simha, a two-term MP from Mysuru, transitioned from journalism to politics, winning the Lok Sabha elections in 2014. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Sunday, December 24, 2023, 16:22 [IST] Drone Attack on Cargo Ship in Arabian Sea: Indian Navy Launches Probe A drone attack on a cargo vessel carrying Indian crew members in the Arabian Sea has prompted an investigation by the Indian Navy. The vessel was struck while en route from Saudi Arabia to India. India -Krishna Kripa On December 24, a cargo vessel, MV Chem Pluto, carrying 21 Indian crew members, came under a drone attack in the Arabian Sea, approximately 217 nautical miles from Porbandar. The attack, believed to have originated from Iran, prompted the Indian Navy to launch an investigation into the incident. The vessel, en route from Al Jubail port in Saudi Arabia to New Mangalore port, is expected to arrive in Mumbai on Monday. Swift Response from Indian Authorities Following the attack, the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard swiftly deployed assets, including a warship and maritime patrol aircraft, to the scene. The Navy also diverted its maritime patrol aircraft and the Indian naval ship Mormugao to assess the situation and provide assistance to the vessel. The Indian Coast Guard ship ICGS Vikram is currently providing security to the vessel as it makes its way to Mumbai. Details of the Attack According to a Pentagon spokesperson, MV Chem Pluto was struck by a one-way attack drone fired from Iran. The incident occurred approximately 200 nautical miles from the coast of India. The vessel sustained damage and a fire broke out, but there were no reported casualties. Ongoing Investigation The Indian Navy has initiated an investigation into the incident, including determining the origin of the strike. The matter is considered sensitive due to the involvement of Iran. The investigation aims to gather more information and ascertain the circumstances surrounding the attack. Similar Incidents in the Region The drone attack on MV Chem Pluto comes amid heightened tensions in the region. Iran-backed Houthi rebels have been escalating attacks on ships in the Red Sea during the Israel-Hamas conflict. Another incident involving a Gabon-flagged commercial crude oil tanker, MV Sai Baba, with 25 Indian crew members, was reported in the Southern Red Sea. The vessel was targeted by a drone launched by Houthi militants, but fortunately, there were no injuries. The drone attack on MV Chem Pluto highlights the evolving security challenges in the Arabian Sea and the Red Sea. The Indian Navy and Coast Guard's prompt response demonstrates their commitment to ensuring the safety of merchant shipping in the region. As the investigation unfolds, more details are expected to emerge, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding this incident. Who Is DMK's Jagathrakshakan, The MP Who Has Come Under IT Scanner Again? Here's What Tejashwi Yadav Said On DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran's Toilet Remark India oi-Gaurav Sharma Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav condemned DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran's remarks about Hindi speakers from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The row was triggered after BJP Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla tweeted Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MP Dayanidhi Maran's video, in which, he can be heard saying Hindi speakers from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar do construction work or cleaning roads and toilets in Tamil Nadu. Commenting on the viral video, Tejashwi Yadav said without the people of Bihar, other states would cease to function and come to a standstill. "If any leader of that party has said something about the people of UP and Bihar, then it is condemnable. We do not agree with it. The laborers from UP and Bihar are demanded all over the country. If they stop going elsewhere, then states will cease to function and come to a standstill," RJD's Tejashwi Yadav said. "If he had said that people of a particular community are cleaning gutters, then it would have made sense. Why should people of a particular community should clean? But he is saying that people of Bihar and UP are coming to clean gutters, it is condemnable... Leaders of all parties should refrain from making such statements," Yadav added. Commenting on Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) member's video statement, BJP National Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla comes out all guns blazing at the opposition stating "People of Bihar are forced to go there because of the condition of the state under Nitish Kumar, who is a member of their INDIA alliance." "Will Nitish Kumar, Tejashwi Yadav, Lalu Yadav, Congress, SP Akhilesh Yadav all pretend that this isn't happening? When will they take a stand?" Poonawalla asked. This was not the first incident when a DMK leader used such words for the people of Hindi-speaking states. Earlier, DMK MP Senthil Kumar said the BJP can win only in states where people drink Gaumutra. Later, he apologized for his statement and expressed regret. We don't have even 2 minutes to waste, must strive religiously for self-reliant nation: PM Modi The importance of D2M broadcasting for India from perspective of strategic, national interest IIT Kanpur Professor Dies Suddenly During Alumni Meet Speech Due To Cardiac Arrest India oi-Madhuri Adnal A senior professor at IIT Kanpur, 55-year-old Sameer Khandekar, passed away on Friday following a cardiac arrest during a speech at the university. Khandekar was addressing attendees at an alumni meet in the IIT Kanpur auditorium when the incident occurred. He was sharing insights on maintaining good health and his last advice to the students was, "Take care of your health." Shortly after imparting this guidance, Khandekar suddenly felt discomfort and chest pain. Despite momentarily sitting down, attendees initially believed his demeanor was emotionally charged. However, Khandekar's condition deteriorated as he began sweating profusely and ultimately collapsed on stage. Iran Responsible For Drone Attack On Israel-Linked Vessel Off Gujarat Coast: US Report Despite immediate medical attention and being rushed to the hospital, Khandekar was declared deceased. Dr. Neeraj Kumar indicated that Khandekar might have passed away due to a cardiac arrest or cardiac block, awaiting further details from the postmortem report. The responsibility for the final rites of the professor lies with his son, currently studying at Cambridge University, as confirmed by individuals associated with Khandekar. Khandekar had been managing high cholesterol since 2019 and was under continuous medical care. Survived by his parents, wife, and son, Khandekar, originally from Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh, pursued his B.Tech from IIT Kanpur and later obtained his PhD in Germany. Joining IIT Kanpur in 2004 as an assistant professor, Khandekar ascended to become an associate professor. He served as the Head of the Mechanical Department and Dean of Student Welfare, boasting a portfolio of eight patents. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Sunday, December 24, 2023, 9:32 [IST] In this article, we shall discuss the 10 most consumed genetically modified crops in the US. To skip our detailed analysis of the advances in bioengineering, how it relates to modern agriculture, and the scope for genetically modified crops in 2024, go directly and see 5 Most Consumed Genetically Modified Crops in the US. The Move Towards Sustainable Agriculture: An Overview According to a report by McKinsey, sustainable farming practices are integral to global decarbonization efforts. However, if the world is to achieve net-zero, the agriculture industry must take drastic action along the entire value chain. Major players in the agriculture industry like Nutrien Ltd. (NYSE:NTR), Archer Daniels Midland Company (NYSE:ADM) and Bunge Limited (NYSE:BG) are embracing this global transition and diverting increased investments in sustainable farming practices in accordance with local regulations by focusing on some of the most consumed genetically modified crops in the US. To read more on companies paving the way towards sustainable agriculture, read our article on 12 Biggest Agriculture Companies in the World. The report states that agricultural land encompasses more than half of all habitable land is is single handedly responsible for more than 70% withdrawals from freshwater resources. Additionally, food systems are one of the most significant drivers of biodiversity degradation across the globe. These systems also have a major impact upon biosphere integrity, human health, and food access. The report by McKinsey makes it clear that achieving the 1.5 objective will require actions that extend across the entire value chain of the agribusiness industry. These actions include a sustainable reduction of food loss and waste, the adoption and integration of dietary shifts, and increased adaptability and resilience to the use of arable land. Increased investments in producing some of the most consumed genetically modified crops in the US are integral to decarbonization imperatives and will enable the industry to sustainably meet global food needs whilst maintaining the livelihood of the industry's workforce. Story continues The report also highlights the steps companies like Nutrien Ltd. (NYSE:NTR), Archer Daniels Midland Company (NYSE:ADM) and Bunge Limited (NYSE:BG) need to take to make a seamless transition to increased sustainability, one of which is implementing financial incentives to encourage greater involvement of farmers in the process of producing the most consumed genetically modified crops in the US. This incentivization structure can be built upon carbon markets, green premiums, subsidies, rebates, or other green-financing initiatives. Secondly, companies can also invest in the creation and maintenance of an atmosphere to collaboration and improved traceability to introduce sustainable solutions to the market and influence the commercialization of practice shifts on the farm and consumer decision making mechanisms. Lastly, companies can invest greater amounts of capital into research geared at bending the cost curve and producing the most consumed genetically modified crops in the US. This would be instrumental in reducing the implementation of existing technologies and support the development and scale up of new technologies. To read more on innovative ways in which the agriculture industry can rake in more revenue, check out our coverage of 15 New Innovative Agricultural Business Ideas. GMOs and Building Sustainable Agricultural Practices: An Analysis According to a report by McKinsey, major advancements in the realm of biological sciences are expected to catalyze development of computing, automation, and artificial intelligence in bringing in an era of innovation in industries across the world. Experts are predicting that the Bio Revolution is projected to have a substantial influence on the global economy, especially the agriculture industry. The increasing adoption of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in the agriculture industry spells huge upside for companies operating within the sector, as GMOs result in increased productivity, and a decreased dependance upon chemical alternatives to control bug infestations. More than 90% of corn, soybeans, and cotton growth in the United States is genetically engineered. Furthermore, GMOs are ingredients in more than 80% of American processed food. And although scientists and regulators have time and again asserted that GMOs pose no serious risk to health and the environment, only 28 countries globally have planted genetically engineered crops, according to a report by Bloomberg. According to another report by Bloomberg, GMOs also have a huge utility in global ESG imperatives. Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 has created an enormous opposition to ESG imperatives in defense and conventional energy industries. Hence, for the foreseeable future, ESG advocates are likely to turn focus on food security as the next plain for ESG implementation. The report highlights that the increased use of genetic technology in the manufacture of seeds is of immense utility in this global transition to net-zero. Despite this fact, many ESG funds are increasingly skeptical about GMOs, fearing unintended consequences of undue intervention in the food chain. However, this position is incredibly unsustainable to maintain, especially since it poses the risk of sparking a global food crisis, causing many companies like Nutrien Ltd. (NYSE:NTR), Archer Daniels Midland Company (NYSE:ADM) and Bunge Limited (NYSE:BG) and investors to project that the ESG tide will soon make a drastic turn and favor some of the most consumed genetically modified crops in the US. The report highlights that global crop demand is on track to be more than 60% higher than current levels in 2050. Although crop yields have been making a marked improvement in recent years, these gains would need to exponentially accelerate in order to avoid a shortage of supply, which could come as soon as 2030. If GMOs are not incorporated in farming practices soon, the cropland needed to meet demand would equal the combined land area of the U.K, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. In this vein, the report ascertains that companies which integrate GMOs, especially seed and plant genetics, into their supply line could make more than $1.3 trillion of annual revenue by 2050. Furthermore, financial markets are projected to allocate increased capital in companies best positioned to avert an impending food crisis. However, governance needs to be of utmost priority here, especially since the requirement of deep R&D budgets means that crop science is likely to remain concentrated around a small number of influential players in the market like Nutrien Ltd. (NYSE:NTR), Archer Daniels Midland Company (NYSE:ADM) and Bunge Limited (NYSE:BG). Therefore, the industry needs active, long-term investors geared towards bringing intense levels of scrutiny towards the most consumed genetically modified crops in the US. In this vein, the European Union has also introduced plans to soften regulations on GMOs in an effort to incentivize large-scale agriculture companies to divert greater investments into GMOs. This initiative, adopted under a wider mandate to encourage biodiversity and food sectors, is geared at making food systems more sustainable. The European Commission has signaled at integrating new genomic technologies (NGTs) which can boost crops' tolerance to diseases, pests, and environmental stresses. Current regulators are unaware of developments like gene editing, which the bloc had previously named subject to the same policies as all GMOs. Although activists are adamant that these steps are integral in containing the exacerbation of climate change, certain elements purport that the producing some of the most consumed genetically modified crops in the US in Europe will boost seed prices and hurt consumers. Marcin Balcerzak/Shutterstock.com Our Methodology To compile our list of the 10 most consumed genetically modified crops in the US, we decided to use data by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which tracks GMO consumption in the United States. We decided to use data by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to ascertain the acreage of each crop attributed to their genetically modified variety, with the primary assumption being that crops which post high consumption volumes naturally would be afforded more acreage in the US. We picked 10 crops which had the largest acreage attributed to their genetically modified variety, and ranked the crops based on total acreage, from lowest to highest. You can read about genetically modified crops in other countries in our article 15 Countries that Produce the Most Genetically Modified Crops. To sum it up, we ranked the 10 most consumed genetically modified crops in the US based on the total acreage attributed to each crop's genetically modified variety. 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. 10 Most Consumed Genetically Modified Crops in the US 10. Papaya Total Acreage: 30,000 Genetically modified papayas were first produced in the U.S. in 1996. Since then, they have been extremely popular in the country. The genetically modified papayas are known to be resistant to ringspot virus. This type of papaya was initially developed by a scientist in Cornell University and is majorly produced in Hawaii. Genetically modified papayas are also called Rainbow Papayas. 9. Squash Total Acreage: 45,000 Genetically modified squash is one of the most consumed genetically modified crops in the US. Zucchini and yellow summer squash have been produced and used in the U.S. since around 1994 to 1996. According to data available, there are approximately 25,000 acres of farmland to produce genetically modified squash in the U.S. Genetically modified squash is produced for resistance to specific plant diseases, including zucchini yellow mosaic virus and watermelon mosaic virus. 8. Apples Total Acreage: 332,000 Genetically modified apples have been extremely popular in the U.S., especially because the genetic modification of the DNA prevents the browning of an apple, even after it has been sliced. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved genetically modified apples and have termed them to be safe to eat. The first genetically modified apple was approved in 2015. 7. Potatoes Total Acreage: 901,000 Fairly recently, the United States started the production of genetically modified potatoes. This variant of potatoes is resistant to bruising and producing a lesser amount of a cancer-causing chemical, called acrylamide. Currently, genetically modified potatoes are not available for food, but only for industrial use. These potatoes were approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2015. 6. Sugar Beets Total Acreage: 1.16M Since 2008, the United States has been producing genetically modified sugar beets. More than half of the granulated sugar in the U.S. is produced using sugar beets. Genetically modified sugar beets are produced by modifying their genome via biotechnology. Due to certain safety concerns, the production and use of genetically modified sugar beets was stopped; however, it resumed in 2011. Sugar beets are number 6 on our list of the most consumed genetically modified crops in the US. Click here to continue reading and see 5 Most Consumed Genetically Modified Crops in the US. Suggested Articles: Disclosure: None. 10 Most Consumed Genetically Modified Crops in the US is originally published on Insider Monkey. Merry Christmas 2023: Know Significance Of The Festival India oi-Gaurav Sharma Christmas is celebrated by millions of people around the world to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, whom Christians believe is the Savior of humanity. The word "Christmas" is derived from the Old English phrase "Cristes Maesse," meaning "Christ's Mass." According to the Christian Bible, Jesus was born in Bethlehem to the Virgin Mary and placed in a manger because there was no room at the inn. The angelic announcement of his birth to shepherds and the visitation of the Magi (wise men) are also important elements of the Christmas story. Over time, Christmas has evolved into a cultural and secular celebration, with many customs and traditions that vary across different regions and communities. Some of these traditions include decorating Christmas trees, exchanging gifts, singing carols, attending church services, and sharing festive meals with family and friends. In addition to its religious significance, Christmas has become a time for people to express goodwill, generosity, and compassion. Many people take the opportunity to give back to their communities through acts of charity and kindness during the holiday season. While Christmas is rooted in Christianity, people of various faiths and cultures often participate in the festivities, making it a widely celebrated and cherished time of the year for people around the world. The specific customs and ways of celebrating may differ, but the overarching theme of joy, love, and giving remains central to the holiday. #WATCH | Pune, Maharashtra: "We celebrate the feast of Christmas with great joy. We celebrate the birth of our saviour, our Lord Jesus Christ. God becomes a human being and comes to dwell with us...He pitched his tent among us that his God comes to dwell with us...He is there https://t.co/cnOYvNWrFc pic.twitter.com/gIc48lbBPN ANI (@ANI) December 24, 2023 Congress Blasts BJP MP Pratap Simha for Parliament Security Breach Remarks The Congress party vehemently denounced BJP MP Pratap Simha for his remarks regarding the 2021 Parliament security breach, accusing him of dodging accountability and labeling him a traitor. Simhas evasive stance on the incident and ongoing investigation has drawn sharp criticism from the Congress. India -Krishna Kripa The Congress party on Sunday strongly criticized BJP MP Pratap Simha for his remarks regarding the recent security breach incident in the Lok Sabha. Simha had stated that the public would decide whether he was a patriot or a traitor during the 2024 general elections, evading questions about his alleged involvement in facilitating the entry of two intruders into the Parliament. Simha's Controversial Statement On the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament terror attack, two individuals breached the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery during the Zero Hour. They released yellow smoke from canisters and shouted slogans before being apprehended by MPs. Simultaneously, two others, including a woman, raised slogans and released yellow smoke outside the Parliament premises, leading to their arrest by the police. In response to the Parliament security breach issue, Simha made a controversial statement, asserting that the people would ultimately determine whether he was a patriot or a traitor in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. The BJP MP from Mysuru chose not to disclose any information about the incident or the ongoing investigation, leaving it to the judgment of his supporters and divine intervention. Congress Raises Concerns Reacting to Simha's comments, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh took to social media to express his concerns. He highlighted that Simha was evading a crucial question regarding his alleged role in facilitating the entry of two individuals who caused a significant security breach in the Lok Sabha on December 13. Ramesh emphasized that the youths involved in the incident had been charged under the stringent Unlawful Activities Prevention Act. He accused Simha and the BJP of diverting attention from this critical issue and suggested that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah were sending a message that the BJP and its associates were exempt from accountability. Visitor Passes Issued by Simha's Office It was revealed that the two individuals who entered the Lok Sabha chamber had obtained visitor passes issued on the recommendation of Simha's office. This revelation further raised questions about Simha's involvement and the security lapses that allowed the breach to occur. The Congress party's criticism of BJP MP Pratap Simha highlights the seriousness of the Parliament security breach incident and the need for a thorough investigation. Simha's attempt to deflect attention from his alleged involvement by invoking the public's judgment in the upcoming elections has drawn criticism and raised concerns about accountability within the ruling party. President Droupadi Murmu Extends Christmas Greetings To Citizens India oi-Gaurav Sharma President Droupadi Murmu extended her greetings to fellow citizens on the auspicious occasion of Christmas, stating the festival inspires us to treat everyone with love and kindness. Sharing a video message, the President called Christmas a symbol of peace and brotherhood to mankind. "On this day, we remember the message of compassion and sacrifice given by Jesus Christ. The festival of Christmas inspires us to treat each other with love and kindness. Let us take a pledge to adopt the divine teachings of Jesus Christ in our lives," Murmu said. She further stated, "I extend my heartiest greetings to all the countrymen, especially Christian brothers, and sisters on the festival of Christmas." Andhra Pradesh Governor S Abdul Nazeer also participated in a semi-Christmas celebration held at the Raj Bhavan on Sunday and said Jesus Christ gave mankind the message of peace, harmony, and universal brotherhood. The Governor said that the above virtues should be practiced by all in their lives. "To be truly happy, we must rise above the bigotry and jealousy of others and we must love even those who hate us. Love is the only path to peace, freedom, and happiness," said Nazeer in a release issued by the Raj Bhavan. Senior clergy from the Christian community took part in the celebrations. After cutting the Christmas cake, the Church of South India's (CSI) Krishna-Godavari Diocese Bishop George Cornelius offered the closing prayer and benediction. Tamil Nadu Floods: PM Modi Calls CM MK Stalin To Take Account Of Rescue And Relief Work India oi-Gaurav Sharma Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin in a post on the micro-blogging site X (formerly Twitter) said Prime Minister Narendra Modi called him and took account of the rescue and relief work going on in the flood-hit state caused due to Cyclone Michaung. "Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi called me to inquire about the unprecedented floods in Southern Tamil Nadu, immediately after Cyclone Michaung. I have explained to him the massive rescue and relief efforts undertaken by the State government, despite resource constraints, and sought immediate financial support from the Union government. Prime Minister has assured the support of the Union government to overcome these twin calamities and conveyed that he has deputed Hon'ble Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to assess the flood situation", tweets Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin. According to the reports, the heavy downpour in Tamil Nadu's four districts, namely Tuticorin, Tirunelveli, Tenkasi, and Kanyakumari, claimed 31 lives and wreaked havoc on state infrastructure and communication systems. Till December 25, more than 50,000 people have been rescued who were stranded due to heavy waterlogging with the help of NDRF, SDRF, and other state authorities. Tamil Nadu witnessed heavy rains on Dec 17 and Dec 18 which broke all records in the state's history. State Congress president SS Alaigiri lauded the government's preparedness and swift rescue actions. He said CM Stalin deployed many ministers and IAS officers to take adequate measures to bring things in order in these districts. Earlier, the state minister Mano Thangaraj held the India Meteorological Department (IMD) responsible for not providing correct weather updates on time. He said delayed forecasts reports made it difficult for the state government to respond and provide help to the stranded. In a tweet, minister Thangaraj said, "A significant issue was the time discrepancy in the weather alerts. The gap between the issuance of the Red Alert and the actual flooding was much shorter than what could have been ideal as some Western models exhibit in those countries." Iran Responsible For Drone Attack On Israel-Linked Vessel Off Gujarat Coast: US Report International oi-Madhuri Adnal A drone attack on an Israel-affiliated merchant vessel off the coast of Gujarat has been blamed on Iran by the United States. The attack, which took place on Saturday, caused a brief fire on board the ship but resulted in no casualties. "The motor vessel Chem Pluto, a Liberia-flagged, Japanese-owned, and Netherlands-operated chemical tanker was struck at approximately 10 am (local time) on Saturday in the Indian Ocean, 200 nautical miles from the coast of India, by a one-way attack drone fired from Iran," a Pentagon spokesperson told news agency Reuters. On Saturday, December 23, 2023, the MV Chem Pluto, a Liberian-flagged chemical tanker carrying crude oil and 20 Indian crew members, was struck by a drone approximately 200 nautical miles southwest of Gujarat's Veraval. The drone, believed to be of Iranian origin, caused a brief fire on board but fortunately resulted in no casualties. Coast Guard Establish Contact With Drone Hit MV Chem Pluto Vessel Destined To Mangalore The United States quickly blamed Iran for the attack, calling it the "seventh Iranian attack on commercial shipping since 2021." This accusation comes against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, with Iran-backed Houthi rebels stepping up attacks on ships in the Red Sea in support of the Palestinian cause. Both Iran and the Houthis have publicly condemned Israel's military actions in Gaza, and the Houthis have threatened to continue attacks until Israel stops its counteroffensive. It is learnt that the vessel, sailing under a Liberian flag, was carrying crude oil from Al Jubail port in Saudi Arabia to New Mangalore port, news agency PTI reported. The Indian Navy deployed a frontline warship to aid the merchant vessel. The Indian Coast Guard reported that the ship had commenced its journey toward Mumbai after conducting assessments and fixing its power systems. According to the Coast Guard, their Dornier aircraft secured the area and established contact with the Chem Pluto. After assessing damages and addressing power system issues, the vessel set course for Mumbai. Due to steering problems, the ship is expected to enter Mumbai and request escort support. The Indian Coast Guard Ship Vikram will accompany the vessel during its transit, with close monitoring by the Indian Coast Guard Operations Centre. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Sunday, December 24, 2023, 9:00 [IST] BBC Local News 24 Dec 2023 BBC Local News: Tyne and Wear -- An 18-year-old and a 15-year-old died and two other males were seriously injured, police say. A Melbourne woman has made one little boy extremely happy after heeding a callout to search for his cuddly toy left behind hundreds of kilometres away in a toilet block. Germany's weather service issued warnings for six states, adding that heavy rain will continue until Christmas Day. 100-150 liters per square meter could come down in a period of 48 to 96 hours in some areas. Amid rising COVID-19 cases, a special prayer was offered to Lord Jesus in a Catholic Church in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. The prayer aimed to save people from the new variant and protect the poor, destitute, and individuals of different religions in India. The celebration of Christmas in Ujjain involves participation from people of various faiths. The Catholic Church on Dewas Road is adorned with beautiful decorations, including a tableau of Lord Jesus and little lamps. The Indian Navy is set to commission its latest Stealth Guided Missile Destroyer INS Imphal, the third of the 'Visakhapatnam' class destroyers. It was indigenously designed by the Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Mazagon Dock Limited, Mumbai. INS Imphal is the first warship named after a city from the North East, highlighting the region's importance for national security. The ship successfully test-fired the extended-range supersonic BrahMos missile before commissioning, showcasing the Navy's confidence in indigenous weapons. Upon commissioning, INS Imphal will join the Western Naval Command. U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., visits his childhood home on South Pulaski Road in Evergreen Park on Nov. 22, 2023. The Harvard-educated former Marine is running to be the junior senator in Arizona. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune) As Ruben Gallego retraced the daily walk he made a quarter century ago from the small first-floor Pulaski Road apartment he shared with his mother and three sisters to Evergreen Park Community High School, the memories of a sometimes difficult childhood came back quickly. There were the taunts and bullying he endured as a kid from one of the first Latino families to move into the community. There was the juggling act of taking his younger siblings to school and back while his mother, Elisa, worked as a secretary, and the odd jobs he held to help the family make ends meet. Advertisement And there were the times he recalled hearing my mom crying just because of the stress that she was dealing with. Sleeping on the floor because there was no money for bedding, I just remember it being the middle of the night and I just started crying, not because I was angry or mad. I felt I had to succeed to get everybody out. Advertisement For much of his 44 years, Gallego has struggled to fit in. He successfully competed for a coveted scholarship to an elite college, but found himself unable to relate to his Ivy League classmates. He joined the Marine Corps Reserve and watched his best friend die in combat in Iraq, and subsequently suffered from post traumatic stress syndrome. He eventually made his home in Arizona, where he channeled his business marketing acumen toward a career in politics. Now Gallego, Evergreen Park Community High School class of 1998, Harvard class of 2004, corporal in Lima Company 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment 2005-2006, and a member of Congress since 2015, thinks he knows where he might next fit best: The United States Senate. Gallego is the only major Democratic candidate in one of the nations most closely watched Senate races. Hes looking to replace Democrat-turned-independent U.S. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, who has disappointed Democrats with her support of corporate interests. Kari Lake, a former TV news anchor and acolyte of former President Donald Trump, is running in the Republican primary for the seat. Ive never really fit in anywhere. I think thats what makes me very comfortable in walking into every room which is a good thing, Gallego said. You do notice things as you grow older. Your schools arent the best schools. You work hard and sometimes that check doesnt go that far. One of the good things I talk about on the trail is that of the many people in the Senate, I would probably be one of the few that still remembers working minimum-wage jobs, he said. Ive been working, legally, since I was 14. Before that, I was working on job sites doing day labor. The Sauce Guy One of those early jobs was at Barracos Pizza on West 95th Street, where Gallego recently gathered about 25 members of his family for a preholiday reunion. As young nieces and nephews ran around the room to the A Charlie Brown Christmas soundtrack, two of his sisters chatted with his aunts and uncles while Gallego and his wife, Sydney, took turns holding daughter Isla, who was born in July. I love you all, he joked over the din, but the pizza is really what Im looking forward to. U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego, center, visits Barraco's Pizza in Evergreen Park on Nov. 22, 2023, where the U.S. Senate candidate used to work. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune) Taking his 6-year-old son Michael into the kitchen, Gallego explained how as a high school freshman he was relegated to being the sauce guy because his dough-tossing skills were lacking. He lamented that now the dough is pressed through a roller machine rather than hand tossed. Advertisement Thats absolutely cheating, he said later of the machine-rolled dough. But as he showed his son how he would sauce up the pizza in swirls using the back of a ladle, Michael comforted his father by saying, Not everything has changed. Change has been a constant for Gallego. His life experience informs his political agenda, with a priority on promoting assistance for mental health, education and military and veterans issues. Gallego was born in Chicago to a mother from Colombia and a father from Mexico. His father was in construction but turned to dealing drugs and left the family. When Gallego was in seventh grade, he, his mother and three sisters moved into a small, two-bedroom apartment on the first floor of a nondescript tan-brick three-flat in Evergreen Park. It was a hard time definitely growing up. I do remember feeling stress a lot as a kid trying to have a job, get good grades, help raise the family, he said. When youre 14, 15, you dont know how to process any of that. I now recognize, unfortunately, I put that off for many years. But I just remember trying to figure out how to survive mentally. In Evergreen Park back then, the arrival of a Latino family was a cultural change for a lot of people here. I did encounter some racism from other students and some parents, he said. But also Im not sure I would be the person I am without this place, because there were so many people who took care of me, he said, recalling teachers who gave him rides home when the weather was bad, friends parents who let him use a computer, neighbors who paid him $20 to shovel their walkways and driveways. Advertisement On his recent preholiday visit, no one was home at his familys old apartment, #1 North, just off busy Pulaski Road. We kinda hit the low point, he recalled. My grandfather had died. He was my grandfather but also like a real father figure. We had just moved into that apartment. I had just started sleeping on the floor. Its kind of what kicked me into real overdrive and understanding that I needed to really push myself. On an inside wall of the entranceway was the mailbox that, on an afternoon during his senior year of high school, bulged with his ticket out acceptance and a scholarship to Harvard. I knew I had made it because the envelope was stuffing outside the mailbox, otherwise it would have been a one-page rejection letter that would have fit inside, he said. This is what Im going to be up against? As he retraced his walk to school, Gallego made a brief stop inside the public library. Its where local librarians helped by pointing him to the materials needed to prepare for college exams and applications. He became emotional as he remembered the time he broke down in tears when he didnt have enough change for the copy machine to make copies to take home to study. I remember talking to these kids at youth camps and theyd say, I take four hours of prep classes a week. This is what Im going to be up against? he recalled. And (Im) trying to save up every piece of change I could just so I could make copies? Advertisement And that one day, his voice trailed off, the sad part about this is that I remember the times I broke down in tears. The first one was that one in the apartment. The second time was here (at the library). The third time was when I got into Harvard. Getting into Harvard was the culmination of his decision to buckle down on his high school studies to take his family out of poverty. I became possessed by the idea. I wish I still had that sometimes, he said, laughing. As an added incentive, his Uncle Al got him a job at a meat packing plant on the 5 a.m. shift. He joked that he did it to make sure I finished college. Harvard proved not to be a good fit. He struggled with his grades, had difficulty making friends with his more well-off classmates, and in his sophomore year admits he spent too much time partying and broke some rules. He was asked to leave Harvard but was told he could reapply in a year. He joined the Marine Corps Reserve during that break from school and resumed his college studies the following year, graduating in 2004. I didnt fit into Harvard. I fit in more in the Marines than in Harvard, without a doubt. I tried. I dont think I ever really adjusted, he said. We just kept going, and dying With the Marines, Gallego joined a group of men of similar socio-economic status, though he took some heckling over his Harvard connection. Advertisement A year out of college, Gallegos Marine Reserve unit was shipped off to Iraq and assigned to Lima Company, with the role of conducting sweeps to seize weapons and eliminate supporters of Saddam Hussein. In its first two months, the unit did not have a casualty, and was dubbed Lucky Lima. But the luck soon ran out. During his deployment, 22 Marines and one Navy corpsman in his unit were killed in action. Ultimately, Lima lost 48 men, the hardest hit battalion in Iraq. It was the largest death count of any Marine unit since a 1983 Marine barracks bombing in Lebanon that killed 220. Among the units casualties was Lance Cpl. Jonathan Grant, who was killed when an improvised explosive device struck his amphibious assault vehicle. Gallego had promised Grants wife he would watch over him. When Gallego returned home, he suffered from post-traumatic stress. His first marriage, to a woman he met at Harvard, ended in divorce. Gallego recounted his military and post-combat experiences in his 2021 memoir, They Called Us Lucky: The Life and Afterlife of the Iraq Wars Hardest Hit Unit. I think for many years, I carried a lot of anger and resentment. Going to war I layered more trauma on top of trauma, he said. Before dealing with the PTSD, I had to deal with all of this other stuff I had grown up with. Advertisement But when Gallego sought help for PTSD from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, he said he was rejected because, according to his service record, he never saw combat. In his book, Gallego wrote that his service record hadnt been updated properly when his units command failed to forward information about the reserves deployment to Iraq through proper channels. The records of other members of his units suffered from the same omission, Gallego wrote. There is like a whole documentary on my unit that had already come out and in it and Im actually, literally, in combat. I even brought it to my next appointment with the VA. I said, See. This is me! And they said, Sorry, if your record doesnt show it, we cant rate you for this or that, he said. Not just that it was me, but I heard other veterans were having this problem. A couple of guys I served with ended up being homeless because of this. Gallego said it took years to straighten out the situation but he now has a Combat Action Ribbon. His problems with the VA eventually helped steer him toward politics, even though his experience in Iraq had led him to detest politicians. I didnt care about politics. Actually, I was mad. I was so mad at politicians. They left us to die. S----y armor. S----y command, he said. I had a lot of friends who were already politically involved. They were calling politicians, saying, Hey, my friends unit has no armor. Theyre getting blown up. Do something. And nothing. Nothing. We just kept going, and dying. Advertisement Selling salsa and politics After his military service, Gallego moved to Arizona to join his future wife, Kate Widland, a New Mexico native he met at Harvard who had moved to Phoenix to work on John Kerrys 2004 presidential campaign. His first post-military career move was in marketing and public relations, hoping to eventually create a business catering to the ever-growing Spanish language market in Phoenix. He joined a public relations firm through a friend of a friend and oversaw production of a few Ortega salsa commercials while also working on some political campaigns. The firm thought he did a better job selling candidates than salsa, and he ran the campaign for a severely underfunded Phoenix City Council candidate who ended up winning by 11 percentage points. That led to jobs as the councilmans chief of staff and vice chair of the Arizona Democratic Party. A successful 2010 run for the Arizona House followed and he rose to become assistant Democratic leader in the GOP-run chamber. In 2012, Gallego founded a group called Citizens for Professional Law Enforcement with the goal of removing controversial Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio from office. Arpaio had used taxpayer money to investigate Barack Obamas citizenship and created an armed posse of citizens to help deputies conduct roundups under an immigration law later deemed illegal. He faced numerous lawsuits over his departments activities. Gallego said he feared becoming a victim of Arpaios well-documented bullying tactics because of his work against the sheriff. Advertisement I remember being followed home by sheriffs deputies. I remember telling my then-wife, Listen, if somebody comes knocking at the door and says theyre a sheriffs deputy, were just going to the ground right away. We dont want to give them any excuse to shoot us, Gallego said. Gallegos efforts to bring down Arpaio fell short, but the sheriff was defeated four years later and, in July 2017, convicted of criminal contempt of court for failing to follow a court order to stop racial profiling. He was pardoned by President Donald Trump a month later. Two years after the Arpaio effort, Gallego launched a run for Congress in a heavily Democratic district around Phoenix to replace retiring 12-term congressman Ed Pastor. He effectively won the seat by getting almost 50% of the vote in a four-way primary. The first Iraq War veteran to go to Congress from Arizona, Gallego coasted to victory in each of his reelection contests. Seeking higher office In 2018, Gallego backed the U.S. Senate candidacy of Sinema, a progressive who grew up in poverty, because we came from the same background. But a month after she announced her switch from Democrat to independent in late 2022, he formally announced his candidacy for her Senate seat. Sinema has alienated many Democrats over her refusal to support efforts to end the filibuster in the Senate, particularly for passage of Democratic voting rights legislation, as well as for siding with corporate interests and dramatically voting against a minimum-wage increase, giving a thumbs-down hand gesture and then curtsying after bringing a chocolate cake into the chamber. When youre poor, besides your family, the only other people that can look out for you are the politicians that you put in office. And to have someone use her time, her effort, her power for the already powerful after I had helped her? She screws us over, Gallego said. Advertisement I did not know who was going to run on the Republican side. It could have been anybody. But I knew, one, Kyrsten was not going to be helpful anymore to working-class people and two, that were going to be able to win despite whatever Republican ran, he said. One prominent group that supports a womans right to abortion, Reproductive Freedom for All, formerly known as NARAL Pro-Choice America, backed Sinema previously but has endorsed Gallego, as has the Arizona Democratic Party. Democratic-aligned groups, including EMILYs List and Planned Parenthood Action Fund, have said they would not support Sinema again. Sinema has not formally announced she is seeking reelection as an independent but she has privately been seeking fundraising support, including in visits to the Chicago business community, according to one Illinois Republican who is knowledgeable about her efforts but asked not to be identified because he was not authorized to speak publicly about them. U.S. Senate candidate and former Arizona Republican gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake signs books before former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks on Nov. 8, 2023 in Hialeah, Florida. (Alon Skuy/Getty) Rep. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., shouts from a chair on Jan. 6, 2021, as lawmakers prepare to evacuate the House floor as rioters try to break into the chamber at the U.S. Capitol. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP) Lake, a former Phoenix TV news anchor turned politician, has backed Trumps false claims of a stolen 2020 presidential election and has repeatedly been unsuccessful in court challenges contesting her 2022 loss to Democrat Katie Hobbs in the Arizona governors race. Disciplinary proceedings are pending for Lakes attorneys, who have already been sanctioned by the Arizona Supreme Court for making false claims that 35,000 ballots were illegally inserted into batches of legal ballots in Maricopa County. Another one of her attorneys contended the CIA and the Justice Department forced the Arizona Supreme Court to create misinformation boards in the run-up to the 2020 election to prevent lawsuits challenging Trumps loss to Joe Biden. Lake recently posted on X, Time to wake up America! that questioned the justice system for going after truth seekers such as Trump, herself and Rudy Giuliani. Advertisement We are becoming a corrupt third-world dictatorship a Banana Republic, Lakes post said. In a separate post on the same day, she added, Speaking of accountability, will @RubenGallego be held to account for denying the 2016 election & calling Trump illegitimate? In October, the National Republican Senatorial Committee revealed an internal poll showing Gallego leading the Senate race with 41%, followed by Lake with 37% and Sinema with 17%. The poll findings found Sinema was taking support away from Lake, which the NRSC said it would work to reverse. In November, the NRSC launched an ad attack titled Rotten Ruben Gallego that noted his divorce while his wife was pregnant with their first child and his remarriage to a DC lobbyist. Gallego and his ex-wife, Kate Gallego, who is now the mayor of Phoenix, co-parent their son. His current wife is a lobbyist for the National Association of Realtors. U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., and his ex-wife, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, tour an affordable housing development in Phoenix along with their 6-year-old son, Michael, on March 19, 2023. Kate Gallego endorsed Ruben Gallego's U.S. Senate run, helping him blunt a potential liability after the couple divorced weeks before their child was born. (Jonathan J. Cooper/AP) Republicans also have alluded to Gallegos sometimes forceful personality and temperament, possibly foreshadowing an effort to make his PTSD diagnosis a campaign issue. Advertisement But Gallego readily discusses the issue and the need for improved mental health services and said he believes by being open about his PTSD it can encourage others to seek help. I think the NRSC is trying to make the best of a horrible situation, to be honest, Gallego said of Lakes candidacy. They can do whatever they want. At the end of the day, when people know me, know my family, know our story, know what were going to do, were going to win. I think thats what scares them. Lake has sought at times to shift the conversation to border security, saying Gallego is a hypocrite for his recent call that President Joe Biden declare the southern border an emergency and allow Arizona to receive federal help. Yet she keeps returning to the claim she was cheated in the election for governor and the false claims that the 2020 presidential election was stolen. For all intents and purposes, Kari Lake should be doing significantly better. She just ran a fairly close gubernatorial campaign. She has statewide name appeal being on TV forever. And yet, shes less popular now than the last day she was campaigning for governor. And why is that? Because she continues with election denialism, Gallego said. People are worried. You have Donald Trump talking about it and now you have someone who wants to be in the Senate and wants to be a vote for him, especially when it comes to overturning elections and having us move slowly into autocracy, he said. Advertisement As for the intensity of the campaign attacks against him at such an early stage, Gallego said it is fitting. Theres nothing that Ive ever gained in life that didnt come with some kind of struggle, he said. rap30@aol.com nd3000 / Getty Images/iStockphoto You worked hard throughout your career to set up your retirement, perhaps through a combination of Social Security earnings, a pension and investments. You know you and your significant other can count on at least $3,500 a month in income and are open to a new adventure, but where can you live comfortably if you want to retire in the Midwest? Similar: 10 Places To Retire That Are Just Like Arizona but Way Cheaper More: 3 Ways To Recession-Proof Your Retirement GOBankingRates looked at data from Sperlings Best, the Bureau of Labor Statistics and AreaVibes to find great cities in the region where you could retire with that income level. Weve listed a dozen places with the cost of monthly necessities less than $3,500 a month, giving you some money left for retirement fun. 12. Plymouth, Minnesota Livability Score: 84 2023 Average Monthly Rent: $1,824 Monthly Grocery Cost Per Couple: $416.94 Monthly Healthcare Cost Per Couple: $476.28 Monthly Utilities Cost Per Couple: $346.29 Monthly Transportation Cost Per Couple: $433.34 Monthly Necessities Cost Per Couple: $3,496.64 Groceries and transportation costs are more than the national average in Plymouth, and rent is the highest of the 12 cities on the list. Still, healthcare in Minnesota comes in almost 25% below the national average. That fact helps Plymouth squeak just below the $3,500 mark for monthly necessities. The livability score of 84 is tied for second highest in the study. 11. Grove City, Ohio Livability Score: 77 2023 Average Monthly Rent: $1,755 Monthly Grocery Cost Per Couple: $397.75 Monthly Healthcare Cost Per Couple: $562.36 Monthly Utilities Cost Per Couple: $360.06 Monthly Transportation Cost Per Couple: $381.02 Monthly Necessities Cost Per Couple: $3,456.55 The cost of monthly expenditures falls below the national average in every category except utilities in Grove City, one of three Ohio cities on the list. Being a suburb of Columbus, Grove City is an ideal place to live, close to the big-city lifestyle and major professional and college sports. Story continues 10. Carmel, Indiana Livability Score: 83 2023 Average Monthly Rent: $1,729 Monthly Grocery Cost Per Couple: $404.55 Monthly Healthcare Cost Per Couple: $625.19 Monthly Utilities Cost Per Couple: $316.99 Monthly Transportation Cost Per Couple: $372.78 Monthly Necessities Cost Per Couple: $3,448.11 Groceries rank a tad higher than the national average price of groceries in Carmel but below it in terms of healthcare, utilities and transportation. At $1,729 per month, the cost of rent in the suburb north of Indianapolis makes it one of three places in the study with rent above $1,700, perhaps owing to its high livability score. 9. Overland Park, Kansas Livability Score: 79 2023 Average Monthly Rent: $1,666 Monthly Grocery Cost Per Couple: $410.14 Monthly Healthcare Cost Per Couple: $635.87 Monthly Utilities Cost Per Couple: $349.82 Monthly Transportation Cost Per Couple: $354.25 Monthly Necessities Cost Per Couple: $3,415.92 Overland Park is a suburb of Kansas City, Missouri, and if you want to travel to the big city, your wallet wont be drained. Overland Park has the lowest monthly transportation cost in the study, at 14% below the national average. 8. Noblesville, Indiana Livability Score: 84 2023 Average Monthly Rent: $1,695 Monthly Grocery Cost Per Couple: $388.96 Monthly Healthcare Cost Per Couple: $625.19 Monthly Utilities Cost Per Couple: $316.99 Monthly Transportation Cost Per Couple: $384.32 Monthly Necessities Cost Per Couple: $3,410.07 The necessities cost for Noblesville residents falls below the national average across the board. Its livability score of 84 ties with Plymouth, Minnesota, as the second highest; the utility cost is tied for the lowest with its fellow Indiana locale, Carmel. 7. Livonia, Michigan Livability Score: 75 2023 Average Monthly Rent: $1,630 Monthly Grocery Cost Per Couple: $388.16 Monthly Healthcare Cost Per Couple: $513.98 Monthly Utilities Cost Per Couple: $354.77 Monthly Transportation Cost Per Couple: $507.89 Monthly Necessities Cost Per Couple: $3,395.20 Livonia is the only city on the list from Michigan and the first one where total monthly necessities cost less than $3,400. Transportation costs, however, are by far the highest in the study, coming in above $500 per month and 23.3% higher than the national average. 6. Olathe, Kansas Livability Score: 76 2023 Average Monthly Rent: $1,616 Monthly Grocery Cost Per Couple: $403.75 Monthly Healthcare Cost Per Couple: $635.87 Monthly Utilities Cost Per Couple: $349.82 Monthly Transportation Cost Per Couple: $355.90 Monthly Necessities Cost Per Couple: $3,361.30 Olathe is the opposite of Livonia, where transportation costs are concerned, falling about $150 lower than the Michigan city and about 13% below the national average. Prices rank about 1% over the national average in the grocery and healthcare categories. 5. Eden Prairie, Minnesota Livability Score: 83 2023 Average Monthly Rent: $1,689 Monthly Grocery Cost Per Couple: $415.74 Monthly Healthcare Cost Per Couple: $476.28 Monthly Utilities Cost Per Couple: $344.88 Monthly Transportation Cost Per Couple: $426.75 Monthly Necessities Cost Per Couple: $3,353.14 Eden Prairie makes the list given its high livability score and its low healthcare costs, like the other two Minnesota cities. Grocery and transportation costs are about 4% higher than the national average. 4. Lees Summit, Missouri Livability Score: 78 2023 Average Monthly Rent: $1,576 Monthly Grocery Cost Per Couple: $402.15 Monthly Healthcare Cost Per Couple: $642.79 Monthly Utilities Cost Per Couple: $352.65 Monthly Transportation Cost Per Couple: $372.37 Monthly Necessities Cost Per Couple: $3,346.23 Lees Summit, a fast-growing suburb of Kansas City, has the highest healthcare cost of the cities in the study but the lowest average rent. In fact, its the only location with rent below $1,600 per month. 3. Medina, Ohio Livability Score: 75 2023 Average Monthly Rent: $1,672 Monthly Grocery Cost Per Couple: $404.15 Monthly Healthcare Cost Per Couple: $551.05 Monthly Utilities Cost Per Couple: $339.23 Monthly Transportation Cost Per Couple: $376.49 Monthly Necessities Cost Per Couple: $3,342.61 In Medina, about 35 miles south of Cleveland, groceries cost more than the national average. However, prices fall below the standard in every other category, with Medina residents paying more than 12% less than the national average for healthcare. 2. Brooklyn Park, Minnesota Livability Score: 79 2023 Average Monthly Rent: $1,651 Monthly Grocery Cost Per Couple: $402.55 Monthly Healthcare Cost Per Couple: $476.28 Monthly Utilities Cost Per Couple: $348.76 Monthly Transportation Cost Per Couple: $455.99 Monthly Necessities Cost Per Couple: $3,335.03 Residents in Brooklyn Park, the final Minnesota city on the list, also benefit from healthcare costs that rank nearly 25% below the national average. The Minneapolis suburb offers an attractive retirement alternative with its strong livability score. 1. Loveland, Ohio Livability Score: 86 2023 Average Monthly Rent: $1,625 Monthly Grocery Cost Per Couple: $411.34 Monthly Healthcare Cost Per Couple: $561.73 Monthly Utilities Cost Per Couple: $349.47 Monthly Transportation Cost Per Couple: $384.32 Monthly Necessities Cost Per Couple: $3,332.26 About 25 miles northeast of Cincinnati is Loveland, where the living is lovely. Loveland has the highest livability score in the study at 86, and monthly expenses are below the national average in all categories except groceries. Methodology: GOBankingRates determined the best cities in the Midwest (North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio) to retire on at least $3,500 a month by first isolating all cities in the Midwest cities with a 2023 average monthly rent under $1,900 and a size rank below 1,000. GOBankingRates then used Sperlings Best to find the cost of living index for each listed city, looking at grocery, healthcare, utilities and transportation index scores. Next, GOBankingRates used data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics 2022 Consumer Expenditure Survey to find the annual expenditure amount for grocery (food at home), utilities, healthcare, and transportation costs for people aged 65 and older in order to find how much a couple 65 and over would spend on necessities in each city on a monthly basis. GOBankingRates then added monthly housing, grocery, utilities, transportation and healthcare costs together to determine the cost of necessities each month. In order for a city to be qualified for the study the city had to have a livability score above 75 as sourced from AreaVibes. GOBankingRates scored and combined both livability and monthly necessities expenditure, to determine final rankings. All data was collected and is up to date as of Sept. 13, 2023. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 12 Great Midwest Cities To Retire If You Make Over $3,500 a Month 2008-2024 One News Page Ltd. All rights reserved. One News is a registered trademark of One News Page Ltd. Kelsey Hatcher has given birth in Alabama twice in two days - after a "one in a million" pregnancy. The opposition demands a re-run of last week's elections which its say were marred by fraud. Brazil is on the cusp of a significant transformation in the digital gaming industry. The Chamber of Deputies' recent approval of Bill 3,626/2023 marks a historic shift towards regulated online gambling, including igaming. This development, aligning with the Senate's stance, now awaits the crucial endorsement of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. In a landmark move, Brazil's Chamber of Deputies has endorsed Bill 3,626/2023, paving the way for a regulated online gambling landscape. This pivotal decision could revolutionize Brazil's digital gaming sector, providing structured oversight and potential economic benefits. Key Developments and Legislative Journey Final Approval by Chamber of Deputies : Following an intensive legislative process, the Chamber of Deputies voted in favor of the bill, signaling a significant policy shift in Brazil's online gaming sector. : Following an intensive legislative process, the Chamber of Deputies voted in favor of the bill, signaling a significant policy shift in Brazil's online gaming sector. Senate's Crucial Amendments : Senator Angelo Coronel played a pivotal role in the Senate's endorsement, incorporating significant changes to the initial proposal. : Senator Angelo Coronel played a pivotal role in the Senate's endorsement, incorporating significant changes to the initial proposal. Overcoming Opposition: Despite resistance, key aspects of the bill, including taxation and advertising regulations, passed through the Senate. Taxation and Financial Implications Economic Affairs Commission's Influence : The Commission's recommendations set a 12% cap on gross gaming revenue and adjusted taxation on winnings. : The Commission's recommendations set a 12% cap on gross gaming revenue and adjusted taxation on winnings. Licensees' Financial Obligations: Operators must pay a substantial initial fee and adhere to strict brand operation limits. The Debate: Regulation vs. Control Arthur Lira's Stance : The Chamber President emphasized the need for regulation to avoid unregulated gambling and associated risks, like money laundering. : The Chamber President emphasized the need for regulation to avoid unregulated gambling and associated risks, like money laundering. Balancing Act: The bill aims to regulate rather than expand gaming activities, addressing concerns about uncontrolled online gambling. Economic Strategy and Revenue Allocation Government's Fiscal Goals : Legal expert Neil Montgomery highlights the bill's alignment with the government's aim for a zero fiscal deficit by 2024. : Legal expert Neil Montgomery highlights the bill's alignment with the government's aim for a zero fiscal deficit by 2024. Tax Revenue Distribution: A significant portion of the tax revenue is earmarked for sports, tourism, public safety, education, and social security. Operational Requirements and Compliance License Qualifications : Operators must comply with strict criteria, including a partnership with a Brazilian company and robust cybersecurity systems. : Operators must comply with strict criteria, including a partnership with a Brazilian company and robust cybersecurity systems. Player Identification and Security: The bill mandates advanced identification technologies like facial recognition to ensure secure and responsible gaming. A New Era Awaits Brazil's move towards regulated online gambling through Bill 3,626/2023 represents a paradigm shift in the industry. As the nation awaits President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's approval, this legislation's potential economic and social impacts are significant. This bill is not just about legalizing online gambling; it's about creating a controlled, responsible, and economically beneficial gaming environment in Brazil. working atmosphere (Image by Pavlo Kuliuk) Details DMCA Without realizing it, the Russians performed a great service for the United States. If America can make optimal use of this service, the Russians may find themselves in the difficult position of soon facing a much stronger America than they currently have. The Pentagon turned out to be an ineffective enterprise. By controlling the US budget for the last 30 years, the military department has participated well in wars that were created to finance the Pentagon itself. However, when faced with the first serious enemy, the Pentagon did not win. Russia, which spends tens of times less on military needs than the United States, turned out to be undefeated in Ukraine. This calls into question the advisability of further allocating gigantic funds to the Pentagon. Since by receiving this money the Pentagon cannot guarantee victory. But the inefficiency of the Pentagon is not the main thing. Main, what consequences this inefficiency may lead to. The Pentagon is more closely associated with the Democratic rather than the Republican Party of the United States. The inefficiency of America's military-industrial complex casts a shadow over Democrats. And they have no alternative idea than the one that involves developing the American economy by stimulating the military-technical complex. Therefore, recognizing the Pentagon as an ineffective enterprise is a loss for the US Democratic Party. Judging by the actions of Joe Biden, the Democrats have accepted defeat and are objectively assessing the potential of today's Pentagon. Biden's reluctance to make concessions on the Mexican border in order to continue funding Ukraine indicates that The Pentagon is no longer the favorite of the Democratic Party. Most likely, the US military-industrial complex is in for big changes. This applies not only to changes in the size of budget allocations. We are talking about increasing the efficiency of spending budget funds. And this will lead to the replacement of some participants in the arms market. How it will look in detail will show the next 4 years. The next elections will show who will be president at this time. Given the current situation, Trump's chances of winning look favorable. Behind the Republican Party are almost all sectors of the American economy that experienced a budget deficit due to the excessive appetites of the Pentagon. Trump, who has never been a supporter of irresponsible military spending, will take money from the military and send the money to other sectors of the US economy. Democrats have a chance of winning only if they find some other favorite instead of the Pentagon. But given the short amount of time before the elections, this is unlikely. The era of horror stories about America's many enemies requiring large military expenditures is coming to an end. America is likely to experience a renaissance. Revival of many sectors of the economy: high-tech, space industry, pharmaceutical business, construction of infrastructure projects, etc. By redirecting budget funds, Republicans will ensure their dominance for the next 8-16 years. Paradox. But it was the Russian soldier who ensured America's new dawn. With its victories in Ukraine, the Russian army showed the ineffectiveness of the Pentagon. But why haven't American politicians figured this out in 30 years? Confederate Monument - S face tight - Arlington National Cemetery - 2011. (Image by Wikipedia (commons.wikimedia.org), Author: Confederate_Monument_-_S_face_-_Arlington_National_Cemetery_-_2011.JPG: Tim1965 derivative work: Tim1965) Details Source DMCA "A Confederate memorial is to be removed from Arlington National Cemetery in northern Virginia in the coming days, " the Associated Press reports, as "part of the push to remove symbols that commemorate the Confederacy from military-related facilities." For years, I've been of two minds about the movement to remove these memorials. On one hand, I generally object to the idea of "government property" being used for such purposes. In fact, I object to the very idea of "government property," but if there's going to be such a property claim I want its allowable uses and purposes to a least be very narrowly defined. So yeah, take down the memorials -- all of them, not just the Confederate ones. On the other hand, I'm a fan of history, and the memorials in question illustrate the history of (and the history following) America's single greatest and most violent convulsion, a "Civil War" resulting in several hundred thousand deaths. Arlington National Cemetery is part of that history. It's situated on land confiscated from Confederate general Robert E. Lee, and several hundred Confederates lie among the Civil War dead buried there. While the 1914 monument erected to those Confederates bears certain features the present generation may find offensive (e.g. a slave following his "owner" to war), it also bears the inscription "they have beat their swords into plough-shares and their spears into pruning hooks." It is, in fact, a monument to reunification, not division, and to peace, not war. What's not to like about that? What was the Union premise for the war? That the United States was "one nation, indivisible." If that premise is correct (I don't believe it is, but IF), then the Confederate dead are American dead, and precisely as entitled to American honors and memorials as the Union dead. During the Mexican War, later Union general and US president Ulysses S. Grant wrote to his fiancee: "If we have to fight, I would like to do it all at once and then make friends." The post-war era didn't really accomplish that. After "Reconstruction," the south largely recreated the former slave system in all but name, leaving its demolition to the civil rights movement of a century later, and to this very day, southern "Lost Cause" revisionists and revanchists keep the flames of Confederate sympathies burning. But the Union, not the Confederacy, won that war -- a war it fought on and for the premise of a single America including the former Confederacy and former Confederates. Desecrating the graves of the Confederate dead, denying them commemoration on land seized from their most esteemed commander, sends exactly the opposite message. It's an attempt to preserve, not end, the divisions the war was all about. Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash (Image by Element5 Digital) Details DMCA On November 11, 2023, 26 potential candidates for the LAUSD School Board pulled petitions from the Los Angeles City Clerk in their quest to have their names appear on the March 5, 2024, primary ballot. To qualify they had to collect at least 500 signatures from registered voters within their Board District. They had 25 days to accomplish this task. As the filing deadline approached, the field had already been reduced by two as two candidates had formerly withdrawn from the Board District 1 race. Four additional candidates failed to submit petitions with the required signatures, reducing the number of potential candidates to 21. After completing the signature verification process, the Los Angeles City Clerk's office announced on December 12, 2023, that three additional candidates did not have enough valid signatures to qualify for the ballot. The remaining 18 became official candidates and will face the voters on March 5th, 2024: District 1 (Image by LAUSD) Details DMCA George McKenna has held the BD1 Board Seat since winning a special election against Alex Johnson in 2014. He succeeded Marguerite Poindexter LaMotte who passed away while in office the previous year. While he could have run for one more term before term limits kicked in, he instead decided to retire. Eleven candidates circulated petitions for the opportunity to succeed McKenna. Of these, three of them did not submit completed petitions and one was found to not have enough valid signatures. The seven candidates who did succeed at this task are: Sherlett Hendy Newbill Didi Watts Christian Flagg Rina Tambor District 3 (Image by LAUSD) Details DMCA Scott Schmerelson was the underdog when he first won his BD 3 Board Seat in 2015, ending incumbant Tamar Galatzan's political aspirations. In 2020, he beat back the California Charter School Association's anti-Semitic attacks to win re-election. He has qualified for next year's ballot and is asking the voters for one more term before term limits force him into retirement. Seven candidates pulled petitions to run against Schmmerelson, but Richard Ramos announced that he was dropping out of the race as the deadline to submit signatures approached. He has endorsed the incumbent. Byron Gutierrez and Janie Dam submitted" signatures but these were deemed to be "insufficient" by the City Clerk's office. Dr. Dam is appealing this ruling stating that she submitted "nearly 1000 signatures." The four challengers who qualified are: Dan Chang District 5 (Image by LAUSD) Details DMCA Like McKenna, Jackie Goldberg won her BD 5 Board seat for her second stint on the LAUSD Board in a special election. She succeeded charter-industry supporter Ref Rodriguez after he was forced to resign after being convicted of a felony related to his campaign. She too, could have run for another term, but will instead take a well-deserved retirement. All four of the potential candidates who pulled petitions qualified for the ballot: Fidencio Joel Gallardo is the only one of all the LAUSD candidates not to pay the $300 filing fee and instead collected 1,000 valid signatures. Victorio R. Gutierrez District 7 (Image by LAUSD) Details DMCA Carl Petersen is a parent advocate for public education, particularly for students with special education needs, who serves as the Education Chair for the Northridge East Neighborhood Council. As a Green Party candidate in LAUSD's District 2 School Board race, he was endorsed by Network for Public Education (NPE) Action. Dr. Diane Ravitch has called him "a valiant fighter for public schools in Los Angeles." For links to his blogs, please visit www.ChangeTheLAUSD.com. Opinions are his own. The number of Palestinian children, women and men who have been killed by the Jewish state of Israel dropping American bombs on them in Gaza has surpassed 20,000 people. Joe Biden is politely asking Israeli PM Netanyahu not to kill so many Palestinian civilians, while sending Israel more American weapons, bombs and ammunition, including 2,000-pound bombs that destroy entire blocks and families. Biden is earning his new nickname of Genocide Joe! US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who, like Joe Biden, is a Zionist, today described Israel as a victim. He said, "I hear no-one demanding of Hamas that it stop hiding behind civilians, lay down its arms and surrender. This would be over tomorrow if that happened. How can it be that there are no demands made of the aggressor and only demands of the victim." This insightful and moving article by a Jewish woman in Israel brings out the fact that Blinken is wrong regarding the Jewish state of Israel being the victim. The author of the article brings up Israel's decades-long, cruel and expanding Israeli occupation of Palestinian homes and land as the real reason for the religious violence ripping apart Gaza and the "holy" land. What was Israel supposed to do after the October 7th attack? That is the title of this reason-based and thought-provoking article. It states the obvious, which is always ignored by the vast majority of US politicians in both parties and by the mainstream media. It is in agreement with the above linked-to article by the Jewish lady in Israel. The author states: Of course, the ideal scenario would be for a permanent ceasefire, the release of hostages and Palestinians that have been detained for minor crimes, some sort of mechanism for Hamas to disarm, all illegal settlements in the West Bank to be dismantled, the occupation to end, and a real political process to allow both Israeli and Palestinian populations to live side by side. After admitting that that won't happen any time soon, the author lays out some practical actions that can be taken now to end Israel's ongoing slaughter of Palestinians. Israel is clearly a religious state. The modern state of Israel is based on the ungodly Hebrew Bible/Christian Old Testament. This is very evident by frequent statements made by Israeli leaders. One statement made by Israeli ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon sums it up well. Danon said: We do have biblical rights to the land. Whether you are Christian, Muslim, or Jew - you read the Bible, you read the stories of the Bible - it's all there. This is our deed to the land. That's biblical. Just as Israeli leaders believe God gave them the land the Palestinians own and have their homes, farms and orchards on, they also believe they have a God-given right to remove the Palestinians from their land and to actually slaughter them if need be. This, too, is based on the Hebrew Bible/Christian Old Testament. For just one example is Deuteronomy 7:1 in which the ancient Jewish clergymen who wrote the Bible claim God told the Jews that when they go into the land to possess it, God will drive out the Gentile people who are living there. Deuteronomy 7:2 has God saying, And when the LORD thy God shall deliver them before thee; thou shalt smite them, and utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them: In 1 Samuel 15:3 (the verse is pictured at the top of this article) the Jewish clergymen who wrote it claim God specifically ordered the Jews to include in their brutal slaughter "women, children and infants", which is being done now in Gaza. Israel's current ongoing Hebrew Bible/Christian Old Testament-based slaughter of the Gentile Palestinian children, women and men of Gaza brings to mind this statement by Thomas Paine in The Age of Reason: If we will not stubbornly shut our eyes and steel our hearts, it is impossible not to see, in spite of all that long-established superstition imposes upon the mind, that the flattering appellation of His chosen people is no other than a lie which the priests and leaders of the Jews had invented to cover the baseness of their own characters, and which Christian priests, sometimes as corrupt and often as cruel, have professed to believe. Humanity needs to let go of the ancient ungodly "revealed" religions. Deism empowers people to do that. The Deism Revolution in religion that Thomas Paine called for in The Age of Reason is necessary for the evolution of humanity and for the peace of mind of individual people. Albert Einstein warned us that we must evolve or perish when he wrote, The world that we have made as a result of the level of thinking that we have done so far, has created problems we cannot solve at the level of thinking at which we created them.... We shall require a substantially new manner of thinking if humankind is to survive. Deism is that "substantially new manner of thinking" necessary for the survival of humanity! Deism can, through reason, free people and society of the deadly and antiquated "revealed" religions. Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator The Houthis are fighting in support of Gaza, by attacking Israeli owned and flagged ships that use the Red Sea to navigate toward the Suez Canal to the Mediterranean Sea, bringing ships directly alongside the Yemeni coast. The Saudi-Yemeni war began in March 2016, and the US participated in support of Saudi Arabia, as one of the wealthiest countries on earth bombed and attacked one of the poorest countries on earth. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is refusing to participate in the US coalition to fight Yemen, because of the new foreign policy of the Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman, and improved relations with Iran. The Crown Prince, known as MBS, has been involved in a long war with Yemen, and he does not want to invigorate a war he is in the process of closing down. MBS is focused on building Saudi Arabia into an international tourist destination and attracting investments which will diversify the Kingdom away from fossil fuels as the sole source of income. Vision 2030 is the brainchild of MBS, and it depends on regional peace for development and prosperity. This formed the basis for the Chinese brokered deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia which saw the two neighbors normalize their relations. All occupation attempts of Yemen have failed through history. Yemen is extremely mountainous, and their resistant fighters are known to be fearless and often fight almost barefooted in harsh conditions without backing down. If the US continues with this coalition against Yemen, all the US interests, which are some of the largest US military bases, and the US shipping industry, will be threatened. In my opinion, if this US coalition against Yemen heats up, the Iraqi resistance will interfere powerfully by targeting all US interests, including occupation forces in Syria and bases in Iraq. There have been numerous and ongoing attacks on the US occupation forces in the east of Syria, and the Ain al-Assad base in Iraq. The Houthis are a fighting force who are well trained, ideologically motivated, and supported by Iran. The Houthis have an arsenal of weaponry which includes powerful and sophisticated missiles which are capable of long distances. They have used these missiles to target the south of Israel. They have used earth to sea missiles to attack ships, and have boarded and occupied a ship which they continue to hold. Suicide drones have also been used by the Houthis to target Israel in response to the Israeli attack on the Palestinian people of Gaza, which has seen the death toll pass 20,000 people, the majority of which are women and children. The Houthis are one group of numerous resistant fighters. Resistance groups are located in Palestine, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Iran and Yemen These groups are primarily fighting against the continued Israeli occupation of Palestine, Syria and Lebanon. Israel has been labeled an Apartheid state by the UN, and human rights organizations, including the UN, have accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza currently, since the October 7 attack by Hamas in which about 1,400 Israelis were killed, and almost 200 were taken as hostages to Gaza. For the last 75 days, the Red Sea shipping lane near Yemen has seen disruption, as ships going to Israel are prevented from unimpeded navigation. The Israeli port of Eilat has become empty because of the Yemeni actions. The US administration of President Joe Biden has been pressing Israel for a pause for humanitarian aid to Gaza, as well as negotiations on a hostage release. However, the Netanyahu led war cabinet has moved forward with an increasingly furious bombardment of Gaza driving the death, injuries and destruction upward daily. The Israelis see their main goal to destroy Hamas and its leadership as overarching any plan to secure the safe release of Israeli hostages. Yemen is one of the poorest countries on earth, and during these long years of the Saudi war on Yemen, in which the US participated heavily, the civilians have suffered death, injuries, epidemics, and starvation. Even as their own situation is dire, the Yemeni people have stood firm in their commitment to the solidarity and support of the Palestinian people, in the face of the genocide unfolding in Gaza. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). How important are two words? Well, two words led to a sleepless night for COP28 delegates as arguments went back and forth: 'phase out' or 'phase down' of fossil fuels. The ones intent on keeping mean global temperature rise limited to 1.5 C in strict adherence to the Paris accord clearly wanted the former. COP28 was supposed to end on Tuesday, December 12th. In the event, the final session went on until 4 am on Wednesday, and the words finally settled upon were 'transition away from fossil fuels'. The president of COP28, Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, who is also the CEO of Abu Dhabi National Oil Co., proudly boasted it was the first time the words 'fossil fuels' had ever appeared in a COP final report. Why was the UAE selected as the host? That too, is no mystery. It is one of the top ten oil producers in the world, and documents leaked to the BBC showed that it planned to use the meeting to strike new oil deals. The appalling duplicity (after all he was chairing an environment conference) and irony apparently eluded the good doctor -- business is business, as they say, and his business is selling his oil. That may be, although it might account for the fact that the vaunted COP deal does not require anyone to do anything. There are no specific goals, just the aforementioned 'transition away.' So another COP is over and the fossil fuel producers have again won . Poor earth! As an aside, the good doctor (Al Jaber) was caught on an open mic stating that he thought all this climate change was a lot of hooey. The human capacity for self-delusion and self-destruction is legendary. Looking at WW2 and Herr Adolf, for example, the bill was over 50 million lives. At the time there were just two nuclear weapons in the world, now over 5000. One may believe their use is unthinkable until one hears people like the right-wing politician in Israel advocate them against the Hamas tunnels in Gaza. One can also imagine all sorts of scenarios. The Tom Clancy novel, "The Hunt for Red October," is a gripping example that was made into a movie. Then there was an actual real life incident during the Cold War when the Soviet early warning system Oko falsely detected the launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) from the US with four more missiles behind it. Had it not been for one Soviet officer, Stanislav Petrov, the world would have changed that day. Yes, the Soviet Union no longer exists and Russia now is very different. But what about China and India? The latter is always on the defensive in its northern areas where China has a distinct advantage in lines of supply. It also has very close ties with nuclear-armed Pakistan, India's traditional rival. Thus it is not difficult to envisage a scenario where India suspects a two-pronged attack to envelop, say, an Indian troop concentration of division strength or more. Would India resort to a nuclear weapon? We can only hope such a situation never arises and if it does, common sense prevails. India has many divisions of troops but there is only one earth. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). In this article, we will take a look at the 15 prominent NYSE stocks that hit 52-week highs this week. To skip our analysis of the recent trends, and market activity, you can go directly to see the 5 Prominent NYSE Stocks That Hit 52-Week Highs This Week. The Wall Street ended another week in the green this Friday to mark eight consecutive weeks of market recovery since the last few days of October. The Core personal consumption expenditures price index rose by just 0.1% in November from October and was up 3.2% from a year ago. This compares to estimated growth of 0.2% and 3.4% respectively. The latest inflation figures support the broader market narrative that inflation is coming down which supports the optimism revolving around potential interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve in 2024. In our list of 15 prominent NYSE stocks that hit 52-week highs this week, nearly half of the companies belong to the financial sector, including JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM), UBS Group AG (NYSE:UBS), and American Express Company (NYSE:AXP). The financial sector was weighed down by the rapid increase in interest rates beginning from near zero before March 2022 to the current 5.25%-5.50% range, the highest benchmark rate in the country in 22 years. This led to the failure of several banks in the United States, including the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank with $209 billion assets, and Signature Bank with $110 billion assets, in March, and First Republic Bank with $229 billion assets in May 2023. With improving macroeconomic conditions, the financial sector has rallied along with the rest of the market. The S&P 500 Index has gone up 15.5% during the last 8 weeks while S&P 500 Financials, a sub-index that represents financial sector stocks in the S&P 500 index, went up by 18.93% during the same period. The Dow Jones Industrial Average hit an all-time high on December 13 while the NASDAQ-100 hit its own all-time high earlier this week on December 19. You can read more about the recent resurgence in the market in our recently published article. Story continues The companies on our list have benefited from multiple factors recently, including cost cutting measures, AI revolution, and macroeconomic factors such as slowdown in interest rate increases, among others. For instance, Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CUK) and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE:RCL), two leading cruise line operators, are benefiting from a resurgence in travel demand. One common factor though, is the resilience of these companies despite adversity which has resulted in their resurgence. The list also includes Snap Inc. (NYSE:SNAP), Blackstone Inc. (NYSE:BX), and Cloudflare, Inc. (NYSE:NET), among others. Prominent NYSE Stocks That Hit 52-Week Highs This Week A close up shot of a stock ticker reflecting the performance of Indian equity markets. Methodology To create our list of 15 prominent NYSE stocks that hit 52-week highs this week, we first identified the prominent NYSE-listed stocks that hit 52-week highs this week. For this purpose, we used Yahoo Finances Recent 52-Week Highs watchlist which discovers and lists the top 30 stocks, ranked by market cap, that have hit 52-week highs in the preceding week. We only retained ordinary shares of companies that are listed on the NYSE. The final step involved ranking the remaining stocks based on hedge fund sentiment. The stocks have been ranked in ascending order of hedge fund ownership. Data from around 900 elite hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey in the third quarter of 2023 was used to identify the number of hedge funds that hold stakes in each firm. Hedge funds top 10 consensus stock picks outperformed the S&P 500 Index by more than 140 percentage points over the last 10 years (see the details here). Thats why we pay very close attention to this often-ignored indicator. 15. Manulife Financial Corporation (NYSE:MFC) Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 13 YTD Performance as of December 22: 22.76% Toronto, Canada-based Manulife Financial Corporation (NYSE:MFC) is a leading international financial services provider offering financial advice and insurance, operating as Manulife across Canada, Asia, and Europe, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States. The company serves nearly 34 million customers. On December 11, Manulife Financial Corporation (NYSE:MFC) announced that it has agreed to reinsure to Global Atlantic four blocks of legacy/low ROE business, valued at nearly C$13 billion, including C$6 billion of long-term care reserves. The company expects the transaction to release C$1.2 billion of capital which it intends to return to shareholders via share buybacks. As of Q3 2023, 13 hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey owned Manulife Financial Corporation (NYSE:MFC) shares. Arrowstreet Capital was its largest hedge fund shareholder with ownership of 7.4 million shares valued at $136 million. 14. Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CUK) Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 15 YTD Performance as of December 22: 140.19% Miami, Florida-based Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CUK) is a global cruise company and one of the largest vacation companies in the world. Its portfolio comprises of nine leading cruise brands including Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Cunard, AIDA Cruises, and Costa Cruises, among others. On December 21, Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CUK) released the financial results for the quarter ended November 30, 2023. Its revenues increased by 41% y-o-y to $5.4 billion, while it generated a net loss of $48 million compared to a net loss of $1.6 billion. The normalized EPS for the quarter was recorded at -$0.07, beating the consensus by $0.06. As of Q3 2023, Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CUK) shares were held by 15 of the 910 hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey, with the total hedge fund holdings valued at $208 million. Robert Henry Lynchs Aristeia Capital was the largest hedge fund shareholder with ownership of 11.8 million shares valued at $144 million. 13. UWM Holdings Corporation (NYSE:UWMC) Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 16 YTD Performance as of December 22: 115.11% Pontiac, Michigan-based UWM Holdings Corporation (NYSE:UWMC) is the largest overall residential mortgage lender in the U.S. It operates exclusively as a Wholesale Mortgage Lender and only originates, underwrites, and closes mortgage loans arranged by an Independent Mortgage Broker. On November 8, UWM Holdings Corporation (NYSE:UWMC) released its financial results for Q3 2023. Its revenue decreased by 1% y-o-y to $677 million while its net income went up by 56% y-o-y to $18 million. Its normalized EPS of $0.15 exceeded consensus estimates by $0.07. Following the earnings release, Barclays analyst Mark Devries initiated coverage of UWM Holdings Corporation (NYSE:UWMC) shares with an Underweight rating and a $4 price target. UWM Holdings Corporation (NYSE:UWMC) shares currently have a dividend yield of 5.62%, the highest on our list of 15 prominent NYSE stocks that hit 52-week highs this week. 12. Rocket Companies, Inc. (NYSE:RKT) Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 16 YTD Performance as of December 22: 110.43% Rocket Companies, Inc. (NYSE:RKT) is a Detroit-based fintech platform company consisting of tech-driven mortgage, real estate, and financial services businesses - including Rocket Mortgage, Rocket Homes, Rocket Loans and Rocket Money. On November 2, Rocket Companies, Inc. (NYSE:RKT) released its financial results for Q3 2023. It generated total revenues of $1.2 billion and a net income of $6.2 million. It EPS of $0.04 surpassed consensus estimates by $0.10. On December 13, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods analyst Bose George raised the price target for Rocket Companies, Inc. (NYSE:RKT) to $10.75 from $9.25 and maintained a Market Perform rating for its shares. As of Q3 2023, 16 hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey held Rocket Companies, Inc. (NYSE:RKT) shares. Jim Simons Renaissance Technologies was its largest hedge fund shareholder with ownership of 2.0 million shares valued at $16 million. 11. Snap Inc. (NYSE:SNAP) Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 25 YTD Performance as of December 22: 90.50% Santa Monica, California-based Snap Inc. (NYSE:SNAP) is a technology company with three core products: Snapchat, a visual messaging app; Lens Studio, an augmented reality platform that powers AR across Snapchat and other services; and its AR glasses, Spectacles. On October 24, Snap Inc. (NYSE:SNAP) released its financial results for Q3 2023 which showed a return to positive revenue growth for the company. Its revenue went up by 5% y-o-y to $1.2 billion while it generated a net loss of $368 million. Daily Active Users increased 12% year-over-year to 406 million during the quarter. The Board of Directors of Snap Inc. (NYSE:SNAP) authorized a stock repurchase program of up to $500 million of its common shares with a 12 month validity period. The goal of the program is to offset a portion of the dilution related to the issuance of restricted stock units to employees. As of Q3 2023, Snap Inc. (NYSE:SNAP) shares, worth $897 million, were owned by 25 prominent hedge funds. Karthik Sarmas SRS Investment Management was the largest hedge fund shareholder with ownership of 52.7 million shares valued at $469 million. 10. UBS Group AG (NYSE:UBS) Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 33 YTD Performance as of December 22: 67.60% Zurich, Switzerland-based UBS Group AG (NYSE:UBS) is a multinational investment bank and financial services company. It provides financial advice and solutions to private, institutional, and corporate clients worldwide, as well as private clients in Switzerland. Hedge funds are bullish about UBS Group AG (NYSE:UBS) shares as the number of hedge funds that own its shares has more than doubled from 16 in Q4 2022 to 33 in Q3 2023. These hedge funds together held shares worth $483 million according to Insider Monkey data. Patient Capital Management, a value investing firm, made the following comments about UBS Group AG (NSYE:UBS) in its Patient Capital Opportunity Equity Strategy Q3 2023 investor letter: During the height of the banking crisis, UBS Group purchased its largest local competitor, Credit Suisse, for an 80% discount. We bought after the deal, believing the markets myopic focus on short-term integration risks failed to properly value the attractive set of assets. UBS Group successfully restructured its business in preceding years allowing the company to reach best in class return metrics, hitting a Return on Common Equity Tier 1 (RoCET1) of 17.5% in 2021, within their long-term range of 15-18%. While the integration of Credit Suisses assets will make the financials messy for the next few years, the company should come out stronger on the other side with a substantially larger wealth management business. Wealth Management will make up 68% of invested assets pushing them to be the number one global player ahead of Morgan Stanley. We estimate $4-6 in earnings power in 3-5 years, meaning youre only paying 4-6x earnings for a premium asset with a 2.2% dividend yield. Despite the strong move, we continue to see attractive upside from here. Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 37 YTD Performance as of December 22: 86.51% Cloudflare, Inc. (NYSE:NET) is a global cloud services provider that delivers a broad range of services to businesses of all sizes and in all geographies. Its network serves as a scalable, easy-to-use, unified control plane to deliver security, performance, and reliability across on-premises, hybrid, cloud, and software-as-a-service (SaaS) applications. On November 2, Cloudflare, Inc. (NYSE:NET) released its financial results for Q3 2023. Its revenue went up by 32% y-o-y to $336 million while it posted a net loss of $39 million. Its normalized EPS of $0.16 surpassed consensus estimates by $0.06. As of Q3 2023, 37 hedge funds held Cloudflare, Inc. (NYSE:NET) shares with a total value of $613 million. In its Baron Global Advantage Fund Q3 investor letter, Baron Funds, an investment management firm, made the following comments about Cloudflare, Inc. (NYSE:NET): Our fourth addition during the quarter was to the leading cloud-based networking and software infrastructure, Cloudflare, Inc. Despite continued elongation of sales cycles due to the macro slowdown, the company reported signs of stabilization and noted that the second quarter set a new record for pipeline generation, while deal close rates are improving and sales representative productivity is also moving in the right direction after the go-to-market changes the company implemented in the first quarter. Cloudflare also disclosed that it is benefiting from customers consolidating their spending on its platform. 8. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE:RCL) Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 41 YTD Performance as of December 22: 159.38% Miami, Florida-based Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE:RCL) is a leading cruise company with a global fleet of 64 ships traveling to more than 1,000 destinations around the world. It owns and operates three cruise brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises, and holds 50% in a joint venture that operates TUI Cruises and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. On October 26, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE:RCL) released its financial results for Q3 2023. Its total revenue increased by 39% y-o-y to $4.2 billion, while it generated a net of $1.0 billion. At $3.85, its normalized EPS exceeded the consensus estimates by $0.46. As of Q3 2023, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE:RCL) shares were held by 41 out of 910 hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey, with a total value of $1.4 billion. Prominent hedge fund shareholders included D E Shaw, Citadel Investment Group, and Renaissance Technologies, among others. 7. Blackstone Inc. (NYSE:BX) Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 49 YTD Performance as of December 22: 78.86% Blackstone Inc. (NYSE:BX) is the worlds largest alternative asset manager with over $1 trillion in assets under management including investment vehicles focused on private equity, real estate, public debt and equity, infrastructure, life sciences, growth equity, opportunistic, non-investment grade credit, real assets and secondary funds. On November 30, Blackstone Inc. (NYSE:BX) announced the final close on $2.6 billion for its latest real estate secondaries fund, Strategic Partners Real Estate VIII L.P. As of Q3 2023, 49 of the 910 hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey owned shares of Blackstone Inc. (NYSE:BX), valued at $1.2 billion. Its largest shareholder was Thomas Steyers Farallon Capital with ownership of 2.2 million shares valued at $239 million. In its RiverPark Large Growth Fund Q3 2023 investor letter, RiverPark Advisors, an investment advisory firm, made the following comments about Blackstone Inc. (NYSE:BX): Whatever the near-term brings for realizations, we continue to view Blackstone as offering an attractive risk/reward profile given its below-market valuation and consistent double-digit AUM growth driving recurring fee revenue growth, plus strong and consistent investment performance. Most of its capital is long-dated or even permanent (BX has $384 billion of permanent capital, 38% of its total), most of its fees (which are high-margin and recurring) are not sensitive to market fluctuations, and the company has billions of dollars of uninvested capital available to put to work (BX has $194.5 billion of dry powder or uncalled capital commitments, a new record). BXs recurring fees provide a base of consistent earnings, while its opportunistic investing and harvesting add the ability to maximize investment returns, providing a strong foundation for long-term stock performance. Additionally, BX has a 3.1% trailing 12 months (TTM) dividend yield at the current share price. 6. Accenture Plc (NYSE:ACN) Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 55 YTD Performance as of December 22: 32.83% Based in Dublin, Ireland, Accenture Plc (NYSE:ACN) is a global professional services company with leadership positions in providing digital, cloud and security. It employs more than 743,000 people and serves clients across more than 40 industries in more than 120 countries. On December 19, Accenture Plc (NYSE:ACN) released its financial results for the quarter ended November 30, 2023. Its revenue increased by 3% y-o-y to $16.2 billion while it generated a net income of $2.0 billion. During the quarter Accenture Plc (NYSE:ACN) repurchased $1.2 billion worth of its common shares and had $5.4 billion of remaining repurchase authorization at the end of the period. The company recently declared a quarterly cash dividend of $1.29 per share which represents a 15% increase compared to last year. As of Q3 2023, Accenture Plc (NYSE:ACN) shares were owned by 55 of the 910 hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey, for a total value of $2.0 billion. GuardCap Asset Management was the largest shareholder with ownership of 1.8 million shares valued at $545 million. Click to continue reading and see 5 Prominent NYSE Stocks That Hit 52-Week Highs This Week. Suggested Articles: 15 Best Boat/Yacht Insurance Companies Heading into 2024 13 Most Profitable Natural Gas Stocks 13 Most Promising Low-Cost Stocks According to Analysts Disclosure: None. 15 Prominent NYSE Stocks That Hit 52-Week Highs This Week is originally published on Insider Monkey. The Ramallah Friends Meeting has been active since the late 1800s. (Image by delayed gratification from flickr) Details DMCA The Ramallah Friends Meeting has been active since the late 1800s. Last month, after I described my understanding of the events that led to the war that started on October 7th in "Mapping Conflict," I saw several films about Palestine in 1920 and 1948. I began to learn history that I had no idea I did not know. I watched Mark Jonathan Harris' The Long Way Home, released in 1997. It tells the story of Holocaust survivors' efforts, from 1945-1948, to make a home for themselves after they had lost their families and most countries did not welcome them. The similarities between Jewish Holocaust survivors' experiences and Palestinian experiences in 1948 and now are startling. Here are the films about Palestinian history: 1948: Creation and Catastrophe, a 2018 documentary directed by Andy Trimlett and Ahlam Muhtaseb, reports that after the Holocaust, the UK and the UN declared that the land that had been Palestine for thousands of years would become a Jewish state Israel. War ensued. Both sides committed massacres; massacres of Palestinians far outnumbered those of Israelis. 300-400 Palestinian villages were depopulated. Palestinians call this period of Israel's creation 'Al Nakba' - the Catastrophe. 750,000 Palestinians became refugees. Tantura, Alon Schwartz' 2022 film, re-examines an alleged massacre committed in 1948 in one Palestinian village and the story of researcher Teddy Katz. Katz conducted hundreds of interviews in the 1990s about the massacre in Tantura. Later, he was sued for defamation and a judge refused to permit his tapes to be heard in court. "If you love Israel," filmmaker Alon Schwartz said in 2022, "hold it accountable." https://archive.org/details/tantura_2022 Palestine 1920: The Other Side of the Palestinian Story shows that 100 years ago, Palestine was a thriving economic and cultural center. I also recommend Helen Epstein's 1979 book, Children of the Holocaust: Conversations with Sons and Daughters of Survivors. Both of Epstein's parents survived concentration camps. In her twenties, she traveled from the U.S. to Europe and Israel to find people "who, like me, were possessed by a history they had never lived." Her book explores intergenerational transmission of trauma. What does healing look like after a holocaust, after a massacre? Maybe South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission can provide clues. Meanwhile, I sketched a list: After a massacre, human beings need a place to settle. They need water, food and shelter. They need to know how to heal gunshot wounds, stop bleeding, set bones, heal infections, deliver babies, tend to the dying and bury the dead. They need resilient self-esteem. They must generate money and start small farms. Keep available vehicles and communications systems running. Dispose of hazardous waste appropriately. Know how to rest. They should know how to generate electricity, build a communications system, bank, resolve conflicts and build roads. They should encourage children's creativity and teach reading and writing with minimal or no Internet access. They'll need skills in listening, cooperating and dreaming realistically. They'll need gratitude for the day. Honestly, I consider this list untenable. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). "I fundamentally believe that school based decision making is crucial to academic success." - BD3 Incumbent Scott Schmerelson (Image by LAUSD) Details DMCA In prior months, the Candidate Forum has focused on specific subjects like PROP-39 co-locations and Special Education policies. This bypassed the more basic issue of how the potential candidates for the four contested LAUSD School Board seats feel the District should be governed. For the current edition of this series, the questions focused on how policies are created and then implemented. The LAUSD covers 710 square miles, more than any other school district in the country. With traffic, it can take hours to get from one edge of the district to the other. It serves the City of Los Angeles, portions of unincorporated Los Angeles County, and several adjoining cities. The District has 419,749 K-12 students enrolled in 784 schools. It also provides Transitional Kindergarten and Adult Education classes. Only New York City's school district has more students. For the 2023 - 2024 school year, the LAUSD's budget is $ 14.7B. This is larger than the budget of the City of Los Angeles. The bureaucracy needed to run a District of this size is massive. Some argue that education could be delivered more efficiently if the District was broken up. The candidates were asked: Do you agree with the statement: "The bureaucracy of the LAUSD is too big to be managed effectively."? One alternative to breaking up the District is to increase the number of Board Members. Currently, each Board Member represents over a half of a million people. Could they provide better representation if this number was reduced? The candidates were asked: Should the number of Board Districts be increased beyond the existing seven? A frequent complaint is that Board Members offload too much of their responsibilities to the unelected Superintendent. To help understand how the candidates view the relationship between the Board and the Superintendent, they were asked: 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."? Currently, the Board evaluates the Superintendent monthly during its closed-door meeting without the public knowing what criteria are being used. To find out if candidates believe that this policy should continue they were asked: 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? To increase opportunities for the public to engage with the Board during its meetings, I proposed the "Board Meeting Accessibility to the Public" resolution. This proposal would ensure that meetings are not held during school hours so that parents, teachers, and students could participate. The candidates were asked if they would support this idea: If elected would you introduce the proposed "Board Meeting Accessibility to the Public" resolution? The candidates were asked to reply with a "Yes" or a "No." The following charts summarize their answers: Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). The European Union achieved a significant consensus early on Wednesday regarding new regulations aimed at more equitably distributing the responsibilities and expenses associated with accommodating migrants. This agreement is part of an effort to manage the influx of individuals seeking entry. The understanding was reached following extensive overnight discussions between representatives of the European Parliament and EU member states. These deliberations focused on the legislative framework known as the New Pact on Migration and Asylum, which is slated for implementation in the coming year. This legislative package encompasses various aspects of migration and asylum processes within the EU, the key elements of which include screening and procedures for the initial assessment of migrants entering the EU irregularly, standardized protocols for processing asylum requests, guidelines for determining which EU country will be responsible for examining an individual's asylum application, and strategies for handling situations of increased migratory pressure or other extraordinary migration-related challenges. This contentious reform aims to introduce several key measures. Border detention centers will be established to hold migrants at the EU's borders during the assessment process, and there will be a faster removal process for asylum seekers whose applications are denied. An expedited process will be implemented for quickly returning ineligible individuals to their home countries or countries of transit. It is important to understand that asylum seekers from countries like India, Tunisia, or Turkey, or those perceived as security threats, may be prevented from entering the EU and instead held in detention centers at the border. Numerous organizations advocating for refugee rights have voiced strong opposition to the recent EU deal, criticizing it as the foundation for an inhumane and impractical system. They argue that this agreement could lead to the establishment of what they describe as prison-like camps along the EU's frontiers. Several organizations have expressed grave concerns, stating that the agreement could significantly impact European asylum laws. They say this will only cause an increase in hardships for asylum seekers at every stage of their journey, arguing that the policy seems to be structured to make accessing asylum more challenging. Amnesty International, Oxfam, Caritas, and Save the Children argue that it replicates past failures and exacerbates their effects, potentially normalizing arbitrary immigration detention (including for children), increasing racial profiling, enabling pushbacks, and returning individuals to unsafe third countries. These organizations advocate for strengthening, not weakening, the EU's reception and asylum systems, and for fair responsibility sharing among European states. Amnesty International also highlighted that the agreement reinforces the EU's reliance on external states like Albania, Libya, Tunisia, and Turkey for migration management. They criticize the EU for not investing in dignified reception within the bloc and for not expanding safe, regular pathways for people seeking protection in Europe, viewing this as a move towards outsourcing border control and shirking Europe's refugee protection responsibilities. Despite these criticisms, the agreement still awaits formal ratification. It requires the approval of both the European Council, representing the 27 member states, and the European Parliament. If approved, it is expected to become part of the EU's legal framework, likely in 2024. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola has highlighted the agreement as a pivotal step in managing migration and asylum within the EU. Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has emphasized the collective nature of migration challenges, noting that the decision represents a move towards a more unified management approach. Her statement underscores the EU's commitment to addressing migration as a shared responsibility among member nations. Notably, migrant arrivals in the EU have significantly decreased since the 2015 peak of over one million, but have risen from a 2020 low to 255,000 as of November, with over half coming from Africa to Italy or Malta via the Mediterranean. Previous attempts to distribute the responsibility for hosting migrants and refugees have failed, mainly due to reluctance from Eastern EU members to accept people arriving in countries like Greece and Italy. The new system offers non-border countries the option to either accept asylum seekers or contribute to an EU fund. While these new rules represent a concerted effort to balance the responsibilities among EU nations, aiming to create a more sustainable and fair system for managing migration and asylum seekers, it will be incumbent on the authorities in charge to ensure compliance with these new regulations. Europe's future depends on how it deals with migrants and refugees. For more than two months, the world has been witnessing Israel's increasingly remorseless campaign on Gaza and its population. The campaign, which officially aims to destroy Hamas, has drawn criticism and condemnation from countless human rights organizations for what can at best be described as a brazen disregard for civilian lives. To the outside observer, Israel's collective punishment of Gaza is baffling. From a realpolitik perspective, Israel's violence against civilians has no strategic value and is only serving to galvanize international public opinion against Israel. Going beyond the politics, I believe a certain live art performance from decades ago can provide us with the insight to understand the Israelis' campaign of pain and terror from a human behavior perspective. Let me explain. In Naples in 1974, Marina Abramovic held a groundbreaking live art performance. The performance, dubbed Rhythm 0, started with Marina Abramovic standing in her art studio before a group of strangers while holding a sign that read: "There are 72 objects on the table that one can use on me as desired. I am the object. During this period, I take full responsibility. Duration: 6 hours (8 pm - 2 am)" Marina Abramovic's Rhythm 0 sought to answer a question at the heart of our understanding of civility: how would humans behave without the moral and legal safeguards of civility? What transpired in the performance was disturbing. Marina almost lost her life as the participants, freed from any responsibility for their actions, took inflicting pain and terror on Marina to dangerous extremes the details of which I will spare you. To me, the performance demonstrated above all that our capacity for sadism can override our self-imposed limitations. In other words, we cannot expect a collective to practice self-control in an environment of absolute unaccountability. Looking at the Israel-Hamas war from a human behavior perspective, the revelations are eerily similar to those of Rhythm 0 and just as disturbing. For all intents and purposes, Gaza is the Marina Abramovic in this war. Gazans may not be holding signs that say, "I take full responsibility for Israel's campaign", but they may as well be. And no, let us be honest here, Israel's campaign is not on Hamas alone. As the Palestinian ambassador to the UK Husam Zomlot puts it, Israel has categorized all Gazans into one of three groups: Terrorists, terrorists sympathizers, and human shields. This is corroborated by the statements of Israeli officials and intellectuals. Israeli President Herzog rejected the premise of Gazan civilians, asserting that "it is an entire nation who are responsible". Just last week, two pro-Israel opinion pieces were arguing that there were "no innocents in Gaza", and an Israeli commentator was shamelessly boasting: "I am for war crimes,I don't care if I'm criticized". In the aftermath of the October 7th Hamas attacks, the message from the US-led world order was clear: Israel will enjoy unconditional support from the West as it "has the right to defend itself". To the Israelis, this "unconditional support" translated into a carte blanche to do whatever necessary to destroy Hamas. This was clearly communicated by White House spokesman John Kirby who outright stated that the US is "not drawing red lines for Israel" in its attack on Gaza. Furthermore, any international efforts to enact a permanent ceasefire or condemn any aspect of Israel's war were either opposed or outright vetoed by the US. In Marina Abramovic's experiment, participants had 72 objects, not all harmful or dangerous, to use on her as desired. This pales in comparison to the grotesque arsenal of US weapons made at Israel's disposal to use on Gaza as desired. The participants in Rhythm 0 may have had the capacity for sadism, but their worst and most violent impulses were enabled by the objects provided in the performance, including a knife and a loaded gun. Similarly, while the Israelis may have been initially propelled by a want for retribution, there is no denying that the extremes of their violence against Gaza and its civilians were enabled by the US arsenal of war. Even now, the US policy of weapons transfer to Israel remains unconditional, with the CNN reporting no US plans to "draw any red lines around the transfer of weapons and munitions to Israel". Perhaps most significant in Marina Abramovic's artistic experiment was her declaration "I am the object". It is no secret that dehumanization has always been a gateway to violence against the socio-cultural other. In the simplest of terms, denying the other side their humanity enables us to overcome any moral inhibitions against inflicting pain and terror upon them. To her credit, Marina was unbelievably committed to her artistic performance. Witnesses reported her doing nothing to resist the pain and terror inflicted upon her beyond tears running down her face. In Marina Abramovic's case, her dehumanization was self-imposed. She voluntarily, and admirably, endured for the sake of her art. But Gazans have no choice in their dehumanization. From the outset of the Israeli offensive, the phrase "human animals" was a constant theme in the rhetoric of Israeli officials. It was used by Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant to justify the complete siege of Gaza and things only escalated from there with no pushback from Western officials or the Western mainstream media. All the factors are there: little to no internationally enforced legal or moral safeguards, the means to inflict pain and terror on a massive scale, and a sustained campaign of dehumanizing the sociocultural other. Add to these the collective Israeli trauma from the October 7th attacks and you will have the perfect storm for violence against Gazans to be normalized. As Marina Abramovic's performance has shown, despite our veneer of civility, we are still very much prone to indulging our sadistic desires when the circumstances dictate it. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Not unexpectedly, on December 18, 2023, US-client Field Marshal Abdel Fattah al-Sisi clinches victory in a controversial election. The Egyptian electoral officials of his regime announced his victory. 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. Field Marshal Al-Sisi's opponent candidates got less than 5% votes. They were: Farid Zahran from the Egyptian Social Democratic Party (4.49 percent), Hazem Omar from the Republican People's Party (4.01 percent) and Abdel-Sanad Yamama from the New Wafd Party (1.86 percent). All the three came from parties that are in fact part of the regime. Al-Sisi was appointed as Minister of Defense in August 2012 by the first democratically elected President Mohamed Morsi. He remained in office under the new government formed after the deposition of Morsi, and led by Hazem al-Beblawi. He was also appointed Deputy Prime Minister of Egypt. On 27 January 2014, he was promoted to the rank of field marshal. Field Marshal Al-Sisi, who seized power with Western support almost ten years ago, on July 3, 2013, following mass protests against President Mohamed Morsi, leads one of the bloodiest terror regimes in the world. His rule began with a bloody massacre. Since al-Sisi's military coup in 2013, Egypt has been ruled with an iron fist. Thousands of perceived critics have been arbitrarily jailed, often in horrendous conditions. The judiciary has been reduced to an obedient tool of the government's repression; and opposition, independent civil society, and free media have been nearly wiped out. This has made it virtually impossible for Egyptians to monitor, expose, and criticize their government's economic mismanagement, corruption, and human rights abuses. Al-Sisi has just secured a third six-year term in office, following a campaign of arrests, intimidation, and onerous requirements for candidates that effectively prevented any meaningful competition. On December 6, 2023, the Human Rights Watch wrote a letter to the European Union officials saying: The Egyptian authorities continue to brutally suppress peaceful expressions of dissent. The 2013 anti-protest law has been used as a blanket ban on protests, resulting in tens of thousands being detained or prosecuted. Among them are prominent government critics, such as Alaa Abdel Fattah, Mohamed (Oxygen) Ibrahim, Salah Soltan, Hoda Abdel Moneim, and Nermin Hussein. Around 1700 political prisoners have been released since the presidential pardon committee was reactivated in April 2022; but around 4500 have been arrested or re-arrested over the same period of time, and those released are often hit by travel bans and assets freezes, showing how the government has no genuine intention to open up civic space. The Human Rights Watch letter urged the EU to make it crystal clear, in any upcoming statement on the matter, that enhanced cooperation and the disbursement of funds are conditioned on clear steps to be undertaken by the government, including: - Ending arbitrary arrests and abusive use of pretrial detention and releasing thousands of Egyptians held merely for peaceful exercise of their rights to free expression, association, or assembly; - Halting widespread and systematic torture and ill-treatment of detainees in prisons and detention facilities; - Ensuring accountability for ongoing and past military and police abuses, including war crimes in North Sinai. - The EU and EU member states should also condition any military cooperation with Egypt to serious and concrete steps to end impunity for the grave abuses committed by the Egyptian security forces. Al-Sisi regime drastically revised or repealed legislation to curtain basic freedoms in recent years, including the 2015 counterterrorism law, the Terrorist Entities Law, the 2018 cybercrimes law and the 2013 protest law. It may be pointed out that 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. A Portland man is charged with fraud after he allegedly faked a dozen rent assistance applications and collected $260,000 from Multnomah County. James Hartley, 46, faces 28 criminal charges, including aggravated theft, money laundering and identity theft. Hartley is also charged with illegally possessing a firearm and attempting to sell fentanyl. Between March and July, county officials say, Hartley applied for rent assistance 12 times, each time using the name of a made-up tenant but listing real homeowners as the landlords, forging their signatures in the applications. Court documents state that Multnomah County Sheriffs Office began investigating an unusually high number of rental assistance payments from Multnomah County to Precise Property Management Plus LLC, a business registered in Hartleys name and home address. Peggy Samolinski, the director of the countys Youth and Family Services division, said the case is the most significant example of fraud the agency has uncovered. But, she said, others have occasionally attempted to defraud the system. Some we catch in the moment and deny an application, said Samolinski. She declined to say how Hartley could have manufactured the names of tenants and forged the signatures of a dozen homeowners before he got caught, citing pending litigation. The county, though, is ramping up its efforts to prevent fraudulent activity in response, Samolinski said. It already had some checks in place, like verifying addresses against tax rolls to make sure they exist. But she said that at the peak of the pandemic when a flurry of federal and state dollars came in, the county may have been more inclined to take people at their word, relying on self-attestation. The county is now more rigorous in its checks, Samolinski said. It now regularly checks the Oregon business registry to ensure that listed property management companies are real businesses, and it often asks for more documentation from tenants. County staff may also do in-person site visits to applicants homes to ask them to produce information, which may weed out fraudulent applicants. Other red flags can include tenant applicants not being able to provide documentation, or tenants or landlords refusing to agree to in-person meetings or application reviews, Samolinski said. The increased efforts to verify applications, however, may mean the county is slower to distribute rent assistance. The county will track how much longer it will take to get funds out to applicants and evaluate whether it needs to hire more staff, Samolinski said. Since the pandemic began, the federal government has distributed $46 billion in rent assistance. The U.S. Justice Department has seized more than $1.4 billion in relief funds from at least 3,000 defendants accused of stealing it. Still, county staff say fraud was relatively infrequent compared to the volume of rent assistance distributed. In the past four years, Multnomah County has distributed about $230 million in general housing assistance funds and pandemic rent assistance funds. So far, the county has caught four cases of rent assistance claims it believes to be fraudulent, including Hartleys. In another case, a Multnomah County employee was accused of diverting $10,000 of rent assistance funds to her own bank account by using her brother to apply for the funds. The state distributed $426 million to more than 67,000 applicants over a year and a half via the Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance Program. As state housing officials rolled out that program in 2021, tenants and landlords both reported problems with the application and distribution process that delayed payments or raised alarms about potential fraud. As the state sent out millions of dollars in rent assistance, some landlords said they encountered suspicious activity and processing errors. Some landlords reported getting checks for rent that neither they nor their tenants applied for. Other landlords reported that rent went to tenants who cashed emergency assistance checks but didnt pay their rent. And even when the program delivered financial aid, many landlords and tenants said the payments were hard to track, and they didnt get timely notifications about whether their applications were approved or denied. Jayati Ramakrishnan; jramakrishnan@oregonian.com Marine Corps veteran Ron Winters clearly recalls his doctors sobering assessment of his bladder cancer diagnosis in August 2022. This is bad, the 66-year-old Durant, Oklahoma, resident remembered his urologist saying. Winters braced for the fight of his life. Little did he anticipate, however, that he wouldnt be waging war only against cancer. He also was up against the Department of Veterans Affairs, which Winters blames for dragging its feet and setting up obstacles that have delayed his treatments. Winters didnt undergo cancer treatment at a VA facility. Instead, he sought care from a specialist through the Veterans Health Administrations Community Care Program, established in 2018 to enhance veterans choices and reduce their wait times. But he said the prior authorization process was a prolonged nightmare. For them to take weeks up to months to provide an authorization is ridiculous, Winters said. It doesnt matter if its cancer or not. After his initial diagnosis, Winters said, he waited four weeks for the VA to approve the procedure that allowed his urologic oncologist at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas to remove some of the cancer. Then, when he finished chemotherapy in March, he was forced to wait another month while the VA considered approving surgery to remove his bladder. Even routine imaging scans that Winters needs every 90 days to track progress require preapproval. In a written response, VA press secretary Terrence Hayes acknowledged that a delay in care is never acceptable. After KFF Health News inquired about Winters case, the VA began working with him to get his ongoing care authorized. We will also urgently review this matter and take steps to ensure that it does not happen again, Hayes told KFF Health News. Prior authorization isnt unique to the VA. Most private and federal health insurance programs require patients to secure preapprovals for certain treatments, tests, or prescription medications. The process is intended to reduce spending and avoid unnecessary, ineffective, or duplicative care, although the degree to which companies and agencies set these rules varies. Insurers argue prior authorization makes the U.S. health care system more efficient by cutting waste theoretically a win for patients who may be harmed by excessive or futile treatment. But critics say prior authorization has become a tool that insurers use to restrict or delay expensive care. Its an especially alarming issue for people diagnosed with cancer, for whom prompt treatment can mean the difference between life and death. Im interested in value and affordability, said Fumiko Chino, a member of the Affordability Working Group for the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. But the way prior authorization is used now allows insurers to implement denial by delay, she said. Cancer is one of the most expensive categories of disease to treat in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And, in 2019, patients spent more than $16 billion out-of-pocket on their cancer treatment, a report by the National Cancer Institute found. To make matters worse, many cancer patients have had oncology care delayed because of prior authorization hurdles, with some facing delays of more than two weeks, according to research Chino and colleagues published in JAMA in October. Another recent study found that major insurers issued unnecessary initial denials in response to imaging requests, most often in endocrine and gastrointestinal cancer cases. The federal government is weighing new rules designed to improve prior authorization for millions of people covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and federal marketplace plans. The reforms, if implemented, would shorten the period insurers are permitted to consider prior authorization requests and would also require companies to provide more information when they issue a denial. In the meantime, patients many of whom are facing the worst diagnosis of their lives must navigate a system marked by roadblocks, red tape, and appeals. This is cruel and unusual, said Chino, a radiation oncologist. A two-week delay could be deadly, and that it continues to happen is unconscionable, she said. Chinos research has also shown that prior authorization is directly related to increased anxiety among cancer patients, eroding their trust in the health care system and wasting both the providers and the patients time. Leslie Fisk, 62, of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, was diagnosed in 2021 with lung and brain cancer. After seven rounds of chemotherapy last year, her insurance company denied radiation treatment recommended by her doctors, deeming it medically unnecessary. I remember losing my mind. I need this radiation for my lungs, Fisk said. After fighting Florida Health Care Plans denial tooth and nail, Fisk said, the insurance company relented. The insurer did not respond to requests for comment. Fisk called the whole process horribly traumatic. You have to navigate the most complicated system on the planet, she said. If youre just sitting there waiting for them to take care of you, they wont. A new KFF report found that patients who are covered by Medicaid appear to be particularly impacted by prior authorization, regardless of their health concerns. About 1 in 5 adults on Medicaid reported that their insurer had denied or delayed prior approval for a treatment, service, visit, or drug double the rate of adults with Medicare. Consumers with prior authorization problems tend to face other insurance problems, such as trouble finding an in-network provider or reaching the limit on covered services, the report noted. They are also far more likely to experience serious health and financial consequences compared to people whose problems did not involve prior authorization. In some cases, patients are pushing back. Ron and Teresa Winters at their home in Durant, Oklahoma. Winters blames the Department of Veterans Affairs for setting up roadblocks that have delayed treatment for his bladder cancer.(DESIREE RIOS FOR KFF HEALTH NEWS) In November, USA Today reported that Cigna admitted to making an error when it denied coverage to a 47-year-old Tennessee woman as she prepared to undergo a double-lung transplant to treat lung cancer. In Michigan, a former health insurance executive told ProPublica that the company had crossed the line in denying treatment for a man with lymphoma. And Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana met its match when the company denied a Texas trial lawyers cancer treatment, ProPublica reported in November. Countless others have turned to social media to shame their health insurance companies into approving prior authorization requests. Legislation has been introduced in at least 30 states from California to North Carolina to address the problem. Back in Oklahoma, Ron Winters is still fighting. According to his wife, Teresa, the surgeon said if Ron could have undergone his operation sooner, they might have avoided removing his bladder. In many ways, his story echoes the national VA scandal from nearly a decade ago, in which veterans across the country were languishing some even dying as they waited for care. In 2014, for example, CNN reported on veteran Thomas Breen, who was kept waiting for months to be seen by a doctor at the VA in Phoenix. He died of stage 4 bladder cancer before the appointment was scheduled. Winters cancer has spread to his lungs. His diagnosis has advanced to stage 4. Really, nothing has changed, Teresa Winters said. The VAs processes are still broken. Lauren Sausser: lsausser@kff.org, @laurenmsausser A new housing complex where residents will be able to enjoy a dining room, offices, laundry facilities and even a dog park is nearly complete in a downtown parking lot. But the community isnt another expensive apartment high-rise to cater to the citys booming population. Just a block away from the Greyhound bus stop, a cluster of repurposed shipping containers will provide 40 units of affordable housing to homeless Atlantans. The idea was made possible by a crucial donation from the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Department: a handful of shipping containers that once were used in Macon as patient overflow facilities for hospitals crushed by a wave of COVID-19 cases. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens toured the new affordable housing site on Friday and labeled the project an innovative solution for rapid-affordable housing that will also connect vulnerable populations with resources. This is going to be a dream come true for someone thats out in the cold right now to be able to have a bed, a shower, a microwave, refrigerator and a community, Dickens said. All right here and contained in this area a place for them to recreate and enjoy but also for them to get the social services that they need. The Forsyth Street site was able to be built from start to finish in just 60 days, according to the city. Each unit costs around $125,000 to build and outfit, meaning the total project price tag comes in at around $5 million. Residents will be able to begin moving in next month. We are really looking at this as a concept particularly for those that are unsheltered to be able to quickly get housed, the mayor said. This is one site (and) weve got our eyes on other sites ... across Atlanta. The units themselves look a lot like college dorm rooms with en-suite bathrooms and kitchenettes. The shipping container homes are also fully ADA compliant, including the shower facilities. Atlanta isnt the only city thats landed on the idea of repurposing shipping containers to help ease homelessness. Cathryn Vassell, executive director of the nonprofit Partners for HOME, toured similar tiny community sites across Georgia and the country, including Savannah, Santa Barbara, California, and Austin, Texas. We need a diversity of housing types and properties in our portfolio, she said at the construction site on Friday. " Having all different types of housing options for people that are coming into our system that they are able to access quickly is really, really critical. The downtown housing project will offer permanent housing for individuals and wrap-around services with two certified clinicians and two peer specialists. Clinicians can provide counseling support while peer specialists are usually individuals with their own personal experience struggling with homelessness, substance abuse or mental health problems. Advocates say the number of Atlantans experiencing homelessness in the city has increased over the last year by about 30%. Levels of chronic homelessness, unhoused families and youth all increased from 2022 to 2023 according to the annual point-in-time count. Vassell said that many factors contributing to the increase are tied to pandemic-era programs coming to and end, like eviction protections and shelters loosening their safety restrictions. What we know is housing is the solution to homelessness, she said. Dickens signed an executive order in August authorizing the millions in funding for the low-cost housing site. The project plays into his larger goal of creating or preserving 20,000 units of affordable housing by 2030. The shipping container community on Forsyth Street and 2 Peachtree office to residential conversion, he said, all work toward that goal. For too long, people have said this housing challenge is a big problem and they stop right there, he said. Big problems require innovative solutions and rolling up your sleeves to get things done, so this is about being very intentional. The mayor said the city plans on expanding shipping container communities across the city. The citys homeless encampments have also proven a public safety concern for both those who take shelter in them and those who live around them. This week a fire broke out underneath a Cheshire Bridge Road overpass during one of the coldest nights of the year. Investigators are still working to determine an exact cause, but advocates suspect that a community of unhoused residents trying to stay warm may have unintentionally caused the fire. The Forsyth Street shipping container site is also outfitted with fences, cameras and lights to help mitigate any safety concerns. We dont want any more fires on the bridges and we dont want anyone living out on the street. So what we have to do is continue to build the solutions, Dickens said. ______ 2023 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Visit at ajc.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. All was relatively calm at Portland International Airport on Saturday, as the crush of holiday travelers appeared to slow on the day before Christmas Eve. Drivers faced minimal wait times to drop off passengers early Saturday afternoon, short-term parking spots were plentiful and checked baggage and security lines were not particularly long. Travelers passing through Portland International Airport are still treated to the relaxing sounds of piano music, played by musicians who volunteer to play. During the holidays, travelers this year also got a chance to visit with two therapy llamas named Beni and Prince, from Mountain Peaks Therapy Llamas & Alpacas. Some travelers at Portland International Airport this week got to meet two therapy llamas, Beni and Prince. The llamas were at the airport to help reduce stress during the height of holiday travel season.Courtesy of Laurel Rogers Portland International Airport officials had warned for weeks that people should arrive earlier than usual ahead of their flights because a large increase in travel compared with 2022 would translate to less available parking and longer baggage and security lines. The highest volume of travelers was expected Wednesday through Friday, with more than 50,000 passengers expected to arrive and depart daily, Port of Portland spokesperson Allison Ferre wrote in an email. The port operates the airport. Economy parking was nearly full as of Saturday. Travelers at Portland International Airport did not face long lines on Saturday afternoon, just one day before Christmas Eve.Oregonian photo Still, Portland International Airport lowered its forecast for total travelers between Dec. 17 and the end of the year by 20,000, compared with the forecast for that period as of November. The airport is expecting approximately 730,000 travelers during that time frame, which officials said would be a 20% increase from last year when airlines canceled and delayed flights due to winter weather. Hillary Borrud hborrud@oregonian.com; 503-294-4034. Rising stacks of copper pennies next to a jar filled of copper pennies. Dividend stocks can make great long-term investments. They supply your portfolio with a base income return every year. Meanwhile, the best ones can also deliver meaningful stock price appreciation as the underlying company grows its earnings and dividend payments. NextEra Energy (NYSE: NEE) and Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) are elite dividend stocks. They've increased their dividends every year for decades, and that steady growth should continue in the decades to come. That makes them great dividend stocks to buy for a potential lifetime of income. Lots of power to continue growing its payout NextEra Energy has increased its dividend payment annually for more than a quarter century. The utility has delivered above-average dividend growth in recent years, powered by its renewable energy investments. The company has grown its adjusted earnings per share at a 9.8% compound annual rate since 2012 while increasing its dividend at an even more impressive 11% compound annual rate. Its payout currently yields 3.2%, more than double the S&P 500's 1.5% dividend yield. Since 2000, the utility has produced a 14.2% annualized total return, double the S&P 500's 7% annualized return. The clean energy-focused utility should be able to continue growing its payout in the future. NextEra Energy generates very stable cash flow backed by regulated rate structures and long-term contracts. That gives it the steady cash to pay dividends and invest in expanding its operations. The company has one of the most conservative dividend payout ratios in the utility sector. It also has one of the industry's strongest credit ratings. That gives it lots of financial flexibility to grow its dividend and operations. The company expects to grow earnings at or near the upper end of its 6% to 8% annual target range through 2026. Meanwhile, it sees dividend growth of at least 10% per share through next year. The company's large and growing backlog of renewable energy development projects and investments to expand its utility in Florida will power its growth in the coming years. Story continues NextEra sees tremendous growth prospects beyond 2026. The company estimates that the U.S. economy will need to invest $4 trillion to fully decarbonize by 2050 with renewables, hydrogen, and other clean energy sources. As a leader in clean energy, it should be able to capitalize on this massive opportunity to continue growing its earnings and dividends in the decades to come. A very healthy dividend Johnson & Johnson has been a phenomenal dividend stock over the years. The healthcare giant has increased its payout for 61 straight years. That puts it in the elite group of Dividend Kings, companies with 50 or more years of dividend growth. The company's growing dividend has driven healthy total returns. Its 7.8% annualized total return since 2000 has outpaced the S&P 500's 7% average annual total return. The company's dividend, which currently yields 3.1%, is on a very healthy foundation. Johnson & Johnson is a financial fortress. It has an AAA bond rating, tied for the highest in the world. The company has a cash-rich balance sheet and a cash-gushing business model. It ended the third quarter with $24 billion in cash against $30 billion in debt. Meanwhile, it has produced $12 billion in free cash flow through the third quarter of this year, even after investing $10.6 billion in research and development (R&D). That easily covered its $8.9 billion in dividend payments, enabling the company to repurchase $2.5 billion in shares. Johnson & Johnson expects its R&D investments to help drive healthy revenue and cash-flow growth in the coming years. It sees its operational sales growing by 5% to 6% next year while rising at a 5% to 7% compound annual rate through 2030. That should drive similar earnings-per-share growth with strong free-cash-flow generation. The company can enhance its growth by using its strong balance sheet to make strategic acquisitions. Johnson & Johnson recently agreed to acquire Laminar for $400 million and paid $16.6 billion to buy Abiomed in late 2022. Both of those deals bolstered its MedTech business. The company has the financial strength to plug holes in its drug pipeline and MedTech product offerings to enhance its long-term growth rates. Durable dividend stocks NextEra Energy and Johnson & Johnson have stood the test of time. They have increased their dividend payments every year for decades. That should continue in the future, given their strong financial profiles and the growth they still have ahead. That puts them in a strong position to supply their investors with a lifetime of dividend income. Should you invest $1,000 in NextEra Energy right now? Before you buy stock in NextEra Energy, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now... and NextEra Energy wasn't one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Stock Advisor provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month. The Stock Advisor service has more than tripled the return of S&P 500 since 2002*. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of December 18, 2023 Matthew DiLallo has positions in Johnson & Johnson and NextEra Energy. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends NextEra Energy. The Motley Fool recommends Johnson & Johnson. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. 2 Top Dividend Stocks You Can Buy and Hold Forever was originally published by The Motley Fool Its Christmas, an occasion for editorial cartoonists to let loose with holiday-themed zingers as well as a joyful wish in the gallerys lead image by Phil Hands. Santa Claus gets a workout, with requests for alternative presidential candidates, lower mortgage rates, a functional Congress and better poll numbers. There are nods to Rudolph (Giuliani, not the Red-Nosed Reindeer); Charlie Browns threadbare tree; and the star of Bethlehem rendered in rocket fire. The weeks big news was a ruling by the Colorado Supreme Court banning former President Donald Trump from the ballot under the Constitutions 14th Amendment, which bars those who have engaged in insurrection from holding office. The case is destined to land in the Supreme Court. Jack Ohmans map of the Western United States substitutes Constitution for Colorado. Dana Summers sees the ruling as depriving Trump supporters of their right to vote for him. As for Bidenomics, ones view of the economy depends on ones politics. Republicans would rather you not pay attention to the booming stock market, in Bill Bramhalls view. Scott Stantis, sounding the familiar phrase a rising tide lifts all boats, draws President Joe Bidens boat on the sea bottom. Other topics in this weeks gallery include a $148 million jury verdict against Giuliani for falsely accusing two Georgia election workers of rigging the presidential vote; the Ukraine aid stalemate; and Trumps anti-immigration statements. Cartoons were drawn by Jack Ohman, Nick Anderson, Bill Bramhall, Dana Summers, Drew Sheneman, Scott Stantis, Walt Handelsman, David Horsey, Phil Hands, Joel Pett and Joey Weatherford of Tribune Content Agency; and Mike Luckovich, Steve Breen and Michael Ramirez of Creators Syndicate. Angela Wilhelms and Jason Brandt Wilhelms is president and CEO of Oregon Business & Industry. Brandt is president and CEO of the Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association. If legislators go in for new years resolutions heres hoping they do they should commit to taking the tax-related recommendations of the Portland Central City Task Force statewide, beginning with a multiyear moratorium on new taxes. Its true that the tax environment in and around Portland is unique and particularly onerous, thanks to the proliferation of local and regional taxes. However, state-imposed business taxes also have ballooned in recent years, affecting employers from Ontario to Klamath Falls. Policymakers shouldnt wait until circumstances everywhere are as dire as those in Portland to offer needed relief. The task force determined, among other things, that rapid increases in local and regional taxes have eroded Portlands economic competitiveness and contributed to Multnomah Countys recent outmigration. In response, it recommended not only a three-year moratorium on new taxes and tax increases affecting Portland, but also an expansion of Portlands business license tax credit and, crucially, the creation of a tax advisory group. This group would review local and regional taxes and recommend changes needed to maintain economic competitiveness. The task forces recommendations recognize that Portland needs businesses to thrive. Employers pay taxes and provide jobs, and the people who hold those jobs pay taxes, shop, support the arts and contribute in many other ways to the citys vitality. When employers leave, those benefits leave with them. The same is true of businesses elsewhere in Oregon. Even as policymakers and voters in the Portland area have created or expanded local taxes, legislatively adopted tax increases have, as the task force recognizes, moved Oregon above the United States average in total effective tax rates. Things may be worse in Portland, but from an economic competitiveness standpoint theyre tough all over. Between 2019 and 2022, Oregons state business tax burden increased nearly 43% according to an Ernst & Young study commissioned by the Oregon Business & Industry Research and Education Foundation. Oregons combined state and local business tax burden is now 8% above the national average. It exceeds those in California, Idaho and Washington, three of Oregons closest neighbors. Just as individual taxpayers may respond to rising taxes in Portland by moving to Clark County, Wash., where theyll pay no income taxes, businesses may respond to escalating state taxes by moving to or expanding in friendlier states. And when they do, they take their jobs, tax revenue and innovation with them. The biggest contributor to Oregons swelling business tax burden is the corporate activity tax, which the Legislature adopted in 2019 with the intention of raising $1 billion per year. Much like the Portland Clean Energy Fund and Multnomah Countys homelessness tax, this tax is generating far more revenue than expected. According to the states most recent revenue forecast, the corporate activity tax is expected to generate almost $2.8 billion during the 2023-25 biennium and a staggering $3.1 billion during the ensuing biennium roughly 50% more than expected. This gusher of unanticipated revenue should make it easy for lawmakers to give the states employers a tax breather for a few years. The tax is generating so much unexpected money, in fact, that lawmakers should look for opportunities for relief well. If nothing else, the Legislature must establish a state-level version of the tax advisory group recommended by the task force. To do so, it need not look far. During the 2023 session, legislators considered a bill, SB 45, that would have created a task force on tax competitiveness to suggest changes that would improve Oregons business climate. In addition to the recommendations of the Portland task force, legislators should take two lessons from the citys experience. First, tipping points exist. Second, its best to act before you reach one. Sign up for our free Oregon Opinion newsletter. Email: For Oregons Bureau of Labor and Industries, tackling wage theft involves more than just collecting unpaid wages. It also involves deterring wage theft from happening in the first place. Thats why the bureau may issue penalties to employers who investigators determined have unlawfully denied workers pay. But actually collecting those penalties has proven difficult for labor officials. While the agency has recovered just 41% of wages and penalties overall in the last eight years, a recent InvestigateWest analysis found, employers pay penalties at a much lower rate. From 2015 through 2020, employers in aggregate paid less than $1 of every $10 in penalties they faced. In just 11% of claims did employers pay their penalties in full. Now, the labor bureau said its strengthening its enforcement of penalties, assessing certain penalties earlier and more often. It also plans to hold more employers accountable for paying the penalties leveraged on them. Oregon Labor Commissioner Christina Stephenson, who implemented the new penalty policy, wants to disincentivize employers from stiffing workers in the first place, a spokesperson for the labor bureau said. Assessing penalties also levels the playing field for law-abiding employers so they dont have to compete with employers who steal wages from their employees, said Rachel Mann, communications director. Jenn Round, an expert with Rutgers Universitys workplace justice lab, said effective enforcement of penalties also helps an agency work more efficiently. The government is never going to have resources to investigate every employer violating the law, Round said. You need to be able to use most of your investigation strategically to send messages to the employer community about the repercussions for violating, so employers understand that its worth it to comply. A spotty history In years past, Oregon employers have been unlikely to face any penalties for wage theft. During the six-year period InvestigateWest examined, just 17% of valid wage claims included penalties for the employer. Penalty wages for failing to pay a workers final paycheck on time make up the largest share; when paid, those go directly to the worker. Civil penalties, some of which are due to the agency and some of which go to the worker, can be leveraged for any employers willful failure to pay wages at termination. If the labor bureau pays workers out of its own Wage Security Fund, it assesses a penalty on the employer to reimburse the department. A common reason that penalties dont get paid is that when a wage claim is settled, investigators may let the employer off the hook for penalties if they pay the wages owed. From 2015 through 2020, about a quarter of all wage claims were resolved through a settlement, the labor bureau said. Some workers prefer to settle, because it can mean they receive their back pay sooner, and settlements also increase the likelihood of the employer paying at all. Once the employer fails to pay the wages owed and the claim proceeds to an order of determination, the likelihood of getting the worker their money decreases, the agency said. Some are critical of the settlement approach, however, because of its broader implications on accountability. Oregon state Rep. Paul Holvey of Eugene, chair of the House Business and Labor Committee, said dropping the penalties in the past has given employers, some of whom already have enormous leverage over vulnerable workers, less reason to stop committing wage theft. (Were) trying to have a process that really compels employers to do the right thing, Holvey said. But when they can just settle, wheres the stick, so to speak? Changing policies The labor bureaus new strategies around penalties will hold more employers responsible for payment, officials said. Under Stephensons new policy enacted this fall, settlements with employers will not exempt them from payment of the penalties unless the worker specifies they want to settle for just their wages. Keeping the worker apprised of the investigation and the steps toward resolution will remain an important part of the process, said Laura van Enckevort, administrator for the wage and hour division. The economic situation claimants are often in leads them to needing money readily, she said. Often, claimants will choose to accept payment early in the process to expedite payment. Officials expect the new policy will increase both the amounts of penalties leveraged and the amounts paid in penalties over time. In instances where employers resist paying, however, labor bureau staff and the Department of Revenue, which handles collections, will have only the same tools as they use to collect the unpaid wages. And that tool box is limited in comparison to other states, as InvestigateWest explored in a previous analysis. The labor bureau is also dealing with an influx of wage claims even while its staffing levels are being slowly built back up after decades of decrease. Oregons Bureau of Labor and Industries has been working with Round and others at the Rutgers University workplace justice lab to best leverage its enforcement resources. The philosophy guiding that work, called strategic enforcement, aims to decrease the wage law violations that drive workers to the labor bureau for help. In addition to leveraging and holding employers to the payment of penalties, publicizing those enforcement actions and doing proactive, not just complaint-driven investigations can help with deterrence of wage theft, Round said. Oregons labor bureau has a proactive investigations unit that handles the latter piece, and changes to the penalties enforcement policy could tie into the former. The agency can also build trust with workers through strategic enforcement, she said. You want to be sending the message to workers that the agency takes these complaints seriously and when they come forward, its going to mean something, Round said. The agency will do its job and seek a remedy. -- Kaylee Tornay, InvestigateWest InvestigateWest (invw.org) is an independent news nonprofit dedicated to investigative journalism in the Pacific Northwest. Kaylee Tornay can be reached at kaylee@invw.org. Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - Libyans are this Sunday celebrating the 72nd anniversary of their independence, an event that culminated in the Libyans' struggle for freedom after decades of Italian occupation, which began in 1911 Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - As Libya celebrates its 72nd independence anniversary on Sunday, the UN mission in the North African country is reminding the people of an unfulfilled event: elections that are two years behind schedule A student of the intimate asked the master Huguo, What about when every drop of water has become ice? The master replied, It will be shameful once the sun has arisen. Book of Serenity The heart of Zen meditation, what makes it go, is samadhi. Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, samadhi is a slippery term. But, slippery or not, its important to have a sense of what it is. The word samadhi comes from the Sanskrit and is most commonly translated as concentration. In a bottom-line sense samadhi is a word for different states of openness. It is a field of consciousness, a place of preparedness and willingness. Samadhi is a term common to all the Dharmic traditions. And with that there are nuances of meaning that differ among the schools. In Hinduism as presented in the spiritual classic the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, samadhi is the culmination state found at the end of many mental steps. Some scholars see a rough analogy in Patanjalis samadhi states to Pali Buddhisms several Dhyana states of absorption. Its worth noting the Chinese pronunciation of dhyana is Chan, while in Japanese its rendered Zen. In one sense samadhi is found through the investigation of bodily sensations and mental actions, which naturally allows the meditator to let go of unhealthy mental states. What remains is a field of consciousness marked by equanimity and bliss. And this is samadhi as the word is generally used in Zen. While something of a gross simplification of an often mysterious place to rest the human heart, a pointer. But even here the what and the how of samadhi has multiple facets. For instance, the 12th century founder of Soto Zen in Japan, Eihei Dogen, in his Bendowa fascicle described a samadhi of self-fulfillment. Which is perhaps best unpacked in another fascicle, the Genjokoan. Heres the place the various disciplines of meditation take us to. And specifically shows the approach of Zen meditation. To study the buddha way is to study the Self; to study the Self is to forget the self; to forget the self is to be enlightened by myriad dharmas; to be enlightened by myriad dharmas is to drop off the body and mind of self and others. In other translations myriad dharmas is rendered the ten thousand things. The many expressions of this wildly emerging, presenting, and dying world. And, this is important, samadhi isnt the point of it all. Rather it is a place we can find in human consciousness where the universe, the real, can present viscerally. A common term for this is unmediated. Bit as everything is mediated, we experience the world through our six senses, and then create stories to understand what we experience. Samadhi is a place where the stories dont grab us by the throat. It is a place where the stories can shatter. And deeper truths can be discerned. So, its important. Samadhi is like the John the Baptist of spiritual encounter. It is not Jesus, as an ultimate. Rather samadhi sets the stage. Samadhi is not awakening. Using this analogy samadhi foretells the wonder that is possible. It foreshadows. Basically, it prepares the place where wonders might birth. In a sense samadhi is a way of seeing the world that prepares us for the intimate experiences, the fundamental shifting of perspective that is awakening. Much of Zen practice as a technique opens the mind in important ways. The contemporary Rinzai teacher Meido Moore describes samadhi generally as a relaxed, sustained stability within which the mind functions freely without fixation or distraction. Our habitual dualisms are loosened within samadhi. This allows what is, to come to us. And critically, it predisposes us to those illuminating moments in which the world and our hearts can shift. These encounters, awakenings, what in Zen are usually called kensho, are our seeing into the nature of things in a way that shifts the ground, making who we are new. And arriving at this place of preparedness, of openness, is the goal of samadhi. Zen is about awakening. The shattering of our delusive perspective on what is. Samadhi is our allowing ourselves, gifting ourselves, preparing ourselves for our encounters with awakening. Now its also important to note how both samadhi and awakening can be deep or shallow. With many possible problems. Among them its possible to mistake samadhi for awakening. Samadhi states feel good, and sometimes people get attached to samadhi. Theres a term of art, samadhi junky. I find myself thinking of one of the people who are thought to have more meditation experience than almost anyone else. He could and often did slip directly in samadhi. And stay there. But his ordinary life was a disaster. His need to experience samadhi left him unable to function in any other way. An extreme example of missing the point. But a real one. And, its also a common mistake for us is to take a small glimmer and think its the enlightenment of the Buddha witnessing the rising morning star. Well. In a sense any awakening is that, is the Buddhas awakening. As they say a drop of water and the ocean are both water. And there are slight glimmers and oceans. But this is part of why the Zen teacher Joko Beck was extremely reluctant to call these disruptions of our hearts perspectives as kensho, but rather universally she used the term small intimation. So, its wise to approach all this with some humility. Its also a good idea to have a guide or guides along this way. To help find our way into samadhi and to discern what happens there. A competent guide helps us sort out our experiences, and in the Zen way, tests them. Sometimes I prefer the term field of possibility instead of samadhi. For several reasons. One because these states of openness, of non-clinging, are not necessarily found within formal meditation. Now, this is important. Were probably more likely to have our awakenings, the disruptions or shattering of our misconceptions within samadhi, or closely associated with samadhi. And so a great deal of the Zen project is focused on cultivating this mind of possibility. And at the same time those possibilities are there as part of our natural human inheritance. People wake up when and how people wake up. From the first ancestor possibly near the Olduvai Gorge, looking up into the sky and seeing the morning star kiss the moon people have been waking up. So, field of possibility implies at the very least other fields. One example from the Abhidharma, that early attempt at systematizing the teachings of the Buddha of history is the samadhi of the eight-fold path. So, simply embracing the path of meditation and wisdom and the ethical container of harmony is itself a field of awakening. Another is the moment-by-moment samadhi. In the traditional literature we find khanika samadhi, which is the samadhi or everyday life. In our Zen life I suggest this is where we most commonly encounter those disruptions of our habitual ways of seeing the world and ourselves. Theres the wonderful story about Chinyo. She was a thirteenth century Japanese lay monastic, really a servant in a convent. With only the rudiments of instruction she applied the principles to her regular life, her moment-by-moment life. Then one day she was carrying a bucket of water. It was night but the moon was full, and she walked along with that illumination. She could see the moon reflected in the water within the bucket. The bucket was old and the bamboo strips that held it together were beginning to pull apart. She may or may not have been aware of how fragile it was. Then all of a sudden, in a moment faster than a breath, the whole thing fell apart, The water splashed everywhere. And. Well. A small intimation. As she was illiterate, she had to ask someone else to record her description of that moment. She recited. With this and that I tried to keep the bucket together, And then the bottom fell out. Where water does not collect, The moon does not dwell. Similarly, the Protestant reformer Martin Luther is said to have had his great awakening into Gods overwhelming grace while sitting on a toilet. Awakening is when the ordinary and the miraculous are not two. I have little doubt that a strong practice opens us to these possible moments. And moment by moment the moment is presenting. Waiting. Sometimes. Calling us. Often. Maybe always. And if we give ourselves to the project, if we allow ourselves to be present, then both traditional meditation on the pillow with all the disciplines associated, and these moment by moment samadhis we experience when we pause and pay attention, each can and do reveal the mystery. Wandering around the spiritual bazaar that was the San Francisco Bay area in the late 1960s, and reading what was available, through a combination of good luck and mysterious karma, I stumbled on a book, Zen Flesh, Zen Bones, by Nyogen Senzaki and Paul Reps. The book, or more precisely the section called Centering offered me my first practical instruction on what moment by moment samadhi might look like. At least it provided instructions that made some sense to me. It was simply a list of 112 pointers for meditation. In his Foreword to the book, Reps said this section was from a living practice in parts of India, but that it could have been as much as four thousand years old. He also claimed it could be the root of Zen. It was actually the Vigyan Bhairav Tantra, a chapter from the Rudrayamala Tantra. Its framed as a dialogue between Shiva and his consort Shakti, where Shiva offers those 112 pointers. It probably was composed between the 7th and 8th centuries of our common era in Kashmir. Today there are several translations available in English. Maybe not a source for Zen, but definitely from the same deep root. When I was first learning the arts of meditation, they were useful to me. Especially those early pointers connected to the breath. Later, I realized they each pointed to samadhi moments. They were invitations into fields of possibility, moments pregnant with our awakening. They showed where and how a moment by moment samadhi can be encountered. Among the things I really found useful about them was their emphasis on ordinary moments in our lives, a couple even addressing sexual acts. At the moment I read it, this was tantalizing. Today it speaks of the wonders of our ordinary lives. Here I offer 10 of the 112 pointers, framed out of my own experiences. 1. (1) At the moment the breath turns, inhalation and exhalation: notice. 2. (10) As your lover touches you, be only the touch. 3. (20) When driving, be one with the rhythms of motion. 4. (32) When looking at some ordinary object, experience it as if for the first time. 5. (33) Look up at the blue sky. 6. (39) Repeat a word. Om. Mu. Jesus. Enter the sound. 7. (51) When meeting an old friend, enter the joy. 8. (52) When eating or drinking, become one with it, be filled by it. 9. (62) When you notice your mind wandering, this moment is it. 10 (89) At any moment bring your mind and body and breath to it. Moment by moment, the deep silences, the field of possibility. Samadhis. Samadhi. In the unfolding narrative of triumph over adversity, Osman Zulqarnain, a graduate from Mfantsipim Senior High School, stood resilient against the financial storm that threatened to derail his pursuit of education. A tale of determination and grit, Osmans journey from the grease-stained hands of a mechanic laborer to the promising corridors of medical academia is a testament to the unwavering spirit that courses through the veins of the youth. The brilliance encapsulated in Osmans stellar achievement of 8As in the 2023 WASSCE illuminates the untapped potential that often hides beneath the surface of financial constraints. Yet, the harsh reality handed a pause to his aspirations of delving into the area of medicine, a field where he dreams of donning the coveted mantle of a neurosurgeon. The virtual chorus of solidarity on social media platforms brought Osmans story to the forefront, catching the attention of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC). In a benevolent act, the GNPC Foundation has extended a lifeline to Osman, offering a full scholarship that would pave the way for his journey into the hallowed halls of medical education. Opoku-Ahweneeh Danquah, the Chief Executive Officer of GNPC, conveyed the Corporations commitment to nurturing technical skills. However, he acknowledged the incongruity of Osmans circumstance a brilliant mind ensnared by the mechanical demands of survival. In his words, every skill is important, but a wrench in hand at this stage of his development is not worth sacrificing his educational successes for. Osman, hailing from the Western Regions Elubo, demonstrated exceptional fortitude from an early age, defying the odds of scarcity and poverty. His triumph over adversity began with an impressive Aggregate 7 in the BECE, propelling him into the esteemed Mfantsipim Senior High School. Life, it seems, chose Osman, presenting him with formidable challenges that he tackled head-on. His mantra, why survive when you can thrive? encapsulates the essence of his resilience. Osmans unwavering commitment to realizing his dreams, coupled with the timely intervention of GNPC, paints a vivid picture of a young man poised to transcend limitations and carve a path towards a future illuminated by the beacon of education. In this chapter of Osmans life, GNPCs intervention serves as a beacon of hope, an affirmation that, irrespective of circumstances, merit and potential should not be stifled. As Osman prepares to embark on his academic journey, the echoes of his story reverberate as a testament to the transformative power of education and the unwavering belief in the potential of the next generation. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video AlPay, a subsidiary of Albrim Group Limited, is a wholly owned Ghanaian Financial Technology Company set up with a goal of enabling digital payments and collections through a robust core infrastructure and tailor-made solutions to suite market needs, and Remit Choice, a remittance company set up to provide instant money transfers across the globe donated relief items to victims of the Akosombo Dam spillage at Mepe in the Volta Region. This gesture which formed part of the two companys corporate social responsibility was aimed at bringing some relief to the affected people. The items, valued at GHC100,000 include bags of rice, corn and cassava dough, salt, cartons of oil, packs of soft drinks and bottled water. Mr Abdul Majeed Peregrino Brimah, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of AlPay, who led the team to donate the items said the donation was to empathize with persons affected by the spillage. He said, the donation reflected the company's commitment to showing benevolence to the needy. Commendation Receiving the items on behalf of the people, Mr Samuel Ablakwa Okudzeto, Member of Parliament (MP), for the area commended AlPay and Remit Choice for extending support to the victims, stating that it would go a long way in alleviating the difficulty faced by the people. Describing the donation as timely, he said, the items would be evenly distributed to ensure that every affected person benefits from it. "These items are timely, especially the bags of salt as we needed them badly," he said. Mr Okudzeto expressed appreciation to AlPay for the gesture and called for more support. AlPay Alpay is a cross-border payment platform that enables international remittance companies to terminate transactions in Ghana from any part of the world through its varying payout channels. It leverages on infrastructure that seeks to provide tailormade and secured solutions to provide the needed support for its partners. Remit Choice Set up to become the first choice of people for sending money across the globe, the company works at ensuring the credibility of the promise of sending money at any time and anywhere according to the customers desire. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video In this article, we will take a detailed look at the 20 Most Luxurious and Expensive Woods for Furniture In The World with insights into per-board foot price. For a quick overview of such expensive woods for furniture, read our article 5 Most Luxurious and Expensive Woods for Furniture In The World. The furniture market is flourishing due to booming residential and commercial construction. Developed economies like the US spearhead this growth with significant investments in real estate and housing. For instance, the US government commits heavily to housing in 2023, allocating over $175 billion. This trend extends to developing economies as well. The US significantly increased its commitment to developing nations' infrastructure, exceeding $30 billion for a dedicated program. As countries prioritize infrastructure and real estate development, leading to the construction of new homes and offices, the furniture market is poised for sustained growth throughout the forecast period. This symbiotic relationship between luxury real estate, infrastructure, and furniture is expected to continue, ensuring vibrant growth for both sectors in the foreseeable future. Consequently, the global luxury furniture market, already a $24.4 billion behemoth in 2023, is set to soar to $38.97 billion by 2033. This meteoric rise is fueled by factors primarily driven by the real estate boom and increasing urban populations in burgeoning economies worldwide. Notably, luxury living room furniture reigns supreme in the furniture market, with a $68 billion market volume in 2023. But when it comes to the global revenue of the furniture industry, the United States takes the crown, with a staggering $244 billion in 2023. A Look into the Furniture Market With a market cap of $7.57 billion, Wayfair Inc (NYSE:W) is one of the largest online retailers of home goods in the United States, and it also has a significant presence in Canada and Europe. Wayfair Inc (NYSE:W) sells a wide variety of furniture, from sofas and beds to tables and chairs, as well as other home goods such as appliances and decor. In early 2023, home goods giant Wayfair Inc (NYSE:W) launched Decorify, a game-changing tool powered by generative AI. This innovative app lets shoppers envision their spaces transformed, sparking interior design inspiration and pinpointing desired styles. Wayfair Inc. (NYSE:W) delivered a resilient performance in Q2 2023, posting net revenue of $2.9 billion, a 3.7% increase year-over-year. Story continues Besides, Wayfair Inc's (NYSE:W) home turf is heating up as retail giant Target Corp (NYSE:TGT), a $63.88 billion behemoth, steps up its wood furniture game. Target Corp's (NYSE:TGT) trendy and affordable offerings resonate with younger generations, chipping away at Wayfair Inc's (NYSE:W) market share in the mid-range segment. Target Corp (NYSE:TGT) launched/expanded 10 owned brands with thousands of fresh, unique products landing on shelves at irresistible prices. Everyday essentials pricing starts at just $3, $5, $10, and $15. Moreover, Target Corp (NYSE:TGT) is accelerating its next-day delivery ambitions by expanding its sortation centre network. Target Corp (NYSE: TGT) will build at least 6 new facilities by the end of 2026, increasing its total presence to over 15 locations. While established giants dominate the traditional furniture market, Lovesac Company (NASDAQ:LOVE) has carved its niche with innovative, modular furniture capturing the ambience of a generation. In September 2023, recognizing the dedication of those serving their communities, Lovesac Company (NASDAQ:LOVE) launched the "New Heroes" program, offering a 5% discount on its products to active and retired US service members, healthcare workers, teachers, veterinarians, and veterinary techs. In its Q3 2023 earnings call, Lovesac Company (NASDAQ:LOVE) surpassed analyst expectations, delivering an EPS of $-0.15 compared to a projected $-0.31. This marks the third consecutive quarter of industry-leading growth, with sales expanding 14.3% year-over-year, fueled by Lovesac Company's (NASDAQ:LOVE) sturdy omnichannel strategy. However, it's crucial to note that compared to pre-pandemic levels four years ago, sales have declined 196%. Despite this historical dip, Lovesac Company (NASDAQ:LOVE) anticipates monetizing inventory during the upcoming peak season, leading to a projected higher net cash balance at the end of fiscal 2024 compared to fiscal 2023. 20 Most Luxurious and Expensive Woods for Furniture In The World A brightly lit showroom, with modern furniture and tools on display. Methodology To rank the 20 Most Luxurious and Expensive Woods for Furniture in the World, we conducted a comprehensive search, consulting reliable sources, including US Vintage Wood, Ventured, Luxatic, Teak Master, and A-Z Animals. We also went through multiple Reddit threads and used search terms like best wood in the world for furniture, most expensive wood for furniture, and most expensive woods in the world. We then picked the most luxurious and expensive woods for furniture in the world that appear most frequently on these sources and ranked them based on their per-board foot prices. By the way, Insider Monkey is an investing website that tracks the movements of corporate insiders and hedge funds. Using a similar consensus approach, we identify the best stock picks of over 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 a professional looking for the best stocks to buy, you can benefit from the wisdom of hedge funds and corporate insiders. 20 Most Luxurious and Expensive Woods for Furniture In The World 20. Purpleheart Wood Per-board Foot Price (USD): 12 Sourced from the vast rainforests spanning Mexico to Brazil, the Peltogyne genus boasts 23 distinct species of Purpleheart trees, each renowned for their exceptional strength and resilience. Its exceptional strength and resistance to wear and tear render it equally adept at gracing high-traffic interior flooring as it is at enduring the harshest elements on exterior decks and in demanding industrial settings. 19. Ziricote Wood Per-board Foot Price (USD): 25 Ziricote wood stands out as a true natural spectacle, captivating onlookers with its unique dance of colours and patterns. Its heartwood boasts a deep, rich red-brown, etched with mesmerizing, irregular streaks of a darker hue, swirling across its surface like the traces of a forgotten wind. 18. Zebrawood Per-board Foot Price (USD): 28 Zebrawood's namesake stripes, bold as a zebra's pelt, are not mere paintbrush strokes but the intricate interplay of light and dark within the wood's natural grain. Each piece possesses a unique fingerprint, making it as much a sculpture as a functional object. 17. Pink Ivory Per-board Foot Price (USD): 30 Pink Ivory is a coveted hardwood sourced from trees rarely exceeding 35 feet and 12 inches in diameter. Its heartwood boasts a mesmerizing palette, transitioning from a blush pink to a warm caramel, each piece boasting a unique whisper of its own. 16. Genuine Mahogany Per-board Foot Price (USD):30 Mahogany trees grow all over Central and South America! They've been prized for their beauty and amazing wood since explorers sent them to Europe hundreds of years ago. The wood is strong, works well for building things, and has a gorgeous deep red colour. 15. Red Heart Per-board Foot Price (USD): 32 Redheart, a Central and South American hardwood, captivates with its vibrant blush, ranging from delicate pink to smouldering red. However, its fiery beauty is vulnerable to ultraviolet light, causing colours to fade over time. But fear not; this behaviour is parred for the course with many red-hued kinds of wood like Padauk and Bloodwood. A simple ultraviolet-blocking finish safeguards Redheart's stunning hues, ensuring your creation retains its radiance. 14. Holy Wood Per-board Foot Price (USD): 35 Holy domestic hardwood, prized for its exceptional machinability, excels in turning, carving, and inlay work. However, its rarity reflects its humble stature: slow growth and modest tree size limit commercial availability. Moreover, winter felling is critical to preserve its pristine ivory-to-white colour, warding off potential blue stains and greying. 13. Honduras Rosewood Per-board Foot Price (USD): 36 Honduran Rosewood is a captivating chameleon, its hues shifting from a delicate pinkish brown to a deeper, almost purplish tone, all etched with fine, contrasting stripes. This variability is part of its charm, reflecting the natural diversity within the rosewood family. Antique restorers rely on rosewood's chameleon nature to bring faded pieces back to life, seamlessly mimicking the patina of time. Captivated by its inherent beauty, furniture makers choose rosewood for its ability to elevate any creation. 12. Koa Wood Per-board Foot Price (USD): 45 More than just a tropical jewel, Koa is a highly sought-after Hawaiian hardwood renowned for its exceptional durability and captivating beauty. This native species (Acacia koa) stands tall among its peers, reaching heights of 65-100 feet (20-30 meters) with a trunk diameter of 3-5 feet (1-1.5 meters). Its impressive strength, exceeding 7,060 lbf/in2, further elevates Koa as a truly exceptional material. 11. Cocobolo Per-board Foot Price (USD): 50 Hailing from the lush tropics, Cocobolo wood reigns supreme amongst its peers, both in sight and sound. Craved by makers of fine furniture and musical instruments, it boasts a colour palette of rich, deep reds punctuated by mesmerizing swirls. The Cocobolo tree stands proud at 75-80 feet, its reddish-brown, scaly trunk a testament to its resilience. Yet, beneath this captivating beauty lies a practical truth: Cocobolo's medium stature and often gnarled form contribute to its rarity and exclusivity. 10. Italian Olive Per-board Foot Price (USD): 50 Gracing countless objects with its rich hues and enduring strength, olive wood hails from the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean. Primarily nurtured in countries like Israel, Palestine, and others along the southern and eastern coasts, these resilient trees require minimal care. Their lineage stretches back millennia, with the oldest documented olive tree boasting over 6,000 years of life. Indeed, it is a testament to nature's perseverance and the enduring beauty it crafts. 9. Burmese Teak Per-board Foot Price (USD): 53 Reigning supreme among its species, Burma Teak has long enchanted homeowners with its unparalleled durability and golden elegance. This prized wood, sourced from Myanmar's ancient forests, has fueled a surging appetite for timeless furniture crafted to endure generations. Meanwhile, olive wood emerges as a sculptor's muse, its tight grain yielding to simple tools and yielding masterpieces that marry form and colour. The Burmese Teak tree's height ranges from 100-130 ft (30-40 m). 8. Ebony Wood Per-board Foot Price (USD): 80 Renowned for its deep, luxurious colour and exceptional durability, ebony wood reigns supreme in crafted applications. Ebony's dense heartwood offers unparalleled performance, from intricate inlays adorning fine cabinetry to musical instrument parts demanding resilience. This diverse family encompasses over ten distinct species, each reaching stately heights of around 30 feet. Furthermore, ebony's natural resistance to termites and insects ensures lasting beauty and value, making it an exceptional choice for discerning projects. 7. Macassar Ebony Per-board Foot Price (USD): 93.75 Macassar Ebony lumber, a prized wood native to Indonesia, stuns with its rich, dark beauty and exceptional strength. This exotic species, scientifically known as Diospyros celebica, boasts high density and stiffness, making it ideal for demanding applications. Macassar Ebony's average dried weight is 71 pounds per cubic foot. 6. African Blackwood Per-board Foot Price (USD): 100 African blackwood density is 79 lbs/ft (1,270 kg/m). Heartwood stands 20-30 ft (6-9 m) tall. This exceptional wood typically boasts a deep, velvety blackness with scarcely a hint of grain, though rare specimens exhibit a subtle brown or purplish cast. The thin, pale yellow sapwood contrasts distinctly with the dark heart, marking a clear boundary for crafting. Click to continue reading and see 5 Most Luxurious and Expensive Woods for Furniture In The World. Suggested Articles: Disclosure. None. 20 Most Luxurious and Expensive Woods for Furniture In The World was initially published on Insider Monkey. John Snow Incorporated (JSI), a non-governmental organisation, has stressed the need for HIV communities, especially the youth, to be involved in the design and implementation of the programmes intended to serve them. JSI said from HIV prevention to treatment, service delivery was best when it was person-centred. The Senior Communications Advisor, USAID Strengthening the Care Continuum Project, JSI, Richard Adupong, said this in an interview in Accra with Graphic Online after their participation in the just-ended International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA) 2023 held from December 4 to 9, in Harare, Zimbabwe. The conference, which was attended by institutions and persons concerned with fighting HIV including experts, policy makers, key HIV populations, pharmaceutical companies that are into the manufacture of HIV medications was on the theme, "AIDS is not over: address inequalities, accelerate inclusion and innovation ". Ghana's delegation to the conference which included officials from the Ghana Health Service, Ghana AIDS Commission, JSI and the Ghana office of the World Health Organization was led by the National AIDS/STI Control Programme. "JSI staff were thrilled to join the ICASA to focus on ending HIV as a public health threat. From engaging sessions, insightful posters and thoughtful conversations at our booth, these are some of our main takeaways," he explained. Mr Adupong said understanding the social and behavioural dynamics of communities affected by HIV was imperative for effective and enduring change. He said programme sustainability must not be an afterthought. He mentioned some of the presentations the JSI team made at ICASA 2023 to include, the impact of the men's clinic initiative as a differentiated service delivery model; strengthening key population data reporting in Ghana; addressing gender-based violence within the context of HIV services and person-centred care service delivery in HIV treatment settings. Source: graphiconline Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video New Patriotic Party (NPP) stalwart Francis Owusu Akyaw has filed his nomination to contest the parliamentary primaries in the Juaben Constituency of the Ashanti Region, his campaign team has confirmed to dailymailgh.com. Mr Owusu Akyaw filed on Thursday (21 December) at the party office at Juaben nearly 24 hours after purchasing nomination forms. The document was received by the constituency election committee chaired by Kwaku Atuahene. Mr Owusu Akyaw has successfully filed his nominations and is satisfied with the process so far, a member of his campaign team told dailymailgh.com in a telephone interview. Now he awaits the partys directives ahead of vetting and I can tell you he is fully prepared this time round. New direction There is a strong push for a new dawn and a new direction and a new face that would be able to connect with the delegates and by extension the people of Juaben. And a vote for Mr Owusu Akyaw will restore confidence in the constituency and this will go a long way to retain the seat and secure more votes for our flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, another member of the team said in the conversation. Level-playing field Mr Owusu Akyaw is tipped to unseat incumbent MP and Deputy Communications Minister Ama Pomaa after a similar attempt in 2019. Delegates in that constituency have called for a fair and a level-playing field for various aspirants contesting the partys parliamentary primaries. They believe an equal opportunity to aspirants would greatly help delegates to make informed decisions and elect the best candidate to lead the party to retain power in the 2024 polls. Juaben NPP needs a new brand this time, said Nicholas Afrifa. What happened in 2019 should not repeat itself. Delegates should be giving the opportunity to select their preferred candidate as we push to break the eight. I am already prepared for this election. In fact, we need a fresh face to push the development agenda for Juaben. My mind is made up already and I urge the party to ensure a fair and a level-playing field as the party opens nominations, another said. NPP Primaries The New Patriotic Party (NPP) opened nominations for individuals vying to represent the party in constituencies with sitting Members of Parliament. Parliamentary primaries in these constituencies are scheduled for January 27, 2024. It is the last election that would see candidates contest the upcoming general elections. Deputy General Secretary Prof. Haruna Mohammed in an interview stated that the necessary steps have been taken, with forms ready for distribution. He also mentioned the forthcoming announcement of vetting committees after the submission of forms on December 25. Source: DAILY MAIL GH Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video By Melanie Lidman, The Associated Press BETHLEHEM, West Bank The typically bustling biblical birthplace of Jesus resembled a ghost town Sunday after Christmas Eve celebrations in Bethlehem were called off due to the Israel-Hamas war. The festive lights and Christmas tree that normally decorate Manger Square were missing, as were the throngs of foreign tourists and jubilant youth marching bands that gather in the West Bank town each year to mark the holiday. Dozens of Palestinian security forces patrolled the empty square. This year, without the Christmas tree and without lights, theres just darkness, said Brother John Vinh, a Franciscan monk from Vietnam who has lived in Jerusalem for six years. Vinh said he always comes to Bethlehem to mark Christmas, but this year was especially sobering. He gazed at a nativity scene in Manger Square with a baby Jesus wrapped in a white shroud, reminiscent of the thousands of children killed in the fighting in Gaza. Barbed wire surrounded the scene, the grey rubble reflecting none of the joyous lights and bursts of color that normally fill the square during the Christmas season. Cold, rainy weather added to the grim mood. The cancellation of Christmas festivities was a severe blow to the towns economy. Tourism accounts for an estimated 70% of Bethlehems income almost all of that during the Christmas season. With many major airlines canceling flights to Israel, few foreigners are visiting. Local officials say over 70 hotels in Bethlehem were forced to close, leaving thousands of people unemployed. Gift shops were slow to open on Christmas Eve, although a few did once the rain had stopped pouring down. There were few visitors, however. We cant justify putting out a tree and celebrating as normal, when some people [in Gaza] dont even have houses to go to, said Alaa Salameh, one of the owners of Afteem Restaurant, a family-owned falafel restaurant just steps from the square. Salameh said Christmas Eve is usually the busiest day of the year. Normally, you cant find a single chair to sit, were full from morning till midnight, said Salameh. On Sunday morning, just one table was taken, by journalists taking a break from the rain. Catholic clergy walk in procession next to the Church of the Nativity, traditionally believed to be the birthplace of Jesus, on Christmas Eve, in the West Bank city of Bethlehem, Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)AP Under a banner that read Bethlehems Christmas bells ring for a cease-fire in Gaza, a few teenagers offered small inflatable Santas, but no one was buying. Instead of their traditional march through the streets of Bethlehem, young scouts stood silently with flags. A group of local students unfurled a massive Palestinian flag as they stood in silence. An organist with the Church of the Nativity choir, Shukry Mubarak, said the group changed much of the traditional Christmas musical repertoire from joyful holiday songs to more solemn hymns in minor keys. Our message every year on Christmas is one of peace and love, but this year its a message of sadness, grief and anger in front of the international community with what is happening and going on in the Gaza Strip, Bethlehems mayor, Hana Haniyeh, said in an address to the crowd. Dr. Joseph Mugasa, a pediatrician, was one of the few international visitors. He said his tour group of 15 people from Tanzania was determined to come to the region despite the situation. Ive been here several times, and its quite a unique Christmas, as usually theres a lot of people and a lot of celebrations, he said. But you cant celebrate while people are suffering, so we are sad for them and praying for peace. More than 20,000 Palestinians have been killed and more than 50,000 wounded during Israels air and ground offensive against Gazas Hamas rulers, according to health officials there, while some 85% of the territorys 2.3 million residents have been displaced. The war was triggered by Hamas deadly assault Oct. 7 on southern Israel in which militants killed about 1,200 people, most of them civilians, and took more than 240 hostages. The Gaza war has been accompanied by a surge in West Bank violence, with some 300 Palestinians killed by Israeli fire. The fighting has affected life across the Israeli-occupied territory. Since Oct. 7, access to Bethlehem and other Palestinian towns in the West Bank has been difficult, with long lines of motorists waiting to pass military checkpoints. The restrictions have also prevented tens of thousands of Palestinians from exiting the territory to work in Israel. People visit the Grotto under the Church of the Nativity, traditionally believed to be the birthplace of Jesus, on Christmas Eve, in the West Bank city of Bethlehem, Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)AP Amir Michael Giacaman opened his store, Il Bambino, which sells olive wood carvings and other souvenirs, for the first time since Oct. 7. There have been no tourists, and few local residents have money to spare because those who worked in Israel have been stuck at home. When people have extra money, they go buy food, said his wife, Safa Giacaman. This year, were telling the Christmas story. Were celebrating Jesus, not the tree, not Santa Claus, she said, as their daughter Mikaella ran around the deserted store. The fighting in Gaza was on the minds of the small Christian community in Syria, which is coping with a civil war now in its 13th year. Christians said they were trying to find joy, despite the ongoing strife in their homeland and in Gaza. Where is the love? What have we done with love? said the Rev. Elias Zahlawi, a priest in Yabroud, a city about 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of Damascus. Weve thrown God outside the realm of humanity and unfortunately, the church has remained silent in the face of this painful reality. Some tried to find inspiration in the spirit of Christmas. Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa, arriving from Jerusalem for the traditional procession to the Church of the Nativity, told the sparse crowd that Christmas was a reason to hope despite the war and violence. The pared-down Christmas was in keeping with the original message of the holiday and illustrated the many ways the community is coming together, said Stephanie Saldana, who is originally from San Antonio, Texas, and has lived in Jerusalem and Bethlehem for the past 15 years with her husband, a parish priest at the St Joseph Syriac Catholic Church. We feel Christmas as more real than ever, because were waiting for the prince of peace to come. We are waiting for a miracle to stop this war, Saldana said. By Amy Maxmen, KFF Health News (TNS) 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 committees 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 states Division of Occupational Safety and Health, known as Cal/OSHA, by pointing to the CDCs 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 are or may be airborne. The agencies are once again at odds. The CDCs 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 diseases and the corresponding levels of protection may once again be left to administrators at hospitals, nursing homes, and jails or prisons. N95 masks sit stored in a medical supply area at the Austin Convention Center on Aug. 07, 2020, in Austin, Texas. The convention center was prepared for use as a field hospital for Covid-19 patients, if Austin hospitals were to become overwhelmed. In recent weeks, however, Texas has seen the number of new Covid-19 hospitalizations decrease, even as pandemic-related deaths remain high. (John Moore/Getty Images/TNS)TNS Eric Berg, deputy chief of health at Cal/OSHA, warned the CDC in November that, if it accepted its committees 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 Sutters 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 CDCs 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 CDCs 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 CDCs 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 dont neatly fit into such categories. Guidelines that are incomplete, weak, and without scientific basis will greatly undermine CDCs 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 agencies not the CDC have 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 werent 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 agencys ongoing efforts to pass regulations specific to airborne infections. As a result, the agency followed up on only about 1 in 5 COVID-related complaints that employees and labor representatives officially filed with the group from January 2020 to February 2022 and just 4% of those made informally through media reports, phone calls, and emails. Many deaths among health care workers werent 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 OSHAs authority to punish employers who expose staff members to airborne diseases, if its final guidelines follow the committees 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 CDCs 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 CDCs 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 CDCs 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 hadnt 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. Its now collecting signatures for an online petition urging the CDC to scrap the committees 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 CDCs 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. (KFF Health News, formerly known as Kaiser Health News (KHN), is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs of KFF the independent source for health policy research, polling and journalism.) 2023 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. By Max Marin, The Philadelphia Inquirer (TNS) PHILADELPHIA Hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched through Center City on Saturday afternoon to disrupt the last-minute Christmas shopping blitz with sorrowful reminders of the ongoing siege in Gaza a protest that culminated in a tense standoff with police officers and the arrest of two protesters for disorderly conduct near Rittenhouse Square, authorities said. Cpl. Jasmine Reilly, a Philadelphia Police Department spokesperson, said a demonstrator attempted to put a sticker on a police vehicle near the park. As the protest was winding down, an officer was seen confronting the man, drawing his baton, and placing him in handcuffs to a loud rebuke from the crowd. Megaphone-wielding leaders of the Philly Palestine Coalition, the activist network that organized the march, urged demonstrators to not intervene. But a section of the crowd circled police officers as they attempted to make the arrest, demanding police release the man. Two officers sustained minor injuries during the scuffle, Reilly said. Soon after, police arrested a second demonstrator near 18th Street for allegedly spraying liquid at officers as the crowd was dispersing around 4:30 p.m. The Philly Palestine Coalition has organized or promoted more than 60 demonstrations since the start of the war, from massive protests on the streets of Center City to sit-ins on college campuses. Saturdays rally was the latest in a string targeting holiday shoppers out buying last-minute gifts two days before Christmas. Pro-Palestinian supporters watch the Philadelphia Police during a cease-fire rally near Rittenhouse Square in Center City on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. (Yong Kim/The Philadelphia Inquirer/TNS)TNS While youre shopping, bombs are dropping! protesters chanted repeatedly throughout the three-hour march. Gazas health ministry reported this past week that more than 20,000 Palestinians have been killed since Israel launched military retaliation for the Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist attack. The bloodshed in Gaza has led Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank to suspend Christmas celebrations most notably in Bethlehem, where Jesus was reportedly born and activists in Philadelphia and across the United States have similarly called for a more somber observance of the Christian holy day this year. We cannot celebrate while our siblings in Gaza are being massacred, Jay Bergen, pastor of Germantown Mennonite Church, told protesters who gathered on the bustling City Hall apron around 2 p.m. In addition to a familiar repertoire of protest chants, demonstrators intoned from Philly to Bethlehem, no Christmas as usual! as they marched around the pop-up Christmas Village, past the Fashion District, through Chinatown, and west along the popular Walnut Street retail strip near Rittenhouse. Organizers also stopped the march to protest outside two different Starbucks locations, amid a nationwide dispute between the corporate coffee giant and a pro-Palestinian workers union. The demonstration halted in Rittenhouse Square before 4 p.m., where speakers from the progressive group Jewish Voice for Peace and members of the Philly Palestine Coalition gave speeches and called for a cease-fire in the war. When a police officer began apprehending the demonstrator at the edge of the rally, a group of demonstrators attempted to intervene in the arrest. A crew of officers on bicycles created a barrier around the officer and the man he had detained, and were circled by demonstrators. For nearly 10 minutes, the two sides were at a standoff, at times pushing and shoving. Demonstrators demanded police release the man, and as the confrontation intensified, the crowd started a chant likening the Philadelphia Police Department to the Klu Klux Klan and the Israel Defense Forces. Nada Abuasi, an organizer with Philly Palestine Coalition, said she did not see what transpired leading up to the arrest. While she felt the use of stickers fell under the umbrella of peaceful protest, she stressed that the coalition never encourages demonstrators to cause damage to people or property. All of our protests are peaceful, Abuasi said. We come out here, were a very diverse group, were out in solidarity. Yeah, were here to disrupt and make sure that there is no business as usual, but its not in any way where were projecting harm onto others or any buildings or anything of that nature. The activist network has faced some criticism because of its protest tactics, most notably after a march organized by the coalition stopped and chanted at Goldie, an Israeli-owned falafel spot on Sansom Street near 19th Street. Members of Jewish Voice for Peace, who are part of the coalition, have been arrested for blocking traffic during other recent demonstrations. Before the march kicked off on Saturday, speakers encouraged protesters to rely on volunteer legal observers with Up Against the Law Legal Collective to communicate with police and dissuaded the crowd from engaging. Its always our priority to be safe in our marches, Abuasi said. Organizers called for a moment of silence before asking the crowd to disperse for the night, but not for long. Abuasi said the coalition has other demonstrations planned before the new year. 2023 The Philadelphia Inquirer, LLC. Visit at inquirer.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. MINNEAPOLIS (AP) Minnesotas new state flag should feature an eight-pointed North Star against a dark blue background shaped like the state, with a solid light blue field at the right, a special commission decided Tuesday as it picked a replacement for an older design that many Native Americans considered offensive. The State Emblems Redesign Commission chose the final version on an 11-1 vote after finalizing a new state seal that depicts a loon, the state bird. Unless the Legislature rejects them, the new flag and seal will automatically become official April 1, 2024, when Minnesota observes Statehood Day. The star echoes Minnesotas state motto of Star of the North. The commissions chairman, Luis Fitch, said that to him, the light blue represents the Mississippi River, the most important river in the United States, pointing to the North Star. But he acknowledged it could mean other things to other people. Symmetry and simplicity won out over other versions, including ones that included a green stripe for the states agricultural heritage. The new flag is a revised version of a design submitted by Andrew Prekker, 24, of Luverne, who said he was grateful and amazed for the rare privilege of being able to contribute to state history. Its 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, Prekker said in a statement read to the commission. It is my greatest hope that this new flag can finally represent our state and all of its people properly that every Minnesotan of every background, including the Indigenous communities and tribal nations whove been historically excluded, can look up at our flag with pride and honor and see themselves within it. Minnesotas current flag dates from 1957, an update from the 1893 original. It includes the current state seal, slightly tweaked from the 1858 original, which depicts a Native American riding off into the sunset while a white settler plows his field with his rifle leaning on a nearby stump. Critics say that imagery suggests the Indigenous people were defeated and going away, while whites won and were staying. The states 11 recognized Dakota and Ojibwe tribes consider the previous design offensive. And experts in the study of flags known as vexillology say its overly complicated, that ideally a child should be able to draw a state flag. The North American Vexillological Association ranks Minnesotas old flag in 67th place out of 72 U.S. and Canadian state and provincial flags. Fitch said experts from the group rated the final choice an A-plus. The commission included members of the states tribal and other communities of color. It settled last week on a new seal featuring a loon and the Dakota name for Minnesota: Mni Sota Makoce, which can be translated as where the water meets the sky. On Tuesday, commissioners voted to increase the number of gold bars on the rim from 87 one for each county to 98 to include the 11 tribes. It remains to be seen whether the new flag and seal become the symbols of unity that their supporters hope. Two Republican nonvoting members of the commission, Rep. Bjorn Olson and Sen. Steve Drazkowski, plan to submit a minority report to the Legislature. Olson said they believe the chosen seal violates the statute that created the commission, which is supposed to select a unifying symbol. With the Dakota name on the seal, Drazkowski said, its raising one race above all the races of Minnesota. Olson also said the process was too rushed, and that Minnesotans should vote on both the flag and seal next November. But Democratic Secretary of State Steve Simon, a voting member, said his office studied the issue and reached a tentative conclusion that such a vote would be unconstitutional because Minnesota law doesnt allow for statewide initiatives and referendums. Several other states also have been redesigning outdated flags. The Utah Legislature last winter approved a simplified design that still includes a beehive, a symbol of the prosperity and industriousness of its Mormon pioneers. Mississippi voters in 2020 chose a new flag with a magnolia to replace a Confederate-themed flag that was widely condemned as racist. Other states considering simplifying their flags include Michigan,Illinois and Maine, where voters will decide next year whether to replace their current banner with a retro version featuring a simple pine tree and blue North Star. __ By STEVE KARNOWSKI Associated Press This is a frightening time to be an American, and particularly to reside in our country as a member of a minority group. The presumed Republican nominee for the presidency in 2024 is someone who has told us that immigrants are poisoning the blood of America, who has demonstrated antipathy for the LGBTQ community, and who has identified with white supremacist thugs whom he has told not to cease and desist, but to stand back and stand by. Donald Trumps anti-immigrant rhetoric, which is lapped up by the mobs that attend his raucous rallies, is precisely the mindset which inspired the mass murderer who committed the worst act of antisemitism in American history at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh in 2018, slaughtering eleven precious souls who were worshipping on the Sabbath. Donald Trump has promised to make a new term about getting revenge against those who have disagreed with him, and to persecute and imprison political opponents by appointing loyal stooges to key positions in the Department of Justice. How can it be that such a person, who now faces 91 criminal counts, most of which revolve around efforts to overthrow the government, can be leading his opponent in the polls? How is it possible that he is gaining in popularity with Blacks and Hispanics when his entire life has been devoted to isolating and ostracizing the other? If American voters forsake presumed Democratic nominee Joe Biden or choose not to vote, they will be responsible for the end of our countrys experiment in democracy. That would be a lot to have on ones conscience. Oren Spiegler, Peters Township, Pa. To those MAGA automatons who have abdicated their power to think and reason for themselves, turn off your Donald Trump induced binary thinking for three minutes. Now, do you hear the warning sirens for an impending F5 tornado headed toward our democracy? Would you like to avoid this catastrophe? On Veterans Day, a day to venerate all veterans for their sacrifices made in upholding democracy, what heartfelt words did we hear from former President Donald Trump? A diatribe about eradicating vermin. Listen up citizens, Trumps father did not serve in the military and discouraged his children from serving! Et Tu Donald? Front page New York Daily Times, July 2015: Toy soldier Trump dissed a true war hero (John McCain) but used five deferments and a foot boo-boo to dodge Vietnam draft. Google; G.I. Joke. Hey Donald, this is how true Patriots behave: My deceased father was a WWII veteran. He landed in Normandy winding up in Czechoslovakia. He was the oldest of eight children whose parents emigrated from Southern Italy. His family was so poor that Dad needed to send a portion of his military pay home. My brother and I are very proud of him! This is true American grit at many levels. Our former president just spat upon it. Raymond Cerio Jr., Marple Township, Pa. It was December, 1947 and Captain Allan Smithies would not be home for Christmas. The captain of the American Leader vessel was on a special mission playing the role of Santa Claus. As reported in the Hartford Courant, Smithies was guiding a ship of food from America to France. The food would be a wonderful Christmas gift for the French people who were suffering from hunger in the aftermath of World War II. This precious food was collected in America by the Friendship Train which ran coast to coast during the autumn of 1947. Once Captain Smithies reached France, the food would be loaded again onto trains for delivery to those in need. Back home in Norwalk, Connecticut Mrs. Smithies and their three children were excited to hear that Allan had safely reached the French port of Le Havre. Reporter Volney Hurd of the Christian Science Monitor said the tall, 65 Captain Smithies dominated the dockside ceremonies upon arrival looking like a Hollywood star. A beautiful Christmas story would begin in France as the food deliveries got started. As reported by Mallory Browne in the New York Times, French children were cheering wildly with joy as the food arrived in Paris. The Mayor of Paris made a speech describing how the special Christmas gift came to be. A journalist, Drew Pearson, came up with the idea for the Friendship Train in America to collect food donations for Europe. The Friendship Train would travel across many states collecting food donations in cities and towns. School children in America were thrilled about the chance to play Santa Claus. These kids donated the cost of their school lunches to the Friendship Train. This was just two years after the end of World War II. Children in France had known nothing but war for years amid hunger and poverty. A drought had hit Europe in the summer of 1947, bringing more hardship and hunger on the population. But then Americas Friendship Train arrived in France in time for Christmas bringing food. French children would be having lunches at school for weeks to come thanks to this gift. Mothers would have food for their undernourished children. After the celebration in Paris, more food trains were dispatched into the French countryside to make Santas deliveries. The Associated Press reported ten trains would deliver food to regions of France. Charities including Catholic Relief Services handled the food distribution. The food and hope was a wonderful Christmas present America sent to France with the Friendship Train. But this Christmas story does not need to end here. In fact, it needs another chapter which you can help write. There are starving children right now across the globe that need a Christmas miracle so they can eat. Refugees fleeing war-torn Sudan, including the Darfur region, need food assistance from the UN World Food Program (WFP). Tragically, funding from the international community has not kept pace with this crisis and others. WFP, because of this low funding, has been forced to cut rations in many countries. In Afghanistan low funding is leading to cuts in food aid for the hungry. Wars in Gaza, Yemen and the D.R. Congo have led to food shortages. The starving victims of these conflicts need our help. Millions of people are facing starvation daily across the globe because of wars and drought. The Friendship Train brought food to France and other European nations during a desperate time. The Christmas of 1947 would have been one of severe hunger without the generosity of the American people. This Christmas we can send gifts of food to other nations suffering from hunger by donating to WFP, CARE, Marys Meals, Save the Children, Edesia, Mercy Corps, Catholic Relief Services, UNICEF, Action Against Hunger and other charities. We can each play the role of Santa Claus and help children get life-saving food for Christmas. William Lambers is an author who partnered with the UN World Food Program on the book Ending World Hunger. In this article, we will be taking a look at the 30 friendliest cities in the world. If you wish to see the top ones, then head straight to the 10 Friendliest Cities in the World. International Tourism Set to Recover Nearly 90% by the End of the Year Travel and tourism, a major predictor of global economic health, is one of the most important sectors in the world. In 2019, 334 million jobs worldwide were directly or indirectly supported by this sector, which accounted for 10.4% of the global gross domestic product (GDP). The sector was severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to the loss of 62 million jobs and $4.5 trillion in GDP in 2020 alone. Nevertheless, the travel and tourism sector is making a strong recovery. According to the latest insights from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), about 975 million international tourists travelled between January and September 2023, marking a substantial 38% increase compared to the same period last year. Global tourism reached 87% of pre-pandemic levels during this period, and is anticipated to approach 90% by the end of this year. The data by UNWTO indicates that in the first nine months of this year, arrivals in the Middle East were 20% higher than pre-pandemic levels, making it the only region in the globe to surpass 2019 levels. On the other hand, Europe accounted for 56% of the global total with 550 million international tourists, representing 94% of the pre-pandemic levels. Moreover, during the same time frame, pre-pandemic visitor numbers in Africa and America recovered by 92% and 88%, respectively. In contrast, Asia and the Pacific reached only 62% of 2019 levels. Meanwhile, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)s 2023 Economic Impact Research (EIR) projects a prosperous future for the travel and tourism sector. The sector is expected to contribute $15.5 trillion to the global economy (representing 11.6% of GDP) by 2030, employing 430 million people worldwide, or 12% of the working population. Story continues A Look at Some Travel Trends for 2024 According to a recent global survey conducted by Hilton and Ipsos, the top reason to travel in 2024 for the majority of respondents is to rest and recharge, with a focus on getting quality sleep during their trips. The survey of 10,000 travelers across nine countries also found that a remarkable 80% of global travelers find it important to be able to book their entire trip online, with 86% of Millennials and 83% of Gen Zers leading the charge. Meanwhile, travel apps that reduce the tension of traveling are valued by 76% of the global travelers. The survey further highlighted a change in travelers' priorities, with more and more of them placing a higher value on experiences than material possessions. In order to prioritize leisure travel, 64% of global travelers plan to reduce other areas of their personal spending. Additionally, 47% of travelers intend to spend more on exploration and adventure, with Millennials and Gen Zers devoting a bigger percentage of their budget than other generations for these experiences. Additionally, following the pandemic, there has been a huge change in how people conduct business. Therefore, new trends have emerged, such as blended leisure and business travel. According to the survey, more than one-third of Gen Z and Millennial business travelers intend to prolong their business visits in order to enjoy leisure time either before or after their work responsibilities. Big Names in the Travel Industry Delta Air Lines, Inc. (NYSE:DAL), Airbnb, Inc. (NASDAQ:ABNB), and Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:BKNG) are some of the prominent travel companies across the globe. Delta Air Lines, Inc. (NYSE:DAL), an airline company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, serves over 300 locations across 60 countries. On October 12, Delta Air Lines, Inc. (NYSE:DAL) posted earnings for the third quarter of 2023, reporting a Non-GAAP EPS of $2.03, beating market estimates by $0.08. The revenue over the period was $15.49 billion, up 10.8% compared to the revenue over the same period last year. Dont Miss: 12 Best Travel Stocks to Buy Right Now Airbnb, Inc. (NASDAQ:ABNB), headquartered in San Francisco, California, is a travel and accommodation services provider. Polen Focus Growth Strategy made the following comment about Airbnb, Inc. (NASDAQ:ABNB) in its Q3 2023 investor letter: Airbnb, Inc. (NASDAQ:ABNB) continues to see double-digit growth in nights booked and revenue. Private rentals continue to take market share from hotels globally, and Airbnb continues to take market share within private rentals. We expect many years of robust earnings and cash flow growth, but this quarters share price appreciation was more likely tied to Standard & Poors decision to add Airbnb to the S&P 500 index. Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:BKNG), founded in 1996, provides travel and restaurant online reservation and related services worldwide. The company is popular among several hedge funds. At the end of Q3 2023, 81 hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey owned stakes in Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:BKNG), growing from 78 in the preceding quarter. The total value of these stakes is over $8.02 billion. Here are some of the comments from Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:BKNG)s Q3 2023 Earnings Call: In the third quarter, our traveler customers booked 276 million, or more than a quarter of a billion room nights, which was an increase of 15% year-over-year, and we had gross bookings of $40 billion, which was an increase of 24% year-over-year. Room night growth versus 2019 was 24% in Q3. Both room nights and gross bookings were record quarterly amounts for the company, and both came in ahead of our previous expectations. Third quarter revenue of $7.3 billion grew 21% and adjusted EBITDA of $3.3 billion increased 24%, both versus Q3 last year, and both exceeded our prior expectations. Finally, our non-GAAP earnings per share in the quarter grew 36% year-over-year, and was nearly 60% higher than in the third quarter of 2019. Our earnings per share growth benefited from our improved profit levels, as well as our strong capital return program, which reduced our end-of-quarter share count by 10% versus the third quarter of 2022. Adding to this, each person has a different experience when they travel. If you intend to travel for pleasure or are looking to start a new life abroad, there's no denying that the folks there will leave a lasting impression on you. In todays piece we have compiled a list of the friendliest cities in the world for our readers. You can also check out our articles The World's 30 Unfriendliest Cities Heading into 2024 and 30 Friendliest Countries in the World. 30 Friendliest Cities in the World Our Methodology To determine the friendliest cities in the world, we utilized a consensus opinion-based rankings approach. We gathered information from relevant Reddit threads, where users not only share their experiences but also inquire about various locations where tourists felt welcomed. The subreddits we included in our search were r/AskReddit, r/solotravel, r/digitalnomad, r/TravelHacks, and r/travel among others. Each city received a score based on the number of mentions, so each time a city was mentioned, it received a score of 1. Consequently, the more mentions and references, the higher the score and rank in our article. We want our readers to remember that these types of lists of the friendliest cities are always subjective and fail to include cities that ought to be at or near the top of this list. We do, however, hope to produce a more comprehensive list of the 30 friendliest cities in the world by combining the opinions of the aforementioned Reddit threads. By the way, Insider Monkey is an investing website that tracks the movements of corporate insiders and hedge funds. By using a 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 a professional looking for the best stocks to buy, you can benefit from the wisdom of hedge funds and corporate insiders. Friendliest Cities in the World 30. Liverpool, United Kingdom First up on our list of the friendliest cities in the world is Liverpool, located in North West England, United Kingdom. Many travelers on Reddit expressed their admiration for the friendly residents of the city. 29. Geneva, Switzerland Geneva, a city in Switzerland that lies at the southern tip of expansive Lac Leman, has a low crime rate, and the people are amiable and hospitable. In 2018, a total of 3,232,871 overnight stays were recorded in the city. 28. Jaipur, India Jaipur, the Pink City is a popular tourist destination in Rajasthan, India, and has residents who are perceived to be welcoming to visitors. 27. Izmir, Turkey Izmir, a city on Turkeys Aegean coast, is welcoming and home to many historical buildings, great fish restaurants, and gorgeous beaches. The city hosted 1.97 million tourists in 2019. 26. Tokyo, Japan As per 2021 Safe Cities Index by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), Tokyo, Japans busy capital is among the top ten safest cities in the world. Furthermore, the city enjoys a stellar reputation for welcoming visitors. 25. Seville, Spain Next up on our list of the friendliest cities in the world is Seville. Located in southern Spain, it is famous for its historic churches and palaces, Moorish buildings, flamenco dancing, and more. Besides, the residents of Seville are friendly, fun, outgoing. 24. Nairobi, Kenya Kenya's capital city of Nairobi is known for its friendly and welcoming people, who frequently extend a warm welcome to visitors. Many people on Reddit report having positive experiences in the city. 23. New Orleans, United States New Orleans, located in the southern US state of Louisiana, is among the friendliest cities in the world on our list. It is known for its spirited nightlife, unique cuisine, and rich cultural heritage. Also, the kind and inviting people of the city greeted 18.51 million visitors in 2018. 22. Stockholm, Sweden Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, is a fantastic city for tourists to visit, with a rich history and wonderful attractions. Many travelers on Reddit expressed their admiration for the city's friendly residents. 21. Muscat, Oman The people of Muscat, Omans port capital, are incredibly friendly and welcoming of visitors. It's common to get a few invitations when visiting the city. 20. Cape Town, South Africa Cape Town, a coastal city in South Africa, offers a great variety of history, nature, food, and many tourist attractions. A total of 98,260 tourists arrived in Cape Town via air in January 2023. It is among the friendliest cities in the world on our list. 19. Hanoi, Vietnam The people of Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, are noted for being quite humble and hospitable. In 2022, they extended a warm welcome to around 18.7 million visitors. 18. Edinburgh, United Kingdom A number of travelers on Reddit have reported that people in Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland, UK, are always kind, accommodating, and approachable. 17. Dubai, United Arab Emirates Dubai, a city in United Arab Emirates, is renowned for being amiable, inclusive, and understanding of other cultures. As per the Expat City Ranking 2022 by InterNations, Dubai has been ranked second best city to live and work for expats. According to our methodology, it is among the friendliest cities in the world. 16. Auckland, New Zealand Many people on Reddit report having positive experiences in Auckland, a major city in the north of New Zealands North Island. The city hosted about 1.8 million foreign visitors in 2019. 15. Mexico City, Mexico The people of Mexico City, the capital of Mexico, are noted for being quite humble and welcoming to tourists and expats. It is the third best city to work and live as an expat, per the Expat City Ranking 2022 by InterNations. Moreover, per our methodology, it is one of the friendliest cities in the world. 14. Barcelona, Spain People of Barcelona, a city located in Northeast Spain, are very welcoming and friendly towards visitors. In 2022, the city's hotels and other lodging facilities hosted 9.7 million visitors. 13. Munich, Germany Munich, located in the southern German state of Bavaria, is known for its lengthy and intense history, incredible architectural and cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and, above all, its warm and welcoming citizens. 12. Bangkok, Thailand Most residents of Bangkok, Thailands capital, are friendly, respectful, and willing to help. As per a ranking by Mastercard, Bangkok was the most popular travel destination worldwide in 2019, with over 22.7 million foreign visitors. 11. Montreal, Canada Montreal, located in the province of Quebec in Canada, is safe and open to diversity, making it a perfect place for newcomers to thrive. Click to continue reading and see the 10 Friendliest Cities in the World. Suggested Articles: Disclosure. None. The 30 Friendliest Cities in the World is originally published on Insider Monkey. In this article, we shall discuss the 50 poorest countries based on GDP per capita (2023 PPP). To skip our detailed analysis of global poverty and the efforts underway to alleviate poverty rates and meet the climate challenges, go directly and see 10 Poorest Countries Based on GDP Per Capita (2023 PPP). The Economic Impact of Rising Poverty: An Overview According to a report by the UNDP, there are multitudes of challenges which impede the road to poverty reduction some of the poorest countries based on GDP per capita, namely widespread income inequality, political and geopolitical instability and conflict, a burgeoning climate emergency, COVID-19 pandemic recovery and resultant inflationary constraints, and the skyrocketing costs of living crisis. There are commonalities and specifics which cloud the way these factors affect different the poorest countries based on GDP per capita. More than 20% of the global population is currently living in acute multidimensional poverty, with 485 million living in severe poverty across 110 countries, experiencing weighted deprivations ranging from 50-100%. More than half of the people living in multidimensional poverty are children under the age of 18 and nearly 84% of all poor people living in rural areas. Rural areas are marginally poorer than urban areas across the world. Understanding the concentration of poverty within populations is essential for appropriate policymaking. Roughly five out of six poor people live in Sub-Saharan Africa or South Asia. More than 65% of the remaining poor population are highly concentrated in five countries, namely China, Indonesia, Myanmar, Sudan, and Yemen. Across countries, the incidence, and therefore the intensity, of poverty ranges from less than 1% in 21 countries to over 50% in 22 countries, 19 of which are located in Sub-Saharan Africa. In the United States, child poverty made an unprecedented surge in 2022 following the expiration of pandemic-era benefits, according to a report by Bloomberg. The report maintains that a supplemental measure of child poverty jumped to more than 12% in 2022. The metric is based on after-taxation income and comprises government-transfer payments like stimulus checks, which despite doubling with respect to an all time low in 2021, still remain below pre-pandemic levels. The latest figures released by the Census Bureau points to a worrying trend for families and cost-of-living continues to skyrocket due to inflationary pressures, expiration of stimulus payments, and increased costs of enhanced food and child-care programs. Due to these policies, numerous American citizens are retracting on much of the progress made during the pandemic, and is already a leading contributor in rising rates of family homelessness. Rising poverty in the United States also exacerbates a debt crisis in the poorest countries based on GDP per capita, according to another report by Bloomberg. By 2024, frontier markets in the developing world, like Bolivia, Ethiopia, Tunisia, and a dozen other countries which are either already in default or are trading in complete disregard to their balance of payments, are projected to repay more than $200 billion in bonds and other loans. This spells a worrying trend for poverty rates around the world, leading to companies like Mastercard Inc. (NYSE:MA), Nestle S.A. (OTC:NSRGY), and Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) doubling down on their poverty alleviation initiatives. To read more on how these companies are alleviating poverty across the developing world, check out our coverage of Worlds 50 Poorest Countries Based on Percentage of Population Below Poverty Line. Story continues Harnessing Sustainability and Inclusion for Economic Empowerment: An Analysis Growth, inclusion, and sustainability are often interconnected. On the sustainability end of the spectrum , the Paris Agreement laid out a framework to constrain temperature rise to below 2.0C (and preferably to 1.5C) relative to preindustrial levels. In accordance with the agreements, many countries, including some of the poorest countries based on GDP per capita have been pursuing net-zero emissions. On inclusion, despite the fact that the world has made commendable advances in reducing poverty over the decades, development economists and policymakers have been arguing for setting higher bars for living standards. According to the UN's Sustainable Development Objectives, adequate living conditions entail nutrition, health, education, clean water, and access to energy. The concept of economic empowerment for countries and many companies leading the fight against multidimensional poverty like Mastercard Inc. (NYSE:MA), Nestle S.A. (OTC:NSRGY), and Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) captures the United Nations' aspirations. The report highlights the instrumentality of this decade in determining the kind of world the next generation is likely to inherit. Without quicker and more sustainable progress on the SDGs, the next generation will lack the tools to excel in the jobs of the future, risking further exacerbation of already deteriorating poverty rates. According to McKinsey, the empowerment gap can be defined as the total boost in global consumption required to recognize and meet everyone's basic needs by 2030, whilst the net zero investment gap can be defined as the total investment on low-emissions technologies needed by 2030, in addition to what is happening already. Since both these gaps cannot effectively be addressed instantaneously, the report presumes an upward progress over the decade requiring an equivalent of 8% of the global GDP annually, with substantial variations differing by region. Although this is a massive figure, companies like Mastercard Inc. (NYSE:MA), Nestle S.A. (OTC:NSRGY), and Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) can make substantial investments in these areas and capitalize on new opportunities in some of the poorest countries based on GDP per capita, even under the current substandard policy prescriptions. Countries around the world are already investing significantly in the twin priorities, with more than 90% of the $1.4 trillion of global net-zero spending stemming from the public sector in 2020. Furthermore, nearly 23% of consumption by people below the economic empowerment line was upheld by public and social spending on in-kind transfers in 2020. To read more on how companies are facilitating economic empowerment in impoverished areas, check out our coverage of 40 Countries With the Highest Rates of Poverty. The World Bank's extreme poverty line was recently updated from $1.90 to $2.15 per person per day in PPP terms. But as an increased number of people surpass the poverty line in the poorest countries based on GDP per capita, the world needs a more holistic benchmark to trace progress towards a higher living standard. The report highlights the fact that when people rise meaningfully above poverty, many outcomes naturally improve, including but not limited to childhood mortality, life expectancy, education, and digital and financial inclusion. In this vein, the report suggests quantifying the higher bar by raising consumption to $12 per person per day as a baseline benchmark, with the line accounting for local norms and costs of food, housing, and energy in countries with higher levels on income. 25 States with the Highest Poverty Rates in the US Our Methodology To compile our list of the 50 poorest countries based on GDP per capita (2023 PPP), we decided to use data from the International Monetary Front (IMF) that lists down global GDP per capita by country. We used Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) as a unit, which is the measure of the price of specific goods in different countries and is used to compare the absolute purchasing power of the countries' currencies. We then ranked the countries by their GDP per Capita (PPP) from highest to lowest. The lower the GDP per capita, the poorer the country. To sum it up, we ranked the 50 poorest countries based on GDP per capita (2023 PPP) based on data from the International Monetary Fund. 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. Don't Miss: World's 20 Richest Countries by GDP (PPP) per Capita 50 Poorest Countries Based on GDP Per Capita (2023 PPP) 50. Samoa GDP per Capita (PPP): $6323.80 Since most Samoans live in rural areas, the resultant demographic imbalance leads to poor education, opportunities, and social benefits. 49. Kyrgyz Republic GDP per Capita (PPP): $6,249.68 In Kyrgyzstan, more than 33.3% of the population lives below the national poverty line as of 2023. 48. Nigeria GDP per Capita (PPP): $6,177.93 Rampant corruption, political instability and lack of employment are all leading causes for abject poverty in Nigeria. 47. Cambodia GDP per Capita (PPP): $6,092.04 In Cambodia, more than 185 of the population lives below the national poverty line, with more than 62% of the population living in inadequate, one bedroom housing. 46. Tuvalu GDP per Capita (PPP): $5,796.86 Due to intense climate variability and limited terrestrial resource stores, Tuvalu has extremely low food and water security. 45. Tajikistan GDP per Capita (PPP): $5,292.78 In the country, the proportion of employed population living below the $1.90 purchasing power parity a day is 1.6% as of 2023. 44. Republic of Congo GDP per Capita (PPP): $5,155.01 The Republic of Congo is amongst the five poorest countries in the world, with more than 62% of the population living on less than $2.15 a day. 43. Myanmar GDP per Capita (PPP): $5,131.53 Myanmar is still reeling from the aftermath of the 1962 plan to nationalize all industries following the Burmese coup d'etat, turning the country is one of the poorest countries based on GDP per capita. 42. Nepal GDP per Capita (PPP): $5,100.70 One of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, more than 195 of Nepalis are multidimensionally poor across numerous indicators. 41. Sao Tome and Principe GDP per Capita (PPP): $4,873.93 Despite a GDP per capita of $4873.9, Sao Tome and Principe faces substantial socio-economic turbulence due to elevated poverty rates of 15.6%. 40. Marshall Islands GDP per Capita (PPP): $4,668.85 Due to rampant corruption and extremely low employment levels, the Marshall Islands make our list of the poorest countries based on GDP per capita. 39. Cameroon GDP per Capita (PPP): $4,664.93 More than 55% of the population of Cameroon lives significantly below the poverty line, and 37.7% are classified as severely impoverished. 38. Papua New Guinea GDP per Capita (PPP): 4,514.90 Although the country is regarded as a middle income country, Papua New Guinea has high levels of income inequality, leading to a low GDP per capita of $4154.9. 37. Senegal GDP per Capita (PPP): $4,514.90 Due to lack of employment and business opportunities in Senegal, the country records high levels of emigration and food insecurity. 36. Sudan GDP per Capita (PPP): $4,471.41 Conflicts, droughts, illiteracy, floods, and diseases are some of the factors contributing to the increased rates of poverty in Sudan. 35. Benin GDP per Capita (PPP): $4,299.87 Inequality in education and the rife political instability lead to widespread poverty and vulnerability of the country's population 34. Zambia GDP per Capita (PPP): $4,040.97 Due to geographical isolation and lack of technical knowledge amongst the population, poverty is rife in Zambia. 33. Micronesia GDP per Capita (PPP): $3,724.42 Micronesia has long suffered from subpar governance and a lack of commitment to structural reform, which continues to hinder economic development in the country. 32. Ethiopia GDP per Capita (PPP): $3,724.42 A high frequency of droughts lead to poor farming families relying on survival without food crops, hunger, and periodic famine. 31. Timor-Leste GDP per Capita (PPP): $3,637.30 Lack of access to water, political corruption, and climate degradation are major drivers behind the high rates of food and nutrition insecurity, and poverty in Timor 30. Tanzania GDP per Capita (PPP): $3,599.94 With 76% of Tanzania's population heavily reliant on rain-fed agriculture, the country is increasingly susceptible to economic shocks due to climate change. 29. Comoros GDP per Capita (PPP): $3,462.85 More than 45% of Comoros' population lives below the national poverty line, with an additional 44% facing either moderate or severe food insecurity. 28. Lesotho GDP per Capita (PPP): $3,250.99 More than 19.6% of Lesotho's population is multidimensionally poor, while an additional 27% has been declared to be vulnerable to multidimensional poverty. 27. Haiti GDP per Capita (PPP): $3,248.44 Haiti is the poorest country in Latin America with a poverty rate of more than 63%. 26. Uganda GDP per Capita (PPP): $3,224.40 Political instability, rampant corruption, and high levels of income inequality are central drivers to the rising poverty rate in Uganda. 25. Guinea GDP per Capita (PPP): $3,217.84 Due to rampant corruption, economic instability, and poor infrastructure, Guinea is one of the poorest countries based on GDP per capita. 24. Rwanda GDP per Capita (PPP): $3,090.46 The scarcity of arable land and a skyrocketing rate of population growth, coupled with political and social instability, are rapidly exacerbating the poverty rate in Rwanda. 23. Guinea-Bissau GDP per Capita (PPP): $3,071.89 Guinea-Bissau's documented history of political and institutional fragility has been detrimental to economic growth and poverty alleviation. 22. Vanuatu GDP per Capita (PPP): $3,001.32 Due to worsening climate change, Vanuatu's food security and resistance to cyclones and other disasters has taken a massive hit. 21. The Gambia GDP per Capita (PPP): $2,803.72 The Gambia faces multiple points of economic stress like climate change variability, depleted access to forage resources, consistent forest fires, and encroachment by crop cultivation. 20. Togo GDP per Capita (PPP): $2,754.40 Ranked one of the poorest countries based on GDP per capita by the IMF, development in Togo is undercut with rife political instability, depleted commodity prices, and unfavorable balance of payments. 19. Burkina Faso GDP per Capita (PPP): $2,726.22 Burkina Faso is a low-income Sahelian country with extremely limited natural resources, highly variable precipitation, low literacy rate, and non-functional economy. 18. Mali GDP per Capita (PPP): $2,655.72 With a poverty rate of more than 20%, Mali is also one of the world's poorest countries based on GDP per capita. 17. Zimbabwe GDP per Capita (PPP): $2,627.11 More than 6.6 million people in Zimbabwe were estimated to live in extreme poverty due to tough climate challenges and an unstable, non-functioning economic substructure. 16. Solomon Islands GDP per Capita (PPP): $2,414.13 The social and economic conditions in the Solomon Islands have deteriorated to a great extent. This is primarily due to corruption by political officials and lack of job opportunities. 15. Kiribati GDP per Capita (PPP): $2,381.39 More than 23% of Kiribati's population lives below the national poverty line, with unemployment rising to 12% as of 2023. 14. Eritrea GDP per Capita (PPP): $2,082.30 Based in East Africa, Eritrea has a staggering poverty rate of 40% which is expected to fall by a measly 13% by 2040. 13. Sierra Leone GDP per Capita (PPP): $2,082.30 More than 60% of the population of Sierra Leone has been described as living in abject, multidimensional poverty, while an additional 21.3% is considered vulnerable to multidimensional poverty in the coming years. 12. Yemen GDP per Capita (PPP): $2,042.22 Reeling from civil war, constant political turmoil, terrorism, and corruption, Yemen is one of the world's poorest countries based on GDP per capita. 11. Madagascar GDP per Capita (PPP): $1,916.37 Madagascar grapples with abject poverty due to a wide variety of reasons, ranging from change change variability, rampant deforestation, and a global surge in food prices. Madagascar is number 11 on our list of the poorest countries based on GDP per capita. Click here to continue reading and see 10 Poorest Countries Based on GDP Per Capita (2023 PPP). Suggested Articles: Disclosure: None. 50 Poorest Countries Based on GDP Per Capita (2023 PPP) is originally published on Insider Monkey. 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 A historic Broad Street property that's housed banks, law firms and a publicly traded real estate company over the past 134 years or so is back under local ownership in a deal totaling $6.2 million. An affiliate of EP Group purchased the 15,500-square-foot, three-and-a-half story building at 39 Broad St. for $5.58 million last week, according to public land records. The deal included an adjacent 16-space parking lot at 28 Elliott St., which sold for $620,000. The seller was Healthcare Realty Trust of Tennessee. The vacant commercial building is between East Bay and Church streets. It underwent a top-to-bottom renovation about eight years ago. EP Group, which said it invests in middle-market, U.S. based businesses and is based on Meeting Street, plans to take part of the newly acquired property. A spokesman said the privately held company is reviewing "a range of possible plans" for the rest of the space. We look forward to being the stewards of this building and remaining part of the vibrant downtown community," EP Group CEO Terry Hurley said in a written statement. The new owner and The Post and Courier were owned by the same parent company until September 2021, when both were spun off as standalone businesses. According to Historic Charleston Foundation, 39 Broad dates to the late 1800s with the "marked verticality" of its arched windows among its most distinctive architectural features. The builder was Charles Otto Witte, a wealthy German-born businessman and consul for various European nations who once lived at what's now the Ashley Hall school campus. The structure later became known as the Exchange Bank and Trust Co. building, named for an early tenant was established in 1891. Local archives show a law firm and Merchants' and Miners' Bank were operating at the same address a few years earlier. For its first Kwanzaa celebration, the International African American Museum is retelling traditional West African folk tales to explore the seven values of Kwanzaa. "Oftentimes within African folk tales there are those messages of unity, community, peace, love, finding your voice," said Julian Gooding, a documentary filmmaker and storyteller who will be leading the Kwanzaa sessions that start at 1 p.m. Dec. 26-29. Each day of Kwanzaa, a candle is lit to represent one of the seven values: umoja (unity), kujichagulia (self-determination), ujima (collective work and responsibility), ujamaa (cooperative economics), nia (purpose), kuumba (creativity) and imani (faith). The candles are placed in a Kinara, a seven-branched candleholder, with one black, three red and three green candles that represent the people, the struggle and the hope for the future. The African American and Pan-African holiday runs from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1. Kwanzaa was established during the Civil Rights Movement by activist Maulana Ron Karenga. The holiday began as a way for African Americans to feel connected to their heritage and history, especially when much of that was lost during the African diaspora, Gooding said. The holiday's values showcase African roots and traditions, said Brandon Reid, the public historian for the museum. They also appear in folk tales that have been passed down for generations. A folk tale is a form of storytelling that shares a moral lesson or valuable information, such as the story of a young girl becoming a queen, Gooding said. When the king decided to step down, there was no immediate family member to take his place. Instead, he said the first person to solve the riddle could become the next leader. The young girl paid attention, listened to the riddle and figured out the quickest way to solve it. While everyone doubted her ability, she ended up becoming the queen because of her wisdom. A 41-year-old passenger on a Royal Caribbean holiday cruise to the Bahamas fell into the Atlantic Ocean the evening of Dec. 23 about 100 miles off the coast of Charleston, triggering an aerial search by the Coast Guard. The service's North Carolina command center received a call at 7:17 p.m. about a passenger who had fallen overboard a cruise ship 127 miles east of Charleston, according to petty officer Vincent Moreno. The Coast Guard dispatched a rescue crew after 11 p.m. in a C-130 airplane from Elizabeth City, N.C., to search for the passenger. Another crew flying in a C-130 from Clearwater, Fla., will help relieve the crew and continue the search. Moreno said Christmas would not impact the crew's work. "Were just continuing to search. The Coast Guard never stops. The holidays dont affect our hours," he said. A spokesperson for Royal Caribbean Group confirmed a guest on its Vision of the Seas cruise ship went overboard Dec. 23. "The ship and crew immediately reported the incident to local authorities and launched a search and rescue mission," the spokesperson said. "Out of privacy for the guest and their family, we have no additional details to share." The passenger was aboard Royal Caribbean's "8 Night Bahamas & Perfect Day Holiday Cruise," which departed from Baltimore on Dec. 22, according to Jake Utzinger, a 21-year-old from New Jersey. Utzinger, a film student who is vacationing on the cruise with his girlfriend's family, told The Post and Courier he was lying in bed around 7:45 p.m. when he heard the captain announce over the speakers that a passenger had fallen overboard. "I instantly felt sick to my stomach knowing that one of our fellow travelers had been lost at sea," he said. Utzinger said he, his girlfriend and other passengers rushed to the pool deck to be "extra pairs of eyes" to aid the search effort. Crews stopped the ship, dropped a strobe lamp and unsuccessfully searched for the passenger for six hours. He said the ship resumed its trip around 2 a.m. 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 Sharbell Nexton LLC (Sharbell) announced a new tenant coming to the ground-floor retail space in Downtown Nexton. Ritas, the worlds largest Italian ice and frozen custard brand known for its Italian ice, frozen custard and signature frozen treats, is the latest to join the communitys grow Read moreSharbell Nexton LLC announces new retail partner 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 Christmas celebrations are in full swing but worth remembering that it wasnt that way in the Communist dictatorships of Eastern Europe. Romanias Nicolae Ceaucescu, for example, banned the holiday and bulldozed churches in Bucharest. Nicolae and wife Elena lived like royalty as the people lined up for the barest necessities. Midnight arrests, torture and assassination were common, and by the late 1980s the people werent going to take it anymore. In the city of Timisoara, Ceaucescus Securitate attacked pastor Laszlo Tokes for criticizing the regime, and on December 17, 1989, the people organized an anti-government demonstration. Ceausescu ordered police to fire on the crowds, killing nearly 100 protesters. Ceausescu gave a speech blaming anti-Romanian forces but the crowd only heckled the dictator. Mass protests broke out across the country and this time the military sided with the people. Ceausescu fled in a helicopter but the pilot forced a landing and soldiers took the couple into custody. Nicolae and Elena were swiftly tried for crimes against humanity and sentenced to death. Then on Christmas Day, elite troops led the pair toward an outdoor toilet block in a courtyard. Nicolae sang the Internationale while Elena screamed filth at a soldier, who hauled off and smashed her face. The troops stood the pair against a wall, set their AK-47s on full automatic, and fired. The persecutor, torturer and murderer was dead at last, touching off wild celebrations. Joyous Romanians openly celebrated Christmas for the first time in decades and the next year the nation held free elections. That was all good news, but Ceausescu is the only Communist dictator who got what he deserved. Josef Stalin, murderer of more than 20 million, died of a heart attack on March 5, 1953. The Great Helmsman Mao Zedong died peacefully on September 9, 1976, at the age of 82. Albanias Stalinist dictator Enver Hoxha, 76, died of complications from diabetes on April 11, 1985. Erich Honecker, Communist dictator of East Germany and builder of the Berlin Wall, died of cancer in Chile on May 29, 1994, at the age of 81. Khmer Rouge dictator Pol Pot, whose campaign of genocide took down nearly 2 million innocents, about 21 percent of the population, died in his sleep on April 15, 1998. Fidel Castro passed away peacefully on November 25, 2016, at the age of 90. These Stalinist vermin were all acting on principle. As F.A. Voigt explained in his masterful Unto Caesar, Marxism-Leninism is not a philosophy or even a theory. It is a secular religion and in power best understood as armed idolatry. Stalinist dictators want people to worship them, so they deploy the power of the state against any moral authority outside of the state. Christianity is a prime target, so banning Christmas was an easy call for Romanias Nicolae Ceaucescu. Every December 25, remember that Christmas when the Romanian people struck a long overdue blow for justice. andresr / iStock.com Celebrating a birthday while traveling can make the occasion extra special. From free drinks on the plane to desserts brought to your hotel room, some travel providers roll out the red carpet for birthdays more than others. Knowing where to find the best birthday freebies and discounts can help you plan an epic and economical birthday getaway. Vacation Season: 10 Essentials You Should Buy at Dollar Tree for Your Next Trip Read More: 3 Things You Must Do When Your Savings Reach $50,000 Southwest Airlines Southwest Airlines is known for celebrating various holidays and events with free premium drinks for travelers. Those flying on Thanksgiving, New Years Day, Valentines Day, or other occasions have reported receiving complimentary alcoholic beverages during the flight. The airline also commemorates its founding date of June 18. So, if your birthday falls around that date, choose Southwest for some potential complimentary cocktails at 30,000 feet! While there is no birthday policy and, therefore, no guarantees, its worth noting your birthday when booking or upon boarding to see if the flight crew surprises you. China Airlines Book flights with China Airlines during your birthday month, and you can take advantage of their birthday discount for a small price break. Sign up for this airlines free loyalty program, and youll be eligible for either 5% off economy tickets or 10% off business class fares for routes in certain parts of Asia. The amount might not seem like much, but saving any amount on birthday travel is worth celebrating! Alaska Airlines Alaska Airlines keeps the birthday love coming by emailing members unique promo codes worth around 5% off flights in the weeks surrounding your big day. The discount applies to both your ticket and a travel companion. If you and a friend want to celebrate together, you can save a bit on Alaskas affordable fares. Remember to qualify for Alaskas free guest rewards program first. Singapore Airlines Long-haul flights with Singapore Airlines can be a fantastic place to spend your birthday, thanks to their reputable onboard hospitality. Passengers with mid-flight birthdays may be treated to premium free alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, plus a celebratory cake from the crew! Make sure to alert Singapore Airlines to your special day during booking so theyll be prepared to roll out the red carpet. Story continues Marriott Hotels As part of the Marriott Bonvoy rewards program, some members have received a free nights stay to celebrate their birthday after meeting loyalty status qualifications. While that offer appears to be on hold for the time being, it always helps to have your birthday on file so that youll be eligible if and when similar promotions resume. Plus, paid stays during your birthday getaway will still count toward earning status, as just ten nights can gain you Silver status perks. Kimpton Hotels While not a guarantee, loyal guests of Kimpton boutique hotels who indicate they are celebrating a birthday often get special surprises. Past examples include balloons, flowers, or dessert delivered to their rooms! Call the hotel as your trip approaches to inform the staff about your birthday, and then see if you get spoiled with anything extra on your special stay. Disney Parks Disney has perfected birthday magic across their resorts worldwide, with all sorts of complimentary extras available as proof that its your big day. Start your day at Disney World or Disneyland by picking up a celebratory birthday button. That gives Disney cast members the cue to greet you cheerfully around each park. You may unlock special birthday promos at certain Disney hotels and restaurants when you wear your button. Keep your receipt and booking information handy, as some offers require proof of a valid ticket for that birthday date. From a free pretzel at Disneylands Wetzels Pretzels to a free Icee at Epcot, the Happiest Place on Earth makes birthdays feel magical. Tell People Its Your Birthday The above examples highlight how mentioning your birthday travel plans can pay off with freebies, treats, or discounts. So indicate if youll celebrate when booking flights or hotel stays. Pack some birthday flair, like hats or badges, to prompt airline attendants and hospitality staff to spread some cheer. One kind happy birthday from crew or bystanders will still make you smile during your trip! Make sure youre getting the lowest available fares for your birthday getaway by setting flight and hotel price alerts. That way, you can seize birthday deals and save some extra cash to splurge on fun experiences at your destination. With a little strategic planning, you will surely have the happiest birthday vacation ever! More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 7 Best Birthday Travel Ideas, Discounts and Freebies I thought Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman was an unfettered leftist. With his vocal support of Israel, however, I have to reassess. Fetterman is a better man a better man than I previously thought. He seems more in tune with old-school Democrats than with the throbbing heart of the current Democratic Party. Annie Karni collects quotes from Fetterman and Bernie bro progressives expressing their disapproval of him in the New York Times story Fetterman, Breaking With the Left on Israel, Rejects Progressive Label. Karni demonstrates that Fettermans support of Israel predates the recovery from the severe stroke he suffered days before the Democratic primary last year. His support for Israel is not merely symptomatic of his recovery. And his support for Israel cannot be written off as a function of Pennsylvania politics. His term runs another five years. By contrast, fellow Pennsylvania Democratic Senator Bob Casey is up for reelection next November and he remains a mute cipher on every issue known to man. Fetterman is perceptive within limits. This seems to me only half-right: What I have found out over the last couple years is that the right, and now the left, are hoping that I die. There are ones that are rooting for another blood clot. They have both now been wishing that I die. So far as I know, the right hasnt gone beyond supporting Oz versus Fetterman, a position that falls well short of a death wish. We faulted Fetterman for his class warfare, for his nondisclosure of the issues raised by his stroke, and for his slovenly disrespect of the office he holds. As for the progressive friends of Hamas, however, he seems to be right on, so to speak. I would contrast Fetterman with Republican isolationists such as Rand Paul, Thomas Massie, and Matt Gaetz. I would also throw in Vivek Ramaswamy and Tucker Carlson for good measure. On the issue of Israel the health of Fettermans brain is far superior to theirs. Harvard University has circled the wagons around President Claudine Gay, reportedly encouraged to do so by no less than Barack Obama. This despite the fact that Gay not only embarrassed the university with her inept and tone-deaf Congressional testimony, but has also been exposed as a serial plagiarist. And not only does the university seem unworried by Gays plagiarism, it has emerged that Harvard exonerated Gay before conducting a secret investigation that did not follow Harvards usual protocolsall while threatening the New York Post with a lawsuit to try to keep the story quiet. What accounts for this extraordinary loyalty to President Gay? In the Post, which has driven much of the Gay coverage, Benjamin Weingarten undertakes to explain why Obama thought the matter was important enough to weigh in on: Like laffaire Gay broadly, Obamas intervention should be seen as a major salvo in the broader war over diversity, equity and inclusion in Americas most influential institutions. Obama is making a play to protect the DEI regime itself a regime, already roiled by the backlash against wokeism and the Supreme Courts strike against affirmative action in schools, critical to maintaining political power. *** Claudine Gay, proudly touted as Harvards first black and second female president, has devoted much of her career to advancing DEI and led the creation of a sprawling DEI administrative state, injecting racist anti-racism and anti-equality equity into every aspect of the school. This parallels what Obamas progressive successors have done to the federal government under the Biden administration. *** If Claudine Gay were to fall, it could topple the entire house of cards the left, led by Barack Obama, helped build. To fire her would be to acknowledge the evil hatred of the West at DEIs core; admit DEI elevates politics over merit, given Gay has proven to be something of an academic fraud; and therefore delegitimize the movement as a whole given Gays and Harvards symbolic and substantive prominence in it. I think that is right, and I would add more regarding Harvards interests specifically. If you read Gays writings and transcripts of her speeches, she has made her purpose plain. Her mission, as she sees it, is to transform Harvard from an intellectual institution into an activist organization. She means for Harvard to be retooled as an explicit engine of left-wing change. And the Harvard Corporation is on board with this change. In fact, it is the very reason why Gay was hired as president. Gay, unlike prior Harvard presidents, is not a distinguished scholar. She has published only a handful of insignificant and unoriginal articles, and is of little note as an academic. This is why her plagiarism is not much of a concern to Harvards management. They didnt hire Gay to be a scholar, they hired her to be an activist. They believe, I think, that firing Gay would not just be admitting a personnel mistake. Rather, it would be seen as turning back on their commitment to replace intellectual inquiry with activism. They are dedicated to that transformation, and therefore will keep Gay on board long past the point where prudence would seem to dictate that they cut her loose. UPDATE: The Wall Street Journal has a good summary of how Harvard got into its present predicament, headlined As Pressure on Harvard President Increases, University Board Feels the Squeeze. In the wake of calls for the resignation of Harvard President Claudine Gay, a growing number of faculty members are turning their focus to the other 11 members of the powerful governing board that runs the school. Some faculty are calling for members of the Harvard Corporation, the universitys board, to resign or apologize and one professor has even floated to the governor of Massachusetts a new governance structure for the school that would give lawmakers the chance to appoint a board member to represent the public interest. Bill Ackman, the activist investor who has led criticism of Gays Congressional performance and the universitys tendency toward anti-Semitism, thinks he has a scoop. Lets hope he is right: I have heard from a source that is reliable but a step or two removed from the situation that the @Harvard Corporation has asked President Gay to resign and she has refused. Gay has apparently said that if she is fired, she will sue. Gay has retained her own counsel. I cant Bill Ackman (@BillAckman) December 24, 2023 The real question is not so much who occupies the presidents office, as it is the desire on the part of the Harvard Corporation, representing powerful forces within the institution, to transform Harvard into an activist organizationin effect, an arm of the left wing of the Democratic Party. If the Corporation does give Gay the boot, there is no shortage of DEI maniacs who could replace her. Will that happen, or will those who want Harvard to continue as a respected, if deeply flawed, intellectual institutiona group that no doubt includes many professorsbe able to use the opportunity to blunt the Corporations intended transformation? That, I think, is the real issue. And perhaps nothing will weaken the Corporations hand as much as the fact that applications for early admission are reportedly down by 17%. 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With a commitment to excellence and innovation, Speed Gold Investments empowers users to navigate the dynamic gold market with confidence and success.MEDIA DETAILS:Dan MundaySupport@ speedgoldinvestments.com Website: [ SpeedGoldInvestments.com]CAMBRIDGESHIRE , UNITED KINGDOM,SOURCE: SpeedGoldInvestments Movie Title: Breath of Life Running time: One hour 54 minutes Release Date: 15 December 2023 Producer: Eku Edewor Writer: Bodunrin Sasore Director: Bodunrin Sasore Cast: Chimezie Imo, Wale Ojo, Demola Adedoyin, Genoveva Umehh, Sam Dede, Bimbo Manuel, and Tina Mba. It is safe to say that in 2023, Nollywood had a string of exceptional releases, and one of the noteworthy films of the year is Breath of Life. As the year draws to a close, this faith-based tale set in the 1950s to 1960s and filmed in Ibadan, stands out in several ways. BB Sasore, the creative mind behind works such as Before 30, God is Calling, Banana Island Ghost and Breath of Life wrote and directed the film. Contributing to the films artistic direction is Kelechi Odu, recognised as the creative director for the production of La Femme Anjola. Breath of Life showcases meticulous attention to detail in its set design and costume. The narrative of Breath of Life revolves around a man grappling with a loss of purpose, only to find a transformative encounter with a young man that alters the course of his life and destiny. Plot The movie opens with a glimpse into the future, precisely in 2060, where a lady accompanies a man who uses a wheelchair as they solemnly observe a small graveyard. The narrator introduces Ayodele Timilehin Johnson, an extraordinary young man capable of holding his breath underwater for an astonishing 57 minutes and 18 seconds, defying the Guinness record. Timis journey is recounted, from his remarkable feats in England to his ordination as a reverend in the Church of England. Returning to Nigeria with his wife, Bridgette, whom he met at Cambridge, and their daughter, Allison, Timi finds joy in restoring a local church. However, his idyllic life shatters when the notorious terrorist group Baby Fire Gang kills Ajeronmi, a vocal man in the community, in broad daylight. Ajeronmi is a minor character in the film, as he features in one scene, where Baby Fire opened fire in a marketplace. But his character sets the tone for the climax of the storyline. PHe was pushing for the remnant of the colonial masters to leave. Unknown to him, Baby Fire is being used by these colonial elements to constitute a nuisance in the community. Despite the communitys reluctance to confront Baby Fire after the killing of Ajeronmi, Rev Timi, an eyewitness to the crime, bravely testifies against the gang leader. Corruption prevails as the court releases Baby Fire, leaving Rev Timi devastated. As he plans to relocate his family to Lagos, tragedy strikes when Baby Fire and his gang kidnap and immolate his wife and daughter before his eyes, setting them ablaze while he watches. Consumed by grief, Rev Timi seeks vengeance, killing Baby Fire and setting him ablaze. The minister who once asked, Who needs a gun when he has God?, is now forced to take a reverse view with the justification quote, Who needs God when he has a gun?. killed not only Baby Fire but also his faith in God. Rev Timis despair leads him to multiple failed suicide attempts. The narrative then shifts 35 years forward, introducing Elijah Odudu-Abasi Okon, a recent NYSC graduate aspiring to start his church. Unemployed and in need of funds, Elijah applies for a position as a housekeeper at Timis residence after the death of Timis butler, the only family member he had. The story explores the dynamics between Timi, an embittered former pastor who has lost faith, and Elijah, a young man seeking purpose. As Elijah steps into his new role, the question looms: how will he navigate the complexities of a household haunted by a past filled with tragedy and loss? What fate awaits him in the home of a once-devout pastor who has forsaken belief in God? Character analysis The film boasts an exceptional ensemble cast featuring seasoned Nollywood veterans alongside emerging talents. Chimezie Imo brings a delightful mix of warmth and authenticity to the character, Elijah, the humble young man who assumes the position of Timis housekeeper. Also, contributions from Genoveva Umeh, Ademola Adedoyin, and Eku Edewor in supporting roles add depth and dimension to the films narrative. The veteran presence of Sam Dede, Tina Mba, and Sambasa Nzeribe enriches the cinematic experience with their captivating performances. Imos portrayal of Elijah is impeccable, as the actor immerses himself fully into the character. From subtle mannerisms to depicting struggles with inhalers, timidity, and humility, Imos performance is a testament to his commitment to his craft. At 31 and a graduate of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Imo has had a remarkable year, featuring in acclaimed films such as Choke, Nimbe and The Wait. Wale Ojos interpretation of Timi is perfect, capturing the essence of the character through appearance, nuances, expressions of anger, pain, and subtle compassion. He skillfully portrays the layers of Timis personality, revealing the father beneath the exterior of a feared man. As the audience witnesses Timis journey and his challenges, a deeper understanding of his character emerges, showcasing the complexity that shapes who he has become. Movie Analysis Breath of Life stands out with an impressive interpretation of an impeccable story. The film injects fresh air into Nollywoods cinematic landscape, featuring remarkable in-water shots, vivid visual effects, and a captivating soundtrack. The solidity of the plot, the eloquence of the narrators English, the authenticity of the costumes, and the prowess of the cinematography collectively contribute to the films excellence, indeed a breath of life. Breath of Life weaves a mixture of emotions, seamlessly blending moments of laughter, sadness, and emotional satisfaction. Each scene is meticulously crafted, drawing the audience into the storys heart. Beyond its faith-based theme, the film is an actual work of art. While it starts at a deliberate pace, it gains momentum midway through, offering a dynamic blend of twists and action. While suspense isnt the primary element, the narrative intrigue adds an extra layer of fascination. Introducing a compelling subplot, the film employs an interesting narrative technique, with the narrator skillfully foreshadowing the storyline. This technique, often employed at the beginning of a story, enriches the audiences understanding and expectations. Elijah, the narrator, guides us through the narrative, unveiling the story of his father. The films strength lies in its authentic portrayal of Nigerian culture during the pre-colonial era. This authenticity comes to life through meticulous attention to detail in costumes, diverse casting, period-appropriate vehicles, furniture, artefacts, and scenic elements that communicate the historical context of the films setting. Vibrant cinematography and a compelling soundtrack elevate the immersive experience, transporting the audience to the heart of the African setting. As a faith-based film, Breath of Life delves into the nuanced concept of God, exploring the intricacies of emotions, particularly for those who have lost faith. The film also navigates the love story between Anna and Elijah, showcasing a seamless harmony between on-screen romance, soundtracks, and the chemistry between characters. Creatively deepening its narrative, Breath of Life seamlessly integrates faith without appearing preachy, ensuring accessibility for a broad audience. The screenplay skillfully tackles complex themes like forgiveness, hope, and the significance of community support during adversity. The film emphasises that faith is a journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth rather than a quick fix. While the deliberate pacing may test some viewers, it establishes a profound connection with the characters and their struggles. The films resolution is heartwarming and realistic, delivering a message of hope without relying on cliched tropes. While Breath of Life excels in its faith-based and inspirational storytelling, occasional pacing issues and predictable plot points may be perceived by seasoned viewers familiar with Nollywood conventions. Nonetheless, the film succeeds in leaving a lasting emotional impact and delivering a powerful message of resilience and faith. Themes Breath of Life intricately weaves themes that resonate deeply with the human experience, exploring the complexities of love, hard work, resilience, and the enduring presence of pain. The movie delves into the multifaceted nature of love, showcasing various dimensions of this powerful emotion. From the romantic love between Timi and his wife Bridgette to the familial love shared between Timi and his daughter Allison and even the budding love story between Elijah and Anna, the film explores how love can bring joy and fulfillment but also profound sorrow. Love becomes a driving force, motivating characters to confront adversity and find solace in the face of unimaginable pain. Hard work is a prevailing theme as Rev Timi returns to Nigeria and dedicates himself to fixing the local church. His commitment to his community symbolises the value of hard work in creating positive change. Elijahs journey, from a recent graduate struggling to find employment to becoming Timis housekeeper, reflects the resilience of hard work. The film underscores the idea that, even in the face of challenges, diligent effort can pave the way for transformation and growth. Also, resilience is a central theme as characters navigate through life-altering challenges. Rev Timis resilience is evident as he faces the loss of his family and seeks justice despite the threat from the Baby Fire Gang. Elijahs resilience is portrayed as he strives to build a new life, having experienced loss. The film depicts how resilience becomes a source of strength, enabling characters to endure pain, confront adversity, and, ultimately, forge ahead in their journeys. Pain permeates the narrative, underscoring the harsh realities of life. From the loss of loved ones to the betrayal of justice and the emotional turmoil that follows, characters grapple with profound pain. Rev Timi, in particular, experiences the depths of anguish as he witnesses the brutal demise of his wife and daughter. The film explores how pain, though a formidable adversary, catalyses personal growth, self-discovery, and, ultimately, redemption. Verdict Breath of Life scored 8/10, as the movies meticulous attention to detail in cinematography, costumes, and settings transports viewers to the storys heart. Breath of Life is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is a global health goal aimed at ensuring that, by 2030, all people have access to the essential health services they need without suffering financial hardship. While many African nations have made commitments to achieving UHC and have implemented various health policies and programmes, challenges persist. PREMIUM TIMES reporter, Nike Adebowale-Tambe, sat with Lolem Ngong, a global public health expert at the just concluded International Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA) to discuss Africas push to achieve UHC by 2030. Ms Ngong is also the Chief of Staff to the group of CEOs of Amref Health Africa. PT: What are the key challenges hampering the efforts of African countries in achieving Universal Health Coverage? Ngong: We only have seven years to attain Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the African region still has lots of work to do. In 2016, the World Health Organisation (WHO) announced the ambitious goal of attaining UHC by 2030 in support of the Sustainable Development Goals. To date, most of our African countries have made strong commitments/declarations on UHC, but very few have a clear strategy and have created the fiscal space necessary to reduce financial barriers to the attainment of UHC. We are far from our goal. On this continent of 54 countries, not even 25 per cent may attain UHC by 2030. Our continent is host to 17 per cent of the worlds population, yet we still account for 23 per cent of the global disease burden; only 48 per cent receive health services and access is not equitable. One of the major challenges in achieving UHC is health financing. The region has not been successful in creating the fiscal space necessary for our countries to increase their domestic resources to finance the attainment of UHC. UHC, at its core, relies on health financing which means that we have to be able to finance our health systems, finance our health workforce, finance our supply chain system, and also finance basic equipping of primary health facilities. Our Primary Health Care system is the first point of service. PHC services will not be strengthened by 2030 without adequate fiscal space. To date, majority of African countries are still reliant on external funding sources. The third challenge is conflict. Yes, we are not in conflict between countries on this continent but we are seeing a lot of conflicts within our countries. For example, poor health outcomes are aggravated in countries like Cameroon, a country with less than 25 million people, and internal conflict. It is nearly impossible to reach people with health services in conflict-ravaged countries. These political instabilities set back gains made in health such as service coverage and quality of care. PT: What strategies do you think are essential for strengthening healthcare systems in African countries to achieve universal health coverage? Ngong: Our African government has to take the creation of fiscal space seriously. We cannot constantly rely on external resources as this is not efficient or sustainable. Domestic financing for health has to be extremely intentional, so we have to make sure that we push the agenda on financing health in our various senates and other government decision-making bodies. And as we see climate changes, which will then impact health, it means we will have more demands on the health system. So the first thing is, creating a fiscal space that lessens reliance on external financing. The second solution is to make sure we bring health closer to the people. We should take advantage of technology how will we use technology to our advantage, how can we use digital health tools to close the gap in access to health? Are there innovative approaches to health delivery, other service delivery models, promotion of task-shifting, etc.? So I think the solution lies in using technology and innovative service delivery models to bring health closer to our communities. PT: How can technology be leveraged to improve healthcare infrastructure and services in the context of UHC in Africa? Ngong: When we talk about technology solutions, people think its very theoretical and it can be overwhelming. I would like to give two examples of how technology can enable the delivery of health services. Amref Health Africa, where I work, uses a mobile health solution called LEAP. Although we used this digital health tool before the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw its utility during the pandemic. LEAP is used to train community health workers using a mobile training approach. We used this during the pandemic to sensitise community health workers on COVID-19 how it spreads, key prevention messages, how to prevent it, and how to sensitise their communities. We have reached 3.5 million household members with the much-needed health education, basic first aid, nutrition, and referral services. Another example, in general, on use of digital health tools portable diagnostics machines that can detect several diseases using a single device. There are portable devices to measure blood pressure at home, sugar levels at home, home test kits for HIV, and COVID-19, and so on. These are all technology solutions that can be used now. PT: In what ways can the healthcare workforce be better equipped and expanded to meet the demands of a growing population while ensuring equity? Ngong: Curriculum development has been mentioned several times during the conference. We must train a fit-for-purpose health workforce, for current health needs and the future. Our training institutions must evolve to meet the demands of now and the future of health. A question that has been on my mind is whether our health training institutions, regardless of cadre, are responsive to the mean age of our population (which is 19 years). That should concern us. PT: What role do public-private partnerships play in promoting equitable access to healthcare in Africa? Ngong: Public Private Partnerships (PPP) play a very crucial role and will play a crucial role, particularly over the next 10-15 years as African countries try to build their domestic funding. The reason is that PPPs allow complementarity between public and private funds. Because we do not yet have adequate financing for UHC, we need to have creative funding approaches, for example, PPPs. Private funds or resources can then be leveraged as countries grow domestic resources. So I think PPPs are extremely important. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Halilu Sububu, one of the most feared terrorists in Nigerias North-west region, is diversifying his operations. Mr Sububu, a former gunrunner who mentored several notorious terrorists, commonly called bandits, in the North-west region, has set up a thriving illegal gold mining operation in the solid mineral-rich Bagega and other communities around Sumke forest in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State. Mr Sububu, originally from Sububu town in Maradun Local Government Area, moved to Anka to assume control of most of the mining sites in Sumke forest. That he could do this unchallenged in the fiercely territorial bandit region that rural North-west Nigeria has become shows how feared he is among other terrorists. PREMIUM TIMES investigation revealed that Mr Sububu set up a camp on the western side of Bagega and controls communities and all mining sites in the area. Though other terrorists operate illegal mining sites around the area, none is as lucrative and vast as Mr Sububus. An 18-year-old miner who has worked for Mr Sububu several times told PREMIUM TIMES in November that Mr Sububus gang routinely abduct villagers who are compelled to work at the mines. Were always forced to work. Sometimes they (terrorists) would just see you on your way (to mining sites), and then theyll drag and force you into the pits to mine gold for them. Worse still, what they give us is too little for what we do for them. Sometimes they give us neither money nor gold. Though illegal mining was rife in the mostly ungoverned area and the involvement of bandits in illegal mining is not new, before the arrival of Mr Sububu and his gangs, armed bandits were usually hired by locals to protect the mining sites. They were paid in gold or cash. But that arrangement has now become stale. Terrorists like Mr Sububu are no longer contented with providing protection. They have now taken over the running of the mines from the locals who are now forced to work for them usually without pay. Bandits decided to join mining to diversify, especially because most of the communities they (terrorists) target are no longer financially strong enough to pay ransom or levies. Its good to know that banditry has transformed from cattle rustling, abduction, kidnapping of school children, imposition of levies and tax to mining, Murtala Ahmad-Rufai, a researcher on banditry in the north, told PREMIUM TIMES. Mr Ahmad-Rufai, who authored Im A Bandit and teaches at the Usmanu Dan Fodiyo University, Sokoto, said terrorists in the areas are joining mining because it has become more profitable than kidnapping. The man Halilu Sububu Mr Sububu is not an ordinary bandit. He is the only terrorist in the North-west who is known to have close ties with French-speaking Jihadists in the Sahel region of West Africa (Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso and Senegal) it is believed his gunrunning business was successful because of his affiliation with Jihadists in the Sahel. In his first and only known interview with journalists, Mr Sububu addressed himself as the Leader of the terrorists operating on the northern flank. A family friend of Mr Sububu, whom PREMIUM TIMES spoke to on the phone in October, said the terrorist was born in 1986 as Halilu Jammare. His father, a Fulani herder, Jammare, was born in Jajjaye, a community near Sububu. He said Mr Sububus mother is from the Niger Republic and came to Nigeria with her grandfather through Maradi in the Niger Republic. She should have been around 11 or 12 years old when they came to Nigeria. The community leaders in Sububu gave them land to build a house. That was where Jammare saw her and they got married, the source told PREMIUM TIMES. Mr Sububus father died 25 years ago, according to the source. Mr Sububu did not become a bandit by accident. His father abandoned herding and allegedly became a robber. His father was a friend of a notorious thief in the area, Maa Jamamare. So, we were not surprised when Halilu became a bandit, the family source said. Halilu started stealing domestic animals when he was very young. He moved from stealing domestic animals and began armed robbery before he started gun-running. His connections with the Niger Republic were useful to his gun-running business. He later became close to Alhaji Shehu Rekep (a notorious gun-runner) who is also answerable to him. He has people buying and selling arms from Niger Republic, the source said. Mr Sububu has a vast network of gun-runners under his control and is believed to rent weapons to other terrorists operating in parts of the North-west such as Maradun, Shinkafi, Kaura Namoda, Zurmi, Bakura, Isa and Sabon Birni. He trained notorious terrorists Bello Turji, Lauwali Dodo, Ali Dan Oga, Chimo, Kwashen Garwa, and Haru among others. He is believed to have over 1,000 loyal fighters. He has three wives and several children. He stockpiles weapons, motorcycles and other valuables in his houses, especially in Sububu and Rudani. He also has hundreds of cattle and other domestic animals. Mining operations When we are taken to a pit, we share the tasks to ourselves and work on shifts, a 37-year-old miner told this reporter in October. A few days before the interview, he mined gold for Mr Sububu in Dan Kamfani, another gold-rich area in the state. We filled over 160 bags for him after three days of working. After the solos are brought outside, some people start grinding while others wash the sand to remove gold. Washing off one solo of sand gold can take two hours or more. Solo is the term artisanal miners in the area used to describe a 100kg bag filled with sand. When you are done doing that, one of Halilus men will give you your reward depending on their mood. Sometimes they give us one solo after getting ten solos for them, the miner said in the Hausa Language. He said Mr Sububu started paying miners a few months ago. Before then, he said, they were used as slaves. PREMIUM TIMES spoke to over 10 people including those who participated in mining activities for Mr Sububu or have knowledge of happenings in the area. Names of sources and their exact communities have been withheld for safety reasons. PREMIUM TIMES spoke to a family friend of Mr Sububu, six artisanal miners from different communities in Anka and Maru Local Governments who worked for Mr Sububu, two people who have worked in gold mines in the areas, two residents who are not miners and two researchers who provided more insights into the activities of terrorists and miners in the area. Three out of the six miners mentioned Kwanta Kwanta, Damar Manu, Dareta, Kwayakwas, Dan Kamfani, Mai Galma, Tungar Daji, Dawan Jiya, Bawar Daji and Gobirawa as the sites Mr Sububu controls. I worked for Halilu and other Fulanis (terrorists) in about ten mining sites since he came to this area, another miner, said. The first time I went to work for Halilu, he didnt give us anything when we finished working for him. But he has changed. What he does now is to gather all those who work for him and give them a percentage of what they get. The miners said Mr Sububu pays them with a bag of sand from the mines for processing 10 bags of sand from the mines. But he said sometimes, Mr Sububus fighters refuse to give miners anything even when he instructs them to do so. But it had not always been like that. In the first few months, he said, the terrorists would send a message to communities around, asking for professional miners to come and work for them. They also waylaid miners going to mining sites, temporarily abducting and forcing them to work for Mr Sububu after which theyre released. They would be assembled in an open field before the pits while Mr Sububus foot fighters count and address them. The rule was simple: put everything you get into the sack to avoid being killed. We were afraid because they (terrorists) would stand around with their guns waiting for us to finish, the miner said. He said his first mining job for Mr Sububu was in a mining pit in Dan Kamfani. He spoke to PREMIUM TIMES in October. We would finish and surrender everything to them. Sometimes the work took us several hours. They would not give us food or money or gold and because we were all afraid, none of us ever dare to steal anything. Terrorists in the North-west have on several occasions forced residents to work on their farmlands without payment. Sometimes they ask residents to work on their farms as payment for protection or before allowing residents to work on their farms. Forced to mine One popular miner from Dan Kamfani had a taste of Mr Sububus cruelty. He was said to be one of the finest and most successful illegal gold miners in the area until the arrival of Mr Sububu. Though he was conducting his activities far away from Mr Sububus stronghold, the miner felt it was better to stay low until the terrorist left the area. He left his community and moved to a settlement near Gargam, not far from Anka town, to avoid being forced to work for Mr Sububus miners. But it didnt take long before Mr Sububu found him. He was abducted and taken to a mine in Anka and made to work. They found me while I was returning from the site, he said via phone. They didnt even take me to Halilu once they established I was the one they were looking for, they asked me to invite my friends and get to work. First, they were forced to work around Dan Kamfani before moving to Kwayakwas and later to Dareta. For over four months, he said, he worked for Mr Sububu without pay. One day, they (terrorists) said Halilu had instructed them to start paying us after every workday. We dont know what happened or who convinced him, but we felt a sense of relief and though the payment is not good compared to what we do, its still better than not having anything at all. Now, were paid based on what we mine every day we work, the miner said. The 18-year-old miner from Anka town said the first time he encountered Mr Sububus fighters they came across as good people until he was abducted on a motorcycle after they found out he was a miner. They took him to a mining site around Dan Kamfani to work. At first, he protested and asked to know what he would be paid for working in the mines but he was threatened with death. He said he had no choice but to comply. Ive no option nobody has an option working there. Some people may tell you they like it since theyre getting something out of the gold but its all lies because who wants to work in a place where human life is not valued, he said. Terrorism financing A resident of Bagega, who worked for a prominent mining company in Anka town before bandits took over, said on average there are between 40 and 60 grams of pure gold in bags of sand dug from the pits. He said a gram of gold is sold for N52,000 at the local market. The expert miner from Dan Kamfani (who works for Mr Sububu) corroborated this but said a solo can contain more than 50 grams and can be sold at N70,000 or more or even less. It all depends on who you approach and how you present yourself. I used to sell my gold in Anka to people including Tarawa (white men or Arabs!). Three of the miners spoken to separately said they mine about 65 bags of sand daily. Its impossible to know how much he gets as in most cases we are not involved in bagging of the gold, another miner, a 42-year-old resident of a community near Dareta, said. Its in the millions. Its huge. There was a time he came to see us where we were mining for him in Dareta, while he was discussing with us he said if he had known mining was lucrative, he wouldnt have begun abducting people. PREMIUM TIMES spoke to this miner in November through a trusted ally of the miners. This miner said he had been working for the terrorist for 13 months. While he said the terrorist no longer forces miners to come and mine for him, he said it would be suicidal for anyone to withdraw their service. Well, since we too get something to spend from what he gives us, I believe its okay. But once youre here (working for the terrorists) you know you dont have any freedom. Its because weve no option than to come and work but once you come youll completely be at the mercy of the terrorists, he said when asked if he enjoyed working for Mr Sububu. PREMIUM TIMES was unable to establish how many grams of gold Mr Sububu gets after every work day as only his closest and most trusted lieutenants are allowed to gather the gold after grinding and washing off the sand. On 18 November, one of the miners told PREMIUM TIMES he was engaged in grinding and washing processes for Mr Sububu. It was rare because Mr Sububu hardly allowed those not living in his camp to wash off sand and dirt from the gold. Today, we got 270 grams of gold for Halilu after grinding and washing. But there are other solos yet to be touched (for grinding and washing). It could be a thousand grams by the time we finish washing it next week, he said. Miners said a gram of gold is sold between N40,000 to N50,000. Thus, the 270 grams stored for Mr Sububu on 18 November would be sold for approximately N13 million. When this reporter expressed doubt over the amount, one of the miners, an internally displaced person, said 270 grams are nothing to the terrorist. He insisted Mr Sububu would not have left his hometown, abandoning his kidnapping operation if he was not making a killing from mining. Only God knows how many grams Halilu gets from this place and other places, he said. The people Mr Sububu sells his gold and other minerals he gets from his illegal mining operation have yet to be identified. Some of the miners said he sold the gold and other minerals to merchants outside the country. Two researchers also corroborated what the miners said, noting Mr Sububus connection to international terrorists and the volume of gold he mines. One of the miners said Mr Sububu does not sell his gold in the area because it will be priced cheaply. All other miners PREMIUM TIMES asked said they didnt know about the buyers. But they mentioned one name: Buhari. He is believed to be Mr Sububus fixer when it comes to the gold business. Another name mentioned by residents of the area is Gaddafi, who crushes the dirt rocks from the mine before they are washed. PREMIUM TIMES made several efforts to speak with Messrs Sububu and Buhari to no avail. None of the miners spoken to seems to have access to Mr Buhari, who is said to be in his early 30s. The miners said he is shadowy and is only known by those close to Mr Sububu. He doesnt live in the camp but frequents the place. He only comes when there is so much gold to take away. I will not lie to you because I dont know how he does it but everyone around knows he is the one selling the gold. Ive seen him thrice. He mostly comes in the night and rarely sleeps in the camp, one of the miners said. Efforts to speak to Mr Gaddafi were unsuccessful. He did not respond to calls while miners and residents said they could not approach him to talk to this reporter. Shehu Rekep While Mr Sububu oversees the mining business, his top commander, Shehu Rekep, is placed in charge of his fighters. Due to the heavy security needed to transport the gold across the border, Mr Rekep is often put in charge of that operation. Another reason why Mr Rekep is made to supervise the transportation of the gold is that he was a gun-runner before he joined Mr Sububus gang. A miner said he heard, on several occasions, Mr Sububu discussing when kaya, which means stuff in the Hausa Language, would be taken to Mr Rekep. Whenever there are such discussions, he said, Mr Buhari would visit the camp to see Halilu. Basharu Guyawa, who researches activities of terrorists, especially in Sokoto East and Zamfara North, said the possibility of Mr Sububu trading his gold and other mineral resources in the Niger Republic and other francophone countries is high. Im not surprised (that Mr Sububu sells his gold internationally) because his group of fighters are now under Shehu Rekep in northern Zamfara State. The unofficial routes they use to get weapons from Niger Republic are still there for them to exploit, and you know Halilu and Shehu Rekep have done that for several years, Mr Guyawa, who heads Rundunar Adalci, a human rights organization in Sokoto State, said. Mr Ahmad-Rufai, the researcher and university teacher, said the possibility of Mr Sububu selling his gold in the international market is high due to his vast connections. He is connected internationally. Sometimes he takes his gold outside the country and its not every time that he sells the gold for money. Sometimes he gives the gold in exchange for weapons because he still maintains his armouries, he said. He said Mr Sububu is using the proceeds of his Illegal mining to buy or get more weapons to finance his terrorist activities by providing support and training to his fighters. PREMIUM TIMES gathered that communities have easier access to the Niger Republic due to porous borders in places like Tafkin Hili, Dan Ayagi, Take Tsaba and Daama all in Sabon Birni Local Government. There is Karhen Chana and Ruwa Wuri in Gudu Local Government, Kalmalu in Illela and Rahin Duma, Tambai and Duka Maje in Gada Local Government. The areas are all in Sokoto State. There are areas in Zamfara State from the Shinkafi and Zurmi local governments axis. They (Messrs Sububu and Rekep) have all used such routes to trade weapons before, they now use the same routes to trade gold, Mr Guyawa added. Weak enforcement aids illegal mining In Nigeria, the mining of solid minerals is regulated at least on paper. But in reality, the government pays scant attention to the mining of solid minerals. Artisanal and illegal mining, with little or zero government oversight, are rife across the country. Several bans on illegal mining, like the ones made by the immediate past President Muhammadu Buhari in 2021 and 2019, were not matched with actual enforcement and illegal miners have carried on business as usual with little or no consequences. The Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act stipulates the ownership of mineral resources, conditions for mining and/or exploration and others. Section 2 of the Act stated: All lands in which minerals have been found in commercial quantities shall, from the commencement of this Act be acquired by the Government of the Federation in accordance with the provisions of the Land Use Act, section (2) of The Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act states. Under a heading titled Prohibition of exploration or exploitation of minerals without authority, the Act said, No person shall search for or exploit mineral resources in Nigeria or divert or impound water for mining except as provided in this Act. Despite such laws, terrorists like Mr Sububu and other illegal miners continue to mine mineral resources in commercial quantities across the country. The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Ogbonnaya Orji, lamented the lack of transparency in the governance of solid minerals in the country. He also said insecurity and lack of regulation are some of the issues affecting the mining industry. There is a need for collaboration with security agencies and mining host communities to help curb insecurity in the mining sector. Because the activities of miners are not monitored or regulated by relevant authorities, they tend to operate without guidelines leading to environmental hazards. We need to accelerate our commitments to change the way we source minerals and metals, Mr Orji said during the 2023 West Africa Mining Host Communities Indaba Conference in Abuja. Multiple calls and messages including on WhatsApp to the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, for comments were not answered nor responded to. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print At the conclusion of the World Radiocommunications Conference (WRC) 2023, Nigeria joined the rest of the World to sign unto the Final Act WRC-23, which constitutes a record of the decisions taken at the conference. The Final Act WRC-23 comprises both the new and revised provisions of the Radio Regulations, an international treaty governing the use of the radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits. The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, represented Nigeria and was joined by the Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Aminu Maida and the Managing Director, Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NigComSat Ltd), Jane Egerton-Idehen. The WRC-2023 is a global, inter-governmental treaty conference which is held every three to four years by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations-affiliated international organisation for telecommunications. At the end of each conference, countries signed unto an updated Final Act, the outcome of agreements on agendas put forward by country administrations. According to a statement by the ITU, the agreement to the updated Radio Regulations identifies new spectrum resources to support technological innovation, deepen global connectivity, increase access to and equitable use of space-based radio resources, and enhance safety at sea, in the air, and on land. Among the decisions reached, the Conference also identified spectrum for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT), which will be crucial for expanding broadband connectivity and developing IMT mobile services, also known as 4G, 5G and, in the future, 6G. The conference also identified new frequencies for non-geostationary fixed-satellite service Earth Stations in Motion (ESIMs) that would provide high-speed broadband onboard aircraft, vessels, trains, and vehicles. These satellite services are also critical following disasters where local communication infrastructure is damaged or destroyed. Provisions were also included to protect ship and aircraft mobile service stations located in international airspace and waters from other stations within national territories. Nigerias delegation at the conference comprised seasoned engineers and experts in telecommunications and satellite regulations and governance from the Ministry, NCC, National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), NigComSat Ltd, National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), telecom operators and other practitioners from the telecommunications industry in Nigeria. Meanwhile, Mr Tijani, who led the Nigerian delegation at the WRC-23, thanked the delegation for their sacrifices which, he noted, were made for the collective benefit of the future of Nigeria. He also enjoined the Nigerian delegation to commence preparation for future conferences to ensure the preservation of the countrys interest by developing capacity through investments in extensive research and inter-agency collaboration. Also, during an engagement with the Nigerian delegation at the conference, Mr Maida commended the delegation for collaborating towards Nigerias best interest. He emphasised the conferences significant importance for Nigeria. According to him, the agreements reached at this years conference will provide valuable spectrum resources that will benefit the Commissions stakeholders, especially ordinary Nigerians by enhancing service quality and bridging the digital gap in rural areas. Additionally, the establishment of international standards for radiocommunications and the decisions made at the conference will impact the development and implementation of new technologies. These outcomes align with Nigerias overall objectives and the Honourable Ministers Strategic Plan for the Ministry particularly on expanding broadband connectivity, in harmony with the global transition to 5G and future 6G technologies, as well as improving quality of experience and providing equitable access to all Nigerians. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print President Bola Tinubu has admonished Nigerians, regardless of their faiths, to look out for one another during this festive season by showing acts of kindness. The president gave the admonition in a Christmas message he released on Sunday, which he personally signed. In the spirit of Christmas, reflecting the best of Christ, Mr Tinubu said, Let us all endeavour to extend the warm embrace of kindness to those around us who need it and let the multiple acts of kindness serve as a light that guides us into a happy and wonderful new year. Read the full message below: CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, HIS EXCELLENCY BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR. Fellow Nigerians, Christmas is a special time of the year for all of us. For Christians, this time of the year marks the birth of Jesus Christ and celebrates the hope and redemption that are the hallmarks of Christs life. For people of all faiths, this is an opportunity to enjoy the company of family, celebrate life, and delight in the gifts of love and friendship that make life worthwhile. This is also a time to look out for each other because, amidst the festivities, this time of year for many will be tinged with sadness: some mourning the loss of loved ones and others grieving the hopes that failed to materialise and the dreams that fell short. In the spirit of Christmas, reflecting the best of Christ, let us all endeavour to extend the warm embrace of kindness to those around us who need it and let the multiple acts of kindness serve as a light that guides us into a happy and wonderful new year. This year has been a time of transformation and relentless change in our country. And I am aware that the necessary reforms we are implementing to achieve a more prosperous, peaceful nation for all have imposed unique sacrifices. ALSO READ: Tinubu arrives Lagos for Christmas My administration will continue to implement palliative measures to ease the burden on the most vulnerable, address current hardships and alleviate the suffering of all our nations people. Fellow Nigerians, as we navigate this transition to stability, prosperity, and Renewed Hope, I urge you once more to hold fast and rest assured of my commitment to govern with vision, dedication, and empathy. Be confident that by the strength of our joint endeavour, we will shortly emerge into a new dawn of prosperity, peace, and irreversible progress. As you celebrate this season, please spare a moment of remembrance and prayer for the men and women of our nations armed forces, bearing arms in our names and ensuring our safety. My God protect them and bring them back to their families. And let us together commemorate the memory of those who, in their service, have paid the highest price for our nation. May God bless their souls and comfort their families and loved ones. Let the light of Christmas guide our paths as we bring this year to a close and usher in the new year. I wish you all a merry Christmas. BOLA AHMED TINUBU President, Federal Republic of Nigeria December 24, 2023 Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print President Bola Tinubu has appointed Michael Achimugu, an estranged aide of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, as a director at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). Ahead of the 2023 general elections, Mr Achimugu accused his former boss, Atiku, of corruption and gross financial impropriety. But he assumed office on Friday as the new NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, barely a week after Mr Tinubu approved the removal of all the directors of agencies in the aviation ministry amidst an ongoing effort to revamp the countrys aviation sector to ensure a safe and efficient air travel experience for Nigerians. Earlier on Thursday, the president had approved the appointment of new directors for five agencies under the ministry. Mr Achimugu made the list of the newly appointed directors of the NCAA, amid insinuations that he was compensated for going against his former principal, Atiku, during the last election. Background Ahead of the 2023 general elections, Mr Achimugu accused his former boss, Atiku, of using Special Purpose Vehicles (SPV) to commit financial fraud. In an interview with Television Continental (TVC), at the time, Mr Achimugu alleged that he was motivated to take on his former boss because he wanted to educate Nigerians and dissuade them from voting for Atiku as president. There are basically two reasons which I have repeated over and over on social media. First is that young persons like myself who served politicians will never again be taken for granted. Second, it is to warn Nigerians and educate them before the elections to prevent them from making the greatest mistake ever, he said. If Nigerians think that they have seen corruption before, let them wait until they make the mistake of voting the Atiku family into office. Mr Achimugus allegations prompted the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, who was the spokesperson of the APC presidential campaign council, to call for the arrest of Mr Atiku. READ ALSO: Tinubu sacks all directors in aviation ministry In a petition dated 16 January, the minister asked the anti-graft agencies to arrest the former vice president on offences of money laundering, breach of the Code of Conduct Act, conspiracy, and criminal breach of trust and misappropriation. According to Mr Keyamo at the time, the APC campaign was acting on the allegations made by Mr Achimugu, who claimed to be a former aide to the PDP candidate. Atiku lost to Mr Tinubu of the APC in the presidential election and the issues generated from the allegations have since fizzled out. On Saturday, Carol Adekotujo, NCAAs head of public relations, in a statement announced that Mr Achimugu has assumed office at the NCAA office in Abuja. Before his new appointment, Mr Achimugu served as the Special Assistant on Customer Relations and Special Assistant on Media to Mr Keyamo. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A former Minister of Petroleum, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has denied granting an interview in London recently where she allegedly indicted the current Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal. A newspaper had reported that the ex-minister, who served during former President Goodluck Jonathans administration, spoke with journalists in London during which she begged to be allowed to return home. Mrs Alison-Madueke left Nigeria in 2015 and has been in the United Kingdom (UK). She is facing corruption charges in Nigeria and the UK. She denies the charges. The purported London interview sparked diverse reactions with Mr Lawals allies saying the reports were to disparage him. The newspaper that reported the fake interview has since pulled down the story. An unverified screenshot has also been in circulation alleging that the EFCC amplified the controversial publication on its Instagram account. This newspaper has yet to independently verify the allegation. In a bid to confirm the veracity of the report, PREMIUM TIMES reached out to Mrs Alison-Madueke. The former petroleum minister, in an exclusive interview with PREMIUM TIMES, described the report as fake and concocted. I did not grant an interview to anyone and therefore did not say any of the things attributed to me. It is fake news concocted for reasons I do not know, Mrs Alison-Madueke told PREMIUM TIMES in the brief interview Saturday evening. In the earlier viral interview, Mrs Alison-Madueke was reported to have implored President Bola Tinubu to permit her to return to Nigeria to confess to her financial misconduct during her tenure. The newspaper reported that Mrs Alison-Madueke spoke to the press in London after a medical visit, and expressed her readiness to disclose details of the funds she allegedly misappropriated while in office. The newspaper quoted the former minister as saying, I am now a born-again Christian and currently grappling with the second stage of cancer, for which my United Kingdom-based physician has advised me to continue medication for the rest of my life. Yes, no one is flawless, but sometimes, God Almighty permits such occurrences. Ive been accused of financial misconduct during my tenure as the petroleum minister, and its true. However, I would like President Bola Tinubu and Nigerians to forgive me, allow me to return home, and contribute because life is transient Mrs Alison-Madueke, however, told PREMIUM TIMES that she did not grant the interview and that she did not say any of the things that were credited to her. In its reaction, the EFCC also denied authoring the post on its Instagram handle The spokesperson for the EFCC, Dele Oyewale, told THE PUNCH, The report is not from the EFCC. Anything that is not signed by me is not from us (the EFCC). Zamfara PDP reacts Despite the EFCC denying the Instagram post, the Zamfara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticised the anti-graft agency and demanded an apology. In a statement its Publicity Secretary, Abba Oando, the PDP said Mr Lawal was acquitted of all corruption charges by Nigerias Supreme Court on 12 March 2021. Mr Oando expressed disappointment with the EFCC for allegedly allowing fake news to be published on its platform. The Zamfara PDP argued that Pulling down the fake story is not sufficient. The anti-corruption body should issue a disclaimer and promptly apologise for this avoidable and costly unprofessionalism. The Federal High Court, Abuja, in January 2022, issued an arrest warrant against Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke over corruption charges against her. Earlier, on 4 December 2018, a judge of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Valentine Ashi (now deceased), ordered the EFCC, the Nigerian Police Force, the States Security Service (SSS), and all other security agencies to arrest her within 72 hours. Mrs Alison-Madueke, 63, is also facing bribery charges at a London court. She is alleged to have benefitted from at least 100,000 in cash, chauffeur-driven cars, flights on private jets, luxury holidays for her family, and the use of multiple London properties among others, by government contractors while she was minister. She was Nigerias petroleum minister between 2010 and 2015. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Hey, folks, welcome to Week in Review (WiR), TechCrunch's regular newsletter that recaps the top tech -- and tech-related -- stories over the past several days. With the holiday around the corner, this reporter expected a quieter week. But the opposite happened -- there's been no shortage of stories to write about. In this edition of WiR, we cover Comcast and Mr. Cooper customer data being stolen, electric scooter company Bird filing for bankruptcy, Adobe ending its Figma acquisition plans, and Apple being forced by the International Trade Commission (ITC) to halt sales of the Apple Watch. We also spotlight Nikola founder Trevor Milton's securities fraud sentencing, Microsoft's Copilot chatbot getting a music generation feature and Consumer Reports' impression of Tesla's Autopilot recall fix (spoiler: it's not good). Its a lot to get through, so we'll hop to it. But first, a reminder to sign up here to receive WiR in your inbox every Saturday if you havent already done so. Most read Hackers target Comcast: Comcast has confirmed that hackers exploiting a critical-rated security vulnerability accessed the sensitive information of almost 36 million Xfinity customers. The vulnerability, known as CitrixBleed, is found in Citrix networking devices often used by big corporations and has been under mass exploitation by malicious actors since August, Carly reports. Mr. Cooper under fire: In related news, hackers stole the sensitive personal information of over 14.6 million Mr. Cooper customers, Zack writes. The mortgage and loan giant confirmed that the criminals stole customer names, addresses, dates of birth and phone numbers, as well as Social Security numbers and bank account numbers. Adobe gives up: Adobes $20 billion mega-bid to buy rival Figma is now officially dead after the companies said this week that regulatory pushback in Europe caused them to end their acquisition plans. First announced in September last year, the deal was always going to attract regulatory scrutiny due to the size of the transaction and the fact that it took one of Adobes major rivals out of the picture, notes Paul. Story continues Apple halts Apple Watch sales: Apple has halted the sale of its Series 9 and Ultra 2 smartwatch following an October ruling by the ITC owing to a patent dispute with California-based med tech firm Masimo. The dispute is over the blood sensor monitor on the latest flagship Apple Watches; Apple is appealing the ITC's ruling. Nikola founder sentenced: Trevor Milton, the disgraced founder and former CEO of electric truck startup Nikola, was sentenced on Monday to four years in prison for securities fraud. Rebecca writes that the sentence caps off a multi-year saga that at one point sent Nikola stock soaring 83% only to come crashing down months later over accusations of fraud and canceled contracts. Copilot gets music writing skills: Microsofts AI-powered chatbot, Microsoft Copilot, can now compose songs thanks to an integration with generative AI (GenAI) music app Suno. Users can enter prompts into Copilot like "Create a pop song about adventures with your family" and have Suno, via a plug-in, bring their musical ideas to life. Tesla fix "insufficient": Following tests, Consumer Reports says Teslas fix for its Autopilot recall of over 2 million vehicles is insufficient. While the testing isnt comprehensive, Sean notes, it shows questions remain unanswered about Teslas approach to driver monitoring -- the tech at the heart of the recall. Bird files for bankruptcy: Bird has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, capping off a turbulent year for the electric scooter company. In a press release, Bird confirmed it had entered into a "financial restructuring process aimed at strengthening its balance sheet, with the company continuing to operate as normal in pursuit of long-term, sustainable growth." Audio Need some listening material while prepping a holiday dish -- or to tune out especially bothersome relatives? You're in luck -- TechCrunch's podcasts will fit the bill. On this week's Equity, the second of a two-part series looking back at 2023, the crew recapped the fall of Silicon Valley Bank, FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried's long and tedious trial and OpenAI's wild internal politicking. Meanwhile, Found focused on Charlie Hernandez and his journey of building My Pocket Lawyer, an online platform that's meant to democratize access to legal advice and guidance for those who might not be able to afford a lawyer. Hernandez talked about why he decided to put his law degree to use to tackle this problem. And Chain Reaction featured Staci Warden, the CEO of the Algorand Foundation, the organization behind the layer-1 blockchain Algorand. Algorand is a Singapore-based blockchain that aims to be fast, secure, decentralized and "the greenest" with its carbon-negative network. TechCrunch+ TC+ subscribers get access to in-depth commentary, analysis and surveys which you know if youre already a subscriber. If youre not, consider signing up. Here are a few highlights from this week: Etsy layoffs: Etsy recently announced that it would lay off 11% of its workforce -- which comes as no surprise to those closely following the e-commerce segment, Anna writes. "Junkification" and fierce competition paint a tough path ahead, she predicts. DEI backlash: Dom writes about the discouraging backlash against DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion), a framework to help create more conscious workplace initiatives to help marginalized communities, in the tech sector. Figma's rosy outlook: Anna writes about how, even without Adobe, things dont look all that bad for Figma. CB Insights estimates that the startup is still worth between $8.3 billion and $9 billion. Five kingmakers for the Soun of Ogbomoso throne in Oyo State have appealed against the decision of the state High Court nullifying the appointment of Oba Ghandi Olaoye as the 21st Soun of Ogbomoso. The stool of the Soun became vacant with the death of long-reigning Oba Jimoh Oyewumi on 12 December 2021 at the age of 95 years. Mr Oyewunmi was on the throne for 48 years. But the appointment of Mr Olaoye, a former pastor at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, by Governor Seyi Makinde has triggered a legal battle. One of the contestants for the Soun throne, Muhammed Kabir Olaoye, a prince, was dissatisfied with the selection process that led to Mr Olaoyes eventual ascendancy to the stool. The chairman of the Screening Committee for the Laoye ruling house in Ogbomoso, Abdulwahab Laoye, had earlier disowned Mr Olaoye, saying the family had not selected anybody to fill the vacant stool. However, the Oyo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Olusegun Olayiwola, insisted that Mr Olaoyes appointment followed the statutory processes. The Oyo State High Court at Ogbomoso had on 25 October set aside Governor Makindes appointment of Mr Olaoye as the new Soun of Ogbomoso. A stay of execution of the judgement was later granted by the judge, K.A Adedokun, paving the way for Mr Olaoyes inauguration as Soun of Ogbomoso by Governor Makinde on 20 December Appeal The appellants are S.O Otolorin, chairperson, kingmakers of Soun Chieftaincy; Salawu Ajadi, Jagun of Ogbomosoland; Tijani Abioye, Bara of Ogbomosoland; David Adeniran Ojo, Kolaba of Ogbomosoland; Yusuf Kasali Oladipupo, Abese of Ogbomoso kingmaker; and Mr Olaoye, the new Soun. The appellants listed Muhammed Kabir Olaoye, Governor Makinde, Oyo State Attorney-General, Oyo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ogbomoso North Local Government, the Traditional Council of Ogbomoso North, and Amos Olawole Olaoye, as respondents in the appeal. In the notice of appeal dated 30 November, and filed at the Court of Appeal in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, the appellants faulted the decision of the State High Court voiding Mr Olaoyes appointment as the new Soun of Ogbomoso. Grounds of appeal The appellants based their appeal on 15 grounds. They argued, among others, that the High Court was wrong to have assumed jurisdiction over the case when the claimant, Muhammed Kabir Olaoye, failed to explore internal complaint resolution mechanisms as stipulated in the Chiefs Law of Oyo State. Citing Section 20 of the law, the appellants said It is obligatory to refer any dispute regarding selection/appointment of a chief to the Governor of Oyo State. They contended that it was obligatory for Muhammed Kabir Olaoye who disputed the appointment of Oba Ghandi Olaoye into the stool of Soun Chieftaincy to refer his disagreement to the Governor of Oyo State for purposes of setting up an enquiry under the relevant law. The flagrant violation of the provisions of the Chiefs Law of Oyo State has deprived the Honourable Court of the requisite jurisdiction to entertain the claimants case and to grant any relief to him. In the appeal filed by Yusuf Ali, a law professor and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), the appellants further argued that the state chieftaincy law mandates an unsuccessful candidate wishing to challenge an appointment by the governor to make presentations to the governor in the prescribed manner within 21 days of the approval. Mr Ali pointed out that Muhammed Kabir Olaoye jettisoned the statutory provisions of the law when he prematurely filed the suit before the trial court. Also, Mr Yusuf contended that the judge, K.A Adedokun, truncated the appellants right to a fair hearing when he evaluated the evidence before him. The appellants said Mr Adedokuns decision on the dispute occasioned a miscarriage of justice when he overruled the courts earlier decision on the matter. The trial court has no power to sit on appeal on its own judgement. The decision of the trial court was a usurpation of the jurisdiction of the Court of Appeal. Mr Yusuf said the judge erred in law by placing reliance on non-existent fact and extraneous materials to reach its decision to enter judgement in favour of the claimant and thereby reached a conclusion which occasioned a grave miscarriage of justice against the appellants. Background While presenting the staff and instrument of office to Oba Ghandi Olaoye as the 21st Soun of Ogbomoso, Mr Makinde appealed to other contestants to the Soun throne to put the experience behind them and support the new king. In exercise of the power, I hereby confirm Oba Ghandi Olaoye Orumogege 111 as the 21st Soun of Ogbomoso land, Governor Makinde had said after presenting the paraphernalia of office to Mr Olaoye last week. The governor had advised the 62-year-old traditional ruler to prioritise unity in Ogbomosol and for development in the ancient town. However, a senior lawyer, Kola Alapinni, faulted the decision of Mr Makinde to swear in Oba Olaoye as the new Soun of Ogbomoso in defiance of an order of the state High Court nullifying the appointment to the throne. Mr Alapinni, who spoke with PREMIUM TIMES in early December, cautioned that it may also lead to ridicule for the traditional stool should the appellate court later affirm his removal from the throne. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Palestinians are ALL terrorists, sons of dogs. They must be exterminated, ALL of them killed. Bibi, given all this, you cannot but agree with me that both you, your political associates and your entire cabinet are indulging in nothing but hateful rhetoric and violent madness and, as leaders, it reduces you all to the unenviable level of some of the other monsters of world history like Genghis Khan, Atilla the Hun, Adolf Hitler, King Leopold II, Joseph Stalin and Pol Pot. My dear Prime Minister Binyamin Bibi Netanyahu, I trust this open letter meets you well despite the challenges that both you and your nation are presently facing. Let me begin by asking you to forgive me for communicating with you through this rather unorthodox medium but I have no other way of reaching you and I fear that a formal, private letter and communication to your office in Tel Aviv may never make it past your Chief of Staff or to your desk. Such is the gravity of unfolding events in the Middle East and your nation, Israel, that I am constrained to ensure that you hear some home truths, no matter how bitter, and I hope that your Ambassador to our country Nigeria, His Excellency Mr Micheal Freeman, alongside the numerous operatives, informants and spooks that you have planted here, will have the good sense, decency, foresight and courage to intimate you of its contents. Now to the point. Your Excellency, permit me to tell you that I have respect for your office but I have no respect for you. You are the greatest disaster that has befallen your nation since its establishment in 1948 and rather than refer to you as Prime Minister of Israel, I will henceforth refer to you as the butcher of our age and the child-slayer of Gaza. Your killing spree, genocidal binge, murderous disposition, blind rage and unconscionable desire to wipe out, ethnically cleanse and totally exterminate the entire Palestinian race has resulted in the mass murder of 26,000 innocent and defenceless Palestinans (which represents over 1 per cent of the entire population of Gaza), 97 journalists (including Samer Abu Daqqa of Al Jazeera, @AJEnglish) and three Israeli hostages (whilst they were shirtless, begging for help and waiving a white flag) in Gaza all in just two months! Of the 26,000 Palestinians who have been killed, 10,000 of them were children and 6,400 were women, whilst 20,000 of them were found above the rubble and 6,000 remain below it. 24,000 Palestinian children have lost one or both parents in the Israeli attacks, 18,000 have been injured with some in critical condition, and over 70 per cent of the people of Gaza are facing starvation. 300 Palestinian health workers, 134 staffers of the United Nations and a French Foreign Ministry official have been killed, whilst 1.9 million Gazans have been displaced, hundreds of thousands of them are without food, clean water and shelter, and 85 per cent of them have been forced to leave their homes. 288 Palestinians have been killed in the neighbouring occupied West Bank and 4,570 have been detained there since 7th October. Over 100,000 buildings have been destroyed in Gaza, thousands of refugees have been bombed and butchered in the refugee camps and a Palestinian woman and her daughter were targetted and shot dead in a Church by an Israeli sniper. The latter is a particularly despicable and heinous crime, which Pope Francis has described as an act of terrorism. 12,000 bombs and 40,000 TONS of bombs have been dropped on Gaza, and half of all its buildings have been totally destroyed, whilst the Israeli Airforce says it struck at least 12,000 targets across the besieged Palestinian territory BETWEEN 7 OCTOBER TO 1 NOVEMBER ALONE (only God knows how high the number is today), making it one of the most intense bombing campaigns in recent history. 71 per cent of Gazas population are suffering from acute hunger, 98 per cent are suffering from insufficient food consumption and 64 per cent eat grass, fruit and undercooked and expired food stuff to satisfy their hunger. As Christmas approaches, Bethlehem, the birthplace of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, is under siege and it appears you have decided to sacrifice and forsake the remaining 130 Israeli hostages that are still with Hamas. Of a truth, it is only those who do not have children who cannot feel the pain of the Palestinian people. Can you dispute the words of Dr Mustafa Barghouti, a former Minister of Information in the Palestinian Unity Government and a member of the Palestinian Legislative Council, when he said, no human being in Palestine has any value to Israel, whether Muslim or Christian. The whole world now knows how it treats Palestinians and why it is killing journalists that are reporting the truth. All we see in Gaza is death, blood, body fluids and innards spilt, pasted and spread all over the streets and buildings; human limbs that have been shattered, scattered and torn apart; tears, mayhem, carnage, barbarity, cold-blooded mass murder, genocide, ethnic cleansing, war crimes, crimes against humanity, unadulterated cruelty, unrelenting callousness, undiluted perfidy and the most graphic and extreme form of wickedness that has been unleashed against a defenceless and innocent civilian population, which comprises primarily women and children. You told the civilians to flee from Northern Gaza to Southern Gaza, where they would be safe. After over one million of them took you for your word and did so, you started bombing Southern Gaza as well, killing thousands of them in the process. You have killed more civilians in Gaza in two months than the Americans killed in their twenty years of occupation and waging war against the Taliban in Afghanistan! Even the mortuaries and cemeteries were not spared and the bodies of the dead were not allowed to rest in peace. Instead, they were bombed, blown apart, strewn all over the floor and burial grounds and desecrated. Under your leadership, Israel has become what the American commentator and presidential candidate, Mr Cent Uygar, has rightly described as a mass assasination factory. Tell me Bibi, with all this, how do you sleep at night? What horrors do you see and what nightmares do you experience when you close your eyes? How do you look at your wife and children first thing in the morning and pray to your God, with so much innocent blood on your hands? When will your chronic madness and psychotic, insatiable desire for the shedding of Palestinan blood be cured? When will your psychopathic obsession with vengeance and the crushing, subjugation, enslavement and elimination of the Palestinian people be abated? Your hearts desire is to totally and completely eliminate the Palestinian people, throw them into the dustbin of history, erase all memory of them, drive them into the desert, drown them in the sea, scatter them all over the nations of the earth, and engender and facilitate their total and complete extinction, all in a futile attempt to establish an ancient biblical Zionist state, which shares a border with Egypt in the South and Iran in the North, which considers the Jews to be the master race and the chosen people, which views others, including Muslims, Christians, Arabs, Africans and Asians as sub-human monkeys I choose to say the bitter truth that few dare to voice, and that truth is that you have lost touch with reality and you are not a leader but rather a bloodthirsty, bloodlusting, vengeful, hateful, venal, vicious, relentless, wicked, uncompromising and barbaric meglomaniac who is satanically-inspired and controlled by the demons of hell and the forces of darkness. That is why many call you Netanyahu to your face and Satanyahu behind your back. You have failed in all your military objectives in Gaza and other than slaughtering thousands of innocent women and children, and destroying infrastructures, you have achieved nothing but only confirmed your fascistic disposition and insane cruelty to the world. You refuse to see the advantage, the importance and the strategic and moral imperative of a lasting ceasefire, and you have rejected the laudable concept, noble vision and equitable objective of a two-state solution. Your hearts desire is to totally and completely eliminate the Palestinian people, throw them into the dustbin of history, erase all memory of them, drive them into the desert, drown them in the sea, scatter them all over the nations of the earth, and engender and facilitate their total and complete extinction, all in a futile attempt to establish an ancient biblical Zionist state, which shares a border with Egypt in the South and Iran in the North, which considers the Jews to be the master race and the chosen people, which views others, including Muslims, Christians, Arabs, Africans and Asians as sub-human monkeys who have no rights and that must be treated as nothing but field hands, canon fodder, slaves, servants, cheap labour, hewers of wood and drawers of water. Again, your hearts desire is to establish what your fellow Zionists have described as Greater Israel, to balkanise the Middle East and cause the Arabs to bend the knee to the evil Zionist apartheid State. Clearly, these are fanciful delusions and unattainable objectives, which shall never happen or ever come to pass. If the truth be told, you and those who think like you are nothing but a cancerous affliction on humanity. You are not the defender of Israel, as you often describe yourself, but a caricature of failure and hopelessness, a pitiful champion of the despicable, hateful and racist philosophy of Zionism and a blight to the Jewish people and state. You have brought nothing but opprobium, shame, notoriety and disgrace to your nation and by the time this war is over, you will be the most hated leader in the history of Israel and the most despised man in the world. You are not and have never been the champion of Israel but rather can best be described as the Butcher of our Age and the Child Slayer of Gaza. I hope that I have not hurt your feelings Bibi but the truth must be told and sometimes it is is painful? Permit me to share something that one of your most notable, loyal and dedicated Zionist compatriots, soul mates and spiritual acolytes posted on X the other day, which I believe reflects the contempt, moral depravity, disdain and hate that you and all those who think like you collectively harbour for all of us who do not share your Jewish faith, your Zionist views or your Israeli heritage. Dr Eli David, a highly respected and leading Israeli commentator, intellectual, researcher, lecturer, entrepreneur, investor, AI expert, co-founder of Deep Instincts Ltd, and a man that has been described as having one of the 100 most influential twitter accounts, and who is undoubtedly one of the most vocal and powerful pro-Israeli, pro-Zionist and pro-Jewish voices in the world, posted a video of thousands of Muslim women in full hijab and covered from head to toe whilst they were marching the streets of London. Under the video, he wrote the following words: This is not Islamabad . This is London . Good luck with your multiculturalism. His point is clearly understood. He is mocking the British and saying that their country has been taken over by Arab, Persian and Asian Muslims, all in the name of multiculturalism. What he conveniently failed to mention is the fact that the resounding success of British multiculturalism has been confirmed and affirmed by the fact that it now has a brown-skinned Hindu as Prime Minister, a brown-skinned Muslim as Mayor of London and a brown-skinned Muslim as leader, First Minister and Premier of Scotland. It also has a black-skinned Minister of Internal Affairs (Home Secretary) and up until recently had a black-skinned Minister of Foreign Affairs and a black-skinned Finance Minister (Chancellor of the Exchequer). Given this, should it really bother anyone if Muslim women are wearing hijabs whilst marching the streets of London? I think not! Those who erroneously believe that the UK ought to be and is indeed better off being an all white, all Christian nation, comprising of only white Anglo Saxon protestants, have clearly lost out and been proved wrong, and the UK itself is the better for it. My response to Eli, which I posted on his X thread, is worthy of being shared here and may interest you. Whatever the case, you have much to learn from it and you may come to appreciate the fact that those of us who do not share your Jewish faith, Zionist disposition and expansionist aspirations view you and those that have your racist mindset with as much contempt as you view us. I wrote, Frankly I think it is a beautiful thing that Muslim women are marching in their thousands in the streets of London in black hijabs and I believe that the UK is the better for it. As they say, variety is the spice of life and multiculturalism in the UK has come to stay. Perhaps, as some have mockingly suggested, London should now be refered to as Londonistan and frankly that would be great too. One thing that you cannot take from the Muslims is that, unlike others, they did not go to the UK or Europe and take the land by the force of arms, displacing the local population, subjugating and enslaving them and occupying their territory all in the name of their faith. That is, of course, precisely what your Jewish forefathers did. Given the fact that Her Excellency Mrs Tzipi Hotovely, your Ambassador to the United Kingdom, has finally confirmed our worst fears that the Zionist state has ruled out any possibility of a two-state solution, and given the fact that she has proclaimed that the Oslo Accords have failed and are no longer relevant, it is clear to me that the die is cast, Ceasar has crossed the Rubicorn and war is inevitable. In case you have forgotten, permit me to educate you a little about your own Jewish heritage and history. The reason that these Arab Muslims, whose culture and civilisation stretches back thousands of years more than those of the Europeans left the Middle East and came running to the UK and other parts of Europe and settled there is because, in collaboration with the Americans and the British after WW II, millions of white Caucasian European Jews were shipped in droves to a place called Palestine in the Middle East in 1948, where they displaced the local indigenous Palestinian population, stole and occupied their land, enslaved their people, claimed that they (the Jews) were Gods chosen ones and the master race, and established a new country and a paranoid, genocidal, racist apartheid Zionist state called Israel, where non-Jews, Arabs, Muslims, Christians and Palestinans had few rights and were treated like filth. They claimed that the land had been given to them by the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob from time immemorial and they may well be right but surely that does not confer on them the right to kill, maim and displace everyone else that they met on the land. They also claimed that they inhabited it 2,000 years ago before they were dispersed and scattered all over the world, and that they have now come back to claim and forcefully repossess it at the expense of all the Arabs and Palestinians that had been living there for those 2,000 years! Again they may be right but the question is whether this is equitable and just and whether, given the circumstances, it is even practical or possible. Coming back to the land that they believe they own is not the issue: the issue is their belief that they have the right to live there and own it EXCLUSIVELY and that EVERYONE ELSE must bow to them and accept the supremacy of their ethnic stock, race and faith. The whole thing, when looked at in this context, really does sound like a grade B Hollywood movie script, doesnt it? But amazingly it is all true and the narrative that I have enunciated here about the series of events and the mindset of the Zionists is a historical fact. Do you see who and what the problem is now? It seems safer and better for the average Arab or Muslim from Palestine and the Middle East, who has been displaced and robbed of his land, history, dignity, heritage and identity to run away from home and live in multicultural Londonistan or Europe, than to stay in the Middle East and be humiliated, insulted, disgraced, tormented, harassed, enslaved, denied, robbed and bombed to pieces by the non-Semetic Europeans and settlers who now call themselves Jews and Israelis, and who erroneously believe that Islam and Christianity are not of God. And, who have colonised and conquered their land, who refuse to accept the idea of a two-state solution, and who believe that they have a divine duty and mission to exterminate and wipe out the Palestinian people and establish what they have decribed as the biblical Greater Israel, whose territory would stretch from Egypt to Iran, covering the whole of the Middle East and the Arab Gulf states. I hope you have a clearer picture of the issues at stake now. If Israel had done the sensible thing and embraced the idea of a multi-ethnic multi-cultural and multi- religious state today, rather than insist on preserving and maintaining a racist, purist, fascist and supremacist one, it would have been a far greater and better place and would not be a threat to world peace and what can best be described as an endangered species. I hope that Eli and all your ultra nationalist, extremist, racist, Islamaphobic, anti-Christian, Zionist and right-wing supporters get my point. More importantly, I hope that you get the message and appreciate the fact that millions view you with as much disdain as you view others. To be remembered for being a callous and heartless butcher that delights in the mass murder and slaughter of women and children is not the best of legacies: it is indeed a curse. And to be labelled as the butcher of our age and the child killer of Gaza is indeed the worst misfortune that can befall any mortal. Posterity and history shall judge you harshly my friend Bibi, just wait and see. For the benefit of those who doubt your ultimate intention to conquer the entire Middle East, expand your nations borders well beyond our collective imagination and take it all, permit me to share the following. Your finance minister, Mr Bezalel Smotrich, recently delivered a speech behind a podium which displayed Greater Israel and during the course of that speech, he said some very interesting and provocative things. For those who do not know, Greater Israel encompasses the entirety of Palestine, the entirety of Jordan, and parts of Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, Turkey and Saudi Arabia. It is clear that you and your people have a hideous, expansionist hidden agenda and if not resisted, you will not stop at gobbling up just Palestine. In addition to that, your national heritage minister, Mr Amihay Eliyahu, recently said he believes that a nuclear bomb should be dropped on Gaza and that the Palestinians should either be driven into the desert, the sea or thrown out and scattered amongst the nations of the world at 25,000 Palestinans per nation. On his part, your Minister for National Security, Mr Itamar Ben-Gvir, said the only thing that should enter Gaza until all the hostages are released are hundreds of tons of explosives from the Israeli Air Force and not an ounce of humanitarian aid. He also distributed guns to the right wing and extremist Israeli settlers in the West Bank and urged them to kill as many Palestinians as possible. Clearly, your cabinet is filled with sociopaths, psychopaths and a good number of insane people who are suffering from serious mental health issues, and the sooner you kick them out and send them to a psychiatric hospital the better. In October you yourself said, There are no innocent people in the Gaza Strip. This is a struggle between the children of light and the children of darkness. You continued by saying, we are committed to completely eliminating this evil from the world. You must remember what Amalek has done to you says our Holy Bible and WE DO REMEMBER. 1 Samuel 15:3 says Now go and smite Amalek and utterly destroy all that they have and spare them not but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.' If this is not a call for and a statement of intent to commit genocide against an entire nation, then I do not know what is. Even the centrist president of your nation, Mr Isaac Herzog, who is, under normal circumstances, far more cerebral, restrained and level-headed than you are, dropped the ball and let himself down very badly by saying, It is an entire nation out there that is responsible for October 7th. This rhetoric about civilians not aware, not involved, its absolutely not true. They couldve risen up, they could have fought against that evil regime. The idea that you can wipe out such a movement and ideology by killing everyone in it and that espouses its philosophy, and by exterminating the Palestinian race and the notion that you can wipe out the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people for the right to exist and the right to self-determination, simply because you have the support of the Americans, is the greatest mistake and gravest error that the country you lead has made in its 75 year history. This is clearly yet another call for the collective punishment and extermination of the Palestinian people and not just the elimination of Hamas and that makes it not just a war crime or a crime against humanity but also the expression of an unlawful and wilful intention to commit the heinous crime of ethnic cleansing. Sadly, it does not stop there. Your agriculture minister, Mr Avi Dichter, told Israeli Channel 12 that the war would be Gazas Nakba, using the Arabic word for catastrophe that many use to describe the 1948 displacement of roughly 700,000 Palestinians, who were expelled from their land in what became Israel. He said, we are now rolling out the Gaza Nakba. From an operational point of view, there is no way to wage a war as the Israeli Army seeks to do in Gaza with masses of people between the tanks and the soldiers. Gaza Nakba 2023. Thats how it will end. Not to be outdone, Mr Danny Neumann, a former Knesset member and close political associate of yours, advocated for the extermination of every man, woman and child in Gaza. On national television he said, The Palestinians are ALL terrorists, sons of dogs. They must be exterminated, ALL of them killed. Bibi, given all this, you cannot but agree with me that both you, your political associates and your entire cabinet are indulging in nothing but hateful rhetoric and violent madness and, as leaders, it reduces you all to the unenviable level of some of the other monsters of world history like Genghis Khan, Atilla the Hun, Adolf Hitler, King Leopold II, Joseph Stalin and Pol Pot. At this juncture, permit me to share the moving words of Dr Omar Suleiman (@Omarsuleiman504) who is an Imam, an American Palestinian and the President of the Yaqeen Institute, and who wrote the following on X a few days ago: Thousands of children are dead. Thousands of children are under the rubble. Thousands of children are missing limbs. Thousands of children are missing parents. Thousands of children are fighting disease. Thousands of children are having surgeries performed on them without anesthesia. Thousands of children have been starved. Thousands of children have been bombed out of their homes. Every single child in Gaza has been forever traumatized. All of the above are war crimes. We can keep letting human rights organizations count them or we can finally hold them accountable. This is a timely, insightful and moving contribution from Omar and he has successfully reflected the minds and thoughts of millions of people from all over the world. If his heartfelt and compassionate submission does not prick your conscience, soften your heart and move you to tears, Binyamin, then nothing ever will and you are lost forever. Permit me to conclude with the following. Given the fact that Her Excellency Mrs Tzipi Hotovely, your Ambassador to the United Kingdom, has finally confirmed our worst fears that the Zionist state has ruled out any possibility of a two-state solution, and given the fact that she has proclaimed that the Oslo Accords have failed and are no longer relevant, it is clear to me that the die is cast, Ceasar has crossed the Rubicorn and war is inevitable. Of a truth, the attack on your nation by Hamas on 7th October, which sparked off this war was horrific and unacceptable and it has been rightly condemned by all right-thinking people, I inclusive. Yet, as barbaric and heinous as it was, it pales in comparison to what your forces are doing in Gaza today. Israel has the right to defend itself against Hamas but it does not have the right to target and slaughter innocent Palestinian civilians and ethnically cleanse an entire race! The extent of havoc and damage that you have unleashed on the Palestinians is unprecedented and mind-boggling and as a consequence of that, millions consider you and your IDF to be even worse and more barbaric than Hamas ever was. And sadly, it goes even further than that because, as inconceivable as it appears, your actions have turned Hamas into heroes in the eyes of millions of those who support the Palestinian cause. Simply put your lack of restraint, rage, folly and insistence on imposing a policy of collective punishment on the Palestinan people have made demons look like angels. The bitter truth that most of us refuse to acknowledge is the fact that, as a consequence of the genocide that has been unleashed on Gaza by your forces over the last two months, the Al Qassam Brigade, Hamas armed wing, is now viewed by the overwhelming majority of people in the Arab world as gallant warriors who dared to rise up against the oppressive and fascistic Zionist state and who, on 7th October, struck what they consider to be a deadly blow against a brutal and unrelenting occupying force and evil entity that has held their people in bondage for the last 75 years, stripped them of their dignity and humanity, robbed them of their identity, heritage and self-respect, stolen their land and destroyed their collective future. Even if the whole of Gaza is bombed into smithereens and totally flattened and every Palestinian man, woman and child is slaughtered by the IDF, the myth of Israeli invincibility has been proved to be fallacious and forever shattered, and the spiritual seed of resistance and defiance against the most cruel and brutal occupation in history has been planted in the heart of every Arab on the planet and they will continue the fight. To much of the world, Hamas is nothing but a bloodthirsty and callous terrorist organisation, but to the overwhelming majority of Arabs and Muslims, they are regarded as courageous freedom fighters who are resisting the evil of occupation and genocide and who are fighting a worthy cause. They view Hamas in precisely the same way that the black majority population in South Africa and the African continent viewed the ANC and its armed wing, Umkhonto We Sizwe (the Spear of the Nation) during the bitter struggle against apartheid and white minority rule. They view them in the same way that the world viewed the Allied Forces of America, the Soviet Union, the UK, France, Australia, Canada, Holland, Belgium, Poland and the rest of the civilised world in their bitter struggle against the tyranny and occupation forces of the Axis Powers of Nazi Germany, Japan and Italy during World War II. The idea that you can wipe out such a movement and ideology by killing everyone in it and that espouses its philosophy, and by exterminating the Palestinian race and the notion that you can wipe out the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people for the right to exist and the right to self-determination, simply because you have the support of the Americans, is the greatest mistake and gravest error that the country you lead has made in its 75 year history. There is no gainsaying that this mistake will cost you and your beloved nation dearly in the not too distant future. May the God of Heaven, the Ancient of Days, the Lord of Hosts and He that is more than able touch your stubborn heart and renew a right spirit within you before it is too late. Shalom. Femi Fani-Kayode, the Sadaukin Shinkafi and the Wakilin Doka Potiskum, is a lawyer, and former minister of Culture and Tourism, and Aviation of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Prosperity preachers are enemies of the cross of Christ. The prosperity gospel maintains that redemption in Christ Jesus is also redemption from financial poverty. This means every Christian is called to be rich in dollars and cents. If this were so, then one wonders why the disciples of Jesus all remained poor, and why Judas needed the 30 pieces of silver he was paid for betraying Jesus. Prosperity gospel appeals to the rich because it tells them they will become even richer. It appeals to the poor because it promises them that they will become rich. It appeals especially to pastors because it has proved to be an effective way to extort money out of gullible Christians by making them believe that if they give money to the church, God will financially enrich them. Commercial Impetus The prosperity gospel is also convenient for justifying the wealth of pastors who have become rich at the expense of their congregations. Thus, one of them declared unapologetically: Financial prosperity is just as much a part of the Gospel as anything else Im not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Im not ashamed of prosperity. Im not ashamed that Jesus bought and paid for me to be wealthy. Let me just tell you from the heart of God, preachers are supposed to be rich. The prosperity gospel is also lucrative for selling books. The Christian book market is full of get-rich-quick tipsters and one-minute-solution merchants, all offering 5 keys and 7 strategies for becoming millionaires. Thus, a famous American preacher maintains that: You can draw on heaven like a magnet. We do not have to wait until we get to heaven to get Gods blessings. Nows when we need them. Another big-time American pastor echoes these enticing words in a book entitled: Your Best Life Now. This has sold millions of copies and was number one on the New York Times bestseller list. The pastor tells Christians they can get their best life now, violating the night/day principle of the kingdom of God. In the kingdoms of men, the day precedes the night. But in the kingdom of God, the night precedes the day. (Genesis 1:5). The Bible says weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. (Psalm 30:5). But prosperity preachers would rather that joy comes first and then the weeping endures. Like the Prodigal Son in Jesus seminal parable, they say: I want my share of your estate now, instead of waiting until (I) die! (Luke 15:12). Suffering Gospel Paul prays that the eyes of our understanding may be enlightened so that we might know the hope of Gods calling. (Ephesians 1:18). To what exactly is the believer called in this world? The answer, as usual, is counterintuitive. We are called to suffer and not to prosper in the world. Peter says: What credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. For to this, you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps. (1 Peter 2:20-21). The gospel of the kingdom of God is not a prosperity gospel but a suffering gospel. Jesus gave us a fair warning: In the world, you will have tribulation. (John 16:33). They will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My names sake. (Matthew 24:9). That was also the message that Paul and Barnabas preached in their missionary journeys. They said: We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God. (Acts 14:22). The truth is that those who belong to Gods kingdom do not prosper in the world. On the contrary, the psalmist says: Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches. (Psalm 73:12). The godly only prosper spiritually in the kingdom of God. Moreover, since Gods ways are not the ways of men (Isaiah 55:8), Gods definition of prosperity is fundamentally different from that of men. The earthly prosperity of men is denominated in wealth, fame, and fortune. But these do not give glory to God. If they did, Jesus would have been one of the richest and most successful men while on earth. However, Jesus teaches that: What is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God. (Luke 16:15). The glory of God was revealed resplendently in the cross of Jesus Christ. Who would have thought that the God who created the world would be so gracious, merciful and humble as to make Himself of no reputation, come into the world in the likeness of men, and be obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross? Therefore, God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:9-11). Glory of God When Moses asked to see the glory of God at Mount Sinai, the Lord proclaimed it to him theoretically in a shadow: The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin. (Exodus 34:6-7). However, at Calvary, Jesus gave full substance and resonance to the glory of God by dying for the sins of mankind. In so doing, the shadow gave way to the substance. The practical replaced the theoretical. Gods exceeding mercy was displayed majestically and practically for all to see, to the praise of the glory of His grace. (Ephesians 1:6). Accordingly, Paul declares: As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the worlds interest in me has also died. (Galatians 6:14-15). If we have thereby been crucified with Christ to the world, how then can the gospel of the kingdom of God be about prospering in the world? Certainly not! Gain in the world can have nothing to do with godliness because we are warned: Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life is not of the Father but is of the world. (1 John 2:15-16). Sufferings of the Saints Indeed, nothing gives God as much glory as the suffering of His saints. When we go through affliction and, nevertheless, continue to praise God, rather than curse Him and die, we bring so much glory to God. We show that God is so precious to us that nothing can stop us from loving Him. We proclaim that even though we are killed all day long, no tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril, or sword can separate us from the love of God. (Romans 8:35-39). That is how Job glorified God. At the height of his affliction, he declared his continued trust in God, saying: Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him. (Job 13:15). For this reason, the psalmist declares: Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. (Psalm 116:15). For this reason, lovers of pleasure are unacceptable as lovers of God, for they deny the power of God and do not allow God to be glorified in their lives. (2 Timothy 3:4). This is what gave so much distinction to the men and women of the Hebrews Hall of Faith, of whom it was said that God was not ashamed to be called their God. (Hebrews 11:16). They were: tortured, refusing to turn from God in order to be set free. They placed their hope in a better life after the resurrection. Some were jeered at, and their backs were cut open with whips. Others were chained in prisons. Some died by stoning, some were sawed in half, and others were killed with the sword. Some went about wearing skins of sheep and goats, destitute and oppressed and mistreated. They were too good for this world, wandering over deserts and mountains, hiding in caves and holes in the ground. All these people earned a good reputation because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised. (Hebrews 11:35-38). Devilish Prosperity Prosperity earns nobody a place in Gods Hall of Faith. But suffering for Christs sake does. Jesus Himself proclaimed His poverty to one and all: Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head. (Matthew 8:20). So, where did our mercenary preachers get their fabled prosperity gospel from? It can only be from the pit of hell. Jesus says: It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. (Matthew 19:24). He told a rich man who came to ask Him what good thing he must do to inherit eternal life: If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me. (Matthew 19:21). He says furthermore: Whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple. (Luke 14:33). Prosperity preachers are: The enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame who set their mind on earthly things. (Philippians 3:18-19). Do not let them deceive you. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). Faribisala@yahoo.com; www.femiaribisala.com Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print After President Bola Tinubu intervened in the seismic crisis that rocked oil-rich Rivers State last week, one thing and two people unraveled. By their unraveling, pretentious veils were lifted off their faces. They were, the president himself, the nature of Nigerias presidential democracy and the governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara. Nigerians distrusted the piece of paper that emanated from the Tinubu intervention. To them, it reeked of the proverbial partiality of one entrusted with the task of deploying his or her teetch to share a piece of meat, in a notion described as the afeyin pinran. Let me break into granules who the Yoruba call an afeyinpinran. Whenever there is need for the equal halving of a piece of meat, the Yoruba are often suspicious of the human teeth as being able to dispense equitable justice. Their fear is that behind the massive frame of the mouth, meat justice, with the incisors as the gavel, often results in inequity, tyranny and cheating. In their resignation to this tyranny of the teeth, they say only God can judge the afeyinpinran. There is often a cache of assumptions in cases where the equitable justice of an afeyinpinran is sought. One is that they are older in stature and wisdom. Second, that they are assumed to be reputably impartial arbiters, and third, that the meat to be halved is beyond the oesophageal lust of the one to share the meat; that is, they are not greedy. But in most cases, the dental-judge, an alagata, is the arbiter who no one trusts. He is guilty, ab initio of hiding chunks of meat inside own mouth. This same Yoruba, in their extreme sense of empathy, reserve ample space in their hearts for one who is down. So they say, even if you are as unfeeling, uncaring and beyond bother as to be able to crush the ugly, meatless head of a tortoise with your teeth, you must wail on behalf of the mother who begot the person undergoing travails. Eni ba jori ahun, yio sedaro alabiamo they say. I mean, the matter of Governor Simnalayi Fubara of Rivers State and his abductors deserves our wails. Yes, Simnalayi has been abducted. No, there are no physical manacles around Sims feet and hands; yet, he is in chains. Or, forgive the disgusting epithets it evokes, but no pun or alliteration is intended, Sim is in deep shit. His situation can be compared to that of little Alice and her adventures in strange wonderland. In that famous and widely burnished 1865-written childrens book, Alices Adventures in Wonderland, authored by Lewis Carroll, a pot-pourri of fantastical tales and riddles are cobbled together to explain Alices dilemma. The young girl, Alice falls asleep in a meadow and begins to dream that she accompanied the white rabbit into its hole. In the hole, she encounters several wondrous, bizarre and illogical encounters with strange creatures which changed their sizes. Alice attends strange endless tea party in the company of the Mad Hatter as well. She then gets to the presence of the Queen who calls for the execution of almost everyone present. Later, the Queen ordered for Alice to be beheaded even in her presence. She then wakes up. In that Aso Rock resolution, Simnalayi was literally beheaded on the request of FCT Minister Wike. It reminds one of biblical Herod Antipas. Antipas had ordered the beheading of John the Baptist on the request of Herodias daughter. The head was subsequently placed on a platter. If you dont want to go that Alice or John the Baptist extreme to describe the Simnalayi fate in Aso Rock last week, think up the fable of Tortoise the trickster and the Squirrel. Justifying the need for the evocation of the Tortoise to explain contemporary phenomena, Alice, in the same Alice in Wonderland, had asked, Why did you call him Tortoise if he wasnt one? and the reply she got was, We called him Tortoise because he taught us. Tortoise teaches us that we have contemporary tricksters scattered in every plane of life, at the political, leadership, governmental and all existential levels. The wary enter their traps and some never return. So animals are deployed as metaphor for life, simply because in them is an embodiment of human potentials. They also mirror the vagueness and vagaries of life and the tensions that we encounter in the daily struggles while journeying to the top. Last week, perhaps assuming that the race for the jugular of Rivers State was a duel between gentlemen, Simnalayi was in Aso Rock, with Peter Odili, the states first Fourth Republic governor. It was a meeting most probably called by President Bola Tinubu. Rivers had fluctuated dangerously in the past couple of weeks, so much that if not tamed, the oil-rich state could implode and explode. In an act reminiscent of pressing the nukes, Simnalayi had ordered the demolition of the State House of Assembly while the 24 defecting lawmakers from the PDP, in cahoots with Wike, had begun to march Rivers towards the precipice. The resolution, which later turned out to be an autocratic military decree from Aso Rock has received scalding criticisms from Rivers people and Nigerians. Ijaw youths held a public protest against it while some of their leaders have threatened court action against Tinubu and Fubara. The general belief that originated therefrom was that the age-long Tortoise trickery was deployed to wangle the way for Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyensom Wikes continued Adolf Hitler hold on the oil-rich state. The tortoise trickery? So, one day, there was a contest for animal leadership kingdom in the forest. Tortoise and squirrel hit the finals of the contest. The ageless trickster, Tortoise put forward a suggestion of a race to determine who the rightful animal leader was. Other animals were astounded. Tortoise runs in a crawl and is reputed to be one of the most snailish of all animals. The Squirrel was in high spirit, persuaded he would win the race. The night preceding the race, however, wily Tortoise went to the proposed race track and decorated its strategic paths with noticeable palm-nuts. He also dug a hole beside the last track by a bush path, decked it with grasses and decorated the holes with palm-nuts. As all animals gathered the next day for the race, the two sprinters were invited. And the race begins. In a jiffy, the Squirrel sprinted off like a cheetah. However, at each stop where Tortoise decorated with palm-nuts, Squirrel stopped, looked sideways and not seeing Tortoise, assumed that he had enough time. He then began to feast on his favourite nuts. He stopped at every intersection the nuts were placed and when he got to the final one, he began to eat the palm-nuts and fell into the ditch. Struggling to wriggle self off the entanglements, by the time he came out, Tortoise had beaten him to the race and emerged winner. The slowest animal, Tortoise thus emerged the fastest and leader of the animals. The piece of paper claiming resolution of the crisis was audaciously one-sided. In one of the issues, while ordering lawmakers who had earlier defected to the APC to be recognised by the governor, it didnt ask the defected lawmakers to return to the political party under whose banner they secured membership of the House. Hitler couldnt have authored a more tyrannical verse. Chief David Briggs, member of the Rivers Elders Forum and former Rivers State Commissioner for Works, last week tremendously helped to unravel the nature of the Tinubu presidency that we will have to grapple with. In an interview, Briggs, who claimed to be present at the Villa reconciliation revealed that Fubara signed the resolution under veiled presidential threat and without a single input into it. I was there, so what I say is primary not secondary. We were invited for a meeting, but that was not a meeting. What happened is that Mr President walked in with a written resolution, addressed us and declared that what he had in his hand is a presidential proclamation, therefore he can whip. He emphasised the fact that he is the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and anybody who tends to say no to what he is saying, it has consequences. That in a simple lay mans word is a threat. He (Tinubu) wrote the resolution but refused to read it. He handed the resolution to Dr Peter Odili to read, Briggs said. Now, apart from his presidential powers, Tinubu possesses a Janus-faced political pedigree that makes him both wrong and the best person to be entrusted with the task of impartial arbitration of the Rivers conundrum. What seems to qualify him for the arbitration was that, Tinubus rising profile in Lagos politics was amplified by his rebellious elbowing and subsequent vanquishing of his Afenifere political godfathers in Lagos. The elders had thought they could hold a toll to him having made him governor. Again, when President Olusegun Obasanjo attempted to subjugate Lagos as one of the stools of his southwest fiefdom, Tinubu audaciously repelled his quest for conquest and made nonsense of Obasanjo and his presidential powers. With this pedigree of standing up to a self-imposed titular, it must have been expected that Tinubu would queue behind Fubara against the menacing principality of Wike. How come such thinking didnt factor in the fact that, conversely, having conquered godfatherism, Tinubu installed himself as the numero uno godfather of Lagos politics with dystopian consequences for the good of that state in generations to come. While the warring stakeholders sympathetic to Fubara felt that Tinubu was qualified to bring equitable justice to Rivers because he suffered the deleterious consequences of godfatherism, the Wike faction didnt think along that line. It must have encouraged Tinubu to use his incisors to halve the Rivers meat inequitably due to his recent past medallion as a Lagos godfather whose godfatherism tickles Wikes fancy. Didnt it occur to the Fubara group that the dalliance with the Rivers godfather may have a lot to do with the wealth of the oil-rich state and its link to the 2023 presidential campaign? To confirm how fatal it was to take the dispute before Tinubu as an afeyinpinran, the reported reply of the president when former Attorney-General of the State and Justice Commissioner, Adokiye Amiesimaka, allegedly confronted him with indubitable facts of his partiality speaks volume. Amiesimaka had reportedly asked him, Fubara should do this, he should do that. You (referring to the president) have not said what those 25 or 27 Assembly members that defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress without consulting their constituency and constituents should do. In the words of Briggs, Tinubus reaction was, Im the leader of the APC in Nigeria. And you are telling me when babies are born into my family I should ask them to go. Thus, it is obvious that the Rivers meat to be halved is not beyond the oesophageal desire of Tinubu, who incidentally was the one they took the meat before for sharing. Siminalayi has received tomes of incendiary comments on account of appending his signature to the Villa resolution. He has been called simpleton, lily-livered and cowardly. Briggs intervention has helped peer searchlight into the fact that, beyond the meek-like bespectacled visor of Tinubu lies the tendency to, like a deadly viper, spit cold-blooded poison of power that can meander into the heart and kill its victim. Anyone who thought that African wielders of power are democratic, off the klieg of cameras, is mistaken. In their closets, they constrict their preys like a viper and are reincarnates of Idi Amin Dada and Emperor Haile Selassie. Many African leaders are despots and tyrants, cloked with such totalitarian inclination by the raw powers at their disposal. They romance a one-party state like a dog coddles its puppy. This fact is corroborated by Tinubus reported reply to Amiesimeka in his babies allegory. I know of a Fourth Republic governor of Nigeria who Obasanjo rose against with orchestrated plan of impeachment simply because the governor was tape-recorded as calling the president senile old man. The rhetoric from Briggs speaks volume of how Tinubu could go down this despotic route. Briggs had asked in the interview, If you were in the position of the governor, what will you do? Get up and go? Say no to Mr President with that kind of subtle but energetic threat? This is why, as I said earlier, even if you are as unfeeling, uncaring and beyond bother as to be able to crush the ugly, meatless head of a tortoise with your teeth, you must wail on behalf of the mother who begot Siminalayi Fubara. In his agreement to be placeholder for Wike as third term governor of Rivers, Fubara has found himself in the belly of the whale. What he obviously wont be able to confess to the people of Rivers is that he had the pre-governorship agreement to keep Wike belching behind the till of Rivers and ensure his hold on the levers of power even while in Abuja. Only a fool would continue the perpetuation of this slavish status-quo. Those who subscribe to the Wike ladder theory are those who encourage despots to grow out of the ashes of governorship succession system. A couple of weeks ago, apparently upbraiding Fubara, Wike had asked those who climbed up by the leader not to break it. Their eyes permanently fixated on the bolts of the maggoty wardrobes they left behind in the Government House and which are fastened securely to avoid spillage to the eyes of the public, governors would always skew their succession in favour of their placeholders. They look for the most pliable person as successor to do their dirty deal. For the sake of the states, we must encourage the rebellion of these placeholders against their governor taskmasters. Not doing this will ensure that the resources of Nigerian states would continually be siphoned into the greedy purses of governors predecessors. What Tinubu did last Monday by that veiled threat to Siminalayi was to brusquely assist in the return of oil-rich Rivers to the insatiable pocket of his consort. When President Tinubu on Friday at the Surulere Ansar-Ud-Deen mosque promised to be fair to all Nigerians, the Briggs revelation should nudge us to ask if that fairness has same colour as the Fubara afeyinpinran fairness. The reality of that Briggs revelation is that we should prepare for the dystopia to come in Nigeria. Those who shout On your mandate we stand should also prepare to stand on the wings of the Fubara treatment to come. Festus Adedayo is an Ibadan-based journalist. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print State documented accounts of viewers of this opening ceremony confirmed that well over 2.5 billion people across the world saw the word eternity at the same time. He had no church members. He had no business investment. He had no sponsors. He only had a brush and a bucket of paint, which he struggled to fund in a 35 year one-word-ministry. But the simple faithfulness of the man with a one word ministry impacted more than 2.5 billion people in a single day. Arthur Stace was an Australian soldier born into poverty in 1885 and raised by a family of alcoholics, but on the night of 6 August, 1930, he got born again. Two years later, Arthur Stace was in a church when his pastor, John C. Ridley, preached from Isaiah 57:15. Eternity, eternity, shouted John Ridley. I wish that I could sound or shout that word to everyone in the streets of Sydney. Arthur was seized by those words. He rose from that church service with a mandate from God to actualise his pastors dreams by telling everyone in his city about the certainty of eternity. His method, by the wisdom of God, was to write the word eternity in visible places across the city of Sydney. There was no budget. There were neither tithes nor offerings. He had no business investment anywhere. But the Lord gave him a unique wisdom to start actualising his mandate by writing the word eternity across visible locations in the city of Sydney in Australia. Arthur Stace got himself a brush and a bucket of paint, and began to write the word eternity across walkways and pedestrian paths in different neighbourhoods in Sydney. He would wake up very early in the morning, before anyone was awake, and walk miles, writing the word eternity across pavements, walkways, and pedestrian paths. Who is this graffiti preacher?, asked Australians for several years. His work remained a mystery as he caused thousands of Australians to ponder the word eternity as they went to work each morning. History records that Arthur Stace must have written the word eternity more than 500,000 times over a period of 35 years, on pavements and sidewalks. Arthur did not seek fame. He did not seek attention. He did not compete with other pastors. He did not pursue money. There were no social media influencers at that time. But through pain and an incredible life of sacrifice, he remained faithful to heavens mandate. It wasnt until 1956 that people knew this mystery graffiti preacher. Arthur Stace died in 1967 at the age of 82, but his works have outlived him. He is widely referred to as Mr Eternity: The man with a one-word ministry. By the time he died, he had impacted millions of Australians. As a mark of honour to him, a famous Australian artist engraved his message, eternity in a museum. However, unknown to Arthur Stace, he had also written the word eternity at a spot in Sydney Centre Square, a prominent spot in the famous part of the city. Years later, the Australian government emblazoned this word, eternity, at the same location as a mark of honour for this mans commitment to the gospel, effectively securing this message for generations. For reasons unknown to anyone, but which could only be attributed to divine providence, Australia won the rights to host the year 2000 Olympics, and the Sydney Centre Square was chosen for the opening ceremony. Friends, money is very important tool for advancing the gospel. We all need it to fulfil destiny, and particularly our ministries if we are called into ministry, but not at the expense of our integrity and faithfulness to God. How we raise money and what we do with the money have continued to shape the quality of our integrity as a church. History has repeatedly shown us that most of the ministries that shaped the world with incredible and lasting results were led by men who neither pursued money nor were controlled by money That was the same location where Arthur Staces message of eternity was boldly engraved, and as God had arranged things, satellites and cameras from across the globe beamed at the Square, capturing the exact spot where Arthur Stace had written the word eternity. State documented accounts of viewers of this opening ceremony confirmed that well over 2.5 billion people across the world saw the word eternity at the same time. He had no church members. He had no business investment. He had no sponsors. He only had a brush and a bucket of paint, which he struggled to fund in a 35 year one-word-ministry. But the simple faithfulness of the man with a one word ministry impacted more than 2.5 billion people in a single day. Friends, money is very important tool for advancing the gospel. We all need it to fulfil destiny, and particularly our ministries if we are called into ministry, but not at the expense of our integrity and faithfulness to God. How we raise money and what we do with the money have continued to shape the quality of our integrity as a church. History has repeatedly shown us that most of the ministries that shaped the world with incredible and lasting results were led by men who neither pursued money nor were controlled by money, but were unrepentantly faithful to God. Such were David Livingstone, Adoniram Judson, Smith Wigglesworth, Reinhard Bonnke, Ayo Babalola, S.G Elton, Billy Graham and a host of several others across the globe. These individuals changed the world for God and did not trade their integrity for materialism. History has also shown us that ministries that are led by founders who actively or passively merchandised the gospel by pursuing money, living for money, preaching for money, and serving for money never last. They may blossom while the founders are alive. Its only a matter of time until such ministries fade away after the founders death. You cant fully estimate the impact of the simple things you are faithfully doing for God. Dont find money at any cost to go global. Maybe God wants you to stay local. Every pastor will not have branches in twenty countries. Just stay faithful with what youre doing and avoid the lust and pressure of success at the expense of your faithfulness. The evangelist who led Reinhard Bonnke to Christ had less than 100 people in that meeting. I am too sure that there will be many Arthur Staces in heaven unknown on earth, but who would make heavens star studded list of faithful men and women. Merry Christmas to you and your family. Ayo Akerele, a leadership and system development strategist, and minister of the word, writes from Canada and can be reached through ayoakerele2012@gmail.com. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Former governor of Niger state and the chairman of the Sardauna Memorial Foundation, Babangida Aliyu has commended Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State for his impressive leadership style in the state. Mr Aliyu during a visit to the governor on Saturday in Kaduna, said Mr Sanis all-inclusive leadership style without inflicting hardship on the people deserves commendations. The former governor led a high-powered delegation from the Sardauna Memorial Foundation on a visit to Governor Sani at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna to offer their condolences following the tragic incident in Tudun Biri, Community, Igabi Local Government Area. Mr Aliyu also applauded the governor for the successful implementation of development projects in Kaduna state. He said it was noteworthy that the projects were being executed without causing hardships for the residents, despite the challenging economic conditions. Mr Aliyu stated further: I must commend Governor Sani for allocating 100 hectares of land for the Arewa Unity University project, in which the Sardauna Memorial Foundation is actively involved. This allocation is seen as a significant step towards the overall development of the region. In his response, Mr Sani expressed his deep appreciation for the commendable efforts of the Sardauna Memorial Foundation, particularly in the crucial field of education. He drew their attention to the alarming number of out-of-school children in the northern region and stressed the commitment of Northern governors to tackling the pressing issue and working towards reducing the levels of illiteracy in the region. He reiterated that his administration was anchored on seven pillars, namely Safety and Security; Upgrade of Infrastructure; Strengthening Institutions; Trade and Investment; Agriculture; Investment in Human Capital and Nurturing Citizens Engagement. Through Governor Sanis people-centric governance style, the Kaduna State 2024 Appropriation Bill, amounting to N458.3 billion, has been successfully passed and signed into law following its presentation to the Kaduna State House of Assembly. The 2024 budget tagged Rural Transformation for Inclusive Development was designed to bring development closer to the people of Kaduna State and bridge the gap between the rural and urban areas. It was also tailored to revitalize rural economies, promote social inclusion, address the gaps in infrastructure and human capital, boost agriculture and food security, and make Kaduna State safe and secure for citizens and businesses. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The paramount leader of the Atyap Chiefdom, the Agwan Atyap, HRH, Sir Dominic Yahaya has commended Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State for his inclusive policies and programmes to develop the states rural communities. The commendation came during Governor Sanis visit to the Atyap Chiefdom on Saturday for the groundbreaking ceremony of the construction of a Vocational and Technology Skills Acquisition City in Samarun Kataf as well as the groundbreaking for the construction of a feeder road linking Takjey to Mayayet all located in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of the state. Said the Agwan Atyap: Your visit to our Chiefdom is historic and we will live to remember this day. We remain grateful and will continue to support all programmes and projects by the Kaduna State Government. Your presence here is a confirmation of your commitment to transform the rural areas of this state. We are particularly grateful for both projects. The new feeder road will serve many communities along its route, as it will enable the smooth transportation of our farm produce from the hinterland to other parts of Kaduna state and Nigeria. And the groundbreaking of the Skills Acquisition centre at Samarun Kataf will greatly assist our youth and reduce adolescent delinquency in the Chiefdom and the state at large. To show our appreciation and as a pledge of our loyalty and support to all your programmes and activities as Governor of Kaduna State, we hereby confer His Excellency with the traditional title of A Chad Atyap or Mai Kaunar Kasar Nan added the Agwan Atyap. The Kaduna State Vocational and Technology Skills Acquisition City (KAD-VTSAC) Project is a vocational and technology skills hub, an initiative of the Governor Uba Sani-led administration, created to ensure that people from all walks of life are empowered with critical skills to function in the technology-driven, globally-competitive environment of today and the future. KAD-VTSAC has as its mandate to prepare all youths in the state to enter the job market with the right skills, quality education, knowledge and competencies to participate in the global labour market of the twenty-first century. Recently, the groundbreaking was done for a similar skill acquisition centre in Rigachikun, Igabi Local Government Government Area and a third centre is also to be constructed at Soba LGA. Governor Sani has continued to receive commendations for his inclusive leadership style of siting projects equally across all the senatorial zones of the state. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Nigeria Police Service Commission has honoured Lawrence Oloche (MON), the Managing Director/CEO of Promiseland Estate with the Prestigious Award for Philanthropy in the Police. Mr Oloche, alongside other prominent Nigerians, bagged the award during the week at the 2023 edition of the PSC Annual Awards held in Abuja. According to the commission, Mr Oloche bagged the award for his tireless support for the police force. It was revealed that Mr Oloche had in the past built, renovated and donated several projects to the Nigeria Police, including the Mopol unit, Nyanya, Abuja. Presenting the award to Mr Oloche, the Chairman of PSC, IGP Solomon Arase, (rtd),lauded him for his support for the service as well as service to humanity. Mr Arase urged other Nigerians to emulate Mr Oloche and other awardees to support the police force for better security of the society. He called on the awardee not to relent on his oars but continue to offer support and help the society in making policing more effective as the government alone cant do it. Speaking shortly after receiving the award, Mr Oloche thanked the commission for the honour and promised to do more. He said the award will spur him to do more and called on other good spirited Nigerians to support the commission and the Nigeria Police at large. Mr Oloche, the CEO of one of the fastest growing realtors in the country, Promiseland Estate, dedicated the award to God and the staff of the Promiseland Estate for their support. Promiseland Estate has a mission to move people from poverty to prosperity through real estate investment. It also has a mission to build 100,000 homes in the next ten (10) years and to provide seamless housing solutions to its clients in Nigeria and the diaspora through innovative investment schemes for the benefit of all. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print No fewer than 16 persons were killed in Mushu village of Bokkos local government area of Plateau state. The spokesperson of Operation Safe Haven, a multi-security taskforce maintaining peace in the state, Oya James, confirmed the incident to our correspondent in Jos. According to Mr James, a captain, the attack took place on Saturday night while residents of the attacked community were asleep. He added that following the attack, security personnel were deployed to prevent any breakdown of law and order in the area. There was uprising after the incident but the situation has been brought under control. Governor Mutfwang condemns attack Meanwhile, Governor Caleb Mutfwang has condemned the attack on the community, describing the attack as barbaric, brutal and uncalled for. A statement by the Governors Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, said the governor directed security agencies to promptly apprehend the perpetrators responsible for the heinous acts and ensure they faced the full force of the law. READ ALSO: Mr Bere said the governor has expressed deep concern over the incident, urging communities across the state to remain vigilant, reporting any suspicious activities to security forces for immediate action. He questioned the impunity of the attackers who inflict harm on communities, destroy property, and evade justice. He said the importance of collective collaboration among rural communities, the Governor assured that proactive measures will be taken by government to curb the ongoing attacks on innocent citizens. He sympathized with affected families, and urged them to find solace in God as the government diligently works to end the prolonged violence. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State says he will not pay the sacked local government chairpersons until the Supreme Court orders him to do so. Mr Makinde said this on Saturday in Ibadan while commenting on the garnishee order on state government accounts recently secured from an Abuja Federal High Court by the local government chairpersons sacked by the governor in 2019. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice A.O. Ebong had, on 15 December, issued an order attaching the state governments accounts in 10 commercial banks in the country. Justice Ebong gave the order while ruling on a garnishee proceeding initiated by the local government chairpersons who were sacked by the governor on 29 May 2019. The Supreme Court had, on 7 May 2021, voided the sack of the chairpersons and councillors, as pronounced by the governor on the day of his inauguration for his first term in office in 2019. The sacked council chairpersons had gotten a N4.9 billion judgment against Mr Makinde and other officials and agencies of the state, of which N1.5 billion had been paid, leaving a balance of N3.5 billion. But, Mr Makinde, in his reaction to the court ruling, said that his government would not bow to pressure to pay the states money into the wrong hands until all legal means were exhausted. He insisted that the sacking of the former council chairpersons in 2019 was justified because their elections were premised on unconstitutionality. The governor also described the ruling obtained from the federal high court in Abuja as an abuse of the court process. The ex-LG chairmen will not get a dime until the Supreme Court asks us to pay. I will not pay into wrong people. This is a government that is based on the constitution, he stated. Also responding to the alleged conversion of Agodi forest to a housing estate, Mr Makinde said that those agitating against the move were ill-advised. He maintained that the decision would benefit the state both economically and security-wise. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print US moves to investigate American companies' procurement of Chinese-made legacy node chips has triggered a backlash from the Chinese government, which blamed Washington for "weaponising" trade issues. China's foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbing said on Friday that the US move would endanger global supply chains, urging Washington to respect international trade rules and market-based principles. The US commerce department said on Thursday that it would conduct a survey on the use and sourcing of Chinese-manufactured legacy chips in the supply chains of critical American industries such as telecommunications, car making, and defence over national security concerns. Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team. The survey was designed to "create a level playing field for legacy chip production, and reduce national security risks posed by China", it said. "The citing of national security is just a pretext to maintain US competitiveness in legacy chips," Ma Jihua, a veteran telecoms observer, was quoted as saying on Friday in the Chinese nationalist tabloid Global Times. Ma said China has advantages including lower costs, faster research and development progress, and more diverse applications compared to the US. China currently has 44 semiconductor wafer foundries in operation and a further 22 under construction, Taiwan-based IC research company TrendForce said in a recent note. By the end of 2024, China will expand mature chip production at 32 foundries, it added. Chinese customs data showed that the value of China's US-bound exports of chips such as processors and controllers grew 17 per cent year on year to US$1.3 billion in the first 11 months. However, total US imports of China-made integrated circuits declined 0.5 per cent to US$2.02 billion over the same period. Story continues China's state-sponsored expansion in mature chipmaking, or legacy chips using the 28-nanometre (nm) or older technologies, has triggered concern from the US and EU, which have both offered generous subsidies to lure global foundries such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co and US chip giant Intel in efforts to reshore chip production. In August, the US president Joe Biden signed into law the Chips Act, offering subsidies of up to US$53 billion for wafer fabs built on American soil. However, conditions were attached to the funding, preventing chip makers that receive funding from expanding or building advanced semiconductor facilities in China for 10 years. The act, which was slammed as "chip hegemony" by Beijing, would have the effect of reducing China's overall silicon capacity by 180,000 equivalent 12-inch wafers a month by 2025, according to ICWise, a Shanghai-based semiconductor consulting firm. US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo speaks during a visit to BAE Systems, December 11, 2023. Photo: AP alt=US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo speaks during a visit to BAE Systems, December 11, 2023. Photo: AP> There is a growing consensus among semiconductor professionals in China that US semiconductor export controls are meant to hobble China's chip industry development under the pretext of national security. Early this month, US commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said there was "no way we are going to let [China] catch up" to the US lead in advanced semiconductor design, adding that "protecting our national security matters more than [the] short term revenue" of US firms wanting to sell hi-end chips to China. In October, the commerce department intensified export controls on shipments of advanced chips and chipmaking tools to China, reinforcing a blizzard of such rules implemented over the past four years in a bid to cap China's progress in advanced chipmaking at 14-nm for logic semiconductors. In response, China has vowed to achieve higher chip self-sufficiency, with billions in state money being poured into the sector. Those efforts have started with the domestic substitution of parts and equipment for mature foundry processes because older foreign-sourced technologies are easier to replace. "China is focusing aggressively on mature process technologies such as 28-nm and older, particularly in response to export controls on advanced equipment by the US, Japan, and the Netherlands," said TrendForce. China's global share of mature process capacity is expected to reach 39 per cent by 2027, up from 31 per cent in 2023, with room for further growth if equipment procurement proceeds smoothly, according to TrendForce. In contrast, China's proportion of global advanced process capacity, defined as 14-nm and below, would drop to 6 per cent from 8 per cent this year. TrendForce warned that China's rapid expansion of mature process capacity would lead to a price war in products like image sensors and power management ICs, impacting Taiwan-based foundries. "China's chip sector has been a darling of investors and the expansion in mature processes was lifted by its electric vehicle industry, where demand is huge for chips like power management ICs," said Brady Wang, an associate director with research firm Counterpoint, adding that pricing for mature nodes would come under downward pressure next year. 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. The Lagos State Government has released trucks impounded by the Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) during a special operation on Friday. The Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, disclosed this in a statement in Lagos on Saturday. Mr Osiyemi said that the trucks were impeding traffic flow on the Cele-Apapa/Tincan axis. Following a constructive meeting with Truck Associations, the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in his magnanimity, has ordered the release of the impounded trucks. However, a stern warning accompanies this gesture; government retains the capacity to enforce and remove offending trucks persistently. This move underscores the governments commitment to collaboration with stakeholders for the overall benefit of traffic management in the state, Mr Osiyemi said. He urged truck operators to align with the broader vision of establishing a conducive and effective transportation system for the benefit of businesses and residents. (NAN). Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Establishment of the Facility Demonstrates the Company's Commitment to Delivering Differentiated Solutions to Gynecology and Pediatrics Challenges SHANGHAI, Dec. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Changchun GeneScience Pharmaceutical ("GenSci"), a subsidiary of Changchun High-Tech Industries (Group), hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for its new global headquarters and research & development (R&D) center at Shanghai Zhangjiang International Medical Park on December 15th. This facility is on track to be fully operational by 2027, with a capacity to accommodate 2,000 R&D professionals. 3 Since its founding in 1997, GenSci has introduced several groundbreaking therapies, including the GenSci Recombinant Human Growth Hormone, GenSci Heng Recombinant Human Follicle-Stimulating Hormone and Jinfuning Recombinant Human Granulocyte-Stimulating Factor Gel. Understanding the crucial role of women and children's health in the nation's overall well-being,with an ongoing focus on growth disorders in children, GenSci has expanded its attention to the broader spectrum of children's health. This includes addressing concerns such as abnormal sexual development, obesity, respiratory and digestive health, allergies and autoimmune disorders, neurological and speech development, as well as concerns related to body image. GenSci, through a combination of proprietary R&D and collaborative efforts with partners, has developed a suite of sophisticated R&D technology platforms that drive forward-thinking product development. The platforms focus on the protein drug sustained-release technology, mucosal delivery systems for nucleic acid medications, antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) technology, and innovations in ultrasound and hydrogel technologies. GenSci has ramped up its R&D investments to address the unmet health needs of women and children. The company has already developed the capability to innovate across various product categories, including biopharmaceuticals, chemical drugs, live bacterial preparations (LBPs) and medical devices. "GenSci has built a globally innovative and competitive R&D product pipeline," Dr. Jin Lei, Chief Scientist and General Manager of GenSci declared. "By 2025, the firm will boast an extensive portfolio, with the expectation of launching more than four top-tier innovative drugs and five novel medical devices annually in the years to come." The establishment of the R&D center sets the stage for GenSci to further advance the convergence of industry, academia, research and the medical community. Leveraging state-of-the-art R&D capabilities and the application of artificial intelligence technologies, GenSci is well-positioned to provide premium health solutions for women and children. The initiative aligns with GenSci's commitment to harnessing science and technology to protect and enhance the health of these vulnerable groups. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2307246/3.jpg If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here Kanpur, Dec 24 : Dean of Students Welfare and Head of the Mechanical Engineering Department at IIT-Kanpur, Professor Sameer Khandekar, died of cardiac arrest while delivering a speech, ironically on a health-related topic, at an alumni meet on the campus. The last words of 53-year-old Khandekar reportedly were, "Take care of your health...", after which he collapsed on the dais. He was rushed to Laxmipat Singhania Institute of Cardiology, where he was declared "dead upon arrival". According to IIT-K sources, the professor was grappling with cardiac health issues since 2019. Cardiologist Dr Neeraj Kumar said by the time the patient was brought to the hospital, he had already passed away. "He died of cardiac arrest or cardiac block," Kumar added. Sharing the news on X, IIT-K Director Prof S. Ganesh said that the institute was mourning "the loss of a humble soul". The professor is survived by his parents, wife Pradyanya and a son. His body has been kept at the health centre of the institute and the last rites will take place after his son, who is studying at Cambridge University, arrives from the UK. Gaza, Dec 24 : Al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, has said that it has lost contact with a group holding five Israeli hostages in the Gaza Strip, fearing some of the hostages may have been killed in an Israeli airstrike. Abu Ubaida, the spokesman for the Brigades, said in a statement on Saturday that the Brigades had lost contact with the group "during an Israeli raid", Xinhua news agency reported. He reported the names of three out of the five hostages, indicating that the Qassam Brigades suspect their deaths in one of the Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, while did not give further details to the other two hostages. The Israeli military did not immediately comment. The hostages are among an estimated 129 Israelis and foreigners who have been held by Hamas since it launched a surprise raid into southern Israel on October 7. Hamas has demanded the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the hostages. During a weeklong humanitarian truce that ended Nov. 30, Hamas freed 86 Israeli captives, including women and children, as well as 24 foreigners. Washington, Dec 24 : A man died and a woman was injured after a shooting inside a central Florida shopping mall on Saturday, according to local police. The authorities indicated that the victim was deliberately singled out in the attack. Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken said that police received 911 calls about multiple shots fired inside the Paddock Mall. He added the call came in describing an "active shooter" scenario, so they responded with a heavy police presence, CNN reported. "Officers immediately made entry into the mall and ultimately discovered this was not an active shooter situation," Balken said. Police instead characterized the shooting incident as a targeted act of violence, he said. Paddock Mall in Ocala was evacuated and there is no longer a threat, police said in a Facebook post. The Police chief confirmed one adult male was found dead inside the mall from gunshot wounds. Balken said one woman suffered a gunshot wound to her leg. He said she was transported to a hospital, adding she is expected to survive. Police are still searching for the suspect, who was described as a Black male wearing a black hoodie, black pants and a black mask over his face, Balken was quoted as saying by CNN. "Please avoid the area as police investigate," officials said in the Facebook post. In a tweet after the news conference, the Ocala Police Department in a post on X said that they are conducting a "secondary sweep" of the mall Saturday evening. UP Police on high alert along border after trouble in Nepal district. Image Source: IANS News Aurraiya, Dec 24 : The Uttar Pradesh's Auraiyya police have arrested a Sub-Inspector for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman over the past three years. Police identified the accused as Mukesh Kumar, 28, who was the investigating officer in a dowry harassment case filed by the woman in 2020 against her husband and in-laws. Superintendent of Police (Auraiyya) Charu Nigam suspended Kumar and said: "The accused has been booked on rape charges. The woman has been sent for a medical examination and further investigations are underway." London, Dec 24 : A Sikh mother and son have been sentenced to a total prison term of more than three years in the UK for conspiring to steal 8000 pounds from a community wedding fund. Kalwant Kaur, 41, was jailed for 15 months and Jung Singh Lankanpal, 22, was handed a 30-month jail term as they appeared before the Southampton Crown Court on Friday. A court heard a group of women from the local Sikh community had helped organise a collection to pay for a wedding within the community. While they were counting the money, Lankanpal, armed with a gun, burst inside the property at Clovelly Road in Southampton on September 15. He threatened the women and demanded they hand over the money, the Hampshire Police said in a statement. The court heard that the vehicle used to get away from the scene, a red Hyundai, was found to be registered in the name of Kaur who was at the address and helping with the collection. "Kaur and Lankanpal made a cold and callous decision to steal such a large sum of money from people they knew, money which was meant to help people in their community," Detective Constable Jess Swift, from the Western Area Crime Team, said. "Despite Kaur trying to present herself as a witness to a crime, it was quickly established she had used her knowledge to help orchestrate this burglary," Swift added. Both mother and son were arrested the same day they committed the crime, and pleaded guilty in October to a charge of conspiring to commit a burglary. "Through some very comprehensive enquiries, we have been able to ensure both pleaded guilty to these offences and will serve a jail sentence. I hope this provides the local community some reassurance and gives them some justice for what happened," Swift said. Surprised man using phone on the street in city Even with the sharp run-up in crypto prices this year, it's still possible to find top cryptocurrencies trading for less than $1. In fact, six of the top 20 cryptos, as ranked by market capitalization, are still available for less than a buck as we head into 2024. But are any of these bargain-priced cryptos really worth owning? Based on their future growth prospects and overall competitive positioning, three of these sub-$1 cryptos could be worth a closer look: Polygon (CRYPTO: MATIC), XRP (CRYPTO: XRP), and Cardano (CRYPTO: ADA). Polygon Polygon is a Layer 2 scaling solution for Ethereum (CRYPTO: ETH), which basically means that its long-term growth prospects are hitched to those of Ethereum. In theory, that should be a good thing, since Ethereum is the second-largest cryptocurrency in the world. As long as Ethereum continues to be the dominant Layer 1 blockchain network in the world, Polygon should go along for the ride. Image source: Getty Images. The problem, though, is that Polygon now has plenty of competitors, and the space for Layer 2 scaling solutions is getting very crowded. On top of that, a key market niche for Polygon -- the non-fungible token (NFT) market -- is still treading water. Until the NFT market fully recovers, Polygon may have trouble gaining traction. While Polygon has desperately been trying to turn things around in 2023, nothing seems to have worked thus far. For the year, Polygon is only up 12%. That's despite a rebranding and strategic overhaul called Polygon 2.0 that started back in June. For now, it appears, investors aren't taking the bait. XRP Next up is XRP (formerly known as Ripple), which has been a perennial crypto darling for the past several years. The crypto boasts a vast army of online supporters who are convinced that, any day now, the price of XRP is going to blast off into the stratosphere. Granted, XRP is up 82% this year. But if you take a look at the long-term chart, it's clear that XRP's best days may be behind it. Ever since hitting its all-time high back in January 2018, XRP has had tremendous difficulty breaking through the $1 level. Story continues The primary problem for XRP is the SEC. Back in December 2020, the SEC initiated a lawsuit against XRP, claiming that it was an unregistered security. That case has now dragged on for three years, and shows no signs of ending soon. In fact, it is looking increasingly probable that the XRP legal case will now drag into the second half of 2024. Meanwhile, XRP continues to hemorrhage money. It's not cheap to defend yourself against the government, and top executives at Ripple Labs (the company behind the XRP token) concede that total legal costs could eventually exceed $200 million. XRP could be worth a small investment if you believe that it will eventually emerge unscathed from its legal proceedings with the SEC. However, it remains a very speculative investment. Cardano For better or worse, Cardano has acquired the reputation of a boring blockchain where nothing ever happens. Some have even called it a "ghost chain," due to the lack of activity on the blockchain itself. And, every year, it seems to be overshadowed by a sexy new blockchain upstart. Despite all that, Cardano still ranks as the eighth-most valuable cryptocurrency in the world. And Cardano remains a worthy rival to Ethereum. Anything Ethereum can do, Cardano can also do. So it seems like the valuation gap between Ethereum ($276 billion) and Cardano ($21 billion) should be far narrower than it is today. And, contrary to the consensus opinion, there does seem to be a lot of activity happening on Cardano. The big moves are being made in the area of decentralized finance (DeFi), where Cardano was admittedly a non-player until 2022. But a key metric for measuring overall DeFi strength -- known as total value locked -- has skyrocketed this year, and it may be time for investors to reconsider Cardano's future prospects. Buy, sell, or hold? XRP, Polygon, and Cardano rank among the best cryptos under $1. But that's not saying much. All of them come with a tremendous amount of risk, and none of them should be a core part of your overall investment portfolio. If you already own XRP or Polygon, it's worth holding on to see if their fortunes improve. However, I can't advocate adding to your position. Of the three, the only one that I'm bullish on is Cardano. For me, it's like the neglected, boring stock that everyone assumes is doing poorly. But then you look up and it's outperforming the entire market. Case in point: While Bitcoin is up a resounding 160% this year, Cardano is largely keeping pace, up 150% year to date. This could make Cardano a potentially sneaky add to your portfolio in 2024. Should you invest $1,000 in Cardano right now? Before you buy stock in Cardano, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now... and Cardano wasn't one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Stock Advisor provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month. The Stock Advisor service has more than tripled the return of S&P 500 since 2002*. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of December 18, 2023 Dominic Basulto has positions in Bitcoin, Cardano, Ethereum, and Polygon. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Bitcoin, Cardano, Ethereum, Polygon, and XRP. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Are These the Best Cryptos Under $1? was originally published by The Motley Fool Patna, Dec 24 : The year 2023 in Bihar will be remembered for multiple reasons, be it the caste-based survey in the state, the increase in the reservation quota, teachers' recruitment or Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's controversial remarks in the Assembly. The caste-based survey, followed by the state government's decision to increase the reservation quota in government jobs and educational institutions was a hot political topic in the state. It is not that the issue of caste-based survey was limited to Bihar only. It resonated throughout the year, from Delhi to other states as well. The issue kept arising even in the recent Assembly elections of five states. Although the approval to conduct the caste survey in the state was given by the NDA government itself, this year the Grand Alliance government overcame all the legal and political hurdles and got it done. On the basis of the survey, the state government passed a bill to increase the reservation quota for Backward Classes, Extremely Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes from the existing 50 per cent to 65 per cent. At the national level, the BJP may have been against the caste-based survey and the subsequent increase in the reservation, but in Bihar, the saffron party stood in support of the bill to raise the reservation. In 2023, teachers' recruitment was also a major issue in the state. Nitish Kumar government gave jobs to more than one lakh teachers this year through the Bihar Public Service Commission. In the last assembly elections, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav promised to provide government jobs to 10 lakh people in the first cabinet meeting after the formation of the government. The year also witnessed huge controversy over Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's remarks about population control in the state Assembly. Nitish Kumar even had to apologize for his statement. Following the controversy, the Chief Minister distanced himself from the media; however, he again drew flak from political circles after he said in the Assembly that it was due to his "stupidity" that he had made Jitan Ram Manjhi the Chief Minister. Apart from this, several other statements of Nitish Kumar made national headlines. New Delhi, Dec 24 : A 66-year-old woman from Arunachal Pradesh recently died after she was forcibly dragged out of an e-rickshaw by an assailant on a motorcycle who then snatched her purse in north Delhi. The victim, identified as Kesang Dorjee, had come to Delhi to meet her son Pasang, a local businessman. She had arrived in the capital with her family on December 16. The fateful incident occurred while they were travelling from Majnu Ka Tila to the Metro station after having lunch at Tibet Colony on December 17 evening. Dorjee was seated on one side of the e-rickshaw, with her daughters on the other when an unidentified person approached the vehicle and attempted to snatch her purse. The woman resisted, leading to her being forcibly pulled out of the e-rickshaw. Dorjee succumbed to her injuries on December 21 at a hospital. The incident highlights the increasing cases of snatching, a crime that instils fear in the minds of people, especially women, causing them to rethink venturing out alone on deserted streets. While arrests in such cases are not uncommon, preventing these crimes remains a considerable challenge. However, official data gives a glimmer of hope, indicating a 13.2 per cent decline in snatching cases during the first eight months of 2023 compared to the same period last year. As of August 15, the city reported 4,922 snatching cases this year, down from 5,671 cases recorded during the corresponding period in 2022. In 2021, the numbers stood at 4,468 cases till July 15. Despite the overall decline, some incidents continue to make headlines. In August, a 23-year-old school teacher named Yuvika was attacked by three men who snatched her mobile phone while she was travelling in an auto-rickshaw. Even though the perpetrators were later arrested, the incident underscored the persistent threat of snatching in the city. The menace also extends beyond Delhi, as nearby Ghaziabad reported a tragic incident involving a 19-year-old girl, Kirti Singh, who lost her life during a mobile snatching incident. The college student fell from a moving auto-rickshaw after two bike-borne men attempted to snatch her phone. Despite being hospitalised and on a ventilator, Kirti Singh succumbed to her injuries after a two-day struggle. A senior Delhi Police officer said they are actively pursuing all snatching cases, with an increased focus on solving them. The police attribute their improved solving rate to the implementation of multi-pronged strategies, including heightened night patrolling in vulnerable areas and the installation of high-tech CCTV cameras. "Additionally, the police regularly identify and deploy resources to hotspot areas prone to snatching incidents," said the official. (Shekhar Singh can be reached at shekhar.s@ians.in) Bengaluru, Dec 24 : Hijab politics in Karnataka, which threatened to divide the student community on communal lines and law and order situation in the state during the BJP rule last year has come to the forefront yet again. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's announcement that he will lift the ban on hijab for students and college students (Class 11 and 12) has triggered a huge debate over the issue. The opposition BJP has indicated strife in the coming days. Academic experts state that a large number of Muslim girls, who were denied to go to schools and colleges, will now be able to step out of their houses and continue their studies. The political analysts explained that CM Siddaramaiah's announcement is a calculated political move to consolidate the votes of Muslims. It is also to counter the rising Hindutva wave in the backdrop of the opening of Sri Ram Mandir at Ayodhya. They also explain that the announcement is also to counter PM Modi's wave ahead of 2024 Lok Sabha polls and check the rise of 'muscular' nationalism. Former CM B.S. Yediyurappa said that though BJP wouldn't organize protests against lifting of the hijab ban, people will teach the Congress a lesson in the upcoming Parliamentary elections. BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal and former national general secretary C.T. Ravi stated that Hindu students now demand that they wear saffron shawls and tilak. Karunakar Kasale, senior spokesperson from BJP speaking to IANS stated, after CM Siddaramaiah assuming power, he is resorting to the appeasement politics in Karnataka. He is dividing communities. "There is drought in the state. No minister is talking about it. They are not responding to people. They are into carrying out politics and diverting issues," he stated. "The statement is about pitting one community against the other. The Congress has betrayed the people of Karnataka. This is about sowing seeds of poison and hatred among the students' minds. The matter is in the Supreme Court and the statement by CM Siddaramaiah amounts to the contempt of the court. There is going to be stiff opposition and the consequences might lead to the submission of resignation by CM Siddaramaiah," said Karunakar Kasale. Channabasappa Rudrappa, political analyst, stated to IANS, that the statement on hijab is all about consolidation of vote banks. "The fever of Ram Mandir has started in the country. CM Siddaramaiah is consolidating the Ahinda votes. In a week, the conventions of backward classes such as Ediga, Madivala, Ganiga, Bhovi and Dalits are to be organized. "With the proposal of AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge as the PM candidate for the INDIA bloc, the Dalit interest is taken care of, the hijab issue is brought to the forefront to consolidate Muslim votes. CM Siddaramaiah is positioning himself against PM Modi in the state and countering the muscular nationalism and Hindutva wave that is growing stronger in the state ahead of the Lok Sabha polls," Rudrappa explained. Niranjan Aradhya, V.P. , Development Educationist and Social Activist explained to IANS, "It is a welcoming decision by CM Siddaramaiah on lifting ban on hijab. Any decision which takes away the fundamental right of students in schools and colleges will have its effect on the education of the children. "Due to the hijab ban many female students had lost the right to education. Many did not join the first PUC (Class 11) and discontinued the second PUC (class 12). There are studies regarding this. The People's Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) had conducted studies. The girls have stated that following the hijab ban their parents had not shown interest to send them to the schools," he explained. Niranjan Aradhya further said the earlier decision was regressive towards the fundamental rights of education. "Moreover, the Constitution of India speaks about different sets of values such as multi-culture and multilingualism. When there is a provision to observe all traditions, it is wrong to stop it in the name of religion. All blunders committed earlier are being set right one after the other in the state. "As an education expert I always support the fundamental rights of children. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) clearly says that education has to be administered discipline and education in such a way without affecting the dignity of the child," Niranjan Aradhya explained. "Dignity of the child constitutes the child's beliefs, their customs. It's part of upholding dignity. The international laws recognize them, and the Indian Constitution provides scope for it. Though there are legal provisions, they are violated for political objectives.. "I hope the proper orders in this regard will be issued earlier. It upholds brotherhood and the Indian Constitution. This should be done more and more so that children belonging to all communities will blossom into complete individuals who will not become victims of petty, narrow politics. Otherwise they will become vulnerable to it," Niranjan Aradhya opined. Damascus, Dec 24 : Turkish warplanes conducted airstrikes targeting energy facilities in the northeastern Syrian province of al-Hasakah Saturday night, the Syrian state television reported. The report said that the Al-Ouda oil field in the town of Al-Qahtaniyah, near Al-Qamishli, was hit in the aerial assault, Xinhua News Agency reported. The Turkish strikes were extended to other oil facilities, including the Saida and Zarbah oil stations, as well as an Agricultural Bank site in Al-Qahtaniyah. Additional strikes hit various locations in the city of Al-Malikiyah. The attacks, which reportedly caused fires in at least two locations, were confirmed by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor. While the Observatory confirmed the airstrikes, there is a lack of information regarding human casualties. Turkish warplanes continue to patrol the skies over the region, the Britain-based watchdog group added. TArkiye usually attacks areas under the control of the Kurdish-led forces in northern Syria. Al-Hasakah is largely controlled by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, which is deemed by TArkiye as a terrorist group. Panaji, Dec 24 : Stating that the impact of climate change can be easily seen in the coastal state, environmentalists opined that the government should give priority to addressing it, or the state will suffer economically. Goa is facing the threat of coastal erosion, losing 15 percent of its land due to the rise in the sea level and flooding, and impacting agricultural activities among others. Environmentalist Abhijit Prabhudesai, speaking to IANS said that the climate crisis is the only issue which needs to be paid attention. "It should be the only issue for the government to tackle. As per the Goa State Action Plan for Climate Change, 15 percent of Goa's land will be lost due to flooding and other reasons. Hence it should be given priority," he added. According to Prabhudesai if Goa loses the land then it will also impact tourism as the beaches will go under water. "We will lose areas of tourism, on which our economy is dependent. If the economy collapses, what will we do," he questioned. He said that losing 15 percent of the land will be a huge loss to the coastal state. "Coastal erosion will happen due to rise in the sea level. The whole coastal area will be impacted." Prabhudesai stated that climate change is impacting the agricultural area and hence the government should give priority to resolve these issues by making maximum provision in the budget. "We may also suffer from lack of potable water if the ground water doesn't recharge. There are several issues. Now the rain pattern has changed, we never know what will happen in the future. Rather than spending huge amounts on projects, the money should be spent on addressing climate change." He said that climate change has also impacted fruit patterns. "Many farmers tell us that climate change has impacted cashew production and other activities. Even fishermen say that fish are moving towards other places for breeding as the climate is not suitable," Prabhudesai said. "Our beaches are becoming smaller due to sea erosion and the patterns of fruit and flower blossoms are changing. Even the migratory birds are coming in lesser numbers," he said. Abhay Naik, a farmer from South Goa, said that they are facing losses in cashew production due to climate change. "Since the last three to four years we have been witnessing a drop in our cashew production," he informed. According to environmentalist Rajendra Kerkar, the impact of climate change can be seen in the Western Ghats from where the Zuari and Mandovi originate. "The flow of the rivers has become less. It is not as it was in earlier times. Due to the destruction of forests these things are happening. In the last two years, the felling of trees and fire incidents have been taking place," Kerkar said, adding that this year there is a crisis of potable water for the people living along the Mhadei wildlife sanctuary. Karvi also known as Strobilanthes callosus are green stubbles of foliage. These flowers vary in colour from purple blue to pink and are rich in pollen and nectar. Kerkar said they attract many species of butterflies, birds, insects including honey bees. He said that after it begins to bloom, the Karvi honey is relished by the sloth bears and other wild animals. "Blossoming of Karvi has been impacted due to climate change," he stated, adding that there was no mass flowering of Karvi in recent times in the Mhadei wildlife sanctuary. Water Resource Department Minister Subhash Shirodkar is on record saying that floods are caused in Goa due to climate change. "In the last two to three years due to climate change, recent rain patterns and other issues, floods are taking place," Shirodkar added. According to the Environment and Climate Change department, the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM) in the Beach Carrying Capacity Report has observed that for a coastal stretch of about 105 km, 35% of the coast is rocky terrain, 20% is stable, 27% is suffering from erosion and 17% of the coast experiences accretion. "River mouths and port areas experience significant erosion. Pockets in the beaches of Goa are either stable or are accreting," the report said. According to the department, the state government has also initiated the process of implementing soft measures to control erosion. (THE CLIMATE CRISIS) No 'White Christmas' yet again in Shimla; it hasn't happened since 2016. Image Source: IANS News Shimla, Dec 24 : Shimla's climatic conditions have changed many times and old-timers blame it on the abnormal rise in human activities that have released large amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The capital of Himachal Pradesh, which is known for the grandeur of many of its buildings that once housed institutions of imperial power when Shimla served as the summer capital of British India, has been witnessing snowless Christmas Eve since 2016 when heavy snowfall occurred. This time too, there will be no "white" Christmas in Shimla and elsewhere in the state. A mellow sunshine will greet you throughout the day at most of the tourist destinations with the weather bureau predicting open skies till December 26. Before 2016, the erstwhile capital of British India saw Christmas snows in 1991 when 49 cm of snowfall was recorded. Though some years between 2014 and 2018 had mild spells before the Yuletide spirit. Also except in 2010, there has been no white New Year's Eve either in the past 12 years. Deforestation and pollution are blamed for the change in Shimla's climatic conditions, says a study by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). It says Shimla's harsh winter, which normally commenced in November and ended in March, has declined after the mid-1980s. The study examines the snowfall trend in Shimla from 1990 to 2007. The local IMD says the entire state will witness bright sunshine on December 24 and 25. In the past week, the temperatures of Shimla were much higher than that of New Delhi. Snow cover is a big draw for tourists, and members of the hospitality industry are excited by the possibility of a white Christmas as the festival falls right after the weekend. "People are asking about the possibility of snowfall before and after Christmas," local hotelier D.P. Bhatia told IANS. "We are telling them to come and enjoy balmy sunshine amidst the hills," he added. The mountain peaks viewed from Shimla's historic Ridge and Dharamsala and Palampur towns have been wrapped in a blanket of snow. According to the IMD, the weather in hill destinations of Shimla, Kasauli, Chail, Kufri, Narkanda, Dharamsala, Palampur and Manali is 'warmer' and perfect for a break from the biting chill of the plains where the sun has largely been fogged out. Met officials, however, are wary about the chances of snowfall on New Year's Eve. They say it is still too early to predict whether Shimla or Manali or Dalhousie or Kalpa will have snow cover the next year dawns. However, excited holidaymakers, mainly from the northern plains, have already started descending on tourist resorts across the state with the hope of a "white" Christmas. Many of them have booked rooms in the hope of a white Christmas. Dinesh Guleria, a senior executive with a Chandigarh-based multinational company, said: "If it snows, we would love to spend the Christm+as holidays in a homestay in Narkanda. Otherwise, we will enjoy sunny weather in Shimla." "Most of our properties have been packed to capacity with Christmas holiday-makers," a senior official with the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) told IANS. The HPTDC runs 57 economy and high-end hotels across the state. He said the arrival of the tourists in Shimla, Narkanda, Kasauli, Manali, Dalhousie and Dharamsala is quite good. However, the popular tourist resort Narkanda, some 65 km from Shimla, is bereft of snow like Shimla and Manali. But Manali is getting a good share of tourists as its nearby hills have plenty of snow. According to Global Forest Watch, an online platform that provides data and tools for monitoring forests, from 2001 to 2022, Shimla lost 583 ha of tree cover, equivalent to a 0.27 per cent decrease in tree cover since 2000, and 292 kt of carbon dioxide emissions. Under the guise of climate "scepticism", most of the old-timers in Shimla narrate the tale of indiscriminate construction that has turned the summer retreat of the then-British rulers into a concrete jungle in the past few decades. Some residents have been wondering if the rise in minimum temperatures in recent years in winter is a result of global warming, though scientists have said the overall warming trend should not have any effect on local weather on such short-time scales, as per current models. Patna, Dec 24 : Keeping in view the frequent crimes and the time consuming investigations, the Bihar police has come up with 10 mission plans from January 2024 to reduce crime as well as improve the conviction rate and deliver justice to the victims. "The Bihar government will launch a mission investigation in 75 days from January 1, 2024 to complete the probe, file the chargesheet in court for the conviction of the accused in a time bound manner," said Jitendra Singh Gangwar, ADGP Headquarter. "The idea is to improve the police structure, make it useful for the public and enhance security for the common people We will also look after the performance at the police station level as well as the district level and accordingly give a ranking to them," Gangwar said. In the past, the Bihar police was taking 261 days on an average to complete the investigation of a case and this was happening due to shortage of investigating officers. As per the national standard, a state requires 27500 investigating officers but Bihar had only 9200 in January 2023. "Due to lack of investigating officers, the probe time reached on an average 261 days. We have worked on that and increased the investigating officers. We have included constables who have passed out from the Police Training Center (PTC) as investigating officers. So, our strength will become 15000 and we will also include 5000 sub-inspector rank officers who have passed the PTC and completed the practical training in the police stations. Their training will be over in one month from now. Hence, our total strength will reach 20000. On the basis of that we will achieve the target of mission investigation in 75 days," Gangwar said. "In a bid to improve the quality of investigation, we are also going to enhance the supervision of the cases. In the past, we were supervising cases through SHOs (Inspector) and SDPOs (DSP) but now we are going to enhance the supervision at four levels: inspector level, circle inspector level, DSP level and SP level. The SP will look after the sensitive cases. This will bring quality of investigation to the cases and if it takes place on a regular basis, the quality will automatically improve," Gangwar added. The senior officer said that mission investigation in 75 days will be achieved through other programmes in a supportive role. "As per the plan, we will improve our FSL teams so that whatever things we find at the crime scene would help in the legal procedures in courts. We also have plans to follow the legal process efficiently during the trial of the cases. We will also provide the best quality of photo and video units to preserve evidence at the crime scene. The investigation part will be taken care of by the CID," Gangwar said. "The Bihar police will work in a mission mode on the plans till the end of December 2024. Moreover, if the cases would be registered under the SC/ST Act, POCSO or crime against women, we will follow the rulings and accordingly complete the investigation. In some cases, we have to complete the investigation in 60 days," Gangwar stated. "We have another 9 missions which will be launched on different days in January. All these missions are public centric and they will be executed in a time bound manner," Gangwar said. New Delhi, Dec 24 : A 17-year-old boy, who was thrashed by a schoolmate and others after a verbal spat over some issue, succumbed to his injuries during treatment at a Delhi hospital, an official said on Sunday. The incident had occurred on December 15 outside Jan Kalyan School in northeast Delhi's Bhajanpura area. According to police, the minor was in Class 12 and on December 15, while returning from school, he had an altercation with a schoolmate and few others in Gali No. 20, D Block, Bhajanpura. "He sustained injuries on his head and face. No medico-legal case (MLC) was formed and both parties settled the matter after some elders intervened. Injured boy took first aid treatment from a nearby clinic and went home," said the Deputy Commissioner of Police (northeast) Joy Tirkey. The DCP said that the school boys first had a verbal spat on December 12 outside school. "On December 15, the school boy and others accosted and assaulted the victim after school at about 5:00 p.m.," said the DCP. On Saturday at about 6 a.m. the victim's health started deteriorating and he lost consciousness. He was taken to GTB hospital from where the doctors referred him to RML Hospital. "Later, information was received from RML Hospital on Saturday at 10:30 p.m. that the victim had died in hospital while undergoing treatment. A case of assault was immediately registered on the complaint of the victim's father," said the DCP, adding that the sequence of events and the exact cause of death are being ascertained. Buenos Aires, Dec 24 : Manchester City are preparing an offer to sign highly-rated River Plate teenager Claudio Echeverri, according to media reports in Argentina. The reigning Premier League and European champions could be willing to trigger the 17-year-old's 25-million-euro release clause, news outlet Ole reported on Saturday, reports Xinhua. It added that Echeverri has so far resisted attempts by River to extend his contract, which is due to expire at the end of next year. Echeverri, who has made six appearances for River Plate since being promoted from the club's youth academy in June, is also reportedly being pursued by Real Madrid, Chelsea and Barcelona. Forward Julian Alvarez is currently the only Argentine player in Manchester City's first-team squad. --IANS cs/ New Delhi, Dec 24 : Delhi Minister Atishi on Sunday in a letter to the chief secretary, expressed strong displeasure over the non-appointment of water and drainage members in the Delhi Jal Board resulting in several projects coming to a standstill, and gave seven working days' time to ensure the DJB has full-time members. In the letter to the Delhi Chief Secretary, Atishi said that DJB is critical civic utility for the people of the national capital as it is responsible for water and sewerage facilities. "The most senior most official responsible for managing water supply is the Member (Water) and the senior most official responsible for managing the sewerage network is the Member (Drainage). However, it is a matter of grave concern that currently the DJB does not have a Member (Water) or Member (Drainage) since mid October," she highlighted in her letter. She also said that the incumbent members finished their tenure in mid-October and no interim or permanent members have been appointed. "It is absolutely shocking that DJB has been left bereft of the senior most technical members. This has meant that several projects have come to a standstill because technical approvals can only be given by these technical members," she said. She also said that the files for recruiting the two new members have been shuttling between DJB, Department of Urban Development and Services Department for the last two months. "Both the concerned Ministers -- Water and Urban Development -- have been kept in the dark, claiming that it is a 'services' matter and therefore outside the purview of the elected government," Atishi said. She further said that there has been no full-time member (Finance) for more than three months, since the incumbent member is on medical leave. "The Member (Administration) is handing the additional charge of Member (Finance) for several months," the Minister said. "How is DJB supposed to provide water and sewerage facilities to the people of Delhi if it is kept bereft of senior administrators? At worst this seems like a conspiracy to bring DJB to a standstill and at best it is sheer callousness towards the people of Delhi," Atishi said. The Chief Secretary is directed to coordinate between all concerned stakeholders -- DJB, Department of Urban Development and Services Department -- and ensure that Delhi Jal Board has a full time member (Water), member (Drainage) and member (Finance) within seven working days. A public hearing to annex and rezone land in unincorporated Kendall County for a proposed 813-unit residential development in Oswego has been continued until next month. We have been working hard with the petitioner on preparing the annexation agreement that is not quite ready, Oswego Village Administrator Dan Di Santo told trustees recently. Advertisement D.R. Horton Midwest is proposing to build Sonoma Trails on 228 undeveloped acres between the intersection of Wolfs Crossing Road and Fifth Street and the southwest corner of Wolfs Crossing Road and Roth Road. The northwest and south portions of the property are currently in unincorporated Kendall County, village officials said. Advertisement The Oswego Village Board approved a concept plan for Sonoma Trails in August 2022 which included a mix of single-family units and multi-family units in the development. Staff and the developer jointly requested the public hearing be extended to Jan. 9, Di Santo said. In addition to working on the annexation agreement, the developer is also working on significant improvements along Wolfs Crossing that we are hopeful can be incorporated in the development, he said. The developer is also working on site plan modifications based on comments from the villages Planning and Zoning Commission and Village Board members, Di Santo said. The Village Board earlier this month voted 5-0 to continue the public hearing until Jan. 9. D.R. Horton has expanded into 105 markets across 33 states since 2002. In the Chicago area, the firm has built more than 1,000 homes in communities that span from Wonder Lake in the north, Manhattan in the south, Hobart, Indiana, in the east and Yorkville in the west, company representatives have said. Linda Girardi is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News. Typing on Laptop You have the option to start getting Social Security checks beginning at the age of 62. You don't have to get your first payment so young, though. 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This Is the Best Reason to Claim Social Security in 2024 was originally published by The Motley Fool Lucknow, Dec 24 : A special court in Lucknow has sentenced a person accused of raping a one-and-a-half-year-old to life and also imposed a fine of Rs 50,000. The rape took place five years ago. The toddler's mother had filed a complaint against the accused. She alleged that the toddler had been crying and was taken out of the house by the accused, and later raped. The accused was handed over to the police by locals. However, it took five years for a verdict to be pronounced. The special POCSO court in Lucknow also expressed displeasure over it. The judge spoke about initiating action against the police personnel involved in the investigation. A Rs 50,000 fine was imposed on the accused, which would be given to the toddler's family. 'From not fram', Spelling error on passport ruins forger's plot at Delhi airport. Image Source: IANS News New Delhi, Dec 24 : A forger here fell into the hands of vigilant law enforcement due to a minor error -- a spelling mistake -- on the fake passport. It is said that "Nakal ke liye akal zaruri hai", meaning one needs brains even for cheating. Manjot Singh learnt this the hard way. Singh, an Indian National, arrived at the Delhi Airport by an Air India flight from Bangkok in the intervening night of December 21 and 22. He looked confident and walked up straight for immigration clearance. When he showed his passport, the alert immigration official caught something unusual. It was the Malaysian immigration stamp on page 6 and dated May 22, 2022 which was a cause of concern. The word 'from' in the stamp was written as 'fram' -- confirming it to be fake and a work of an amateur. The passport issue date was December 28, 2022, countering the date of Malaysian immigration stamp and further affirming the law enforcement doubts. According to the FIR, accessed by IANS, on the intervening night of December 21 and 22, Manjot Singh, a resident of Patiala (Punjab) arrived from Bangkok at the IGI airport terminal-3 and produced his passport for arrival immigration clearance. "While checking his passport during immigration clearance, it was noticed that the presented passport was issued on December 28, 2022 whereas one exit stamp of Malaysian immigration dated May 22, 2022," read the FIR registered at IGI police station. "Spelling of 'From' as 'Fram' in the arrival immigration date April 26, 2023 was found affixed on page no. 6 of his passport indicating these stamps as fake. This pax cheated Indian immigration by travelling on a document having fake immigration stamps; therefore, a case under the relevant sections of the law may be registered against him," read the FIR. Meanwhile, Singh has been booked under section of the Passport Act 12 and police have initiated a probe. Kolkata, Dec 24 : Kolkata's iconic Jadavpur University (JU) on Sunday witnessed an unprecedented convocation ceremony without the presence of the Governor of the state, who by virtue of his chair is also the chancellor. Kolkata, Dec 24 (IANS) Kolkataas iconic Jadavpur University (JU) on Sunday witnessed an unprecedented convocation ceremony without the presence of the Governor of the state, who by virtue of his chair is also the chancellor. While the absence of the Governor and chancellor, C.V. Ananda Bose was quite expected considering that the convocation is being conducted without his consent, what was even more surprising that even the interim vice-chancellor of JU, Buddhadeb Sau also did not preside over the convocation as the moderator as per traditions. While Sau just attended the convocation as a guest, the pro vice- chancellor Amitava Dutta, assisted by the JU registrar Snehomonju Basu, presided over the convocation as the moderator. There was no representation from the University Grants Commission (UGC) in the convocation as well. The questions are raised now over the absence of Sau as the moderator, especially after the high-drama since Saturday, first over his removal from the chair in the evening by the Governor and then his reinstatement in that chair on Sunday morning by the state education department just a couple of hours before the convocation ceremony. JU insiders said that the last moment decision of Sau to keep away from presiding over the convocation ceremony was probably prompted by a notification issued from the office of the Governor on Sunday morning claiming that a probe will be conducted against Sau over the complaints against him. It has also been said that in case donations have been accepted from the students to bear the cost of the convocation, the same amount will be deducted from the salaries of the interim vice chancellors and others responsible for it. The Governor, by virtue of being the chancellor of all state universities, had appointed Sau as the interim vice-chancellor in August this year after the tragic ragging related death of a fresher at the boysa hostel of the university. Before Sauas appointment, JU was running headless without a permanent vice chancellor for a long time. According to JU insiders, Sau got into bad books of the Governor by announcing the date of the convocation after holding a meeting with Education Minister Bratya Basu, bypassing the office of the Governor as the chancellor of all state universities. Bareilly : , Dec 24 (IANS) The Bareilly Police have made little headway in solving the murders of nine women reported since June 17. The murders took place in the jurisdiction of two police stations -- Shahi and Sheeshgarh. The commonality in all the crimes was that the murder weapon was always either a sari or chunari (stole). The murders -- now known as 'sari murders' -- raised many alarms prompting the police to deploy additional resources to enhance vigilance and curb any potential threat. The most recent murder was reported from Sheeshgarh police station on November 26. What makes the task of finding the killer more challenging is that there is no eyewitnesses to any of these crimes. In the latest development in the case, the police on Friday detained a person with intellectual disability who confessed to two of the nine murders --of Mehmoodan, 60, and Urmilla Devi, 57 -- on October 31 and November 26. "We are keeping a watch on the activities of suspects spotted in the region and many of them were even quizzed. However, there is no concrete lead in the case. Further investigation into the matter is underway," said Bareilly senior superintendent of police, Ghule Sushil Chandrabhan. Requesting anonymity, another police official said the suspect was found loitering with a non-operational radio near Dakia Dam village under Shahi police station limits. New Delhi, Dec 24 : Russia celebrated the 109th anniversary of its Long-Range Aviation which is often referred to as 'The Switchers', media reports said. Reports said that these long-range aircraft play a crucial role as part of the nuclear triad, forming the air component of Russia's Strategic Nuclear Forces. The country has designated December 23, as the Day of Long-Range Aviation of the Russian Aerospace Forces, serves as the professional holiday for all military personnel involved in the Long-Range Aviation. Reports said that the integral component of Russia's Strategic Forces operates directly under the Supreme Command of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation and holds a prominent position as one of its key reserves. The Long-Range Strategic Aviation plays a key role in strengthening the country's defense capabilities and is one of the three pillars of the Russian nuclear triad. "Its proven effectiveness in the special military operation zone using non-nuclear weapons underscores its ability to play a significant role in various military scenarios," media report said. --IANS int/dan Mumbai, Dec 24 : Former minister and Congress MLA Sunil Kedar, who was convicted in a bank scam, has been disqualified from the Maharashtra, as per a notification issued here. Kedar, the daredevil Congress MLA from Saoner, was found guilty on Friday and sentenced to five years rigorous jail in the 2002 Nagpur District Central Cooperative Bank (NDCCB) scam of Rs 150 crore. Maharashtra Congress Chief Spokesperson Atul Londhe flayed the decision, saying though the party has the highest regards for the law, "why the same legal yardstick is not being applied when Bharatiya Janata Party leaders are convicted and they are given full opportunities to appeal". The verdict in the NDCCB case came as an embarrassment to the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). According to the prosecution, when Kedar was the NDCCB Chairman, he flouted rules to invest in the government securities vide certain private entities. Later, the cooperative bank lost around Rs 125 crore as the private companies defaulted on giving the securities and also did it return the money. A day after the sensational verdict by a Nagpur Court, the Maharashtra legislature issued the orders disqualifying Kedar from the Assembly. "And Whereas, consequent upon the conviction of Shri Sunil Chhatrapal Kedar, Member of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, he stands disqualified for being a Member of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly from the date of his conviction i.e. 22nd day of December 2023 in terms of the provisions of Article 191 (1) (e) of the Constitution of India r/w section 8 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Now, therefore, in accordance with sub-clause (a) of clause (3) of Article 190 of the Constitution of India, the seat of Shri Sunil Chhatrapal Kedar, Member of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly has become vacant from the date of his conviction 22nd December, 2023," said an official gazette late on Saturday. Kedar was convicted along with five others and also ordered to pay a fine of Rs12.50 lakh, while three other co-accused were acquitted. The Congress and his legal team had earlier indicated that Kedar would challenge the order in the Bombay High Court soon. Kolkata, Dec 24 : As Congress leader from Jammu & Kashmir Gulam Ahmad Mir gets the charge of the West Bengal unit on behalf of All India Congress Committee (AICC), doubts galore among a section of the party's state leadership on how seriously the high command view's its prospects in the state. Mir, a former state president of Congress in Jammu & Kashmir and also a party MLA from the union territory replaces A. Chellakumar from Tamil Nadu. A senior leader from the West Bengal unit of Congress said on strict condition of anonymity that basically Mir, who is in charge of mainly the party's Jharkhand unit on behalf of AICC, has been given the additional responsibility for West Bengal this time. According to him, this development is a subtle indication on how seriously the party's high command takes West Bengal. "But anyway as per tradition, we have accepted the decision of the high command. This is just like that we have left the decision of choosing the alliance partner in West Bengal on the high command, although the majority in West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee are against any kind of understanding or seat sharing agreement with the ruling Trinamool Congress," the state Congress leader said. However, the only shining point of state Congress leader is that former party Lok Sabha member, Deepa Dasmunshi, has been given the additional charge of senior observer on behalf of AICC for Telangana in addition to that for Kerala and Lakshadeep. She is one of the most vocal voices in the state unit of Congress against any kind of alliance with Trinamool Congress in West Bengal. Many a times she had said that the manner in which Trinamool Congress are up to in weakening Congress in West Bengal as well as in some other states closes all the paths for Congress' alliance with the state's ruling party. New Delhi, Dec 24 : The Delhi Police's Crime Branch has arrested a 23-year-old man, who used a fake Aadhaar card to secure a job within a reputable courier company and leveraged his position to execute a meticulously planned heist. The accused was identified as Pradeep Singh, a resident of Agra in Uttar Pradesh. Once entrusted with a specific area for courier deliveries, Singh exploited his insider knowledge to orchestrate a devious plot. "Operating under false identities, he would place orders for electronic items using fake names and addresses, ensuring the deliveries were routed through his assigned region," said the official. As the unsuspecting courier company delivered the goods to him for distribution, Singh seized the opportunity to abscond with the valuable electronic items, leaving behind a trail of unsuspecting victims. Subsequently, he would sell the stolen merchandise in the market, pocketing a substantial profit. The Special Commissioner of Police (Crime) Ravindra Singh Yadav said they were working on a theft case in which more than 40 mobile phones and a smartwatch were found stolen. "During the probe, it was revealed that one courier boy had stolen all the articles by forged means. During technical surveillance, the location of the one mobile phone, which was found stolen in the above mentioned case, was traced in Agra, Uttar Pradesh," said Yadav. A raid was conducted and Singh was apprehended. During sustained interrogation, he confessed to his crime and 15 mobile phones (Apple and One plus make), which were stolen and mentioned in the FIR, recovered from his possession. "Further, 25 mobile phones and an apple watch were recovered at his instance from his house," said the Special CP. On interrogation, it is revealed that Singh used a fake Aadhaar card to get the job in the courier company. "Once, his area of operation was confirmed by the courier company, he used to order the electronic items by fake name and address and when the items were received by him for delivery, he fled away with the items," said Yadav. "After securing himself, he further sold these mobile phones in the market. By using this modus operandi, he has earned handsome money. He used to work in a courier company in Agra. After some time, he came to Delhi and to earn easy money, he joined a courier company here," said the Special CP, adding that police are tracing his previous involvements. LDA to start construction of flats on land freed from Mukhtar Ansari. Image Source: IANS News Lucknow, Dec 24 : The Lucknow Development Authority (LDA), from next week, will start construction of affordable apartments on a 20,000 sq ft plot in the posh Dalibagh area that has been freed from the clutches of gangster politician Mukhtar Ansari. The authority plans to build 72 affordable flats on the land in two four-storey buildings with 36 flats each for economically disadvantaged people. Assistant engineer K. P. Gupta said that the land was handed over to LDA by the government in October for the housing complex. Gupta said that LDA will begin construction within a week, with a targeted completion date by the end of 2024. The allocation of flats to deserving recipients will be managed through the District Urban Development Authority within a year. The construction contract, valued at Rs 3.50 crore, has been awarded to a private Gorakhpur-based company. The average cost of one flat is estimated to be Rs 4.5 lakh after subsidy. Specific pricing for prospective residents will be determined at a later stage. LDA executive engineer Ajay Singh said this step represents a practical approach towards addressing housing disparities, using confiscated assets for the benefit of the community. Mumbai, Dec 24 : Actor Parmeet Sethi, who marked his presence on the stage of celebrity dance reality show 'Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa' has lauded the performance of Shoaib Ibrahim on the iconic wedding track 'Mehndi Laga Ke Rakhna', and said while watching the latter's act, he felt like Shah Rukh Khan was dancing. Power couple Archana Puran Singh and Parmeet Sethi graced the latest episode of the show as special guests. Shoaib enthralled the judges and audience with his special performance to iconic wedding songs - 'Chal Pyar Karegi', 'Mehndi Laga Ke Rakhna', 'Yeh Ladka Hai Allah' and 'Saajanji Ghar Aaye', along with choreographer Anuradha Iyengar. Guest Archana said: "When I was watching Shoaib, it really felt like a typical hero from a film is dancing. It seemed like your hair, your demeanour, and the costume were flattering your physique, making you look like a typical hero, and you were dancing like a hero, enjoying yourself. Your expressions and energy were very good. Anuradha was complimenting you beautifully." Furthermore, Parmeet shared: "I actually felt like Shah Rukh Khan was dancing while watching you." Impressed by the spellbinding act, judge Farah Khan said: "I think I liked it the most because out of the four songs, I have choreographed three (laughs). Parmeet was a part of 'Mehndi Laga Ke Rakhna,' as well. I felt very good because you created a whole story from the mehndi to the sangeet to the wedding ceremony." "Shoaib, you danced with so much happiness and love. Anuradha, I liked it, you didn't waste any beat, and choreographed it well. It was simple, even your lifts were very clean and well done. It was sweet, I felt like I was watching someone's wedding and was very happy to see it. It was a very happy performance. Too good," added Farah. Adding an extra layer of love and emotion to the already mesmerizing act, Shoaib's wife Dipika Kakkar surprised him by joining him at the end of the act. Dipika got nostalgic and talked about their wedding and reminisced about the beautiful moments they shared during their wedding ceremony. The 'Sasuaral Simar Ka' fame actress said: "During the wedding ceremony, it literally felt like a dream come true for me. We had our wedding in Maudaha, which is Shoaib's village. Our wedding baarat went through the same streets from where Ammi and Papa's baarat had gone. The whole experience was so traditional and desi. Our journey started with the entire family travelling together on a train. It was a lot of fun. We didn't have a typical pre-wedding shoot, so after reaching the village, we went to the fields and started recreating scenes from 'DDLJ." 'Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa' airs on Sony. Key Insights Using the 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity, Bechtle fair value estimate is 50.07 Current share price of 45.31 suggests Bechtle is potentially trading close to its fair value Analyst price target for BC8 is 51.57, which is 3.0% above our fair value estimate Today we'll do a simple run through of a valuation method used to estimate the attractiveness of Bechtle AG (ETR:BC8) as an investment opportunity by taking the expected future cash flows and discounting them to their present value. We will use the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model on this occasion. 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. For those who are keen learners of equity analysis, the Simply Wall St analysis model here may be something of interest to you. Check out our latest analysis for Bechtle What's The Estimated Valuation? We're using the 2-stage growth model, which simply means we take in account two stages of company's growth. In the initial period the company may have a higher growth rate and the second stage is usually assumed to have a stable growth rate. To begin with, we have to get estimates of the next ten years of cash flows. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years. 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: 10-year free cash flow (FCF) estimate 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 Levered FCF (, Millions) 217.1m 253.0m 265.8m 318.5m 345.8m 367.0m 383.3m 395.7m 405.2m 412.6m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x8 Analyst x8 Analyst x2 Analyst x1 Est @ 8.57% Est @ 6.13% Est @ 4.43% Est @ 3.24% Est @ 2.41% Est @ 1.82% Present Value (, Millions) Discounted @ 6.2% 204 224 222 250 256 256 251 244 235 226 ("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St) Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = 2.4b Story continues The second stage is also known as Terminal Value, this is the business's cash flow after 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 (0.5%) to estimate future growth. In the same way as with the 10-year 'growth' period, we discount future cash flows to today's value, using a cost of equity of 6.2%. Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2033 (1 + g) (r g) = 413m (1 + 0.5%) (6.2% 0.5%) = 7.2b Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= 7.2b ( 1 + 6.2%)10= 3.9b The total value, or equity value, is then the sum of the present value of the future cash flows, which in this case is 6.3b. In the final step we divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Relative to the current share price of 45.3, the company appears about fair value at a 9.5% discount to where the stock price trades currently. Remember though, that this is just an approximate valuation, and like any complex formula - garbage in, garbage out. XTRA:BC8 Discounted Cash Flow December 24th 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. You don't have to agree with these inputs, I recommend redoing the calculations yourself and playing with them. 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 Bechtle 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 6.2%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.151. Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility, compared to the market as a whole. We get our beta from the industry average beta of globally comparable companies, with an imposed limit between 0.8 and 2.0, which is a reasonable range for a stable business. SWOT Analysis for Bechtle Strength Earnings growth over the past year exceeded the industry. Debt is not viewed as a risk. Dividends are covered by earnings and cash flows. Weakness Earnings growth over the past year is below its 5-year average. Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the IT market. Opportunity Annual revenue is forecast to grow faster than the German market. Good value based on P/E ratio and estimated fair value. Threat Annual earnings are forecast to grow slower than the German market. Looking Ahead: Although the valuation of a company is important, it ideally won't be the sole piece of analysis you scrutinize for a company. The DCF model is not a perfect stock valuation tool. Rather it should be seen as a guide to "what assumptions need to be true for this stock to be under/overvalued?" If a company grows at a different rate, or if its cost of equity or risk free rate changes sharply, the output can look very different. For Bechtle, there are three pertinent aspects you should explore: Financial Health: Does BC8 have a healthy balance sheet? Take a look at our free balance sheet analysis with six simple checks on key factors like leverage and risk. Future Earnings: How does BC8's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other Solid Businesses: Low debt, high returns on equity and good past performance are fundamental to a strong business. Why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals to see if there are other companies you may not have considered! PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every German stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock just search here. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. New Delhi, Dec 24 : Three minors killed a 25-year-old man, who had allegedly sexually assaulted one of them, and tried to burn his body to destroy the evidence, Delhi Police said on Sunday. The minors alleged that the man, identified as Azad, who was declared a aBad Charactera of Hazrat Nizamuddin police station, had sexually assaulted one of them on several occasions. According to police, on Saturday morning, information was received regarding the apprehension of three suspects by an Emergency Response Vehicle staff. The trio, two 16-year-olds and one 17-year-old, are residents of Nizamuddin Basti. "They disclosed that they had murdered a man, Azad, also a resident of the same locality, and his dead body is lying in Khusro Park," Deputy Commissioner of Police, Southeast, Rajesh Deo. Upon their confession, the Investigating Officer reached the spot and found a half-burnt body lying there. "The crime team inspected the scene of crime and the body was taken to AIIMS for preservation," said the DCP. On questioning, the trio revealed that on Thursday at around 10 p.m, they had murdered Azad because he tried to sexually assault one of them on various occasions and to take revenge, they brutally assaulted and murdered him. "They also tried to burn the dead body with the help of dry grass and clothes to destroy the evidence and identity of the deceased. Weapons of offence i.e. khukri type weapon, stones and a wooden staff used for committing the offence have been recovered," the DCP said. West Singhbhum : CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) personnel conducting operation to flush out CPI (Maoist) after an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) blast triggered by CPI (Maoist) in the dense forest of Chaibasa in West Singhbhum district of Jha. Image Source: IANS News Bhubaneswar, Dec 24 : Two personnel of the Special Operations Group (SOG), the elite commando force of Odisha Police, Sunday sustained serious injuries in an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast during a combing operation against Left Wing Extremists (LWE) in Odisha's Sirla forest. The injured personnel have been identified as Amiya Das and Prasant Jena. S.P. Suvendu Kumar Patra told IANS that the SOG personnel were engaged in combing operations in the area for the last three days. "On Sunday morning at around 10 am, the IED explosive fixed on a tree went off and two of our commandos were injured. One of the commandos who sustained eye injuries has been shifted to AIIMS, Bhubaneswar while the other commando who sustained splinter injury on his limbs is undergoing treatment at Kandhamal," Patra said. He said that it is suspected that Maoists are hiding in the jungle and the combing operation will continue in the coming days. Patra said that there are no inputs regarding the casualties among the ultras. Bhopal, Dec 24 : BJP's sweeping victory in Madhya Pradesh assembly elections had left amazed not only opposition parties but also the BJP leaders, because even they were not expecting a landslide win. Bhopal, Dec 24 (IANS) BJPas sweeping victory in Madhya Pradesh assembly elections had left amazed not only opposition parties but also the BJP leaders, because even they were not expecting a landslide win. The major factors -- that proved to be the strengths of BJP in the state assembly elections -- were youth, booth, coordination and unity of the party. On one hand, while the party strengthened the booth level and relied on the youth in the elections, on the other hand, the coordination between the state and national leadership was unmatched. Before the state assembly elections, the contest between BJP and Congress was expected to be tough and even various surveys and reports from the grassroots level had made the BJP jittery. In these circumstances, it was not easy for BJP to turn the tables but the strategy of national leadership and activism of the party workers of the state were its biggest strengths. BJP's state president Vishnu Dutt Sharma activated the grassroots workers through the booth expansion campaign and made every possible effort to provide benefits of the central and state government schemes to the beneficiaries. Sharma also handed over the responsibility of contacting every household to the workers, and the party took decisions at its own level, keeping people associated with power away. Besides, all the facilities were provided to the officials associated with the committees up to district, divisional and booth level as per the need. Concerned about the poor feedback coming from the grassroots level, the national leadership and the state unit started to chalk out an effective strategy. First of all, Union Home Minister Amit Shah took command of the state's election strategy and deployed his two representatives, Union Ministers Bhupender Yadav and Ashwini Vaishnaw in the state. The presence of these two big leaders in the state and their association with the workers of the state unit led to a change in the situation. Till about five months before the elections, it was being predicted that Congress might gain in the state poll and BJP may lose. This was the biggest concern of the party high command. In these circumstances, Shah made frequent visits to the state and during his stay at the divisional level, he cautioned the local leaders to change their working style. A senior BJP leader says that during Shahas divisional level visit, he also told the state leadership about the partyas situation in certain areas, only after that a campaign was launched to strengthen the weak links. Thereafter MPs and Union ministers were fielded in the assembly elections and plans for the visits of the Prime Minister and other leaders were drawn. Political analysts believe that it was not easy for the BJP to retain the power in the state, but the continuous activism of the partyas state unit and the importance given to the workers resulted in the anti-incumbency being converted into pro-incumbency. New Delhi, Dec 24 : A massive fire broke down at a godown in Delhi's Karawal Nagar area on Sunday, a fire department official said. He said that so far no casualty has been reported in the incident. The Director of Delhi Fire Service (DFS) Atul Garg said that a call regarding the blaze was received at 3:53 p.m. at a godown in Gali no.3 Kali, Karawal Nagar. "A total of 12 fire tenders have been rushed to the site," said Garg. More details are awaited. Guwahati, Dec 24 : Four youths in Assam, suspected to be ULFA-I linkmen, were injured after the police opened fire on them while they were trying to escape custody, an official said on Sunday, adding the shootouts took place in two separate places in the state. One of the youths, identified as Pallab Jyoti Gogoi, was critically injured in the shootout that took place in the Konwarpur area of Sivasagar district on Saturday night. The police claimed that Gogoi was a cadre of the outlawed group and was involved in various activities for the United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I) in the state. Gogoi is a resident of Bikrampur Chariali in Sivasagar, according to police sources. He was admitted at the Assam Medical College and Hospital in Dibrugarh with bullet injuries. The police claimed that Gogoi was directly involved in the blast that happened in Sivasagar district on December 9. Meanwhile, in a similar incident on Saturday night, three youths were shot by police in Tinsukia district after the police alleged that they were en-route to join the ULFA-I. The firing incident happened in Kakopathar area in Tinsukia district. According to police, the youths have been identified as Biswanath Buragohain, Manoj Buragohain and Nabin Neog. All of them hail from different areas in Tinsukia district. After being shot in the leg by the police, they were first admitted to the Tinsukia civil hospital. However, they were later shifted to Assam Medical College and Hospital in Dibrugarh. A senior police officer said: "The families of the youths gave us the information in writing about their intention to join the ULFA-I. We started a search right away, and we were able to find them. They admitted to attending a meeting in the Dhola region when they were being questioned on the spot. On our way back to Sadiya, the moment the three got out of the police vehicle, they tried to grab a gun from a staff member and made an attempt to escape into the darkness. "To make sure they couldn't escape, our staff had to use controlled shooting," the police officer said. The two incidents happened hours after Assam DGP G.P. Singh issued a stern warning to youths who either intended to join or have been supporting any proscribed militant group. Taking to his X handle, Singh wrote, aAnyone willing to join or support any terrorist group banned by the government will be arrested and prosecuted according to law. Please be careful about what you write about banned organizations on social media." Three killed in road accident in J&Ks Rajouri. Image Source: IANS News Hyderabad, Dec 24 : Five persons, from Maharashtra and Karnataka, were killed when two cars collided head-on in Telangana's Narayanpet district on Sunday, police said. Hyderabad, Dec 24 (IANS) Five persons, from Maharashtra and Karnataka, were killed when two cars collided head-on in Telanganaas Narayanpet district on Sunday, police said. The accident occurred near Jaklair village in Makthal mandal. Members of two families lost their lives in the crash. The victims hailed from Maharashtra and Karnataka. According to police, two persons sitting in one car and three persons in another car were killed in the collision. Two women and a child were among the deceased. Police shifted the bodies for autopsy. A police officer said they have registered a case and took up further investigation. --IANS ms/vd Panaji, Dec 24 : BJP legislator from Goa's Calangute constituency, Michael Lobo, has expressed concern over the decline in foreign tourists' arrivals, saying the tourism sector will see dark days if a solution is not brought. "The number of foreign tourists and also high-spending tourists have declined. But we hope that for this Christmas season and for the new year, they will arrive," Lobo said. "The Department of Tourism and Chief Minister Pramod Sawant should take cognisance of this and initiate measures," Lobo said. According to Lobo, compared to previous years (before Covid), there is a drop of foreign tourists in the state. "The Department should see why this has happened and try to improve the situation. If you don't put this in place today, then we will see dark days (in future) as far as foreign tourists are concerned," he said. "Foreign tourists used to come in large numbers before Covid. Now they go to other countries. We need to find out why they stopped coming to Goa post Covid," Lobo said. --IANS sbk/pgh Hyderabad, Dec 24 : AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi said on Sunday that the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in Jammu and Kashmir is emboldening custodial violence and torture. The Hyderabad MP was reacting to reports of alleged torture of three civilians by the Army. The three men were found dead on December 22 near the site of an attack by militants in Poonch district. Five soldiers were killed and two injured in the attack by the militants on December 21. Owaisi termed the killing of three men as horrifying. The Hyderabad MP posted on X that the compensation by the government is not enough. The Jammu and Kashmir administration announced compensation and jobs to the kin of the three civilians. "AFSPA in Kashmir emboldens such custodial violence and torture. The culprits need to be investigated and punished under civilian laws," Owaisi said. Meanwhile, addressing party workers Owaisi voiced concern over the situation in Kashmir. "Not since 1991 have our forces been attacked in such a manner. The custodial torture of civilians is also an immense cause for concern," he said and asked what happened to Union Home Minister Amit Shah's claims that after the repeal of Article 370 and demonetisation, everything has been sorted and that there is no terrorism anymore. "Unfortunately dialogue-baazi has replaced proper national security," Owaisi added. New Delhi, Dec 24 : External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will visit Russia from December 25-29 as a part of the ongoing high-level exchanges between the two sides. According to officials, Jaishankar, aduring this visit, will meet Deputy Prime Minister and Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov to discuss matters related to economic engagement. Jaishankar will also meet his counterpart, Sergey Lavrov for discussion on bilateral, multilateral, and international issues. The officials also said that afocusing on the strong people to people and cultural ties between two countries, Jaishankar's programme will include engagements in Moscow and in St. Petersburg. The time tested India-Russia partnership has remained stable and resilient and continues to be characterized by the spirit of the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership, the officials said. --IANS aks/ Baramulla : The last rites of of retired SSP who was killed by terrorists. Image Source: IANS News Jammu, Dec 24 : Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday condemned the terror attack in Baramulla district in which retired SSP Mohammad Shafi Mir was shot dead. He has conveyed his deep sympathies to Mir's family. "Pained beyond words on the dastardly terrorist attack on retired police officer, Shri Mohammad Shafi Mir while he was giving a call for prayer in the mosque. Cowards responsible for this barbaric act will not be spared. My condolences to the bereaved family in this hour of grief", he said in a post on X. Redevelopment has begun on the 51-acre Saint-Gobain site. 51 Redevelopment has begun on a 51-acre site at Saint-Gobain after the company donated the parcels to the Worcester Business Development Corp. plus $12 million toward the largest brownfield reclamation project ever in Massachusetts on the site. In November 2022, the WBDC acquired the 51-acre parcel in a development agreement with Saint-Gobain. WBDC President Craig L. Blais estimates 30 acres near Ararat Street will be ready for development by next summer and predicts the completion of development in three to five years, he said. WBDC received a $2 million cleanup grant from the federal Environmental Protection Agency. Red Sold For Sale Real Estate Sign in Front of House. 3,447 Single-family home sales in Massachusetts were down markedly in November while housing prices set record highs for the month. The Warren Group reported Tuesday that there were 3,447 single-family homes sold in the state last month, a 10.6% decline from November 2022 and the smallest number of single-family home sales for any November since 2011. With inventories limited, the average sale price for a single-family home increased 8.4% over last November to $579,900, setting a new all-time high for November. There were 1,487 condo sales in November 2023, down 10.3% compared to the 1,658 sales in November 2022. Angies Bodywork Spa 383 State regulators have opened an investigation into the city bodyworks" spa where a woman was fatally shot in the head Thanksgiving. A spokesperson for the Massachusetts Division of Occupational Licensure confirmed that the board has opened a complaint against Angies Bodyworks Spa at 383 Pleasant St. The website for the business describes some of its services as massage. However, Angies is not a licensed massage parlor, the licensing division confirmed, and the use of the word massage by an unlicensed business is not proper. While the spas website lists the business as open, it has been listed as closed on Google for weeks From left, Tineke Brinks and Debra Horan at Booklovers' Gourmet in Webster. $300,000 Bestselling author James Patterson has pledged a personal contribution of $300,000, to be distributed in amounts of $500, to 600 booksellers from American Booksellers Association member bookstores through his James Patterson Holiday Bookstore Bonus Program. In Massachusetts booksellers at 32 bookstores, including in Marlborough, Webster and Westborough, are benefiting from what has become an almost 10-year tradition annual on Patterson's behalf. Tineke Brinks, who works at the Booklovers' Gourmet, 72 East Main St., Webster, is one of the recipients. "I was like blown away. I felt like, really, wow. That's a lot of money, for me," Brinks said. Story continues The Moran Square Diner 2 The Moran Square Diner, 2 Lunenburg St., Fitchburg, which operates out of a 1939 Worcester Lunch Car Co. diner car, will close its doors at the end of this year, according to business owner Ember Willoughby. Willoughby, who reopened the diner in October 2021 with former wife Brittany, said they will close because they have accepted a job as a sous chef for Gibbet Hill Grill in Groton. The diner property is owned by Glenn C. Fossa, who purchased the property from previous owners Christopher and Mary Giannetti. The Giannettis ran the diner from August 1994 until closing in 2018. This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Central Mass. by the Numbers New Delhi, Dec 24 : Ahead of Christmas, Delhi Police has strategically deployed personnel, including paramilitary forces, particularly around 250 churches, to maintain law and order and avoid any kind of untoward incident. The traffic is also expected to be heavy on Christmas at various locations including Gol Dak Khana, Ashoka Road (Gol Dak Khana to Windsor Place), Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Sansad Marg, Church Road, Lodhi Road, Aurobindo Marg, Patel Chowk, and Africa Avenue Road on Monday. A senior Delhi Police official said that the assistance of paramilitary forces was enlisted to provide security coverage for prominent churches in the city as they expected increased foot traffic. "We have bolstered our presence in various critical areas and are maintaining constant vigilance to prevent any undesirable incidents," the official said. Deputy Commissioner of Police, Northeast, Joy Tirkey revealed plans to deploy around 1,000 police personnel, augmented by additional forces, within the district. "With six borders and motorable roads, substantial force deployment will occur at vital checkpoints, including around the Yamuna area. Stringent actions will be taken against anyone violating law and order conditions," he said. Another officer said that comprehensive measures have been implemented to guarantee the safety of motorists, facilitate smooth traffic flow, guide pedestrians to use footpaths, inform road users about routes and diversions, and prevent reckless driving or stunt performances on two-wheelers. --IANS ssh/vd Man held for thrashing elderly mother after tying her to electric pole. Image Source: IANS News Bhubaneswar, Dec 24 : A 39-year-old man in Odisha's Keonjhar district has been arrested on the charges of assaulting his elderly mother after tying her to an electric pole for stealing a cauliflower. The accused was identified as Satrughna Mahanta, a resident of Saraspasi village. "On Saturday, we were informed by some villagers that the elderly woman had come to a hospital for treatment. Our staff immediately rushed to the hospital and recorded her statement. Following investigation, we found the allegations against the accused son were prima facie true. So, we arrested Mahanta after registering a case against him," a police officer said. The official stated that the woman had two sons, and the elder son had passed away a few years ago. The elderly woman has been staying alone following familial discord with her son. The lady has no other way for subsistence used to live on government ration and at the mercy of other villagers. The victim who was in dire need of money recently sold a cauliflower from the son's farm to a neighbour. When her son came to know about the incident, he tied the over 60-year-old woman to an electric pole and thrashed her brutally. The incident took place on December 20. The video and photo of the brutal act of the son soon went viral. Hyderabad, Dec 24 : AIMIM President and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi has found fault with the Telangana government's decision to shift Telangana High Court from the old city. Stating that the old city is the original Hyderabad, he suggested that Chanchalguda Jail be shifted to the outskirts of Hyderabad and its land be used for a new building of the High Court. Addressing a meeting of AIMIM workers, Owaisi said that the new High Court is being proposed in Budvel on high value land and it will cost a few hundred crores. He also mooted that the Central Armed Reserve must be shifted out of Petlaburj and the land must be used for a KG to PG campus. Owaisi asked if development of the old city is a concern, why does Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy want to shift the High Court out of the old city. "Over the decades, every institution of importance has been shifted out of original Hyderabad. Does the CM want to make original Hyderabad a barren area that is no longer part of the capital city," he asked. Owaisi also mentioned that the Chief Minister contemptuously accused the people of the old city of electricity theft and termed it "condemnable". "No CM should feel entitled in insulting the people of an area where tribals, Dalits and Muslims live," he said. The AIMIM President also referred to the Chief Minister taunting AIMIM for supporting the government of Bhaskar Rao in 1984. He said the party supported Rao's faction after his father and then AIMIM President Sultan Salahuddin Owaisi conducted a public meeting and asked the people of Hyderabad if the party should support Rao's faction. "In exchange, we didn't ask for a ministerial position or money. Instead, he got permission to set up a minority educational institution, Deccan College of Medical Sciences. I saw him struggle to get it established. It took a physical toll on him. But today, even if he is not in this world, his work lives on. DCMS has produced over 5000 doctors who serve patients all over the world. DCMS alumni have helped millions of people," he said. Owaisi told the AIMIM workers that the party has been defeating the BJP and will continue to defeat the BJP. "We will support every effort to ensure that Modi does not become PM again. It is for other parties to decide where they stand. If they want to defeat the BJP, why did they let it win Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh? These states together account for 65 Lok Sabha seats. Why did they give BJP a walkover in such critical states?" he asked. Owaisi also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's claim in a recent interview that there is no hostility against minorities in India. "If this is true, then how did a BJP MP abuse a Muslim MP openly in the Lok Sabha? He faced no disciplinary consequences. If it is true that there is no hostility, how come areas where Muslims live are empirically shown to not have adequate public services like schools, clinics, sanitation, etc? The hostility is evident at every step," he said. New York, Dec 24 : China feels that the US has been taking positive steps towards bettering relations starting with the meeting between President Joe Biden and his counterpart Xi Jingping in November last month at San Francisco, but is just "one mis-step away from sparking a war", a report said. China, by mis-step, was referring to surveillance of its activities in sea adjoining Taiwan and aiding that country despite its warnings. "But behind the high expectations are people's concerns about the possibility of a minor incident that could spark a war or even an uncontrollable risk between China and the US, the two great powers," China's leading newspaper, the Global Times said in an editorial. Examining a video meeting between top military officials General Liu Zhenli of China and General Charles Q. Brown, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Global Times said this is a "positive signal". It touted the meeting as "one of the important outcomes of the San Francisco meeting between the Chinese and US heads of state", and wrote that the meeting was "substantive". The editorial, titled "Chinese, US military talks a positive signal" does not necessarily reflect the views of the Chinese leadership although it is controlled by the polit bureau of the Chinese communist party. The warning of the mis-step by the US with China leading to a war between the two countries comes more than a month after President Joe Biden met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in San Francisco in November. The face-to-face meeting was the first between the two superpowers in a year and occurred during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum. The meeting was seen as a crucial step in restoring normal communications between the US and China and to prevent the rivalry between the two countries from escalating, Newsweek that analysed the Global Times report said. However, the Global Times report warned on Saturday that a minor incident could spark war between the two nations though the US was taking a significant step in bettering the relationships between the two military powers. The two military superpowers stopped all talks or negotiations when then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan in July 2022. Tensions heightened as the US conducted frequent transits of the sensitive waters in the Taiwan Strait with American and allied aircraft and vessels. "As the US military increases its close-in reconnaissance of China's south-eastern coast and interference in the Taiwan Straits situation, the risk of direct military friction between China and the US has raised significantly, and Washington feels uneasy about this kind of development," the Global Times wrote. Liu still attended the meeting at the behest of Brown's invitation. "But what is the fundamental purpose of military exchanges between the two countries? There is a difference in the two sides' perceptions, which requires Washington in particular to have a full understanding of the key points emphasized by Beijing during the exchanges." Newsweek reached out to the US Central Command and the White House by email for comment. Newsweek also reached out to the US Department of State through an online media inquiry for comment. The response was awaited. The editorial also said that the US has "never given enough respect" to China's "core interests and major concerns", adding that those actions are the "root cause of the danger". "If Washington does not recognise this issue, then the risk of military confrontation between China and the US will always exist," the Global Times wrote, before declaring that the US must change its behaviour if it hopes to improve its relationship with China. It is not the first time the Global Times has issued such warnings against the US. In October, it claimed that America is "inciting the risk of war on a global scale". And earlier this year, the Global Times slammed the US for its $80 million military financing programme for Taiwan, the Newsweek noted. Washington, Dec 25 : Former President Donald Trump on Saturday made a plea before the appeals court in Washington DC to throw out the federal charges alleging he tried to steal the 2020 Presidential election. He faces charges of conspiracy to overturn the 2020 election verdict that put Joe Biden in the White House besides violating the rights of voters to have their votes counted and declared in Washington and Georgia. Attorneys for the former President argued in a 71-page filing to the DC Circuit Court of Appeals that the charges against Trump should be dismissed. The lawyers claim Trump's actions following the 2020 race for the White House fell under his official responsibilities as President. This has been sharply contested by the Department of Justice's special counsel and the Congressional committee that investigated the Jan 6 Capitol Hill insurrection in 2021 by Trump's supporters to prevent the election verdict from being announced. He is also charged with his failure of duties as Commander in Chief and President to call the National Guard to quell the mob on the Capitol that endangered the lives of Senators and Vice President Mike Pence. A federal grand jury indicted Trump in August over his efforts to overturn the race, and he was arrested just weeks later in Georgia on election charges in the Peach State. "The indictment of President Trump threatens to launch cycles of recrimination and politically motivated prosecution that will plague our nation for many decades to come and stands likely to shatter the very bedrock of our Republic - the confidence of American citizens in an independent judicial system," Trumpas lawyers wrote in the Saturday filing, which only applied to the federal election case against the former President, but excluded the case in Georgia. The case in Georgia falls under the RICO Act of using racketeering methods to give the state officials more votes to make Trump win and threatening and intimidating court officials and witnesses to alter the election results. Trump has repeatedly argued that his actions following the 2020 election are protected because he was acting in an official capacity as the Commander-in-Chief. The filing on Saturday called on the Washington appeals court to reject a lower court's ruling that refused this claim of executive immunity. Trump's trial in the case is scheduled to begin in March. The charges brought by special counsel Jack Smith could land him in prison for decades, media reports said. The Supreme Court on Friday sidestepped the question of whether Trump may claim immunity from criminal charges tied to his alleged interference in the 2020 election, but the legal wrangling over the issue is far from over. The same case will almost certainly return to the Supreme Court in the coming months, but the move signals that the issue will first be decided by federal appeals courts, USA TODAY reported. Washington, Dec 25 : Presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy has said that he is not a "Plan B person", rejecting outright the idea or speculation of his joining the Trump cabinet in any official capacity if the former President retake the White House from Joe Biden in 2024. Ramaswamy claimed his first priority is to focus on winning the GOP primary. But Ramaswamy has lost much of the heat or traction from his campaign as his Indian-origin American rival Nikki Haley has emerged as the top favourite among voters and GOP donors for the White House race. Ramaswamy, 38, is one of a handful of GOP presidential candidates who trail former President Donald Trump, the longtime presumed front-runner in the party's primary. The former President's commanding lead in poll after poll ultimately led to his decision not to participate in the Republican National Committee's presidential debates, media reports said. "I'm not a plan B person, Maria," he told Fox News' Maria Bartiromo on Sunday when asked if he'd accept a position in a second Trump administration. "I didn't get to where I am; I'm 38 years old, I've founded multiple multi-billion dollar companies, we're blessed with the American dream to be able to self-finance and lift this campaign up. I didn't get to where I am, and Apoorva (spouse) didn't get to where she is by being plan B people," he added, "I'm actually confident we're going to over-deliver massively at the Iowa caucus," the entrepreneur-turned-presidential candidate declared. The Trump rival candidates are facing the heat to close the margins with the former President in the polls ahead of the start of the Iowa caucus and meetings in New Hampshire and South Carolina. Even as speculation is rife that one of the candidates could end up on Trump's ticket as a running mate for the vice presidency in oneas ability to pull more votes on the combo as the formidable Biden-Harris one does with ethnic voters. Trump is actually looking for a person who can influence the swing states in his favour: Of 10 traditional battlegrounds --Arizona, Georgia, Minnesota, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Florida and Ohio -- in 2020, Biden won seven, flipping a handful of states. These states include Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. All five of these states had governorship elections in the 2022 midterms. Four of them -- Arizona, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin -- have Senate seats up for election this year as well. So itas a toss-up for either party. Poll predictions don't always end up in voter endorsements as the samples are too small to do one's math on, pollsters from the Democratic side argue stating how Democrats won three states in the off-year elections -- Ohio, Connecticut and Kentucky. Trump has reportedly considered the possibility of asking his former United Nations ambassador, Nikki Haley, to serve as his running mate, though Trump's inner circle rejected the idea. Alternatively, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis unequivocally stated he wouldn't become Trump's Vice President if he was to win the GOP nomination earlier this month, and he accused Haley of dodging whether she'd join a Trump ticket. "Phony Ron DeSantis has spent ten times more money attacking Nikki Haley than Donald Trump. He'll say anything to try to salvage his sinking ship of a campaign. Nikki has been very clear from day one, she doesn't play for second," a Trump campaign spokesperson told the Washington Examiner. Tel Aviv, Dec 25 : A high-level delegation of Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) led by its exiled leader Ziyad Al-Nakhalah has reached the Egyptian capital Cairo, indicating that the truce talks with Israel are continuing. PIJ is an offshoot of Hamas and is holding some of the hostages from Israel. The recent talks in Cairo were mediated by Egypt and Qatar and also attended by Ismael Haniyeh, the political head of Hamas. The Hamas and PIJ groups are adamant that they would not discuss any release of hostages unless Israel would end its war in Gaza. However, the Israeli side is saying that they are willing to discuss only a temporary pause in fighting. Sources in Cairo told IANS that the PIJ leadership will be insisting on the release of all Palestinians jailed in Israel. Lucknow, Dec 25 : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Sunday that late Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the 'Ajat Shatru' of politics and the state government will celebrate his birth centenary in a big way. He said that Vajpayee possessed remarkable abilities to work in both favourable and challenging situations. Speaking at the Atal Geet Ganga Programme, organised on the eve of former Prime Minister Bharat Ratna Vajpayee's birth anniversary, Yogi said that he laid the foundation for schemes benefiting the poor, significant infrastructure projects, and got global recognition and honour for India. "It is also a wonderful coincidence that this year marks the centenary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee's birth. He was born on December 25, 1924. Throughout the year, there will be various programmes, and on December 25, 2024, we will have the opportunity to witness a grand celebration," he said. The Chief Minister said that Vajpayee proved during his tenure as the Prime Minister how stable governments can be beneficial. "The tradition continues today. He explained that even while working for a long time, one can serve the people with values, ideals, and dedication. Within India, they can implement large-scale programmes tailored to the development of the country. Whether on domestic or international fronts, Atal Bihari paved the way," Yogi remarked. The Chief Minister said that Vajpayee once stated, "My Lord, never grant me such heights that I cannot embrace others." "Look at his compassion. We often talk about big things, but if empathy is not there for the poor, common people, youth, and women, then we do not have the right to call ourselves human. Vajpayee gave a new direction to Indian politics," he added. "Currently, under Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi's leadership, we all are witnessing a new manifestation of Indian politics based on that foundation", Yogi pointed out. The Chief Minister said that the 'Atal Geet Ganga' marked the beginning of a year-long programme. During the Atal Bihari's centenary celebration, the state government would organise grand events at the development block, gram panchayat, district, commissionerate, college, university, Assembly, and state levels. "The government aims to encourage hidden talents by providing a platform for new individuals to come forward. Scholarships will also be released. Efforts will be made to bring the values of great personalities like Vajpayee back into Indian politics, as well as inspire the younger generation to conduct research on Vajpayee," he said. The Government's announcement last week that rail freight needs to grow by at least 75% has been welcomed by Freightliner, but the company claims more can be done to achieve that target. Freightliner is a subsidiary of Genesee & Wyoming Inc. (G&W), and welcomed the target of 75% that the Government has set for the growth in freight volumes moved by rail by 2050, and acknowledged that it shows a vote of confidence in the rail freight sector. It also underlined the importance of moving freight by rail in greatly reducing carbon emissions, which will support economic growth and deliver prosperity for all regions of the United Kingdom. Increasing the amount of freight moved by rail by a minimum of 75% by 2050 will result in the removal of more than 12 million Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) journeys from our busy motorways each year, which will result in a reduction of 1.5 million tonnes in carbon emissions, such a large reduction will provide an important step to delivering the United Kingdom's zero greenhouse gas obligations. Tim Shoveller, CEO at G&W UK / Europe, said We welcome this target set by the government today but know we can do more. We look forward to working with Government and the wider industry in unlocking the policies that will ensure that the target is a floor and not a ceiling. Setting the target is the easy part, it is now crucial that we maintain the momentum by establishing a clear policy framework that will support the private sector investments that will be key for growth and to secure the significant modal shift to rail. Property details: This stunning piece of land is located in the beautiful area of Las Picuas beach Road, Puerto Rico. With a total of 0.48 acres, this property is perfect for anyone looking to build their dream home or vacation retreat. The zoning is mixed, allowing for a variety of potential uses. The seller state of residence is Florida, ensuring a smooth and straightforward transaction. Don't miss out on the opportunity to own your own slice of paradise in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico. This beachfront land for sale... Price: $ 725,000 Seller State of Residence: Florida Type: Homesite, Lot Property Address: Las Picuas beach, Road 968 Zip/Postal Code: 00745 Zoning: Residential City: Rio Grande State/Province: Puerto Rico Location: 330**, Hollywood, Florida You will be redirected to eBay Nearby Puerto Rico A handful of Chinese technology start-ups are poised to pursue an initial public offering (IPO) during 2024 or early 2025, with most of these firms looking to make their trading debut in Hong Kong. The most high-profile enterprise in this group is China-founded e-commerce firm Shein, the world's second-highest valued tech start-up behind Elon Musk's SpaceX, which is expected go public in the next 12 to 18 months, according to a list compiled by market intelligence firm CB Insights. Six companies based in mainland China were on the list. By contrast, there are 153 potential IPOs from companies in the United States and 31 from India, according to CB Insights data. 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. While most of the Chinese start-ups plan to float their shares in Hong Kong, Singapore-based Shein has reportedly filed for an IPO in the US and was also in talks to go public in Britain. People shop at Shein's holiday pop-up store inside the Forever 21 branch at Times Square in New York City on November 10, 2023. Photo: Reuters alt=People shop at Shein's holiday pop-up store inside the Forever 21 branch at Times Square in New York City on November 10, 2023. Photo: Reuters> "China's tech companies face strong headwinds in the form of the country's stringent regulatory stance on tech and its fraught relationship with foreign economic powers like the US," CB Insights said in its report. Chinese tech unicorns like Ant Group, the financial technology affiliate of Alibaba Group Holding, and TikTok owner ByteDance did not make it to the CB Insights list owing to regulatory uncertainties. "In China, what's going to happen is that you'll have two groups of companies," said Drew Bernstein, co-founder and co-chairman of accounting firm Marcum Asia, which has been an auditor and adviser for Chinese companies since 1999. Story continues "One group is going to be considered security sensitive, and they have to go public in the local markets, inclusive of Hong Kong," Bernstein said. "The other group can go public outside China with government permission." Shein The fast-fashion retailer - which moved its headquarters to Singapore from Nanjing, capital of eastern Jiangsu province, in late 2021 - was valued at more than US$66 billion after a fundraising in May. Shein has confidentially filed for a US IPO, according to a Reuters report in November. It is expected to become the most valuable China-founded company to go public in the US since ride-hailing giant Didi Global's trading debut in 2021 at a US$68-billion valuation. The firm has also held talks with the London Stock Exchange for a possible public listing, according to a Sky News report earlier this month. The logo of Horizon Robotics is seen during the 20th Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition at the National Exhibition and Convention Centre in Shanghai on April 25, 2023: Photo: VCG/VCG via Getty Images alt=The logo of Horizon Robotics is seen during the 20th Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition at the National Exhibition and Convention Centre in Shanghai on April 25, 2023: Photo: VCG/VCG via Getty Images> Horizon Robotics The Beijing-based artificial intelligence and semiconductor start-up has shifted its proposed IPO venue from the US to Hong Kong owing to Beijing's increased scrutiny of overseas listings, according to a Bloomberg report in 2021. That move was prompted by the action taken by Beijing against Didi Global after its public listing in New York in July that year. China's internet regulator initiated a cybersecurity investigation into the company, which was concluded when the ride-hailing firm was slapped with a US$1.2-billion fine about a year later. "Didi was a big deal and that's perhaps one of the reasons you're not seeing a lot of IPOs [by Chinese companies]," Marcum Asia's Bernstein said. In the first six months of this year, there were only 66 technology and media firms based on the mainland that went public, down from the 124 that completed IPOs in the second half of 2022, according to consultancy PwC. Lalatech Holdings Also known as Huolala on the mainland, Lalatech is the parent company of on-demand logistics and delivery service Lalamove. The company in November renewed its bid for a Hong Kong IPO after initially filing a listing application in the city in March. In June 2021, Lalatech confidentially filed to sell shares in the US, with an aim to raise US$1 billion. Hozon Auto Founded in 2014, Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker Hozon Auto has hired China International Capital Corporation and Morgan Stanley to work on its Hong Kong IPO, according to a Reuters report in September. Chehaoduo Backed by SoftBank Group Corp and Sequoia Capital China, automobile trading platform Chehaoduo was weighing a Hong Kong listing as early as 2021, according to a Bloomberg report at the time. The company denied that report, but has not provided an update since. Yuanfudao Online education start-up Yuanfudao in October announced a new US$2.2 billion funding round that put its valuation at US$15.5 billion. Although China's education sector had been hit hard by Beijing's crackdown on private tutoring, the industry saw its first IPO when services provider Fenbi listed in Hong Kong earlier this year. Fenbi, which caters to adult education, was spun off from Yuanfudao in 2020. WeDoctor Tencent Holdings-backed healthcare solutions platform WeDoctor revived its IPO plans in January, with an eye on either a Hong Kong or US listing, according to a Bloomberg report. The company had filed an IPO application in Hong Kong in 2021, but it lapsed. Taoche Second-hand car marketplace operator Taoche, another Tencent-backed start-up, was not covered by the CB Insights IPO list, but a recent Bloomberg report said it was considering an IPO by 2024, with the US among potential listing venues. Avatr Technology EV manufacturer Avatr Technology is a joint venture between Chongqing Changan Automobile, Huawei Technologies and EV battery giant Contemporary Amperex Technology. The firm was said to be considering a Hong Kong IPO past next year to 2025, Chinese media Cailianshe reported this month. 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. Property details: Different payment methods are accepted. The price listed is not the price of the lot. Buy it now price is not refundable. The price of the property is $4400. Please send message for more information. This beautiful piece of property is located in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. With a size of .22 acres, it is the perfect spot to build your dream home. The property is zoned for residential use and is located on West 11th Avenue. The location is ideal, with easy access to all the amenities that Pine Bluff h... 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Price: $ 700 Seller State of Residence: Arizona Property Address: Mohave Avenue Type: Homesite, Lot Zip/Postal Code: 86444 Zoning: A-General City: Meadview State/Province: Arizona Location: 864**, Meadview, Arizona You will be redirected to eBay Nearby Arizona 'This is not just the IREDAs IPO. It is the success of the ministry of new and renewable energy and of the renewable energy industry.' Photograph: Kind courtesy IREDA Ireda debuted on Dalal Street last week. Even as the RE sector has grown by leaps, the loan book of Ireda has remained restricted during the last decade. P K Das, CMD, Ireda talks about how the company is now trying to widen scope to new and emerging green sectors, and use innovative financing tools to cater to large projects, in an interview with Shreya Jai/Business Standard in New Delhi. The third attempt at an IPO proved lucky for the Ireda. What was different this time? Our team was confident of our plan. This is not just the Ireda's IPO. It is the success of the ministry of new and renewable energy and of the renewable energy (RE) industry. Over the past three-four years, we have tried to build a fair amount of capabilities, especially with regard to quality corporate governance and RE development. After the IPO of the Life Insurance Corporation, we are the first public sector undertaking (PSU) to go for listing. Our success will put a stamp on the perception of PSUs in the pipeline for an IPO, follow-on public offering, etc. We wanted to remove the misconceptions around RE and the Ireda. We have been working silently and efficiently for the past 36 years but were not known beyond our lenders and borrowers. With the successful listing, we would be getting a much better and wider brand name and it will be true justice to the development of RE in the country. In five years, how have your loan books grown and which sectors are part of your portfolio? During the past three decades, the Ireda has been supporting all forms of RE -- solar, wind, hydro -- and even newer technologies such as biofuel and electric mobility. In March 2020, our loan book size was Rs 23,000 crore. In the past three years we have added another Rs 24,000 crore. By September this year, our loan books reached more than Rs 47,000 crore. Plain vanilla RE comprises 62 per cent of our loan books (30 per cent solar, 20 per cent wind, and the rest hydro). We have around 25 per cent of our loan books for state utilities and 18 per cent in emerging RE. There has been a fair amount of thrust on RE after 2014 by the new government at the Centre. We are a kind of a mother organisation for financing RE in India and hence our goals are the same as the targets set by the country. The 500-Gw RE target by 2040 would require at least Rs 30 trillion and Rs 40-45 trillion when e-mobility is added to it. Government NBFCs -- Power Finance Corporation (PFC), REC, and the Ireda -- will play a key role in RE development. PFC, REC and large banks have a natural advantage both in borrowing and lending. How do you plan to compete, given that your lending ceiling is lower than theirs? All multilateral agencies have handheld RE in its initial stages. Since the 1990s the Ireda has had a line of credit with a lot of such agencies and our relations with them have grown over time. In the past three years, we did not borrow abroad. We could raise funds from the domestic market. In September, our company was upgraded to Schedule A, and recently the ministry made a pitch for getting us "Navratna" status. The benchmark we have set for ourselves in best quality corporate governance will benefit us. We are the only company in this segment which is doing quarterly audits. We have an edge over any agency in this segment now. We are going to get the best sources of funds at the most competitive rates. Most lending agencies enjoy 54EC (of the Income Tax Act, bonds with capital gains tax exemption). We have placed requests for it and are hopeful we will be considered. We are hopeful that the green taxonomy, for which we submitted a white paper, will be notified soon. One major benefit will be investment by insurance funds, pension funds, etc. The size and scale of RE projects are growing. The new sectors require high upfront debt. How do you plan to cater to this need? We are looking at joint lending with other NBFCs and banks. The idea is after we have fully leveraged our own funds, we can join hands with other lenders, and share our skill sets of the RE sector with them to lend to larger projects. We have signed MoUs with four banks and IIFCL. With Bank of India and Union Bank, we could do one single-day transaction of Rs 4,444 crore with state-owned SJVN Ltd. We can do joint lending also with the other two power NBFCs -- PFC and REC -- in the future. Our developers want us to lead despite the Ireda being in minority lending. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com Rich person standing next to a jet and convertible. A big part of the allure of investing in small and mid-cap stocks is their potential to be worth much more in the future. After all, it's a lot more probable that a company that's only worth a few billion dollars will grow its business enough to double in value than it is for a company that's already worth hundreds of billions. But smaller stocks also come with more risk, as they're often unproven and not well-established businesses. Ginkgo Bioworks (NYSE: DNA) is a mid-cap company that has some promising long-term growth opportunities. The cell programming specialist can help provide businesses with bioengineered products that can help them become more efficient and provide next-gen products. Uses for its technology include helping healthcare companies develop new drugs, and helping agricultural companies develop crops that are more resistant to disease. The caveat, however, is that it may take a while before Ginkgo may realize its potential, assuming it does at all. Could investing in this healthcare stock help get your portfolio to $1 million? Signing deals with big names Many businesses have been going to Ginkgo for help with their research and development, as cell engineering can provide unique and quicker solutions for the issues they face. Some of the big healthcare names that have signed deals with Ginkgo include Pfizer, Biogen, Merck, Novo Nordisk, and Bayer. But Ginkgo can help companies in other industries as well. In recent years, there has been a sharp increase in the number of its active programs. Image source: Ginkgo's 2023 Investor Day presentation. Seeing strong returns from this investment could take time Given the potential for Ginkgo's technology to transform businesses in many industries, there's significant potential for the company in the long run. When it comes to bio-engineered products, this is a market that could be worth trillions. The catch is that it could take decades for the market to get that big. Image source: Ginkgo company filings. One challenge for Ginkgo investors is that today, the business isn't anywhere near profitability. While it's promising to have such a large and varied addressable market, to benefit, a company still has to be in strong enough financial shape to be able to capitalize on those opportunities as they come up. Story continues Unfortunately, with losses over the last 12 months totaling $860 million on revenue of $315 million, the company has a long way to go if it's going to prove that it can be a safe long-term investment. Can Ginkgo Bioworks stock be an investment that gets you to $1 million? If you were to invest $25,000 into Ginkgo Bioworks stock, you would need it to grow to 40 times its value for your investment to be worth $1 million. That would give it a market cap of approximately $150 billion. That's not an unreasonable size for this company to grow into given the potential in its market. But that comes with many conditions. Prominent among them, it's far from clear that its market opportunities will in fact become massive, nor is it certain that Ginkgo can become a major player in bio-engineered products. Another important question for retail investors to weigh is whether it would be a good idea to invest $25,000 (or any major share of their portfolios) into a deeply unprofitable business that's counting on opportunities that may be years away from materializing, if they do at all. For most people, Ginkgo isn't an appropriate investment. This is a high-risk, high-potential-reward stock that is only suitable for investors with sufficiently high risk tolerance. Ginkgo Bioworks does have the potential to generate the sort of growth that would eventually turn it into a 40-bagger -- the type of stock that could help you become a millionaire. But a lot would need to go right for that to happen, and the business faces an uphill battle. Investors shouldn't take any of its potential as a given. Should you invest $1,000 in Ginkgo Bioworks right now? Before you buy stock in Ginkgo Bioworks, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now... and Ginkgo Bioworks wasn't one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Stock Advisor provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month. The Stock Advisor service has more than tripled the return of S&P 500 since 2002*. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of December 18, 2023 David Jagielski has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Merck and Pfizer. The Motley Fool recommends Biogen and Novo Nordisk. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Could Ginkgo Bioworks Stock Help You Become a Millionaire? was originally published by The Motley Fool Amid the recent terrorist attacks in the Poonch-Rajouri sector, India Army chief General Manoj Pande is likely to visit Jammu to review the situation there and discuss further strengthening the counter-terrorism grid there on Monday, defence sources said. IMAGE: Army chief General Manoj Pande pays homage to the brave hearts who laid down their lives for the country, at the war memorial of the Siachen Base Camp in Ladakh, November 1, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo The visit comes a few days after four troops were killed in action in a terrorist attack on a convoy near Thanandi in the Rajouri sector of the state. The Army chief is likely to visit Jammu and discuss the recent and ongoing counter-terrorist operations and the casualties that have been suffered in the recent terror attacks there, defence sources said. The Poonch-Rajouri sectors are the responsibility of the 16 Corps which is going to see a routine change in command as the incumbent Lt Gen Sandeep Jain is handing over command to Lt Gen Naveen Sachdev. The Army Headquarters is also watching the situation closely and keeping track of operations there closely. The Army is also likely to take action and give charge to officers who have dealt with situations in areas where multiple attacks on troops have taken place in this sector. Around two to three major attacks have taken place in the 13 Sector Rashtriya Rifles area in recent times and a change of command is likely. A visit by high-level defence ministry functionaries is also expected to take place this week where they will be briefed about the situation on the ground and the steps being taken to address the recent increase in activities by Pakistani terrorists in this area. Indian Army is also further strengthening its preparedness on the Line of Control and the International Border from where these terrorists have been trying to infiltrate into the Indian side from across. Meanwhile, special director general of Border Security Force YB Khurania visited the troops along the International Border and LoC in Jammu frontier, officials said on Sunday, reports PTI. Khurania, who heads the Chandigarh-based Western command of the BSF, arrived here on Saturday on a two-day visit to review the security situation, a spokesperson of the border guarding force said. DK Boora, Inspector General, BSF, Jammu frontier, briefed the Special DG about the prevailing security situation in Jammu. Khurania visited the border outposts along the IB and also reviewed the operational preparedness of field formations along the LoC in Sunderbani and Rajouri sectors, the spokesperson said. He then interacted with the BSF sector commanders and battalion commanders and guided them on border management. The special DG also applauded the professional acumen of the troops in safeguarding the border in tough conditions with dedication, the spokesperson added. He encouraged troops to carry on their excellent work in effective domination of the border to check anti-national activities, the spokesperson said. -- With PTI inputs The Army has ordered a thorough internal investigation into the deaths of three civilians in the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir following allegations that they died in its custody, people familiar with the matter said on Sunday. Photograph: Umar Ganie/ Rediff.com IMAGE: National Conference leaders protest against the mysterious death of three civilians near Poonch attack site, in Srinagar, December 23, 2023. The three civilians were allegedly picked up by the Army for questioning in the wake of the killing of four Army jawans in an ambush by unidentified terrorists in Poonch on December 21. The three civilians, aged between 27 and 42, were found dead on December 22. Their relatives and political leaders have alleged that the three died due to "custodial torture" as they were among the eight people picked up by the Army for questioning. A thorough investigation has been ordered into it (the deaths of the civilians) as part of the standard operating procedure, the people cited above said. The Jammu and Kashmir police are also probing the deaths. The Army on Saturday said it stands committed to extending "full support and cooperation" in the conduct of the investigation. A wreath laying ceremony was on Sunday held in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri for the four soldiers who lost their lives after being ambushed by terrorists in nearby Poonch district, officials said. IMAGE: Security personnel deployed in the Bafliaz area of Poonch district carry out search operation in the forest area of Dera ki Gali in Rajouri sector, Jammu and Kashmir, December 23, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo A search operation to track down the fleeing terrorists continues near the scene of the ambush, while mobile internet services remained suspended in the twin districts for the second day on Sunday, they said. General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command, Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi led the wreath-laying ceremony of Naik Birendder Singh, Naik Karan Kumar, rifleman Gautam Kumar and rifleman Chandan Kumar at a military camp where their mortal remains were shifted. General Officer Commanding of Jammu-based White Knight Corps Lt Gen Sandeep Jain, Deputy Commissioner Rajouri Vikas Kundal, Senior Superintendent of Police, Rajouri Amritpal Singh and other officers and ranks of the Army also paid floral tributes. The soldiers lost their lives when their two vehicles were ambushed by terrorists at Dhatyar Morh between Dhera Ki Gali and Buffliaz in the Surankote area of Poonch on Thursday. Lt Gen Dwivedi interacted with the next of kin of the slain soldiers at the wreath-laying ceremony. Later, their mortal remains were dispatched to their hometowns in Uttarakhand, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh. The officials said a massive search operation continued in Surankote and nearby Thanamandi forest area of Rajouri for the fourth day on Sunday in search of the terrorists responsible for the ambush. Army along with the police and the paramilitary forces are searching the forest area and the natural caves but success has eluded them so far, officials said. Mobile internet services were suspended early Saturday following the killing of three civilians within hours of being allegedly picked up by security forces for questioning in connection with the ambush. The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Saturday announced compensation and jobs to the families of the dead civilians and said the medico-legal formalities were conducted and legal action in this matter has been initiated by the appropriate authority. A 53-year-old senior professor of IIT-Kanpur has died due to cardiac arrest while delivering a lecture during an alumni meet, institute authorities said on Saturday. Image only for representation. Sameer Khandekar, who was the dean of student affairs and the head of the mechanical engineering department, collapsed on the dais while addressing the gathering on Friday, they said. He was taken to the hospital where he was declared dead upon arrival, the authorities added. A professor said that Khandekar was diagnosed with high cholesterol levels about five years ago. Talking to PTI over the phone from Delhi, former IIT-Kanpur Director Abhay Karandikar expressed shock over the sudden demise of Sameer Khandekar whom he described as an outstanding teacher and researcher. Khandekar was delivering a lecture when he felt severe chest pain and started sweating profusely. Before anyone could make sense of what was happening, he collapsed on the stage, Karandikar added. He said the body has been kept at the IIT-Kanpur's health centre and final rites would be performed only after the arrival of his only son Pravah Khandekar who is studying at Cambridge University. The Indian Navy has launched an investigation into a suspected drone strike on a Mangalore-bound cargo vessel off India's west coast in the Arabian sea even as the merchant ship is on its way to Mumbai, officials familiar with the matter said on Sunday. IMAGE: Indian Coast Guard ship ICGS Vikram escorting merchant vessel (right) MV Chem Pluto in the Arabian Sea towards Mumbai, December 24, 2023. Photograph: ANI on X The Navy and the Indian Coast Guard swung into action by deploying their assets including a warship and maritime patrol aircraft on Saturday soon after the UK Maritime Trade Operations, or UKMTO, reported the drone "attack" on MV Chem Pluto that has around 20 Indian crew members. There was no report of any casualty in the incident. The Liberian-flagged vessel is now on its way to Mumbai and Indian Coast Guard ship ICGS Vikram is providing security to it, the officials said. The Navy has launched an investigation into the incident including into the origin of the strike, said an official on the condition of anonymity as the matter is sensitive in nature. The vessel, carrying crude oil to the New Mangalore port from the Al Jubail port in Saudi Arabia, was struck about 217 nautical miles from Porbandar, said another official. The Navy sent stealth guided-missile destroyer INS Mormugao to the location of the drone strike on Saturday and the officials said the warship is in the process of examining various details relating to the attack, the officials said. The incident came against the backdrop of Iran-backed Houthi rebels stepping up attacks on ships in the Red Sea amid the Israel-Hamas conflict. Late last night, the Indian Coast Guard said MV Chem Pluto started making way towards Mumbai port undertaking damage assessment and repairs on its power generation systems. "The Coast Guard Dornier aircraft has sanitised the area and established communication with Chem Pluto. The vessel has started making way towards Mumbai post undertaking damage assessment and repairs on its power generation systems," it said. "The vessel is likely to enter Mumbai and sought escort assistance due to steering issues. Indian Coast Guard Ship Vikram will be escorting the ship during its passage. The Indian Coast Guard Operations Centre is monitoring the situation closely," it said. Earlier on Saturday, the UKMTO, that operates under Britain's Royal Navy, said it received a report of an attack by Uncrewed Aerial System on a vessel causing an explosion and fire, adding the incident took place 200 nautical miles South West of Veraval in India. It said the fire was "extinguished" and there were no casualties. The Coast Guard said its Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Mumbai received information regarding the fire onboard MV Chem Pluto. "The MRCC established real time communication with the vessel's agent and ascertained no loss of life and assured all assistance, he said adding the Coast Guard immediately diverted other merchant vessels in the vicinity of Chem Pluto for rendering assistance," it said. The UKMTO is a British military organisation that provides maritime security information and largely acts as the primary point of contact for merchant vessels involved in maritime incidents. It receives reports and information on suspicious incidents from merchant shipping and shares that information with its regional, and national contacts, as well as Industry and vessels operating in that area, according to UKMTO. Retired Jammu and Kashmir police Senior Superintendent of Police Muhammad Shafi Mir was shot dead by terrorists in a mosque in Baramulla. The 72-year-old retired police officer, who was the local muezzin, was murdered while he was giving the call for azaan. All photographs: Umar Ganie for Rediff.com IMAGE: People carry the body of retired senior J&K SSP Muhammad Shafi Mir during his funeral in Baramulla, here and below. IMAGE: People offer funeral prayers. IMAGE: SSP Mir's family mourn a husband and father at the funeral, here and below. IMAGE: Locals at the mosque where SSP Mir was murdered in cold blood by terrorists, here and below. IMAGE: Security personnel cordon off the area near the mosque. Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff.com Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff.com IMAGE: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inspects the arrangements at the under construction Ram temple in Ayodhya, December 21, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo This month we were told about the VIPs who were being invited for the inauguration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. This week we heard that those who led the Ram Janambhoomi temple movement had been 'requested' not to come. A month ago it was relatively inexpensive to travel to Ayodhya for the consecration of the Ram temple. Let us see what the cost is today for a two-day stay in the city and the air fare as train tickets are no longer available. A thousand trains have been announced for the event next month, but no details have been released yet. Chennai to Lucknow tickets (return) for two people stands at Rs 30,000 for economy and Rs 81,000 for business class. Mumbai to Lucknow tickets (return) for two people stands at Rs 21,000 for economy and Rs 140,000 for business class. Kolkata to Lucknow for two people (return) is Rs 25,000 for economy and Rs 163,000 for business class. Delhi to Lucknow for two people (return) is Rs 12,000 for economy and Rs 58,000 for business class. Hotel stays at the low end cost Rs 12,000; Rs 92,000 at the five star hotels. Chennai pilgrims will have to spend between Rs 45,000 for a couple and Rs 200,000 for the wealthy. Mumbai pilgrims will have to spend between Rs 36,000 for a couple and Rs 250,000 for the wealthy. Kolkata pilgrims will have to spend between Rs 40,000 for a couple and Rs 270,000 for the wealthy. Delhi pilgrims will pay between 26,000 for a couple and Rs 170,000 for the for the wealthy. Brattleboro, VT (05301) Today Generally cloudy. A few flurries or snow showers possible. High around 40F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy this evening with more clouds for overnight. Low 28F. Winds light and variable. Even when a business is losing money, it's possible for shareholders to make money if they buy a good business at the right price. For example, biotech and mining exploration companies often lose money for years before finding success with a new treatment or mineral discovery. But while history lauds those rare successes, those that fail are often forgotten; who remembers Pets.com? Given this risk, we thought we'd take a look at whether Galileo Mining (ASX:GAL) shareholders should be worried about its cash burn. In this article, we define cash burn as its annual (negative) free cash flow, which is the amount of money a company spends each year to fund its growth. We'll start by comparing its cash burn with its cash reserves in order to calculate its cash runway. Check out our latest analysis for Galileo Mining How Long Is Galileo Mining'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 June 2023, Galileo Mining had AU$14m in cash, and was debt-free. In the last year, its cash burn was AU$12m. That means it had a cash runway of around 14 months as of June 2023. That's not too bad, but it's fair to say the end of the cash runway is in sight, unless cash burn reduces drastically. You can see how its cash balance has changed over time in the image below. ASX:GAL Debt to Equity History December 23rd 2023 How Is Galileo Mining's Cash Burn Changing Over Time? Because Galileo Mining isn't currently generating revenue, we consider it an early-stage business. Nonetheless, we can still examine its cash burn trajectory as part of our assessment of its cash burn situation. In fact, it ramped its spending strongly over the last year, increasing cash burn by 170%. It's fair to say that sort of rate of increase cannot be maintained for very long, without putting pressure on the balance sheet. Admittedly, we're a bit cautious of Galileo Mining due to its lack of significant operating revenues. We prefer most of the stocks on this list of stocks that analysts expect to grow. Story continues Can Galileo Mining Raise More Cash Easily? Given its cash burn trajectory, Galileo Mining 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. Many companies end up issuing new shares to fund future 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). Since it has a market capitalisation of AU$49m, Galileo Mining's AU$12m in cash burn equates to about 24% of its market value. 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 Galileo Mining's Cash Burn? On this analysis of Galileo Mining's cash burn, we think its cash runway was reassuring, while its increasing cash burn has us a bit worried. Summing up, we think the Galileo Mining's cash burn is a risk, based on the factors we mentioned in this article. On another note, Galileo Mining has 5 warning signs (and 3 which don't sit too well with us) we think you should know about. 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. The 'good soldiers' of Mao Zedong still sing his praises, though the ruling party fears his godlike status. People gather to commemorate the anniversary of Mao Zedongs birthday in his hometown of Shaoshan, Hunan province, China, on Dec. 25, 2014. Changzhou Revolutionary Song Troupe leader Dai Cheng has been to the birthplace of Mao Zedong in Hunan province "countless times." The museum at Shaoshan is traditionally a focal point for celebrations of Mao's birthday on Dec. 26, and Dai often takes his choir there to fill the air with rousing revolutionary songs, sometimes holding an all-night vigil for his political hero. "Six or seven years ago, for three consecutive years, we stayed up from Dec. 25 to sunrise on the 26th, ringing in the New Year with a vigil for Chairman Mao," Dai told Radio Free Asia in a recent interview. "The festive atmosphere in Shaoshan is indescribable," he said. "Even in the middle of the night, there's a constant flow of people. It's incredibly moving." Fireworks mark Mao Zedongs birthday in Shaoshan, China, Dec. 26, 2008. (Reuters) As China marks the 130th anniversary of Mao's birth, the late Chairman is enjoying a political resurgence alongside the cult of personality surrounding incumbent Chinese Communist Party leader Xi Jinping. Revered by many as a demigod when he was still alive, Mao's political reputation waned considerably during the economic reform era of his successor, Deng Xiaoping. Yet the revolutionary praise culture of the early decades of the People's Republic of China has lived on in the popular imagination long after the Great Helmsman's death, embraced above all by China's legions of Mao fans. "Various factors contribute to Mao fandom," U.S.-based political commentator Hu Ping said. "Some are dissatisfied with the current state of affairs, the proliferation of capitalism, wealth disparity and the unchecked power of the elite. "They view the Mao era through a nostalgic lens and use Mao's image to critique the present," he said. A loyal follower Asked if he identified as a "Mao fan," Dai was dismissive, saying: "I'm aware of its meaning, but I can't be bothered with it. All I know is that I'm a soldier of Chairman Mao a loyal follower of communism." Dai doesn't believe that the Mao era which spanned the political violence of the land reforms and Anti-Rightist Campaigns to the mass starvation that followed the disastrous Great Leap Forward, the Cultural Revolution and the Gang of Four should be dismissed simply as a time when everyone was as poor as the next person. "Its most essential characteristic was fairness, which ensured security for all," he said, blaming the problems China faces today on its divergence from the "true path" of Maoist ideology. A woman salutes as people celebrate the birthday of Mao Zedong's in Shaoshan, China, Dec. 25, 2016. (Reuters) There are reasons why Dai is such a true believer his poverty-stricken background, for one. "From a young age, my mother would tell me that my father, at the age of eight or nine, used to herd cattle barefoot in the snow for the landlords," he said. "I was born into a poor family. My father joined the revolution at the age of 19," he said. "We inherited communism; we were taught to emulate [model worker] Lei Feng and do good deeds. Communist education and ideology laid the foundation for our thinking. Dai became an active Red Guard at the age of 13, although he ended up in an anti-Mao faction without realizing who they were. He later switched sides to a Maoist faction, but still feels guilty to this day. Maos reputational hit According to Hu Ping, most ordinary Chinese people thought the same way back then, unquestioningly obeying Mao and striving to be his "good soldiers." But once Deng Xiaoping launched his program of economic reforms in 1979, people started to criticize the cult of personality around their late leader amid a newfound atmosphere of political liberalism, he said. "In the 1980s, the Chinese Communist Party passed resolutions on historical issues dating back to the founding of the People's Republic of China," Hu said. "Back then, most intellectuals, ordinary people and even high-ranking Communist Party members held a negative view of Mao Zedong and called for a more thorough denunciation. "It was only Deng Xiaoping who gave a more positive evaluation, taking into account the political situation at the time," he said. "A lot of people believed this was temporary and that a more negative assessment would follow." Seventy elder party members from Bejing arrive to commemorate Mao Zedongs birthday in Shaoshan, China, Dec. 25, 2014. (Getty Images) In the 1970s, Dai Cheng worked in a factory, involved in propaganda activities related to revolutionary arts and literature. In 1980, he was transferred from the factory to the local Machinery Industry Bureau, and in 1984, he joined the Changzhou Municipal Urban Management Team. It was during the 1980s that things started to go wrong, according to Dai. "The party began to deviate from its original mission, and it started to distance itself from the people," he said. "The communist education and faith we grew up with began to be abandoned ... and the concerns of ordinary people were increasingly disregarded." Around that time, Mao's former residence in Shaoshan was seeing a big decline in visitors, while any public admiration for Mao focused on his political skills and his literary and calligraphic talents. His image simultaneously gained an iconic status as a protective talisman or a symbol of good luck. "At that time, the reverence for Mao Zedong was fundamentally different from the way it was during the Cultural Revolution," Hu said. "He was seen as a kind of mythical figure, an extraordinary figure who faced numerous risks in his lifetime, yet managed to live to a ripe old age. "So, people believed he could bless them and keep them safe. They elevated Mao to a quasi-divine status," he said. Elevated once more The critical atmosphere which had come along with the more liberal political atmosphere of the 1980s tailed off after the 1989 Tiananmen massacre and the ideological crackdown that followed, Hu said. "The Tiananmen massacre wasn't only aimed at the protesters in the square; it was a crackdown on anyone supporting ideological liberation, liberalization and democratization in the 1980s," Hu said. "Criticism of Mao Zedong was part of that liberalization ... so when it was suppressed, it was only natural that criticism and negation of Mao's legacy were suppressed too. "The ideological climate underwent a total transformation," Hu said. A man prays in front of a bronze statue of Mao Zedong in Shaoshan, China, Dec. 24, 2013. (Wang Zhao/AFP) Since then, the pendulum has swung back again, and Mao's image has been used by those in power to further their own political agendas. In 2008, the singing of "red" revolutionary songs by hobby groups was picked up and encouraged by Chongqing Municipal Party Secretary Bo Xilai, whose jailing for corruption came as a top official reported a foiled coup plot. Mao's political afterlife has also been extended by Xi Jinping, who regularly makes pilgrimages to revolutionary sites in a bid to sell his own ideology as a return to a simpler time, when there was less of a gap between rich and poor, and less official corruption or so the myth about Mao goes. Yet while Xi has been accused of trying to become the next Mao, the government also fears Mao and his devotees, concerned that the Chairman's mythologized image could provide a focal point for serious opposition to the status quo. In recent years, it has cracked down on Maoist websites and on young leftists who campaign for workers rights. "People like [labor activist] Yue Xin at Peking University supported workers' rights, putting them into the category of Maoists," Hu said. "This faction has been consistently suppressed by the authorities. "While the authorities have elevated Mao's status again, they are also extremely wary of individuals who use Mao to criticize the current regime," he said. "There is an internal understanding that the authorities staunchly suppress anyone who uses Mao Zedong's image to oppose the contemporary Communist Party." Singing as activism When Dai spoke to Radio Free Asia, he was busy rehearsing his choir for a performance marking Mao's 130th anniversary. The choir isn't just a bit of fun, either. All of its members are staunch followers of Mao who mean every word of revolutionary songs, like "Sailing the Seas Depends on the Helmsman" and "The Sun Is Reddest When Chairman Mao Is Closest." It offers its members a vision of a simpler life in which everyone is provided for. "Chairman Mao's Communist Party provided workers with secure jobs, but later, these were taken away." Dai said. "Today, young people don't want to get married. Why? Because they can't afford a home. Isn't this a threat to their livelihood? If they can't afford a home, how can our nation develop? Nowadays, food safety is a big issue, and there is disease everywhere, yet people can't afford medical treatment." Dai started the troupe during the "red song" craze of 1993 sparked by Mao's centenary, in a bid to push back against the tide of pop music from Hong Kong and Taiwan and other examples of bourgeois culture. People bow to a statue of China's former leader Mao Zedong in Shaoshan, Dec. 24, 2013. (Wang Zhao/AFP) For Dai, the singing of "red songs" is a form of political activism. "We suddenly realized that singing was a form of struggle, a means of expression, and an ideology," he said. "It was an effective and legitimate way to carry out this struggle." There is also a strong sense of community, and Dai has extended financial help to at least one member going through hard times. "Mao fans are definitely people with strong moral values," choir member Huang Yi said. "They are trustworthy, at the very least, they have aspirations, and they want fairness and justice." Dai has invested everything in his choir, ever since selling his home to finance taking part in a choral competition in 2002 in Beijing, footing the bill for some 100 members over a 10-day period. His passion for "red songs" has left him more than 2.4 million yuan ($336,000) in debt, with 400,000 yuan still outstanding, and has at times seen him estranged from his wife, sleeping in his car and missing his mother's funeral. Targeted by police for starting a Mao Zedong study group yet still unbowed, Dai wants to take the choir global. "Give me a billion, and I'll take red songs global," he said. "I'll sing them all over the world." Translated by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by Jim Snyder. In the past, churches needed OK from local authorities, but this year the central government grants approval. Christians in Laos are preparing to celebrate Christmas more freely this year after the Lao Evangelical Church received permission to do so from the Ministry of Interior, several believers told Radio Free Asia. In the past, Christians across the country had to get permission from their village and district authorities approval that was not granted in many cases. Even though Laos has a national law protecting the freedom of religion, Christians have been restricted, persecuted and sometimes attacked in the one-party communist country with a mostly Buddhist population. Earlier this year, 15 Christian families and a pastor in Luang Namtha province were evicted and their homes destroyed because they didnt participate in traditional and cultural activities of the communities. This year, however, the security minister sent a notice asking the district and provincial authorities to facilitate Christmas celebrations. Christmas, which celebrates the birth of Jesus as the promised messiah, falls on Monday this year, but churches are marking the holiday with various services and gatherings during this time. Were inviting some local leaders to attend our Christmas celebration, a member of the Lao Evangelical Church in Savannakhet Province, who like other sources in this report requested anonymity for safety reasons, told RFA Lao. This year, we dont have to request permission to celebrate the holy day from the local authorities because we got permission from the central government more specifically from the Ministry of Interior, he said. The ministry has just sent a notice of the authorization to all provinces then the provincial authorities passed it down to the districts, he said. A district official told us that there are some changes this year; one of the changes is that we dont have to request permission from the local authorities. The Lao Evangelical Church is the largest registered Christian church in Laos with in 2021 more than 200,000 followers and around 200 pastors. Restrictions in some places Still, Christians in Savannakhet Province said they faced restrictions. Were celebrating Christmas this year, but not in our village because our village chief wouldnt allow us to celebrate the holy day here, we would have to join the celebration in another village in the district, a follower in Nong district said. Last year, Christians in three villages in that same district requested permission to celebrate Christmas, but the district authorities gave permission to only one village, Nalao. When Christians defied those restrictions and set up stages, tables and tents in all three villages, about 20 police and military officers armed with guns came. They dismantled and confiscated all the things the people had set up, prompting the women and children to cry, said a believer from the province. We lost everything. We lost about 30 wooden planks, several hundreds of tables, chairs and tents. We rented these materials and equipment: so, we lost a total of ten million kip (US$500), and religious ceremonies were canceled, he said. Historically, the district has been resistant to Christians. In 2018, seven Christian leaders in Nong district were arrested then released about a week later for organizing services without proper permission. A Christian in the district called for more freedom to exercise ones faith. Wed like to call on the authorities to allow us to freely celebrate Christmas and other religious ceremonies in every village, not just only one or two villages, he said. Translated by Max Avary. Edited by Malcolm Foster. 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. Central Asia has never enjoyed so much international attention as it has since Russia launched its full-scale war on Ukraine. The search for new, non-Russian trade routes and energy resources to replace Russian oil and gas supplies is leading many countries to strengthen their ties with the Central Asian states. One sign of this is the world tour the Central Asian leaders (as members of the C5 group of states) have been on in 2023, traveling to meet with heads of state in China, the United States, Saudi Arabia, Germany, and other countries. This new popularity has changed the fortunes of the Central Asian countries, but also the manner in which the leaders govern their countries. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss all this are guests Catherine Putz, managing editor at The Diplomat magazine, Nargis Kassenova, senior fellow and director of the program on Central Asia at Harvard Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies, and Luca Anceschi, professor of Central Asian studies at Glasgow University. AQTOBE, Kazakhstan -- After six years with the Islamic State (IS) extremist group in Syria followed by four years in a Kazakh prison on terrorism charges, Aqmaral Almaghambetova says she is "full of regret" about her past as she tries to restart her life. "One of my biggest regrets is not being able to ask forgiveness from my mother, when she was alive, for everything I'd put her through," Almaghambetova, 36, says. "I had been in contact with my mother by phone from prison until one month before her death [in 2021]. She said she had forgiven me, but talking on the phone is not the same as speaking in person and hugging each other," she told RFE/RL. Almaghambetova's story is different from hundreds of other Kazakh women who were repatriated from Syria after the defeat of the so-called IS caliphate there. Most of the women were allowed by the government to reunite with their families and try to rebuild their lives. Almaghambetova, however, was jailed and her children taken away by authorities. In July 2019, two months after Almaghambetova was brought back to Kazakhstan as part of the government's repatriation operation, Zhusan, she was handed a jail sentence on charges of propagating terrorism and inciting religious violence. Almaghambetova -- who was released from prison this summer -- admits to her wrongdoing, saying she doesn't blame anyone but herself. A native of Aqtobe in Kazakhstan's oil-rich northwest, Almaghambetova went to Syria in 2013, leaving behind her husband and their three children. The housewife, who was 26 at the time, says a man she befriended on the Internet helped her to get to Syria through Kyrgyzstan and Turkey. Almaghambetova is reluctant to talk about her time under IS, only giving some details of her life there. She recalls contacting her husband from Syria and asking him to take their children and join her to live in the "caliphate." Those text messages -- in which she explicitly supported the extremist IS ideology -- were used as evidence against her in a Kazakh court some six years later. Her husband refused to join her. Almaghambetova then remarried twice, to IS members, each of whom was killed in Syria. She gave birth to two more children -- a boy and a girl -- who went to Kazakhstan along with their mother but who have been placed in foster care by Kazakh authorities. Kazakhstan, a predominantly Muslim country in Central Asia, has repatriated more than 600 people -- including at least 413 children -- from Syria between January 2019 and February 2021. At least 14 children of Kazakh citizens were taken to Astana from Iraq in 2019 in a separate repatriation operation called Rusafa. Shaming The Family When Almaghambetova went to trial in Aqtobe her mother, Raisa Erdauletqyzy, was the only family member who came to support her. All of her other relatives cut ties with her, saying she brought disgrace to the family. "The relatives tell me, 'Why are you going to court?' [They said: 'She] brought nothing but shame to [the family].' But I could not stay home, I am her mother," Erdauletqyzy told RFE/RL at the time. The mother and daughter saw each other for the first time in six years when Almaghambetova was escorted to the courtroom. Almaghambetova now lives in an apartment her mother her in her will so that she could have a roof over her head once she was released from jail. She hasn't been able to meet any of her five children since being released from prison and returning to Aqtobe. The three older children live with their father and the two younger children remain with their foster parents. "My ex-husband has remarried to a good wife and is happy with her and I am happy for them," Almaghambetova said. "His wife looked well after my children, cooking for them and doing their laundry, and I'm very grateful for it. I speak to my children over the phone and always tell them to respect [their stepmother.]" Almaghambetova "deeply" regrets abandoning her marriage after "falling under the influence of radicals on the Internet." She says she's determined to make amends. "My first husband is a good man who loved me and took care of me, and I wanted for nothing," she told RFE/RL. "Now we live in the same city again and I will apologize to him if we bump into each other on the street. I'm also going to ask forgiveness from my former in-laws." Almaghambetova is now focused on her volunteer work at the Ansar Information-Analytic Center that involves speaking to groups about how religious extremists brainwashed her online. She receives an equivalent of $150 a month from social services. Almaghambetova no longer wears the Islamic hijab and says she stopped praying five years ago. Her only dream now is to "stand on [her] own feet" and get her two younger children out of foster care. "Once I had everything in life, but took it for granted," she said. "Now, happiness for me is just looking at the peaceful sky." Written by Farangis Najibullah in Prague based on reporting by RFE/RL Kazakh Service correspondent Zhanagul Zhursin in Kazakhstan KYIV -- Embattled Ukraine, which has defended itself for nearly two years against the Russian invasion, is defying Moscow again as it celebrates Christmas for the first time on December 25 instead of the January date more closely linked to Russia, even as fighting has showed no signs of letup with the arrival of the holiday season. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in July signed a law moving the official Christmas Day holiday to December 25 from January 7, the day observed by the Russian Orthodox Church. 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 law stated that its goal was to "abandon the Russian heritage," including that of "imposing the celebration of Christmas" on January 7. It cited Ukrainians' "relentless, successful struggle for their identity [and] the desire of all Ukrainians to live their lives with their own traditions, holidays." Traditionally, Ukrainian Christians, most of whom are Orthodox, have celebrated Christmas on January 7, the day most other Orthodox-dominated countries -- including Russia and several other Slavic countries -- mark the holiday. The switch brings Ukraine's Orthodox worshippers in line with the country's Catholics, who earlier this year approved a similar change in calendars. In his nightly video address posted as Ukraine prepared to celebrate the holiday, Zelenskiy said: Today, all Ukrainians are together. We all celebrate Christmas together. On one date, as one big family, as one nation, as one, one country. Today, it will unite millions of voices -- more than ever before. In the southeastern cities of Dnipro and Zaporizhzhya, dozens of relatives of Ukrainian soldiers being held by Russian forces as prisoners of war gathered for Christmas Eve rallies to decorate trees with the names of their loved ones. "My son, the defender of Mariupol, has been in captivity for a second year, the second Christmas. Our Christmas tree is an appeal to society. It is a reminder that we are waiting for our children," Iryna, the mother of a POW, sad in Dnipro. In Zaporizhzhya, organizer Olha Plechun said the general public perceives captivity as just detention, while conditions of Ukrainian military members in Russian custody represent a "slow death." "Our guys are being tortured. We need exchanges. Our enemy is not noble: They do not observe any conventions, she said. Ukrainian authorities said that as of November 17, at least 3,574 military personnel and 763 civilians are in Russian captivity. Also on December 24, the Ukrainian and Russian militaries continued to exchange unconfirmed claims of shooting down the other sides warplanes. The Ukrainian Air Force said anti-aircraft units had downed a Russian Su-34 fighter bomber near Mariupol, the Russia-occupied southern port city. Russias military earlier said its forces had shot down four Ukrainian military aircraft over the past 24 hours. That came just two days after Zelenskiy on December 22 congratulated the Ukrainian military for shooting down three Russian military planes over southern Ukraine. On the battlefield, at least four people were killed and nine others wounded in Russian shelling in the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson over the past 24 hours, regional authorities said on December 24. Russian troops fired 71 shells at Kherson, hitting the city center, residential areas, medical and educational institutions, and "critical infrastructure facilities," Oleksandr Prokudin, head of the regional military administration wrote on Telegram. Prokudin said a couple in their 80s and a child were among the victims. Ukrainian forces recaptured Kherson following several months of Russian occupation in November last year, but Russian forces continue to shell the area. Separately, Kyiv said Ukraine's air defense shot down 14 out of 15 Russian drones launched overnight. "Ukraine's air force and defense forces destroyed 14 Shaheds in Mykolayiv, Kirovohrad, Zaporizhzhya, Dnipro, and Khmelnytskiy regions," the Ukrainian Air Force said on the Telegram messaging app. There were no reports of damage or casualties as the results of the drone attacks. Meanwhile, Ukraine is awaiting a long-desired boost to its military arsenal in the coming days as it battles to counter Russian air supremacy over its skies. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte told Zelenskiy in a phone call on December 22 Ukraine will likely receive it first shipment of advanced F-16 fight jets before the end of the year. "Today, I informed President Zelenskiy of our government's decision to prepare an initial 18 F-16 fighter aircraft for delivery to Ukraine," Rutte said late on December 22 in a post on social media platform X. In a video message late on December 23, Zelenskiy thanked Germany, Finland, and the Netherlands for providing military aid to help Kyiv fight off the Russian invasion. Germany has supplied Gepard anti-aircraft tank, 155-caliber artillery shells, and other necessary weapons, Zelenskiy said. The Netherlands and Finland sent further aid packages each totaling $110 million, the Ukrainian president said, without providing more details. With reporting by AFP, dpa, and Reuters CEO of NA Distribution Group, Bradford Connett, has sold 11,238 shares of Henry Schein Inc (NASDAQ:HSIC) on December 21, 2023, according to a recent SEC Filing. The transaction was executed at a stock price of $74.02, resulting in a total value of $831,730.76. Henry Schein Inc is a solutions company for health care professionals powered by a network of people and technology. The company offers a variety of dental and medical products, including equipment and software, as well as practice management solutions. With a focus on improving the operational efficiency of health care providers, Henry Schein Inc plays a significant role in the global health care market. Over the past year, Bradford Connett has sold a total of 11,238 shares and has not made any purchases of the company's stock. The insider's recent sale contributes to the trend observed over the past year, where there have been no insider buys and seven insider sells for Henry Schein Inc. Henry Schein Inc CEO Bradford Connett Sells 11,238 Shares On the valuation front, Henry Schein Inc's shares were trading at $74.02 on the day of the insider's sale, giving the company a market capitalization of $9.735 billion. The price-earnings ratio stands at 22.17, which is above both the industry median of 17.935 and the company's historical median price-earnings ratio. The stock's price-to-GF-Value ratio is 0.86, with a GF Value of $86.02, indicating that Henry Schein Inc is considered modestly undervalued according to GuruFocus's valuation model. Henry Schein Inc CEO Bradford Connett Sells 11,238 Shares The GF Value is determined by considering historical trading multiples such as price-earnings ratio, price-sales ratio, price-book ratio, and price-to-free cash flow, along with a GuruFocus adjustment factor based on the company's past returns and growth, and future business performance estimates from Morningstar analysts. Investors and analysts often monitor insider transactions as they can provide insights into a company's internal perspective on the stock's valuation and future prospects. The recent sale by the insider at Henry Schein Inc may attract attention from the market as stakeholders evaluate the implications of such insider activities. 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. 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 This will be a very special Christmas for the Belton family from Roscommon Town as it will be the first in three years that 10-year-old Joseph will not be undergoing cancer treatment. Joseph is back at school and playing sport and he and his twin brother Cillian have been busy writing letters to Santa as the family look forward to the festive season and the year ahead. The true kindness of Roscommon people and others was highlighted when it was recently revealed that a fundraiser set up for the young Roscommon boy had been ranked as the third most successful of the year in the GoFundMe 2023 Year in Giving Report, having raised 280,000. This page was set up for Joseph who, at just seven-years-old, had been diagnosed with stage 4 high-risk Cancer called Neuroblastoma. Josephs Journey was initially set up by his parents Aoife, (nee Mannion) who is from Kiltoom, and Michael Belton, Ballymacurley. Their world was turned upside down in September 2021 in the midst of a global pandemic when Joseph was diagnosed with cancer at the age of seven. Joseph had initially been complaining of neck pain, which progressed to his lower back. After trips to the doctors and hospital it was eventually discovered after an MRI that Joseph had a tumour on his adrenal gland just above his kidney and was pressing against his spine. Joseph was transferred to Crumlin hospital where their worst fears were confirmed. He was diagnosed with stage 4 high risk Neuroblastoma. Joseph Belton and his twin brother Cillian were all smiles as they took time out for some bowling ahead of a very special Christmas for him and his family this year. His bravery and cool character have been nothing short of amazing and he continues to inspire us and make us so proud every day, his parents said. Joseph responded well to treatment in Crumlin Hospital. The treatment and care he received in Crumlin and his local hospital Portiuncula was exceptional and we are forever grateful to everyone who has helped Joseph get this far, said his parents. Following this the main aim was to get him on a clinical trial to prevent his cancer returning but this could only take place in New York and because the costs of the medical treatments and travel the GoFundMe was set up. Jospeh needed to get the bivalent vaccine, which is the only paediatric tumour vaccine in existence And to date they have been successful in getting the vaccine. Joseph and the family spent time in America already this year where he received five vaccines over three visits. They spent a month there in May and again visited in August and October with the whole family providing support for Joseph. 10-year-old Joseph Belton from Roscommon Town has been receiving the bivalent vaccine, which is the only paediatric tumour vaccine in existence, at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital in New York. The family want to thank everyone who has donated to the fund. It has helped ensure Joseph can get the treatment he needs in the US as well as having his family, and especially his brother, there by his side to support him. It covers hospital fees and all the costs and we are so grateful. It was unreal by everyone. They have helped us to get to this stage, said his mum Aoife. The fund is now closed as Aoife explained: Please God we will never need it again, adding that there will be others who may need it. Hopefully 2024 will be a good year, and we just want to say a big thank you to everyone. Now in fourth class in St Comans Wood Primary School Joseph is excited for Christmas. He will be returning to the US over the couple of years but in the meantime the entire county wishes him, his brother Cillian, his parents Aoife and Michael and extended family a very happy and healthy Christmas. Motorcycle Sales in Indias 300-500cc Category Witness Robust Growth in November 2023 In the vibrant landscape of Indias motorcycle market, the 300cc to 500cc segment has witnessed a substantial surge in sales during November 2023, showcasing a remarkable growth trajectory compared to the same period last year. The total sales in this particular segment soared to an impressive 84,794 units in November 2023. This figure signifies a notable upswing of 17.90% from the 71,920 units sold during the corresponding month in 2022. Motorcycle Sales 300cc to 500cc Nov 2023 Royal Enfield Dominance Royal Enfield continued its reign with multiple models securing prominent positions in the sales charts. Royal Enfield Classic 350 emerged as the frontrunner, registering a substantial sales figure of 30,264 units, marking a robust 13.34% growth compared to November 2022. Bullet 350 also showcased an outstanding performance, recording a staggering 40.94% increase with sales reaching 17,450 units. However, it wasnt all smooth sailing for the Royal Enfield lineup. Royal Enfield Hunter 350 experienced a slight downturn, dropping by 9.06% with 14,176 units sold in November 2023 compared to 15,588 units in the same month last year. Similarly, the Royal Enfield Himalayan witnessed a dip of 14.47%, clocking in at 1,814 units. Other manufacturers also made significant strides in this competitive segment. Hondas CB 350 marked an impressive 21.36% increase in sales, totalling 2,466 units, while KTMs 390 showcased an astounding growth rate of 120.00% with 1,001 units sold in November 2023 compared to 455 units in November 2022. Furthermore, a recent entrant in this segment, Triumph 400 registered 2,661 units in sales. Jawa Yezdi witnessed a decrease of 15.05%, amounting to 3,166 units sold in November 2023, while the Bajaj Dominar 400 experienced a slight decline of 6.16%, with 381 units sold. Month on Month comparison Royal Enfield experienced mixed results. While Bullet 350 saw a commendable upsurge of 22.19% from October, reaching 17,450 units, Classic 350 encountered a slight downturn, recording a 5.12% decrease with 30,264 units sold in November. Several models faced challenges in November compared to the previous month. Hunter 350 and Meteor 350 observed declines of 20.05% and 20.61%, respectively. Additionally, Himalayan saw a substantial decrease of 38.38%, totalling 1,814 units. Among other manufacturers, Jawa Yezdi witnessed a notable increase of 17.74%, reaching 3,166 units sold in November, contrasting its October performance. Conversely, models like KTM 390 and TVS Apache 310 experienced declines of 36.32% and 33.94%, respectively. This month-on-month comparison serves as a crucial indicator for manufacturers and industry analysts, signaling the need for adaptive strategies to navigate the dynamic landscape of Indias mid-sized motorcycle market. The evolving market trends emphasize the importance of agility and innovation to stay competitive and meet evolving consumer demands. As the year approaches its end, these fluctuations set the stage for a compelling end-of-year scenario, prompting manufacturers to reassess strategies and potentially introduce new tactics to secure their positions in this fiercely competitive segment. Even if it's not a huge purchase, we think it was good to see that Thomas Albanese, the Independent Non-Executive Director of CoTec Holdings Corp. (CVE:CTH) recently shelled out CA$102k to buy stock, at CA$0.75 per share. Although the purchase is not a big one, by either a percentage standpoint or absolute value, it can be seen as a good sign. View our latest analysis for CoTec Holdings CoTec Holdings Insider Transactions Over The Last Year The CFO & Corporate Secretary, Abraham Jonker, made the biggest insider sale in the last 12 months. That single transaction was for CA$345k worth of shares at a price of CA$0.53 each. That means that an insider was selling shares at slightly below the current price (CA$0.64). As a general rule we consider it to be discouraging when insiders are selling below the current price, because it suggests they were happy with a lower valuation. However, while insider selling is sometimes discouraging, it's only a weak signal. It is worth noting that this sale was only 8.3% of Abraham Jonker's holding. Abraham Jonker was the only individual insider to sell over the last year. Happily, we note that in the last year insiders paid CA$1.2m for 2.00m shares. But they sold 1.05m shares for CA$653k. Overall, CoTec Holdings insiders were net buyers during the last year. The average buy price was around CA$0.59. These transactions show that insiders have confidence to invest their own money in the stock, albeit at slightly below the recent price. You can see a visual depiction of insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last 12 months, below. If you want to know exactly who sold, for how much, and when, simply click on the graph below! TSXV:CTH Insider Trading Volume December 24th 2023 There are plenty of other companies that have insiders buying up shares. You probably do not want to miss this free list of growing companies that insiders are buying. Does CoTec Holdings Boast High Insider Ownership? Another way to test the alignment between the leaders of a company and other shareholders is to look at how many shares they own. We usually like to see fairly high levels of insider ownership. Insiders own 33% of CoTec Holdings shares, worth about CA$13m. We've certainly seen higher levels of insider ownership elsewhere, but these holdings are enough to suggest alignment between insiders and the other shareholders. Story continues So What Do The CoTec Holdings Insider Transactions Indicate? We note a that there has been a bit of insider buying recently (but no selling). The net investment is not enough to encourage us much. However, our analysis of transactions over the last year is heartening. Overall we don't see anything to make us think CoTec Holdings insiders are doubting the company, and they do own shares. So while it's helpful to know what insiders are doing in terms of buying or selling, it's also helpful to know the risks that a particular company is facing. Our analysis shows 4 warning signs for CoTec Holdings (2 are potentially serious!) and we strongly recommend you look at these before investing. If you would prefer to check out another company -- one with potentially superior financials -- then do not miss this free list of interesting companies, that have HIGH return on equity 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. Michael Sentonas, President of CrowdStrike Holdings Inc (NASDAQ:CRWD), executed a sale of 10,321 shares in the company on December 21, 2023, according to a recent SEC Filing. CrowdStrike Holdings Inc is a cybersecurity technology firm that provides cloud-delivered solutions for endpoint and cloud workload protection. Over the past year, the insider has sold a total of 65,771 shares and has not made any purchases of the company's stock. The recent transaction is part of a series of sales by the insider, reflecting the insider's trading activities within the company. Insider Trends The transaction history for CrowdStrike Holdings Inc indicates a pattern of insider activity. In the past year, there have been 3 insider buys and 33 insider sells. This trend provides a glimpse into the sentiment of the company's insiders regarding the stock's performance and future outlook. Insider Sell: CrowdStrike Holdings Inc President Michael Sentonas Sells 10,321 Shares Valuation On the date of the insider's recent sale, shares of CrowdStrike Holdings Inc were trading at $254.75, resulting in a market capitalization of $61,388.217 billion. The stock's price-to-GF-Value ratio stands at 0.79, with a GF Value of $323.26, indicating that CrowdStrike Holdings Inc is considered Modestly Undervalued according to GuruFocus's valuation model. The GF Value is a proprietary intrinsic value estimate that takes into account historical trading multiples, an adjustment factor based on the company's past performance, and future business projections provided by Morningstar analysts. Insider Sell: CrowdStrike Holdings Inc President Michael Sentonas Sells 10,321 Shares The recent insider sell by President Michael Sentonas adds to the data points that investors may consider when assessing the stock's valuation and the insider's perspective on the company's prospects. 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. MicroStrategy Inc (NASDAQ:MSTR), a provider of enterprise analytics and mobility software, has seen a recent insider transaction on December 20, 2023. Wei-ming Shao, the company's SEVP & General Counsel, sold 500 shares of the company's stock, according to a SEC Filing. Over the past year, the insider has sold a total of 12,000 shares and has not made any purchases of the company's stock. This latest transaction continues a trend of insider sales at MicroStrategy Inc, with a total of 15 insider sells and no insider buys reported over the same timeframe. On the date of the insider's recent sale, shares of MicroStrategy Inc were trading at $592.91, giving the company a market capitalization of $6.82 billion. The stock's price-earnings ratio stands at 480.03, significantly above both the industry median of 26.77 and the company's historical median price-earnings ratio. According to the GuruFocus Value chart, with a share price of $592.91 and a GF Value of $291.21, MicroStrategy Inc is currently Significantly Overvalued, with a price-to-GF-Value ratio of 2.04. The GF Value is determined by considering historical trading multiples, a GuruFocus adjustment factor based on the company's past returns and growth, and future business performance estimates provided by Morningstar analysts. Insider Sell: SEVP & General Counsel Wei-ming Shao Sells 500 Shares of MicroStrategy Inc The insider trend image above reflects the recent selling pattern among the company's insiders, which may be of interest to investors monitoring insider behaviors. Insider Sell: SEVP & General Counsel Wei-ming Shao Sells 500 Shares of MicroStrategy Inc The GF Value image provides a visual representation of the stock's current valuation in relation to its intrinsic value, as estimated by GuruFocus. 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. Editors Note: Welcome to Inside Out, our weekly roundup of stories about Staten Islanders making waves, being seen, supporting our community and just making our borough a special place to live. Have a story for Inside Out? Email Carol Ann Benanti at benanti@siadvance.com At the Staten Island University Hospital Pediatric Unit Christmas Party at the Historic Old Bermuda Inn, each child had the chance to sit with Santa and tell him what they wanted for Christmas as he handed out presents and teddy bears. (Courtesy/SIUH)Staten Island Advance STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. If you were feeling down and needed a dose of holiday spirit, Staten Island University Hospitals holiday party for children with cancer was the place to be. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. My top three choices of Cool Spaces in 2023 are all quite different. One is a house shared by many with love and happens to have a gorgeous view of the Raritan Bay and New Jersey, sitting on a cliff in Huguenot. The rooms inside are of eclectic design, which makes this home so interesting. The primary bedroom is open and bright and takes full advantage of the waterfront view. (Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel)Staten Island Advance Natalie decorated her room with the moon and the stars. (Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel)Staten Island Advance The second one is a church with great history in Oakwood, The Oakwood Heights Community Church, filled with unique stained glass windows stretching back 100 years. The War Memorial Window is made from a collection of glass from 86 wrecked churches and cathedrals from Europe and the British Isles after WWII. Collecting and securing the glass took seven years to complete. The actual construction took two years. An inscription at the glass window base reads: "In Memoriam and as testimony to the evil and futility of war." The Oakwood Community Church states, it is a grim reminder, and it is the hope of the maker, that it may be considered in a small way a protest by our church of any future warlike thoughts Oakwood Heights Community Church. Wednesday May 3, 2023. (Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel)Staten Island Advance Members of the Oakwood Heights Community Church are set to celebrate its 100th anniversary next year. All of the stained glass windows have been restored. Wednesday May 3, 2023. (Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel)Staten Island Advance Finally, the 1929 center hall Colonial home that sits in a park-like setting in historic St. George makes the list. The house, built during Prohibition, had a speakeasy-type room in the basement, where people could gather and enjoy illegal spirits. It is a real old-time bar with a waitress flip and beer spigots. The owner fell in love with it and put the bar into the sales contract. Enjoy the look back. The terraced backyard brings privacy and greenery to the house. Owners Amy Zavatto and her husband, Daniel Marotta, fell in love with this 94-year-old center hall Colonial home that sits in a park-like setting in historic St. George. They have lived there since 2002. (Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel)Staten Island Advance Owners Amy Zavatto and her husband, Daniel Marotta, fell in love with this 94-year-old center hall Colonial home that sits in a park-like setting in historic St. George. They have lived there since 2002. (Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel)Staten Island Advance STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Anthony Rapacciuolo, owner of PRcision and executive director of the South Shore Business Improvement District, makes it his personal mission to support the community in which he works and lives. Born and raised in Annadale, Rapacciuolo is a proud Staten Islander through and through. Upon graduating from St. Joseph by-the-Sea High School, Rapacciuolo attended New York University, where he obtained his bachelor of arts degree in journalism. However, as Rapacciuolo entered the workforce, he struggled to find a job well-suited to him. I had worked in restaurants my entire life, and when I graduated from NYU, I was working at a restaurant called Giovannis, he reminisced. I remember working and saying, Alright, I got this great degree, and my parents are so proud of me. Now what do I do? The chef at Giovannis told me that his father-in-law worked for a Public Relations (PR) firm called the Dilenschneider Group, and he could put in a good word for me. I didnt really know what PR was yet, but I got on the ferry, interviewed, took the ferry back home, and got the job. During his time at the Dilenschneider Group, Rapacciuolo got the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of PR from some of the top professionals in the country. Under their leadership, Rapacciuolo flourished, observing how to manage clients on a day-to-day basis. I was only there a short time, but it was the greatest learning experience of my life, said Rapacciuolo. I learned the nuances of what PR really is, and I got to be among such amazing people. There I was, just a 21-year-old Staten Island guy, sitting in meetings with high-profile clients. The Dilenschneider Group opened up so many doors for me. While working at the Dilenschneider Group, Rapacciuolo became friends with one of his clients, Andy Monfried. Monfried knew that Rapacciuolo was considering leaving to open his own firm, which was expected of associates at the Dilenschneider Group after two to three years. In turn, Monfried encouraged Rapacciuolo to start the firm and even offered to be his first client. As soon as Rapacciuolo got the OK from his boss, he left the Dilenschneider Group, opened PRcision from his basement, and took on Monfried as a client. From there, PRcision began to grow as Rapacciuolo built his name on Staten Island. Rapacciuolo became involved in politics in 2008 under the wing of his mentor, Vincent Ignizio, a former City Council member and state sssemblyman. With Ignizios guidance, PRcision went on to lead many of the Republican Party campaigns on Staten Island, introducing politicians to the digital world of advertising. As a result, Rapacciuolo was recently ranked as one of the Top 75 Political Consultants for 2022 by City & State. As word of PRcisions stellar reputation spread around Staten Island, Rapacciuolo was approached by former State Assemblyman and current City Councilman, Joe Borelli. Borelli made Rapacciuolo aware of an opportunity at their alma mater, St. Joseph by-the-Sea, whixh was looking to hire a marketing company. Shortly after meeting with the principal, Rapacciuolo took on St. Joseph by-the-Sea as his first nonprofit client. Upon pivoting to nonprofits, Rapacciuolo was recruited by Ignizio, who had left politics to work with Catholic Charities of Staten Island. In an effort to fundraise for Catholic Charities, PRcision began organizing some of the boroughs largest events to date, including the Fall Festival, the Italian Festival, and the Food Truck Festival, all held at Mount Loretto. Following his success with St. Joseph by-the-Sea and Catholic Charities, Rapacciuolo continued to take on nonprofit clients. PRcision currently represents St. Joseph by-the-Sea High School, Catholic Charities of Staten Island, United Activities Unlimited (UAU), The GRACE Foundation, Meals On Wheels of Staten Island, The South Shore BID, The Emergency Childrens Help Organization (ECHO), Pioneer Transportation, Staten Island Media Group, and The New York School of Real Estate. My favorite part of the job is watching clients achieve their goals, says Rapacciuolo. Often, those end-results are visible, like the amount of people who come to an event, and its exciting to work hard and see the work actually materialize. In 2011, Rapacciuolo began leading efforts to form a Business Improvement District (BID) along the Great Kills, Eltingville, and Annadale commercial corridors. A BID is an area where local stakeholders oversee and fund the maintenance, improvement, and promotion of their commercial district. Rapacciuolo, with the help of Ignizio and others in favor of the BID formation, canvassed for four years to obtain a majority of local stakeholders in support of the BID. As a result, the South Shore BID was officially formed in 2015, and Rapacciuolo was chosen to serve as its executive director. The South Shore BID was the second BID to form on Staten Island and only the 72nd in the city, proving to be both an incredible accomplishment and a necessary addition to Staten Islands South Shore. That same year, Rapacciuolo was presented with the opportunity to purchase the very restaurant that was responsible for kickstarting his career. Rapacciuolos nephew, who had worked at Giovannis for years, approached Rapacciuolo with the idea, and the pair purchased the restaurant soon after. Rapacciuolo found himself in a unique position, being both the executive director of the BID and a business owner along the corridor; he was physically bound to the site that he was overseeing. The Rapacciuolos owned Giovannis until late 2022, when they sold the restaurant to the owners of Cafe Bella Vita on Hylan Boulevard. I love leading the South Shore BID because I truly care about the community that Im serving, adds Rapacciuolo. I grew up in Annadale, right down the street from the Annadale Christmas tree. Ive been doing the tree lighting for at least 20 years, and thats where I proposed to my wife, Emanuela. The BID is a big deal for me, both personally and from a business standpoint. For his accomplishments, Rapacciuolo is being honored with a Louis R. Miller Business Leadership Award, which he will receive in the Established Businessperson category. The awards, which are presented by the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce and the Staten Island Advance, honor the memory of Louis R. Miller, a businessman and West Brighton resident who was also a community leader. In addition to being entirely entrenched in the Staten Island community through his work at PRcision and with the South Shore BID, Rapacciuolo also dedicates his personal time to bettering Staten Island. Rapacciuolo is currently a board member of The Carl V. Bini Memorial Fund and the YMCA Counseling Services, a member of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, the Italian Club of Staten Island, the Verrazano Kiwanis Club, Community Board 3 and the Executive Club of Staten Island. He is also extremely proud to be a co-host of the boroughs fastest-growing podcast, M-Squared. Business is one thing, but family is another, Rapacciuolo said. Everything Ive done is a result of my fathers influence and guidance. Even though hes gone, my goal is to continue to make him proud. Questionnaire: Current occupation and title: Owner of PRcision, LLC, executive director of the South Shore BID. Hometown: Born and raised in Annadale, currently reside in Tottenville. Past occupations and titles: Lead Associate at The Dilenschneider Group, partner at Giovannis Trattoria. Community involvement: Board Member of the Carl V. Bini Memorial Fund, board member of the YMCA Counseling Services, member of the Executive Club of Staten Island, Community Board 3 member, NYPD community liaison, member of the Italian Club of Staten Island, part of the team which organized the Guinness Book of World Records record-breaking human puzzle piece at the Ferryhawks stadium, donating Christmas trees to all four police precincts each year for the last five years. Some of my life goals: Writing a book and creating a new media platform for Staten Island. The best part of my job: Its constantly changing and evolving. The most difficult part of my job: Being selective with the clients we work with. My life philosophy: Family is the most important thing, and complacency is the enemy of progress. I am most proud of: My son, Anthony, and being among the honorees for this award. Something that no one knows about me: I originally attended NYU with the intention of becoming a doctor. The quality I like best about myself: My ability to adapt. Personal interests and hobbies: Cooking, wine, trying to learn something new every day, and my podcast, M-Squared. I laugh at: Myself. I am really good at: Cooking and writing. I admire: My father, for all of his advice and support my entire life. Some important things I would like you to know about me: I believe that one of the most important things you can do in life is surround yourself with the right people, and also not be afraid to take risks. On Dec. 18, (left to right) Kim Nyren, NSYMCA and Kiki Gulsvig and Cassie Gomez from Target Glenview get excited about surprising deserving families during the holiday season. (North Suburban YMCA/HANDOUT) North Suburban YMCA, on Dec. 19, was given a shopping cart of wrapped holiday gifts thanks to its partnership with Target in Glenview. According to a news release, target Glenview chose the NSYMCA for their annual giveback, The Great Giftogether. Advertisement Targets, The Great Giftogether, started as an idea in 2022 and now runs in over 2000 Target stores nationwide. Kiki Gulsvig, Executive Leader of Human Resources and Cassie Gomez, Human Resource Expert at the Target Glenview, contacted the NSYMCA back in November requesting to adopt some families who are on their financial assistance program at the Y and surprise them with gifts to put under their tree for the holidays. the release said. The gifts were personalized based on the recipients sizes, hobbies and Interests. Gifts included toys, apparel, home goods, bath and spa items for mom, tools for dad and more, according to the release. Advertisement One of the favorite items wrapped in a giant Holiday Bag was an extra large 24-inchPink Panda Squishmellow which was on an 8-year-olds wish list. The families chosen were asked to provide a Santa List of their most wanted gifts and needs. With shopping list in hand, all wishes were granted thanks to the Target Elves, the release said. We are thrilled to give back this year to families at the North Suburban YMCA, Kiki Gulsvig said in the release. We have always valued our partnership with the Y and when we were given the chance to help families in need, we knew we could help some of the families . . . the holidays are about giving back and we wanted to help make this year a bit easier for families struggling day to day in our community. According to the release, NSYMCAs Community Strong financial assistance program helps people of all ages, especially underserved youth and seniors, attend life-changing programs at the Y. One out of five or 20% of the participants at the Y receive some sort of financial assistance. No one is turned away at the NSYMCA regardless of their ability to pay, therefore over $500k is needed in charitable dollars to provide programs like camp, sports, dance, child care, special needs classes, life saving swim lessons and senior wellness classes. One out of five participants at the Y are on some sort of financial assistance. Target has been a wonderful partner to our Y for many years and we are very grateful that they chose our families to help this year, Kim Nyren, Director of Community Investment at the NSYMCA, said. Without the support of local businesses like Target, we could not do what we do for our community and families, allowing us to help the ones that need us most this time of year. To help families in your community and by making a monetary donation please visit Give 2023 | North Suburban YMCA (nsymca.org) or call 847-272-7250. (Bloomberg) -- Micron Technology Inc. has settled a high-profile intellectual property theft lawsuit with a key, state-backed Chinese rival amid the US companys efforts to mend ties with Beijing. Most Read from Bloomberg Micron said it has reached a global settlement agreement with Fujian Jinhua Integrated Circuit Co.The two companies will each globally dismiss their complaints against the other party and end all lawsuits between them, a Micron spokeswoman said in an email, declining to provide further details. Fujian Jinhua did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment outside of office hours. The settlement comes months after the Chinese government in May barred Microns chips from critical infrastructure over cybersecurity concerns. The US too has been working with allies to prevent Beijing from obtaining the most advanced semiconductors and the latest chipmaking technologies. Micron in June warned that about half of its sales tied to China-headquartered clients may be affected by Beijings move, representing a low-double-digit percentage of its global revenue. The US firm said then about a quarter of its global revenue came from businesses based in mainland China and Hong Kong. Micron appears to have attempted to pacify Beijing, including promising to invest another 4.3 billion yuan ($602 million) in its Chinese chip-packaging plant and sending Chief Executive Officer Sanjay Mehrotra to visit the worlds second largest economy. In 2017, Micron sued Fujian Jinhua and its Taiwanese partner United Microelectronics Corp. in the US, accusing the two of stealing the Boise, Idaho-based companys memory chip trade secrets. Story continues A year later, Fujian Jinhua and UMC were charged with conspiring to steal trade secrets from Micron as the Justice Department steps up actions against China in cases of suspected economic espionage. The Trump administration added Fujian Jinhua to the so-called entity list, blocking sales of American components to the Chinese chipmaker. UMC has since settled with Micron and pleaded guilty in a deal with U.S. prosecutors, who agreed to drop serious charges of economic espionage and conspiracy for the alleged IP theft. However, the Justice Departments case against Fujian Jinhua is still pending. --With assistance from Peter Blumberg. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. What are Democrats so afraid of? The way theyre acting, you would think that Joe Biden hadnt beaten Donald Trump for the presidency in 2020. Because now the Dems have gone from wanting to defeat Trump in any potential rematch to keeping that rematch from happening at all. The Colorado Supreme Court has barred Trump from appearing on the GOP primary ballot in that state in 2024. Other states, including California, are looking to do the same. You can bet somebody in New York will launch a similar legal action. Thats one way to beat the guy: dont even allow him to run. Talk about rigging an election. Talk about election interference. Talk about disenfranchising voters and depriving them of a choice. I thought there were laws against that. All this because Trump is said to have caused the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. In a bid to keep Trump off the ballot entirely, Trump opponents are using a section of the Civil War-era 14th Amendment that bars those who have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the United States from holding office. Only it wasnt an insurrection that we saw on Jan. 6. It was a riot. It wasnt the firing on Fort Sumter, which kicked off the Civil War. It wasnt the storming of the Bastille, which sparked the French Revolution. It wasnt even the Boston Tea Party. Anti-Trump types dont care for these distinctions because their aim is to defeat Trump by any means necessary. And they have plenty of judicial firepower on their side. So a state court has decided that Trump was culpable for what happened on Jan. 6 and is unfit to stand for office. Maybe he is unfit. But it should at least be a fair fight. Barring Trump from the ballot isnt that. Biden and the Dems should put their ideas up against Trumps, if Trump is indeed the GOP nominee, and let the American voters decide. Trump is far from a perfect candidate and was far from a perfect president. Many people who voted for him once didnt do so again. And Trump continues to give his opponents fodder, including the recent controversy over his blood poisoning comment regarding immigration, which some have said echoes Adolph Hitlers writings in Mein Kampf. Me? Im concerned about the rampant antisemitism that weve seen on American college campuses and around the world lately. Now that reminds me of Hitlers Germany. Even more than that, its thanks to Trumps three Supreme Court appointees that Roe v. Wade, which guaranteed a womans right to an abortion, was overturned. The Dobbs decision has already caused GOP reckonings at the ballot box and will likely reverberate throughout the 2024 presidential and congressional elections. Dems should be chomping at the bit to go up against Trump, his presidential record, his court cases and his various foibles and issues. After all, they beat him last time. But theyre not so eager, because their own likely nominee, Biden, looks less fit for the job by the day. He has some of the worst polling numbers since Jimmy Carter thanks to the border mess and other issues. So Dems will do what they can to keep Trump from even being on the ballot. That was the goal behind those two impeachments that the Dems laid on Trump during his presidency. Had the Senate voted to convict Trump either time, a second vote could have been held that could have prevented Trump from ever running for office again. The Democrats failed then and they havent stopped trying since. And now it will be up to the Supreme Court to decide whether a political candidate can stand for election in a free and democratic society. If Trump can get on the ballot, it should be up to the people to decide whether he deserves their vote. Its not Trump that the Democrats fear. Its the American voter. Data on the average weekly pay for workers in New York State was released last month by the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, listing the average weekly salary of workers in NY, according to the county where they are employed. The values offer insights into the economic trends in average weekly pay across different counties in NY in the second quarter of 2023. The data is measured by the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages program, which the Bureau says is reported by employers covering more than 95% of U.S. jobs. In the list below, average weekly pay be county is listed along with the percentage change in average weekly pay, compared to a year earlier (the second quarter of 2022), which reflects a positive or negative value. A positive percentage indicates an increase, while a negative percentage indicates a decrease. For New York State, an increase in the average weekly pay was reflected in counties like Oneida, Broome, and Erie. Conversely, Saratoga has a significant negative percentage change, indicating a decrease in average weekly pay. New York County has the highest average weekly pay among the listed counties, with the highest average weekly pay of $2,590, which is substantially higher than other counties in the table. The data shows Richmond County with an average weekly pay of $1,229, a decrease of 0.6% from the second quarter of 2022. It is ranked 340th in the U.S. based on the percentage change in average weekly pay, suggesting other counties had either positive changes or smaller negative changes during the same period. Kings County (Brooklyn) has the lowest average weekly pay in the city at $1,102. Oneida County has the highest positive percentage change at 5.9%, indicating a significant increase in average weekly pay compared to the second quarter of 2022, while Saratoga County has the highest negative percentage change at -5.8%, showing a decrease in average weekly pay. See full list of average weekly salaries of NYS workers here: STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. With crime surging on Staten Island in 2023, the NYPD enacted a tactical shift at the end of the summer, developing an intricate, multi-state system to gather and analyze intelligence as a strategy to crack down on car thefts and burglaries in particular, according to the boroughs top cop. And while crime was still up 10.8% from last year, arrests are up more than 30% and there were some signs of progress the second half of the year, Assistant Chief Joseph Gulotta told the Advance/SILive.com in an exclusive interview recently, shedding light on the state of crime across Staten Island. You could definitely feel that crime was up, your neighbors felt it, and everyone you spoke to felt it, Gulotta said. I was lucky enough to get assigned out here, kind of have a chance to do good in your own neighborhood and knock some of this crime down. To do that, Gulotta and other NYPD officials developed a plan to target New Jersey crews coming into Staten Island to commit burglaries and steal vehicles, two crimes that are often connected. If a crook identified a sought-after vehicle, they would often go to the lengths of breaking into a residence to retrieve the keys, Gulotta said. The NYPD was able to identify an organized criminal ring from New Jersey and made it a mission to get in contact with N.J. officials and establish a system to exchange intelligence. In dedicating a task force of individuals to monitoring the collected intelligence, alerts were placed on specific vehicles, according to Gulotta. If New Jersey has a stolen car, or if people come here stealing cars, or doing burglaries over there, they input that information into our systems, Gulotta said. If that vehicle pops here in Staten Island or anywhere in the city, were moving. Were making phone calls to the other boroughs. In Staten Island, if that car comes over, instantly were getting on the radio; were closing off the bridges, were putting mitigation points in places with our Community Response Team in coordination with Highway [Unit]. This monitoring group was initially formed in August and since its implementation, the NYPD has seen results. On Staten Island weve recovered 44 cars, Gulotta said. Of the 44 jobs we had, 26 of them resulted in 46 arrests since August. Gulotta looks to carry this intelligence sharing into 2024 to aid in identifying any vehicle involved in a crime, regardless if its retail theft or burglary. This file photo from Oct. 22, 2021 shows police responding to a report of a burglary at a store at Forest and Lawrence avenues. (Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel)(Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel) He credits this tactic in combatting crime as one that is building upon infrastructure already put in place by the chief of patrol, the chief of department, and others. MORE ARRESTS ON STATEN ISLAND In response to the uptick in criminal activity in 2023, the NYPD has made 32% more arrests compared to this time last year for the seven major crimes. I think were definitely moving in the right direction, Gulotta said. If you take a look at what our office is doing here on Staten Island, our arrests are outpacing our crime increase by a lot. Even though crime is up, our officers are engaging it, theyre making arrests, Gulotta added. So its not a fact that the crime is happening and were not making arrests, and were not solving it. Its quite the opposite, were making the arrests on these crimes outpacing the increase in crime. Crime peaked in the summer, particularly during July, which saw 353 reported major crimes on Staten Island. However, from there, crime tapered off, with September seeing a total of 300 reported crimes. This shift is credited to a number of factors, foremost the hard work of the men and women of law enforcement, Gulotta said. Driving some of the problems plaguing residents were recidivists convicted criminals who reoffend. And through a close partnership with the Richmond County District Attorneys Office, Gulotta claims they are working to curb the issue. We got down to a small group of people we knew were hitting us pretty good and we worked very closely with the Richmond County D.A.s office and we were able to really make some strides in that as well, Gulotta said. VIOLENCE ON STATEN ISLAND In certain instances of car theft, particularly with Kias and Hyundais, Gulotta noted that these cases were sometimes gang or crew related, which means the stolen vehicles were used in the commission of shots-fired incidents on more than one occasion. Once these vehicles are stolen, law enforcement officials take action to ensure the vehicles are tracked to ensure public safety, a method that has ushered great success in curbing violence, according to Gulotta. On Staten Island, there were 51 confirmed incidents of shots fired in 2023, compared to 91 in 2022, Gulotta said. Gulotta cited a number of methods aimed at deterring violent crime, among them the handling of stolen cars, deployment zones, making sure officers are where they need to be, and inter-precinct communication. In identifying four violence zones, areas that see repeated acts of violence, the NYPD allocated additional resources to those zones early in the year; an endeavor which proved fruitful. The additional resources and police officers we got were able to stabilize those areas, Gulotta said. It gave us some time for our Detective Squad to start working the shootings and the shots fired jobs, and they made quite a few strides in that time period making arrests which also helped take some shooters and guns off the street. Thanks to rapid communication and intelligence sharing, Gulotta says gangs faced pressure as police were in the right places at the right time. YOUTH VIOLENCE This mass flood of intelligence comes from a variety of sources, including patrol, youth coordination officers, field intelligence officers and even the Department of Education (DOE). This file photo from Oct. 6, 2023 shows the scene of a homicide at Littleton Ave. and Hylan Blvd., where a teenager was killed on a city bus. (Staten Island Advance)(Staten Island Advance) Thanks to this rise in information sharing, the NYPD has worked closely with the DOE and school principals to address youth violence. We work very closely with the principals, sharing real-time information, Gulotta said. If theres something happening in the school, we know that might bleed over into the street. This contact goes both ways, says Gulotta, as sometimes the street violence can make its way back to school and the NYPD can alert school officials. FELONY ASSAULTS One of the major crimes that has spiked within the past year is felony assaults, with an increase of 21.6% (933 vs. 767), according to the NYPDs CompStat database. Included in this figure are assaults on police officers, which have increased from 41 in 2022 to 75 in 2023, according to Gulotta. When asked if he felt these assaults on police came from a lack of respect for the NYPD, Gulotta said the following: I dont think its a lack of respect, its our officers going out there and doing their job. With the increase in crime, were going to see the increase of arrests, and then we saw the increase in assaults on police officers. I think it correlates directly to officers getting out there and engaging. Another major factor contributing to this increase in numbers is cases of domestic violence. In these cases, Gulotta notes that officers are making arrests pretty quickly and that these are not open cases. In applauding the efforts of the NYPDs domestic violence program, Gulotta remarked on the work to come. Were really going to start focusing in 2024 on those DV cases where we have DV perpetrators that are wanted and that are low-lying. We want to try and get ahead of the DV curve, Gulotta said. THE YEAR AHEAD In looking to 2024, the NYPD plans to continue intelligence sharing to help focus in on burglary and grand larceny auto. Additionally, Gulotta aims to target youth engagement. I really want to look at the youth-related crime that we saw throughout the year, Gulotta said. I think especially when it came to violence, I think that was something that is concerning to everybody. So thats one of the focuses, how do we engage the youth and how do we prevent it? I think some of that we already put in place and will continue that into 2024. As the NYPD identifies trends, Gulotta seeks to adjust as needed in order to get ahead of these crimes. In playing your part, Gulotta asks that residents make sure to lock their car doors and take valuable belongings with them. This year, 96% of vehicles involved in car break-in cases had unlocked doors, according to Gulotta. We have 348 autos that were broken in that were grand larceny. Of those 348, 334 results of unlocked doors, Gulotta said. Support the Peninsulas only locally-owned newspaper. Subscribe! Subscribing annually brings you big savings. We also offer monthly and weekly subscriptions. Premium Subscription As low as $8.25 per month Premium Includes: Access to the Daily Journals e-Edition: a digital replica of our daily newspaper including crossword puzzles, games, comics, classifieds and ads. The ability to download a digital replica of the Daily Journal for offline reading. The ability to clip & download articles or images to share with others. Access to the last 90 days of e-Editions with search, downloading and clipping options. Unlimited access to our award-winning online content Commenting access on all stories as a valued member of the DJ community When Britney Spears released her memoir this year, the reviews took a surprise turn. It was no longer just the intimate detail of The Woman in Me audiences were gripped by, it was that voice; not Spears own, but the narrator, actor Michelle Williams. It really lifted it off the page, says Audible Australia content director Karen Yates. When Prince Harrys memoir Spare was released in January, 50 per cent of Australian sales came from audio. Credit: Steven Siewert Prince Harry, on the other hand, read all 15 hours of Spare himself and there was so much interest in listening to the British royal narrate his own story, it became Australias best-selling audiobook of 2023. In the first week of its release in January this year, a remarkable 120,000 copies were sold, with half of those sales from audio. Harry has a beautiful voice, so him being able to tell his story made it a great listening experience, Yates says. Every parent and carer has known the stress of finding a childs favourite toy or blanket has been left behind, but few know the horror of realising a beloved cuddly toy is hundreds of kilometres away on a highway. Amy Beatties Christmas road trip went from mishap to miracle when a fellow Melbourne mum rescued her sons much-loved toy from its roadside resting place. Llewyn Kavanagh, 3, (centre) and mum Amy Beattie with Jedda Kavanagh, 1 (holding Doggy), dad James and Beatties mother, Pam Beattie. After leaving Alphington to spend the holidays interstate, Beatties family stopped for a toilet break less than three hours into the 650-kilometre drive to Canberra. Llewyn Kavanagh, 3, was asleep when the family arrived at his grandmother Pam Beatties house in the Canberra suburb of Nicholls late on Friday, which meant it wasnt until bedtime on Saturday that he realised his toy, Monkey, was missing. The sight of mountains of gifts donated to the Salvation Army in the lead-up to Christmas nearly had Andrew Hill in tears. I looked in the room where we were accepting gifts, where they were sorting it out, and it was overwhelming you just see the generosity, the charitys general manager for community giving said. You get choked up looking at it. Charities say they have seen a surge in the number of people seeking help for the first time. While Australians continue to be generous with gifts, money or their time, our donations lag comparable countries and charities are under pressure to assist growing numbers of families while facing increased costs themselves. The federal government wants charitable giving to double by 2030, and at the start of the year asked the Productivity Commission to investigate potential barriers to philanthropy. Lawyers for former US president Donald Trump have asked an appeals court in Washington to toss out a federal indictment accusing him of plotting to overturn the 2020 election, arguing he is immune to the charges because they arose from actions he took while he was in the White House. The filing on Saturday night (US time) to the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit was the latest salvo in a long-running and crucial battle between Trump and the special counsel, Jack Smith, over whether the former president enjoys immunity to the election interference charges. Former US president Donald Trump. Credit: AP The fight over immunity has now touched all three levels of the federal court system, including the Supreme Court, which on Friday declined Smiths request to intervene and hear the case before the appeals court. The ultimate resolution of the issue will have a significant effect not only on the overall viability of the election interference case, but also on whether a trial on the charges is postponed until the heart of the 2024 campaign or even until after the election. At that point, if Trump wins the presidency, he could order the charges to be dropped. In a 55-page brief to a three-judge panel of the court, D. John Sauer, a lawyer who has been handling appeals for Trump, argued that under the Constitution, judges cannot hold the president accountable for any acts undertaken while in office. There is no evidence that Ukraines leaders, who have pledged to retake all their territory, will accept such a deal. Some US officials say it could be a familiar Kremlin attempt at misdirection and does not reflect Putins genuine willingness to compromise. In the past 16 months, Putin swallowed several humiliations embarrassing retreats, a once-friendly warlords mutiny before he arrived at his current state of relaxed confidence. All along, he waged a war that has killed or maimed hundreds of thousands while exhibiting contradictions that have become hallmarks of his rule. While obsessed with Russias battlefield performance and what he sees as his historic mission to retake original Russian lands, he has been keen for most Russians to go on with normal life. While readying Russia for years of war, he is quietly trying to make it clear that he is ready to end it. He really is willing to stop at the current positions, one of the former senior Russian officials told The New York Times, relaying a message he said the Kremlin was quietly sending. The former official added, Hes not willing to retreat one metre. Putin, the current and former officials said, sees a confluence of factors creating an opportune moment for a deal: a battlefield that seems stuck in a stalemate, the fallout over Ukraines disappointing offensive, its flagging support in the West, and, since October, the distraction of the Israel-Hamas war. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity, like others interviewed for this story, because of the sensitive nature of the back-channel overtures. Responding to written questions after declining an interview request, Putins spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, said in a voice message that onceptually, these theses you presented, they are incorrect. Asked whether Russia was ready for a ceasefire at the current battle lines, he pointed to the presidents recent comments; Putin said this month that Russias war goals had not changed. Ukraine has been rallying support for its own peace formula, which requires Moscow to surrender all captured Ukrainian territory and pay damages. President Volodymyr Zelensky said last week that he saw no sign that Russia wanted to negotiate. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is struggling to keep the Wests attention. Credit: AP Putin first explored peace talks in the early weeks of the war, but they fell apart after Russias atrocities in Ukraine came to light. Then, in the fall of 2022, after Russias embarrassing retreat from north-east Ukraine, Putin again sent messages to Ukraine and the West that he would be open to a deal to freeze the fighting, US officials say. Some of Ukraines supporters, like General Mark Milley, then chair of the joint chiefs of staff, encouraged Ukraine to negotiate because it had achieved as much on the battlefield as it could reasonably expect. But other top US officials believed it was too soon for talks. And Zelensky vowed to fight on until the entire country had been freed from Russias grasp. As Ukraine launched its long-anticipated counteroffensive in June, Putin appeared tense, anxious for battlefield updates, people close to the Kremlin said. In public, Putin became a live commentator of the fight, eager to claim incremental successes. Loading The enemy is trying to attack, Putin said onstage at his marquee St Petersburg International Economic Forum on June 16, describing a battle happening right now. I think the armed forces of Ukraine have no chance, he said. The same day, a delegation of African leaders arrived in Kyiv, Ukraines capital, hoping to broker peace. At one point, Ukrainian officials rushed them into a shelter, warning of an attack. The next day, in St Petersburg, Russia, President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa asked Putin whether he had really bombed the Ukrainian capital while the African leaders were there. Yes, I did, Putin responded, according to two people close to Ramaphosa, but I made sure it was very far from where you were. A week later, mercenary warlord Yevgeny Prigozhin launched his failed mutiny. By the end of the summer, events were shifting in Putins favour. Prigozhins death in a plane crash, widely seen as the Kremlins doing, eliminated his most dangerous domestic foe. On the battlefield, Russia already appeared to be successful in repelling Ukraines counteroffensive. On a Saturday in October, Putin marked his 71st birthday with the leaders of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, two Central Asian countries that have tried to take a neutral stance in the war. When they arrived at his suburban Moscow residence, Putin got behind the wheel of a new Russian-made limo, showing off one of the ways in which, in the Kremlins telling, Russia is becoming more self-sufficient. Once indoors, the three leaders spoke about a plan to sell Russian gas to Uzbekistan. A person present recalled Putins calm confidence and relaxed body language. He doesnt look like a man whos waging war, the person said. Only after a birthday lunch did they grasp the full significance of events elsewhere. It was October 7. Loading The terrorist attack by Hamas that day and Israels fierce military response proved to be a propaganda boon for Russia, pulling attention away from Ukraine and allowing Putin to line up with much of the world in condemning the bombardment of the Gaza Strip and American support for Israel. He sees that the attention of the West is turning away, said Balazs Orban, an aide to Prime Minister Viktor Orban who participated in the Hungarian leaders meeting with Putin in October. Since at least September, Western officials have been picking up renewed signals that Putin is interested in a ceasefire. The signals come through multiple channels, including via foreign governments with ties to both the United States and Russia. Unofficial Russian emissaries have spoken to interlocutors about the contours of a potential deal that Putin would accept, US officials and others said. Putin and the Russian army, they dont want to stretch their capacity further, said the international official who met top Russian officials in the northern autumn. Putin has also made vague public comments about being open to negotiations. Many in the West are sceptical of a ceasefire because they say Putin would rearm for a future assault. Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics argued in an interview that Putin was committed to war because he dreams of reestablishing the empire. MOSCOW (Reuters) -Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday signed a decree clearing the way for Rosbank to purchase stakes in leading Russian companies owned by Societe Generale. The decree said that Rosbank will be able to buy SocGen's stakes in energy producers such as Rosneft and Gazprom, metals companies including Norilsk Nickel and Severstal, and other leading Russian blue chip firms. Societe Generale declined to comment. The bank had an exposure of 22.4 billion euros to Russia as of end-June 2021, according to the European Banking Authority's (EBA) data. Companies from so-called "unfriendly" countries - those that announced sanctions against Russia following the Kremlin's decision to send troops into Ukraine in February 2022 - need special dispensation from Moscow for transactions involving Russian assets. Interfax news agency said SocGen's separate stakes in the Russian companies were relatively small, for example, 0.04% in Gazprom and 0.02% in Alrosa, the world's biggest diamond-producing company. However, the combined value of the assets under consideration are "billions of roubles". Societe Generale pulled out of Russia and closed the sale of its local unit Rosbank to the Interros group, a firm linked to Russian oligarch Vladimir Potanin, in May 2022. Putin has said that Western sanctions are a declaration of economic war on Russia. Hundreds of billions of dollars worth of Russian state assets have been frozen in the West, as well as assets of some Russian businessmen and investors. Germany last year took control of the then Russian-owned Schwedt oil refinery which supplies 90% of Berlin's fuel. At the same time, Russian entrepreneurs have gained control of major Western assets in Russia including Carlsberg's eight breweries and Danone's enterprises. ($1 = 92.1205 roubles) (Reporting by Vladimir Soldatkin in Moscow additional reporting by Silvia Aloisi in Paris; Editing by Hugh Lawson, Kirsten Donovan) The MP for Braintree also played a central role in the evacuation of UK nationals from Sudan when fighting broke out between two separate factions in the central African country in spring 2023, while being one of the main UK Government spokesmen on the Ukraine conflict. However, I know for many people many families in Scotland it has been a challenging year. And as we come together over the festive period, the cost of living will be on many peoples minds. HMS Diamond lies at anchor in the Solent ahead of her return to Portsmouth Naval Base. The Royal Navy Type 45 Destroyer has been away for over 7 months as part of Carrier Strike Group 21 (CSG21) and is due to return to port on Thursday. Picture date: Wednesday December 8, 2021. PA Archive The Sunday Telegraph carries comment from Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron, who says Britain will not tolerate the escalating activities of Iran who are contributing to danger and insecurity around the world. A BBC spokesperson at the time said the figures are consistent with those in the first quarter of the year but acknowledged the dip over the summer months, adding: Were determined to grow the impact of local radio across the country and well be looking in detail at the listening changes over the last period. (Bloomberg) -- Raiffeisen Bank International AG says it may finally have a way to move some of its assets out of Russia. What it hasnt explained is why the complex, 1.5 billion ($1.7 billion) string of transactions ends up with an executive who has a long history working for companies of a now-sanctioned tycoon. Most Read from Bloomberg Raiffeisen said on Tuesday that its Russian unit agreed to buy an almost 28% stake in Austrian builder Strabag SE that was until recently held by sanctioned businessman Oleg Deripaska. It then plans to transfer the holding to the parent in Vienna as a dividend in kind. If all goes as planned, Raiffeisen said it would oversee the Strabag stake via a subsidiary that, according to corporate filings, was founded as a partnership between the bank and Stephan Zoechling, a former executive at several companies in which Deripaska was the biggest shareholder. Zoechling will run the business whose name Gabarts is an anadrome of Strabag. Zoechling didnt respond to a request for comment sent to his email and to a spokeswoman at Remus Innovation GmbH, an exhaust maker that he runs. A spokesman for Raiffeisen declined to comment on why Zoechling was picked to help oversee the stake. Its common practice that a shareholding of this magnitude is managed by a subsidiary, the Raiffeisen spokesperson said in an emailed response to Bloomberg questions. Gabarts will manage the Strabag holding and all relevant controlling rights will of course stay with RBI. The deal would help solve a major headache for Raiffeisen, which has been considering options to sell or spin off its Russian subsidiary the banks most profitable for almost two years without success. The business has accumulated more than 3 billion in earnings that it cant transfer because of Moscows restrictions on dividends. The planned transaction, if approved, would effectively move half that amount to the parent, while allowing Deripaska to liquidate his frozen stake. Story continues Zoechling has long had ties to the tycoons business empire, but also to Strabag founder Hans Peter Haselsteiner, who is a co-investor with him in Remus. Recently, he was affiliated with a number of Austrian-Russian transactions, such as the acquisition of assets remaining after the liquidation of Sberbank Europe. In that deal, Zoechling was granted sanctions exemption in Austria to deal with the Russian lender and buy what was left of its central and eastern European subsidiary. The transaction was valued at 240 million, according to the Standard newspaper. Deripaska, a billionaire, holds a large stake in En+ Group, the operator of Siberias biggest network of power plants. The company also owns more than half of Rusal, Russias largest aluminum producer. Months before Russias invasion of Ukraine, Zoechling was appointed chairman of the Mykolaiv alumina refinery in Ukraine, which was owned by Rusal. The plant used to be the key supplier of the raw material to Rusals Russian smelters. Zoechling no longer works for Rusal, the company said in an emailed response to Bloomberg questions. En+, the holding that controls Rusal, declined to comment. Deripaskas press service didnt reply to messages seeking comments. Zoechling was also chief operating officer at construction company Transstroy when it was owned by Deripaska and was involved in infrastructure projects related to the Sochi Olympics, according to the agenda of a conference in 2014. He also was a board member of Transstroy, according to Russian corporate filings. Commenting on Zoechlings appointment by Deripaska to manage the expansion of Moscows Sheremetyevo Airport in 2014, Haselsteiner said the Russian businessman was very fortunate that the Austrian was taking on the task, according to the Kurier newspaper. I have known Zoechling for a long time, Haselsteiner told the paper. He will do well. Deripaska has held the stake in Strabag since 2007. The Austrian construction company has been looking to break the gridlock caused by sanctions against the investor, including via a complex capital maneuver intended to push his ownership below 25%. The sanctions mean Strabag cannot pay dividends to Deripaskas holding company Rasperia, which has also been banned from voting at a shareholder meeting. Raiffeisen has said it intends to conduct the transaction in full compliance with sanctions. Strabag has said a detailed sanctions review is necessary. Austrias National Bank confirmed it was the sanctions authority responsible for the transactions but declined to give further details. RBI must ensure that the applicable EU sanctions regulations are fully complied with at all times during the intended transaction, it said in emailed comments to Bloomberg. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. The port said there had been a surge in demand for ferries after the Channel Tunnel rail link was closed on Thursday due to unscheduled industrial action by French workers, which ruined the travel plans of tens of thousands of people. She added: We are looking for more volunteers. We are more or less fine at the Morningside location, but we need more people at the other locations and need some more funding to buy materials to make the netting. He told the Sunday Times that Tehran would need to be sent an incredibly clear message that this escalation will not be tolerated. PixelsEffect / iStock/Getty Images Before we could find anything from back-to-school outfits to gourmet food to dryer sheets through an app, going shopping was an event. There was the rush of maneuvering through the crowd, the pleasure of walking past stores and hoping something exciting would randomly catch our eye and the satisfaction of walking out with our purchase. However, even as some of us try to go analog with our shopping, the experience isnt often as enjoyable as it once was. Related: 10 Costco Meals That Are Cheaper Than Buying Takeout Find Out: Pocket an Extra $400 a Month With This Simple Hack One major cause of frustration among shoppers is the reduction of in-person staff available to answer questions, help find items, or ring up purchases. Many storefronts across the country reduced headcounts during the pandemic, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting a 12 percent fall in retail sales workers between 2019 and 2020. Customers are often forced to form queues in cumbersome self-checkout lines and wait even longer if they need assistance. The reduction in sales associates on the floor has also compelled stores to take stricter measures in preventing theft, including locking up in-demand items. According to a Wall Street Journal report, Indyme, a company that sells loss-prevention products to retailers, expects its 2023 sales of help buttons linked to locked cases to be up more than 50 percent this year compared with 2019. In that same report, the WSJ shared a graph focused on the average time to retrieve items from those cases: General store merchandise takes just over two minutes to get out, which adds up depending on how long our lists are. For Hayley Leibson, a young mother quoted in a Vox article about the decline of the in-store shopping experience, repeatedly asking an associate to unlock baby formula, and watching lines of people form around specific items means budgeting more time. Thats even assuming we can find what we need in person. Leibson bemoans traveling between several retailers to see the formula in the same article. Issues with supply chain and inventory sometimes make stepping inside a brick-and-mortar store feel like a guessing game especially when browsing items online often lets us see their availability. Shopping from our sofas certainly saves money on gas, subway or bus passes, not to mention the wear and tear on our cars. Story continues Digital storefronts can also be more visually attractive than retail stores these days. Reduced staffing has also contributed to what some shoppers see as more tidy and well-kept stores with uninteresting or disorganized merchandise displays. Unappealing interiors reduce the average shoppers dwell time, or how long theyre likely to stay in a store after all, why spend hours in an unpleasant environment when we can just as easily order online or schedule a quick pick-up? Many of us used to spend an afternoon visiting the mall or lingering in the aisles of big outlet stores, but the lower quality of the in-store shopping experience has made in-person shopping more hassle than fun. The ease, convenience, and accessibility of scouting for deals online may be a better use of our time and wallets. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: How Shopping in Person is Getting Worse for Your Time and Money Custodian of the Romanian Crown, Her Majesty Margareta, conveyed on Sunday, in the Christmas message, her admiration and affection for all Romanians who have shown generosity, courage and compassion towards those who suffer or are in difficulty. "On the eve of Christmas, I send all my admiration and affection to all Romanians who have shown generosity, courage and compassion towards those who suffer or are in difficulty. People have achieved many good things in this country. I am also proud of our young people, who are proving to be well trained and competitive, wherever they are, at home or in the world," reads the message sent to AGERPRES by the Royal House. Her Majesty Margareta mentioned that "Romanians abroad have made efforts for their families and have shown professionalism and devotion to the communities in which they live". "I hope that, not very late, Romanians will have reasons to return home to Romania and the Republic of Moldova. The country needs them more than ever," said the Crown Custodian. Her Majesty Margareta also had "a word of praise" for the private sector, which had the strength to adapt and move forward. She went on to say that next year "the Republic of Moldova's European path needs support". "Romania's security and stability depend on the balance of our region and of Europe as a whole," said Her Majesty Margareta. In her message, she recalled that this year too the Royal House "promoted the economy, the education, ecology, science and art". "We have continued to give confidence and support to local communities, through our work with the Red Cross, the Margareta of Romania Royal Foundation, the dozens of organizsations with royal patronage and the projects of my House. In all the towns and villages I visited I met exemplary people and organisations ready to help the country and their communities. At Christmas, our souls are filled with hope and love for our family, our friends, our community," added the Custodian of the Romanian Crown. "Our Lord's love for us and His sacrifice are an inspiration without equal. At Christmas, we carry in our hearts all our loved ones, especially those far away and those who are no longer with us. Christmas is a time of gratitude, generosity and kindness. The Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ is a time of spiritual fulfilment. I wish the Romanians in the country, in the Republic of Moldova and those far away many years of health, hope and peace of mind," Her Majesty Margareta also conveyed in her Christmas message. Minister of National Defence Angel Tilvar has thanked, in a message conveyed on the occasion of the Christmas holidays, the soldiers on foreign missions and their families "for their understanding and support". "The Christmas holidays period is an opportunity for all of us to look back on the year that is ending and look forward to 2024 with hope. I am, in mind and heart, with our military men and women on foreign missions and in theatres of operations far from home. We know that celebrations are more difficult when you are not near your loved ones, and that is why I thank you for the effort you are making, and I thank your families for their understanding and support," said the Defence minister. He said that a special place in his heart "is occupied by war veterans, veterans of the theatres of operations, and the reservists and retirees whose sacrifices and love of country motivate us all, especially on this holiday". The minister of Defence also conveyed special thanks to "the military and civilians who work in the country and without whom the Romanian Army would not be what it is today". Minister Tilvar also mentioned the security situation in the Black Sea area, adding that Romania "as a member of the North Atlantic Alliance and the European Union, has unprecedented security guarantees". "The security situation in the Black Sea area continues to be difficult, due to the war of aggression launched by the Russian Federation against Ukraine. This is the second Christmas we are spending in these conditions, and Romania continues to support, alongside NATO, the European Union and the international community, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. Together we are more united and stronger, and our country, as a member of the North Atlantic Alliance and the European Union, has unprecedented security guarantees. More than 5,000 allied military personnel are currently deployed on our territory and are training alongside our military. Romania is thus better protected and defended by land, air and sea. The allies' contribution to ensuring the effectiveness and credibility of the collective defence posture on the eastern flank is essential and contributes to collective security in the Black Sea region," the Defence minister added. The official gave assurances that in 2024 the leadership of the Ministry of Defence is ready "for Romania to have a high-performance Army, endowed with state-of-the-art equipment", adding that there is also concern for "improving the working and living conditions of army personnel" and for "increasing the attractiveness of military careers". President of the Senate Nicolae Ciuca, leader of the National Liberal Party (PNL), has sent his thoughts and good wishes to Romanians and urged them to keep alive their faith in God and in Romania. "On the eve of the holy feast of the Nativity of the Lord, I send you my warmest thoughts and wishes for health, joy, peace, unity and hope. May we keep alive our faith in God, Romania, in ourselves and in our future which together, we have the power to make better. I wish you a blessed holiday with your family, with all your loved ones. Merry Christmas!," Nicolae Ciuca said. The President of the Senate's message was published in video format on his Facebook page. The ancestral farm of Lambertus Wolbert Scholten, where Berend Hendrik Scholten was born. Berend Hendrik Scholten was a pioneer farmer. Like many of his neighbors in Graafschap, he grew crops. But he also invested in cows. A century later, his family carried on that tradition as operators of a well-known community dairy. He was born Berend Hendrik Wolbert in 1819, the youngest son of Lambertus Wolbert (1765-1835), a dairy farmer, and Hille Scholten. His father, upon marrying Hille, not only inherited the Scholte farm in Haftenkamp, Graafschap (county) of Bentheim, Germany, but also took her family name. When Berend was 25 years old, the potato famine forced 70 community members, including Riekus Johannes and Zwaantje Diekovers Bouws, to follow Albertus Van Raaltes lead and leave for America. Berend followed two years later. Van Raalte and his immediate followers left Rotterdam in the fall of 1846 aboard the Southerner. The emigrants from Bentheim left Rotterdam aboard the Antoinette Marie on April 4, 1847. They arrived in New York on May 23. From there, they took a steamship to Albany and a flatboat on the Erie Canal. Next, they sailed on Lake Erie, Lake Huron, the Mackinac Straits, and Lake Michigan before landing on the beach near the outlet of Black Lake (Macatawa) on June 20, 1847. Steve VanderVeen With the help of Jan Rabbers, the groups leaders followed the Odawa-forged trails to scout the forest. They chose a hilltop three miles south of the Holland colony and called it Graafschap. So eager were they to build their log shanties, they began felling trees on unsurveyed and untitled land. Eventually they purchased that land, which the government had taken through treaty, at $1.25 per acre. Thus, by the time Berend Hendrick Scholten arrived in June 1849, his acquaintances had already established farms around the hill. He acquired land several miles to the southwest next to another hill and a small creek, which he later named Rivulet (small creek) Hurst (hill). By 1873, he'd purchased 120 acres from the U.S. government and private citizens, for which he paid $1.25-$1.50 per acre. Story continues Like his neighbors, Berend Hendrik began clearing land before he had the legal title or skill to do so. Chopping trees and building a shanty wasn't a one-man job, and dangerous. Fortunately, Berend had help from a friend, Jan Harm Slenk, who'd emigrated with him. (A few years later, Slenk bought 80 acres to the east of the Scholten property.) The existence of stumps and roots and wild animals, however, made planting and growing crops inefficient. Among the stumps, Berend had planted corn and potatoes, preparing the ground with a hoe, the only cultivating tool he had. For meat, he and the settlers had chickens and pigs. For rodent control, they had cats. Thus, the harvest in 1849-1850 was small. Because they couldnt grow enough food for themselves and lacked cash to buy supplies, the settlers had to hire themselves out to others. Many young men worked on farms around Kalamazoo and Plainwell. This provided them with cash and taught them English language and farming skills. With the cash, they bought supplies from merchants in Singapore to the west or Richmond to the east. But doing so meant they might have to carry 60-pound sacks of flour or potatoes for miles on their back. Subscribe: Get unlimited access to our local coverage So clearing their own land to grow food took even longer, and longer still if there were injuries. Coming from a land with few trees meant they didnt know how to properly use an ax or a two-man crosscut pull saw. But they learned. In 1852, 35-year-old Berend married 19-year old Hendrika Lucas, the daughter of an 1847 Graafschap pioneer. Hendrika taught English to the immigrant community. Berend Hendrik and Hendrika Lucas Scholten c. 1880. Getting married encouraged Berend to abandon his shanty and build a log cabin, one with three rooms (kitchen, living room and master bedroom) on the ground floor and an attic on the second level, which he and Hendrika converted into bedrooms when they had children. Their cabin also had a fieldstone fireplace with a large stone chimney outside. Their barn was a log structure, but larger and taller than the house. For wood, Berend and Jan felled a pine tree that was six feet in diameter. Although the roots resisted decay for many years, the tree itself provided shingles for Scholtens new barn and house. Then in 1871, all was destroyed. Steve VanderVeen is a resident of Holland. You may reach him at skvveen@gmail.com. His book, "The Holland Area's First Entrepreneurs," is available at Readers World. This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Holland History: The origins of Rivulet Hurst Dairy Who and where: From left: Karen and Jerry Kokesh of Chesterfield; their daughter and grandchildren Krista, Hugh and Clara Meyer of Eureka ; and Michael Hopfer of Eureka at the Louvre in Paris. The trip: Paris was the first stop of a 15-day trip celebrating the Kokeshes 50th wedding anniversary. Travel tip: Paris is busy and you should make advanced reservations for major sites, and take advantage of metro passes. Go to crowded locations first, and then relax as we did in places like Austria and Croatia. Contribute: Email your photo to stlpost@gmail.com. Include the full names of everyone in the photo, including where they are from and where you are standing in the photo. Also include your address and phone number. Please also tell us a little about the trip and a travel tip. Were looking for interesting, well-composed, well-lighted photos. Tony Messenger Metro columnist Follow Tony Messenger Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today OZARK COUNTY, Mo. The sign outside the Caney Mountain Conservation Area sparked a memory. We were driving by the 7,899-acre nature preserve on the way to a cemetery. Its where my wifes folks are buried. A couple of times a year, we drive there and put new flowers on the gravestone. We often take pictures of the kids and their cousins together. The first time we did that, I found it odd, almost morbid. But over the years, as the kids have gotten older and the photos mark the passage of time, its grown on me. Nana loved her grandkids, and theres something special about them finding a way to spend time with her over the Christmas holiday. She died in the summer of 2019. The year before, I got to spend a special week with her, driving her to the hospital in Springfield for radiation treatments. Thats when I first visited the Caney Mountain Conservation Area. I went there to take a hike during my sojourn in Ozark County in the fall of 2018. The park is full of rolling and rocky hills, pristine streams and Leopold Cabin. I came across the cabin during my hike and ended up writing a column about how in the 1940s, Starker Leopold came to Caney Mountain to nurse Missouris dwindling wild turkey population back to life. Back at my brother-in-laws house after the cemetery visit, I shared my bit of unusual Ozark County knowledge how the park once run by a Morrison is at the center of the conservation movement in Missouri, including the preservation of wild turkey hunting. Unlike virtually everybody in my wifes family, Im not a hunter. Its why there are times during family celebrations, like the Christmas one we had last weekend, where I feel like the odd man out. Ive never hunted or farmed. I dont own a gun or drive a tractor. My existence in the city er, suburbs is quite a bit different than theirs in rural Missouri. But we have our connections. Like Caney Mountain. Like the cemetery. Like the Lincoln School. Thats the old one-room schoolhouse for Black students in West Plains, Missouri that I wrote about earlier this year. A man named Crocket Oaks III, who used to live in St. Louis, is refurbishing the school as a cultural community center. Oaks father was one of the last people to attend the Lincoln School before desegregation in the 1950s. Years later, he would work in a factory in West Plains with my wifes uncle Clay. At the Christmas celebration this year, I told Clay that story. He remembered Mr. Oaks, at least a little bit. We chatted for a while as he reminisced about days gone by. In Missouri, we spend a lot of time talking about our differences. The rural-urban divide. Blue islands in a state that is now a sea of red. But our connections are there, even if theyre harder to find. I think thats one reason Ive spent a lot of time reporting from rural counties in recent years, from Iron to Warren, St. Francois to Dent, Howell to Washington. Every time I visit one of those places, two things happen. First, Im reconnected to what a beautiful state Missouri is, with its hills, river country and small towns with historic courthouses. Most of the folks in those towns want the same things folks in the city want: a roof over their heads, a fair way to make a living and support their families, good schools, something to pass down to the next generation. How do we get there? We have some agreement: good wages, taking care of our most vulnerable citizens, keeping corruption out of government. Its a great irony of the current state of Missouri politics many issues that divide our elected officials actually unite state voters when questions appear via ballot initiative. There are reasons for that related to our broken political system. But its Christmas, lets leave the politics for another day. Instead, lets return to Caney Mountain. Missouri has wild turkey hunting today because a professor from the University of California-Berkely camped out there in the 1940s and nurtured a dying population. Thats an odd connection worth celebrating in a state of vast beauty, which bridges the tiniest towns with large urban landscapes. ST. LOUIS Police on Tuesday publicly identified a man fatally shot this weekend in the Forest Park Southeast neighborhood. Shawn Kennedy, 20, of Ferguson was killed in the shooting just after 3 a.m. Sunday on the 900 block of Talmage Avenue, police said. Officers responding to a shooting call found Kennedy shot inside a home on the block. He was pronounced dead at a hospital. Homicide detectives are investigating. Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call detectives at 314-444-5371 or CrimeStoppers at 866-371-TIPS (8477). Callers to CrimeStoppers may remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward. DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza At least 68 people were killed by an Israeli strike in central Gaza, health officials said Sunday, while the number of Israeli soldiers killed in combat over the weekend rose to 17. Associated Press journalists at a nearby hospital watched frantic Palestinians carry the dead, including a baby, and wounded following the strike on the Maghazi refugee camp east of Deir al-Balah. One bloodied young girl looked stunned while her body was checked for broken bones. The 68 fatalities include at least 12 women and seven children, according to early hospital figures. We were all targeted, said Ahmad Turkomani, who lost several family members including his daughter and grandson. There is no safe place in Gaza anyway. Earlier, the Health Ministry in Gaza gave the death toll as 70. The Israeli military had no immediate comment. As Christmas Eve fell, smoke rose over the besieged territory, while in the West Bank Bethlehem was hushed, its holiday celebrations called off. In neighboring Egypt, tentative efforts continued on a deal for another exchange of hostages for Palestinians held by Israel. The war has devastated parts of Gaza, killed roughly 20,400 Palestinians and displaced almost all of the territorys 2.3 million people. The mounting death toll among Israeli troops 156 since the ground offensive began could erode public support for the war, which was sparked when Hamas-led militants stormed communities in southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 and taking 240 hostage. Israelis still largely stand behind the countrys stated goals of crushing Hamas governing and military capabilities and releasing the remaining 129 captives. That's despite rising international pressure against Israels offensive, and the soaring death toll and unprecedented suffering among Palestinians. Hamas exacts a price The war exacts a very heavy price from us, but we have no choice but to continue fighting, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said. In a nationally televised speech, Israeli President Isaac Herzog appealed for the country to remain united. This moment is a test. We will not break nor blink, he said. There has been widespread anger against his government, which many criticize for failing to protect civilians on Oct. 7 and promoting policies that allowed Hamas to gain strength over the years. Netanyahu has avoided accepting responsibility for the military and policy failures. Over time, the public will find it hard to ignore the heavy price paid, as well as the suspicion that the aims that were loudly heralded are still far from being attained, and that Hamas is showing no signs of capitulating in the near future," wrote Amos Harel, military affairs commentator for the Haaretz newspaper. The Israeli military said it had completed the dismantling of Hamas underground headquarters in northern Gaza, part of an operation to take down the vast tunnel network and kill off top commanders that Israeli leaders have said could take months. Efforts toward negotiations continued. The head of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Ziyad al-Nakhalah, arrived in Egypt for talks. The militant group, which also took part in the Oct. 7 attack, said it was prepared to consider releasing hostages only after fighting ends. Hamas top leader Ismail Haniyeh traveled to Cairo for talks days earlier. Inside Gaza Israels offensive has been one of the most devastating military campaigns in recent history. More than two-thirds of the 20,000 Palestinians killed have been women and children, according to the Health Ministry in Gaza, which does not differentiate between civilians and combatants. On Friday, Israeli airstrikes on two homes in Gaza killed 90 Palestinians, including dozens from an extended family, according to rescuers and hospital officials. One of the homes, located in Gaza City, became one of the deadliest airstrikes in the war after 76 people from the al-Mughrabi family were killed, said Mahmoud Bassal, a spokesman for Gazas Civil Defense department. The Palestinian Red Crescent said a 13-year-old boy was shot and killed in an Israeli drone attack while inside al-Amal Hospital in Khan Younis, a part of Gaza where Israel's military believes Hamas leaders are hiding. An Israeli strike overnight hit a house in a refugee camp west of the city of Rafah, on Gazas border with Egypt. At least two men were killed, according to Associated Press journalists in the hospital where the bodies were taken. At least two people were killed and six others wounded when a missile stuck a building in the Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza. And Palestinians reported heavy Israeli bombardment and gunfire in Jabaliya, an area north of Gaza City that Israel had claimed to control. Hamas military arm said its fighters shelled Israeli troops in Jabaliya and Jabaliya refugee camp. Israel faces international criticism for the civilian death toll but it blames Hamas, citing the militants use of crowded residential areas and tunnels. Israel has launched thousands of airstrikes since Oct. 7. It says it has killed thousands of Hamas militants, without presenting evidence. Israel also faces allegations of mistreating Palestinian men and teenage boys detained in homes, shelters, hospitals and elsewhere during the offensive. It has denied abuse allegations and said those without links to militants are quickly released. Speaking to the AP from a hospital bed in Rafah after his release, Khamis al-Burdainy of Gaza City said Israeli forces detained him after tanks and bulldozers partly destroyed his home. He said men were handcuffed and blindfolded. We didnt sleep. We didnt get food and water, he said, crying and covering his face. Another released detainee, Mohammed Salem, from the Gaza City neighborhood of Shijaiyah, said Israeli troops beat them. We were humiliated, he said. A female soldier would come and beat an old man, aged 72 years old. International pressure The United Nations Security Council has passed a watered-down resolution calling for the speedy delivery of humanitarian aid for hungry and desperate Palestinians and the release of all the hostages, but not for a cease-fire. But it was not immediately clear how and when deliveries of food, medical supplies and other aid, far below the daily average of 500 before the war, would accelerate. Trucks enter through two crossings: Rafah, and Kerem Shalom on the border with Israel. Wael Abu Omar, a spokesman for the Palestinian Crossings Authority, said 123 aid trucks entered Gaza on Sunday, The head of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, reiterated U.N. calls for a humanitarian cease-fire, adding on social media that the decimation of the Gaza health system is a tragedy. Amid concerns about a wider regional conflict, the U.S. Central Command said a patrol ship in the Red Sea on Saturday shot down four drones launched from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, a while two Houthi anti-ship ballistic missiles were fired into international shipping lanes. The Iran-backed Houthis say their attacks are aimed at Israel-linked ships in an effort to stop the Israeli offensive in Gaza. Magdy reported from Cairo. Associated Press writer Jack Jeffery in London contributed to this report. Updated at 4:45 a.m. Monday The Vaticans declaration last week issuing permission for priests to informally bless same-sex relationships is half a loaf, to be sure. But its also the most encouraging step yet in Pope Francis continuing project to bring his church into the modern era. The limitations of the declaration are significant. The Catholic Church remains an institution that will not officially recognize unions that dont adhere to rigid and exclusionary definitions of legitimate marriage. But in acknowledging that many who live outside those rigid definitions are nonetheless faithful Catholics who deserve the blessings of their clergy regardless of whether their relationships formally qualify for the sacrament of marriage, Francis has extended an olive branch to a population long condemned by the church for no offense other than being who they are. The declaration walks a line between maintaining the Vaticans longstanding official definition of marriage as being exclusively between a man and a woman, and recognizing the modern reality that loving relationships come in all kinds of forms. In essence, it allows priests to informally bless couples in same-sex relationships as long as the blessing isnt done as part of a formal matrimonial ceremony. By seeking such a blessing, the declaration states, couples express openness to the transcendence, mercy and closeness to God in a thousand concrete circumstances of life. It is a seed of the Holy Spirit that must be nurtured, not hindered, states the declaration. Undeniably, the documents offer of that expression of nurturing also reinforces the continued denial of formal marriage to same-sex couples. It specifies that the blessing must be spontaneous, as opposed to scheduled, and that it cannot be performed with any clothing, gestures, or words that are proper to a wedding. That reinforcement of the churchs strict man-and-woman definition of marriage has, understandably, infuriated some in the LGBTQ community. So Pope Francis has deigned to bless gay couples? states the headline of an essay in The Guardian by gay married writer Matt Cain. Thats not a blessing, its an insult. He condemns it as a fig leaf, a PR exercise, a means of laundering your prejudice to make it seem like a step towards acceptance. We understand that anger. The Vatican declaration does create a two-tiered system that offers same-sex couples a faint shadow of the acceptance long granted to others. And in todays cynical political environment, its not unreasonable to suspect that a church under fire for its historic anti-LGBTQ prejudice is trying to have it both ways by nodding to change without formally implementing it. Against those valid criticisms, we would point to Francis own tenure as pope, which has been characterized by cautious but consistent pressure to focus the church toward promoting Catholicism as a compassionate calling that addresses real human issues, instead of just focusing on a set of rules. To the chagrin of conservative Catholics in the U.S. and around the world, Francis has steadily pursued policies of modernity and reform. He has forced the church to confront the long history of sexual abuse among its clergy, has de-emphasized divisive issues like contraception and abortion, has expanded the role of women in the church, and has elevated such issues as the rights of immigrants and refugees, support for LGBTQ citizens and other minorities, and even environmental activism. He has, in essence, earned some faith that this latest reform isnt a PR stunt, but a small first step that may eventually lead to bigger ones. Limitations aside, its a significant Christmas gift not only to the LGBTQ community, but to anyone with loved ones in that community. Regarding "Anti-crime drones? No way, says St. Louis neighborhood." (Dec. 18): Is this part of the progressive defund the police campaign rhetoric of Aldermanic President Megan Green? According to the article, she believes drones to be akin to ill-conceived" spy planes. Missouri has laws in place that prohibit law enforcement from using drones as surveillance without a warrant except under specific circumstances. However, hobbyists can fly drones with few restrictions. The drone operator is a private company in Maryland and they claim to only report suspicious activity and they are not a part of law enforcement. It appears to me that Green is assuming that this is a means of privacy invasion even if the flights are restricted to places where there is little or no expectation of privacy. As the Post-Dispatch reported earlier, Green wants to stall the return of red-light cameras for more review, against the wishes of Mayor Tishaura Jones. I suggest Green listen to all the facts before making assumptions. Her constituents deserve options in dealing with crime and she owes the citizens of St. Louis the best and most informed decisions, not political rhetoric. Sean Quinn St. Louis In Ukraine Russia is reviving the World War II practice of employing women as snipers and, since this is the 21st Century, UAV operators as well. For service in Ukraine, qualified Russian women can make at least $1,200 a month. Thats a lot of money in contemporary Russia. Russian forces are suffering heavy casualties in Ukraine and are recruiting women for jobs that, in the past, women have been good at and willing to undertake in a combat zone. This is not the first time Russia has employed women in combat roles. Before Germany invaded in 1941 Russia had a number of all female tank battalions. Most of the Russian tank force was destroyed in the first months of the war and, as the tank force was rebuilt, surviving all-female units were disbanded as there were plenty of other combat and combat support jobs for women. That included traffic control along roads and snipers. Women proved particularly good at both jobs. Other countries were less accepting of using women in any combat jobs. In Israel, there has long been pressure from conservative Jewish clergy who wanted women to be barred from combat jobs, while Arab radicals are urging more women to get involved in terrorism operations, including suicide bombings. Most Israelis are not conservative Jews and more focused on survival rather than conservative interpretations of Jewish scripture. Moreover, female troops have an easier time dealing with Moslem women, many of whom consider it a religious obligation to avoid dealing men they are not related to. In the past religious differences were much less of a factor. During World War II over five million women served in the military worldwide. Although they suffered fewer losses than the men, several hundred thousand did die. These women were often exposed to combat, especially when fighting as guerillas operating anti-aircraft guns and early warning systems in Russia, Germany, and Britain. Russia also used women as combat medics, traffic cops near the front line, as snipers, and as combat pilots. They, especially the Russians, tried using them as tank crews and regular infantry, but that didnt work out, a historical lesson lost on current proponents. Russian women were most frequently employed in medical and other support jobs. The few who served as snipers or pilots were very good at it. Israel has learned from that and the men who comprise half the strength of the three Caracal battalions tend to agree that the women volunteers are more eager and into their jobs than the male conscripts. The Caracal battalions are used for border security and border patrol. Their personnel are armed and trained to use their weapons, mainly for self-defense. Many of them died on October 7, 2023, during the Hamas offensive. FREDERICK, MD - (NewMediaWire) - December 22, 2023 - BioElectronics Corp. (OTC: BIEL) is pleased to provide this end of year message to investors, customers, suppliers and other partners. As described below, the last six months have produced mixed results. Research Update We have seen good progress on the research side. An investigator-sponsored study at University of California San Diego (UCSD) for phantom limb was completed this last fall and the paper is now under peer review for publication. All indications are that the results are very positive, but they are embargoed until they appear in press. The quality of life study for dogs diagnosed with osteoarthritis has been tentatively accepted and is now being prepared for final publication in Veterinary Medicine and Science. The results of this double-blind, placebo-controlled study show that the treated dogs showed significant improvement in functionality and mobility after 14 days of treatment above and beyond the current prescription medicines being taken. If this paper is published, we plan to start actively marketing our RecoveryRx line into the veterinary market. Two other clinical studies are now in the field. Stanford University is conducting a study on thumb arthritics and a second study at UCSD for post-surgical analgesia is expected to finish in June 2024. Finally, we completed a new design for our RecoveryRx product that is better suited for surgery incisions and is 50% more powerful than the current version. We have already manufactured a limited supply of these units and are planning to apply for an expedited 510(k) from the FDA in the near future. Distribution Update News on the sales front is more mixed. We brought in two new distributors for Bulgaria and the Netherlands and will relaunch in Australia in early 2024. However, talks with a major distributor in Asia and the CIS countries fell through after about six months of conversation. KT Tape had a change in management and decided not to actively market our medical device. As a result, we revoked its exclusive distributor contract and are now looking for a new distributor. Social Media Campaign We launched a limited social media campaign to generate some sales and interest in our OTC product within the very lucrative US market. These direct to consumer (DTR) sales continue to result in strong consumer reviews. Aggregating the numerous product reviews (well over 1000) over the platforms selling our product shows that the vast majority (70% or more) of users give our product a 4 or 5 star rating. This figure is very similar to our published research findings that show about 66% of chronic pain sufferers find clinically significant relief within the first 7 days of use of our OTC product. Such findings have led to significant conversations with three major distributors who are in the pain space. However, to date, none of these conversations have resulted in a licensing or distribution agreement. Need for Short-Term Financing The lack of significant sales volume has severely limited the Companys ability to actively market its product line. Most of the funding has come from inside investors (mainly myself). As has been the case for a number of years, the lack of positive cash flow has forced the Company to make many short-term decisions that have acted as a barrier for potential growth. It has also led to the Company looking for additional financing. The Company cannot provide assurances that it will be able to obtain the needed financing, on acceptable terms or otherwise. If the Company is unable to obtain short term financing, it is likely that the Company will need to explore strategic alternatives, including possible dissolution. In the event the Company does obtain financing, there can be no assurances the Company will be able to achieve any of the objectives or milestones described above. On a more positive note, BioElectronics would like to extend Season Greetings to all its customers and loyal shareholders. Heres to everyones health and prosperity. Richard Staelin Chairman of the Board Contact: Paul Knopick E&E Communications 940.262.3584 View the original release on www.newmediawire.com Seaford, Australia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 23, 2023) - Drug Free Australia has been selected by the Rotary Action Group for Addiction Prevention (RAG AP) to represent the Oceania region. This move underscores its significant contributions to drug education and community outreach. (Photo from Pexels) As a leader in drug prevention, Drug Free Australia will collaborate with international organizations to address pressing drug-related challenges in Oceania. This pivotal role acknowledges its successful strategies and extensive community engagement efforts across Australia. Josephine Baxter, Executive Officer at Drug Free Australia, remarked, "This opportunity allows us to extend our reach and share our expertise on a larger platform. Our representation of Oceania in this global initiative highlights the critical nature of our mission and the considerable impact of our work." Recent data indicate that Australia grapples with significant drug use challenges, particularly among the youth. Drug Free Australia's approach, pivotal in mitigating these issues, centers around educational programs and robust community outreach. Baxter added, "Our approach, grounded in evidence-based research, has gained international recognition. We are eager to apply this knowledge throughout the Oceania region in partnership with RAG AP." This collaboration between Drug Free Australia and RAG AP is poised to address drug use concerns in Oceania significantly. It aims to scale up the effectiveness of drug prevention initiatives by uniting the expertise and resources of both organizations. The partnership will develop comprehensive strategies encompassing educational programs, policy advocacy, and community involvement, creating a sustainable impact on drug prevention and health promotion. In Australia, this alliance represents a forward-thinking move to reinforce the nation's health care and drug prevention strategies. It will enable the exchange of best practices and innovative methods in drug education, aligning with Australia's health objectives. Additionally, this collaboration presents Australia an opportunity to lead in the Oceania region by demonstrating effective, community-based drug prevention models. It also lays the groundwork for enhanced support from government and non-governmental entities, fostering a cooperative environment crucial for successfully combating drug-related issues. Furthermore, Drug Free Australia will leverage its resources and networks to bolster drug prevention efforts across Oceania. The initiative aims to increase awareness and implement effective strategies at local and regional levels. One significant initiative in 2024 will be to identify and support young people as "youth influencers" who will be trained to develop their approaches to drug use prevention and early intervention. For participation and more information, individuals and organizations can visit Drug Free Australia's website at https://www.drugfree.org.au/ or engage directly with their community programs. About Drug Free Australia: Drug Free Australia is a health charity promoting drug-free lifestyles through education and community engagement. Renowned for volunteer-driven initiatives, the organization raises awareness and provides resources to combat drug use in Australia. Contact Information: Contact Person's Name: Josephine Baxter Company/Organization Name: Drug Free Australia Company website: https://www.drugfree.org.au/ Contact Email Address: [email protected] Phone Number: (+61) 0403 334 002 To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/192332 In this article, we will take a look at the top 12 English speaking countries in Asia. If you want to skip our discussion on the market for English language learning, you can go directly to the Top 5 English Speaking Countries in Asia. English stands out as one of the fastest-growing languages globally. From 2011 to 2021, the number of English speakers rose from 1.05 billion to 1.3 billion, representing an increase of around 245 million. As of 2023, there are 1.4 billion native and non-native English speakers worldwide. Meanwhile, Mandarin Chinese emerged as the second fastest-growing language, with an increase of 69.88 million speakers between 2011 and 2021 and a total of 1.1 billion speakers as of 2023. The rapid growth of the English language can be attributed to the increasing population of the world, growing at an annual rate of around 1%. Additionally, English has become the predominant language for international business. Globalization has further contributed to English maintaining its status as the preferred mode of communication among dealers and retailers. Among the top 10 English speaking countries in Asia are the Philippines and Hong Kong. Meanwhile, the most fluent English speaking country in Asia is Singapore, as per the English Proficiency Index report. You can also check out the Top 10 English Speaking Countries in Europe here. The global market for English language learning was valued at around $21.3 billion in 2022 and is expected to witness significant growth, reaching approximately $70.7 billion by 2030. The market is predicted to compound at an annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.2% during the period between 2022 and 2030. In the United States, the English language learning market was valued at $5.6 billion in 2022. Meanwhile, in China, the second-largest global economy, the market is projected to reach around $17.9 billion by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 20.6% during the analysis period. The analysis includes various learner categories, such as businesses and institutional learners, independent learners, blended learners, and offline and online learners. Story continues Key Firms Promoting English Language Education Major industry players are providing services for learning the English language, recognizing its essential role in global communication. Berlitz Languages, Inc. stands out as a prominent player in the global English learning market. Headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey, Berlitz is a major language-learning company that offers a diverse range of courses worldwide. The company has a presence across 577 locations in approximately 70 countries. To enhance language learning, Berlitz partnered with Microsoft, using Azure AI Speech for pronunciation assessments. In 2022, AI-driven language learning helped teach over 500,000 students. Coursera Inc. (NYSE:COUR) is a well-recognized online learning platform. Working with top universities and organizations, Coursera Inc. (NYSE:COUR) provides detailed English language programs covering grammar, vocabulary, and writing. Learners can also earn certificates upon completion of the courses. The recent success of Coursera Inc. (NYSE:COUR) is evident in its Q3 2023 earnings call transcript. The company revealed a significant increase in total revenue, which reached $165.5 million, indicating a 21% growth compared to the previous year's $136.4 million. Moreover, on April 13, 2023, Coursera Inc. (NYSE:COUR) unveiled new virtual reality course experiences developed in collaboration with major institutions such as Duke University, Peking University, and the University of Washington. Additionally, Coursera announced the creation of an Augmented Reality Professional Certificate and Specialization in partnership with Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:META). Udemy Inc. (NASDAQ:UDMY) is another popular online learning platform that offers a variety of courses, including English language courses. Udemy's English courses include many proficiency levels and often include video lectures, quizzes, and interactive exercises, providing an easy way for learners to enhance their English language skills. In the earnings call for the third quarter of 2023, Udemy Inc. (NASDAQ:UDMY) reported a 17% year-over-year (YoY) increase in total revenue, reaching $184.7 million. This exceeded the projected range for the quarter by $4.7 million. Udemy Business's Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) also rose by 26% YoY to reach $443.1 million. Furthermore, on November 16, 2023, Udemy Inc. (NASDAQ:UDMY) announced a strategic partnership with Alphabet Inc.s (NASDAQ:GOOG) subsidiary, Google, as part of the newly introduced Google Cloud Endorsed Content Program. This collaboration aims to provide a resource for cloud professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge of Google Cloud's emerging technologies, such as generative AI, and prepare for future certification exams. Here's what White Brook Capital Partners said about Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) in its Q3 2023 investor letter: The magnificent seven, that underpin the S&P 500 performance, which includes Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG), now comprise almost 30% of the market capitalization of the S&P500. At least three of the seven stocks have heightened downside risk and suffer from already high penetration, weakening end markets, competitive risk, and lofty valuation. They have been remarkably resilient to increased interest rates and the potential for slowing growth. Small and midcap stocks, on the other hand, have been systemically penalized by fears of recession and continue to price that eventuality even as significantly better outcomes have become more probable. Today, its relatively easy to find attractive investments in this segment. Top 12 English Speaking Countries in Asia christian-joudrey-9bdt03k4ujw-unsplash Our Methodology To identify the top 12 English speaking countries in Asia, we consulted Education Firsts English Proficiency Index (EPI) report. This index evaluates and ranks the proficiency of populations in the English language. Furthermore, we also considered the percentage of the population in these countries that can speak English, either fluently or to some extent. The countries are ranked in ascending order of their EPI scores. With this context in mind, lets begin our list of English speaking countries in Asia. By the way, Insider Monkey is an investing website that tracks the movements of corporate insiders and hedge funds. By using a 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 a professional looking for the best stocks to buy, you can benefit from the wisdom of hedge funds and corporate insiders. Top 12 English Speaking Countries in Asia 12. Sri Lanka English Proficiency Index Score: 487 Situated in South Asia, Sri Lanka has a population of around 21.8 million, with approximately 40% of its residents being English speakers. English is one of the three official languages of Sri Lanka, along with Sinhalese and Tamil. English proficiency in Sri Lanka is shaped by both the education system and interactions with tourists. As a result, a significant portion of the Sri Lankan population possesses varying degrees of fluency in English. 11. Pakistan English Proficiency Index Score: 488 Situated in Southern Asia, Pakistans schools have made English a compulsory subject for all students. According to recent statistics, approximately 58% of Pakistan's population can speak English to some extent. Despite the linguistic diversity in the country, a significant number of people have achieved proficiency in English. 10. Bangladesh English Proficiency Index Score: 493 English speakers in Bangladesh are mainly found in urban areas. The countrys capital, Dhaka, has the highest number of English speakers. The use of English in the country dates back to the British colonial period, where it was the language of education and government. In recent times, there's been an increase in English speakers in the country, particularly among the youth. This shift can be attributed to the growth of English-medium schools and the increasing presence of English-language TV channels and websites due to globalization. 9. Nepal English Proficiency Index Score: 494 Many people in Nepal use English as a second or foreign language. Nepal is one of the Asian countries where English is spoken as the main commercial language. Around 35% of the population can communicate in English. Nepali remains the official language of the country. The country is in ninth place on our list of top 12 English speaking countries in Asia. 8. China English Proficiency Index Score: 498 China, situated in East Asia, is renowned for Mandarin, which stands as the second most widely spoken language globally. However, changes in the educational systems have resulted in a greater number of students learning English. Additionally, tourism in China, along with trade, has also increased the use of the English language in recent years. 7. Vietnam English Proficiency Index Score: 502 Vietnam, located in Southeast Asia, has about 20% of its population speaking English to some extent. The official language of the country is Vietnamese. In areas of Vietnam that are popular among tourists, there is a higher prevalence of English speakers. The country is in seventh place on the list of the top 12 English-speaking countries in Asia. 6. India English Proficiency Index Score: 516 Hindi serves as the official language of India. Meanwhile, English is spoken widely in the country, with around 40% of the population having a certain level of proficiency in the language. English is often taught in Indian schools as part of the curriculum, and it serves as a medium of communication in many educational institutions and businesses across the country. In addition to India, Malaysia and South Korea are among the top 12 English speaking countries in Asia. Click to continue reading and see the Top 5 English Speaking Countries in Asia. Suggested articles: Disclosure: None. Top 12 English Speaking Countries in Asia is originally published on Insider Monkey. By Steven Scheer JERUSALEM (Reuters) - U.S. chipmaker Nvidia and its employees have donated $15 million to Israeli and foreign non-profit organisations that are supporting civilians affected by Israel's war with Palestinian militant group Hamas. Thousands of employees from more than 30 countries donated a total of $5 million, which the company matched and doubled to $10 million under a special program introduced to help those affected by the war, Nvidia said on Sunday. It noted that the donation was the largest humanitarian fundraiser in the company's 30-year-old history. "We are proud to see such broad support from Nvidia families in Israel and around the world, and are grateful for their prayers and hope for the return of our colleague Avinatan Or, and the other hostages from Hamas captivity," said Gideon Rosenberg, Nvidia's deputy general counsel. "We are truly inspired by the genuine care of our employees around the world." Or, 30, has been an engineer at Nvidia since April 2022, according to his LinkedIn page. He was captured by Hamas at the Nova music festival on Oct. 7 along with his girlfriend Noa Argamani and around 240 others, some of whom have since been released. Nvidia said employees had chosen to donate to organisations in the region including Asor Fund (JGive), American Friends of Magen David Adom, Doctors Without Borders, Friends of United Hatzalah, IsraAID (US) Global Humanitarian Assistance, Jewish Agency for Israel, World Central Kitchen and Zaka. Nvidia also said it had donated hundreds of computers to families evacuated from the north and south of Israel, and provided thousands of hot meals from its Yokneam office cafeteria. (This story has been corrected to clarify that donations were not made only to Israeli non-profits) (Reporting by Steven Scheer; Editing by Kirsten Donovan) (Reuters) -A consortium led by China's Dazheng Group Acquisition has announced a bid to acquire automation and control technology provider Hollysys Automation Technologies in an all-cash transaction valued at $1.8 billion, according to a statement on Sunday. The consortium, which includes TFI Asset Management and GA Technologies, said it would acquire all outstanding shares of Hollysys it does not already own for $29 per share in cash. The proposal is 9.4% higher than the buyout offer made by Hong Kong-based Ascendent Capital on Dec. 11 In August, a consortium led by Recco Control Technology and Dazheng Group made an all-cash offer of $25 per share to buy the company. Hollysys Automation did not immediately respond to a request for comment outside of office hours. (Reporting by Anirudh Saligrama in BengaluruEditing by Nick Zieminski and Matthew Lewis) By Alexander Tanas CHISINAU (Reuters) - The head of Moldova's largest Orthodox Church, subordinated to its Russian parent church, has complained that his ranks were coming under attack in the run-up to Christmas -- marked on two separate days by rival churches in the former Soviet state. More than 90% of residents of the country, which lies between Ukraine and Romania, are Orthodox Christians. With Moldova's government seeking European Union membership, Metropolitan Vladimir of the larger Russia-linked church complained in a weekend interview that the media "bolstered by political support" was spreading division in the church. Vladimir's church, the Moldova Metropolis, last month reaffirmed its allegiance to the Russian Orthodox Church despite misgivings over the latter's support for the war in Ukraine. It marks Christmas on Jan. 7, but its hold on the faithful is being challenged by the Metropolis of Bessarabia, which reports to the Romanian church and has welcomed more than 60 priests who have left the rival church in recent months. The Metropolis of Bessarabia, which marks Christmas on Dec. 25, has come to be seen as a key element of the government's drive to move to the European mainstream. "Every day, we see how the image of the Moldovan church is desecrated in our national information space, bolstered by political support," Vladimir said in the interview, published on his church's website. Priests leaving one church for another were "devoid of all insight and faith (and) facilitating the destruction of the unity of the Church of Christ". Both Dec. 25 and Jan. 7 have been declared public holidays in Moldova. Although the Russian-linked church has a greater following, more and more Moldovans are making the switch to celebrating Christmas on Dec. 25. Ukraine's largest Orthodox Church switched its festivities to Dec. 25 earlier this year and the date was made a public holiday. Russia and its Orthodox Church stand by the old calendar marking Christmas on Jan. 7. Moldova's president, Mala Sandu, has sought publicly to stay out of the debate over the two churches and their parishioners. She sidestepped a question last week about which of the two days she would be observing - saying she would celebrate on Dec. 25 with her immediate family in Chisinau and again on Jan. 7 in her native village near the Romanian border. (Reporting by Alexander Tanas; Writing by Ronald Popeski; Editing by Leslie Adler) A screen grab from a video posted on Dec. 9, 2023, shows the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64) defeating a combination of Houthi missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. (Aaron Lau/ U.S. Navy) The USs new international naval coalition will serve as a highway patrol to protect shipping in the Red Sea from attacks by Iran-backed Houthi militants even though it wont escort individual vessels, a Pentagon spokesman said. The force, announced Monday, will patrol the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden to respond to and assist as necessary commercial vessels, Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said in a phone interview Friday. He said he didnt want to understate the challenge but said the effort will be enough to reassure global shipping and mariners that they can safely transit the Red Sea area. The worlds major container and oil shippers announced they would route their vessels away from the Red Sea after a series of attacks by Houthi militias in the weeks since Hamas attacked southern Israel on Oct. 7 and Israel responded with punishing airstrikes. The Houthi attacks roiled shipping markets and helped push up oil prices. The group has vowed to keep up attacks against commercial shippers along the Red Sea, which carries some 12% of global maritime trade, even after the coalition was created, and warned they will target US warships if the US opts for military strikes on the groups bases. The US is considering military action against the Houthis, though still prefers a diplomatic solution, Bloomberg has reported. Washington has announced its secured the support so far of 20 Western and Arab allies to bolster its maritime protection force. Right now we continue to see the coalition growing, said Ryder. We expect it to continue to grow. Pentagon Press Secretary U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder attends a briefing at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., on Dec. 21, 2023. (Cesar J. Navarro/U.S. Air Force) So far this week, the number of vessels entering the Red Sea has dropped more than 40% versus the daily average over the past three weeks, according to ship-tracking data compiled by Bloomberg. There are expected to be too few military vessels and too many commercial ships for individual escorts. That means its still an open question whether shippers will route their vessels back through the Red Sea once the coalition is up and running. Some military experts have expressed doubts the US-led force has the capability to protect the several hundred ships that at a given time usually cross the area without pre-emptive action against the Houthis. Tactics may shift and change, Ryder said of the effort to cover the vast expanse of water, but he declined to comment on the possibility of strikes on Houthi targets. The Houthis, who have hijacked one vessel and tried to seize others, while firing missiles at several more, have threatened to start sinking ships. They say theyre targeting vessels heading to Israel or linked to the country but transportation firms are increasingly concerned vessels related to any country are fair game. Visit bloomberg.com 2023 Bloomberg L.P. On Christmas Eve 1944, about 5 miles from its destination, the SS Leopoldville was torpedoed by a German submarine and sank. (66th Infantry Division) (Tribune News Service) Christmas Day 1944 never came for four Westmoreland County, Pa., natives and 759 fellow service members who were passengers on a World War II troop transport ship headed for Cherbourg, France. On Christmas Eve, about 5 miles from its destination, the SS Leopoldville was torpedoed by a German submarine and sank, taking with it the lives of Greensburg native Pfc. Frank Joseph Kuchta, Hempfield native Tec. 5 John Michael Vince Jr. and twin brothers Glenn and Jack Lowry, both of whom were privates first class and grew up in Rostraver. The remains of three of the men never were recovered, but details of their lives have been preserved digitally through the nonprofit Stories Behind the Stars initiative. Enlisting the help of volunteer researchers and writers, the organization has a goal of compiling online memorial profiles for 421,000 fallen Americans from World War II, including 31,000 Pennsylvanians. According to his profile, Kuchta was born Jan. 22, 1926, in Greensburg, one of nine children of Frank, a coal miner, and Mary, a homemaker who died when Kuchta was 16. He completed one year of high school and worked for the Pennsylvania Rubber Co. in Jeannette. He signed up for the draft on Jan. 24, 1944, and enlisted in the Army the following May 4. Also the son of a coal miner, who shared his first name, Vince was born May 6, 1924, in the Hempfield village of Hannastown. His mothers name was Anna, and he had six siblings. He registered for the draft June 30, 1942, while he was employed by Bell Telephone. He enlisted in the Army in Greensburg. The Lowry twins were born April 15, 1924, in Belle Vernon to John, a mill worker and inspector, and Dorothy, who worked as a nurse maid in a home for children. After graduating from Rostraver High School in 1942, the brothers began work as loaders in the Automatic Finishing Department at Pittsburgh Steel Co.s Allenport Works. They enlisted together in the Army Air Corps on Feb. 18, 1943, and trained at Birmingham Southern College in Alabama with the 17th Air Force College Training Detachment. When that training program was disbanded, they were reassigned to infantry. According to Stories Behind the Stars researchers, all four were assigned to Company I, 262nd Infantry Regiment, 66th Infantry Black Panther Division. After sailing to England, they were among more than 2,200 troops who boarded the SS Leopoldville at Southampton on Christmas Eve, bound for Cherbourg and meant to serve as Allied reinforcements in the Battle of the Bulge. Launched in 1929, the 11,500-ton ship was a former Belgian liner converted for troop transport. According to Allan Andrade, who helped found the Leopoldville Memorial Association and wrote a book about the incident, Leopoldville: A Tragedy Too Long Secret, friendly vessels took some time to reach the ship after it was torpedoed. He said it took a half-hour for the HMS Brilliant, a British ship that was accompanying the Leopoldville, to pull alongside the damaged transport. Many jumped to the deck of the Brilliant. But those who missed risked being crushed between the vessels, drowning or succumbing to hypothermia in the English Channel. In addition, Andrade said, there was a 45-minute delay in response by vessels in the Cherbourg harbor. Because of a difference in radio frequencies, he learned, those vessels didnt find out about the torpedo attack until a message was sent from the Leopoldville to England and relayed back to France. Because of concern about drifting into a minefield, it was advised that the Leopoldville drop anchor. But, Andrade noted, Once you drop the anchor, that creates another problem: the ship was going to sink. It was not just one thing. It was a whole series of things. When you put it all together, you have a terrible tragedy. More than 1,400 troops survived the sinking, but the four Westmoreland soldiers werent among them. Stories Behind the Stars reports Kuchtas body was recovered and buried at Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, Colleville-sur-Mer, France. The remains of the Lowry brothers and Vince were never recovered. All posthumously were awarded the Purple Heart and memorialized on the Tablets of the Missing at the site in Colleville-sur-Mer. Two memorial markers with the names of the Lowry twins and the message Lost At Sea were placed in their honor at Rehoboth Cemetery in Rostraver. In the immediate aftermath of the sinking, officials instructed surviving soldiers to keep silent about the incident, researchers have learned. Government documents about the tragedy were declassified in 1959 in the United States and in 1996 in Great Britain. But the incident remained little-known until the release of a television documentary and books about the topic, including Andrades. The decades-long censorship of the tragedy magnified the grief of the victims loved ones and the trauma of the ships survivors, Stories Behind the Stars said in a news release. Visit leopoldville.org for more information about the 1944 sinking. Stories Behind the Stars derives its name from a banner with a gold star that was presented to the families of fallen service members in World War II. Don Milne, a blogger for the organization, reported in mid-November that more than 38,000 World War II service member profiles have been completed so far. Visit storiesbehindthestars.org to learn more. Jeff Himler is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Jeff by email at jhimler@triblive.com. (c)2023 Tribune-Review (Greensburg, Pa.) Visit at www.triblive.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. A cook stove stands out on a charred landscape in a neighborhood destroyed by a wildfire in Lahaina, Hawaii, August 17, 2023. (Glenn Fawcett/Customs and Border Patrol) More than four months since the deadliest wildfire in modern American history burned Lahaina to the ground, nearly 6,200 people are still looking for a place to live while their beloved Maui town is rebuilt. Theres the retiree who has been shuttled from one shelter to another; the family of five who can only afford to stay in their overpriced, unlicensed rental until months end, when their shrinking finances will force them to leave the island; and the dozens of people camping on the beach to demand long-term housing for survivors of the blaze. In the fires immediate aftermath, many predicted this crisis. And yet, despite the warning signs, Maui has hurtled headlong into a housing emergency. At the height of the holiday season, thousands are still desperate for permanence, stuck in 33 hotels, according to the American Red Cross. Hundreds more are crammed in with family and friends or are stretching their budgets and burning their savings on sought-after temporary rentals. One analysis from the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement estimates at least 1,000 people - out of a pre-fire Lahaina population of 13,000 - have already left the island. This is the saddest Christmas well ever have, said Amy Chadwick, a Lahaina resident for 25 years who will soon move with her husband, mother, two kids and three dogs to Satellite Beach, Fla., where the insurance payout from their destroyed home will last longer. We are the first phase of a mass exodus. If something doesnt change, thousands and thousands of people are going to leave. In the months since the August wildfire, local, state and federal government agencies have been scrambling for solutions to the escalating short- and long-term problems. But in the eyes of many residents, they have failed to move swiftly enough. Officials initially expected owners of the islands many vacation properties to willingly rent out their homes to fire survivors at discounted rates, but instead market costs exploded and evacuees soon found themselves priced out. Now, the state and county are offering robust incentives to cajole the owners of lucrative short-term rentals into offering long-term leases to the displaced. If this strategy fails, leaders have said they would temporarily ban the vacation properties to effectively force owners to house those who lost their homes. The acute housing shortage has been exacerbated in recent weeks after tourism resumed in West Maui, with visitors spending top dollar to enjoy the holidays on Maui flocking back to resorts and beaches mere miles from the charred and cherished town. Officials decided to reopen the western part of the island in October, hoping that an influx of tourists would help jump-start the wrecked economy. Residents have fiercely criticized the move, accusing their governments of putting sightseers ahead of locals. Even the hotel shelter program, which officials acknowledge is imperfect, is set to expire in February. It could be extended, a Red Cross spokesperson said, but that decision has not yet been made. Were doing all we can to help people heal, Hawaii Gov. Josh Green (D) said in an interview. This is something that Hawaii has never experienced before, nothing of this magnitude. In constant survival mode For Chadwicks family, little has been certain since the August blaze burned their home. Amy Chadwick packs her son's T-shirts and toys at her temporary home in Lahaina. Chadwick and her family of five with three dogs are moving to Florida at the end of December after losing their home in August's wildfire. (Mengshin Lin for The Washington Post.) First, they stayed with a friend, cramming 10 people into about 1,000 square feet. Then, the family moved to a small backyard unit before relocating again to a resort hotel, where pets were prohibited and they had to sneak their dogs in and out. They were exhausted. They needed something stable, a place where their traumatized children could regain a semblance of normalcy. After a frantic search, Chadwick finally found a three bedroom West Maui house - for $7,000 a month. With no other options, the family moved in. Chadwick later discovered the property was operating as an unlicensed short-term rental, and they couldnt find anything long-term that they could afford. They began considering the unthinkable. I want to start living a life instead of being in constant survival mode, said Chadwick, whose husband has lived in Lahaina for nearly all his life. We have to make a decision, so we have to leave our island home. Its heartbreaking. At the many Maui hotels doubling as shelters, the situation has been just as dire. While the accommodations are upscale, theyre restrictive - many dont allow pets or home cooking. Theyre not set up for the long haul. The Red Cross manages the shelter program, which has come under increased scrutiny recently after several hotels ended their contracts, freeing up space for tourists and forcing evacuees to relocate to new facilities. Some wildfire survivors have been moved upward of eight times, experiences they describe as destabilizing and painful. Sanford Hill, a 72-year-old retiree, was moved the day before Thanksgiving, from one hotel room to another. Its hard for anybody to imagine what were still going through, especially at this time of the year, said Hill, who lived in the low-income senior living complex Hale Mahaolu Eono, which was destroyed in the fire. Eight of the people I celebrated Thanksgiving with last year are dead. Hills new hotel is under renovation and the drumbeat of construction keeps him on edge. The hotel-to-hotel shuffling, he said, has left him feeling less important than visitors. They want to get back to normal and start making money - its just so insulting to us, Hill said. You need to take care of the survivors before you take care of the tourists. When Alfy Basurto, his wife and five kids were staying in the hotels, they fell into a routine: Wake up, check Craigslist, then Facebook Marketplace, then Zillow, looking for rentals they could afford before heading to appointments with the Red Cross and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Basurto went from running three small businesses, which burned in the fire, to signing up for unemployment. Their old four-bedroom rental, now reduced to rubble, cost them $4,500 a month. Following the fire, the only one they could find big enough to fit the family charged $9,300. Basurto and his wife are trying to make it work, piecing together, among other sources, $1,000 each from unemployment, $1,200 from the survivors fund set up by Oprah Winfrey and actor Dwayne Johnson and another $4,000 through a state program. They dont know how long they can keep it up, but even the tenuous sense of security has brought relief. Being in the hotels is so poisonous to your mental health, you have no idea until you step out of it, Basurto said. Youre in a home and you start to feel like, Oh, maybe I can rebuild my life. You start to have hope. Everything changes. Since the move, he has begun documenting the struggle of others, who have been herded from hotel to hotel, unable to find permanent housing. One local grassroots organization, known as Lahaina Strong, has been occupying a popular resort beach for more than a month, demanding faster government action and helping families - many of whom lost vehicles in the fire - move from one hotel to another. Jordan Ruidas, one of the organizers with Lahaina Strong, with her children, La'iku, left, and Waiaulia. (Mengshin Lin for The Washington Post) Lahaina Strongs row of two dozen tents has become a source of badly-needed solidarity and resources, said organizer Jordan Ruidas, but there is only so much the group can do. They need houses, they need homes, Ruidas said. Its something we, the community, cant give to them and thats what breaks our heart. We started hubs to provide people water, diapers and food, but we cannot provide the homes for them. Thats where we need the government to step in. A shared sacrifice The islands housing crisis built on problems that predated the fires. Hawaii is the state with the highest cost of living, and Maui County is one of the countrys most rent-burdened places. Historically, more than half of the renters there have spent at least 30 percent of their income on housing. The situation prompted the governor to declare a state of emergency in July, one month before nearly 3,000 buildings, many of them homes, were reduced to ashes. The issue is not the number of units left on the island, but that Maui is the most extreme example of a statewide dynamic: A large share of the islands housing stock - more than 20,000 dwellings - is devoted to short-term vacation rentals or second homes, a chunk of which sit empty for much of the year. The imbalance between available homes for year-round residents and vacation properties, which cater to visitors and bring the county immense tax revenue, is the biggest hurdle to addressing Mauis housing crunch, experts and officials say. At this point, its almost like money cant even help this problem, said Matt Jachowski, a Maui-raised and Stanford-trained computer scientist who built a website to help match displaced families with vacant housing. The only thing that will help this problem is the units that the short-term and second homeowners are sitting on. No amount of money is going to build housing fast enough. Lately, local leaders have taken on a sharper tone when addressing these property owners, the vast majority of whom do not live on Maui. At a recent emergency meeting of the county council, Maui Mayor Richard Bissen said everyone in the community must make a shared sacrifice to help the island recover. For short-term rental owners, he said, that means leasing to fire evacuees - not tourists. One concern is that they will be losing money, Bissen said. The answer to that is: Thats right. They will be losing money. But what they will be gaining is much more, and what the whole community gains. Bissen recently unveiled an incentive proposal to encourage the transition, with a carrot and a stick: Every short-term rental owner who leases to a survivor for at least one year will be exempt from property taxes; anyone who refuses to do so could face a future tax hike. In conjunction with the county plan, the governors office has offered to pay competitive rates on behalf of displaced families to short-term owners, who often rent their properties to vacationers for far higher sums than they could demand on the long-term housing market. Not only is it the right thing to do morally, it is also financially a very fair option because people are going to be kept whole, Green said. We have to restore balance if were going to take care of our people here. If these incentives dont generate enough housing, both leaders have said they would support a moratorium on vacation rentals until all evacuees have a place to live - a step Green calls the nuclear option, which would have been hard to fathom before the fires. Its almost impossible to change statewide housing policy in the moment, he said. But I will do it under emergency rules if thats what it takes. Other potential solutions, like the construction of tiny home villages, have faced delays. I agree with our community that our government isnt moving with the sense of urgency that this situation calls for - not just the county, but the state and federal government as well, said Keani Rawlins-Fernandez, a Maui County council member. State Sen. Angus McKelvey holds a piece of melted aluminum, a remnant of his car that burned during the August wildfire in Lahaina. McKelvey also lost his home in the blaze and has been living in hotel shelters since. (Mengshin Lin for The Washington Post.) State Sen. Angus McKelvey (D), who represents West Maui in Hawaiis legislature, is both a fire survivor - his home burned down and hes been living in hotel shelters since - and an elected leader charged with charting the path forward. He said Green and Bissen should have acted sooner, and he plans to push for more sweeping measures in the upcoming legislative session. You have to be draconian for the greater good, McKelvey said. The executives have defended their approach, saying an outright ban on rentals could prompt legal action that would further delay recovery. Weve considered all of these for a while, Bissen said in an interview. But each one is a little more drastic than the one before, because we can face potential lawsuits for each of these decisions, and if we can avoid that and still get housing, that would be ideal. It remains unclear whether short-term rental owners will embrace the county and state programs. Unlike many vacation property owners, Colleen Medeiros lives on Maui and is Native Hawaiian. One of her two rental properties has been in her family for generations. She supports the incentives and plans to participate in them, but she said a full-blown moratorium could be ruinous for people like her, who earn a living off their properties. It is false to assume that all owners are ultrawealthy and dont actually need an income from their second properties, said Medeiros, who has two kids in college, a third enrolling next year and multiple mortgages. I cant just give up the income I was bringing in. I have to adjust my whole life first, all my finances, and that just doesnt happen overnight. Priced out of paradise For some, its already too late. Chadwick and her husband, who ran businesses that made environmentally-friendly sunscreen and tanning lotion, also lost their company warehouse to the fire. The short-term rental conversion plan might have helped the family stay on the island, she said, if it had happened sooner. But instead, they have signed a lease for a house in a beach town on Floridas Atlantic coast. They wanted to move someplace small, laid-back, near the ocean. Somewhere like Lahaina. Chadwick and her family hope to return, once their home - and their town - is rebuilt. But it could take years. For now, theyre savoring one last Christmas on the island, even though it looks entirely different from holidays past. Every year around this time, the Chadwicks home would begin to resemble the Griswolds in National Lampoons Christmas Vacation, decked out in lights and decorations. The kids, ages 12 and 9, burst with holiday spirit. This season, the familys mood is somber. Their ornaments burned, and they cant spare money for presents. I feel so bad for my children, Chadwick said. But we dont want to pretend. We dont want to put on a fake show for them. We want them to remember our blessings. She did buy a small, 3-foot tree. It will be standing in their pricey rental on Christmas Day, along with their packed suitcases. There are a few key trends to look for if we want to identify the next multi-bagger. One common approach is to try and find a company with returns on capital employed (ROCE) that are increasing, in conjunction with a growing amount of capital employed. Ultimately, this demonstrates that it's a business that is reinvesting profits at increasing rates of return. Speaking of which, we noticed some great changes in Build-A-Bear Workshop's (NYSE:BBW) returns on capital, so let's have a look. What Is Return On Capital Employed (ROCE)? If you haven't worked with ROCE before, it measures the 'return' (pre-tax profit) a company generates from capital employed in its business. Analysts use this formula to calculate it for Build-A-Bear Workshop: Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) (Total Assets - Current Liabilities) 0.40 = US$66m (US$251m - US$85m) (Based on the trailing twelve months to October 2023). So, Build-A-Bear Workshop has an ROCE of 40%. In absolute terms that's a great return and it's even better than the Specialty Retail industry average of 12%. See our latest analysis for Build-A-Bear Workshop roce Above you can see how the current ROCE for Build-A-Bear Workshop compares to its prior returns on capital, but there's only so much you can tell from the past. If you're interested, you can view the analysts predictions in our free report on analyst forecasts for the company. So How Is Build-A-Bear Workshop's ROCE Trending? The fact that Build-A-Bear Workshop is now generating some pre-tax profits from its prior investments is very encouraging. The company was generating losses five years ago, but now it's earning 40% which is a sight for sore eyes. Not only that, but the company is utilizing 32% more capital than before, but that's to be expected from a company trying to break into profitability. This can tell us that the company has plenty of reinvestment opportunities that are able to generate higher returns. Story continues The Key Takeaway Overall, Build-A-Bear Workshop gets a big tick from us thanks in most part to the fact that it is now profitable and is reinvesting in its business. And a remarkable 569% total return over the last five years tells us that investors are expecting more good things to come in the future. So given the stock has proven it has promising trends, it's worth researching the company further to see if these trends are likely to persist. If you'd like to know about the risks facing Build-A-Bear Workshop, we've discovered 1 warning sign that you should be aware of. High returns are a key ingredient to strong performance, so check out our free list ofstocks earning high returns on equity with solid balance sheets. 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. Canadian Coast Guard Ship Louis S. St. Laurent alongside U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Healy in the Arctic Ocean. The United States and Canada are mapping the Arctic seafloor and gathering data to help define the outer limits of the continental shelf in this region. (Jessica Robertson/ U.S. Geological Survey) The US extended its claims on the ocean floor by an area twice the size of California, securing rights to potentially resource-rich seabeds at a time when Washington is ramping up efforts to safeguard supplies of minerals key to future technologies. The so-called Extended Continental Shelf covers about 386,100 square miles, predominantly in the Arctic and Bering Sea, an area of increasing strategic importance where Canada and Russia also have claims. The US has also declared the shelfs boundaries in the Atlantic, Pacific and Gulf of Mexico. The long-awaited announcement earlier this week maps the outer reaches of the US continental shelf, the countrys land territory under the sea. Under international law, countries have economic rights to natural resources on, and under, the seabed floor based on the boundaries of their continental shelves. Its a huge deal because its a huge amount of territory, said Rebecca Pincus, director of the Polar Institute at the Wilson Center in Washington, which has devoted an entire web page to the ramifications of this weeks news. Its US sovereignty over the seabed floor, and so whether its seabed mining, or oil and gas leasing, or cables, or what have you, the US is announcing the borders of its ECS and will have sovereignty over those decisions. The US State Department said that the development is about geography, not resources. The US, like all countries, has an inherent interest in knowing, and declaring to others, the extent of its ECS and thus where it is entitled to exercise sovereign rights it said in an emailed response to questions. Continued mapping and exploration will be needed to understand the areas habitats, ecosystems, biodiversity and resources, it added. While its unclear what materials, if any, can be exploited, the claims come as Washington seeks to boost access to so-called critical minerals that are necessary for electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy projects, industries the Biden administration has tagged as key national security concerns. Meanwhile, there are competing calls to protect the fragile Arctic environment - the fastest warming part of the planet - as climate change opens up the region to potential development. Resource potential The US continental shelf contains 50 hard minerals, including lithium and tellurium, and 16 rare earth elements, James Kraska, chair and professor of International Maritime Law at the US Naval War College, wrote in an article this week. The extension highlights American strategic interests in securing these hard minerals on its seabed and subsoil, lying sometimes hundreds of miles offshore, he wrote. The most recent assessment by the US Geological Survey, conducted in 2008, estimated that about 90 billion barrels of undiscovered oil and 1,670 trillion cubic feet of gas lie inside the Arctic Circle, along with critical metals needed for electrification. However, most of that estimate is based on land studies and the offshore potential is largely unexplored. More than half of Americas extended continental shelf - 520,400 square kilometers - stretches in a large wedge north of Alaska toward the Arctic Ocean, including an area that overlaps with Canadian claims to the seabed floor, according to the US statement. Another 176,300 square kilometers lies in the Bering Sea, between Alaska and Russia, but falls on the US side of the maritime boundary between the two countries. Canada and the US dont have a maritime boundary agreement in the Arctic and establishing the US outer limits in the Arctic will depend on delimitation with Canada, the State Department said in its executive summary. Canadas Ministry of Foreign Affairs didnt respond to a request for comment. Law of the sea The 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which the US never ratified, governs maritime zones around countries. Under the law, countries have the right to any resources in the sea or seabed floor within their so-called exclusive economic zones, which can stretch up to 200 nautical miles off the coast. But beyond that, they can claim economic rights to resources on or below the seabed floor where their continental shelf extends, although not within the water column. The seas above also remain international waters. Russia, Denmark and Canada have waited years for their overlapping Arctic seabed claims to be reviewed by the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf, a UN supported group, with Russia the first to receive a ruling earlier this year. The State Department said in its response to questions that the US would need to establish maritime boundaries in the future with Canada, the Bahamas and Japan where their claims overlap. It added that the US uses the same rules to determine its extended continental shelf as in UNCLOS, which it said the Biden administration supports joining. The decision to unilaterally delineate its continental shelf boundary, rather than to ratify UNCLOS and then submit a claim through the commission, may raise the ire of other countries, said Pincus at the Wilson Center. I think a lot of other countries around the world are going to have thoughts about how the US has done this, she said. It also may reduce the likelihood of the US ever ratifying the law since a major reason for doing so would have been to make a CLCS claim, she said. With assistance from Courtney McBride and Dave Merrill. Visit bloomberg.com 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Former President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally on Dec. 17, 2023, in Reno, Nevada. Officials in West Virginia were applauding a court decision to leave Trump on the states 2024 ballot. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images/TNS) State officials are applauding a ruling by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia that will allow former President Donald Trump to remain on West Virginias 2024 ballot. According to Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, the district court dismissed a lawsuit seeking to disqualify Trump from the upcoming West Virginia Presidential Primary and General Elections. Presidential candidate John Anthony Castro of Texas filed the lawsuit, citing Section 3 of the 14th Amendment of the United States Constitution as the basis of his case. Castro claimed Trump was ineligible to be a candidate for president in West Virginia on the grounds that he allegedly engaged in or provided aid or comfort to an insurrection. Morrisey said the district court held that Castro lacks standing to bring his claims. This is a big win for the integrity of our elections, Morrisey said. This lawsuit was frivolous to begin with and without merit it had no basis in either law or fact. Morrisey, a Republican who is also a candidate for governor of West Virginia, said his office will continue to defend the laws of the Mountain State and the rights of voters and candidates. West Virginia Republican Party Chairwoman Elgine McArdle said the district courts ruling is a victory for the rule of law. The WVGOP is very proud to have defended President Trumps right to be a candidate in the upcoming election, and I was honored by the opportunity to represent the West Virginia Republican Party and our interests in this matter, McArdle said. As I have said many times, the Republican voters in West Virginia and across the country will decide our presidential nominee not far-left special interests. I am grateful for the professionalism of the judges who handled this case, and I appreciate the work of the American Center for Law and Justice and the legal teams for President Trump, Secretary Warner, and Attorney General Morrisey. McArdle said Trump was a great president for West Virginia and the nation during his first term and will be a great president again in 2024. He secured the border, made America energy independent, respected the police and military, cut taxes, and grew the economy, she said. Perhaps his most important achievement was appointing judges and Supreme Court Justices who are committed to applying the law as it is written and who respect the Constitution and our American values. Voters in West Virginia and across the country deserve the right to reward him for this record by way of their vote in 2024. Still attacks on Trump are intensifying, according to McArdle. Sadly, for the past year, President Trump has weathered four bogus indictments, numerous frivolous ballot access challenges across the country, and a weaponized Department of Justice that continues to harass and intimidate President Trump and his associates for their work to Make America Great Again, McArdle said. Despite all these efforts by the Left, President Trump has a clear and consistent polling lead against President Biden. Americans are hungry for real change and crave a return to a time when Americas values were respected and our homeland secure. (c)2023 the Bluefield Daily Telegraph (Bluefield, W.Va.) Visit the Bluefield Daily Telegraph Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Former president Donald Trump speaks during a commit to caucus event held at the Reno-Sparks convention center Dec. 17 in Reno, Nev. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post) With the U.S. Supreme Court declining to intervene early, Donald Trump is now pressing in federal appeals court his claim that sweeping presidential powers protect him from facing prosecution for his efforts to undo the 2020 election results. In a filing late Saturday night, lawyers for the former president said such immunity is necessary for bold, fearless Executive leadership and warned that if Trump is taken to trial it will launch cycles of recrimination ... that will plague our Nation for many decades to come. The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday declined to fast-track consideration of the immunity question, which is crucial to determining whether Trump can be tried for his attempt to block Joe Bidens victory. That means the standard appeals process will play out, with the U.S. Court of Appeals getting first say on whether former presidents have any protection from criminal prosecution and if so, how much. The appellate court has signaled that it plans to move quickly, but its decision will almost certainly be challenged in the Supreme Court. Either phase of the appeal could delay a trial scheduled to begin in federal court in Washington, D.C., on March 4, a day before the Super Tuesday primaries. Trump is again running for president, and leads the Republican field by a wide margin. The D.C. trial is one of four criminal prosecutions Trump is facing. He is also indicted on federal charges in Florida related to allegedly mishandling classified documents and obstructing government efforts to get them back; he has been charged in state court in Georgia with allegedly trying to block the election results there, and in state court in New York for allegedly falsifying business records related to a hush money payment during the 2016 election campaign. In the D.C. case, special counsel Jack Smith charged Trump with four counts: conspiring to defraud the United States, conspiring to obstruct an official proceeding, obstructing a congressional proceeding and conspiracy against rights in this case the right to vote, and to have ones vote counted. Prosecutors say the constitution makes clear that a president can face criminal prosecution after leaving office. But Trumps attorneys argue that their clients actions including public statements that falsely claimed widespread fraud in the voting, pressure on Justice Department, state officials and Vice President Mike Pence to declare Trump the winner, and support of efforts to create slates of pro-Trump electors from states won by Biden constitute quintessential Presidential acts. For any conduct related to his official duties, they say, a president can only be prosecuted if first impeached by Congress. Trump was impeached by the House but acquitted by the Senate. Judge Tanya S. Chutkan, who is overseeing the D.C. trial, rejected Trumps reading of the Constitution as going against plain meaning, original understanding, and common sense. She added that it would lead to implausibly perverse results and be akin to a divine right of kings. In the appellate court, Trumps attorneys responded to that assertion by emphasizing that they believe a former president can be prosecuted for purely private crimes just not acts related to the office. For those, they argue the president must be impeached first, making it different than the British monarchs exceptionless immunity. The relevant portion of the Constitution says that impeachment can result only in removal and disqualification from public office, but that an impeached official shall nevertheless be liable and subject to criminal prosecution. Since the Nixon administration, the Justice Departments Office of Legal Counsel has taken the view that presidents cannot be prosecuted while in office, because it would make it impossible to perform the duties they were elected to carry out. Trumps lawyers cite those legal opinions, although the same office that issued them also concluded that a former president could be prosecuted for crimes he was acquitted of by the Senate. Trumps filing repeatedly cites a 1998 article by Brett M. Kavanaugh, written when Kavanaugh was involved in the investigation of then-President Bill Clinton. Kavanaugh is now a Supreme Court justice, nominated by Trump in 2018. He cautions in the article against prosecuting a president while in office. But he says the executive could be indicted either after impeachment by the House and conviction in the Senate, or if he leaves office voluntarily. The appeal also relies on a 1982 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that a Pentagon whistleblower could not sue former president Nixon for getting him fired. Because of the singular importance of the Presidents duties, diversion of his energies by concern with private lawsuits would raise unique risks to the effective functioning of government, the court declared then. The majority in that case emphasized that they were not considering criminal prosecution, only civil liability. But Trump argues the same distinction between public and private acts should apply in his case, and that he was acting as president when he tried to hold on to power after losing the 2020 election. A different panel of judges on the D.C. Circuit ruled last month that Trump has no automatic immunity from civil suits brought by police officers and lawmakers who were forced to fight or flee rioters inside the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. That panel, which included a Trump appointee who served in the former presidents White House, agreed unanimously that campaigning to stay in office was not official conduct protected from lawsuits. Unlike the Supreme Court, the appellate court has agreed to move quickly on the immunity question. The special counsel must respond to Trumps petition by next Saturday, and the both sides will answer questions from a panel of three judges on Jan. 9. That panel includes two Biden appointees, Florence Pan and Michelle Childs, and one George H.W. Bush appointee, Karen Henderson. Chutkan has paused pretrial proceedings until the appeal is decided, but left open the possibility of having the trial start on March 4, as scheduled. In asking the Supreme Court to bypass the lower appeals court and take up the immunity question quickly, Smith said it was important to ensure that the justices could rule on the matter before their term ends in June. The United States recognizes that this is an extraordinary request, Smith wrote. This is an extraordinary case. Perry Stein contributed to this report. The prison officers were taking no chances with Young, who was handcuffed and chained during the visit. Wads of cash were seized from Young by gardai during a raid Wads of cash seized from Young by gardai during a raid Barry Young boards the vehicle to go back to prison Young got nothing stronger than a bottle of water CRIME boss Barry Young enjoyed a very brief taste of Christmas on the streets of Dublin city as he attended a medical appointment this week. Young (38) has been spending his days and nights in Portlaoise Prison, where he shares a jail wing with some of the countrys most feared gangland criminals. The Sligo criminal is currently housed on the C3 landing of the high-security jail where he is serving an 11-year sentence, handed down in July for directing a criminal gang. Young got nothing stronger than a bottle of water However, Young got a small sense of the freedom on Thursday when he was escorted from Portlaoise to a medical appointment in Dublin. As Dubliners rushed to finish their Christmas shopping on one of the busiest days of the year, the feared mob boss momentarily had a glimpse of the festive fun. Young was sentenced to 11 years in July But as these exclusive images show, the prison officers were taking no chances with Young, who was handcuffed and chained during the visit. A source said he was back in the Co. Laois jail in time for his tea. Young has previously been described as keeping his head down behind bars. However, he was caught with a phone in October following a search operation carried out by the prison service. He was one of a number of senior organised criminals caught with phones during raids on the prisons C3 landing. Barry Young boards the vehicle to go back to prison Kinahan Cartel gang member Patrick Curtis was also caught with a contraband device during the same raids. Curtis is serving a 10-year sentence for his role in the plot to murder Patrick Patsy Hutch. He led a sub-cell plot to kill Hutch and had compromised an encrypted phone by photographing the messages on it. During his two decade-long criminal career, Young became one of the countrys most significant drug dealers and controlled a gang operating in the west of Ireland and beyond. He forged close links to a number of infamous Dublin criminals, including Mark the Guinea Pig Desmond and a major drugs trafficker known as Mr Big. Wads of cash seized from Young by gardai during a raid Young also became a key figure in the drugs trade in the North and was suspected of supplying cocaine and cannabis to a number of gangs operating in Belfast and in the border regions. It was these links to criminals in the North, according to sources, that lead to Young being sucked into a plot to target gangster Robbie Lawlor. Young is believed to have owed Mr Bigs mob a significant amount of money and was forced to enlist his own criminal associates in the North to become involved in a plot to kill Lawlor. Lawlor, who was suspected of murdering teen Keane Mulready Woods, was gunned down in Belfast in April 2020. Mr Bigs drugs gang is considered the biggest crime organisation on the northside of Dublin and has also been involved in tiger kidnappings. Wads of cash were seized from Young by gardai during a raid It is suspected of organising the brutal gun murders of Real IRA brothers Alan and Vinnie Ryan in 2012 and 2016 as part of extortion-related disputes. During his sentencing hearing, the Special Criminal Court heard how Young directed a drug dealing gang with 20 members that sold massive amounts of cannabis all over the west of Ireland. Gardai detailed how Young used Dublin criminals to threaten and intimidate anyone who failed to pay their drug debts. The court was told how he used household names to enforce debts but that he preferred to sort things out through negotiations. In recent years, Young spent a large amount of his time in Spain, where he is believed to have purchased a number of properties and invested in businesses. However, his crime career came to a swift end when gardai seized phones from him and found up to 16,000 messages which had been sent while he was based in Spain and running his rural drugs gang from there. They included damage limitation exercises after gardai intercepted one of his couriers in the west of Ireland and messages directing another to pick up drugs and cash for collection and delivery. During Youngs sentencing hearing, Garda Detective Inspector Ray Mulderrig said the investigation of the phone messages revealed how Young headed the gang which was divided into cells, each with their own leadership. He said Youngs outfit was one of four gangs operating in Sligo who answered to a layer of criminals above them based in Dublin. They co-operated with each other and could call on outside contacts for services such as enforcing debts. Evidence was heard how Young had no trappings of wealth, was driven around in nondescript cars and had been looking for a way out of drug dealing. His defence counsel handed in letters from Young and said that since 2018 Young had been trying to get away from the situation he was in and had considered ending it all. He said the day he was arrested in January 2022 was a happy day and he thanked the arresting officers. Gardai say his condition is understood to be serious and that he is currently receiving treatment in Beaumont Hospital in Dublin. A man is in a serious condition in hospital after being assaulted in Co Cavan in the early hours of this morning. Shortly after midnight, gardai were called to a disturbance outside a premises at Holborn Hill in Belturbet, which involved a group of individuals. A man aged in his 40s was treated at the scene for serious injuries and was rushed to hospital by ambulance. His condition is understood to be serious and he is currently receiving treatment in Beaumont Hospital in Dublin. Enquiries are ongoing and the scene is being preserved for forensic examination. Gardai have said no arrests have been made in relation to the incident but that they are following a definite line of enquiry. An Garda Siochana are now asking witnesses to come forward and anyone with information relating to the incident to contact Cavan Garda Station on 049 4368800, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any garda station. They are also asking anyone who may have video footage of the assault to make it available to investigators. It looks unlikely that the 54-year-old, who went AWOL from prison in October 2022 and has recently been living in Co Meath, will be back behind bars before Christmas. On the run prisoner James Meehan enjoying an unwarranted taste of freedom with their Christmas dinner this year when they should be banged-up. According to Department of Justice thats how many should-be inmates are listed as being Unlawfully At Large (UAL). On-the-run killer James Meehan looks set to spend another Christmas with his family. On December 8, the High Court in Dublin ordered that Meehan be extradited back to Northern Ireland to serve the remainder of his sentence for the murder of Jim McFadden in Derry in 2007. However, it looks unlikely that the 54-year-old, who went AWOL from prison in October 2022 and has recently been living in Co Meath, will be back behind bars before Christmas. Despite the court ruling, sources have told the Sunday World that Meehan has not yet been extradited to Northern Ireland. When contacted this week, the Department of Justice in Dublin said that it did not comment on individual cases. Meehan was sentenced in 2009 to life imprisonment with a minimum of 14 years to be served for the murder of Mr McFadden in May 2007. The 42-year-old was repeatedly punched in the chest and died from a ruptured heart in an attack that took place after the wedding of Mr McFaddens sister-in-law. Mr McFadden (below) had been returning with his family from the wedding reception in Donegal, which was also attended by Meehan. James McFadden, who was murdered in his home at Moyola Drive in Derry. The gang beat 42-year-old Jim McFadden with sticks and bats in front of his children, aged between 10 and 16, as they arrived at their home in Moyola Drive in the Shantallow area of Londonderry at about 3am on Saturday. The confrontation which led to Mr McFaddens death was said to have followed an earlier row over insults directed at the victims daughter. As part of a rehabilitation process in the later stages of his sentence, Meehan had been allowed to reside at a Limavady address from Friday to Sunday each week under a curfew of 10pm to 7am, but was forbidden to leave Northern Ireland without permission. However, on October 9, 2022, after his curfew was activated, the Limavady address was visited by authorities and Meehan was not there. Two warrants were issued by authorities in the North, with one stating that Meehan was wanted to serve out the remainder of his life sentence until parole eligibility, while the other said he was wanted for the breach of his release conditions. Since fleeing from Northern Ireland, Meehan has been living in Kells, Co Meath. In the High Court earlier this month, Meehans legal representatives argued that the punitive part of his sentence had been served and that he had actually been released from prison on licence when he went on-the-run. However, a barrister representing the Republics Minister for Justice said the warrant stated that Meehan was sought in the North as he had been unlawfully at large from his temporary release, which contained conditions that he observe a curfew, reside at two particular addresses and not leave Northern Ireland. There is no affidavit evidence that he [Meehan] was on licence. Its quite clear that he was on temporary release, he said. Ms Justice Melanie Greally said there was clear evidence that the terms of Meehans release from prison had been breached and ordered his surrender to Northern Ireland. The judge ordered that Meehan be remanded on the same bail conditions for a period not exceeding 25 days pending the carrying out of the surrender order. Ms Coll, who was originally from Arduns in Gaoth Dobhair in West Donegal, was found with serious injuries at a flat in Rutherglen at about 12.45am on Friday. Ann Coll was found with serious injuries in a property at around 12.45am on Friday (Police Scotland) A Co Donegal woman has been found murdered in Scotland. Ann Coll (61) was found in a flat in South Lanarkshire. Ms Coll, who was originally from Arduns in Gaoth Dobhair in West Donegal, was found with serious injuries at a flat in Rutherglen at about 12.45am on Friday. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said they were treating the death as murder following the results of a post-mortem examination. Officers have been making door-to-door inquiries in the town's Newfield Place area. Newfield Place, Rutherglen Locals in the West Donegal Gaeltacht, where Ms Coll still has many relatives, have expressed their shock at her death. Det Chief Inspector Lynsey Watters, of the major investigation team, said: "Our thoughts are with Ann's family and we are providing them with support at this very difficult time. "Our investigation into her murder is ongoing and I would urge anyone who can help to get in touch as soon as you can. "I would ask anyone who believes they may have seen or heard anything which may be suspicious around the area to get in touch with us." She added: "There will be an additional police presence in the area as this work continues and I would urge anyone who has any concerns, or who believes they may have information to speak to our officers." DCI Watters added that extensive enquiries are ongoing in the area and officers continue to work door-to-door, along with other lines of investigation. "There will be an additional police presence in the area as this work continues and I would urge anyone who has any concerns, or who believes they may have information to speak to our officers." The man was killed after he was shot multiple times in a common area at Paddock Mall in Ocala, about 79 miles north-west of Orlando. Police are looking for a suspect after the shooting at Paddock Mall in Ocala (WKMG/ClickOrlando via AP) A man has died in a "targeted" shooting at a shopping mall in central Florida two days before Christmas, police said. Police chief Mike Balken told reporters that the man was killed after he was shot multiple times in a common area at Paddock Mall in Ocala, about 79 miles north-west of Orlando. A woman also was shot in the leg. She was treated at a local hospital and is expected to recover, Mr Balken said. The suspect fled the scene and left behind the firearm. Police arrived at the mall at around 3.40pm (8.40pm GMT) on Saturday after reports of multiple shots being fired. "Officers immediately made entry into the mall (and) ultimately discovered that this was not what we would consider an active shooter," Mr Balken told reporters. The attack was likely a "targeted act of violence" against the man, Mr Balken said. Several other mall patrons suffered injuries during the shooting, with one person having chest pain and another reporting a broken arm, police said. The Ocala police posted photos overnight of a person of interest that appear to be taken from a mall security camera. The three images show a male with a red cap and dark clothing. Mr Balken previously said the suspect wore a hooded sweatshirt and a mask partially covering his face. The police also asked the public for assistance by submitting mobile phone video of the shooting scene. Denis Phillips, an amiable local TV meteorologist, found his home in Florida when he was driving around a neighborhood looking at Christmas lights 10 years ago. Today, Phillips is one of the many homeowners in Indian Trails who brings over-the-top Christmas spectacles to visitors. Located in a tree-lined neighborhood near Tampa, the Indian Trails community has been doing massive Christmas displays for more than 40 years, and is now known in Central Florida as a destination to drive by, or walk through, to enjoy the holiday festivities. We get people literally that have driven for three hours to come look at the lights, Phillips, who also hosts the Phillips Family Hot Chocolate Fundraiser during the December spectacle, told Yahoo Finance. What we love about it is the family traditions, the way it brings people together. For many homeowners, living on a Christmas block is more than putting up decorations and stringing lights each year its a lifestyle they buy into before they even move in. I don't know of anyone who's moved into the neighborhood [who] wasn't warned in advance by the realtor, Phillips said. Block party with Cher and Elvis Across the country, homeowners Lisa and Fred Molina in Las Palmas, Calif., were preparing for their annual neighborhood Christmas party. The cozy southern California cul-de-sac on Dallas Drive has been lighting up for the holiday season for 40 years. This is the Molinas 23rd year of showcasing Christmas lights, and the festivities have grown to include not just decorations, but also a live jazz band, a mariachi band, a Santa, a stilt walker, and look-alikes of Cher, Joan Rivers and Marilyn Monroe. When the Molinas were shopping for a home, their agent showed them a house across from the Las Palmas neighborhood. They paused their search and waited when they heard a listing might come up on Dallas Drive where the Christmas lights are. Its right up Lisas alley, Fred told Yahoo Finance from his living room, where a 14-foot Christmas tree stands. She just loves the holiday spirit. Story continues A couple of doors down from the Molinas, Daniel Koui said he knew about the neighborhoods tradition when he purchased his home, but it was during his first Christmas there that he truly felt the spirit. We put up a few string lights the first year and I saw what everybody else did and knew I better step up my game, Koui said. A Joan Rivers impersonator interviews a performer on stilts while "Cher" looks on, during Christmas festivities on Dallas Drive in Las Palmas, California. The neighborhood celebrations get more elaborate every year. (Photo courtesy Lisa Molina) Part of the curb appeal Brad Davidson, the real estate agent who sold Koui his house, said the neighborhoods holiday tradition was part of the selling appeal. His listing on the Kouis' home mentioned the Christmas celebrations, an effort to lure buyers who would appreciate the ambiance. The city gives [the neighborhood] a permit to close down the street once a year and they have this huge block party with people coming from all over the place just to see all the decorations on the houses, Davison said. Homes in these festive neighborhoods can even sell themselves thanks to the traffic pouring in. Marcello Mennone, a realtor based in Palm Harbor, Fla., currently has a listing in the Indian Trails neighborhood. He received multiple calls from interested buyers who came to look at Christmas lights and saw his for sale sign. I had a few calls on the house this past week just because [potential buyers] walked through the neighborhood and saw how nice the place was, Mennone said. However, some clients have the opposite reaction. Buyers who prefer privacy and seclusion stay away from this listing. A few days ago, [a potential buyer] said the house was great, but they dont necessarily appreciate the traffic during the holidays, Mennone said. It really depends. Sellers in the Christmas neighborhoods are even known to vibe check prospective buyers before accepting offers. Koui said a previous homeowner on his street specifically looked for buyers who were willing to decorate for the holidays. Its how the neighbors even those on the way out maintain the tradition and the friendships that arise from it. Before I lived here, I didn't really talk to the neighbors that much, Koui told Yahoo Finance. But when we moved here we got to know everybody, we learned their names, we invited each other over. It feels like a close community, which we dont really get often. Denis Phillips's house is lit up with holiday lights while his family and friends are gathered around their hot chocolate stand in the Indian Trails subdivision in Palm Harbor, Fla. Phillips's kids sell hot chocolate as a fundraiser to benefit local charities during the neighborhood festivities, which draw thousands of visitors every year. (Photo courtesy of Denis Phillips) A community with a reputation for Christmas Driving down Indian Trails drive, often in bumper-to-bumper traffic on weekends, guests are welcomed with extravagant decorations: roofs covered with jewel-tone lights, tall palm trees dressed like candy canes, and Christmas lights synced to holiday music. Phillips and his six kids, ranging from age 9 to 30, install their decorations together starting at Thanksgiving, a family tradition that takes around two weeks to complete even with all hands on deck. I started syncing the music to the lights, Phillips said. We have almost 40 different songs on our playlist and each song is programmed to every light flash and every blink. Every phase is manually created in the software. In addition to putting up light shows for strangers, Phillipss daughter and her softball team fundraise by selling hot chocolate and popcorn for $1 to visitors on some nights during the spectacle. They dart between vehicles, doing car hop service taking and delivering orders. In past years theyve raised several thousand dollars for organizations such as Childrens Miracle Network, Feeding Tampa Bay, and Suncoast Animal League. They run back and forth to the cars because the cars aren't moving quickly, Phillips said. The kids really love doing it and it makes them feel good about giving back. Denis Phillips, a popular TV weatherman in Florida, poses for a picture with a fan during his neighborhood's holiday festivities. (Photo courtesy of Denis Phillips) (Denis Phillips) Putting on the Christmas lights, though, requires a financial commitment. The cost of electricity to power the lights runs at around $700 in December even using all LED bulbs on the displays. My electric bill is cheaper in December than it is in the summertime with air conditioning being as high as it is around here, Phillips said. While the community collectively embraces the holiday spirit, not all the neighbors appreciate the traffic that comes with it. On busy nights, it can take 30 to 45 minutes to drive through the neighborhood. But Phillips said it's an accepted part of life in Indian Trails. [The neighborhood] is known for it, Phillips said. Nobody is going to buy a house in this neighborhood if they don't already know there is a ton of traffic and a ton of people that come in December for Christmas lights. Rebecca Chen is a reporter for Yahoo Finance and previously worked as an investment tax certified public accountant (CPA). Click here for the latest personal finance news to help you with investing, paying off debt, buying a home, retirement, and more Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance The TV chef and his wife Sofie Larsson bought their first home in Howth at the beginning of 2023. Donal Skehan will not spend his first Christmas as a homeowner in his swanky Dublin pad. The TV chef and his wife Sofie Larsson bought their first home in Howth at the beginning of 2023 after 17 years of renting. The pair had previously spent some time living in Los Angeles before moving home during the pandemic. But despite moving into their forever home this summer after months of renovations, Santa wont be visiting the couples two young children, Noah (5) and Oliver (3), in Dublin this Christmas. The family will instead head to Sofies native Sweden for their Christmas dinner. Donal insists he wont be in the kitchen (but reckons hell still make a dessert) this year but tells the Sunday World how hed typically spend Christmas if he were at home. Between myself and Sofie, its definitely me who does the cooking for Christmas, he explains, but Sofie is my right-hand woman for setting the table and getting all those other bits organised. Christmas dinner in our house over the past couple years has looked a little different to the traditional dinner. When my mum hosts, she does the full turkey and ham with all the trimmings, but in the last few years Ive helped with the cooking and last year for example, we decided we were sick of turkey and ham and wanted to do something different, so we did a roasted pork shoulder. Donal believes that enjoying food with friends and family over the Christmas holidays is so important. "I think in the last year I realised that when I filmed the Donals Feasts, Fasts and Festivals documentary, I was really shown how food and moments of celebration can really bring people together. Even when its not Christmas, the whole process of sitting down together and enjoying a meal together as a family is so important because you have the time to catch up and pause and nothing about work or any other things that are going on in the world. That idea of coming back and sitting down and celebrating as a family was something my mum was very good at when we were growing up. No matter what trials and tribulations you were going through in your life, the Sunday roast was a classic in our house. Whether you were there for ten minutes or the whole afternoon, it was a moment where everyone stopped and enjoyed each others company. The food was almost secondary to that it was the entryway into that place and moment. As time goes on, were all busy, but if you even just have one moment where youre all sitting down at the table and everyone has their phones off, theyre the times where you really absorb each other, and conversation does flow. I want that to be something our boys grow up with and its something I hold quite dearly. One festive food that he cant wait to get his hands on this year are some really good quality home-baked mince pies. We absolutely cannot get enough of them. My mum makes them and theyre absolutely devoured every year. Donal Skehan: Home Cook Christmas is available on the RTE Player from December 22. When the monument was dated at over 5,200 years old - older than the Egyptian pyramids and Stonehenge - the map of the ancient world was turned upside down. A probable second chamber has been found at Newgrange thanks to pioneering work by a TV documentary crew. As crowds flocked to the historic site in Co Meath on December 21, to enjoy the famous winter solstice sunrise event, it has now emerged that there is probably another chamber on the far side of the mound. That chamber is likely to mark the summer solstice and its sunset. And theres a possibility of two other chambers at the site, marking the winter solstice sunset and summer solstice, sunrise, as well as perhaps other chambers for the equinoxes. During excavations in the 1960s, the Boyne Valley began to give up some secrets. The winter solstice alignment at Newgrange was rediscovered and the cairns highly decorated kerbstones revealed. When the monument was dated at over 5,200 years old - older than the Egyptian pyramids and Stonehenge - the map of the ancient world was turned upside down. But incredibly, Newgrange was never fully excavated; the vast majority of this ancient structure remained untouched and its secrets intact. Yet in the decades since, rumours persisted of a second, as yet undiscovered chamber. In TG4s Run na Boinne [Secret of the Boyne], award winning journalist and folklorist Sean Mac an tSithigh seeks clues to this mystery scattered across time and across the Irish landscape. He revisited the remarkable finds of the 1960s excavations in the Boyne Valley to tell a new story carved into our most well-known yet mysterious monument. And in an Irish TV first, the filmmaker behind this documentary Neal Boyle, has brought leading scientists from Ireland and across Europe, and cutting-edge technology, to join Seans quest to locate the second chamber. Newgrange is unlikely to be extensively excavated in the foreseeable future. Experts maintain its an invasive, time consuming and expensive process. But new, non-invasive technologies like micro gravity survey and geo-radar scans now offer the possibility of a tantalising glimpse into the deep, ancient heart of the monument. Sean was joined by scientists, including Mayo based archaeological geophysicist Kevin Barton and Slovakian geophysicist Roman Pasteka and his team of experts. As they embarked on a tight, nine-day survey of the mound, Sean attempted to narrow their search as he traces the clues that have led to the belief a second chamber may exist. Newgrange is the jewel in, and pinnacle of the Boyne Valley Neolithic complex. Were told the ancient Irish built these vast complexes as tombs or ceremonial burial sites for an elite. But as Seans investigation revealed, passages and chambers in Newgranges sister monuments Knowth and Dowth are also constructed to capture alignments to key dates. After nine days of exploration the team found evidence of two areas of a probably collapsed area of a second chamber to the direct opposite rear of the current opening. Run na Boinne is directed and produced by Neal Boyle and co-produced by Mary Brophy. It is an IWR Media production for TG4, funded by Coimisiun na Mean and TG4 with support from Sligo, Meath and Kilkenny County Councils and the National Monuments Service. Anybody who has an interest in Newgrange would be aware there has been a possibility of a second chamber, Neal tells sundayworld.com. How I first came across it was when I was in NCAD as a student I came across a book about astronomy art and mythology in ancient Ireland. That got me interested in the whole area. People might aware that the excavation of the site in the 1960s was to make the site safe for tourists and cleaned up, and the passageway was corrected and the stones in the passage were straightened up, and they were reinforced as well. He said the discovery in the 17th century was due to a landowner who wanted to source rubble and stones, and came across a highly decorated entrance to the mound at Newgrange, which was at the time hidden in the landscape. Neal maintains Ireland is littered with such monuments, with three big areas in the country housing some perfect examples, primarily in the Boyne Valley, Co Westmeath and Co Sligo. He adds that theres a decorative stone on the far side of the main entrance to Newgrange. Theres no reason for that to be there other than to be exactly in line with the front passage, so is that an extension of the winter solstice, alignment, or what happens out there is the summer solstice sets right out there. Because of that stone and the alignment there was always thought there was something in there. There was a small exploration but it was inconclusive and it didnt go in very far. Neal contacted some Irish companies in the hope of finding evidence of what could be in the mound and was told about specialists in Slovakia that deal with microgravity, which had new technology. He managed to raise finance to hire them, and they also used radar technology. We surveyed an area 23 metres across and 30 metres up, so thats not the whole of Newgrange, he points out. We couldnt do it all in nine days, we asked ourselves what was the most likely area there was a second chamber. We have found evidence of potential collapsed cavities, and youd have to had an archaeological dig to confirm it. But we have provided the target. What I did was non-invasive, it didnt require digging and it was very quick, and we were lucky the conditions were perfect. He pointed out the main paralogical dig lasted from 1962 until 1974. This technology has come on and maybe in another 10 years there might be an improvement and there could be further non invasive exploration done, he adds. Asked how people had the technology to carry out such work over 5000 years ago, Neal explains: My take on it is with the zealotic era it was a time when we started to settle down and we went from hunter gatherer to more mobile population to population thats monitoring an area. In Ireland and in other places as well, earlier and a little later, the calendar is important to them and the end of the year and the start of the year is important to them. So they are looking at the sun. If you look at the night sky, humans are intellectually curious, back then religion didnt seem to be separate from science. New ideas were coming in, and they were targeting events. Was it for astronomical purposes or was it for calendrical purposes to mark important festivals they had, thats a debate that people have had, but obviously in the Boyne Valley they targeted the equinoxes, the winter solstice, and the summer solstice, and the setting sun. There is an intellectual curiosity that has been encoded into the monuments. Run na Boinne is currently available on the TG4 Player , He is beside himself with this latest development and everyone close to him is concerned for his mental well-being. Jeffrey Epstein standing in front of one of his private planes. Photo: US Department of Justice Prince Andrew is said to be totally tormented at the prospect of his relationship with the paedophile Jeffrey Epstein coming under further scrutiny after a judge ordered the release of secret case files. US Judge Loretta Preska ruled on Monday that documents relating to more than 170 people who were either associates, friends or victims of disgraced financier Epstein should be made public. They include 40 documents of evidence from Johanna Sjoberg, who has claimed the Duke of York touched her breast while sitting on a couch inside the US billionaire's Manhattan apartment in 2001. Andrew has always strongly denied the allegations against him. But the Mail on Sunday reports that the royal is bracing himself for the scandal over his links to Epstein to reignite in the New Year. An unnamed source told the newspaper: He is beside himself with this latest development and everyone close to him is concerned for his mental well-being. He is at a loss, totally tormented. He is facing his second Christmas without his mother and now the New Year is going to start with his name being dragged through the mud all over again. Prince Andrew Photo: Neil Hall/PA Wire Buckingham Palace previously said all allegations made against the duke are "categorically untrue". The Duke is set to spend in Sandringham with his brother King Charles alongside other royals. The documents are part of a 2015 US defamation case by Virginia Giuffre against Ghislaine Maxwell, the British socialite who supplied Epstein with underage girls. Ms Giuffre appeared in an infamous photograph when she was younger, alongside Andrew and Maxwell. The individuals who are set to be named in the documents will have 14 days to appeal against the judge's decision - meaning they are likely to be released in early January. Ms Giuffre settled her civil claim against Maxwell, but representatives of the media have since argued documents that were sealed as part of the case should be made public. Judge Preska ordered some individuals should be named because they had already given interviews to the media - including Ms Sjoberg. Andrew stepped down from public life after the furore over his friendship with Epstein and paid millions to settle a civil sexual assault case to Ms Giuffre, a woman he claimed never to have met. The duke was cast out of the working monarchy and no longer uses his HRH style after Ms Giuffre, who was trafficked by Epstein, accused him of sexually assaulting her when she was 17. Andrew has denied the claims. It came after British journalist Emily Maitlis grilled the duke about his friendship with convicted sex offender Epstein as well as his relationship with Ms Giuffre. In the infamous 2019 interview, Andrew denied Ms Giuffres claims and said an alleged encounter with her in 2001 could not have happened as he spent the day with his daughter, Princess Beatrice, taking her to Pizza Express in Woking for a party. But his responses were widely criticised, with many viewers accusing him of being unsympathetic towards Epsteins victims, while others said he showed a lack of remorse. In January 2022, ahead of his legal settlement, his mother the Queen stripped Andrew of all of his honorary military roles, including Colonel of the Grenadier Guards. The duke has largely stayed out of the spotlight since stepping down from public duties. In the summer, he was seen at the coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla, at which he held no formal role. The Dukes biography on the royal familys website states: Prior to stepping back from public life, The Duke of York undertook a wide range of public work, with a strong economic and business focus. Epstein was found dead in his cell at a federal jail in Manhattan in August 2019 while he awaited trial on sex trafficking charges. The death was ruled a suicide. Maxwell has been imprisoned since July 2020, despite numerous attempts from her defence counsel to have her released on bail. She was sentenced to 20 years in prison at the federal court in the Southern District of New York in June last year. The socialite indicated her desire to appeal shortly after her conviction, with her lawyers claiming victims had "faded, distorted and motivated memories". Her appeal is currently scheduled to be heard in November next year. From Die Hard, Paddington and Godzilla vs King Kong, theres something for everyone Paddington 2 will be one of the most-watched movies this Christmas Marmalade-loving bears, gigantic monsters, Martini-drinking spies, animated heroes, dramatic biopics, 70s musicals and Roald Dahl classicsthere is an incredible mix of movies on the TV this Christmas. Here is the pick of the bunch over the next week Godzilla vs King Kong Saturday 23, 9pm, RTE2 Premiere of Adam Wingards all-action sci-fi mash-up, starring Alexander Skarsgard and Millie Bobby Brown. Giant ape King Kong and his protectors try to reach his true home, but their journey brings them into conflict with the furious lizard Godzilla, cutting a swathe of destruction around the world. (3 stars) The Goonies Christmas Eve, 1.40pm, RTE One Richard Donners much-loved family adventure, starring Sean Astin, Corey Feldman and Josh Brolin. A group of youngsters come across an old treasure map and embark on a mission to save their homes from a land developer by tracking down the legendary booty supposedly hidden beneath their neighbourhood. (4 stars) No Time to Die No Time to Die Christmas Eve, 8pm, RTE One Daniel Craig (left) stars in his fifth and final outing as secret agent James Bond. An enigmatic villain armed with lethal technology means 007 must come out of retirement for another mission, and this time its more personal than ever before, with far-reaching consequences. (4 stars) Die Hard Christmas Eve, 9.30pm, TG4 Bruce Willis stars as maverick cop John McClane in the classic thriller (which may or may not be a Christmas movie). When his wifes workplace is taken over by terrorists, its up to McClane to fight back in order to take back control of the building and save those trapped inside. (4 stars) Super Mario Brothers The Super Mario Bros. Movie Christmas Day, 4pm, Sky Cinema Premiere Animated adventure, based on the Nintendo gaming franchise, with the voices of Chris Pratt and Anya Taylor-Joy. Plumber Mario enters a magical land, where he teams up with new friends to track down his brother. (4 stars) Roise & Frank Christmas Day, 8pm, TG4 Premiere of the Irish drama, starring Brid Ni Neachtain and Cillian OGairbhi. Two years on from the death of a husband, a woman is still grieving his loss when she encounters a stray dog that she believes is his reincarnation. While her son doubts it, the local community think she might be right. (4 stars) Belfast Belfast Christmas Day, 9.35pm, RTE One The network premiere of Kenneth Branaghs autobiographical Troubles-era drama, starring Jamie Dornan, Judi Dench and Jude Hill. A young boy grows up in a working-class Catholic area of Belfast as the violence of the Troubles rages on around his family. As the sectarian turmoil makes life harder and harder for his community, his father makes plans to try and find a way for them to move away. As his parents confront the stresses and strains of life under the ever-present threat of conflict and intimidation, the young boy does his best to understand the Troubles. Beautifully shot and with great sympathy for the simple human stories of the late 1960s in Northern Ireland, Branaghs film evokes the emotions and fears of life during the period. (5 stars) Paddington 2 St Stephens Day, 6.30pm, RTE One Sequel to the critically acclaimed comedy adventure, starring Hugh Bonneville and featuring the voice of Ben Whishaw as the lovable bear. This time, Paddington finds himself framed for theft while trying to find a present for his aunt. Thrown in jail, he tries to make himself at home as his family work to free him. (5 stars) The House of Gucci House of Gucci St Stephens Day, 9.50pm, RTE One Premiere of Ridley Scotts fact-based drama about the famous fashion house, starring Lady Gaga (right) and Adam Driver. An outsider marries into the Italian fashion empire, but her ruthless ambition sets in motion a chain of events that could unravel the family legacy amidst betrayal, revenge and murder. (4 stars) Allelujah St Stephens Day, 10.55pm, Sky Cinema Premiere Comedy drama, starring Jennifer Saunders (below) and Judi Dench. The geriatric ward of a small hospital is earmarked for closure, so the chairman of the local trust invites a film crew to pay a visit to try and demonstrate why the ward must be saved at all costs. Derek Jacobi also stars. (4 stars) Grease Wednesday 27, 3.40pm, RTE One Romantic musical set in the 1950s, starring John Travolta. Rebellious American teenager Danny falls for innocent Australian girl Sandy during the summer holidays, but when he later finds out she is a new student at his school, he risks losing her love by trying to act cool in front of his friends. (5 stars) Braveheart Braveheart Wednesday 27, 9pm, RTE2 Mel Gibson directs and stars in the Oscar-winning historical epic about medieval Scottish hero William Wallace. With his father and brother slain, young Wallace grows up learning how best to fight and employs his skills in the war against the English, whom he resolves to drive out of Scotland once and for all. (5 stars) Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel Thursday 28, 8.10am, Channel 4 Comedy, starring Zachary Levi. The singing trio are left in the care of their managers nephew and try to save a schools music programme by winning a battle-of-the-bands competition. However, they encounter fierce rivalry from another group of musical rodents. (4 stars) 1917 1917 Thursday 28, 9pm, RTE2 First World War drama, starring Dean-Charles Chapman and George MacKay. Two British soldiers take on a perilous mission across enemy lines in an effort to deliver a message that could potentially save hundreds of lives by warning fellow troops that they are about to fall into a trap set by the Germans. (5 stars) Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle Thursday 28, 9pm, Channel 4 Fantasy action comedy, starring Dwayne Johnson, Karen Gillan (right), Kevin Hart, Nick Jonas and Jack Black. Four American teenagers play a jungle-themed game on an old console, only to find themselves transported into the video-game and transformed into its heroic characters. (4 stars) Gone with the Wind Friday, 9.45am, TG4 Epic romantic drama starring Vivien Leigh. A plantation heiress struggles to support herself through a series of challenges during the chaos of the American Civil War and the subsequent restoration, all the while maintaining a relationship with a Southern gentleman. (5 stars) Witches (1990) The Witches Friday 29, 11.15am, RTE2 Childrens fantasy directed by Nicolas Roeg, based on the book by Roald Dahl, and starring Anjelica Huston. A boy goes on holiday with his grandmother to a hotel hosting a convention of witches, who have come together to hear their leaders plan to turn all the children in England into mice. (4 stars) Batman and Robin, Father Ted lost in a lingerie department and the iconic Snowman are all in our top Christmas TV list Katy gives birth during the Nativity in Coronation Street Those memories of entire families huddled around the TV watching festive specials may be a thing of the past, but it wont stop us getting excited about the prospect again this year. There is no obvious, heavily-publicised banker in the listings this year like previous years, which means we could find ourselves stretched between several movie options or the latest offering from Mrs Brown. The huge watercooler moments just dont happen anymore; the soap dramas, the long drawn-out affairs that come to a head at the fictitious festive dinner, the hilarious slapstick moments and the comedy classics that are talked about for decades will never be matched. But what are the best of the Christmas TV moments through the years? Here, we take a trip down memory lane to a time when divorce proceedings, Irelands largest lingerie department, Batman and Robin (ish) and a melting snowman all stole the show at Christmas time. The epic escape in Father Ted Lingerie on Father Ted (1996) Any number of Father Ted moments could have made this list. Dougal performing a funeral, Mrs Doyle guessing the priests name, Ted giving Mrs Doyle the tea making machine, the Mission Impossible parody and Teds peanut nightmare. But the highlight was definitely the opener where Ted saved the churchs blushes by successfully rescuing a bunch of priests from Irelands largest lingerie department. Den and Angie in Eastenders Angie & Den on EastEnders (1986) I may have only been six at the time, but I still remember the uproar about the drama that unfolded in the Queen Vic that night. After 19 years of marriage, Dirty Den surprised Angie by revealing he knew she had been fabricating her terminal illness. He then handed her his Christmas giftdivorce papers. Dawn and Tim in The Office Dawn & Tim on The Office (2003) In what was one of the biggest will they or wont they plotlines in years, Office fans finally got to watch Dawn kiss Tim at the Christmas office party. I can still hear the song Only You by Yazoo. It was close to perfect telly thanks to the build-up, writing, acting and the fact that it was Christmas. Del Boy and Rodders had viewers in stitches Batman and Robin from Only Fools and Horses (1996) The famous auction scene where the Trotters finally became millionaires (Dec 29, 1996) was a fitting finale to the show that had teased the brothers financial security for 15 years. But it was a scene from the other Christmas special that same year that has stayed with fans for longer. Heading to a fancy dress party, Del Boy and Rodders broke down and ran the rest of the way but not before they unknowingly stopped an armed robbery. Comedy gold. The Snowman The Snowman (1982) Now, 41 years old, this animation still has the same impact as it had back in 1982. The stunning cartoon didnt have any wordsjust that song and some brilliant characters that seemed so real. Gavin and Stacey Baby news on Gavin and Stacey (2010) Remember when James Corden was bearable and funny? He wrote and starred in one of the stand out shows of the Noughties and when Stacey announced that she had finally successfully got pregnant during the Christmas special, there was a palpable relief among fans. They tried to emulate the hysteria in a recent Christmas special by having Nessa propose to Smithy. But to be honest, wed all switched off years before. Katy gives birth during the Nativity in Coronation Street Special delivery on Corrie (2011) As a last-minute replacement as Mary in the nativity play at Weatherfield Community Hall, Katy went in for some extreme method acting by actually giving birth to a baby during the performance. The newborn was subsequently named Joseph. The Royle Family A proper tearjerker on The Royle Family (1999) It didnt always hit the mark over the course of three seasons and 25 episodes but youd want to have a heart of stone to not get emotional during the Christmas special from 24 years ago. When Denise goes into labour in the bathroom on Christmas Day and Jim calms her down and talks her through it was peak Royle Family. Mary and Matthew in Downton Abbey Indecent proposal on Downton Abbey (2011) OK, bear with me on this one. Lady Mary tells Matthew about losing her virginity to Mr Pamuk and claims that shes impure for him to consider for marriage. Although shocked, he soon decides that it doesnt matter as he loves her (awww, sweet) and proposes to her anyway. Spoiler alert. She said yes. Dawn French in The Vicar of Dibley Christmas THREE on Vicar of Dibley (1996) Do not take this mention as an endorsement for a series that was laboured and unfunny for the most part. BUT the 1996 episode where Dawn Frenchs character had to attend THREE separate Christmas lunches to keep everyone happy was actually a very funny episode. I stand over that statement. Fire fighters continue to work on containing a fire on Matakana Island, with extra resources being sent to the island today. Crews will be staying on the fireground on the island overnight, with more fire fighters due to arrive on Christmas Day. The fire has burnt over 30 hectares of forestry and slash. Fire and Emergency New Zealand was alerted to the fire at 7.36pm on Saturday evening. Fire and Emergency District Commander Jeff Maunder says the immediate aim is to prevent the fire from breaking out into pine forest, and to have it contained by 9pm tonight, when the helicopters will have to stop working. "As of 1pm today, 26 firefighters and three helicopters with monsoon buckets were working to suppress the fire, while heavy machinery is being used to make firebreaks," says Jeff. Aerial view of the fire on Saturday afternoon. Photo: Fire and Emergency NZ. The large fire plume was seen from across Tauranga, with SunLive readers in Pahoia, Matua and Maungatapu on Saturday night. On Sunday morning, Matua residents woke to find ash and the smell of smoke around their properties. Ash on a car in Matua on Sunday morning. Photo: Cameron Avery. Smoke is also drifting across the harbour towards Tauranga, which has prompted several people to call 111 this afternoon. A resident in Greerton says "the smoke seems to be getting better here". "Been struggling to breathe all day. Same with [our] friends in Ohauiti," says the Greerton resident. "Smoke from Matakana was everywhere." The fire on Matakana Island early on Sunday morning, seen from Mauao. Photo: Claire Rogers. While the weather conditions have been mostly favourable for firefighting so far, the sea breeze was causing flare ups this afternoon, Commander Maunder says. There have been spots of rain across Tauranga over the afternoon, with a mild northerly breeze. "People on the island are providing food and helping keep the road clear for water and equipment," says iwi leader Charlie Tawhaio. Charlie says the island's voluntary moutere fire crew were on all night, and are resting today. "There's smoke everywhere.' The fire on Matakana Island, seen from Matua around dusk on Saturday. Photo: Josh Kelly. A post to a Matakana Island Facebook group says "FENZ kai caravan will be on the island to service the crews and they will get kai from town too. Keep the roads clear for trucks carting water and keep yourselves safe". Islanders have been told there is no access beyond the mill village. Fire and Emergency said no houses were at risk. Civil Defence said there have been no evacuations so far. The district's mayor James Denyer says the fire was very worrying, however, he is confident fire crews will be able to get the blaze under control. "I was just devastated that such a thing could happen. Any fire on Matakana is serious and has the potential to have far-reaching consequences. "It's obviously quite a big fire and I'm hoping that it can be put out relatively soon." James says he concerned about further bushfires as the region gets drier over summer. A photo taken from Beach Rd, Matua around 1.30am on Sunday morning shows the fire on Matakana Island still growing and burning strong. Photo: Cameron Avery. Jeff says firefighters will stay on the fireground overnight and more crews will be brought in tomorrow [Christmas Day}. "An incident management team has been activated to direct operations," says Jeff. "An investigation into the cause of the fire has also begun." People are asked to stay away from Matakana Island, and to avoid flying drones in the area. "Because our helicopters have to stop operating when drones are near the fireground," says Jeff. Firefighters will be on the ground overnight to monitor the fire on Matakana Island, says Fire and Emergency New Zealand District Commander Jeff Maunder. "Theyll also be reinforcing our containment lines to further ensure the fire is unable to break out," says Jeff. "Helicopters with monsoon buckets, heavy machinery and fire crews will be back on the island in the morning to work on extinguishing the fire." Helicopters and fire crews have now contained the large scrub and pine slash fire on Matakana Island, first reported on Saturday evening. The fire on Matakana Island early on Sunday morning, seen from Mauao. Photo: Claire Rogers. District Commander Maunder says the fire has burnt through approximately 37 hectares of scrub and pine slash. "Weve had multiple crews, aircraft and heavy machinery working on containment today," he says. "Most of the most flammable slash and light scrub has burnt now and, with the wind continuing to ease, were confident of holding the fire contained within its current perimeter." Smoke is also drifting across the harbour towards Tauranga, which has prompted several people to call 111 this afternoon. Smoke from this vegetation fire has been drifting across to Tauranga and the coast," says Jeff. "If anyone finds it is affecting their breathing, we ask them to stay indoors with the windows closed." Juan Cano Malaga Sunday, 24 December 2023, 13:49 Compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X LinkedIn Telegram A man who was kidnapped and then mutilated, tortured and stabbed was left for dead on wasteland in Fuengirola over an alleged three-million-euro cocaine debt on Spain's Costa del Sol. When the 24-year-old regained consciousness he walked to an urban area and asked local residents for help. According to sources close to the investigation, which started after the incident in May, the man was kidnapped because his associates held him responsible for the loss of a cocaine shipment that was supposed to have been transported from the Costa del Sol to the Netherlands. They demanded he pay three million euros in cash to compensate for the value of the lost stash. The man refused to pay and denied any responsibility over the missing drugs. In a bizarre twist, the victim's associates then ordered the kidnappers to take him to the UK to submit him to a lie detector test, but the polygraph result was inconclusive. The man was then transferred to a building in Fuengirola, according to investigators where he was tortured and humiliated. The kidnappers cut off the index finger of each of his hands and stabbed him multiple times in the feet. They then took him to a local wasteland and dumped him, still tied up. The kidnappers thought he was dead, according to police sources. However, the man regained consciousness, and was able to walk around a kilometre to call for help. The drugs and organised crime unit (UDYCO-Costa del Sol) took over the investigation and have now identified and arrested six people - five Dutch and one British - for their alleged involvement in the crime. Pilar Martinez Malaga Sunday, 24 December 2023, 09:06 Compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X LinkedIn Telegram Holiday rental giant Airbnb is again cracking the whip on New Year's Eve parties in Spain and banning people from booking out apartments, houses and villas who want to host rowdy get-togethers. The online platform started getting serious on New Year's Eve parties in 2020, and since then, the company has prevented thousands of people worldwide from booking entire properties to welcome in a new year. Airbnb claims that last year alone in Spain some 8,050 guests were blocked or redirected when trying to book for New Year's Eve. Among them, approximately 150 were located in Malaga, a far cry from the 1,000 guests rejected in Madrid and Barcelona, or the 480 in Valencia. "Since we first implemented the prevention measures for New Year's Eve in 2020, the platform has seen a 92% decrease in incidents in Spain during this key date," Airbnb said. In 2021, 15% of New Year Eve parties were prevented in Spain, where the bookings of more than 23,500 people were blocked, more than 500 in Seville, more than 500 in Malaga and more than 100 in Marbella. How does Airbnb know that you're booking your holiday property for a party? Technology serves it up on a plate. The platform has developed a patented technology based on artificial intelligence and analyses booking attempts for these dates, especially for one, two and three-night bookings for entire properties. As soon as it detects any potential risk of an unauthorised party, it blocks them. To do this, the technology analyses hundreds of signs that could indicate a booking is at a higher risk, such as the length of the trip, the distance between the accommodation and the guest's location, the type of space selected and whether it is a last-minute booking, among many other variables. Naba Banerjee, head of trust and safety at Airbnb, said: "We are focused on taking an approach that allows us to implement this technology in a way that benefits hosts, guests and local neighbourhoods alike. We are confident that these measures will have a positive impact in the various communities where they will be implemented this New Year's Eve". Indicators The system has been implemented in Spain, the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Australia and New Zealand. In these countries, restrictions are set on bookings of one to three nights, so AI-based technology will block bookings of entire accommodations considered high risk. One of the key indicators is that they are residents from the same area where they want to book the accommodation. Alerts are also raised for single-night bookings of entire accommodations made by guests who have never booked on the platform or do not have a positive review history, as well as guests who repeatedly attempt to make two or three night bookings. The holiday rental giant has also introduced a free noise sensor for hosts and a mandatory declaration against unauthorised parties, in which guests who can make bookings must confirm that they understand Airbnb prohibits unauthorised parties and that, if they break this rule, they risk being suspended or banned from the platform. Olaya Suarez Gijon Sunday, 24 December 2023, 08:23 Compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X LinkedIn Telegram A man who believes he unknowingly ingested the drug burundanga five days ago has not been able to locate his vehicle since and is appealing to the public for help to find it. "I thought I had left it in an area near the hospital, but it seems I haven't because I haven't seen it for three days and I can't find it...". Luis M, who prefers to keep his surname confidential, said. The man from Gijon in northern Spain went for a meal on Sunday 17 December and since then has not been able to locate his car. "Maybe they put something in my drink, now that burundanga is so fashionable," he said. "Let's see if someone has seen it [the car] and can help me," he added. He said he had a vague idea that his black Ford Fiesta, with the registration number 2022 FJC, "probably" has a flat tyre as he remembers puncturing one on his journey from Santurio. "I left the car there and walked back. I called my wife about 9.30pm and I got home an hour later, so it couldn't have been very far, I think it was between the Cabuenes hospital and Villamanin square, but I have combed the whole area and it's not there," he said. On Sunday Luis M went to a Christmas lunch at a restaurant in Santurio. "I had parked the car in the picnic area, and when I went to pick it up to go down to Gijon I saw that there was a party there, a friend of mine was there and I stayed. From then on I don't know what happened, I had my drink resting on the bar and I think they slipped something in it," he added. He decided to leave about 9pm and got into his car to go home. He was passing through the area near Cabuenes hospital when he discovered he had a puncture. He had no spare tyre so he left the vehicle and continued on foot. "I sent a message to my wife to tell her what had happened to me and that's how I know it was half past nine. I vaguely remember that I got home an hour later. I wasn't worred and I thought that the next day I would go back for the car and call the breakdown truck," he said. 'No trace in Somio' But when he went there on his motorbike the following day there was no trace of his vehicle. "I combed the whole area of Somio and there was no trace of the car, I spent two hours going through the streets and I couldn't find it," he said. It hadn't been towed away either. "It would seem strange to me to steal it because it had a flat tyre and I think it was locked, at least I have the keys," he said. "It looks like the earth swallowed it up, that it has vanished, so I ask for help to see if anyone has seen it and can tell me where I can find it," he added. The retired Army colonel used his head, and his 27-year military experience, to come up with a plan for how Ukrainians seeking refuge in his home could work their way toward independence. But Stephan Picards desire to help them came straight from his heart. It was borne on a battlefield 15 years earlier during the Iraqi war. The Spotsylvania County man remembers looking out from behind the wire and barricades of an Army base, with armor on his back and a rifle in his hand. Nearby were two shepherd boys who barely had clothes on their backs. Like others through the centuries, the children were caught in the middle of something over which they had no control. I kind of realized the effects war had on a lot of other people, he said. In the years that followed, Picard and his wife, Wendy, sponsored orphans in Cambodia and visited jungles there to build wells and repair facilities. Both wanted to help refugees escaping war-torn countries, but didnt know how until they came across Welcome.US. The nonprofit uses an online platform called Welcome Connect to match individuals seeking refuge in the United States with Americans willing to help them through the legal processes involved. Since its launch last year, its helped more than 2,200 refugees from Ukraine and South and Central American countries resettle in the United States. We tap into what is core to the values of so many local communities: the willingness of Americans to welcome newcomers as their new neighbors, said Monna Kashfi, Welcome.US vice president of content and communications. As weve seen firsthand over the last few years, people want to help, they just need the right tools and information to do so. You are welcome The Picards signed up and connected with a few families but felt especially drawn to a young couple named Vlad and Inna Kolpakidi. They had sought refuge in Poland after Russian forces occupied their hometowns, as well as the capital city of Kiev where theyd gone for work before the February 2022 invasion. As the couples exchanged emails, and then had a video chat because Stephan said we wanted to look them in the face, the Spotsylvanians agreed to sponsor the Ukrainians. Stephen made it clear, in a letter, that he and his family would always be there to help them. Our house is your house, our food is your food, you are welcome, youre part of our family now, he wrote to the couple who are younger than his two children. The retired colonel also stressed what he expected and mapped out a timeline for each needed step. Blame it on his Type A personality, he said, laughing, and his wife agreed. After 35 years of marriage, shes learned not to mess with his timelines. I said, if you come, on Day 1, you have nothing, and you need to get work and save $5,000 and you need to learn English, Stephan recounted in an interview. By four months, you should have all those things and well get you an apartment. And they did it. They were fast. Things werent always easy, and the Kolpakidis, and Picards, were frustrated by the seemingly never-ending red tape involved with immigration and refugees, the Social Security Administration and federal programs. Theres no guide out there of how to do it, Stephan said. You just gotta figure it out. The Ukrainians first night in a strangers home was so foreign from anything theyd known, Inna wondered if they should go back. But whenever there were doubts, she looked at Stephans earlier letter, which she had saved on her phone. In the end, it all worked out, Inna said through a translator. That letter was a tremendous help to make us feel welcome and more at home. The light for us Tragedy befell both couples before they met in person. The Kolpakidis dealt with the fallout from war and living in a refugee camp in Poland, in a warehouse-type environment where they were housed with 2,000 other people. Because they were practically sick all the time, they relocated to Norway and grew ever-more anxious about when theyd settle in North America. Theyd connected with a family in Minnesota, but things didnt pan out, and the Kolpakidis were thinking they might immigrate to Canada. The money theyd brought from Ukraine was running low and they didnt have enough left for plane tickets. The couple didnt speak any English when they left Ukraine. During a recent interview, Inna talked casually in English, and did fine, but felt more comfortable having a translator help with formal questions. She and Anastasiya Zitnik, who lives in North Dakota and assists Welcome Connect with interviews, spoke to each other in Russian and then the translator relayed the answers in English. Vlad had just finished his shift as a delivery driver and wasnt able to attend the interview. He and Wendy are quiet and more alike in personalities, the Picards said, while Inna and Stephan are the talkers. However, people have told Wendy and Inna they look like they could be mother and daughter. Wendys heritage is the Kolpakidis part of the world: Czechoslovakian, Lithuanian and Polish. During their first video chat, Stephan felt like Kolpakidis were the right couple for them to sponsor, but as they were about to proceed with the steps needed, his sister was killed in an auto accident in Estonia, in northern Europe. Devastated, he and his family, including his mother and two sisters, kind of went into a little bit of a tailspin, Stephan said. Between their grief and dealing with funeral arrangements, the Picards didnt talk to the Kolpakidis for two days. We decided that it wasnt fair, due to our loss, to hurt Inna and Vlad and their chances for a new life, Stephan said. The decision to move forward with resettlement turned out to be a blessing. They were really kind of the light for us, he added. The entirety of the Christmas season would have been black except for them. They triggered the family to have a Christmas. Quite a welcome The Kolpakidis arrived on Dec. 20, 2022, and Inna laughs that she never heard the phrase Merry Christmas so many times. Stephan the plan-maker realized how much the couple needed all their belongings were in one suitcase and made a list of possible Christmas presents. The Picards paid for their plane tickets from Norway and provided cell phones that worked in America. Their children, Matthew, who lives with his family in Stafford County, and Rachael, a veterinarian in Madison County, and other people the Kolpakidis met helped with clothes and other items. Everyone who came brought something and it was always, Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas, Inna said through the translator. We had like two weeks of Merry Christmas and gifts every day. It was quite a welcome, and were still very shocked from that. The couples initially talked to each other through Google Translate and learned about each others interests and personalities, as well as taste in food. Stephan, who has an outdoor brick barbecue, showed Vlad how to grill his first hamburger. After Stephan served a medium-rare prime rib for one holiday, and their guests hated it because it was raw to them, he said, the Picards served the Ukrainians meat that was well done. The couples laughed about Innas fondness for bananas, which she ate by the boxload, and how Vlad went through bowls of mixed nuts. Sometimes, Wendy came to the fridge, looking for something, only to find the Kolpakidis had eaten it. It was like the Tasmanian devil in the pantry, Stephan said. Theyre kids, Wendy added. Kids do that. Inna is 27, Vlad is 23, and, she said they consider themselves Ukrainian children with American parents. Theyre about to bring a new generation into the Picard fold. Inna is expecting her first baby, a boy, whos due Dec. 30. I bet we will fall for baby Kolpakidi, Stephan said, noting that their four grandchildren call him Pepere, the French word for grandpa, and his wife, Grammy. Theyre part of the family now, he said about Inna and Vlad. I feel that way. I know Wendy does, our kids do, and I think they do, too. Spanish PM sends Christmas message to troops deployed abroad, highlighting their commitment and self-sacrifice During his address, Pedro Sanchez also referred to the Hamas terrorist attack on 7 October and the response from the Israeli government, and called on the international community to put a stop to it "immediately" Europa Press Madrid Sunday, 24 December 2023, 14:32 Compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X LinkedIn Telegram Spain's prime minister, Pedro Sanchez, this Sunday congratulated the Spanish troops deployed abroad at Christmas and highlighted their commitment and selflessness. He gave a special acknowledgement to the United Nations mission in Lebanon led by Spain and the Spanish contingent that is carrying out its mission there "despite the harsh conditions of the crossfire of attacks in this area". During the videoconference with Spanish units on humanitarian missions Sanchez thanked the military for the work they carry out beyond their borders "for the sake of the common desire for world stability and peace", he said. "The professionalism, the dedication with which you defend these principles and values, the courageous attitude with which you face the challenges that arise in the fulfilment of your missions, are a source of pride for all Spaniards and Spain and, I have to tell you, also a source of admiration," Sanchez stressed. The PM also reminded of the "numerous conflicts" in Europe that "affect the daily lives" of Spaniards in a very important way, referring to the war in Ukraine. "Spain has obviously responded to the call for peace, which is materialised in your efforts in different missions to protect the European and Euro-Atlantic space", Sanchez pointed out. In his speech he also referred to the terrorist attack perpetrated by Hamas on 7 October and the response by the Israeli government "which is causing unbearable, unacceptable suffering among the civilian population", he said, while calling on the international community to put a stop to it "immediately". In this regard, he highlighted the value of the 3,000 men and women abroad, their "selflessness and good work" that underlines "Spain's commitment to world peace". "You make that commitment real, as the United Nations, the European Union and NATO always remind us," he said. Sanchez also wanted to pay tribute to the 175 men and women who have "given their lives for peace and international stability" during 34 years of missions abroad. "He told the troops that he wished them "every success" in carrying out their missions and that 2024 would be "the year of peace that we all long for", he concluded. Spain's Minister of Defence, Margarita Robles, who also took part from elsewhere, praised the "dedication and commitment" of the soldiers who leave "the Spanish flag so high" and wished them a Merry Christmas and "all the best for the coming year". Current Print Subscribers will be prompted to either login to their current site user account or to create a new one. A confirmation email will be sent when a new user account is created, which must be confirmed within three days in order to provide uninterrupted online access through your Print Subscription. Once the email address is confirmed please provide your Account Number to activate your Print Subscription Service. Axe77 Team-BHP Support Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Mumbai Posts: 6,308 Thanked: 18,967 Times Re: 2023: The year that was for the Indian automotive enthusiast. How was it for you? Road trips: - Far more underwhelming compared to 2022 - between hectic work and getting back to my run training I really couldnt muster a proper long road trip. I managed my first ride to Goa on the Multistrada (January) and my first drive to Goa in the Jeep Meridian (August). Other than that it was only limited to typical long weekend drives within MH or drives to Pune. - There were sadly no bike trips to the mountains although I did get at least my fix of the mountains through a 4 - 5 day family trip to Binsar up North (April). The only driving was in an unpleasant badly maintained Dezire taxi so nothing to cherish there. - Other than that I also rode to Panchgani and there were the usual Sunday / weekend short drives / rides within a 200 km range - but no other longer road trip per se. - Weve got one last holiday left this year. Will drive to Bhandardara for the Xmas long weekend (leaving tomorrow AM). Both cars are fuelled up will decide last minute whether its the GT or the GLC. Reviews: - Work commitments generally mean I have to decline most offers to attend car reviews / bike reviews. I was delighted to make two exceptions to this by going for my first two wheeler reviews - that of the Speed and the Scrambler 400X. Wonderful experience indeed and I hope I can find more time for a few more car / bike reviews too in 2024. Garage changes: - Sold my beloved Tiger early 2023 and really do miss it. I have such a heap of memories with it. - I did pick up the Scrambler 400 though which is a cheap, cheerful and light bike to potter around in the city and also a useful second lighter bike to hit some trails with every now and then. So as of December Im back to a two bike garage but perhaps not for long as very soon I will be putting the Multi on the block too in order to make way for a newer full fat ADV. - Sold the Jeep a bit sooner than I expected (I was thinking sometime 2025 TBH) and replaced it with a GLC 300 - a somewhat impulsive decision taken over less than a month at most. My impression of recent petrol Mercs is that theyre rather boring (C Class, E class, previous GLC). I was pleased to find this GLC much nicer to drive and with some respectable engine specs in the four cylinder petrol class offering. Now comparable to its four cylinder X3 counterpart which is sadly no longer on sale. Leaving some special moments from 2023 in pics below. The Multis maiden trip to Goa. Padaria Pazares is a perennial favourite. From one of the last rides before parting ways with the Tiger Head over heels with my first bike review. Jeeping my way to Goa. GT hits the highway again. Satara half marathon. Scrambler review. Another special one, specially since I ended up buying it. Back to a two bike garage. Welcoming home our first Mercedes. Its been an ok year from an automotive perspective, specially since I didnt do as many road trips as Id like and I sold my Tiger, which I really still miss.- Far more underwhelming compared to 2022 - between hectic work and getting back to my run training I really couldnt muster a proper long road trip. I managed my first ride to Goa on the Multistrada (January) and my first drive to Goa in the Jeep Meridian (August). Other than that it was only limited to typical long weekend drives within MH or drives to Pune.- There were sadly no bike trips to the mountains although I did get at least my fix of the mountains through a 4 - 5 day family trip to Binsar up North (April). The only driving was in an unpleasant badly maintained Dezire taxi so nothing to cherish there.- Other than that I also rode to Panchgani and there were the usual Sunday / weekend short drives / rides within a 200 km range - but no other longer road trip per se.- Weve got one last holiday left this year. Will drive to Bhandardara for the Xmas long weekend (leaving tomorrow AM). Both cars are fuelled up will decide last minute whether its the GT or the GLC.- Work commitments generally mean I have to decline most offers to attend car reviews / bike reviews. I was delighted to make two exceptions to this by going for my first two wheeler reviews - that of the Speed and the Scrambler 400X. Wonderful experience indeed and I hope I can find more time for a few more car / bike reviews too in 2024.- Sold my beloved Tiger early 2023 and really do miss it. I have such a heap of memories with it.- I did pick up the Scrambler 400 though which is a cheap, cheerful and light bike to potter around in the city and also a useful second lighter bike to hit some trails with every now and then. So as of December Im back to a two bike garage but perhaps not for long as very soon I will be putting the Multi on the block too in order to make way for a newer full fat ADV.- Sold the Jeep a bit sooner than I expected (I was thinking sometime 2025 TBH) and replaced it with a GLC 300 - a somewhat impulsive decision taken over less than a month at most. My impression of recent petrol Mercs is that theyre rather boring (C Class, E class, previous GLC). I was pleased to find this GLC much nicer to drive and with some respectable engine specs in the four cylinder petrol class offering. Now comparable to its four cylinder X3 counterpart which is sadly no longer on sale.Leaving some special moments from 2023 in pics below. Last edited by Axe77 : 22nd December 2023 at 21:02 . CONCORD, N.H. Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer may have millions of carrots set out for him on Christmas Eve, but what about the rest of the year? Finding food in a cold, barren landscape is challenging, but researchers from Dartmouth College in New Hampshire and the University of St. Andrews in Scotland report that reindeer eyes may have evolved to allow them to easily spot their preferred meal. It's further evidence that while reindeer are famous for pulling Santa's sleigh, it's their vision that really sets them apart, says Nathaniel Dominy, a Dartmouth anthropology professor and co-author of a recent study published in the journal i-Perception. "They've been sort of obscure and unheralded in the annals of visual neuroscience, but they're having their moment because they have a really fascinating visual system," he said in an interview. Scientists have known for years that mirror-like tissue in reindeer eyes changes color from a greenish gold in the summer to vivid blue in the winter, a process thought to amplify the low light of polar winter. But they weren't sure what to make of another curious fact: Unlike other mammals, reindeer can see light in the ultraviolet spectrum. "Most animals that are active under daylight conditions want to avoid UV light. UV light is damaging," Dominy said. "Snow reflects UV light, which is a problem, which is why humans get snow blindness." Some scientists believe reindeer vision evolved to protect the animals from predators, allowing them to spot white wolves against a snowy landscape, for example. The new study points to another possibility: food. Reindeer subsist largely on light-colored reindeer moss, which isn't actually a moss but rather a type of lichen that grows in crunchy, carpet-like patches across northern latitudes. Researchers traveled to the Cairngorms mountains in the Scottish Highlands, which hosts more than 1,500 species of lichen as well as Britain's only reindeer herd. They found reindeer moss absorbs UV light, meaning the white lichen that humans have trouble seeing against the snow stands out as dark patches to the animals. "If you're a reindeer, you can see it and you have an advantage because then you're not wandering around the landscape. You can walk in a straight line and get to that food, and you conserve energy in the process," Dominy said. "These animals are desperate for food, and if they can find lichen sufficiently, then they have an advantage." Juan Jose Negro specializes in evolutionary ecology and conservation biology at the Spanish Council for Scientific Research. While his focus is mainly on birds of prey, he found the new reindeer research intriguing. "I love every piece of work dealing with colors and vision," he said. "Every time I read other people's works, there is something that sparks new ideas. And in the case of the reindeer, this is leading me to want to pay more attention to this part of the spectrum." While he saw no immediate biomedical benefit to the research, such work is useful in furthering the understanding of how animals deal with difficult environments, he said. Dominy echoed that point, but said it also has human implications. There has been a lot of pharmacological research on lichens because they have antioxidant properties. Reindeer eyes allowing in UV light suggests there might be some mechanism in place to protect them from damage, he said. "Reindeer eyes are full of ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, and vitamin C is just terrific for repairing damaged cells," he said. With that in mind, Dominy is updating the advice he offered after writing a 2015 paper exploring why a reindeer's red nose would be ideal for guiding Santa's sleigh. Back then, he recommended children leave Rudolph cookies and other high-calorie food to make up for the body heat he loses through his nose. Now, he says, focus on his eyes and save the milk and cookies for Santa. "The best thing to give them to protect the health of their eyes would be something rich in vitamin C," he said. "Orange juice, carrots, these would be perfect treats for reindeer on Christmas Eve." 10 old-school Christmas traditions that are no longer practiced 10 old-school Christmas traditions that are no longer practiced Yule logs The 12 Days of Christmas Homemade candy Ghost stories Hiding a pickle in the Christmas tree Creepy Christmas cards Sugarplums Placing candles on the tree Cooking the Christmas goose Lord of Misrule Eleven kilometers into the depths: China says it wants to drill into the Earth's mantle with a special ship According to the study, crocodiles are romantic lovers and speak a "language of love" Five New Restaurants and Travelers Who Are Going to Be Very Familiar This Year Mantequeria Bermejo, the centennial trade that has gone viral for a few horns Google will probably fail with lawsuit against billions in fine from the European Union Zhongxin Health|Sudden "vomiting and diarrhea" in winter, be alert to the attack of norovirus! "Kaiser Karl": discover the very first photo of the event series on Karl Lagerfeld AFCON 2024: Strike and danger of death on plane, the eventful departure from The Gambia Michaela May, Gisela Schneeberger and Jutta Speidel: "The image of women on television is underground" Why is South Africa's complaint against Israel before the Court of Justice the most important of all? Osaka-Kansai Expo: Bringing food into the venue is prohibited in principle, and final adjustments are made Aida Artiles, yogi and model: "Reading and running on the beach gives me life" Carvajal, a request to Ancelotti and a prophecy: "With the draw I said 'it would be great to score a goal for my brother-in-law'" Four transfers in four days: Zenit strengthened with three Brazilians and weakened their RPL rivals Umea Basket in financial crisis: "Happy if we survive the rest of the season" Umea Basket in financial crisis: "Happy if we survive the rest of the season" Sweden is out of the World Junior Championships: "Has more in it" Hilda Andersson on the cruciate ligament injury: "Remember that it will be difficult" Flight to the Africa Cup of Nations: Gambia national football team has to make an emergency landing Abanca workers are on strike this Thursday over the "brutal loss of purchasing power" Montero corrects Junts: the increase in transport aid will not be only for Catalonia The Ministry of Finance of Russia will sell currency and gold for 69,1 billion rubles The government now justifies the pact with Junts on the exit of companies "to avoid fiscal engineering" from which they left Planas rules out lowering taxes on more foods and encourages the 'super' to lower the price of oil from now on Cottbus: Olaf Scholz is greeted by farmers' protests at the opening of the railway plant Bitcoin: Is it possible and recommended to invest via funds? Medvedev: Russia will use nuclear weapons in response to attempts to destroy its launchers The vinegar case: No report of concern from the school hear the principal's response in court Putin: Despite the pressure, we are the largest economy in Europe Hamas: We will not allow the occupation and its supporters to interfere in the future of the Gaza Strip Russia has told Ecuador that the transfer of its equipment to the United States would be an unfriendly step Focus - Amazigh and proud: the quest for identity of the Berber diaspora in France The Campo de Gibraltar applies a "drastic drop" in water pressure that leads to cuts during the night Aqaba summit calls for cessation of Israeli aggression and warns of the seriousness of the situation in the West Bank Israeli writer: Our borders will extend and we will take Mecca, Medina and Mount Sinai After the withdrawal of the occupation. Al-Duwairi reveals the contours of the next phase of the Gaza war Qatar Charity launches two projects in the name of the martyrs Hamza Al-Dahdouh and Mustafa Thuraya Communities 2019 - Privacy The information on this site is from external sources that are not under our control.The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them. Doug Carter, superintendent of the Indiana State Police, recently recognized Sgt. Doug Parcel for achieving 30 years of service, a release said. - Original Credit: Photo courtesy of the Indiana State Police (Photo courtesy of the Indiana State Police/HANDOUT) Northwest Health to present January HealthyU event To learn more about relieving GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), join board-certified general surgeons Blake Hood, and Andrew Martin as they lead Northwest Healths next free HealthyU wellness seminar from 5:30-6:30 p.m., Jan. 18, at the Healthcare Foundation of LaPorte, 140 East Shore Parkway in LaPorte. During the presentation, Hood and Martin will explain how an incisionless procedure is performed and helps most patients get off daily PPI medication. To register for Got GERD? Its Time to Health the Burn, visit https://nwhinfo.com/stopgerd. Registration is encouraged and heart-healthy snacks will be available. For questions, call 219-262-6446. Advertisement Cardiologist joins Franciscan Physician Network in Crown Point Dr. Sheryl Christy, is now part of the Franciscan Physician Network and is accepting new patients in Crown Point, according to a release. Christy attended Midwestern University School of Medicine in Downers Grove, Illinois, and completed residency at Midwestern University/Franciscan Health in Olympia Fields, Illinois, in internal medicine with a fellowship in cardiology. Advertisement She is accepting patients at Franciscan Physician Network Cardiology Crown Point, 1205 S. Main St., Suite 101, Crown Point. Call 219-662-0077. Three named to PNC Alumni Hall of Fame Purdue University Northwest will honor Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr., retired Lake County judge Diane Kavadias Schneider and Jeff Strack, president and CEO of Indiana Grocery Group, as its third annual PNW Alumni Hall of Fame class, according to a release. It gives me great pleasure to welcome these three accomplished PNW alumni and friends of the university to our Alumni Hall of Fame, said PNW Chancellor Thomas L. Keon in the release. PNWs Alumni Hall of Fame honors alumni who are high-achieving leaders in their fields, involved members of their communities and who have engaged with PNW well beyond their time as students. The three 2024 inductees will be honored April 4 during a reception and dinner hosted in Alumni Hall in the Student Union and Library Building on PNWs Hammond campus. Ticket and sponsorship information will be announced in early 2024. For more information, visit pnw.edu/hall-of-fame. VU receives $750K grant to boost reading Valparaiso University will receive $750,000 over the course of three years to better enhance literacy instruction and align the methods taught with those supported by Science of Reading through the Lilly Endowment Inc., according to a release. We have spent several years redesigning our program to align with Science of Reading, and now that we have received the initial Lilly funding, we have begun to really fine-tune and enhance what we do well, said Benjamin Boche, Ph.D., associate professor of education. ASRI was launched in 2022 to address low reading achievement observed in students across Indiana. According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress, only 33% of Indiana fourth graders achieved proficient scores in reading comprehension in tests administered in 2022. Advertisement Trooper honored for 30 years of service Doug Carter, superintendent of the Indiana State Police, recently recognized Sgt. Doug Parcel for achieving 30 years of service, a release said. Parcel, a native of Pulaski County, graduated from the 50th Indiana State Police Recruit Academy and was assigned to the Lowell District where he patrolled Newton and Jasper counties. In 2008, Parcel was promoted to sergeant and currently serves in that position as a district squad leader, the release said. Parcel and his wife, Michelle, currently reside in Jasper County. They have a son, D.J., and daughter, Erika, the release said. 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 Lisa Wilkinson arrived in Canberra ahead of the broadcast of her television interview with Brittany Higgins about the former Liberal staffers alleged sexual assault in Parliament House and texted mission complete! to veteran news boss Peter Meakin, documents released by the Federal Court reveal. But Meakin sounded a note of caution, texting Wilkinson at 10.38pm on February 13, 2021: Not just yet. We have still to see how the pigeons react. Lisa Wilkinson, Bruce Lehrmann and Brittany Higgins. Credit: Steven Siewert, Rhett Wyman Text messages tendered in evidence in former Liberal staffer Bruce Lehrmanns Federal Court defamation case against Ten and Wilkinson over the interview with Higgins, aired on The Project on February 15, 2021, provide an insight into the mood inside the Ten camp days and hours before the broadcast. Story must be absolutely right Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size In 1987, after agreeing to put her daughter up for adoption, Nancy Loquinario didnt get to kiss the baby goodbye. At a hospital in the Philippines, the young mother glimpsed the infants foot through a glass panel as a nurse took her away. Nancy prayed that one day, she would meet her daughter again. But it seemed unlikely, and she dared not hope. It took 36 years, but in 2023, Nancys prayer was answered after she and her daughter, Rache Mahon, discovered that they both live in Australia. You couldnt write a better script if you tried, says Rache, who lives in Ravenswood near Bendigo in Victoria. The pair felt a bond at their first meeting on April 21 this year in Adelaide, where Nancy lives, that has remained ever since. They have now met four times, and speak online three or four times a week. Rache says: I think a lot of people from the outside looking in go, its like theyve always ... Advertisement Known each other, says Nancy, finishing the sentence. Together again: Rache Mahon with birth mother Nancy Loquinario at Mahons home in Ravenswood, Victoria. Credit: Joe Armao The womens story is part of The Year I series, where The Age profiles the experiences of Victorians in 2023. Loading Looking back, says Rache, 2023 has been a massive year. She knew she was born in the Philippines, and her own three children and her adoptive parents encouraged her to look for her birth mother. Raches son Jarvis, 14, said he wanted to meet his Filipino grandparents, uncles and aunties. Rache knew that nuns at a convent in Quezon City, part of greater Manila, had arranged the adoption. So in March, the family booked a flight for May to go to the Philippines. Advertisement But later in March, the nuns emailed Rache to reveal that Nancy was living in Australia. At first, they would only say that she lived one hour away from Melbourne by plane. At 1am one morning, the nuns sent Rache a photo of Nancy and her three other daughters Raches half-sisters. The nuns also sent Nancys address in Adelaide 640km away from Rache. The pair exchanged messages online for weeks, then phone calls.Nancy says that a nun had previously told her that her daughter was sent to the US. Its brought more love: Nancy, Rache and their family. Credit: Joe Armao For the emotional reunion on April 21, Raches family, including her adoptive parents, hired a mini bus and drove seven hours from Ravenswood to a house in the Adelaide suburb of Unley. Nancy turned up and all three of my half-sisters came after, which was beautiful, Rache says. That night we all drank wine and went crazy and danced and sang. Advertisement Describing her excitement, Nancy says: Being a Catholic, I believe that God answers prayers at the right time. Not too soon, not too late, but in Gods good time. Nancy explains that in 1987 she was an unmarried 20-year-old university student, from a strict religious family in Manila. Rache Mahon as a baby with a nun at an orphanage in Quezon City, Philippines, before she was adopted. Her devout father said she could either agree to adoption or raise the child under the guise that she was her grandparents adopted child. Nancy chose adoption because she didnt want Rache to live her life in lies. Loading Nancy spent most of her pregnancy living in the convent, under a false name, seeing only her parents. It was like a prison, she says. In 1992, Nancy moved to Australia to join her sister. Nancy had three daughters with her first husband who she later divorced and married Dan Van Gastel. Advertisement Nancy says she was devastated at relinquishing her first baby and never forgot her. Every birthday of hers, August 23, I went to church [and] I asked the priest to say a special intention Mass, offered by me, she says. I prayed always that shed be safe, and that hopefully a good family had her. Rache did have a happy childhood with Australian couple Annabel Johnson and John Pearce, who were both teachers, on an eight-hectare property at Maiden Gully, near Bendigo. Annabel Johnson (centre) with her kids Rache and Jordan as children. The family, including Raches brother Jordan who passed away 12 years ago, had a menagerie of animals and holidayed at Ocean Grove. She played netball and volleyball and swam. Rache now runs her own skin and beauty clinic, is married to Clint Mahon and has three children. Her adoptive mother, Annabel, says she sent photos and information about Rache as she grew up to the convent, but they werent passed on to Nancy as requested. Two mums: Rache (centre) with her adoptive mother Annabel Johnson (left) and birth mother Nancy. Credit: Joe Armao Advertisement When the Colorado Supreme Court decided, 4-3, on Tuesday that Donald Trump is constitutionally disqualified from the 2024 primary ballot because he engaged in insurrection, two of the dissenting justices voiced concerns about the former president's right to due process. ANTI-INDIA GRAFFITI Hindu temple vandalised in US NEW YORK, A PROMINENT Hindu temple was vandalised with anti-India graffiti in the US state of California and the police are investigating the matter as a possible hate crime. The City of Newark Police Department in Newark, Newark, California told PTI in an emailed statement that on Friday at approximately 8:35 am, they received a report of graffiti at the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Hindu Temple. Officers responded and met with temple leaders who described the vandalism as meant to intimidate them. Based on the content of the graffiti it is believed that the defacement was a targeted act, and the vandalism is being investigated as a possible hate crime, the statement said. The Consulate General of India in San Francisco strongly condemned the defacing of the temple. We strongly condemn the defacing of SMVS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir at Newark, California with anti-India graffiti, the Consulate posted on X. This incident has hurt the sentiments of the Indian community. We have pressed for quick investigation and prompt action against the vandals by the US authorities in this matter, the Consulate said. According to images posted on social media, the word Khalistan was spray-painted on a signpost outside the temple along with other objectionable graffiti. Newark police further said that any acts or threats of violence, property damage, harassment, intimidation, or other crimes motivated by hate or bias are considered very serious and given very high priority. Officers are investigating, collecting evidence, and reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses in order to establish the chain of events and bring those responsible to justice, the police said. Atmanirbhar Bharat key to success: Prof B S Murty Staff Reporter Students status is a never-ending state and requires constant study. Be a continuous learner, keep on acquiring necessary skills to make Atmanirbhar Bharat, stated Prof B S Murty, Director, Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad at the Graduation Ceremony of Shri Ramdeobaba College of Engineering and Management held on Saturday at College premises. Prof B S Murty was the chief guest of the ceremony. Dr Satyanarayan Nuwal, Chairman, RCOEM presided over the function. Dr Sanjay Dudhe, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU) was the guest of honour. Rajendra Purohit, General Secretary, RCOEM; Dr Avichal Kapur, Joint Secretary of University Grants Commission; Dr Rajesh Pande, Principal; Dr Manoj Chandak, Dean (Academics); Dr Abhijeet Agashe, Controller of Examination; Prof Nikhil Damle, Registrar; Deans and Chairman, Board of Studies of the various departments were seated on the dais. Prof Murty recalled his association with Nagpur, and thanked the teachers of his time for helping him in to imbibe the values, developing the well round personality. He highlighted OAT - Open to All Teaching initiative at IIT-Hyderabad for the benefit of the poor and weaker sections of the society. Prof Murty urged the graduands to use the skills acquired by them for the benefit of the common man. He appealed to all the researchers to take advantage of Technology Innovation Centre at IIT-Hyderabad to get mentoring and funding. The graduands were presented silver and gold medals for their academic excellence at the hands of the chief guest. The prestigious Ramdeobaba Medal for Excellence in Academics was awarded to Atul Ratnakar Thakre of Computer Science and Engineering (2021-22 batch) and Nidhi Misra of Computer Science and Engineering (2022-23 batch). Additionally, a total of 62 students from various branches were felicitated and awarded gold medals and silver medals for securing 1st and 2nd positions, respectively. Dr Sanjay Dudhe stressed upon the challenges of the modern world. The graduates coming out of the engineering and technological institutes must remember that they have to arm themselves by making use of their engineering and technological skill to solve the problems faced by the contemporary world. Dr Satyanarayan Nuwal, in his presidential address, motivated the students by quoting verses from Veda-Upanishad. For any institute, its students are its brand ambassadors, stated Nuwal. He appealed everyone to use their talents to make Bharat a Vishwa Guru. Dr Rajesh Pande gave a welcome speech and shared the achievements and milestones of RCOEM. Around 2,600 graduands received their graduation certificates while proud parents, teachers and others were seated in the audience. The graduation ceremony began with a glorious academic procession with the chanting of Vedic hymns signifying the attainment of peace and harmony. Dr Akanksha Deshpande, Prof Jasleen Kaur Rihan and Prof Pratishruti Singh-Agrawal, conducted the proceedings of the ceremony. BJPs performance in 2024 LS pollsshould leave Oppn stunned: Shah NEW DELHI, THE BJP has set its sights on an overwhelming win in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi asking key organisational leaders to work towards boosting the partys vote share by 10 per cent, sources said. Addressing the BJPs national office-bearers and State presidents on the concluding day of the two-day brainstorming meet on Saturday, Home Minister Amit Shah said that the BJPs performance should leave the Opposition stunned, the sources said. With the Opposition I.N.D.I.A. bloc planning to put up a one-on-one fight against the BJP, Modi called for raising the BJPs vote share by 10 per cent from its show in the 2019 polls when the ruling party had fetched over 37 per cent of votes while the National Democratic Alliance led by it had bagged around 45 per cent votes. Since coming to power at the Centre in 2014, the BJP has continuously striven to raise its vote share to 50 per cent in state assembly polls and succeeded in this feat in many elections. Shah, like Modi a day before, underlined the primacy of organisation in elections and said it should score such an overwhelming win that the Opposition thinks many times before challenging it, sources said. The Prime Minister emphasised the need to reach out to women, youth, farmers and the poor - whom he has often described as the four biggest castes. He asked party leaders to connect a maximum number of these people with the ongoing Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, which aims at saturation of his Governments flagship welfare schemes. Govt only contemplating lifting ban on Hijab: Karnataka CM MYSURU, KARNATAKA Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday clarified that the administration was only contemplating lifting the ban on wearing hijab in educational institutions in the State and a decision will be taken after holding discussions at the Government level. Addressing reporters here, he said, We havent done it (revoking Hijab ban) yet. Someone asked me a question (on lifting Hijab ban). I replied that the Government is considering revoking it. Asked whether it will be done in this academic year, the CM said it will be done after discussing at the Government level. The clarification comes a day after he said that there was no restriction on wearing the religious head scarf in educational institutions and observed that choice of dress and food is personal. The Congress Government has come under sharp criticism from the Opposition BJP over the announcement on hijab. The BJP stated that the Governments move raised concerns about the secular nature of educational spaces. Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, BJP Karnataka chief B Y Vijayendra accused Siddaramaiah of vitiating the academic atmosphere. Charging the Congress with indulging in appeasement politics ahead of Lok Sabha elections, Vijayendra claimed, even after so many years of independence, the literacy and employment rate among minorities is still 50 per cent. Congress never tried to elevate the condition of minorities. Congress believes in the divide and rule policy which the British rulers had adopted. It amounts to carrying forward the British legacy, he said. Infiltration bid foiled Terrorist killed along IB JAMMU, ONE terrorist was killed as Army troops guarding the International Border (IB) scuttled an infiltration attempt here early Saturday, officials said. The operation happened when a group of four heavily-armed terrorists was noticed sneaking into this side from across the IB in the Khour sector of Akhnoor in the early hours, the officials said. Armys Jammu-based White Knight Corps said the suspected movement of terrorists was captured through surveillance devices during the intervening night of December 22 and 23. Effective fire brought down. Terrorists seen dragging one body back across the IB, it posted on X. A defence spokesman shared a clip recorded on a surveillance device, showing four terrorists making an attempt to cross over into India from across the border under the cover of darkness. The officials said the area was kept under a tight vigil and a search operation was launched with the first light of the day. Blood stains confirmed the killing of a terrorist whose body was, however, dragged back by his associates to the Pakistan side, the officials said. The operation was still underway when the reports last came in, they said. Will this ruling stand? Thats the question the whole country is asking right now about the Colorado Supreme Courts unprecedented decision ordering Donald Trump removed from the 2024 presidential ballot, finding him constitutionally ineligible to hold future office. The Dec. 19 unsigned opinion was the first by any state supreme court to address head-on the substantive arguments of Trump's or any presidential candidate's eligibility, given the allegations that Trump engaged in an insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021. Anyone who tells you they know for sure this will be thrown out by the U.S. Supreme Court, or even taken up by the Supreme Court, doesnt know what they are talking about, because this case is truly a first of its kind. We are also cognizant that we travel in uncharted territory, the justices themselves wrote in their opinion. Investigative reporter David Migoya, who has written extensively on Colorados court system in recent years, asked several legal experts he knows to review the decision, and they agreed wholeheartedly that the case is unprecedented. Anyone who says they have an idea of whats going to happen cant because there is no book on this, said Larry Pozner, a defense attorney and founding partner of Reilly Pozner who is widely regarded as an expert on cross-examination and criminal defense in high-profile cases. The word unprecedented needs to be taken literally here. There is no history on how to resolve this issue. Youre trying to take a modern election problem that weve never encountered and shoehorn it into a post-Civil War statute with an entirely different purpose, said Pozner. Weve never had to work out the procedures of this situation. That statute, Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, was ratified in the wake of the Civil War to keep Confederates who had defied the countrys Constitution from running for office after the war. Heres the exact wording: 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." For me, it boils down to whether or not Donald Trump engaged in "insurrection." The Colorado justices were very clear that they believe he did, but the courts dissenters say there was a rush to judgment, that the question of whether or not Trump truly engaged in insurrection is too big to be decided in five days by District Court in Colorado. The dissenting judges, including Chief Justice Brian D. Boatright, point out that Trump not only has never been convicted of insurrection, hes never been charged specifically with "insurrection." Boatright, in his dissent, wrote that the "absence of an insurrection-related conviction" against Trump should have called for the case to be dismissed. He also dissented in part because Colorados election code has a limited scope and was not enacted to decide whether a candidate engaged in insurrection, especially on an expedited timeline. The legal experts we talked to think the U.S. Supreme Court will zero in on Boatrights objection. What troubles me the most is it seems to me there has to be some sort of trial for the insurrection charge, where lawyers on both sides have discovery rights, and thats not present in the Colorado case and, more importantly, its basically unworkable, said Pozner. David Lane, a partner at Killmer, Lane & Newman in Denver and one of the most noted criminal defense attorneys in the state, said the same thing. Boatright makes the point that insurrection is a criminal violation, and if someone is accused of a criminal violation under federal law, an indictment must issue, followed by the full panoply of due process rights associated with a criminal trial including a trial by jury, the presumption of innocence, proof beyond a reasonable doubt and a unanimous jury verdict, Lane told us. Given the conservative nature of the U.S. Supreme Court, this argument will carry a great deal of weight and I believe they will adopt Chief Justice Boatrights dissenting opinion as the primary ground for reversing the Colorado Supreme Courts opinion, Lane concludes. The only hesitation I have with that argument is that Section 3 doesnt say convicted of insurrection. It says what it says: Government officers who engage in insurrection cannot be officers of the government again. And the four Colorado justices who made the decision point out that there was a trial, a five-day trial in U.S. District Court, to decide whether there was an insurrection. The district court found that evidence from the congressional investigation into Trump, news reports on the Jan. 6, 2021, attack, the presidents own speeches and tweets and other testimony "from the record" indicate beyond a doubt in their minds that there was an insurrection. Their approach to the wording of the statue could be considered textualist, that they take the text of the Constitution very literally and dont try to read meaning into it, such as adding the idea of conviction. The statue says engage in insurrection, and the justices say the evidence they weighed clearly shows Trump engaged in insurrection. The justices, in their decision, even quote a definition of insurrection from Noah Websters dictionary from 1860, written at the time the statue was created: "A rising against civil or political authority; the open and active opposition of a number of persons to the execution of law in a city or state. It is equivalent to SEDITION, except that sedition expresses a less extensive rising of citizens. It differs from REBELLION, for the latter expresses a revolt, or an attempt to overthrow the government, to establish a different one, or to place the country under another jurisdiction." The justices went on to review other definitions of insurrection ad nauseam. In light of these and other proffered definitions, the district court concluded that an insurrection as used in Section Three is (1) a public use of force or threat of force (2) by a group of people (3) to hinder or prevent execution of the Constitution of the United States, the justices wrote. Although we acknowledge that these definitions vary and some are arguably broader than others, for purposes of deciding this case, we need not adopt a single, all-encompassing definition of the word insurrection. Rather, it suffices for us to conclude that any definition of insurrection for purposes of Section Three would encompass a concerted and public use of force or threat of force by a group of people to hinder or prevent the U.S. government from taking the actions necessary to accomplish a peaceful transfer of power in this country. "We have little difficulty concluding that substantial evidence in the record supported each of these elements and that, as the district court found, the events of January 6 constituted an insurrection. So if the U.S. Supreme Court intervenes and overrules Colorado, it will have to decide that the Colorado court didnt have a right to decide what the plain text of the 14th Amendment means. The tricky part will be, if they decide that, then how do they argue that the U.S. Supreme Court has a right to decide what it means? Why are they different from the Colorado Supreme Court or District Court judges in Colorado in deciding what the Constitution says? Given that likely legal game of Twister, Pozner wonders if the U.S. Supreme Court might not bother with the case at all. By not dealing with it, it has no effect outside of Colorado, Pozner argues. "Its earth-shaking in terms of its uniqueness, but it doesnt seem to have a big play in the overall Electoral College. Trump isnt likely to win Colorado anyway. If they dont take the case, they dont have to decide whether an insurrection took place, and whether Trump is disqualified for office. They wouldnt have to set some sort of national precedent, thus politicizing the whole ball of wax even more. They could just decide this is a states rights thing, and let the states decide for themselves, something theyve been inclined to do on other hot topics such as abortion. If Colorados decision was not reviewed, it wouldnt necessarily stand as a precedent for other states. And in fact, no other state has found yet that Trump should be disqualified. All the states where the issue has been raised have found just the opposite so far. So the U.S. Supreme Court might just leave this one alone, let Colorado be Colorado and do its own Colorado thing. Colorados 10 electoral votes arent going to make much of a difference in the election anyway, and even if Trump were on the ballot in Colorado, past voting indicates there is no way he would win here. The Supremes may decide that Colorados case is a moot point. State of Alaska Department of Revenue decreased its stake in Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO Free Report) by 4.0% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 235,918 shares of the companys stock after selling 9,925 shares during the quarter. State of Alaska Department of Revenues holdings in Altria Group were worth $9,919,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in MO. Loomis Sayles & Co. L P purchased a new stake in Altria Group in the 1st quarter worth approximately $25,000. Northwest Bank & Trust Co purchased a new stake in Altria Group in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $27,000. WFA of San Diego LLC purchased a new stake in Altria Group in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $30,000. Asset Dedication LLC raised its holdings in shares of Altria Group by 56.7% during the 2nd quarter. Asset Dedication LLC now owns 774 shares of the companys stock valued at $34,000 after purchasing an additional 280 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group Inc. bought a new position in shares of Altria Group during the 4th quarter valued at $34,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 58.94% of the companys stock. Get Altria Group alerts: Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, Director Robert Matthews Davis acquired 1,200 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 6th. The shares were bought at an average price of $40.50 per share, for a total transaction of $48,600.00. Following the acquisition, the director now owns 8,473 shares in the company, valued at approximately $343,156.50. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Company insiders own 0.07% of the companys stock. Altria Group Price Performance Altria Group stock opened at $40.36 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $71.38 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.22, a P/E/G ratio of 2.69 and a beta of 0.66. Altria Group, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $39.06 and a fifty-two week high of $51.57. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $41.29 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $43.08. Altria Group (NYSE:MO Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, October 26th. The company reported $1.28 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.29 by ($0.01). The firm had revenue of $5.28 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.43 billion. Altria Group had a negative return on equity of 237.91% and a net margin of 35.58%. The firms revenue was down 2.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $1.28 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Altria Group, Inc. will post 4.96 earnings per share for the current year. Altria Group Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, January 10th. Shareholders 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 yield of 9.71%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, December 20th. Altria Groups dividend payout ratio is 79.84%. Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities research analysts recently issued reports on the stock. Jefferies Financial Group lifted their price objective on shares of Altria Group from $55.00 to $56.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, October 13th. UBS Group reduced their price objective on shares of Altria Group from $40.40 to $39.20 and set a sell rating for the company in a research note on Friday, October 6th. StockNews.com lowered shares of Altria Group from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 19th. Bank of America reduced their price objective on shares of Altria Group from $49.00 to $47.00 in a research note on Monday, October 9th. Finally, Citigroup reduced their price objective on shares of Altria Group from $46.50 to $45.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, October 18th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $47.53. Get Our Latest Report on Altria Group Altria Group Profile (Free Report) Altria Group, Inc, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells smokeable and oral tobacco products in the United States. The company provides cigarettes primarily under the Marlboro brand; cigars and pipe tobacco principally under the Black & Mild brand; moist smokeless tobacco products and snus products under the Copenhagen, Skoal, Red Seal, and Husky brands; and on! oral nicotine pouches. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Altria Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Altria Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sherwin-Williams (NYSE:SHW Free Report) had its target price boosted by Argus from $330.00 to $378.00 in a research note issued to investors on Thursday morning, Benzinga reports. Argus currently has a buy rating on the specialty chemicals companys stock. Other analysts have also recently issued research reports about the stock. The Goldman Sachs Group raised their price objective on shares of Sherwin-Williams from $295.00 to $335.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, December 14th. Evercore ISI lifted their target price on shares of Sherwin-Williams from $300.00 to $305.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, September 8th. Berenberg Bank lifted their target price on shares of Sherwin-Williams from $224.00 to $249.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Friday, September 29th. Wells Fargo & Company cut their target price on shares of Sherwin-Williams from $300.00 to $290.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, August 25th. Finally, StockNews.com upgraded shares of Sherwin-Williams from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have assigned a hold rating and twelve have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $295.11. Get Sherwin-Williams alerts: View Our Latest Report on SHW Sherwin-Williams Stock Up 1.4 % SHW stock opened at $311.27 on Thursday. Sherwin-Williams has a one year low of $205.43 and a one year high of $311.86. The stock has a market capitalization of $79.67 billion, a PE ratio of 33.33, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.39 and a beta of 1.11. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.25, a quick ratio of 0.60 and a current ratio of 0.94. The company has a fifty day moving average of $268.85 and a 200-day moving average of $264.56. Sherwin-Williams (NYSE:SHW Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 24th. The specialty chemicals company reported $3.20 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.77 by $0.43. Sherwin-Williams had a net margin of 10.50% and a return on equity of 78.92%. The firm had revenue of $6.12 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $6 billion. As a group, analysts expect that Sherwin-Williams will post 10.3 EPS for the current year. Sherwin-Williams Dividend Announcement The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 8th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 17th were paid a $0.605 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, November 16th. This represents a $2.42 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.78%. Sherwin-Williamss dividend payout ratio is presently 25.91%. Insider Activity at Sherwin-Williams In other Sherwin-Williams news, SVP Mary L. Garceau sold 923 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, December 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $292.65, for a total transaction of $270,115.95. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now directly owns 21,363 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,251,881.95. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. In related news, SVP Mary L. Garceau sold 923 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $292.65, for a total value of $270,115.95. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 21,363 shares in the company, valued at approximately $6,251,881.95. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CEO John G. Morikis acquired 2,125 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, October 25th. The shares were bought at an average price of $237.60 per share, for a total transaction of $504,900.00. Following the purchase, the chief executive officer now owns 317,270 shares in the company, valued at $75,383,352. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. 0.55% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Institutional Trading of Sherwin-Williams Large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A. increased its holdings in shares of Sherwin-Williams by 2.1% during the second quarter. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A. now owns 6,612 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $1,756,000 after acquiring an additional 133 shares in the last quarter. Comerica Bank bought a new stake in shares of Sherwin-Williams during the 2nd quarter valued at $27,192,000. Imprint Wealth LLC bought a new stake in shares of Sherwin-Williams during the 2nd quarter valued at $12,108,000. Virtue Capital Management LLC increased its stake in Sherwin-Williams by 7.6% in the 2nd quarter. Virtue Capital Management LLC now owns 1,903 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $492,000 after acquiring an additional 135 shares during the last quarter. Finally, RMB Capital Management LLC increased its stake in Sherwin-Williams by 18.9% in the 1st quarter. RMB Capital Management LLC now owns 1,861 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $418,000 after acquiring an additional 296 shares during the last quarter. 75.87% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Sherwin-Williams Company Profile (Get Free Report) The Sherwin-Williams Company engages in the manufacture, distribution, and sale of paints, coating, and related products to professional, industrial, commercial, and retail customers. It operates through three segments: The Americas Group, Consumer Brands Group, and Performance Coatings Group. The Americas Group segment offers architectural paints and coatings, and protective and marine products, as well as OEM product finishes and related products for architectural and industrial paint contractors, and do-it-yourself homeowners. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Sherwin-Williams Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sherwin-Williams and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. State of Alaska Department of Revenue lifted its stake in Arista Networks, Inc. (NYSE:ANET Free Report) by 0.5% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 55,682 shares of the technology companys stock after purchasing an additional 285 shares during the period. State of Alaska Department of Revenues holdings in Arista Networks were worth $10,239,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.adidas pace onde vendem kuche mit geraten gunstig mayo chix kabatok szigetszentmiklos es kornyeke ratselbuch ab 10 amazon adidas pace onde vendem adidas own the run jacket men s adidas para dama gaming adidas originals superstar men adidas pace onde vendem olx maquinas de costura de roupa kruzifix kreuz stoffblumen selber nahen amazon adidas ortopedicas Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Arista Networks by 55.7% in the first quarter. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. now owns 302 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $51,000 after purchasing an additional 108 shares during the period. Shelton Capital Management acquired a new stake in shares of Arista Networks in the first quarter valued at about $246,000. Impax Asset Management Group plc lifted its stake in shares of Arista Networks by 36.7% in the second quarter. Impax Asset Management Group plc now owns 6,680 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $1,083,000 after purchasing an additional 1,795 shares during the period. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. increased its holdings in Arista Networks by 18.2% during the 2nd quarter. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 5,926 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $960,000 after acquiring an additional 912 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Texas Permanent School Fund Corp increased its holdings in Arista Networks by 1.5% during the 2nd quarter. Texas Permanent School Fund Corp now owns 52,380 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $8,489,000 after acquiring an additional 778 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 67.13% of the companys stock. Get Arista Networks alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities analysts have weighed in on the stock. Bank of America raised their target price on shares of Arista Networks from $190.00 to $225.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, September 13th. JMP Securities raised their target price on shares of Arista Networks from $200.00 to $215.00 and gave the company a market outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, October 31st. Citigroup raised their target price on shares of Arista Networks from $220.00 to $300.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, December 14th. Needham & Company LLC raised their target price on shares of Arista Networks from $215.00 to $235.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, November 10th. Finally, Piper Sandler raised their target price on shares of Arista Networks from $190.00 to $209.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Friday, November 10th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and sixteen have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $219.59. Arista Networks Stock Up 1.2 % Shares of ANET stock opened at $238.26 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $74.12 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 39.71, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.05 and a beta of 1.11. Arista Networks, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $107.57 and a fifty-two week high of $240.01. The firms 50 day moving average price is $211.99 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $188.25. Arista Networks (NYSE:ANET Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Monday, October 30th. The technology company reported $1.63 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.41 by $0.22. Arista Networks had a net margin of 33.97% and a return on equity of 31.16%. The business had revenue of $1.51 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.48 billion. On average, equities analysts forecast that Arista Networks, Inc. will post 5.83 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insider Transactions at Arista Networks In other news, CEO Jayshree Ullal sold 23,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, December 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $237.17, for a total transaction of $5,454,910.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 1,705,500 shares of the companys stock, valued at $404,493,435. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In related news, Director Yvonne Wassenaar sold 186 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, December 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $234.23, for a total value of $43,566.78. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 2,864 shares of the companys stock, valued at $670,834.72. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, CEO Jayshree Ullal sold 23,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, December 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $237.17, for a total transaction of $5,454,910.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 1,705,500 shares in the company, valued at $404,493,435. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 232,326 shares of company stock valued at $50,130,713. Corporate insiders own 18.99% of the companys stock. Arista Networks Company Profile (Free Report) Arista Networks, Inc develops, markets, and sells cloud networking solutions in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific. The companys cloud networking solutions consist of extensible operating systems, a set of network applications, as well as gigabit Ethernet switching and routing platforms. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ANET? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Arista Networks, Inc. (NYSE:ANET Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Arista Networks Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Arista Networks and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Artemis Investment Management LLP increased its position in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM Free Report) by 10.5% during the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 4,021 shares of the semiconductor companys stock after buying an additional 382 shares during the period. Artemis Investment Management LLPs holdings in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing were worth $349,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in TSM. Key Bridge Compliance LLC acquired a new position in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing during the third quarter valued at approximately $230,000. Family Legacy Inc. grew its holdings in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 1.1% during the third quarter. Family Legacy Inc. now owns 29,707 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $2,582,000 after purchasing an additional 313 shares during the last quarter. OneAscent Financial Services LLC acquired a new position in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing during the third quarter valued at approximately $333,000. PineStone Asset Management Inc. grew its holdings in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 330.5% during the third quarter. PineStone Asset Management Inc. now owns 4,802,924 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $417,374,000 after purchasing an additional 3,687,249 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Janiczek Wealth Management LLC grew its holdings in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 2.0% during the third quarter. Janiczek Wealth Management LLC now owns 9,903 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $862,000 after purchasing an additional 198 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 16.51% of the companys stock. Get Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Several brokerages have commented on TSM. Susquehanna lowered their price target on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from $135.00 to $130.00 in a report on Monday, October 9th. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday, December 8th. Barclays began coverage on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a research note on Monday, October 23rd. They issued an overweight rating and a $105.00 price objective on the stock. Finally, Needham & Company LLC restated a buy rating and issued a $115.00 price objective on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a research note on Friday, October 20th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, According to MarketBeat, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing currently has an average rating of Buy and an average price target of $116.67. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Trading Up 0.6 % Shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing stock opened at $103.15 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $534.98 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.55, a PEG ratio of 2.81 and a beta of 1.05. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited has a 1 year low of $72.84 and a 1 year high of $110.69. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $95.98 and its 200-day simple moving average is $95.79. The company has a current ratio of 2.15, a quick ratio of 1.88 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE:TSM Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, October 19th. The semiconductor company reported $1.29 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.16 by $0.13. The firm had revenue of $17.28 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $16.90 billion. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing had a return on equity of 28.28% and a net margin of 41.42%. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings quarterly revenue was down 10.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the business earned $1.79 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited will post 4.97 EPS for the current year. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Increases Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, April 11th. Investors of record on Tuesday, March 19th will be given a $0.5415 dividend. This is a boost from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings previous quarterly dividend of $0.47. This represents a $2.17 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.10%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, March 18th. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 30.76%. About Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (Free Report) Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, packages, tests, and sells integrated circuits and other semiconductor devices in Taiwan, China, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Japan, the United States, and internationally. It provides complementary metal oxide silicon wafer fabrication processes to manufacture logic, mixed-signal, radio frequency, and embedded memory semiconductors. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TSM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Artemis Investment Management LLP cut its holdings in shares of Valmont Industries, Inc. (NYSE:VMI Free Report) by 98.4% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 3,481 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 207,985 shares during the period. Artemis Investment Management LLPs holdings in Valmont Industries were worth $836,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the stock. D.B. Root & Company LLC increased its stake in shares of Valmont Industries by 1.4% in the 2nd quarter. D.B. Root & Company LLC now owns 2,950 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $859,000 after acquiring an additional 40 shares during the last quarter. Belpointe Asset Management LLC increased its stake in shares of Valmont Industries by 7.6% in the 1st quarter. Belpointe Asset Management LLC now owns 607 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $194,000 after acquiring an additional 43 shares during the last quarter. Coldstream Capital Management Inc. increased its stake in shares of Valmont Industries by 6.0% in the 2nd quarter. Coldstream Capital Management Inc. now owns 790 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $230,000 after acquiring an additional 45 shares during the last quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. increased its stake in shares of Valmont Industries by 6.7% in the 2nd quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. now owns 825 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $241,000 after acquiring an additional 52 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Fred Alger Management LLC increased its stake in shares of Valmont Industries by 103.2% in the 4th quarter. Fred Alger Management LLC now owns 128 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $42,000 after acquiring an additional 65 shares during the last quarter. 84.15% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Valmont Industries alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of analysts have recently commented on VMI shares. Northcoast Research cut Valmont Industries from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, October 26th. StockNews.com cut Valmont Industries from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 12th. Stifel Nicolaus lowered their target price on Valmont Industries from $334.00 to $298.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, October 10th. Finally, TheStreet cut Valmont Industries from a b rating to a c rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 25th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and one has issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Valmont Industries currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $294.00. Valmont Industries Price Performance NYSE VMI opened at $232.41 on Friday. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $215.43 and a 200 day simple moving average of $245.24. Valmont Industries, Inc. has a 52-week low of $188.63 and a 52-week high of $341.81. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.63, a quick ratio of 1.54 and a current ratio of 2.49. The stock has a market cap of $4.86 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 32.19, a PEG ratio of 1.28 and a beta of 1.11. Valmont Industries (NYSE:VMI Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 25th. The industrial products company reported $4.12 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.70 by $0.42. Valmont Industries had a return on equity of 20.32% and a net margin of 3.62%. The firm had revenue of $1.05 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.12 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $3.49 EPS. The businesss revenue was down 4.3% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts anticipate that Valmont Industries, Inc. will post 14.82 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Valmont Industries Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, January 16th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 29th will be issued a $0.60 dividend. This represents a $2.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.03%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 28th. Valmont Industriess payout ratio is presently 33.24%. About Valmont Industries (Free Report) Valmont Industries, Inc produces and sells metal products in the United States, Australia, Brazil, Denmark, and internationally. The company operates through two segments: Infrastructure and Agriculture. It manufactures and distributes steel, pre-stressed concrete, composite, and hybrid structures for lighting, transportation, and telecommunications equipment, as well as electrical transmission, distribution, substations, and renewable energy generation equipment; and provides coatings services to preserve metal products. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding VMI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Valmont Industries, Inc. (NYSE:VMI Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Valmont Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Valmont Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. State of Alaska Department of Revenue lowered its stake in AutoZone, Inc. (NYSE:AZO Free Report) by 2.1% in the third quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 5,152 shares of the companys stock after selling 110 shares during the quarter. State of Alaska Department of Revenues holdings in AutoZone were worth $13,084,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other large investors have also modified their holdings of the stock. RB Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of AutoZone during the first quarter valued at about $274,000. Fairfield Bush & CO. acquired a new stake in shares of AutoZone during the first quarter worth approximately $57,000. Roundview Capital LLC grew its position in shares of AutoZone by 8.1% during the first quarter. Roundview Capital LLC now owns 426 shares of the companys stock worth $871,000 after buying an additional 32 shares in the last quarter. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC grew its position in shares of AutoZone by 31.7% during the first quarter. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC now owns 237 shares of the companys stock worth $485,000 after buying an additional 57 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Sei Investments Co. grew its position in shares of AutoZone by 24.4% during the first quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 12,966 shares of the companys stock worth $26,331,000 after buying an additional 2,545 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 90.34% of the companys stock. Get AutoZone alerts: AutoZone Stock Down 0.2 % AZO stock opened at $2,608.69 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $45.10 billion, a P/E ratio of 18.94, a PEG ratio of 1.40 and a beta of 0.63. AutoZone, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $2,277.88 and a fifty-two week high of $2,750.00. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $2,607.59 and a 200 day simple moving average of $2,535.20. Insider Buying and Selling at AutoZone AutoZone ( NYSE:AZO Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, December 5th. The company reported $32.55 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $31.57 by $0.98. AutoZone had a negative return on equity of 57.23% and a net margin of 14.62%. The firm had revenue of $4.19 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.19 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $27.45 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 5.1% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts anticipate that AutoZone, Inc. will post 150.45 EPS for the current year. In other AutoZone news, VP Albert Saltiel sold 2,245 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, October 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $2,595.04, for a total value of $5,825,864.80. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now directly owns 537 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,393,536.48. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. In other news, VP Albert Saltiel sold 2,245 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, October 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $2,595.04, for a total transaction of $5,825,864.80. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now owns 537 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,393,536.48. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, VP Domingo Hurtado sold 2,950 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, October 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $2,640.84, for a total value of $7,790,478.00. Following the sale, the vice president now owns 156 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $411,971.04. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders sold 14,949 shares of company stock valued at $38,497,878. 2.50% of the stock is owned by insiders. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities analysts recently commented on AZO shares. Truist Financial lifted their price target on AutoZone from $2,933.00 to $3,027.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 6th. StockNews.com raised shares of AutoZone from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Friday, December 15th. William Blair reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of AutoZone in a report on Wednesday, December 13th. Oppenheimer downgraded shares of AutoZone from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and decreased their price objective for the stock from $2,850.00 to $2,600.00 in a report on Friday, October 6th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price objective on shares of AutoZone from $2,950.00 to $2,975.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, September 20th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, fifteen have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $2,851.50. View Our Latest Stock Report on AutoZone AutoZone Profile (Free Report) AutoZone, Inc retails and distributes automotive replacement parts and accessories in the United States, Mexico, and Brazil. The company provides various products for cars, sport utility vehicles, vans, and light trucks, including new and remanufactured automotive hard parts, maintenance items, accessories, and non-automotive products. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AZO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for AutoZone, Inc. (NYSE:AZO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for AutoZone Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AutoZone and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Enterprise Bank & Trust Co trimmed its position in shares of Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK Free Report) by 2.4% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 3,872 shares of the companys stock after selling 96 shares during the quarter. Enterprise Bank & Trust Cos holdings in Merck & Co., Inc. were worth $399,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich lifted its holdings in Merck & Co., Inc. by 102,675.5% during the second quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 1,860,147,936 shares of the companys stock worth $214,642,470,000 after acquiring an additional 1,858,338,022 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp lifted its holdings in shares of Merck & Co., Inc. by 1.9% during the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 118,562,086 shares of the companys stock valued at $13,766,428,000 after purchasing an additional 2,174,829 shares in the last quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP grew its position in shares of Merck & Co., Inc. by 10.6% in the 1st quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 68,563,817 shares of the companys stock valued at $7,294,504,000 after purchasing an additional 6,546,946 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC 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 worth $6,068,750,000 after purchasing an additional 1,504,701 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Morgan Stanley raised its holdings in Merck & Co., Inc. by 10.6% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 41,850,081 shares of the companys stock worth $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. Get Merck & Co. Inc. alerts: Merck & Co., Inc. Trading Up 1.2 % Shares of NYSE:MRK opened at $107.70 on Friday. Merck & Co., Inc. has a 52-week low of $96.36 and a 52-week high of $119.65. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.82, a quick ratio of 1.12 and a current ratio of 1.38. The company has a market capitalization of $272.91 billion, a P/E ratio of 59.83, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 8.91 and a beta of 0.34. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $103.50 and a 200 day simple moving average of $106.48. Merck & Co., Inc. Increases Dividend Merck & Co., Inc. ( NYSE:MRK Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 26th. The company reported $2.13 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.94 by $0.19. The company had revenue of $16 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $15.30 billion. Merck & Co., Inc. had a return on equity of 18.26% and a net margin of 7.77%. The businesss revenue was up 7.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm posted $1.85 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts forecast that Merck & Co., Inc. will post 1.37 earnings per share for the current year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, January 8th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 15th will be given a dividend of $0.77 per share. This represents a $3.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.86%. This is a boost from Merck & Co., Inc.s previous quarterly dividend of $0.73. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 14th. Merck & Co., Inc.s payout ratio is 171.11%. Analyst Ratings Changes MRK has been the subject of several research analyst reports. Cantor Fitzgerald reiterated an overweight rating on shares of Merck & Co., Inc. in a report on Monday, December 18th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft assumed coverage on Merck & Co., Inc. in a research note on Thursday, November 9th. They issued a buy rating and a $115.00 price target on the stock. Morgan Stanley upped their price objective on Merck & Co., Inc. from $115.00 to $118.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Friday, October 27th. StockNews.com began coverage on Merck & Co., Inc. in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a buy rating on the stock. Finally, UBS Group raised Merck & Co., Inc. from a neutral rating to a buy rating and upped their price target for the stock from $117.00 to $122.00 in a research report on Friday, October 20th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seventeen have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Merck & Co., Inc. currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $125.14. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Merck & Co., Inc. Insider Buying and Selling at Merck & Co., Inc. In other news, insider Johannes Jacobus Oosthuizen sold 2,081 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $102.38, for a total transaction of $213,052.78. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 18,191 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,862,394.58. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. In other Merck & Co., Inc. news, EVP Richard R. Deluca sold 43,823 shares of the 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 owns 111,764 shares in the company, valued at approximately $11,738,572.92. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, insider Johannes Jacobus Oosthuizen sold 2,081 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $102.38, for a total transaction of $213,052.78. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 18,191 shares in the company, valued at $1,862,394.58. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Corporate insiders own 0.20% of the companys stock. Merck & Co., Inc. Profile (Free Report) Merck & Co, Inc operates as a healthcare company worldwide. It operates through two segments, Pharmaceutical and Animal Health. The Pharmaceutical segment offers human health pharmaceutical products in the areas of oncology, hospital acute care, immunology, neuroscience, virology, cardiovascular, and diabetes, as well as vaccine products, such as preventive pediatric, adolescent, and adult vaccines. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MRK? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Merck & Co. Inc. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Merck & Co. Inc. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Extra Space Storage (NYSE:EXR Free Report) had its price objective upped by The Goldman Sachs Group from $149.00 to $168.00 in a research note published on Thursday morning, Benzinga reports. The Goldman Sachs Group currently has a buy rating on the real estate investment trusts stock. A number of other research analysts also recently weighed in on the stock. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Extra Space Storage from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Tuesday, December 12th. TheStreet lowered shares of Extra Space Storage from a b- rating to a c rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 7th. Stifel Nicolaus dropped their target price on shares of Extra Space Storage from $185.00 to $165.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, November 8th. Truist Financial dropped their price target on shares of Extra Space Storage from $155.00 to $138.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, August 29th. Finally, Citigroup decreased their price objective on shares of Extra Space Storage from $160.00 to $135.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, September 13th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have issued a hold rating, four have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Extra Space Storage currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $149.20. Get Extra Space Storage alerts: Read Our Latest Report on Extra Space Storage Extra Space Storage Trading Up 0.3 % Extra Space Storage Increases Dividend Extra Space Storage stock opened at $156.54 on Thursday. Extra Space Storage has a 52 week low of $101.19 and a 52 week high of $170.30. 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 market capitalization of $33.07 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 28.78, a P/E/G ratio of 15.76 and a beta of 0.71. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $126.10 and a 200 day moving average price of $131.85. The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 29th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 15th will be given a dividend of $1.62 per share. This is a positive change from Extra Space Storages previous quarterly dividend of $0.61. This represents a $6.48 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.14%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 14th. Extra Space Storages dividend payout ratio is 119.12%. Insider Activity In related news, CEO Joseph D. Margolis acquired 4,200 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 13th. The shares were bought at an average cost of $118.21 per share, with a total value of $496,482.00. Following the completion of the transaction, 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 legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. In other Extra Space Storage news, Director Joseph Saffire sold 10,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, December 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $139.32, for a total transaction of $1,393,200.00. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 82,344 shares in the company, valued at $11,472,166.08. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, CEO Joseph D. Margolis purchased 4,200 shares of Extra Space Storage stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 13th. The stock was bought at an average price of $118.21 per share, for a total transaction of $496,482.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the chief executive officer now owns 31,301 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,700,091.21. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Insiders own 1.55% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in EXR. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its holdings in Extra Space Storage by 55.7% during the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 33,686,341 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $4,095,585,000 after purchasing an additional 12,055,172 shares during the last quarter. Capital World Investors raised its holdings in Extra Space Storage by 29.7% during the 2nd quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 17,876,089 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $2,660,805,000 after purchasing an additional 4,096,408 shares during the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised its holdings in Extra Space Storage by 599.8% during the 3rd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 3,345,787 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $406,781,000 after purchasing an additional 2,867,657 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank bought a new position in Extra Space Storage during the 4th quarter worth approximately $380,823,000. Finally, Capital International Investors raised its holdings in Extra Space Storage by 98.7% during the 2nd quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 4,216,200 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $627,581,000 after purchasing an additional 2,094,409 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 66.40% of the companys stock. Extra Space Storage Company Profile (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. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Extra Space Storage Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Extra Space Storage and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hartford Investment Management Co. lowered its position in Sysco Co. (NYSE:SYY Free Report) by 3.1% in the third quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 34,393 shares of the companys stock after selling 1,117 shares during the period. Hartford Investment Management Co.s holdings in Sysco were worth $2,272,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Brinker Capital Investments LLC raised its stake in shares of Sysco by 3.2% during the 1st quarter. Brinker Capital Investments LLC now owns 3,851 shares of the companys stock worth $314,000 after buying an additional 121 shares during the last quarter. Geller Advisors LLC raised its stake in Sysco by 4.2% in the 1st quarter. Geller Advisors LLC now owns 3,362 shares of the companys stock valued at $276,000 after purchasing an additional 136 shares during the last quarter. Independence Bank of Kentucky raised its stake in Sysco by 9.7% in the 2nd quarter. Independence Bank of Kentucky now owns 1,585 shares of the companys stock valued at $118,000 after purchasing an additional 140 shares during the last quarter. CENTRAL TRUST Co raised its stake in Sysco by 2.9% in the 2nd quarter. CENTRAL TRUST Co now owns 5,071 shares of the companys stock valued at $376,000 after purchasing an additional 144 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Brasada Capital Management LP grew its holdings in Sysco by 0.7% in the 2nd quarter. Brasada Capital Management LP now owns 22,837 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,695,000 after buying an additional 148 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 80.60% of the companys stock. Get Sysco alerts: Insider Activity at Sysco In related news, Director Sheila Talton sold 2,200 shares of the companys 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 sale, the director now directly owns 12,782 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $917,236.32. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 0.58% of the companys stock. Sysco Stock Performance Shares of SYY opened at $73.53 on Friday. The businesss 50 day moving average is $69.78 and its two-hundred day moving average is $70.73. Sysco Co. has a 52-week low of $62.24 and a 52-week high of $82.38. The firm has a market cap of $37.09 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.71, a PEG ratio of 1.48 and a beta of 1.13. The company has a quick ratio of 0.74, a current ratio of 1.29 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 5.04. Sysco (NYSE:SYY Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 31st. The company reported $1.07 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.02 by $0.05. The business had revenue of $19.62 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $19.73 billion. Sysco had a return on equity of 117.17% and a net margin of 2.35%. The businesss revenue was up 2.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $0.97 EPS. Analysts forecast that Sysco Co. will post 4.33 EPS for the current fiscal year. Sysco Announces Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 26th. Investors of record on Friday, January 5th will be given a dividend of $0.50 per share. This represents a $2.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.72%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, January 4th. Syscos dividend payout ratio is currently 56.34%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several analysts have commented on the company. Morgan Stanley lifted their price target on Sysco from $75.00 to $76.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Wednesday, November 1st. StockNews.com assumed coverage on Sysco in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a strong-buy rating for the company. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft began coverage on Sysco in a report on Thursday, October 19th. They issued a buy rating and a $75.00 price target for the company. Barclays decreased their target price on Sysco from $86.00 to $77.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Monday, October 23rd. Finally, Stephens decreased their target price on Sysco from $90.00 to $80.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, November 1st. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, nine have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $83.30. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on SYY Sysco Profile (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. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SYY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Sysco Co. (NYSE:SYY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Sysco Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sysco and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hartford Investment Management Co. reduced its stake in shares of Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE:ROK Free Report) by 2.8% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 7,848 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 228 shares during the period. Hartford Investment Management Co.s holdings in Rockwell Automation were worth $2,244,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other large investors have also bought and sold shares of ROK. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich raised its position in Rockwell Automation by 97,760.1% during the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 304,804,867 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $100,417,963,000 after purchasing an additional 304,493,397 shares during the last quarter. Imprint Wealth LLC raised its position in shares of Rockwell Automation by 32,845.0% in the 2nd quarter. Imprint Wealth LLC now owns 1,254,546 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $125,455,000 after acquiring an additional 1,250,738 shares in the last quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of Rockwell Automation by 87,404.1% in the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 1,236,433 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $318,468,000 after acquiring an additional 1,235,020 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank bought a new position in shares of Rockwell Automation in the 4th quarter worth about $215,125,000. Finally, Capital World Investors raised its position in shares of Rockwell Automation by 15.1% in the 2nd quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 5,869,190 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $1,933,605,000 after acquiring an additional 768,909 shares in the last quarter. 80.84% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Rockwell Automation alerts: Insider Buying and Selling at Rockwell Automation In other Rockwell Automation news, SVP Robert L. Buttermore sold 223 shares of Rockwell Automation stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $279.71, for a total transaction of $62,375.33. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 1,945 shares in the company, valued at approximately $544,035.95. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In other news, SVP Robert L. Buttermore sold 223 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $279.71, for a total value of $62,375.33. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 1,945 shares in the company, valued at approximately $544,035.95. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, VP Terry L. Riesterer sold 176 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $279.72, for a total value of $49,230.72. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now owns 2,209 shares in the company, valued at approximately $617,901.48. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last quarter, insiders sold 10,899 shares of company stock worth $3,036,683. Insiders own 0.64% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In ROK has been the subject of several research analyst reports. StockNews.com initiated coverage on Rockwell Automation in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Wells Fargo & Company raised Rockwell Automation from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and lifted their price objective for the stock from $280.00 to $357.00 in a research report on Tuesday, December 19th. KeyCorp initiated coverage on Rockwell Automation in a research report on Monday, October 2nd. They issued a sector weight rating for the company. Mizuho lowered their price objective on Rockwell Automation from $270.00 to $265.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Friday, November 3rd. Finally, Stephens reissued an equal weight rating and issued a $350.00 price objective on shares of Rockwell Automation in a research report on Friday, November 3rd. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $303.60. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Rockwell Automation Rockwell Automation Price Performance ROK stock opened at $307.78 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $35.29 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.73, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.33 and a beta of 1.42. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.76, a quick ratio of 1.04 and a current ratio of 1.46. Rockwell Automation, Inc. has a 52-week low of $252.19 and a 52-week high of $348.52. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $275.64 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $297.09. Rockwell Automation (NYSE:ROK Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 2nd. The industrial products company reported $3.64 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.49 by $0.15. The business had revenue of $2.56 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.44 billion. Rockwell Automation had a return on equity of 40.19% and a net margin of 15.32%. Research analysts expect that Rockwell Automation, Inc. will post 12.82 EPS for the current fiscal year. Rockwell Automation Increases Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 11th. Shareholders of record on Monday, November 13th were paid a dividend of $1.25 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 10th. This represents a $5.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.62%. This is an increase from Rockwell Automations previous quarterly dividend of $1.18. Rockwell Automations payout ratio is 41.81%. Rockwell Automation Company Profile (Free Report) Rockwell Automation, Inc provides industrial automation and digital transformation solutions in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, and Latin America. The company operates through three segments, Intelligent Devices, Software & Control, and Lifecycle Services. Its solutions include hardware and software products and services. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ROK? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE:ROK Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Rockwell Automation Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Rockwell Automation and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hartford Investment Management Co. cut its stake in Global Payments Inc. (NYSE:GPN Free Report) by 3.5% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 17,723 shares of the business services providers stock after selling 636 shares during the quarter. Hartford Investment Management Co.s holdings in Global Payments were worth $2,045,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. Oak Thistle LLC bought a new stake in shares of Global Payments in the 2nd quarter valued at about $1,528,000. Arizona State Retirement System increased its position in shares of Global Payments by 2.1% in the 2nd quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 75,402 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $7,429,000 after buying an additional 1,570 shares in the last quarter. AE Wealth Management LLC increased its position in shares of Global Payments by 114.5% in the 2nd quarter. AE Wealth Management LLC now owns 48,962 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $4,824,000 after buying an additional 26,131 shares in the last quarter. Salem Investment Counselors Inc. increased its position in shares of Global Payments by 12.2% in the 2nd quarter. Salem Investment Counselors Inc. now owns 4,973 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $490,000 after buying an additional 541 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Truist Financial Corp increased its position in shares of Global Payments by 37.3% in the 2nd quarter. Truist Financial Corp now owns 954,370 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $94,025,000 after buying an additional 259,216 shares in the last quarter. 85.23% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Global Payments alerts: Insider Activity at Global Payments In other Global Payments news, insider David Lawrence Green sold 17,920 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $112.53, for a total value of $2,016,537.60. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 77,411 shares in the company, valued at $8,711,059.83. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. 1.30% of the stock is owned by insiders. Analyst Ratings Changes GPN has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. Susquehanna lowered their price objective 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. Monness Crespi & Hardt initiated coverage on Global Payments in a research note on Monday, October 2nd. They set a buy rating and a $175.00 target price for the company. Raymond James lowered their target price on Global Payments from $155.00 to $147.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, November 1st. TD Cowen assumed coverage on Global Payments in a research note on Friday, October 6th. They set an outperform rating and a $150.00 target price for the company. Finally, Credit Suisse Group reiterated a neutral rating and set a $135.00 target price on shares of Global Payments in a report on Friday, September 8th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have assigned a hold rating and twenty have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $143.56. Read Our Latest Research Report on GPN Global Payments Stock Performance Shares of GPN stock opened at $126.89 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.73, a quick ratio of 1.09 and a current ratio of 1.09. The company has a market capitalization of $33.04 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 37.99, a PEG ratio of 0.86 and a beta of 0.98. Global Payments Inc. has a 52 week low of $94.05 and a 52 week high of $138.07. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $115.16 and a 200 day simple moving average of $114.71. Global Payments (NYSE:GPN Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, October 31st. The business services provider reported $2.75 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.55 by $0.20. The firm had revenue of $2.48 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.23 billion. Global Payments had a return on equity of 11.28% and a net margin of 9.23%. The companys revenue was up 8.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $2.37 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Global Payments Inc. will post 9.79 earnings per share for the current year. Global Payments Announces Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 29th. Investors of record on Friday, December 15th will be given a dividend of $0.25 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 14th. This represents a $1.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.79%. Global Paymentss dividend payout ratio is currently 29.94%. 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. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GPN? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Global Payments Inc. (NYSE:GPN Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Global Payments Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Global Payments and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hartford Investment Management Co. lessened its holdings in Consolidated Edison, Inc. (NYSE:ED Free Report) by 3.3% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 25,180 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 862 shares during the quarter. Hartford Investment Management Co.s holdings in Consolidated Edison were worth $2,154,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of ED. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. increased its stake in Consolidated Edison by 1,869.2% in the first quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 4,786,202 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $29,777,000 after acquiring an additional 4,543,146 shares during the period. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Consolidated Edison by 89,231.2% in the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 4,145,861 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $395,142,000 after purchasing an additional 4,141,220 shares during the period. Norges Bank bought a new stake in shares of Consolidated Edison in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $318,245,000. Morgan Stanley grew its stake in shares of Consolidated Edison by 33.3% in the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 4,128,579 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $393,495,000 after purchasing an additional 1,030,730 shares during the period. Finally, Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich grew its stake in shares of Consolidated Edison by 220,869.3% in the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 596,617 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $53,934,000 after purchasing an additional 596,347 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 64.53% of the companys stock. Get Consolidated Edison alerts: Consolidated Edison Stock Up 0.5 % Shares of ED opened at $89.68 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $30.96 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.29, a PEG ratio of 9.02 and a beta of 0.38. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.98, a quick ratio of 0.91 and a current ratio of 0.98. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $89.95 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $90.45. Consolidated Edison, Inc. has a 52 week low of $80.46 and a 52 week high of $100.92. Consolidated Edison Dividend Announcement Consolidated Edison ( NYSE:ED Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 2nd. The utilities provider reported $1.62 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.58 by $0.04. The firm had revenue of $3.87 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.82 billion. Consolidated Edison had a return on equity of 8.16% and a net margin of 15.57%. On average, analysts predict that Consolidated Edison, Inc. will post 5.01 earnings per share for the current year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 15th. Investors of record on Wednesday, November 15th were paid a dividend of $0.81 per share. This represents a $3.24 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.61%. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, November 14th. Consolidated Edisons payout ratio is 48.00%. Analyst Ratings Changes ED has been the topic of several analyst reports. Argus lowered their target price on shares of Consolidated Edison from $104.00 to $93.00 in a report on Wednesday, October 4th. Royal Bank of Canada lowered their target price on shares of Consolidated Edison from $97.00 to $92.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, September 6th. Mizuho lowered their target price on shares of Consolidated Edison from $95.00 to $88.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, September 5th. Barclays decreased their price target on Consolidated Edison from $88.00 to $85.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, October 24th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price target on Consolidated Edison from $84.00 to $87.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 29th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have assigned a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $88.08. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Consolidated Edison Consolidated Edison Company Profile (Free Report) Consolidated Edison, Inc, through its subsidiaries, engages in the regulated electric, gas, and steam delivery businesses in the United States. It offers electric services to approximately 3.6 million customers in New York City and Westchester County; gas to approximately 1.1 million customers in Manhattan, the Bronx, parts of Queens, and Westchester County; and steam to approximately 1,530 customers in parts of Manhattan. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ED? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Consolidated Edison, Inc. (NYSE:ED Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Consolidated Edison Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Consolidated Edison and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Leavell Investment Management Inc. raised its position in Palantir Technologies Inc. (NYSE:PLTR Free Report) by 216.1% during the third quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 33,644 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 23,000 shares during the period. Leavell Investment Management Inc.s holdings in Palantir Technologies were worth $538,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Resurgent Financial Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Palantir Technologies during the 4th quarter worth $28,000. Howard Capital Management Group LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Palantir Technologies during the 2nd quarter worth $38,000. Delta Asset Management LLC TN grew its holdings in shares of Palantir Technologies by 6,625.0% during the 2nd quarter. Delta Asset Management LLC TN now owns 2,690 shares of the companys stock worth $41,000 after purchasing an additional 2,650 shares in the last quarter. RFP Financial Group LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Palantir Technologies during the 2nd quarter worth $42,000. Finally, PCA Investment Advisory Services Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Palantir Technologies during the 2nd quarter worth $42,000. 34.21% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Palantir Technologies alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In PLTR has been the topic of several research analyst reports. Morgan Stanley lowered Palantir Technologies from an equal weight rating to an underweight rating and raised their price objective for the company from $8.00 to $9.00 in a research note on Thursday, August 31st. Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed an underperform rating and issued a $5.00 price objective on shares of Palantir Technologies in a research note on Tuesday, November 21st. HSBC initiated coverage on Palantir Technologies in a research note on Friday, September 15th. They issued a hold rating and a $16.00 price objective on the stock. Wedbush reaffirmed an outperform rating and issued a $25.00 price objective on shares of Palantir Technologies in a research note on Monday, September 18th. Finally, TheStreet raised Palantir Technologies from a d rating to a c- rating in a research note on Friday, September 29th. Six analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have issued a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Palantir Technologies currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $13.25. Palantir Technologies Price Performance Shares of PLTR opened at $17.41 on Friday. Palantir Technologies Inc. has a 1 year low of $5.84 and a 1 year high of $21.85. The company has a market capitalization of $37.88 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 290.22, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.03 and a beta of 2.77. The business has a 50-day moving average of $18.09 and a 200-day moving average of $16.65. Palantir Technologies (NYSE:PLTR Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 2nd. The company reported $0.03 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.02 by $0.01. Palantir Technologies had a return on equity of 2.72% and a net margin of 6.93%. The company had revenue of $558.16 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $554.61 million. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Palantir Technologies Inc. will post 0.1 EPS for the current year. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, insider Heather A. Planishek sold 27,608 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, December 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $17.43, for a total transaction of $481,207.44. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 712,006 shares of the companys stock, valued at $12,410,264.58. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In other Palantir Technologies news, insider Heather A. Planishek sold 27,608 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, December 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $17.43, for a total value of $481,207.44. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 712,006 shares of the companys stock, valued at $12,410,264.58. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, Director Alexander D. Moore sold 21,900 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $14.70, for a total value of $321,930.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 1,721,219 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $25,301,919.30. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 989,677 shares of company stock valued at $19,328,329 over the last 90 days. Company insiders own 13.96% of the companys stock. About Palantir Technologies (Free Report) Palantir Technologies Inc builds and deploys software platforms for the intelligence community in the United States to assist in counterterrorism investigations and operations. The company provides Palantir Gotham, a software platform which enables users to identify patterns hidden deep within datasets, ranging from signals intelligence sources to reports from confidential informants, as well as facilitates the handoff between analysts and operational users, helping operators plan and execute real-world responses to threats that have been identified within the platform. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PLTR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Palantir Technologies Inc. (NYSE:PLTR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Palantir Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Palantir Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. State of Alaska Department of Revenue cut its stake in Phillips 66 (NYSE:PSX Free Report) by 4.0% in the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The fund owned 87,428 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after selling 3,670 shares during the quarter. State of Alaska Department of Revenues holdings in Phillips 66 were worth $10,504,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. First Capital Advisors Group LLC. acquired a new position in shares of Phillips 66 during the 2nd quarter worth $25,000. Country Trust Bank raised its holdings in shares of Phillips 66 by 1,315.8% during the 2nd quarter. Country Trust Bank now owns 269 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $26,000 after buying an additional 250 shares in the last quarter. Fiduciary Alliance LLC acquired a new position in shares of Phillips 66 during the 2nd quarter worth $30,000. WFA of San Diego LLC acquired a new position in shares of Phillips 66 during the 2nd quarter worth $30,000. Finally, Oliver Lagore Vanvalin Investment Group raised its holdings in shares of Phillips 66 by 504.0% during the 1st quarter. Oliver Lagore Vanvalin Investment Group now owns 302 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $31,000 after buying an additional 252 shares in the last quarter. 71.83% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Phillips 66 alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of research firms have recently commented on PSX. The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their price target on Phillips 66 from $125.00 to $141.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, September 1st. Tudor, Pickering, Holt & Co. upgraded Phillips 66 from a hold rating to a buy rating and upped their price target for the company from $115.00 to $130.00 in a research report on Monday, October 30th. Wolfe Research upgraded Phillips 66 from a peer perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $146.00 price target on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, October 31st. Wells Fargo & Company upped 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, Mizuho reduced their price target on Phillips 66 from $131.00 to $116.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, October 6th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Phillips 66 has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $135.29. Insider Buying and Selling In other news, VP Joseph Scott Pruitt sold 1,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $133.23, for a total value of $133,230.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now directly owns 6,593 shares of the companys stock, valued at $878,385.39. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other news, VP Joseph Scott Pruitt sold 1,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $133.23, for a total value of $133,230.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now directly owns 6,593 shares of the companys stock, valued at $878,385.39. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, CFO Kevin J. Mitchell sold 31,700 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred 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 completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 103,351 shares of the companys stock, valued at $13,457,333.71. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 4.57% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Phillips 66 Stock Down 0.2 % PSX stock opened at $134.06 on Friday. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $119.81 and its 200 day simple moving average is $112.55. Phillips 66 has a fifty-two week low of $89.74 and a fifty-two week high of $136.69. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.58, a quick ratio of 0.96 and a current ratio of 1.29. The company has a market cap of $58.98 billion, a P/E ratio of 8.09, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.46 and a beta of 1.35. Phillips 66 (NYSE:PSX Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly 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 last year, the company earned $6.46 EPS. On average, research analysts expect that Phillips 66 will post 15.39 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Phillips 66 Announces Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 1st. Investors of record on Friday, November 17th were paid a dividend of $1.05 per share. This represents a $4.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.13%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, November 16th. Phillips 66s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 25.33%. About Phillips 66 (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. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PSX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Phillips 66 (NYSE:PSX Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Phillips 66 Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Phillips 66 and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. State of Alaska Department of Revenue cut its holdings in shares of Waste Management, Inc. (NYSE:WM Free Report) by 2.5% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 77,326 shares of the business services providers stock after selling 2,005 shares during the period. State of Alaska Department of Revenues holdings in Waste Management were worth $11,787,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in WM. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich raised its holdings in Waste Management by 97,158.0% during the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 454,561,314 shares of the business services providers stock worth $78,830,023,000 after purchasing an additional 454,093,937 shares during the last quarter. Providence Capital Advisors LLC bought a new position in Waste Management during the 1st quarter worth approximately $29,700,000. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC raised its holdings in Waste Management by 110,208.2% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 4,778,550 shares of the business services providers stock worth $749,659,000 after purchasing an additional 4,774,218 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank bought a new position in Waste Management during the 4th quarter worth approximately $658,370,000. Finally, Goldman Sachs Group Inc. raised its holdings in Waste Management by 153.4% during the 2nd quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 3,694,489 shares of the business services providers stock worth $640,698,000 after purchasing an additional 2,236,280 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 78.34% of the companys stock. Get Waste Management alerts: Waste Management Price Performance WM opened at $176.95 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.17, a current ratio of 0.84 and a quick ratio of 0.80. The company has a market capitalization of $71.27 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 31.32, a P/E/G ratio of 2.94 and a beta of 0.70. The firms fifty day moving average price is $169.41 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $164.50. Waste Management, Inc. has a 1 year low of $148.31 and a 1 year high of $179.50. Waste Management Dividend Announcement Waste Management ( NYSE:WM Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 24th. The business services provider reported $1.63 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.61 by $0.02. The firm had revenue of $5.20 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.27 billion. Waste Management had a net margin of 11.47% and a return on equity of 34.14%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 2.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $1.56 EPS. As a group, analysts anticipate that Waste Management, Inc. will post 5.97 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 15th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 1st were issued a dividend of $0.70 per share. This represents a $2.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.58%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, November 30th. Waste Managements dividend payout ratio is 49.56%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades WM has been the subject of several research analyst reports. Wells Fargo & Company initiated coverage on shares of Waste Management in a research note on Monday, November 27th. They issued an equal weight rating and a $175.00 price objective for the company. Royal Bank of Canada lifted their price objective on shares of Waste Management from $160.00 to $163.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research note on Thursday, October 26th. Stifel Nicolaus lifted their price objective on shares of Waste Management from $183.00 to $190.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 19th. Raymond James lowered their price objective on shares of Waste Management from $179.00 to $175.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, October 26th. Finally, Oppenheimer lifted their price objective on shares of Waste Management from $181.00 to $182.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, October 16th. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $179.93. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Waste Management Insiders Place Their Bets In other Waste Management news, VP Michael J. Watson sold 14,288 shares of Waste Management stock in a transaction on Monday, November 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $170.44, for a total transaction of $2,435,246.72. Following the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 41,428 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $7,060,988.32. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. In related news, CEO James C. Fish, Jr. sold 9,550 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, December 13th. The shares were 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 directly owns 162,388 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $28,742,676. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, VP Michael J. Watson sold 14,288 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $170.44, for a total transaction of $2,435,246.72. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 41,428 shares in the company, valued at $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 in the last three months. 0.27% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. About Waste Management (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. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding WM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Waste Management, Inc. (NYSE:WM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Waste Management Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Waste Management and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. State of Alaska Department of Revenue lowered its holdings in Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW Free Report) by 3.2% in the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The institutional investor owned 45,452 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 1,490 shares during the period. State of Alaska Department of Revenues holdings in Illinois Tool Works were worth $10,467,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the company. BI Asset Management Fondsmaeglerselskab A S raised its position in shares of Illinois Tool Works by 293.5% in the 2nd quarter. BI Asset Management Fondsmaeglerselskab A S now owns 29,135 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $7,288,000 after acquiring an additional 21,730 shares in the last quarter. Core Alternative Capital raised its position in shares of Illinois Tool Works by 9.3% in the 2nd quarter. Core Alternative Capital now owns 11,364 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $2,843,000 after acquiring an additional 967 shares in the last quarter. Foundations Investment Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of Illinois Tool Works by 28.5% in the 2nd quarter. Foundations Investment Advisors LLC now owns 1,340 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $335,000 after acquiring an additional 297 shares in the last quarter. National Bank of Canada FI raised its position in shares of Illinois Tool Works by 44.6% in the 2nd quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 73,596 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $18,440,000 after acquiring an additional 22,701 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Western Wealth Management LLC raised its position in shares of Illinois Tool Works by 0.9% in the 2nd quarter. Western Wealth Management LLC now owns 6,313 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $1,579,000 after acquiring an additional 56 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 79.56% of the companys stock. Get Illinois Tool Works alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several brokerages have recently issued reports on ITW. Stifel Nicolaus increased their target price on Illinois Tool Works from $236.00 to $238.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 19th. Barclays reduced their price objective on Illinois Tool Works from $213.00 to $198.00 in a research report on Thursday, September 7th. StockNews.com started coverage on Illinois Tool Works in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating for the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their price objective on Illinois Tool Works from $265.00 to $255.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Monday, October 16th. Finally, Citigroup raised their price objective on Illinois Tool Works from $244.00 to $256.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, December 11th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $240.82. Illinois Tool Works Stock Up 0.5 % Illinois Tool Works stock opened at $261.91 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $78.81 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.40, a PEG ratio of 5.04 and a beta of 1.13. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $239.10 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $241.64. Illinois Tool Works Inc. has a 12 month low of $217.06 and a 12 month high of $264.19. The company has a current ratio of 1.58, a quick ratio of 1.13 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.27. Illinois Tool Works (NYSE:ITW Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 24th. The industrial products company reported $2.55 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.46 by $0.09. The firm had revenue of $4.03 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.10 billion. Illinois Tool Works had a return on equity of 95.68% and a net margin of 19.55%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up .5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the business posted $2.35 EPS. Equities analysts predict that Illinois Tool Works Inc. will post 9.68 EPS for the current fiscal year. Illinois Tool Works Announces Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 11th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 29th will be paid a $1.40 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 28th. This represents a $5.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.14%. Illinois Tool Workss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 54.32%. Illinois Tool Works Profile (Free Report) Illinois Tool Works Inc manufactures and sells industrial products and equipment worldwide. It operates through seven segments: Automotive OEM; Food Equipment; Test & Measurement and Electronics; Welding; Polymers & Fluids; Construction Products; and Specialty Products. The Automotive OEM segment offers plastic and metal components, fasteners, and assemblies for automobiles, light trucks, and other industrial uses. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ITW? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Illinois Tool Works Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Illinois Tool Works and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. State of Alaska Department of Revenue lowered its holdings in shares of BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:BLK Free Report) by 8.7% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 19,536 shares of the asset managers stock after selling 1,850 shares during the period. State of Alaska Department of Revenues holdings in BlackRock were worth $12,629,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other large investors have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich increased its holdings in BlackRock by 98,608.8% in the second quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 96,772,169 shares of the asset managers stock worth $66,883,117,000 after purchasing an additional 96,674,131 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp increased its stake in BlackRock by 2.3% in the second quarter. State Street Corp now owns 6,152,336 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $4,252,126,000 after purchasing an additional 138,455 shares in the last quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. increased its stake in BlackRock by 4.3% in the second quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 3,294,389 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $2,276,884,000 after purchasing an additional 135,871 shares in the last quarter. Morgan Stanley lifted its holdings in shares of BlackRock by 4.2% in the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 3,174,621 shares of the asset managers stock worth $2,249,634,000 after purchasing an additional 129,335 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Capital Research Global Investors grew its holdings in shares of BlackRock by 9.0% during the second quarter. Capital Research Global Investors now owns 3,096,970 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $2,140,439,000 after buying an additional 255,249 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 77.01% of the companys stock. Get BlackRock alerts: Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, CEO Laurence Fink sold 15,385 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, November 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $652.03, for a total value of $10,031,481.55. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 435,260 shares of the companys stock, valued at $283,802,577.80. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Company insiders own 0.96% of the companys stock. BlackRock Price Performance Shares of NYSE BLK opened at $802.42 on Friday. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $701.20 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $694.05. BlackRock, Inc. has a 1-year low of $596.18 and a 1-year high of $819.00. The firm has a market cap of $119.37 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.51, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.49 and a beta of 1.33. The company has a current ratio of 3.72, a quick ratio of 3.72 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33. BlackRock (NYSE:BLK Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 13th. The asset manager reported $10.91 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $8.34 by $2.57. The business had revenue of $4.52 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.52 billion. BlackRock had a return on equity of 14.65% and a net margin of 30.66%. BlackRocks revenue was up 4.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $9.55 earnings per share. Analysts anticipate that BlackRock, Inc. will post 36.85 earnings per share for the current year. BlackRock Dividend Announcement The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 22nd. Shareholders of record on Thursday, December 7th were given a dividend of $5.00 per share. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, December 6th. This represents a $20.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.49%. BlackRocks dividend payout ratio is presently 56.10%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities analysts have issued reports on the company. The Goldman Sachs Group lifted their price target on BlackRock from $719.00 to $793.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, November 30th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft decreased their price objective on BlackRock from $814.00 to $800.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, October 11th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered BlackRock from an overweight rating to a neutral rating and set a $708.00 price objective for the company. in a report on Friday, December 15th. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of BlackRock in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company reduced their target price on shares of BlackRock from $820.00 to $720.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, October 4th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $771.54. Check Out Our Latest Report on BlackRock 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. See Also Receive News & Ratings for BlackRock Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BlackRock and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. State of Alaska Department of Revenue reduced its position in Chubb Limited (NYSE:CB Free Report) by 3.8% in the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund owned 62,784 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 2,465 shares during the period. State of Alaska Department of Revenues holdings in Chubb were worth $13,070,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. ICA Group Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in Chubb during the 4th quarter worth $25,000. Guardian Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Chubb in the first quarter worth about $25,000. BOK Financial Private Wealth Inc. purchased a new stake in Chubb during the third quarter worth $28,000. IMA Wealth Inc. boosted its holdings in Chubb by 275.7% during the second quarter. IMA Wealth Inc. now owns 139 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $27,000 after buying an additional 102 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Mcmillion Capital Management Inc. purchased a new position in Chubb during the second quarter worth approximately $35,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 86.30% of the companys stock. Get Chubb alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Several research firms have issued reports on CB. Jefferies Financial Group decreased their price objective on shares of Chubb from $217.00 to $215.00 in a report on Friday, October 6th. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Chubb from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 19th. Wells Fargo & Company downgraded Chubb from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating and reduced their price objective for the stock from $253.00 to $240.00 in a research report on Monday, December 18th. Royal Bank of Canada restated an outperform rating and issued a $245.00 target price on shares of Chubb in a report on Tuesday, August 29th. Finally, Morgan Stanley upped their price objective on shares of Chubb from $224.00 to $226.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Thursday, October 26th. Six analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Chubb has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $241.46. Insider Transactions at Chubb In other news, insider John J. Lupica sold 17,810 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, November 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $218.76, for a total value of $3,896,115.60. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 136,239 shares in the company, valued at $29,803,643.64. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In other Chubb news, EVP Juan Luis Ortega sold 1,508 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $218.63, for a total transaction of $329,694.04. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 49,940 shares of the companys stock, valued at $10,918,382.20. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, insider John J. Lupica sold 17,810 shares of Chubb stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $218.76, for a total value of $3,896,115.60. Following the sale, the insider now owns 136,239 shares in the company, valued at approximately $29,803,643.64. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last quarter, insiders have sold 37,128 shares of company stock valued at $8,121,925. 0.37% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Chubb Price Performance Chubb stock opened at $220.77 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.24, a quick ratio of 0.30 and a current ratio of 0.30. The company has a market capitalization of $90.07 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.04, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.16 and a beta of 0.61. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $220.38 and its 200-day simple moving average is $207.62. Chubb Limited has a 1 year low of $183.40 and a 1 year high of $231.37. Chubb (NYSE:CB Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, October 24th. The financial services provider reported $4.95 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $4.21 by $0.74. Chubb had a return on equity of 14.26% and a net margin of 14.58%. The company had revenue of $14.09 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $13.16 billion. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Chubb Limited will post 19.18 earnings per share for the current year. Chubb Announces Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 5th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 15th will be paid a dividend of $0.86 per share. This represents a $3.44 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.56%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 14th. Chubbs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 20.32%. Chubb Company Profile (Free Report) Chubb Limited provides insurance and reinsurance products worldwide. The company's North America Commercial P&C Insurance segment offers commercial property, casualty, workers' compensation, package policies, risk management, financial lines, marine, construction, environmental, medical, cyber risk, surety, and excess casualty; and group accident and health insurance to large, middle market, and small commercial businesses. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CB? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Chubb Limited (NYSE:CB Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Chubb Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chubb and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hartford Investment Management Co. boosted its position in The Bank of New York Mellon Co. (NYSE:BK Free Report) by 5.6% during the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 53,084 shares of the banks stock after buying an additional 2,802 shares during the quarter. Hartford Investment Management Co.s holdings in Bank of New York Mellon were worth $2,264,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in BK. Norges Bank bought a new stake in shares of Bank of New York Mellon in the 4th quarter worth about $503,489,000. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich increased its position in shares of Bank of New York Mellon by 98,557.0% in the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 10,841,417 shares of the banks stock worth $482,660,000 after purchasing an additional 10,830,428 shares during the last quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC increased its position in shares of Bank of New York Mellon by 74,433.7% in the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 6,114,741 shares of the banks stock worth $278,343,000 after purchasing an additional 6,106,537 shares during the last quarter. FMR LLC increased its position in shares of Bank of New York Mellon by 32.0% in the 1st quarter. FMR LLC now owns 18,006,796 shares of the banks stock worth $818,229,000 after purchasing an additional 4,365,044 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Van ECK Associates Corp increased its position in shares of Bank of New York Mellon by 759.1% in the 2nd quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp now owns 3,053,263 shares of the banks stock worth $135,931,000 after purchasing an additional 2,697,860 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 81.29% of the companys stock. Get Bank of New York Mellon alerts: Bank of New York Mellon Stock Up 0.1 % Bank of New York Mellon stock opened at $51.47 on Friday. The firms 50 day moving average price is $46.46 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $44.96. The Bank of New York Mellon Co. has a twelve month low of $39.65 and a twelve month high of $52.26. The firm has a market cap of $39.58 billion, a PE ratio of 12.08, a P/E/G ratio of 1.20 and a beta of 1.11. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.83, a quick ratio of 0.71 and a current ratio of 0.71. Bank of New York Mellon Dividend Announcement Bank of New York Mellon ( NYSE:BK Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 17th. The bank reported $1.27 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.15 by $0.12. The business had revenue of $4.37 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.32 billion. Bank of New York Mellon had a net margin of 11.81% and a return on equity of 11.84%. Bank of New York Mellons revenue for the quarter was up 2.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $1.21 EPS. On average, research analysts predict that The Bank of New York Mellon Co. will post 4.88 EPS for the current fiscal year. The company also recently announced 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 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.26%. Bank of New York Mellons payout ratio is presently 39.44%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth BK has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. 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. Evercore ISI reduced their target price on shares of Bank of New York Mellon from $47.00 to $45.00 in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. Morgan Stanley upped their price target on shares of 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. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reduced their price target on shares of Bank of New York Mellon from $45.00 to $44.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, October 11th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised shares of Bank of New York Mellon from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and set a $54.50 price target for the company in a research note on Monday, December 18th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have given a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $52.77. Get Our Latest Analysis on Bank of New York Mellon Bank of New York Mellon Company Profile (Free Report) The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation provides a range of financial products and services in the United States and internationally. The company operates through Securities Services, Market and Wealth Services, Investment and Wealth Management, and other segments. The Securities Services segment offers custody, trust and depositary, accounting, exchange-traded funds, middle-office solutions, transfer agency, services for private equity and real estate funds, foreign exchange, securities lending, liquidity/lending services, and data analytics. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BK? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Bank of New York Mellon Co. (NYSE:BK Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Bank of New York Mellon Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank of New York Mellon and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Editor's note: Almost two years into the war, Gazette Photo Editor Christian Murdock has traveled to Ukraine to capture the struggle of a generation. For the next couple of weeks, his images and stories aim to better connect us to the plight of a people not so far away. STELMAHIVKA, Ukraine Lyudmila Tkachenko was feeding her chickens on her modest farm near the Russia border Feb. 24, 2022. She and her partner, Anatoly Tolmachov, had spent their whole life living in the small village. Tkachenko, 72, had retired from a life of milking cows and Tolmachov, 82, from driving a farm truck during the years of Soviet Union rule. They had their pensions. They were living the good life. Then, things changed. Russia invaded their village of 500 at the beginning of the war and occupied it until October of 2022. I was frightened when I realized what was going on, Tkachenko said this week from their new home, a dorm room to the northwest at the university in Kharkiv. Ukrainian forces evacuated their village after liberating them from the Russians. The village was unsafe and continues to be unsafe because of the constant shelling from Russian forces. The house was the only home Tolmachov remembers. He had lived there his whole adult life. Raised a daughter, four grandchildren and too many great grandchildren to count, he said. Sign up for free: Springs AM Update Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country overnight and the stories to follow throughout the day delivered to your inbox each evening. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. Now the couple sits in their dorm room waiting for the war to end. Many of refugees from the Luhansk region live in the college dorms throughout Kharkiv, Ukraines second-largest city. The students are home studying online. The couple sits next to a window as the snow falls outside. Tkachenko knits floor mats, one she insisted I bring home, and Tolmachov shows me the refrigerator they purchased. They keep in touch with their old friends who are living in other dorms with their cellphone. But its not the life they ever imagined. We lived in a close village where everyone knew everyone, Tolmachov said. We didnt need much. We had a rich life with friends and family. State of Alaska Department of Revenue reduced its position in Valero Energy Co. (NYSE:VLO Free Report) by 2.7% in the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 91,154 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after selling 2,490 shares during the quarter. State of Alaska Department of Revenues holdings in Valero Energy were worth $12,916,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the company. PFG Investments LLC acquired a new stake in Valero Energy in the 1st quarter valued at about $318,000. Forum Financial Management LP raised its holdings in shares of Valero Energy by 1.4% during the 2nd quarter. Forum Financial Management LP now owns 6,270 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $735,000 after acquiring an additional 86 shares during the period. Tectonic Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of Valero Energy by 6.4% during the 2nd quarter. Tectonic Advisors LLC now owns 4,133 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $485,000 after acquiring an additional 248 shares during the last quarter. Stratos Wealth Partners LTD. increased its position in Valero Energy by 7.6% during the second quarter. Stratos Wealth Partners LTD. now owns 31,244 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $3,665,000 after purchasing an additional 2,194 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Olympiad Research LP raised its stake in Valero Energy by 49.3% during the second quarter. Olympiad Research LP now owns 2,748 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $322,000 after purchasing an additional 908 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 77.07% of the companys stock. Get Valero Energy alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several research firms have recently weighed in on VLO. Bank of America increased their price target on shares of Valero Energy from $152.00 to $161.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, September 18th. Barclays increased their price objective on Valero Energy from $142.00 to $144.00 in a research report on Tuesday, October 3rd. Raymond James cut their target price on Valero Energy from $156.00 to $154.00 and set a strong-buy rating for the company in a research note on Friday, October 27th. Tudor, Pickering, Holt & Co. cut Valero Energy from a buy rating to a hold rating and cut their target price for the stock from $150.00 to $130.00 in a research note on Monday, October 30th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company cut their target price on Valero Energy from $144.00 to $141.00 in a research note on Monday, October 9th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating, ten have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Valero Energy presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $153.64. Valero Energy Trading Up 0.2 % NYSE VLO opened at $132.20 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.08, a current ratio of 1.51 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.36. Valero Energy Co. has a 52 week low of $104.18 and a 52 week high of $152.20. The stock has a market capitalization of $45.01 billion, a PE ratio of 4.51, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.90 and a beta of 1.51. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $126.45 and a two-hundred day moving average of $126.88. Valero Energy (NYSE:VLO Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 26th. The oil and gas company reported $7.49 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $7.36 by $0.13. The business had revenue of $38.40 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $38.46 billion. Valero Energy had a return on equity of 39.97% and a net margin of 7.11%. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 13.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $7.14 EPS. As a group, research analysts expect that Valero Energy Co. will post 24.65 EPS for the current fiscal year. Valero Energy Dividend Announcement The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 20th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 17th were issued a $1.02 dividend. This represents a $4.08 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.09%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, November 16th. Valero Energys payout ratio is 13.91%. Valero Energy Profile (Free Report) Valero Energy Corporation manufactures, markets, and sells transportation fuels and petrochemical products in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Latin America, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Refining, Renewable Diesel, and Ethanol. The company produces California Reformulated Gasoline Blendstock for Oxygenate Blending and Conventional Blendstock for Oxygenate Blending gasolines, CARB diesel, diesel, jet fuel, and asphalt; aromatics; and sulfur crude oils. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding VLO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Valero Energy Co. (NYSE:VLO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Valero Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Valero Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. There are clear thinkers, muddled thinkers and people that fall in between. Clear thinkers -are the ones that can cull everything down into the right points-are very hard to find. But if you get yourself a team of clear thinkers, the possibilities are endless. These are men who see tomorrow, trailblazers and high level executives, but most often misunderstood by some fellow countrymen still stuck in the old normal of yesterday. Without any shadow of the doubt, Distinguished Senator, Prince Chinedu Munir Nwoko, popularly known as Ned Nwoko, a Nigerian lawyer, philanthropist, politician and Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District in the Nigeria's Upper Legislative Arm, falls into the bracket of a clear thinker as outlined by Justin Merkins above. This assertion is gleaned in his harvest of baskets of bills and motions in his seven (7) months sojourn so far in the nations Upper Legislative Arm, the Senate, popularly called the red chamber. This is signposted in his scorecard of resourcefulness, ingenuity and vivid understanding of legislative procedures. Some of these bills and motions coming from Senator Nwoko includes but not limited; Motion On Urgent Need for African Nations to Attain Veto Power at the United Nations Security Council, "A bill for an Act to alter the 1999 Constitution (as altered) to provide for Diaspora Voting and for related matters" holds several advantages, particularly in the area of inclusivity and representation for Nigerian citizens living abroad. Motion on urgent Need to Investigate the Brutal Murder of a Two-Year-Old Boy by Operatives of (NDLEA). Motion on the Need to Demand Reparations for Historical Injustices and Mitigation of Neo-colonialism in Nigeria, African Nations. Others include; the motion titled "Need for the Establishment of Social Media Platform Offices in Nigeria for Economic Advancement and Efficient Dispute Resolution. Motion on Urgent Need for African Nations to Attain Veto Power at the United Nations Security Council. Motion on Investigating Crude Oil Theft in the Niger Delta. Motion on the Need for Redress, Healing and Reconciliation for the Grievous 1967 Asaba Massacre. Need to Demand Reparations for Historical Injustices and Mitigation of Neo-Colonialism in Nigeria, African Nations. Motion on the urgent need to stop gas flaring and enforces anti-gas flaring regulations in Ndokwa Land and the Niger Delta Region among others. Beginning with the last which focused on urgent need to stop gas flaring and enforces anti-gas flaring regulations in Ndokwa Land and the Niger Delta Region among others, there exists several reasons that qualifies the motion as not only timely and a right step taken in the right direction, but carries several advantages essential for the well-being of the people and the environment. The motion maintained that gas flaring contributes significantly to air and water pollution, which has detrimental effects on the environment, wildlife, and public health. He argued that by addressing this issue, the motion aims to protect the ecological balance and biodiversity in the affected regions, safeguarding the long-term environmental sustainability. Of course, the Lawmakers argument is not only in order but should be perfectly appreciated by all Niger Deltans of goodwill. The reason is not far-fetched. Going by commentaries, what is currently happening as regards gas flaring in the Niger Delta region and Delta state in particular may no longer be the first half of a reoccurring circle, but, rather the beginning of something negatively new and different. In fact, the aforementioned motion in my opinion will be more appreciated if one takes a tour by boat of creeks and coastal communities of Warri South West and Warri North Local Government Areas of Delta state. Such a trip will amply reveal that the much anticipated end in sight of gas flaring is actually not in sight. In the same manner, a journey by road from Warri via Eku-Abraka to Agbor, and another road trip from Warri through Ughelli down to Ogwuashi Ukwu in Aniocha Local Government of the state, shows an environment where people cannot properly breathe as it is littered by gas flaring. The above account further highlights as true the argument by the Idumuje Ugboko born Senator that gas flaring releases harmful pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter into the atmosphere, posing serious health risks to nearby communities. Aside from seeking improved public health and reducing the prevalence of respiratory diseases and other health complications associated with exposure to flared gas emissions, also worthy of commendation is Prince Nwokos recognition that the negative impacts of gas flaring extends to the economic well-being of the affected communities- and his understanding that addressing this issue, will create the potential for sustainable economic development, promotes alternative uses for associated gas, such as power generation, which can create employment opportunities and support local livelihoods. Tragically unique and a major reason why Nwokos motion should be applauded is the experts explanation that the major reason for flaring of gases is that when crude oil is extracted from onshore and offshore oil wells, it brings with it raw natural gas to the surface and where natural gas transportation, pipelines, and infrastructure are lacking, like in the case of Nigeria, this gas is instead burned off or flared as a waste product as this is the cheapest option. This has been going on since the 1950s when crude oil was first discovered in commercial quantities in Nigeria. Further posturing Senator Nwokos position on economic losses as a result of gas flaring as true is a recent newspaper report (Saturday December 23, 2023), which among other remarks noted that despite the continuous shortage of gas for electricity generation companies to power their turbines with, Nigeria is still losing massive revenue and generation potential to the persistent gas flaring by oil companies operating in the country. The report observed that the country has continued to suffer losses from its gas, as companies operating in the countrys petroleum industry flared 241.1 million standard cubic feet, MSCF, of gas in the first 11 months (January November) 2023, according to latest data from the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency, NOSDRA. NOSDRA put the value of the 241.1 MSCF flared in the said period of 2023 at $843.7 million, adding that going by the Central Bank of Nigerias, CBN current official exchange rate of N832.32/$, this translates to a loss of N702.2 billion potential revenue. Away from inherent health and economic losses associated with gas flaring, the motion also mooted some alluring imperatives arising from compliance with regulations. Enforcing anti-gas flaring regulations, it noted, is crucial for upholding environmental laws and standards. By urging the enforcement of these regulations, the motion promotes adherence to legal frameworks designed to minimize the environmental impact of oil and gas operations, ensuring that companies operating in the region comply with environmental regulations and best practices. Senator Ned said something else. On community empowerment, he insisted that the motion for cessation of gas flaring, which has been a source of contention and dissatisfaction among the residents of the Niger Delta region, will not only address the issue, but aims at giving voice to the affected communities and involve them in the decision-making processes that impact their environment and well-being. While noting that Gas flaring contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, which exacerbate climate change, Nwaoko underlined that by taking steps to stop gas flaring, the motion aligns with global efforts to mitigate climate change by reducing carbon emissions, which is crucial for the long-term sustainability of the planet. Whereas it will demonstrate Nigeria's commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development, potentially improving the country's international reputation and strengthening its position in global environmental initiatives and agreements, also working in favour of the motion is its willingness to encourage government agencies to be accountable for the oversight of oil and gas operations, while ensuring that environmental regulations are effectively implemented and enforced. This accountability can lead to improved governance and regulatory oversight, enhancing transparency and responsibility in the management of natural resources. Nwoko concluded. For me, issues raised by Senator Nwoko are not political but moral, environmental and economic concerns aimed at improving the life chances of Niger Deltans and therefore, should be given the needed support by all irrespective of party affiliations. Utomi is the Programme Cordinator (Media and Public Policy), Social and Economic Justice Advocacy (SEJA), Lagos. He could be reached via [email protected] or 08032725374 Phuket hosts WWF sustainability seminar PHUKET: A nationwide project being driven by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) took place in Phuket on Friday (Dec 22) with the aim of raising awareness of environmental sustainability among tourists. environmentmarinenatural-resourcespollutionRussiantourismChinesewildlife By The Phuket News Sunday 24 December 2023 10:00 AM The beach clean-up at Mai Kho on Friday (Dec 22). Photo: Department of Marine and Coastal Resources / Facebook The beach clean-up at Mai Kho on Friday (Dec 22). Photo: Department of Marine and Coastal Resources / Facebook The beach clean-up at Mai Kho on Friday (Dec 22). Photo: Department of Marine and Coastal Resources / Facebook The beach clean-up at Mai Kho on Friday (Dec 22). Photo: Department of Marine and Coastal Resources / Facebook The beach clean-up at Mai Kho on Friday (Dec 22). Photo: Department of Marine and Coastal Resources / Facebook The project is part of an Environmental Education Tour launched by the WWF on World Environment Day on June 5 in Bangkok which has travelled the country raising awareness of the importance of sustainability in preserving the natural enviornment. Fridays meeting, entitled Phuket Ocean Hero, took place at 2pm Provincial Hall and was chaired by Phuket Vice Governor Amnuay Pinsuwan who was joined by fellow government officials and selected land and business owners operating in the tourism sector. A key takeway from the event was the responsibility and role local business owners have in relaying the message of respecting and safeguarding the local environment and natural resources to tourists in order to ensure ensure preservation and sustainability. As we are now well into the high season, where a high volume of overseas tourists are expected to visit Phuket, it is important that everyone is aligned to safeguard the natural environment around us, the seminar explained. Presentations including How to enjoy your responsible ocean holiday in Thailand were delivered to the meetings attendees to help raise awareness and stress the importance of imparting the correct message to tourists so as to protect the local environment and thus help drive sustainability. Similar messaging was delivered on raising awareness for tourists to conserve water as best as possible, to dispose of sanitary waste in a correct and responsible manner, to stay on designated trails and public footpaths, to not remove plants or feed animals and to never litter. In a related incident Friday, a total of 20 people undertook a beach clean-up exercise in Mai Khao which collected over 226 kilograms of marine waste that had washed up onto the beach. The Coastal Marine Department had been alerted to high volumes of rubbish being washed up via a Facebook group named Monsoon Garbage and sent a team out to investigate. The team were then joined by local fishermen, village residents and volunteers who helped collect the haul, which mainly consisted of plastic waste such as bottles and bottle caps, scraps of fishing equipment, scraps of rope, glass bottles and general waste. The clean-up was part of an ongoing project being managed by the Coastal Marine Department to conserve and restore marine and coastal resources and was reported on the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources Facebook page. Solo swim around Phuket aiming to save kids lives SWIMMING: Phuket resident Todd Blankenship will be taking to the waters off the coast of Phuket next month as part of a charity solo swim to help local children via a Rotary Club of Patong initiative. Swimming By The Phuket News Sunday 24 December 2023 12:30 PM Big-hearted Phuket resident Todd Blankenship who will be undertaking the solo swim next month. Photo: Supplied The Swim Challenge Phuket will see former U.S. Marine Todd swim the approximately 140-kilometre distance around the island over the course of 14 days between Jan 20 to Feb 3, 2024. The challenge encourages community engagement, raises awareness and provides significant support for the Save a Child Swim Program, a Rotary Club of Patong sponsored life saving initiative which helps children learn to swim and be safe in the water. Todd has challenged people to join him on his historic swim by joining him in the water, for just a couple of metres or an entire leg of the challenge, although only strong swimmers will be permitted to undertake the latter category with a detailed safety breifing for all participants in advance. The opportunity to join is open for the entire challenge aside from three sections that will only be undertaken by Todd and representatives from the Thai Marine Police, for safety reasons, while all other legs will be comprehensively relayed via live feeds across popular social media channels such as YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. The project also offers a range of engaging partnership, sponsorship and brand recognition opportunities so businesses can align with the cause, such as breakfast and brunch launches, dinner parties and luxury yacht cruises featuring themed parties. There will also be a beach party on Coconut Island with the option to stay overnight at the resort. A target of B3.5 million has been set and all proceeds raised will go towards the very worthy charity although Todd very much hopes his efforts can exceed this, saying there is no cap on funding hope. The project will partner with local and international schools in Phuket to engage children in a range of different ways and on 10 of the 14 days of the challenge Todd will launch each day with the help and involvement of students from local area schools from around the island. The challenge will start at 11am on Jan 20 at the Wave Beach Bar at Bangtao Beach and is scheduled to conclude on Feb 3 back at the same location after a lap of approximately 140km around the island. Upon conclusion, a block party invloving local establishments such as The Tiki Hut, The Wave Beach Bar, Beach Pig, The Golden Fish Restaurant and The Local Beach Bar will held in celebration of the feat, with a portion of funds raised going to the charity. Additional initiatives to help raise funds include childrens art projects, the sale of commemorative tee-shirts and items personally autographed by Todd and a silent auction of souvenirs and goods from local business vendors, with all proceeds going directly to the charity. More information on the swim and how to get involved and donate can be found here. Alternatively contact Todd at swimphuket@gmail.com, on WhatsApp at +1 406 696 0883, and LINE at Movies13, or Frank Walbaum frank@fxstrategies.asia, +65 9447 3234 (WhatsApp) or LINE jungleman80. The social and political dimensions of ethnic conflicts in Manipur | Anshuman Behera (Observer Research Foundation) Contd from previous issue Data from the State Government belie these views, however: Of some 2,518 arrests made under the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act between 2017 and 2023, 1,083 were Muslims, 381 were Meiteis, 873 Kuki-Chins, and 181 were from other communities. Moreover, during the same period, the Kuki-Chin community cultivated around 13,121 acres of land for growing poppies while the Naga community cultivated around 2,340 acres. Along with the Governments measures to crack down on poppy cultivation and drug trade, the surveys conducted through the MSPC to identify the illegal immigrants induced by the demands from the Meiteis for the implementation of the NRC in Manipur has created fear and anxiety among the Kukis. Moreover, the implementation drives to protect the forests, since October 2022, is perceived to be biased against the Kukis. The eviction of villages, mostly belonging to the Kuki-Z-Chin communities, the demolition of Kuki Churches and of the tribal colonies in Imphal Valley, have all fuelled perceptions among the Kukis that they were being persecuted. The Government rejects any alleged bias against the Kukis. Official figures say that the eviction drive between October 2015 and April 2023 has evicted 413 households from the reserved forests of Manipur. Of these, 280 households were Meiteis (143 Meitei Hindus and 137 Meitei Pangal-Muslims); 59 were Kukis; 38 Nagas; and 36 were Nepalis. It is around these claims by the Kukis being targeted, and the counterclaims by the Meiteis that the Kukis are shifting the demography by providing a safe haven to the illegal Chin migrants from Myanmar and engaging in poppy cultivationthat the ethnic conflict has worsened since erupting in early May. The ongoing violence has caused heavy losses in lives and property, to both the communities. The failure of the Government in containing violence puts into question its political will in minimising the risks of ethnic conflicts in Manipur through an effective policy framework. A Way Forward There is an urgent need for meaningful dialogue among the conflicting communities that could precede confidence-building measures among the ethnic groups. In turn, the only way that such confidence-building measure could be initiated is to bring an end to the violence. The political will of the State Government would be key. Earlier attempts to engage the ethnic communities in dialogue have offered little in terms of positive outcomes. The deep-rooted hostile sentiments that the communities harbour against one another have hardly left any platform for meaningful dialogue that would at least bring them to a consensus on the issues over which they are battling. Unfortunately, community-based organisations are keeping ethnic sentiments hostile against each other. In such a situation, academics and well-meaning individuals need to step forward to initiate dialogues between ethnic communities. It is important to mention that conflicts resolved through social platforms have more far-reaching positive results than the ones that are managed politically. Disarming the militant groups (both those that are active and others who have suspended operations) and the civilians engaged in violent activities is of paramount importance, and the onus is on the State and the Union Government to act swiftly. Conflicts of this nature often provide fertile ground for militant groups to operate, recruit, ensure finance, and legitimise their existence and operations. The State of Manipur has been reeling under the massive ramifications of violence for decades and it can no longer afford to have its communities armed against each other. The Governments need to check the illegal flow of arms across the border and their availability within the State. The issues of competing ethnic sentiments over traditional ownership of land require a critical interrogation. Debates and discussions are required on the rationale of ethnic communities assertion of customary ownership on land that necessarily functions around principles of othering. The position of the Kukis and Nagas to limit the Meiteis, constituting more than 50 percent of the State population, to a mere 10 percent of the land makes little sense. Similarly, the patterns of State-led development benefits being concentrated among the Meiteis need to be reversed. Accordingly, the available land and other resources, socio-political status, and the benefits of development need to be equitably distributed and democratised. A step forward would be to revisit and restructure the existing political representation, which has long been asymmetric in favour of the Meiteis. The State mechanism must streamline and bring uniformity to the Legislative Assembly Consti- tuenciesthis would help bridge the wide gap between the hills and the valley. Thereafter, the issues of decentralised governance and demands for autonomy could rightfully be addressed, as the focus can shift to addressing the legitimate issues of governance without getting compounded by ethnic-specific sentiments. Infusing a sense of fraternity among the ethnic groups to defeat the existing anarchy of ethnic majoritarianism needs to be prioritised. In doing so, the political will of the State mechanism and the consensus at the social level need to converge. It is important to highlight that the demands for ethnic homeland or separate territorial arrangements are necessarily driven by majoritarian principles. Entertaining the demands for a separate homeland or the assertions of a community as the sole guardian of the territorial integrity of a State defeats the democratic ethos of India. The power elites, across the ethnic communities, should understand that there would hardly be any end to such group-based demands. Lastly, in an ethnically fragile State such as Manipur, policymaking should rise above the electoral interests of incumbent regimes. Policies around short-term electoral interests have had negative implications on the Nation-building endeavour. Dr. Anshuman Behera is Associate Professor at the Conflict Resolution and Peace Research Programme, National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru. Christmas-Spiritual significance for human emancipation | Prof (Dr) Jayadeba SahooChristmas is one of the biggest festive occasions in the world. The word Christmas comes from the old English words Cristes moesse. It means festival of Christ. Cristes (from the Greek Christos) means anointed one and moesse (from Latin missa) stands for the celebration. Thus Christmas points to a time when people are happy knowing about Gods appointed one (or conduit). Gods knowledge is revealed through His conduit who liberates people from their problems. Christmas celebration is meaningful only when its essence (the purpose of the birth of Christ) is remembered.Christmas, Christian festival celebrating the birth of Jesus. The English term Christmas (mass on Christs day) is of fairly recent origin. The earlier term Yule may have derived from the Germanic jol or the Anglo-Saxon geol, which referred to the feast of the winter solstice. The corresponding terms in other languagesNavidad in Spanish, Natale in Italian, Noel in Frenchall probably denote nativity. The German word Weihnachten denotes hallowed night. Since the early 20th century, Christmas has also been a secular family holiday, observed by Christians and non-Christians alike, devoid of Christian elements, and marked by an increasingly elaborate exchange of gifts. In this secular Christmas celebration, a mythical figure named Santa Claus plays the pivotal role.The true purpose of Christs birthChrist shed light on the most important subjects such as God, soul, their relationship, and the secret of happiness. He taught God is the Supreme Spirit, our Father, residing in Heaven, and is the source of all good qualities (John 4:24; Mathew 6:9; Mark 10:18). Jesus was a Jew and his listeners too were mostly Jews. They were familiar with their scriptures (Old Testament) which say that there is an eternal spirit that resides in each ones physical body (Ecclesiastes 3:11; 12:7). Without elaboration, Christ declared Unless a seed falls into earth and dies, it cannot produce any grains (John 12:24).Attribute of GodJesus declared benevolence (Shivam in Sanskrit) as the primary and exclusive attribute of our Father. He is the source of all good gifts (Mark 10:18; Mathew 7:11). Brahma Kumaris call God Shiva which means the benevolent one.Practicing Soul ConsciousnessJesus knew he was a soul. He knew he existed in heaven, and would return to heaven after earthly life (John 5:24; 6:38, 62; 8:42; 13:1; 17:5). He taught that our Heavenly Father is a spirit, and is incorporeal. He implied that all His children are spiritual beings acting in physical bodies. His children are an exact representation of His very being (John 4:24; 6:63 Compare Ecclesiastes 12:7 and Mark 12:26-27).He said that the purpose of life and the secret of happiness is to become like our Heavenly Father and manifest His qualities in our daily lives. Its also to have good wishes for all, friends and foes alike (Mathew 5:44-48). The quality of our actions determines what happenings get attracted towards us (Mathew 23:12; Luke 6:38). Those who lead an elevated life here will inherit Golden Aged life. They will enjoy everything 100 times more than what they sacrificed in this part of the world (Mathew 12:32; Mathew 19:27-29).No wonder his disciples often asked him When are you going to restore the Kingdom? (Acts 1:6; Luke 19:11). This reflects the belief of people in the East-India. They believe that God will reestablish righteousness when unrighteousness reaches its climax (Bhagavat-Gita 4:7).Destruction and Coming of ParadiseThis Dark Age will be replaced by Golden Age in a process called renewal (Mathew 12:32; Mathew 19:28). Only those who are leading a golden aged life now will inherit Golden Age (Mathew 13:24-30). As time passes, Golden Age will steadily decline in quality and old habits will resurface (Mathew 13:33, 52) and the cycle will repeat. Hence there is nothing new happening on earth (Ecclesiastes 1:9, 10; 3:15). He knew the world will come to its destruction with the stock-piles of deadly arms man has manufactured (Mathew 24:21; 26:52). He taught that people will be judged on the basis of two things: Whether they have loved Light that has come into the world or not (John 3:19-21), and whether they have manifested their basic nature of being humane (Mathew 25:31-46).Brahma Kumaris often talk about the end of Kaliyuga (Iron Age) and the coming of Satyuga (Golden age). Jesus lived up to his name. Hebrew transliteration of Jesus is Jehoshua, which means Jehovah is salvation. Jehovah means I am that I am (Exodus 3:14). Abraham who knew the meaning of this name had put the essence of it in a simple title as the eternal (`Olam, in Hebrew) in Genesis 21:33. This God Himself expanded later as: I am the Alpha and the Omega who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty (Revelation 1:8). What better word can convey Gods name as the eternal.Why is Christmas celebrated on 25th December?The New Schaff-Herzog Encyclopaedia of Religious Knowledge explains the date of the festival depended upon the Pagan Brumalia (December 25) following the Saturnalia (December 17-24), and celebrating the shortest day of the year and the New Sun. . . The Pagan Saturnalia and Brumalia were too deeply entrenched in popular custom to be set aside by Christian influence.Thus the very name Jesus was a reminder to the world: Remember God, because He is your only Savior. Anyone who knows studies the lifestyle of Brahma Kumaris will agree that they practice the teachings of Jesus. This similarity is not a coincidence. Basis of Gods children is always the same, it never changes (Mathew 5:44-48).On this auspicious occasion of Christmas, take a moment for deep spiritual introspection and free yourselves from the bondage of greed, the lust for power and a slave of promiscuity and make God your eternal companion for true peace, happiness and prosperity.Happy greetings on the auspicious festival of Christmas To All.Wishing you a lifestyle which Jesus lived and Merry Christmas in advance!The writer can be reached at [email protected] Country United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic 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Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee may visit Sagar Island to inspect preparations for the Gangasagar Mela in the first week of January. If everything goes as per plan, theres a possibility of her Gangasagar trip on 3-4 January, next year. The state government is keen on ensuring smooth arrangements for the annual Gangasagar Mela, scheduled from 12 January to 15 January, where lakhs of people across the country converge for a holy dip. Chief minister Mamata Banerjee wants to address any concerns directly and regularly reviews preparations, even convening a meeting on 27 December. The state government has invited top ministers and secretaries from 18 departments to attend the meeting. Additionally, voluntary organizations associated with the Gangasagar Mela have also been invited. Its reported that ahead of her visit, irrigation minister Partha Bhowmick inspected a new island in Lot-8 of the Ganges, emphasizing the importance of its inclusion in the festival arrangements. The administration is gearing up for the event keeping in mind the inauguration of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya on 22 January, just a week after the Gangasagar Mela. Gangasagar fair for the devotees during Makar Sankranti has great significance. Advertisement The state administration is taking extra precautions to ensure a successful event, and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is closely monitoring all aspects of the preparation The Alipurduar district administration has started processing for relocation of two forest villages from the core area of Buxa Tiger Reserve (BTR). The office of the district magistrate in Alipurduar has started releasing funds meant for rehabilitation packages to each forest dwellers bank account. Villagers have expressed their happiness over the chief minister Mamata Banerjees prompt action and decision to release a fund of Rs 7.5 lakh, half of the total package for rehabilitation and relocation, in each account of those villagers of two forest villages Gangutia and Bhutia Busti. It may be noted that the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has planned to release tigers here for many days. But the proposal for the relocation of the two villages was pending due to several reasons. The deputy field director, BTR, Praveen Kaswan, said, The Alipurduar district magistrate office has started releasing the first instalment Rs 7.5 lakh of the total rehabilitation package to each family of two forest villages. There are 191 families in Gangutia and 51 families in Bhutia Busti. They would start shifting to other areas for their new home and the entire process will be completed within six months. We hope that they will be getting new life and better facilities in new addresses, Mr Kaswan said. Advertisement Hundreds of villagers at Bara Naldah in Sahebnagar in Palashipara police station area of Nadia have taken to the streets, blocking the village road in protest against alleged irregularities in the distribution of ration by the local dealer. The incident unfolded on Saturday when Mokaber Hossain, the designated ration dealer for the area, attempted to deliver ration materials to residents under the Duare Ration project. According to the aggrieved customers, Hossain has consistently failed to provide the allocated quantity of ration for nearly two months. Several residents claim they have not received essential ration items such as atta (flour), for the past three months. Mojai Mallick, a resident of Bara Naldah, expressed anger, saying, I have not received ration materials for the last three months. Advertisement The dealer has given rice but did not give atta. I want immediate intervention from the concerned department to resolve the issue. Similar sentiments were echoed by Jambel Sheikh, another resident, who held the ration dealer solely responsible for the persistent shortage. In response to the allegations, Mokaber Hossain, the ration dealer, denied any wrongdoing. However, due to the mounting pressure and the road blockade, he eventually began distributing ration items as per the allocated quantity. Tamal Sil, food inspector at Tehatta-II block, assured residents that he had taken note of the grievances raised against the dealer. Sil pledged to submit a detailed report to higher authorities, and he emphasized that the department would take the necessary steps to address the issue. Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj directed the secretary (Health) to make prompt alternative arrangements, in place of substandard drugs so that the public is not inconvenienced and the treatment of patients is continued uninterrupted. On Saturday, Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena recommended a CBI inquiry into Not of Standard Quality drugs being supplied in Delhi government hospitals. The health minister expressed his displeasure over the fact that no alternative arrangement was made by hospitals. In a written communication, Bharadwaj said patients were inconvenienced as they were required to buy these consumables out of their pocket. Advertisement The minister solicited information from the health secretary on the alternative arrangements of medicines of standard quality by DGHS and the hospitals within a week. To ensure that the drugs and consumables procured by CPA and through GeM are of standard quality, the health minister asked the secretary to design an SOP ensuring the availability of all essential medicines within 15 days. Earlier, the Vigilance Department, GNCTD, had directed the secretary (Health) to immediately remove the five drugs, which were not of standard quality. The Delhi Special Vigilance Department on Sunday wrote to the health secretary over the Not of Standard Quality drugs being supplied in Delhi government hospitals and urged to clarify as to how much payment is made till now to companies and manufacturers. Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj on Sunday directed the Chief Secretary to immediately constitute an inquiry committee to look into a case related to the alleged sexual harassment of outsourced workers at Burari Hospital here. He asked to submit a preliminary report on the matter within 24 hours and a final report within a week. In a note to the Chief Secretary, the minister wrote, It has come to my knowledge from social media that some unfortunate incident related to outraging the modesty of women and sexual harassment of outsourced workers has been reported at Burari Hospital, Delhi, where an FIR dated December 19 was registered at Burari police station. Advertisement However, it appears that the Delhi Police has adopted a soft approach against the accused persons, thereby causing much outrage on social media, he said. Noting that such incidents cannot be tolerated in any situation, Bharadwaj asked to ensure that the strictest action is taken by the Delhi Police against the culprits. The minister further said, I have also learned that the services of accused supervisors/managers have been terminated by the outsourcing firm. However, strictest action must also be ensured against the firm if they are also found guilty. An inquiry committee must be immediately constituted which should be headed by the Health Secretary and he must submit a preliminary report in 24 hours while the final report must be submitted within a week. Strictest punishment must be recommended against the culprits, Bharadwaj directed. The minister also asked to submit the action taken report within six hours of the receipt of this note. In a somber turn of events, the Tamil film industry bids farewell to the legendary comedian, Bonda Mani, who breathed his last at the age of 60. Sources indicate that the comedian succumbed to complications arising from kidney ailments, marking the end of an era for Tamil cinema enthusiasts. The unfortunate incident transpired on Saturday night when Bonda Mani collapsed at his residence in Pozhichalur, Chennai. Swiftly rushed to the government hospital in Chrompet, hopes came to an end as doctors, after a thorough examination, declared the beloved comedian deceased. The official announcement of his demise came out from film trade analyst Sreedhar Pillai on a sorrowful Sunday. Bonda Mani, a luminary in the realm of Tamil comedy, carved a niche for himself with his side-splitting collaborations with the famed Vadivelu. With a career spanning almost three decades, he etched his name in the annals of the industry by featuring in a staggering 270 films. Notable among his performances are roles in movies like Ponvilangu, Pongalo Pongal, Sundara Travels, Marudamalai, Winner, and Velayudham. Advertisement Earlier this year, the camaraderie and compassion of fellow actors Dhanush and Vijay Sethupathi shone through as they rallied behind their ailing colleague. Each contributing 1 lakh towards Bonda Manis medical expenses, their support underscored the tight-knit nature of the Tamil film fraternity. The news of Bonda Manis passing reverberated through social media, with condolences pouring in from fans and colleagues alike. Writer Sreedhar Pillai took to Twitter to express the loss, stating, Tamil cinemas popular comedian Bonda Mani (60) passed away due to ill health. As a final tribute, Bonda Manis mortal remains lie in state at his residence in Pozhichalur, providing an opportunity for friends, family, and fans to pay their last respects. The curtain will fall on this chapter of cinematic history as the comedians final rites will take place at 5 pm at a crematorium in Chrompet. He is survived by his wife Malathi, a son, and a daughter. Bonda Mani leaves behind a legacy of laughter and joy. Emotional scenes were witnessed on Sunday when toddlers participated in the wreath-laying ceremony along with kin of the four Army men, who were killed in ambush by terrorists at Rajouri. The relatives of the fallen soldiers arrived from Chamoli and Pauri Gharwal in Uttrakhand, Kanpur in UP and Nawada in Bihar to offer tributes to them. The four soldiers were killed on Thursday when terrorists ambushed two Army vehicles at Dera-ki-Gali in the Rajouri Sector and later mutilated their bodies. Advertisement The Army identified them on Sunday as Naik Birender Singh (Chamoli), Rifleman Gautam Kumar (Pauri Gharwal), Naik Karan Kumar (Kanpur UP) and Rifleman Chandan Kumar (Nawada, Bihar). Northern Army Commander, Lt General Upendra Dwivedi led the wreath-laying ceremony. He interacted with the kin of the martyrs after they paid floral tributes at the wreath-laying ceremony. Later, their mortal remains were dispatched to their hometowns in helicopter. General Officer Commanding of Nagrota-based White Knight Corps, Lt General Sandeep Jain, Deputy Commissioner, Rajouri, Vikas Kundal, Senior Superintendent of Police, Rajouri, Amritpal Singh and other officers and ranks of the Army also paid floral tributes. Mobile internet services remained suspended in the twin districts for the second day. A massive search operation to track down the terrorists who fled after the ambush continues in the thickly forested area of Surankot and Thanamandi and other areas of the border districts of Rajouri and Poonch. The Army, along with paramilitary forces and police, are searching the forest area and the natural caves but success has eluded them so far. It is believed that the terrorists were trained in ambushing security forces and guerrilla warfare. Lt. General Dwivedi recently said that the terrorists operating in Rajouri and Poonch might be ex-soldiers of the Pakistan Army. It is worth mentioning that while Pakistan has revived terrorism in Rajouri and Poonch after 20 years of peace, involvement of local youth has so far not been seen. Pakistani terrorists were involved in violent incidents in the two districts. An India-bound crude oil tanker was attacked by Yemens Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, hours after MV Chem Pluto, another tanker heading towards Mangalore was hit by drone attack on Saturday, US military said. MV Saibaba, Gabon-flagged tanker with around 25 Indian crews sent a distress call to a US ship in the area after being hit by drone strike, the US Central Command said on X. No injuries to the crew members was reported in the attack that occured around 10:30 pm (IST) yesterday. Advertisement The US military said that the attack was launched on two ships and one of them, a Norwegian-flagged chemical tanker named MV Blaamanen reported a near miss of the missile launched from a Houthi drone. The attack occured just hours after MV Chem Pluto, with around 29 Indian crews caught fire after hit by a drone strike. The US military claimed Chem Pluto was attacked by Iran. Indian Navy, however, said that it is investigating the attack, but didnt confirm if Iran was behind it. The vessel was at 217 nautical miles off Porbandar coast when it was attacked. No injuries to the crew members were reported in the attack and the fire was extinguished quickly. Indian Navy aircraft and warships, along with Coast Guard vessels were rushed to spot soon after recieving the distressed call. Later, an Indian coast gaurd vessel escorted the tanker that was carrying crude oil and heading towards Mangalore. The incident comes days after Indian Navy responded to a hijacking call from Malta-flagged Vessel MV Ruen and diverted its maritime patrol aircraft and warship in the Arabian Sea. The attack on merchant ships in the Red Sea area by Houthi rebels have increased in the last few weeks in the aftermath of the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza strip. Houthi rebels, backed by Iran supports Hamas. The merchant ship MV Chem Pluto which was attacked by a drone on Saturday has started moving at a speed of around 11 nautical miles per hour and will be joined by Indian Coast Guard Ship ICGS Vikram at around 10 p.m., Indian Coast Guard officials said. The officials shared that the vessel has been requested to be escorted by ICGS Vikram and is expected to reach Mumbai by early December 25. Earlier, the Indian Coast Guard Dornier maritime surveillance aircraft established communication with the distressed vessel MV Chem Pluto after it was hit by a drone attack. After the attack, the ship switched off its automatic identification system used for tracking the vessel. The power generation system of the ship is now functional and more checks are being carried out before it sets out for its destination, Indian Coast Guard officials said. Meanwhile, the Indian Navy warship is moving towards the vessel and is expected to reach the merchant ship in the next few hours. The Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard vessels are moving towards a merchant vessel, MV Chem Pluto, in the Arabian Sea, which caught fire after a suspected drone attack. The merchant vessel was reported to be present at 217 nautical miles off Porbandar coast on Saturday, defence officials said. Advertisement Taking swift action, the Indian Coast Guard Ship ICGS Vikram, deployed on patrol of the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone started moving towards the merchant vessel MV Chem Pluto in distress. The Indian Navy warships in the vicinity are also moving towards the distressed vessel with around 20 Indian crew members, who are all reported to be safe. According to defence officials, the vessel had crude oil and was going towards Mangalore from a port in Saudi Arabia. The fire has been reportedly extinguished but has affected the functioning of the vessel. All crew members are safe, which includes around 20 Indians. The ICGS Vikram has alerted all ships in the area to assist it, according to defence officials.Further details awaited. In a tragic incident, a Maharashtra police constable died after his throat got slit by a kite string, Mumbai Police said on Sunday. The incident, according to the police, took place when Sameer Suresh Jadhav was returning to home on his bike after duty. He failed to notice the kite string, which entangled around his neck, slitting his throat like a sharp weapon. The incident reportedly took place at Vakola bridge on the Western Express Highway. Advertisement He was rushed to a nearby hospital where doctors declared him brought dead. Jadhav was attached to Dindoshi police station in Goregaon and was going back to his home in Worli on his motorcycle. A case has been registered in this regard at Kherwadi police station and further investigation is on. Police constable Sameer Suresh Jadhav who was going home after duty, on his bike, died after his throat got slit by a kite string. Kherwadi Police registered the case and started further investigation, Mumbai Police said. Following drone attack on two vessels, including MV SAIBABA, a crude oil tanker, in the Red Sea by the Iran-backed Houthi militants, the Indian Navy on Sunday clarified that MV SAIBABA was not an Indian-flagged vessel as claimed by the US. The navy said that the vessel in question was carrying a Gabones flag and that all 25 Indian crew members on board are safe. In a statement, the US Central Command had claimed that of the two warships that came under fire from Houthis, one was Indian-flagged. Advertisement The incident marked the 14th and 15th attacks on commercial shipping by Houthi militants since October 17, CENTCOM said in its statement. On December 23, two Houthi anti-ship ballistic missiles were fired into international shipping lanes in the Southern Red Sea from Houthi-controlled areas of Houthi militants. No ships reported being impacted by the ballistic missiles, US Central Command posted on X. At the same time, between 3 and 8 pm (Sanaa time), the USS LABOON (DDG 58) was patrolling the Southern Red Sea as part of Operation Prosperity Guardian (OPG). The USS LABOON successfully intercepted and shot down unmanned aerial drones originating from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen that were inbound to the USS LABOON. There were no injuries or damage in this incident, CENTCOM added in its post. Later, at approximately 8 pm (Sanaa time), US Naval Forces Central Command received distress reports from two ships in the Southern Red Sea indicating that they were under attack. The M/V BLAAMANEN, a Norwegian-flagged, owned, and operated chemical/oil tanker, reported a near miss of a Houthi one-way attack drone with no injuries or damage reported. A second vessel, the M/V SAIBABA, a Gabon-owned, Indian-flagged crude oil tanker, reported that it was hit by a one-way attack drone with no injuries reported. The USS LABOON (DDG 58) responded to the distress calls from these attacks, the US CENTCOM claimed in its post earlier. The US Central Command underscored the gravity of the situation emphasising that these attacks pose a threat to the safety and security of international maritime traffic. These attacks represent the 14th and 15th attacks on commercial shipping by Houthi militants since October 17, the post added. Since the Israel-Hamas war broke out on October 7, the Houthis, along with other militia groups across the Middle East, have targeted US positions and assets. The Houthi forces in Yemen have been targeting commercial ships in the Red Sea, claiming the attacks as revenge against Israel, including seizing a boat last month in a raid. India, a strong advocate of free movement of commercial shipping, is monitoring these attacks. Describing hounding out of Kashmiri Hindus from the valley in 1989 and early 1990 as one of the worst human rights violations across the world in recent history, senior BJP leader Devender Singh Rana on Sunday called for an in-depth probe to identify, expose, prosecute those responsible for the irreparable catastrophe leading to their exodus. Forcing natives out of their homes at gun-point and worst type of persecution is genocide and sooner this horrendous fact is acknowledged better it would for the so-called civilized society to firm up response against terrorism and ecosystem sustaining the scourge, Rana told reporters on the sidelines of a function after inaugurating a private enterprise in Jagti near here. He said more atrocious is the plank taken by pseudo seculars and the so-called mainstreams about the narrative that Governor Jagmohan had conspired the exodus of the miniscule, peaceful, civilized and educated Hindu minority. Advertisement This is like sprinkling salt on their wounds to suggest they had left the valley voluntarily. This also amounts to giving cover to the enemies of humanity by their sympathizers, who controlled the system in Kashmir, he added. Rana said that the tragic chapter involving annihilation of the entire community from their homeland and forcing them to suffer physically and mentally is a violation no religion can endorse. This grave violation underscores the importance of addressing and acknowledging the human rights of every individual, irrespective of their background, he said. The right to live peacefully in ones homeland, free from fear and discrimination, is a fundamental human right that should have been protected and upheld since, he added. Rana said that it was very crucial to identify, expose and prosecute those responsible for the plight of the Kashmiri Pandits. Doing so will not only deliver justice to the victim community but send a strong message that such acts of persecution will not go unnoticed or unpunished. By exposing those actually responsible for such a grave crime against humanity will ensure that history does not repeat itself, he said. Let there be no repeat of what Kashmiri Hindus met, faced and are facing even after three decades of their forced exodus, Rana said, adding that it is the collective responsibility of all to address the injustices of the past. The government and the society will have to work in tandem towards a future where the safe, secure and dignified return of Kashmiri Hindus is ensured, he said. Christmas in India is a unique fusion of local traditions, featuring diverse cuisines and vibrant decorations. While celebrations differ from one place to another, they are equally significant, and the festive ambiance is anything but dull. Churches across the country are being decked out to mark the joyous occasion. Preparations for Christmas are in full swing in the Catholic churches of Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. The adornment of the Catholic Church on Dewas Road is being executed with enthusiasm, even continuing into the night. Within the church, an exquisite tableau of Lord Jesus is taking shape, and the entire premises are adorned with small lamps, creating an enchanting display. Father Kisincher conveyed to ANI, December 25 is a momentous day for Christian people. Our God, our Savior, took birth on earth as a human being. We are getting ready for it. We visited the homes of Christian people for carol songs, and on Christmas, our Father will lead a special prayer. Advertisement In the visuals, devotees can be observed dancing alongside Santa Claus to Christmas songs, expressing their joy and excitement for the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas is an annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed by billions of people worldwide on December 25 as both a religious and cultural event. While not universally recognized, many countries observe Christmas as a holiday. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, numerous homes feature Christmas trees and other decorations. Some workplaces host Christmas parties before December 25. Festive activities include exchanging gifts, singing Christmas carols, and attending parties. Christmas cards are also exchanged or mailed out prior to the festival. (ANI) The Congress on Sunday condemned its INDIA alliance partner and DMK leader Dayanidhi Marans remark that people from UP, Bihar who only learns Hindi clean toilets in Tamil Nadu and said that it was rude and unacceptable. This is a very rude comment. Perhaps there might have been some mistake in speaking and understanding. If he has said this then it is absolutely unacceptable, Congress media department chairman Pawan Khera wrote on X. Another DMK ally in the INDIA bloc, RJD leader and Bihar deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav also said that the remarks made by Maran against labourers of UP and Bihar are condemnable and that he didnt agree with what he said. Advertisement Karunanidhis party is the DMK. The DMK believes in social justice. If any leader of that party has said something about the people of UP and Bihar, then it is condemnable. We do not agree with it. The labourers from UP and Bihar are demanded all over the country If any such statement has come forth, then we condemn it, he said. Yadav asked leaders from all parties to refrain from making such statements, saying people of Bihar respect people of all the other regions and expect the same in return. Leaders of all parties should refrain from making such statements. This is one country. We, the people of Bihar, respect the people of other regions and we expect the same. Such statements should not have been made, he added. What Dayanidhi Maran said? In a video shared BJP leaders, Maran purportedly heard saying in Tamil that people in Tamil Nadu who learn English get to work in MNCs, whereas, people in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar who only learn Hindi do menial jobs like construction work, toilet cleaning in Tamil Nadu. The BJP accused the Oppositions INDIA alliance of peddling the narrative of a north-south divide and asked whether Nitish Kumar and Lalu Yadav, leaders of INDIA blocs two crucial allies JDU and RJD, agree with him. Do Nitish Kumar and Lalu Yadav agree with their coalition partners opinion on Hindi-speaking people? They should clarify why DMK and INDIA bloc have so much hatred against Hindi-speaking people, Bihar BJP MP Giriraj Singh wrote on X. The Return of the Muse by Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla is a behind-the-scenes documentary in which the designers reunite with top supermodels of the past to discuss fashion, inspiration, ambition and life. It showcases their extraordinary journey in the glamorous, yet gruelling world of haute couture. Directed by Neha Sharma, the documentary was shot while filming a fashion-inspired music video titled Jogi. It features supermodel extraordinaries Arjun Rampal, Nayanika Chatterjee, Sheetal Mallar, Carol Gracias, Laxmi Rana, Dino Morea, Dayana Erappa and RikeeChaterjee. The models and Abu Sandeep reminisce about the early days of their careers and recall moments that have delightfully become a permanent part of their memory. The atmosphere on set was one of exuberant chaos a marvellous marriage of fun and fabulosity. A 350-year-old generational property in Goa was the location for this project. Its original Portuguese aesthetic is flawlessly maintained to this day, making it the ideal companion for AJSK couture which is always a love letter to history. AlilaDiwa made a picturesque vision in the poolside shots seen in the film. More than 100 people worked tirelessly over 3 days for The Return of the Muse and Jogi. Pranay and Shounak of Who Wore What When styled the garments while the song was gloriously recreated by musical duo, Burudu. Advertisement Among the collections featured, Gota, Dangler, Byzantine and Navratan are seen prominently alongside stunning pieces from numerous other collections crafted with equally adored traditional techniques like Vasli, Zardozi, Mirrorwork and more. The male models are styled in MARD by Abu Sandeep. Every garment is indulgently detailed to reflect the celebratory energy that inspired this grand shoot. From embellished hoods in dramatic silhouettes to a plethora of pearls that dance as gracefully as their wearer, the garments have a life of their own. The collections feature Angrakhas, sarees, ghagras, skirts, jackets and numerous other Indian, Western and Indo-Western silhouettes. The film also offers a glittering glimpse of jewellery and footwear by Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla. Abu Sandeep comment, We have been working on jewellery for the past eight months. Its a very exciting expression of our creativity and it is slated to be launched soon. Ace photographer Ram Shergill worked his magic through an opulent photoshoot, bringing Abu Sandeeps vision to life. The fashion films title is inspired by its soundtrack that features a modern rendition of the song, Ranjha Jogi Ho Gaya by musical duo Burudu. Because if theres one thing that Abu Sandeep love as much as fashion it is music. Sandeep remarks I told Burudus Nakul and Sahil that the music should radiate the spirit of an anthem. I was also keen to do a folk Punjabi song. We explored the options and chose Jogi because its lyrics speak of Heer Ranjha, the eternally famous lovers of Punjab. Nakul and Sahil worked their quintessential magic and here we have a rendition of Jogi like never before beautifully sung by Isheeta Chakrvarty! Jogi, in this context, refers to a person devoted to love. Abu Sandeep says, We cannot just limit love to romance. Love is a feeling that goes beyond the beloved. Its a way of being and a way of seeing. We are devoted to our art which is fundamentally our labour of love. 2023 was a year full of ups and downs. We learn, laugh and move on like we always do. We wanted to welcome 2024 with a sense of celebration and thats how The Return of the Muse and Jogi happened. After all, our hope for the future has much to do with our gratitude for the past. And so, we collaborated with our original muses to revisit our creative roots. 2024 will see many of our traditional techniques reinterpreted into fresh fashion. The Royal Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has awarded VFS Global the global tender to provide visa and residence permit services in 52 countries across the globe. Under this new agreement, VFS Global will continue to operate on behalf of the Government of Norway in all regions worldwide Americas, Australasia, China & Hong Kong, Europe & CIS, Middle East & North Africa, Russia, Belarus & Armenia, and South Asia. VFS Global has worked with the Government of Norway since 2014 and has successfully handled nearly 1.5 million applications on their behalf. The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: We look forward to a continued smooth and professional cooperation with VFS Global on provision of visa and residence permit services. The cooperation we have developed has proven to be effective and fruitful, with both our organizations working well together in performing their respective responsibilities and tasks. Advertisement Chris Dix, Head of Business Development, VFS Global, said: VFS Global is delighted that we will continue to serve the Government of Norway as their sole service provider. We have enjoyed a strong partnership and welcome the opportunity to renew our services in the existing locations where we operate. We look forward to offering best-in-class visa solutions, and a seamless application process across all regions globally with an annual estimated customer count of 220,000. This is the eighth global contract win this year and is a testament to our dedicated efforts to provide all our client governments with top quality services. This win comes soon after VFS Global was exclusively appointed to manage the UK Government visa and passport services across 142 countries, catering to approximately 3.8 million applicants annually. Additionally, VFS Global has secured the prestigious global biometric collection service mandate with Australia and successfully renewed the global visa service contract with Sweden. Over the past weeks, the world has seen a widespread wave of pro-Palestine protests in revulsion against the Israeli attacks against Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank in the form of an Israeli invasion and bombing campaign that, in disproportionate response to the initial attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7 2023, has thus far killed nearly 20,000 and wounded 55,000, the majority being women and children. A key question now is whether the perpetration of this atrocity by Israel in the spurious name of selfdefence will actually result in any change of attitude in the Western democracies that are presently standing unflinchingly behind Israels flagrant violations of international humanitarian and human rights law. While this of course will depend on the particular country concerned, the answer, generally speaking, will be in the negative. And this applies most clearly to the countries that have the greatest influence over Israels position. In the United States, lawmakers are deliberately avoiding appeals from their constituents who call for a ceasefire, and President Joe Biden, when asked by reporters if there was any possibility of a halt to Israels violence, replied that there was none. This should be a cause for worry because in a democracy, at least in principle, politicians are supposed to respond to the wishes of their constituents and conform to the popular will, given that their electoral futures depend on the opinions of the voters. Arab-Americans, including in key swing American states, are especially frustrated with the Biden administrations policies in general but also now specifically with its dealings with Israel. Support for Biden among them stands at a scant 17 per cent, while 40 per cent, according to a poll conducted by the Arab-American Institute, are now inclined to vote for the likely Republican nominee former President Donald Trump in the presidential election in 2024 despite Trumps known proclivity favouring Israel. Advertisement Massive pro-Palestine protests and the possibility that Bidens position on Israel could add to his many disadvantages in the upcoming election have strangely not prompted any change in the administrations support for Israels deplorable actions in Gaza and the West Bank against the Palestinians. Joe Biden has resisted all efforts to alter his pro-Israel leanings. To quote the then-Senator Biden, a selfdescribed pro-Zionist, from 1986, Theres no apology to be made [for supporting Israel]. None. It is the best three-billion-dollar investment we make. Were there not an Israel, the United States of America would have to invent an Israel to protect her interests in the region. Now as the nations president, it could be supposed that Biden has a responsibility to abandon his personal predilections in order to preserve national unity especially when it is under assault by the Republicans, an opposition party that casts doubt on the legitimacy of elections and seeks to impeach the president himself. But the fact remains that Biden is standing firm on his position of support for Israel, despite protests from his own bureaucracy and appeals from among his traditional electoral support base. The situation in Europe is somewhat more nuanced. Countries, like Austria, the Czech Republic and Hungary are steadfast in their unwavering support for Israel despite some limited opposition, and the Czechs have even outlawed pro-Palestine demonstrations. French President Emmanuel Macron recently urged Israel to stop bombing Gaza, but he is facing open criticism from his own diplomatic service for his support for Israel. France has also outlawed pro-Palestine protests. But other countries, like Ireland, Spain and Belgium, are openly critical of Israel. This lack of uniformity demonstrates the fragility of a common EU foreign policy on this issue. This is especially the case given the fact that Ursula von der Leyen, the German president of the European Commission, has shown herself to be a strident supporter of Israels actions despite public contradiction from her colleague, the Commissions high representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy and his staff. What stands out in the current situation in the Middle East is that each day that the Israeli attack on Gaza continues, the more difficult it becomes to morally and logically justify the common Western position, as evidenced primarily by the USA and UK in the UN Security Council, of supporting Israel despite immense and unprecedented public pressure in support of the beleaguered Palestinians. The rest of the world is justified in regarding this attitude as racially motivated and anti-Islam. Conflating criticism of Israel with anti-Semitism, as the pro-Israel lobby is quick to do, is both unjustified and prejudicial. (The writer is a former Indian foreign secretary.) The European Union (EU) has forged a new agreement aimed at reshaping the dynamics of migrant hosting within its member states. The New Pact on Migration and Asylum, emerging after exhaustive negotiations, underscores the EUs attempt to strike a delicate balance between addressing the concerns of border countries overwhelmed by migration and upholding humanitarian values. The pacts provisions encompass a comprehensive array of measures, including the screening of irregular migrants, asylum application procedures, allocation of responsibility among member states, and crisis management strategies. This holistic approach signals a collective effort to streamline the often chaotic and disjointed response to migration-related challenges. One pivotal aspect of the agreement is the insistence on burden-sharing among EU nations. Nonborder countries now face a choice. They can either accept a designated share of asylum applicants or contribute financially to an EU fund. This mechanism seeks to alleviate the disproportionate strain on border nations and, in theory, foster a more equitable distribution of responsibilities. It is a bold step, acknowledging the interconnectedness of the EU and challenging the long-standing reluctance of some member states to share the burden of migration. Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosis endorsement of the pact as a great success for Europe and Italy underlines the potential positive impact on nations directly affected by migration. It reflects a sentiment of shared responsibility, suggesting that EU border countries will no longer feel isolated in managing the complex challenges posed by migrant arrivals. However, amid the applause, concerns have been raised, notably by human rights organisations such as Amnesty International. The criticism centres on the potential setback to EU asylum law and the anticipated increase in the suffering of asylum seekers. The provision allowing the prevention of certain nationalities with low success rates, like those from India, Tunisia, or Turkey, from entering the EU has sparked particular controversy. Critics argue that such a screening mechanism risks violating the principles of non-discrimination and may result in individuals being unjustly detained at borders. Moreover, the accelerated processing of asylum applications, while seemingly efficient, raises questions about the thoroughness of assessments and the protection of applicants rights. The emphasis on detaining those perceived as a security threat could inadvertently lead to the arbitrary deprivation of freedom, with potentially severe consequences for individuals lives. Advertisement The crux of the matter lies in finding a nuanced approach that upholds the EUs commitment to human rights while effectively addressing the practical challenges posed by migration. It is an intricate balance between security concerns and compassion, a delicate manoeuvre that requires constant scrutiny and adjustment. In conclusion, the EUs New Pact on Migration and Asylum signifies a significant step forward in addressing the complex issue of migration within its borders. While it strives to strike a balance between unity and humanitarian concerns, the true test shall lie in its implementation. The just-concluded Winter session of Parliament has been a washout due to a confrontation between the Opposition and the Government. The growing divide between the treasury benches and the Opposition is a worrying trend. It is not for the first time that an entire session has been washed out. A severe security breach occurred on December 13. Two unauthorised individuals entered the House while the session was on and threw smoke canisters, creating panic. How they jumped from the visitors gallery was a mystery, after having escaping undetected despite five-tier security. There have been attacks on the Parliaments of other countries, too. To name a few, there was the 1981 Spanish coup attempt; the 2017 U.K. Parliament terror attack; the 1987 Sri Lankan Parliament grenade attack; the 2021 U.S. Capitol attack and the October 2023 Turkish government building attack Aghast at the incident, the Opposition demanded Home Minister Amit Shah make a statement in the House, but Shah declined. Had Shah made a statement, even a brief one, the confrontation would not have escalated. It led to a commotion, and as a result, the two presiding officers suspended an unprecedented number of 146 members. Most belonged to the opposition party coalition, the INDIA Alliance. According to the rules, suspension occurs under two circumstances. One is when a member disregards the authority of the Chair, and the second is when a member wilfully and persistently obstructs the proceedings of the House. In this case, the members defied the Speaker and the Rajya Sabha Chairman. Advertisement After December 13, Parliament was deadlocked as the Opposition disrupted the proceedings. Several opposition leaders accused the Government of intentionally suspending many leaders to pass crucial bills without debate. The Modi government has justified the suspensions. They argued that the opposition members had insulted the institution of Parliament. One member even mimicked the Rajya Sabha chairman, Jagdeep Dhankhar. Members defied Speaker Om Birla also. Meanwhile, unfazed by the protests, the Government chose to push through crucial legislation, including the Criminal law amendments, with empty Opposition benches on the other side. The Opposition had condemned this. These recent developments will worsen the already strained relationship between the Opposition and the government. Ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, they seemed disinterested in ensuring Parliament ran smoothly. Everyone needs to work together in Parliament, but unfortunately, it isnt a priority for either side. The public is appalled by the behaviour of the Opposition and the subsequent unprecedented suspension of 146 members. They are disappointed that instead of addressing the concerns of their constituents, members have resorted to such disorderly conduct. Many agree that the Opposition had a valid request for a statement from Shah, but their approach was inappropriate. MPs have five essential functions. They are law-making, budget scrutiny, oversight responsibility, representative role, and holding the Government accountable. Ideally, they must fulfil these duties. Are the members performing their responsibilities? Not entirely. Many MPs do their best in their work. They highlight issues on the floor of Parliament to establish their grasp of specific topics. But this can happen only when there is order in the House. When Parliament is not functioning for most sessions, how can they perform their duties? After all, while the Opposition should have its say, the Government should also have its freedom. In the 1950s and 1960s, Parliament was more homogeneous. Congress was the dominant party. Notable freedom fighters represented the people. The discussions and debates were of high quality. However, in 1969, the Congress party split, and Prime Minister Indira Gandhi acted high-handedly. The coalition era began in 1989, and there have been many instances of Parliament paralysis. Returning to the present crisis, while it is the business of the Government to ensure the smooth running of Parliament, the Opposition must also provide constructive criticism. Parliament is weaker due to the lack of more discussions and scrutiny of laws; after all, members are called lawmakers for a reason. Former chief justice N.V. Ramana lamented the lack of scrutiny of the bills. Recognising the value of parliamentary debates in shaping public opinion is essential. Lawmakers must ensure that necessary modifications and revisions are made to a bill to achieve its intended objective. They must study and scrutinise the laws and detect the loopholes. The Constitution assigns the task of creating laws to the legislature. At the same time, the Government is responsible for executing them, and the judiciary is tasked with enforcing them. To have a thriving democracy, Parliament must function effectively. To achieve this, better coordination between the Opposition and the Government is necessary. Unfortunately, neither side made any attempts to compromise, resulting in conflict. Coordination is vital to ensure that Parliament operates efficiently and without any obstacles. A Sikh mother and son have been sentenced to a total prison term of more than three years in the UK for conspiring to steal 8000 pounds from a community wedding fund. Kalwant Kaur, 41, was jailed for 15 months and Jung Singh Lankanpal, 22, was handed a 30-month jail term as they appeared before the Southampton Crown Court on Friday. A court heard a group of women from the local Sikh community had helped organise a collection to pay for a wedding within the community. Advertisement While they were counting the money, Lankanpal, armed with a gun, burst inside the property at Clovelly Road in Southampton on September 15. He threatened the women and demanded they hand over the money, the Hampshire Police said in a statement. The court heard that the vehicle used to get away from the scene, a red Hyundai, was found to be registered in the name of Kaur who was at the address and helping with the collection. Kaur and Lankanpal made a cold and callous decision to steal such a large sum of money from people they knew, money which was meant to help people in their community, Detective Constable Jess Swift, from the Western Area Crime Team, said. Despite Kaur trying to present herself as a witness to a crime, it was quickly established she had used her knowledge to help orchestrate this burglary, Swift added. Both mother and son were arrested the same day they committed the crime, and pleaded guilty in October to a charge of conspiring to commit a burglary. Through some very comprehensive enquiries, we have been able to ensure both pleaded guilty to these offences and will serve a jail sentence. I hope this provides the local community some reassurance and gives them some justice for what happened, Swift said. How many times have the policies of the Narendra Modi government been called unconstitutional? We have lost count. Never in the history of our 75 years of Independence did the right policies make way into execution. The money remained in the hands of a few elite people and the common man suffered. Not providing, or even talking about, basic facilitieslike cleanliness, toilets, roads, water, irrigation facilities, crop insurance and electricitywas a norm. The poor believed that they are destined to remain deprived and fight for basic rights all their lives. It surprises me how this was never considered unconstitutional. The Modi government has executed the basic principles of the Constitution into our daily lives. This should have been done many decades ago. Constitution is not a dead letter. It is the soul of our country, and the soul of this Constitution is inclusion, freedom to contribute towards our society and the nation, and freedom to participate in constructive nationalism. Illustration: Bhaskaran The Modi government has worked on the guiding principles of the Constitution. It has provided affordable housing for all, brought in sanitary toilets through the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, introduced the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, where free foodgrain was distributed to the poor. The list is a long one. In the true sense, the Constitution is the religion of our country and the Modi government has worked to follow that religion. Having said that, there were two things that remained incomplete in our Constitution. The government completed them. 1) The abrogation of Article 370 to end the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. 2) The National Education Policy 2020 has recognised all Indian languages as national languages and included them in the school curriculum. The words of the Constitution have been given vibrancy by my government. The Modi government also introduced the provision of celebrating the first Constitution Day (November 26), for Constitution is not only for the understanding of a few elite people, the legal profession, and the courts, but also for the people, of the people, and by the people. The Constitution, at its core, supports democracy, secularism, social justice and individual liberty. The Modi government has launched several schemes which are right in line with these principles. The emphasis on economic growth and poverty alleviation in schemes like Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, and Ayushman Bharat are an attempt to fulfil the constitutional directive of ensuring social security and economic justice for all citizens. The Modi governments focus on infrastructure development, as evidenced by initiatives such as the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, the Smart Cities Mission, Har Ghar Jal and the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, is in line with the constitutional mandate to ensure a decent standard of living for all. These plans strive to create more sustainable and inclusive urban and rural environments, while addressing socio-economic inequalities as outlined in the Constitution. The principle of federalism is at the heart of the Constitution, and the Modi governments approach to cooperative federalism is reflected in schemes such as the GST and The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023. These initiatives aim to promote economic unity among the states and strengthen Indias self-reliance, echoing the constitutional vision of a cooperative and cohesive federal structure. Far from being unconstitutional, the Modi government is the most constitutionally aligned government India has ever had. Lekhi is Union minister of state for external affairs and culture. A video clip of an alleged derogatory remark made months ago by DMK Lok Sabha MP Dayanidhi Maran on workers hailing from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar was widely circulated on social media on Sunday which led to a war of words between the Saffron party and Tamil Nadu's ruling Dravidian party. Study of both Tamil and English had been championed by his party all along and the people of Tamil Nadu followed it, Maran had said addressing an event in March this year. Citing the example of Sundar Pichai, a native of Tamil Nadu, Maran said he now heads Google and had he learnt Hindi, he would have been employed in the construction sector as a worker. Since children from Tamil Nadu get educated and learn English well, they find employment in the Information Technology sector and earn good salaries. In the video clip, Maran purportedly said that people in the states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar who had learnt 'only Hindi,' construct houses, clean roads and toilets in Tamil Nadu, after learning Tamil. "This is the scenario if Hindi is learnt." The video clip showing Maran's alleged remark resurfaced on social media and the BJP said that the DMK MP's comment is very objectionable and has derogatory references to Hindi speaking people. The reason for the matter cropping up now is not clear and it could not be ascertained immediately. In a post on X, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said that this has become a habit of the DMK 'for sure'. Many leaders one after the other make such comments and earlier they attacked Sanatan Dharma too. Further, he said: "But the reason why Congress party and other parties of INDIA alliance are not saying anything is because, perhaps, they are all in it together." Tamil Nadu BJP Vice-president Naryananan Thirupathy said, though it was an old remark, it shows the 'true colours' of DMK leaders who use abusive, and derogatory language against north Indians. "It is not a matter of surprise at all. It is happening now, in the present. It has also happened in the past. The DMK will continue it in the future as well," he said. DMK spokesperson J Constandine Ravindran condemned BJP functionaries for deliberately spreading 'falsehood.' He told PTI: "DMK is fully committed to an egalitarian society. No particular state like Tamil Nadu is superior. No other state like Uttar Pradesh or Bihar is inferior. The mala fide intent of the BJP people is evident as they are claiming something that Dayanidhi Maran never said or meant." The substance of Dayanidhi Maran's speech is all about opportunities available to a person, when she or he, in addition to mother tongue, also learnt the English language well, he said. Career opportunities that open up to a person with an English language background are more, not only in India but also elsewhere in the world and this is the crux of Maran's remarks made months ago, Ravindran added. Three Naxalites were killed in an encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district on Sunday. The gun battle took place on a hill near Dabbakunna village in the evening when a joint team of the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and Bastar Fighters was out on an anti-Naxal operation along the Dantewada-Sukma inter-district border. Both DRG and BF are special units of the Chhattisgarh police. Inspector General of Police (Bastar Range) Sundarraj P. told PTI that bodies of three male Naxalites were recovered from the encounter site. Identity of the trio was yet to be ascertained. The officer said that a cache of explosives and weapons was also seized from the encounter site Meanwhile, Chhattisgarh Director General of Police Ashok Juneja directed security personnel of Bastar division to ensure continuous work on development and security by establishing better strategy and mutual coordination with regard to operations against Naxalites. Juneja was addressing a meeting in Bastar to review the anti-Naxal operations. The meeting was attended by ADG (Naxal Operations) Vivekanand, Bastar (Range) IGP Sundarraj P. as well as DIGs, SPs and senior officials of paramilitary forces of Bastar division, said an official statement. A retired police officer was shot dead by unidentified terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district on Sunday morning while offering prayers in mosque, according to police. Identified as Mohammad Shafi, a former Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), the deceased man was giving the Muslim call to prayer at a mosque in the city's Gantmulla area, reported Greater Kashmir. Police have cordoned off the area and more details are awaited. #Terrorists fired upon Shri Mohd Shafi, a retired police officer at Gantmulla, Sheeri #Baramulla, while praying Azan in the mosque and succumbed to injuries. Area has been #cordoned off. Further details awaited. @JmuKmrPolice, the Kashmir Zone Police wrote on X. The 72-year-old is survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter, reported KNO, a news agency. A few days ago terrorists ambushed two Army vehicles in Poonch, killing five soldiers and injuring two others. This comes days after Jammu and Kashmir police dismantled a terrorist module assigned to target off-duty policemen in Srinagar. Three terrorists were apprehended for their involvement in the assault on a police constable in Srinagar's Bemina area on December 9. On December 9, police constable Hafiz Mohammad Chad was shot dead by the terrorists in Hamdania Colony of Bemina. They were identified as Imtiyaz Ahmed Khanday and Danish Ahmed Mala, both from Bemina, and Mehran Khan from Rainawari. The trio was operating under the guidance of a Pakistan-based handler named Hamza-Burhan, originally from Pulwama. The Indian Navy has launched an investigation into a suspected drone strike on a Mangalore-bound cargo vessel off India's west coast in the Arabian sea even as the merchant ship is on its way to Mumbai, officials familiar with the matter said on Sunday. The Navy and the Indian Coast Guard swung into action by deploying their assets including a warship and maritime patrol aircraft on Saturday soon after the UK Maritime Trade Operations, or UKMTO, reported the drone "attack" on MV Chem Pluto that has around 20 Indian crew members. There was no report of any casualty in the incident. The Liberian flagged vessel is now on its way to Mumbai and Indian Coast Guard ship ICGS Vikram is providing security to it, the officials said. The Navy has launched an investigation into the incident including into the origin of the strike, said an official on the condition of anonymity as the matter is sensitive in nature. The vessel, carrying crude oil to the New Mangalore port from the Al Jubail port in Saudi Arabia, was struck about 217 nautical miles from Porbandar, said another official. The Navy sent stealth guided-missile destroyer INS Mormugao to the location of the drone strike on Saturday and the officials said the warship is in the process of examining various details relating to the attack, the officials said. The incident came against the backdrop of Iran-backed Houthi rebels stepping up attacks on ships in the Red Sea amid the Israel-Hamas conflict. Late last night, the Indian Coast Guard said MV Chem Pluto started making way towards Mumbai poat undertaking damage assessment and repairs on its power generation systems. "The Coast Guard Dornier aircraft has sanitised the area and established communication with Chem Pluto. The vessel has started making way towards Mumbai post undertaking damage assessment and repairs on its power generation systems," it said. "The vessel is likely to enter Mumbai and sought escort assistance due to steering issues. Indian Coast Guard Ship Vikram will be escorting the ship during its passage. The Indian Coast Guard Operations Centre is monitoring the situation closely," it said. Earlier on Saturday, the UKMTO, that operates under Britain's Royal Navy, said it received a report of an attack by Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) on a vessel causing an explosion and fire, adding the incident took place 200 nautical miles South West of Veraval in India. It said the fire was "extinguished" and there were no casualties. The Coast Guard said its Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Mumbai received information regarding the fire onboard MV Chem Pluto. "The MRCC established real time communication with the vessel's agent and ascertained no loss of life and assured all assistance, he said adding the Coast Guard immediately diverted other merchant vessels in the vicinity of Chem Pluto for rendering assistance," it said. The UKMTO is a British military organisation that provides maritime security information and largely acts as the primary point of contact for merchant vessels involved in maritime incidents. It receives reports and information on suspicious incidents from merchant shipping and shares that information with its regional, national contacts, as well as Industry and vessels operating in that area, according to UKMTO. Breaking silence on the Parliament security breach case, Karnataka BJP MP Pratap Simha said people will ultimately decide if he was a patriot or a traitor during the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. The MP from Mysore-Kodagu said he will leave it to the gods and his fans to decide on the allegations. The protesters who had jumped from the public gallery into the Lok Sabha chamber on December 13 and opened smoke canisters had entered Parliament reportedly using passes issued by Simha. "Whether Pratap Simha is a traitor or a patriot -- mother Goddess Chamundeshwari sitting on the hills of Mysuru, mother Goddess Cauvery who is sitting on Brahmagiri, my reader fans across Karnataka who have been reading my writings for the last twenty years, and people of Mysuru and Kodagu who have seen my work for 9.5 years and my conduct on issues related country, dharma and nationalism -- will give their verdict through votes in Lok Sabha polls to be held in April, 2024," said the journalist-turned-politician. Responding to posters calling him a "traitor", Simha said, "They (people) are the ones who have to ultimately give the judgement. They will decide whether I'm a patriot. I leave it to their decision. I don't have anything to say other than that." with inputs from PTI The drone that hit the chemical tanker off Porbandar coast in Gujarat in the Arabian Sea on Saturday was fired from Iran, the Pentagon has said. A statement by the U.S. Department of Defense read: "The motor vessel CHEM PLUTO, a Liberia-flagged, Japanese-owned, and Netherlands-operated chemical tanker was struck at approximately 10 a.m. local time (6 a.m. GMT) today in the Indian Ocean, 200 nautical miles from the coast of India, by a one-way attack drone fired from Iran," a Pentagon spokesperson told Reuters. The statement added that the US military "remains in communication with the vessel as it continues toward a destination in India". The Pentagon statement said this was the "seventh Iranian attack on commercial shipping since 2021." This is also the first time that the Pentagon openly accused Iran of directly targeting ships since the start of Israel's war on Hamas. The British maritime agency said on Saturday that the fire on the Liberian-flagged chemical products tanker was extinguished without crew casualties. "Some structural damage was also reported and some water was taken onboard. The vessel was Israel-affiliated. She had last called Saudi Arabia and was destined for India at the time," the firm said on its website. The ship was on its way to New Mangalore from Saudi Arabia. Indian Coast Guard Ship Vikram, on Exclusive Economic Zone patrol, was diverted to the site. The Indian Navy has also deployed a P-8I long-range maritime surveillance aircraft to ascertain the safety of the vessel. The Indian Coast Guard said the vessel has started making its way towards Mumbai post undertaking damage assessment and repairs on its power generation systems. "The Coast Guard Dornier aircraft has sanitised the area and established communication with Chem Pluto. The vessel has started making way towards Mumbai post undertaking damage assessment and repairs on its power generation systems," it said. DRONE ATTACK ON MV CHEM PLUTO-Indian Coast Guard Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre,Mumbai received information regarding fire onboard MV Chem Pluto. The Merchant ship with 20 Indian &01 Vietnamese Crew was reportedly attacked by a suspected drone strike on aerial platform.(1/6) pic.twitter.com/CpioW9MfT9 Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) December 23, 2023 "The vessel is likely to enter Mumbai and sought escort assistance due to steering issues. Indian Coast Guard Ship Vikram will be escorting the ship during its passage. The Indian Coast Guard Operations Centre is monitoring the situation closely," it said in a late-night statement. Iran yet to respond Iran has not responded to the accusations levelled against it by the Pentagon. But, regarding the attacks on Israel-linked ships in the Red Sea, Tehran said that "the resistance [Houthis] has its own tools and acts in accordance with its own decisions and capabilities." Irans deputy foreign minister Ali Bagheri told Mehr news agency that the "fact that certain powers, such as the Americans and the Israelis, suffer strikes from the resistance movement should in no way call into question the reality of the strength of the resistance in the region." Tehran has said it supports the Houthis politically but denies sending the group weapons. Almost two years into the war, Gazette Photo Editor Christian Murdock has traveled to Ukraine to capture the struggle of a generation and share the stories and plight of a people whose lives were upended when Russian forces invaded the country in February of 2022. Yana Malyk, who fled Ukraine with her family after the invasion, is the executive director of a nonprofit that provides assistance to people in her war-torn country. Ukraine Power, based in Colorado Springs, delivers electric generators and heaters to those in need. Hear from both about their experiences starting at noon today on gazette.com Sign up for free: Springs AM Update Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country overnight and the stories to follow throughout the day delivered to your inbox each evening. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. Register and join the Zoom here. An oil tanker, M/V Saibaba, was hit by a one-way attack drone fired allegedly by Yemen's Houthi rebels in the Red Sea on Saturday. The attack occurred around 10:30 pm (IST) on Saturday, just hours after a chemical tanker, Chem Pluto, was hit by a drone off Gujarat coast. A post on X by U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (CENTCOM) said two Houthi anti-ship ballistic missiles were fired into international shipping lanes in the Southern Red Sea from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen on Saturday. "At approximately 8 p.m. (Sanaa time), U.S. Naval Forces Central Command received reports from two ships in the Southern Red Sea that they were under attack. The M/V BLAAMANEN, a Norwegian-flagged, owned, and operated chemical/oil tanker, reported a near miss of a Houthi one-way attack drone with no injuries or damage reported. A second vessel, the M/V SAIBABA, a Gabon-owned, Indian-flagged crude oil tanker, reported that it was hit by a one-way attack drone with no injuries reported," the post read. However, the Indian Navy countered the US claims, adding that MV Saibaba was not Indian-flagged but carried a Gabonese flag. However, the vessel had 25 Indians as crew members, who are all safe. The CENTCOM added that its warship, USS Laboon (DDG 58), responded to the distress calls from these attacks. There were no injuries or damage in this incident. The statement also added that the USS Laboon also shot down four unmanned aerial drones originating from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen that were targeted at it during its patrol operations in the Southern Red Sea. On December 23 two Houthi anti-ship ballistic missiles were fired into international shipping lanes in the Southern Red Sea from Houthi controlled areas of Yemen. No ships reported being impacted by the ballistic missiles. Between 3 and 8 p.m. (Sanaa time), the USS LABOON (DDG pic.twitter.com/jcBisbXBaS U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) December 24, 2023 "These attacks represent the 14th and 15th attacks on commercial shipping by Houthi militants since Oct. 17," CENTCOM said in a post on X. The US launched Operation Prosperity Guardian recently to ensure the safety of vessels on the Red Sea and Gulf of Eden post the Israel-Hamas war. The operation has over a dozen countries participating in it. The U.K. Maritime Trade Operations agency earlier reported that an unmanned aerial system had exploded near a vessel in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, 45 nautical miles southwest of Saleef, Yemen. This comes as a drone, which the Pentagon says originated from Iran, hit a chemical tanker off Porbandar coast in Gujarat in the Arabian Sea on Saturday was fired from Iran, the Pentagon has said. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) jets were already airborne and ready to carry out a major pre-emptive strike in Lebanon against Hezbollah before the US managed to convince Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to stand down at the last minute, said reports. The incident occurred four days after Hamas's October 7 cross-border attack on Israel, reported The Wall Street Journal. On October 11, Israeli officials contacted the US officials to inform them that they had intel that Lebanon-based militant group Hezbollah was planning a cross-border attack, similar to the one carried out by Hamas on October 7. Israel asked the US for assistance after realising it could not pull off such a major strike against Hezbollah on its own. However, Biden's top aides gathered for a meeting which concluded that the US intelligence didnt match up with what Israel was warning of, the WSJ report added. Biden then dialled Netanyahu, a conversation that lasted over 45 minutes, to relay Washingtons scepticism over the Israeli intelligence, thereby convincing Israel not to move forward with the strike. The US convinced Israel that a two-front war was still avoidable, but an IDF attack of this sort would make it inevitable. Netanyahu then informed Biden that he would discuss the matter with his aides. The US also had information from Iran through mediators that Tehran was not interested in further regional escalation. The IDF had by then ordered its troops on the northern border to prepare for a multi-pronged Hezbollah assault, with terrorists paragliding and driving through the northern border. The alert was sent out to Israelis to immediately enter bomb shelters. The report added that it was Defence Minister Yoav Gallant who was pushing hard for the preemptive strike. He had the support of the IDF, The Times of Israel quoted the Walla news site. Netanyahu opposed the idea but didnt want to be a minority voice against a strike. However, two former IDF chiefs of staff - Gadi Eisenkot and Benny Gantz - supported Netanyahu's belief that a preemptive strike was a bad idea. The war cabinet decided later in the day to call off the attack. However, Netanyahu's office late Saturday denied the WSJ report, asserting that Netanyahu decided after October 7 that Israels priority would be to focus on the southern front and that this position was adopted by the war cabinet. The Defense Ministry, CIA, and US State Department declined to comment on the report. Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd) India is a maritime nation is an oft-heard phrase, strategically inserted into speeches of senior politicians and government functionaries. It has a nice ring to it. People believe what they say because of the exalted stature of the speakers. Besides, it sounds quite self-glorifying. This belief, however, is not necessarily because we understand what it means to be a maritime nation. Geographically, India is a maritime nation. There was never a doubt about it. Very few countries in the world have oceans on three sides. No other country in the world has an ocean named after it. Indias maritime and seafaring tradition dates back to 3,000 BCE when the Indus Valley civilisation was known to have maritime trade with Mesopotamia. Geography has time and again shaped the history of nations. Rivers and seas have been critical elements of such civilisational histories, be it the early Egyptian civilisation along the banks of the Nile or our very own Indus Valley. Two-thirds of civilisations live within 200 miles from coasts. It is also an undeniable fact of history that invaders who came to India across the land borders either went back or were assimilated, but the colonisers who came to India from the sea enslaved, plundered and looted the Indian people for over three centuries. Does India possess a maritime mindset? The answer is a big no. It has been a recent realisation that India has to look towards the sea not just to counter adversaries, but also for its economic well-being. Shipbuilding and ship-repair businesses can be long-term money spinners if they can cater to domestic and export markets. It, however, does take a maritime mindset to realise the benefits and facilitate this industry. There is a standing joke that in the Indian EEZ, fish die of old age. Large-scale deep-sea fishing requires an enabling ecosystem. The government could consider re-organising multiple departments that deal with the maritime space and create a ministry of maritime affairs. Does India possess a maritime mindset? The answer is a big no. It was a bigger no till even a few years ago. It has been a recent realisation that India has to look towards the sea not just to counter maritime adversaries, but also for its economic well-being. This is what we term as the Blue Economy. We are Blue in word, but not in thought and deed. Here is why. DEFENCE Economy and defence are inextricably linked. Without one being robust, the other will also have shortfalls. However, if the security umbrella is weak, no aspect of economic well-being will enjoy immunity from external intervention. The naval expansion of China and the modernisation of the Pakistan navydespite its struggling economyoffer warning signs to India about the nexus between the two, as all of Pakistans modernisation is from Chinese sources. We are aware that the ingress of Chinese naval forces into the Indian Ocean has to be from our east. Common sense tells us that our eastern gatekeeper must be strong. Sadly, we have not developed the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to be our strong eastern gatekeeper, as was envisaged when the tri-service Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) was established in 2001. For the Indian armed forces, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands should become the equivalent of what Hawaii is for the US military before time runs out. Our thrust towards theaterisation provides us one last chance. The ANC must be the bulwark of the Maritime Theatre Command against any misadventure from the east. Force structures and planning must give us the deterrence to prevent war and promote peace. A multidimensional adversary requires a multidimensional force to thwart any design detrimental to our interests. So, debates about whether we must have aircraft carriers or nuclear-powered submarines or long-range reconnaissance is of little use. Each has its critical utility and all of them are required for the defence of our maritime interests. COASTAL SECURITY India recognised the need for a specialised coastal force in the late 1970s and the Coast Guard was constituted in 1980 by an act of Parliament. Since then, the Coast Guard has grown in size and strength to one of the largest coastal constabulary forces in the world with potent surface and air assets. Several other agencies also have responsibilities with regard to coastal security; such as the customs, immigration, revenue intelligence, port authorities, oil and gas operators and state police forces. Coordination among these agencies is an involved task and often difficult since each has its own priorities, reporting authorities and organisational peculiarities. Sky is the limit: MiG 29ks from INS Vikramaditya in action during Malabar Exercise 2020 in which Australia, Japan and the US also participated | PTI The terrorist attacks in Mumbai on November 26, 2008 (the 26/11 attacks) with miscreants infiltrating through the sea route and landing at a crowded fishing village in the heart of Mumbai exposed gaping holes in our maritime intelligence and security apparatus. In its aftermath, the government put several mechanisms into place including the formation of state marine police, carved out of the regular police forces, and the creation of coastal police stations. A comprehensive coastal security scheme was put in place and executed in phases, which, among other things, included funding and provision of patrol boats for marine police forces of coastal states. The Indian Navy was made responsible for overall maritime security with the naval commanders-in-chief being additionally designated as commanders-in-chief coastal defence. The Coast Guard director general was designated as commander, coastal security, with Coast Guard as the lead intelligence agency for this purpose. Apex and state-level monitoring committees were set up and several policy directives were issued to streamline coastal security mechanisms. In 2022, the government appointed a retired Navy vice chief as the National Maritime Security Coordinator (NMSC) to ensure robust apex-level policymaking and monitoring. Subsequently, each coastal state was directed to appoint state maritime security coordinators to be the single-point contact for coastal security. Despite such measures, implementation on ground has been tardy, and turf wars continue because of organisational inadequacies, lack of sea-going expertise and technical maintenance among police personnel, slow implementation of the coastal security scheme and other reasons. Even today, police personnel assigned to state marine police are considered to be sidelined. As a result, chinks remain in our coastal security armour. SHIPBUILDING AND REPAIR Ninety per cent of the global trade is carried over the oceans. This percentage is unlikely to come down in the future since ships are the only means of transporting bulk cargo, fuel, dangerous chemicals, gases and all other commodities. Shipbuilding is, therefore, one industry that will continue to flourish now and in the future. The range of ships that are used varies from small coastal cargo ships to three-million-tonne crude carriers with every description of ships in between. Additionally, there are specialised ships that are needed for navies, oil industry, hydrographic and oceanographic research, satellite tracking, island support, cruise and passenger vessels. Moving the world: A super large container ship lifts containers in Shanghai, China | Getty Images It does not take any specialised knowledge to understand that shipbuilding and ship-repair businesses can be long-term money spinners if they can cater to domestic and export markets. It, however, does take a maritime mindset to realise the benefits and facilitate this industry. Another significant statistic is that China and South Korea share close to 90 per cent of the shipbuilding market between them, with Chinas share being about 47 per cent. India, in comparison, is not even on the shipbuilding and ship-repair map of the world. India has the potential to make quality ships for domestic industry and for export, but the industry environment does not facilitate quality, price and competitiveness. Overheads are high, shipyards are inefficient, labour laws favour inefficiency, and dependence on imports is high. Even public sector defence shipyards are kept afloat by the requirements of the Indian Navy that compulsorily require warships to be built in India. Conditions have to be created that make Indian shipbuilding and ship-repair industries much more efficient and competitive. MERCHANT MARINE Nearly 90 per cent of Indias trade by volume and 70 per cent by value moves over the sea. India is now among the five largest economies of the world and growing. However, Indias share in the global trade remains below 2 per cent compared with Chinas 14 per cent. Perhaps then not surprisingly, Indias share of global shipping tonnage also stands at 1.3 per cent while China is at 13.7 per cent. As the country grows economically and the share of global trade increases, it will have to be matched by a growth in Indian-owned ships as well. The JNPT port in Navi Mumbai | Shutterstock There is also the vulnerability angle in times of conflict when assured supplies of critical commodities may become important in the absence of sufficient reserves. International shipping operators become reluctant to operate in conflict zones because of the threat of collateral damage in addition to high insurance costs that come into play. The shipping tonnage available with national carriers has to be maintained at a minimum level to ensure the flow of essential commodities at all times. There are major shortfalls in this respect. Coastal passenger traffic and inland water transportation are other areas that require working to a time-bound plan as these have tremendous potential in many of our coastal states. Kerala and West Bengal are prime examples of states where a thriving inland water system existed earlier but fell into neglect and disuse. Such transport not only is cheap and clean, but also adds to the economy in terms of employment and revenue generation through commercial passenger traffic and tourism. PORTS AND MARITIME INFRASTRUCTURE India ranks 18th in the world in terms of length of coastline (17,200km) and 13th in the number of major ports (13). While appearing quite linear in this sense, such a simplistic comparison may be misleading. Development of ports and maritime infrastructure should aim to meet our sea transport needs and boost our economy by providing services, creating employment for locals, utilising domestic products and conducting efficient and profitable port operations. They should be part of an ecosystem that also energises the shipbuilding and ship-repair industry. Prize catch: Fishing boats at Balaramgadi in Odisha | Salil Bera Efficiency of port operations is a function of several factors. These range from good port facilities, use of modern technology, efficient human resource, round-the-clock operations, good road networks leading to the port, robust security mechanisms and world-class services. Compare the most efficient port in the world, Shanghai, and the most efficient port in India, JNPT (Navi Mumbai): the former handles 47.3 million TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units) and the latter, 6.05 million TEU as per latest figures. Operation of ports and similar authorities are professional tasks and the management must be selected with care. Generalists from administrative and police services are routinely appointed to head such organisations where better choices would be people with maritime backgrounds. While major ports would continue to be the hubs of our maritime economy, this would have to be augmented by non-major ports that could serve coastal trade and small-ship traffic. Strategically located transshipment hubs should be built to cater to cargo management of international traffic. Colombos strategic location as a transshipment hub was a lesson for India. Vizhinjam Mega Transshipment Hub in Kerala, being created as an alternate transshipment hub to Colombo Port and scheduled for completion in 2024, is a good move. Developing the Great Nicobar Port at Galathea Bay in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is yet another significant move, but the plan for commencing construction in 2028 and completing it in phases by 2058 needs review. India cannot take 30 years to build a transshipment port. FISHING India is the third largest fish-producing country in the world. This can broadly be divided into inland fishing, including aquaculture, and marine fishing. Of the total fish production of 17.4 million tonnes in 2022-23, just about one-fourth is attributed to marine fishing. This is gross under-exploitation of the over 2.2 million square kilometres of exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Most of our marine fisherfolk belong to small fishing hamlets along our coast and are small-time operators. The country lacks a deep-sea fishing ecosystem while China and Taiwan have long-endurance, refrigerated, mini-factory ships that not just harvest fish, but also process and refrigerate them for long shelf-lives and transfer the produce to other vessels at sea. New horizons: Inaugural vessel docking at the Vizhinjam International Port | J. Suresh Because of this lack of capability, there is a standing joke that in the Indian EEZ, fish die of old age. Large-scale deep-sea fishing requires an enabling ecosystem. Business houses with more financial muscle need to invest in it. Skilling of crew in sea-going, fishing and various other activities as also developing a profitable market would all be necessary. Such an environment would require robust government policy and financial support. In the absence of such a deep-sea fishing capability with India and its smaller maritime neighbours, Chinese trawlers and fishing vessels engage in widespread illegal fishing in the Indian Ocean Region, especially in EEZs of countries that do not have the wherewithal to monitor illegal fishing. These vessels often venture into the Indian EEZ as well. The possible use of these vessels for intelligence gathering, grey-zone activities and other non-commercial purposes is a security threat. POLLUTION REVERSAL Another serious challenge is that of pollution. The oceans and rivers have got polluted. Coastal ocean areas are seriously affected by industrial effluents and untreated waste coming from inshore. Ports and harbours suffer heavily from plastic and oil pollution created by surrounding habitats and visiting ships. Marine pollution caused by accidents at sea affects ocean flora and fauna adversely and also wash ashore, affecting the coastal population. Pollution response or pollution control is not enough anymore. The need of the hour is pollution reversal, whatever it takes. Shutting down polluting industries, stopping depletion of mangroves and marshes in the name of SEZs, taking strong action against disposal of untreated sewage, imposing hefty fines or cancelling of licences, finding and enforcing alternatives to plastic and controlling indiscipline by citizens are some measures that can be taken immediately. Strong and standard protocols need to be applied across all coastal states that act as deterrents. All agencies responsible for preventing pollution and those polluting must be held to account and pollution control wherewithal strengthened. There is no more time to lose. THE UNDERWATER DOMAIN The underwater domain is deep, dark and mysterious. It is almost impervious to visual, radio and radar spectrums. Technologies have enabled human existence in submarines and submersibles up to limited depths. The only waves that travel through the ocean waters are in the sonic spectrumthe lower the frequency, the further the travel. Even these are subject to the vagaries of underwater propagation of sound and are hugely dependent on temperature, salinity and other factors. Detection of underwater objects is, therefore, several times more difficult than detection on the surface or in the air. The underwater world is best suited for operations that demand stealth. Indian Navys advance light helicopters in action during the Navy Day rehearsals at Tarkarli beach in Maharashtra | Amey Mansabdar Underwater domain awareness (UDA) is engaging the attention of many advanced countries, including India, for a variety of reasons. There is a need to know what is happening underwater. Several countries around the world and in the Indian Ocean Region either possess or are in the process of acquiring submarines. Underwater drones are being used for oceanographic research and development, mapping underwater contours, and monitoring submarine cables and other forms of scientific research. Use of autonomous underwater vehicles will see a rapid increase in the years ahead including their use for intelligence-gathering, clandestine attacks and covert operations. Monitoring of choke points and likely submarine operating areas with seabed arrays and other sensors will also increase. Technology development for such purposes will be a significant enabler for successfully exploiting the oceans. UDA is not enough. India needs to develop underwater domain capability (UDC). Seabed exploitation, oil and mineral prospecting, oceanographic research, security needs and every other endeavour in the underwater domain require cutting-edge technology, capable platforms and highly skilled people to undertake such tasks. Though expensive, these are must have capabilities in the short-to-medium term, not just for our own sake, but also to ensure that we regain the space lost to China and other countries in our backyard. Foreign research ships and oil-prospecting ships doing work for countries in our maritime neighbourhood is a result of our incapability to offer these services. There is much distance to cover. MARITIME FOCUS AND ORIENTATION The government could consider re-organising multiple departments that deal with the maritime space and create a ministry of maritime affairs with departments dealing with each vertical such as fisheries, ocean research, ports, maritime education, shipping, offshore and pollution reversal. Many of these aspects would demand decentralised execution in accordance with standard protocols. The Coast Guard could either be taken over by the ministry of home affairs and the Navy be divested of coastal security functions. Alternatively, it could be shifted under the department of military affairs of the ministry of defence for closer cooperation and integration with the Navy. Should theaterisation of the armed forces happen, the Coast Guard should become a component of the Maritime Theatre Command. More than anything, India needs a blue re-orientation. The population in general must know more about the oceans. Maritime academies and departments should be formed in universities. There should be maritime tourism and water sports. Beaches and islands should be popularised as maritime adventure destinations, creating the necessary infrastructure and workforce for such endeavours. The seas must be de-mystified in the minds of the youth. It would be wise to recall the words of Sardar K.M. Panikkar, one of Indias early maritime thinkers, who wrote in his seminal work, India and the Indian Ocean: An Essay on the Influence of Sea Power on Indian History (1945), If India desires to be a naval power, it is not sufficient to create a navy however efficient and well-manned. It must create a naval tradition in the public, a sustained interest in oceanic problems, and a conviction that Indias future greatness lies on the sea. Indias transition into the big league will be significantly enabled by translating Panikkars vision into reality. The author is a former commander-in-chief of the Eastern Naval Command. The Supreme Court said Friday it will not immediately take up a plea by special counsel Jack Smith to rule on whether former President Donald Trump can be prosecuted for his actions to overturn the 2020 election results. The ruling is a scheduling win for Trump and his lawyers, who have sought repeatedly to delay the criminal cases against him as he campaigns to reclaim the White House in 2024. It averts a swift ruling from the nations highest court that could have definitively turned aside his claims of immunity, and it further throws into doubt the possibility of the landmark trial proceeding as scheduled on March 4. The issue will now be decided by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, which has signaled it will act quickly to decide the case. Special counsel Jack Smith had cautioned that even a rapid appellate decision might not get to the Supreme Court in time for review and final word before the courts traditional summer break. Smith had pressed the Supreme Court to intervene, citing significant public interest in a prompt resolution to the case. The request to leapfrog the appeals court, which Smith himself acknowledged was extraordinary, also underscored prosecutors concerns that the fight over the issue could delay the start of Trumps trial beyond next years presidential election. The justices turned down Smiths request in a single-sentence order Friday. As is customary, the court gave no explanation for the decision. With the justices remaining out of the dispute for now, additional appeals are likely that could delay the case. If the appeals court, which is set to hear arguments on Jan. 9, turns down Trumps immunity claims, he could then ask for the Supreme Court to get involved giving the justices another opportunity to decide if they want to weigh in. U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan has already put the case on hold while Trump pursues his claim that he is immune from prosecution. Chutkan has raised the possibility of keeping the March trial date if the case promptly returns to her court. She earlier rejected the Trump teams arguments that an ex-president could not be prosecuted over acts that fall within the official duties of the job. Former presidents enjoy no special conditions on their federal criminal liability, Chutkan wrote in a Dec. 1 ruling. Defendant may be subject to federal investigation, indictment, prosecution, conviction, and punishment for any criminal acts undertaken while in office. In a statement Friday, Trump insisted anew that he was entitled to presidential immunity and was looking forward to having his case heard before the appeals court. There are still more Trump-related cases that the Supreme Court, which includes three justices appointed by him, is poised to grapple with. Trumps lawyers plan to ask the court t to overturn a decision by the Colorado Supreme Court barring him from that states 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. And the court separately has agreed to hear a case over the charge of obstruction of an official proceeding that has been brought against Trump and more than 300 of his supporters who stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. In the current immunity case, Smith had tried to persuade the justices to take up the matter directly, bypassing the appeals court. This case presents a fundamental question at the heart of our democracy: whether a former president is absolutely immune from federal prosecution for crimes committed while in office or is constitutionally protected from federal prosecution when he has been impeached but not convicted before the criminal proceedings begin, prosecutors wrote. Underscoring the urgency for prosecutors, Smith and his team wrote: 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. Trumps lawyers have for months signaled that they would ultimately ask the Supreme Court to take up the immunity question. But they urged the justices this week to stand down for now, saying there was no reason to rush a decision. 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, Trumps lawyers wrote. Justice Department policy prohibits the indictment of a sitting president. Though theres no such bar against prosecution for a former commander in chief, lawyers for Trump say that he cannot be charged for actions that fell within his official duties as president a claim that prosecutors have vigorously rejected. Trump faces charges accusing him of working to overturn the results of the 2020 election he lost to Democrat Joe Biden before the violent riot at the Capitol. He has denied any wrongdoing. The high court still could act quickly once the appeals court issues its decision. A Supreme Court case usually lasts several months, but on rare occasions, the justices shift into high gear. Nearly 50 years ago, the justices acted within two months of being asked to force President Richard Nixon to turn over Oval Office recordings in the Watergate scandal. The tapes were then used later in 1974 in the corruption prosecutions of Nixons former aides. It took the high court just a few days to effectively decide the 2000 presidential election for Republican George W. Bush over Democrat Al Gore. The case in Washington is one of four he faces. Hes also been charged by Smith with illegally hoarding classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate, a case set for trial next May, and is accused by state prosecutors in Georgia of scheming to subvert that states presidential election and in New York in connection with a hush money payment to a porn actress. (AP) Donald Trump pressured two election officials not to certify 2020 vote totals in a key Michigan county, according to a recording of a post-election phone call disclosed in a new report by The Detroit News. The former president s 2024 campaign neither confirmed nor denied the recordings legitimacy, insisting in a statement that all of Trumps actions after his defeat to Democrat Joe Biden were taken to uphold his oath of office and ensure fair elections. Trump has consistently repeated falsehoods about the 2020 election as he runs again for the White House. No evidence of voter fraud that could have changed the outcome of the election has since emerged in a litany of federal, state and outside investigations. The Nov. 17, 2020, telephone call included then-President Trump, Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel and Wayne County elections authorities Monica Palmer and William Hartmann, both of them Republicans, The Detroit News reported. Trump told the two canvassers that they would look terrible if they certified results after having initially opposed certification, the newspaper said. The two ultimately issued signed affidavits asserting their opposition to certifying Wayne Countys results. The newspaper said the recordings were made by a person who was present for the call with Palmer and Hartmann. The report comes as Trump seeks the 2024 Republican nomination while grappling with multiple criminal indictments, including a federal case and a Georgia case tied to his efforts to overturn Bidens victory. As he campaigns for a return to the White House, Trump continues to repeat the lies that the 2020 election was stolen, despite multiple recounts and court cases confirming his defeat. Biden won Michigan, with Wayne County, which includes Detroit, providing a trove of Democratic votes. As such, it was one of the key places Trump focused on in the weeks after Election Day in 2020. Weve got to fight for our country, Trump said on the recordings, according to The News. We cant let these people take our country away from us. National GOP Chairwoman McDaniel, a Michigan native, reportedly said during the call: If you can go home tonight, do not sign it, adding, We will get you attorneys. Trump is said to have reinforced the point, assuring the local officials: Well take care of that. Steven Cheung, a Trump spokesman, said in a statement Friday that Trumps actions were were taken in furtherance of his duty as President of the United States to faithfully take care of the laws and ensure election integrity. President Trump and the American people have the Constitutional right to free and fair elections, Cheung said. Trump sat Friday for a lengthy interview on conservative radio but host Hugh Hewitt did not ask about the Michigan report. Trump instead spent the interview clarifying his remarks earlier this month that he had day one plans akin to being a dictator. Asked directly on Friday whether he would rule as an authoritarian, Trump responded: Not at all. No, Im gonna rule as somebody thats very popular with the people. Trump also doubled down on previous comments that people entering the U.S. illegally are poisoning the blood of our country. He insisted he was not talking about a specific group and said he had not been aware that he was using rhetoric that Adolf Hitler used as German dictator. I know nothing about Hitler. Im not a student of Hitler. I never read his works, Trump told Hewitt. Despite those denials, Trump insisted confidently that Hitler didnt say it the way I said it. Hewitt did ask whether Trump, if he were elected to another term, would willingly cede power when it concluded and he was constitutionally barred from holding office any longer. Of course. And I did that this time, he said, before reverting to his false claims of a rigged 2020 election. The Republican National Committee did not immediately respond on Friday to The Detroit News report around the 2020 telephone call featuring McDaniel. The new disclosure of the recording appears to add details to communications with local officials referenced in the Jan. 6 committees final report on Trumps actions after the 2020 election and leading up to the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol by Trump supporters on the day that Congress convened to ratify the Electoral College results. That congressional report states that Trump and McDaniel called Palmer and Hartmann about 20 minutes after the two officials had changed their initial votes and agreed to certify the results. The Select Committee doesnt know what President Trump privately said on that phone call, the report states. The committee states that Hartmann, at the time of the congressional inquiry, said that he was not pressured in a conversation he described as involving general comments about different states. But the Jan. 6 committee emphasized Palmer and Hartmanns decision, made after Trumps call, to issue the signed affidavits reasserting their original opposition to certification. The Michigan call would have occurred about six weeks before another call Trump made to Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. That conversation is among the key points in Trumps indictment in Fulton County that accuses the former president of a racketeering scheme to overturn Bidens narrow victory in Georgia. I just want to find 11,780 votes, which is one more than we have, Trump told Raffensperger in that call. Because we won the state. Georgia counted its votes three times before certifying Bidens win by a 11,779-vote margin. A recording of Trump is also at issue in a Florida-based federal case accusing the former president of mishandling classified information after leaving the White House. In that case, prosecutors allege that in a July 2021 interview, Trump showed people, who were working on a book about his former chief of staff Mark Meadows, classified information about a Pentagon plan of attack on an unspecified foreign country. These are the papers, Trump says in a moment that seems to indicate hes holding a secret Pentagon document. This was done by the military, given to me. (AP) In the 1980s, Fu Xiangdong was a young Chinese virology student who came to the United States to study biochemistry. More than three decades later, he had a prestigious professorship in California and was conducting promising research on Parkinsons disease. But now Fu is doing his research at a Chinese university. His American career was derailed as U.S.-China relations unraveled, putting his collaborations with a Chinese university under scrutiny. He ended up resigning. Fus story mirrors the rise and fall of U.S.-China academic engagement. Beginning in 1978, such cooperation expanded for decades, largely insulated from the fluctuations in relations between the two countries. Today, its in decline, with Washington viewing Beijing as a strategic rival and there are growing fears about Chinese spying. The number of Chinese students in the United States is down, and U.S.-Chinese research collaboration is shrinking. Academics are shying away from potential China projects over fears that seemingly minor missteps could end their careers. This decline isnt hurting just students and researchers. Analysts say it will undercut American competitiveness and weaken global efforts to address health issues. Previous collaborations have led to significant advances, including in influenza surveillance and vaccine development. Thats been really harmful to U.S. science, said Deborah Seligsohn, a former U.S. diplomat in Beijing and now a political scientist at Villanova University. We are producing less science because of this falloff. For some, given the heightened U.S.-China tensions, the prospect for scientific advances needs to take a back seat to security concerns. In their view, such cooperation aids China by giving it access to sensitive commercial, defense and technological information. They also fear the Chinese government is using its presence in American universities to monitor and harass dissidents. Those concerns were at the core of the China Initiative, a program begun in 2018 by the Justice Department under the Trump administration to uncover acts of economic espionage. While it failed to catch any spies, the effort did have an impact on researchers in American schools. Under the initiative, Gang Chen, a professor of mechanical engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, was charged in 2021 with hiding links with the Chinese government. Prosecutors eventually dropped all charges, but Chen lost his research group. He said his family went through a hard time and has yet to recover. Chen said investigations and wrongful prosecutions like his are pushing out talents. Thats going to hurt U.S. scientific enterprise, hurt U.S. competitiveness, he said. The Biden administration ended the China Initiative in 2022, but there are other efforts targeting scholars with Chinese connections. In Florida, a state law aimed at curbing influences from foreign countries has raised concerns that students from China could effectively be banned from labs at the states public universities. This month, a group of Republican senators expressed concerns about Beijings influence on American campuses through student groups and urged the Justice Department to determine whether such groups should be registered as foreign agents. Miles Yu, director of the China Center at Hudson Institute, said Beijing has exploited U.S. higher education and research institutes to modernize its economy and military. For some time, out of cultural, self-interest reasons, many people have double loyalty, erroneously thinking its OK to serve the interests of both the U.S. and China, Yu said. The U.S.-China Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement the first major pact between the two countries, signed in 1979 was set to lapse this year. In August, Congress extended the agreement by six months, but its future also hangs in the balance. If there is a new agreement, it should take into account new advances in science and technology, Nicholas Burns, the U.S. ambassador to China, said recently. There were only 700 American students studying in China, Burns said, compared with nearly 300,000 Chinese students in the U.S., which is down from a peak of about 372,000 in 2019-2020. By October, nearly all Confucius Institutes, a Beijing-backed Chinese language and culture program, had closed on American university campuses. Their number fell from about 100 in 2019 to fewer than five now, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office. The National Institute of Health in 2018 began an investigation into foreign ties by asking dozens of American institutions to look into whether their faculty members might have violated policies regarding use of federal money, usually in cases involving partnerships with Chinese institutions. In the case of Fu, then a professor at the University of California, San Diego, his links with Wuhan University were the focus of the NIH investigation. Fu insisted that federal money was never used toward work there, according to the local news outlet La Jolla Light, but the university ruled against him. In a China Initiative case, Charles Lieber, a former chair of chemistry and chemical biology at Harvard University, was found guilty in December 2021 of lying to the federal government about his affiliations with a Chinese university and a Chinese government talent-recruitment program. Chen, the MIT professor, said once-encouraged collaborations suddenly became problematic. Disclosure rules had been unclear, and in many cases such collaborations had been commended, he said. Very few people in the general public understand that most U.S. universities, including MIT, dont take on any secret research projects on campus, Chen said. We aim to publish our research findings. The investigations have had negative effects on university campuses. People are so fearful that, if you check the wrong box, you could be accused of lying to the government, Chen said. In June, an academic study published in the peer-reviewed Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences journal said the China Initiative likely has caused widespread fear and anxiety among scientists of Chinese descent. The study, which surveyed 1,304 scientists of Chinese descent employed by American universities, showed many considered leaving the U.S. or no longer applying for federal grants, the researchers wrote. An analysis of research papers in the PubMed database showed that, as of 2021, U.S. scientists still co-wrote more papers with scientists from China than from any other country, but those with a history of collaborating with China experienced a decline in research productivity after 2019, soon after the NIH investigation started. The study, to be published in the PNAS journal by the years end, found the impact of U.S.-based scholars in collaboration with China, as measured by citations, fell by 10%. It has a chilling effect on science said Ruixue Jia, the studys leading researcher, of the NIH investigation. While researchers tried to finish existing cooperative projects, they were unwilling to start new ones, and the results could become worse. Both countries have been hurt. Three months after Fu resigned from the California school, his name appeared on the website of Westlake University, a private research university in the Chinese city of Hangzhou. At Westlake, Fu leads a lab to tackle issues in RNA biology and regenerative medicine. In August, Fu was joined by Guan Kunliang, a fellow scientist in San Diego, who also was investigated. Guan was banned from applying for NIH grants for two years. Guan didnt lose his job, but his lab had shrunk. Now, hes rebuilding a molecular cell biology lab at Westlake. Li Chenjian, a former vice provost of Peking University, said the talent loss to China is a complicated question and the worry might be overblown because the U.S. remains the go-to place for the worlds best brains and has an excess of talent. More than 87% of Chinese students who received their doctorates in the U.S. had planned to stay in the U.S. from 2005 to 2015, according to the National Science Foundation. The percentage fell to 73.9 in 2021 but rose to 76.7 in 2022, above the average of 74.3% for all foreign students who had earned research doctorate degrees in the U.S. Rao Yi, a prominent neurobiologist who returned to China from the U.S. in 2007, said American policies related to the China Initiative were morally wrong. We will see how long it will take for the U.S. government and its morally upright scientists to correct such mistakes and come around to see the bigger picture of human development, beyond petty-mindedness and shortsightedness, he said. Throughout history, it is always the morally corrupt governments which advocate the blocking of scientific communication and persecution of scientists. (AP) Mexicos president said Friday that he is willing to help out with a surge of migrants that led to the closure of border crossings with the United States, but he wants the U.S. government to open talks with Cuba and send more development aid to migrants home countries. The comments by President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador came a day after the U.S. announced that a delegation of top U.S. officials would visit Mexico for talks on how to enforce immigration rules at the two countries shared border. Also Friday, U.S. authorities reopened two cross-border railroad crossings in Texas, while keeping operations limited or suspended at other border crossings. And figures released Friday show arrests for crossing the U.S. border from Mexico nudged 1.2% higher in November from October, one of the latest signs of what Troy Miller, acting commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, described this week as unprecedented migration flows. Lopez Obrador confirmed that U.S. officials want Mexico to do more to block migrants at its southern border with Guatemala, or make it more difficult to move across Mexico by train or in trucks or buses, a policy known as contention. But the president said that in exchange he wanted the United States to send more development aid to migrants home countries, and to reduce or eliminate sanctions against Cuba and Venezuela. We are going to help, as we always do, Lopez Obrador said. Mexico is helping reach agreements with other countries, in this case Venezuela. We also want something done about the (U.S.) differences with Cuba, Lopez Obrador said. We have already proposed to President (Joe) Biden that a U.S.-Cuba bilateral dialogue be opened. That is what we are going to discuss, it is not just contention, he said at his daily morning press briefing. Mexico is apparently offering to negotiate with Venezuela, whose people make up a large part of the surge of migrants at the U.S. southwestern border. That surge has led U.S. officials to pull immigration officers away from two Texas border rail crossings that are vital to Mexicos economy. Lopez Obrador has long opposed U.S. sanctions on Cuba, whose migrants are also streaming to the U.S. border. And the Mexican president has long pressed the United States to contribute to a tree-planting program and to youth scholarship and apprentice programs that he has been pushing for Central America. Lopez Obrador said the development aid will help stem residents need to migrate. The Mexico-U.S. meetings come as Republican and Democratic lawmakers are debating border policy changes as part of a larger conversation over U.S. assistance for Ukraine and Israel, which are top foreign policy priorities for the White House. Pressure mounted on Mexico following the closure of two railroad crossings in Texas earlier this week. U.S. officials said personnel assigned to the locations needed to be redeployed to help with large numbers of migrants illegally crossing the border. Mexican businesses warned the closures were hampering trade. The Texas rail crossings in Eagle Pass and El Paso reopened Friday after widespread backlash from U.S. and Mexican businesses, but a border crossing remained closed in Lukeville, Arizona, and operations were partially suspended in San Diego and Nogales, Arizona. The closures were done to reassign officials to help with processing migrants. Lopez Obrador spoke by telephone with Biden on Thursday and agreed that additional border enforcement was needed so the crossings can be reopened, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said. Kirby said Biden asked Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and White House Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall to travel to Mexico for talks with Lopez Obrador and his team. A U.S. official said the trip would likely happen the Wednesday after Christmas. 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 at a White House briefing. In November, the Border Patrol made 191,113 arrests for illegal border crossings from Mexico, or a daily average of 6,370, its parent agency announced. Thats down 8% from November 2022 but the fourth monthly increase since July. U.S. authorities have reported surging numbers in December, with arrests above 10,000 some days. Mexicans were the largest nationality in November arrests, followed by Guatemalans, Venezuelans, Hondurans and Colombians. Nearly 4,800 Chinese were arrested, largely in the San Diego area. (AP) The Department of Transportation is investigating possible deceptive practices in airline loyalty programs after federal lawmakers raised concerns about how companies are calculating points and rewards. A DOT spokesperson said Friday in a statement that the agency is planning to carefully review complaints regarding loyalty programs and exercise our authority to investigate airlines for unfair and deceptive practices that hurt travelers as warranted. The spokesperson said agency officials are actively meeting with U.S. airlines and gathering more information about the issue. Airlines for America, which represents the largest U.S. carriers, declined to comment. The department is stepping up its scrutiny after two U.S. senators asked the agency and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau about the steps theyre taking to protect consumers from deceitful marketing tactics in frequent flyer programs. In a letter sent to Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg and CFPB Director Rohit Chopra in late October, U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin and Roger Marshall pointed to reports that suggest airlines are changing points systems and even devaluing points to make it harder to achieve rewards. The letter said this can stem from unilateral contracts that allow airlines to make changes to their points programs without directly notifying consumers. Airlines design loyalty programs to keep their most lucrative customers coming back. In October, Southwest Airlines lowered the requirement for the top levels of its frequent-flyer program to lure in travelers dissatisfied with other airlines that are making it harder to reach elite status. (AP) Former President Donald Trump says he is eager to debate President Joe Biden, even if the debates are sponsored by the nonpartisan Commission on Presidential Debates. And he says he is open to debating a single Republican rival if a serious challenger emerges after the New Hampshire primary. Trump, who has skipped all of the primary debates so far citing his commanding lead in the polls, was asked if he will debate Biden if named his partys nominee during an interview with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt Friday. Oh will I look forward to that, Trump responded. How about 10 debates? Thats even, he said, if the debates are sponsored by the Commission on Presidential Debates, which he and fellow Republicans have railed against for years. They are totally corrupt and theyre terrible. With that being said, I would do 20 debates, even if it was organized by them. I would do as many debates as they want, he said. Id do a debate every night with this guy. The Republican National Committee voted unanimously in April 2022 to withdraw from the commissions events, alleging biased, and required that candidates sign a pledge vowing to only participate in debates sanctioned by the committee. Trump, however, never signed the pledge. The nonprofit was established in 1987 and has sponsored every general election presidential and vice presidential debates since. The organization outlines the rules for each debate and selects the locations, dates and moderators for the events. Trump also said in the interview that he would be willing to participate in a Republican primary debate if the race comes down to just him and a single rival after the New Hampshire primary. Public polls currently show him with large leads in all the early-voting states, but Nikki Haley, the former governor of South Carolina, has been gaining ground, particularly in New Hampshire. Yeah, I would, if it was very close, I would debate that Republican, Trumps said. Still, Trump claimed he is not worried about Haley, who also served as ambassador to the United Nations during the Trump administration. Bidens campaign has not yet committed to general election debates next year. Quentin Fulks, Bidens top deputy campaign manager, told reporters earlier this month that the campaign would look at the schedule that the Commission on Presidential Debates released in November, but that right now their focus is on making sure we continue to build out a campaign and infrastructure thats going to be able to be competitive in 2024. Trump has skipped all of the GOP primary debates, but has long said a general election campaign would be different. We have to debate, he told Fox News host Bret Baier in a June interview. He and I have to definitely debate. Thats what I love. The two of us have to debate. The commission has set a schedule of three presidential debates to be held in college towns in Texas, Virginia and Utah between Sept. 16 and Oct. 9, 2024, as well as one vice presidential debate in Pennsylvania. As president, Trump repeatedly accused the commission of unfair treatment and ultimately refused to participate in the second 2020 debate after a decision was made for it to be held virtually because of the coronavirus pandemic. National Democrats also expressed frustration with the commission in 2020, accusing it of failing to enforce rules when it came to Trump. Bidens campaign, the commission, and the RNC did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Trumps remarks Friday. (AP) Signs posted in the windows of Valpo Soup Company at 57 Franklin St. herald the arrival of what will be a new fine-dining restaurant along courthouse square named Figs and Fables. (Phil Potempa/Post-Tribune) A new restaurant billed as a fine dining experience is among three eating establishments in Valparaiso granted alcohol serving privileges by the Valparaiso City Council this month. The final three resolutions of 2023, all passed unanimously by the council and presented by Valparaiso Mayor Matt Murphy presiding at his last city council meeting on Dec. 11, granted Downtown Alcoholic Beverage Permits to Smoketown Blues, a barbecue restaurant at 66 W. Lincolnway; Veleros Mexican Restaurant at 902 Calumet Ave.; and Figs & Fables, which will be at 57 Franklin St. Advertisement If I had my way, Id probably preferred to have just granted one permit at a time as opposed to putting all three of these approved resolutions through at the same time, Councilman Robert Cotton said. As everyone knows, restaurants are not easy ventures and I wish all of these establishments success. The council has been waiting to make a move on these permits since September, but these resolutions never made it before our council meeting until this month. Advertisement Figs & Fables will move into the space currently occupied by Valpo Soup Company and will be owned and operated by the same owner Adam Brenner. This new restaurant Figs & Fables is eager to open in the spring and of course, having the alcohol permit in place is key, Cotton said. The restaurant is branded as upscale and I hope it is a draw for the downtown. The Valparaiso City Council ended 2023 on the same topic of wrangling of downtown dining and the limited availability of city liquor permits as it began the year. After a discussion about the merits of establishing whats defined by the state as a riverfront district development, allowing the city options to secure additional liquor licenses for businesses, the Valparaiso City Council tabled the idea earlier this year. The first reading of Ordinance No. 28, 2022, created for the purpose of establishing a municipal riverfront district project area, was approved unanimously by all members of the Valparaiso City Council from the Nov. 28, 2022 meeting, despite expressed reservations from some council members. We had good input back from the council, but unfortunately, the project that was the spearhead for that (ordinance) has withdrew, so given the fact that project is not ready to move forward, Im asking for a motion to withdraw the ordinance, Valparaiso City Attorney Patrick Lyp said addressing the Council at the Jan. 9 meeting launching the 2023 business year. The withdrawn project Lyp referred to was for address 498 Morthland Ave. in Valparaiso, a property near the old BridgeVU Theater at the intersection of Horse Prairie Avenue and U.S. 30 which previously housed Bethel Church until 2018. Once sold to a new owner, the developers became a catalyst for the idea of establishing a riverfront district since it is near Salt Creek. Advertisement According to Lyp, the requirements for any intended such parcel to qualify as riverfront is that it must border at least one side of a river, although he explained the state flexibly interprets the word river, therefore even a stormwater retention pond could qualify as long as area being developed is a TIF district proving it can be developed economically. The added advantage of the establishment of a riverfront district is the availability of additional liquor licenses granted to potential businesses. Under Indiana law there is a quota for communities as to how many liquor licenses can be granted at any given time, and its set by our population and only revisited every 10 years for this formula based on the census, Lyp said when he originally introduced the ordinance. In our case, Valparaiso has 21 of the three-way liquor licenses provided for the sale of beer, wine and spirits for restaurants. These 21 licenses are transferable. The new owner of this property asked about the potential for securing a liquor license which led us to investigate this idea of a riverfront district development in that area, since this type of project would allow for additional liquor licenses which would not count against our original 21 existing licenses. Phil Potempa is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune. A former Colombian soldier pleaded guilty Friday to conspiring in the 2021 assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise, which plunged the Caribbean nation into violence and political turmoil. Mario Antonio Palacios Palacios, 45, pleaded guilty to three charges, including conspiracy to commit murder or kidnapping outside the United States, during a brief hearing before federal Judge Jose E. Martinez. Seated next to his attorney, Alfredo Izaguirre, Palacios answered Yes, your honor, in Spanish when the judge asked if he was pleading guilty. Palacios is the fifth of 11 defendants in Miami to plead guilty in the 2021 assassination. As part of a deal with prosecutors, he agreed to cooperate with the investigation and to plead guilty. He could get up to life in prison when hes sentenced March 1, but under the deal, prosecutors conceded that he played a minor role in the plot. He didnt know what he was going to get into. He wasnt part of the plan, Izaguirre told reporters after the hearing. He didnt recruit anybody. He didnt make any decision making authority in regards to the conspiracy. I think the government understands. According to prosecutors, the conspirators initially planned to kidnap the Haitian president but later decided to kill him. They say the plotters had hoped to win contracts under Moises successor. About 20 former Colombian soldiers and several dual Haitian American citizens participated in the plot, authorities say. Moise was shot 12 times at his private home near the Haitian capital of Port-Au-Prince on July 7, 2021. He was 53. His wife, Martine Moise, was injured in the attack. Three defendants have already been sentenced to life in prison in the case. A fourth, dual Haitian American national Joseph Vincent, pleaded guilty this month and is awaiting his sentencing in February. The trial is scheduled for May 2024, although the date has been postponed several times. Palacios was detained in Jamaica in October 2021 and was flown to the U.S. during a stopover in Panama while on a flight from Jamaica to Colombia. Federal officials say they had interviewed him while he was still hiding in Jamaica. Haiti authorities have arrested more than 40 suspects, among them 18 former Colombian soldiers accused of taking part in the plot and several high-ranking Haitian police officers. In the Caribbean nation, at least five judges have been appointed to the case and four of them have stepped down for various reasons, including fear of being killed. In the two years following Moises assassination, Haiti has experienced a surge in gang violence that led the prime minister to request the immediate deployment of a foreign armed force. The U.N. Security Council voted in October to send a multinational force led by Kenya to help fight gangs. The deployment, however, have been delayed. Kenyan officials told the AP that the first group of about 300 officers is expected by February, with authorities still awaiting the verdict in a case that seeks to block the deployment. A decision is expected in January. (AP) A congressional oversight committee has launched an investigation into the V-22 Osprey program following a deadly crash in Japan which killed eight Air Force special operations service members. The entire Osprey fleet remains grounded following the Nov. 29 crash with the exception of limited Marine Corps flights in emergencies. More than 50 U.S. service members have died in Osprey crashes over the lifespan of the program, and 20 of those died in four crashes over the last 20 months. The Osprey is a fast-moving airframe that can fly like both a helicopter and an airplane but its many crashes have led critics to warn it has fatal design flaws. The government of Japan, the only international partner flying the Osprey, has also grounded its aircraft after the Nov. 29 crash. On Thursday the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Oversight and Accountability sent a letter to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin requesting a massive amount of documentation on the Ospreys safety record to be delivered to the committee by Jan. 4. Our servicemembers remain in harms way without resolution of known mechanical issues, wrote the committee chairman, Kentucky Republican James Comer. While, statistically, the Osprey is not considered as dangerous as some other military aircraft, the Committee remains alarmed that most fatalities involving the aircraft have happened during training exercises, not combat operations. On Friday Senators Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren, and Rep. Richard Neal, all Massachusetts Democrats, also announced they were also pressing Austin for answers on the Ospreys safety record. The three lawmakers represent the home state of Staff Sgt. Jacob Galliher, one of the eight Air Force special operations service members killed in the Japan crash. We urge the Defense Department, and the Departments of the Air Force and the Navy to ensure that the V-22 Osprey is safe to fly before allowing servicemembers from across the Commonwealth and the United States back on board, the lawmakers wrote. The Osprey only became operational in 2007 after decades of testing. Since then, its become a workhorse for the Marine Corps and Air Force Special Operations Command, and was in the process of being adopted by the Navy to replace its C-2 Greyhound propeller planes, which transport personnel on and off aircraft carriers at sea. Shortly after the Nov. 29 crash, the Air Force said that a malfunction of the aircraft, not a mistake by the crew, was probably the cause. If it is the case, it will be the second known fatal crash caused by a mechanical problem with the aircraft in a year. The Osprey is produced through a partnership between Bell Textron and Boeing. Both companies have declined to discuss the most recent crash, but have said they will work with the military however needed to support the investigation. All three versions of the Osprey, the Marine Corps MV-22; the Air Forces CV-22 and the Navys CMV-22 programs are overseen by the Pentagons Osprey Joint Program Office. The Joint Program office said in a statement to the Associated Press that its engineering team has been integrated into the Air Force Special Operations Command investigation team looking at the Japan crash, and sharing as much information as possible without compromising the ongoing investigation to find a path forward for the V-22. The Osprey has faced persistent questions about a mechanical problem with the clutch that has troubled the program for more than a decade. There also have been questions as to whether all parts of the Osprey have been manufactured according to safety specifications and, as those parts age, whether they remain strong enough to withstand the significant forces created by the Ospreys unique structure and dynamics of tiltrotor flight. Marine Corps Ospreys also have been used to transport White House staff, press and security personnel accompanying the president. White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said those Ospreys are also grounded. (AP) President Joe Biden pardoned thousands of people who were convicted of use and simple possession of marijuana on federal lands and in the District of Columbia, the White House said Friday, in his latest round of executive clemencies meant to rectify racial disparities in the justice system. The categorical pardon builds on a similar round issued just before the 2022 midterm elections that pardoned thousands convicted of simple possession on federal lands eligible. Fridays action broadens the criminal offenses covered by the pardon. Biden is also granting clemency to 11 people serving what the White House called disproportionately long sentences for nonviolent drug offenses. Biden, in a statement, said his actions would help make the promise of equal justice a reality. Criminal records for marijuana use and possession have imposed needless barriers to employment, housing, and educational opportunities, Biden said. Too many lives have been upended because of our failed approach to marijuana. Its time that we right these wrongs. No one was freed from prison under last years action, but the pardons were meant to help thousands overcome obstacles to renting a home or finding a job. Similarly, no federal prisoners are eligible for release as a result of Fridays pardon. But the order expands the grounds on which pardons are issued. In the last round, people were pardoned for simple possession under only one criminal statute. Fridays pardons also apply to several other criminal statutes, including attempted simple possession. Bidens order applies only to marijuana, which has been decriminalized or legalized in many states for some or all uses, but remains a controlled substance under federal law. U.S. regulators are studying reclassifying the drug from the category of drugs deemed to have no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse, known as Schedule I, to the less tightly regulated Schedule III. The pardon also does not apply to those in the U.S. unlawfully at the time of their offense. Bidens proclamation effectively pardons the covered people, but they will need to submit applications to the Justice Departments pardon attorney office to receive certificates of pardon that can be used for housing and employment purposes. Biden on Friday reiterated his call on governors and local leaders to take similar steps to erase marijuana convictions. Just as no one should be in a federal prison solely due to the use or possession of marijuana, no one should be in a local jail or state prison for that reason, either, Biden said. (AP) The elusive artist Banksy displayed his latest work on a London street corner and it was taken less than hour after he confirmed its installation Friday. A red stop sign with three military drones on it was taken in the middle of the day by a man with bolt cutters as witnesses snapped photos and shot video in the Peckham section of south London. People commenting on Banksys Instagram accurately predicted it wouldnt be there long after the artist posted a photo of it. Some of his work has sold for tens of millions of dollars. I went there thinking that people want that, I wanted to see it before something happened to it, a man who only wanted to be known as Alex told the Press Association. He was among the many onlookers who watched in awe as a man in a red and black jacket climbed up on a bike next to the post where the sign was bolted to and began hitting it with his hands. We said, What are you doing? but no one really knew what to do, we sort of just watched it happen, Alex said. We were all a bit bemused; there was some honking of car horns. The man then left and returned a few minutes later with bolt cutters to finish the job. Another man stabilized the Lime rental bike he stood on and he then removed it and ran away. Banksys thought-provoking street art is often seen as making a political statement. His Instagram followers widely interpreted his latest work as calling for a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip. (AP) North Korea appears to have started operating a light-water reactor at its main nuclear complex in a possible attempt to establish a new facility to produce bomb fuels, the U.N. atomic agency and outside experts said. If correct, the assessment would show that North Korea has taken a step to implement leader Kim Jong Uns repeated vows to build more nuclear weapons in response to what he described as intensifying U.S.-led military threats. The International Atomic Energy Agency has observed increased levels of activity at and near the light-water reactor at the Yongbyon nuclear complex and since mid-October, a strong water outflow from its cooling system, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said Thursday. The observations were consistent with the commissioning of the light-water reactor, or LWR, Grossi said. The LWR, like any nuclear reactor, can produce plutonium in its irradiated fuel, which can be separated during reprocessing, so this is a cause for concern, he said. I repeat that the further development of (North Koreas) nuclear program, including the construction and operation of the LWR, is a violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions and is deeply regrettable. The IAEA has not had access to Yongbyon or other locations in North Korea since the country kicked out the agencys inspectors in 2009. The IAEA has said it uses satellite imagery and open source information to monitor developments in North Koreas nuclear program. Observers say light-water reactors are best-suited for electricity generation, but North Korea could adapt one at Yongbyon to produce plutonium for weapons. Shin Jongwoo, a military expert at the Seoul-based Korea Defense and Security Forum, said the Yongbyon complex isnt used for producing civilian energy so outsiders suspect the reported light-water reactor operation is related to the Norths nuclear weapons program. North Korea has talked about bolstering its nuclear strength and building more tactical nuclear weapons to be mounted on ballistic missiles. So (the light-water reactor operation) is suspected to be activities to extract plutonium, Shin said. Plutonium is one of the two key ingredients used to manufacture nuclear weapons, along with highly enriched uranium. Yongbyon has long produced plutonium from its widely known 5-megawatt reactor, and the light-water reactor would be an additional plutonium-producing source. Yongbyon has an uranium-enrichment facility as well. Construction of the light-water reactor began more than a decade ago. It is known to have a bigger capacity than the 5-megawatt reactor, meaning it could produce more bomb fuel, according to Lee Choon Geun, an honorary research fellow at South Koreas Science and Technology Policy Institute. Lee said plutonium is better suited for miniaturized nuclear warheads. Some experts say North Korea has been working to build warheads small enough to be placed on short-range missiles targeting South Korea. Grossi said recent observations indicate that the water discharge seen in October is warm, an indication the reactor has reached criticality. But without access to the facility, the IAEA cannot confirm its operational status. In 2019, during a summit with then-President Donald Trump, Kim Jong Un offered to dismantle the Yongbyon complex if he won extensive sanctions relief. But the Americans rejected Kims offer because it would be a limited denuclearization step that would leave North Koreas already-built nuclear weapons and covert nuclear facilities intact. After his diplomacy with Trump fell apart, Kim has focused on enlarging his nuclear arsenal and building more high-tech weapons in what experts believe is a bid to increase his leverage in future diplomacy with the U.S. In a key political meeting in December 2022, Kim ordered the exponential expansion of the Norths nuclear arsenal. Tensions on the Korean Peninsula deepened earlier this week, after North Korea test-launched the solid-fueled Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missile its most advanced weapon designed to strike the mainland U.S. in its third test this year. The Yongbyon complex, which North Korea calls the heart of its nuclear program and research, has been at the center of international concerns for decades. Its not clear exactly how much weapons-grade plutonium or highly enriched uranium has been produced at Yongbyon and where North Korea stores it. According to a South Korean estimate in 2018, North Korea had manufactured 20-60 nuclear weapons. But some experts say the North likely has more than 100 nuclear weapons. (AP) YWN has been reporting that hundreds of Jewish institutions are the United States have been receiving threats recently, but as usual, people dont pay attention until it hits their own community. Multiple Jewish institutions in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and other location in NYC, including synagogues, schools, and community centers, received threatening emails over the weekend. These messages falsely claimed that explosives had been planted at various locations, including every synagogue in New York. The alarming emails were sent early in the morning to multiple addresses associated with yeshivas, synagogues, Jewish Community Centers (JCCs), and Hillel Houses. Specific locations mentioned in the emails included Congregation Shaare Zion on Ocean Parkway, the Mill Basin Hebrew School, Chevra Ahavas Yisrael in Crown Heights, the Kingsway Jewish Center in Midwood, and the Hillel House at Hunter College in Manhattan. YWN is aware of dozens of Shuls that received the threatening emails over the weekend. Authorities quickly responded to these reports, but upon investigation, they found no evidence of any actual threat. As always, if you are a recipient of such a threat, do not hesitate and call 911 immediately As YWN previously reported: 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. 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. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) An Iranian Revolutionary Guards commander was quoted by the countrys media as saying Saturday that the the Mediterranean Sea could be closed if the U.S. and allies continue to commit crimes in Gaza, according to Reuters. Its unclear how Iran could pull off such a maneuver, but Brig. Gen. Mohammad Reza Naqdi reportedly said They shall soon await the closure of the Mediterranean Sea, [the Strait of] Gibraltar and other waterways. The apparent warning comes a day after a U.S. official confirmed to Fox News that Iran has been providing intelligence to Yemens Houthi rebels on ship locations in the Red Sea during the recent series of attacks on commercial vessels in the area. An Iranian surveillance vessel has been tracking the commercial ships and sharing locations for the Houthis to target with their drones and rockets, which are also provided by Iran. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) President Biden gave a tight-lipped response when he was asked about his recent communication with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday. I had a private conversation, the president told reporters outside of the White House. I did not ask for a ceasefire. Biden also said that the conversation was long but did not provide extensive details about their chat. Netanyahu sir, did you tell him not to strike Hamas in a preemptive strike? a reporter asked the president. I had a long talk with Netanyahu today and its a private conversation, Biden responded. Meanwhile, later in the evening, the White House released a statement about President Bidens call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday, as the war between Israel and Hamas continues. President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. spoke today with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel, the statement read. The leaders discussed Israels military campaign in Gaza to include its objectives and phasing. The White House noted that Biden advocated for Gazan civilians during the exchange. The President emphasized the critical need to protect the civilian population including those supporting the humanitarian aid operation, and the importance of allowing civilians to move safely away from areas of ongoing fighting, the White Houses press release continued. The leaders discussed the importance of securing the release of all remaining hostages. They agreed to remain in regular consultation both directly and through their respective national security teams, the statement added. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Former US president Barack Obama secretly lobbied Harvard University not to fire President Claudine Gay following her widely censured testimony at the congressional hearing on antisemitism, Jewish Insider (JI) reported, quoting a confidential source familiar with the matter. It sounded like people were being asked to close ranks to keep the broader administration stable including its composition, the source said. Obama graduated from Harvard Law School in 1991. Obamas office and Harvard University did not respond to requests for comments from JI. Meanwhile, new allegations of plagiarism against the embattled president were revealed in an official academic complaint against Gay, the Washington Free Beacon reported last week. Harvards research integrity officer, Stacey Springs, received a complaint last Tuesday listing over 40 allegations of plagiarism regarding Gays academic works. The Free Beacon independently verified the veracity of the new allegations against Gay as well as the identity of the complainanta professor at another universitywho requested anonymity for fear of retaliation. Harvard did not respond to a request for comment. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) Egypt has put forward a new proposal for a hostage release agreement. According to reports from Israeli and foreign media, the plan suggests that Hamas would release 40 Israelis who are being held in the Gaza Strip in exchange for a 14-day ceasefire. Cairos proposal outlines a three-stage plan to bring an end to the conflict in Gaza. The first stage involves the IDF ceasing all military and intelligence operations in Gaza for two weeks in return for the release of the hostages. The second stage focuses on negotiations with the Palestinian Authority to establish an emergency security government in Gaza involving various Palestinian factions. The third stage includes an extended ceasefire, the release of more hostages from Gaza, and ultimately, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the area. While there are elements of the proposal that the Israelis find unacceptable, it is seen as a potential path to negotiations. Additionally, representatives from the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) are in Cairo for talks with Egyptian officials to explore ways to end the conflict. The PIJ has previously rejected prisoner-swap deals with Israel until the Israeli military offensive in Gaza comes to an end. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) An article in the print edition of The New York Times with the headline Gaza Deaths Surpass Any Arab War Losses in 40 Years has sparked controversy for its portrayal of the recent Gaza-Israel conflict. This headline suggests that the estimated 20,000 deaths in Gaza have exceeded casualties in any Arab conflict over the past four decades. However, this claim overlooks the Syrian conflict from 2011 to 2021, which is believed to have resulted in over 306,000 civilian deaths. The digital version of The Times presents a more specific headline, reading Gaza Deaths Surpass Any Arab Loss in Wars With Israel in Past 40 Years, and was published a day earlier. This headline more accurately reflects the context of the Gaza-Israel conflict. Aviva Klompas, former head of speechwriting for Israels Permanent Mission to the U.N., criticized the print headline on social media. Klompas accused The Times of fabricating information, pointing out that a brief online search reveals data contradicting the print headline. She referenced a June 2022 report from the U.N. Human Rights Office, which estimates that the decade-long Syrian conflict resulted in over 306,000 civilian casualties, significantly higher than the Gaza conflict figures. The report represents the most comprehensive estimate of conflict-related civilian deaths in Syria to date. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Speaking out: Baroness Ros Altmann told The Mail on Sunday that the rules had been misapplied Britain must ditch an EU law that has left investment trusts in existential danger and starved of funds, a leading peer has warned. Investment trusts are stock market-listed companies that make their money by buying shares in other businesses. Millions of Britons hold savings in such trusts. But rules introduced by the European Union before Brexit require trusts listed on the London Stock Exchange to report their fees and charges in a way that makes them look more costly than they are. Baroness Ros Altmann, a pensions minister under David Cameron and Theresa May, told The Mail on Sunday that the rules had been misapplied and that they were not even followed by trusts still based in the EU. We havent taken any of the benefits of being out of the EU, weve actually imposed an extra penalty on ourselves, Altmann said. The situation has left British investment trusts uniquely disadvantaged compared with international rivals, she added. Under EU regulations passed in 2013, these trusts, which are listed on the stock market, were classed as alternative investment funds. In terms of regulation, this put them in the same category as private equity and hedge funds, which are often opaque about their fees. But the trusts are already subject to the strict disclosure rules required for public companies. Altmann said this confusing arrangement meant trusts were required to report some charges in a way that made it seem as if they were being paid directly by investors when they were not. In turn, this made investing in them appear more expensive than the reality. Similar companies from overseas do not report these charges in the same way, she said and, as a result, it was incentivising investors not to support British companies. Altmann has tabled a bill in the House of Lords to remove investment trusts from these disclosure rules, which she says would help re-balance the playing field and tempt money back to the UK. Alan Brierley at Investec, warned that for London-listed trusts, trading at discounts to the value of their underlying assets could become entrenched if the issue was not resolved, adding: The risk is that because many investors have reduced their exposure because of the cost disclosure rules, we may not see the same recovery. The Government is seeking to arrest a sharp fall in money pumped into the UK by some of its largest institutions. Official figures recently revealed the amount of London-listed shares owned by pension funds fell to a record low of just 1.6 per cent in 2022. UBS Group cut shares of Coupang (NYSE:CPNG Free Report) from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a report published on Wednesday morning, Marketbeat.com reports. The brokerage currently has $18.50 price objective on the stock, down from their prior price objective of $26.00. Separately, TheStreet lowered shares of Coupang from a c- rating to a d+ rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 8th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and one has issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Coupang currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $21.42. Get Coupang alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on CPNG Coupang Stock Performance CPNG stock opened at $16.21 on Wednesday. The firm has a market cap of $28.98 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 67.54 and a beta of 1.18. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $16.36 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $17.22. Coupang has a one year low of $12.66 and a one year high of $19.99. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.18, a quick ratio of 0.89 and a current ratio of 1.14. Coupang (NYSE:CPNG Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, November 7th. The company reported $0.05 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.07 by ($0.02). The firm had revenue of $6.18 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.91 billion. Coupang had a net margin of 1.86% and a return on equity of 16.09%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 21.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $0.05 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts forecast that Coupang will post 0.28 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insider Activity at Coupang In related news, insider Tae Jung Kim sold 4,673 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, October 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $16.95, for a total value of $79,207.35. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 254,530 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,314,283.50. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. In related news, major shareholder Svf Investments (Uk) Ltd sold 30,000,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $15.39, for a total value of $461,700,000.00. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 396,156,413 shares in the company, valued at approximately $6,096,847,196.07. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, insider Tae Jung Kim sold 4,673 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, October 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $16.95, for a total transaction of $79,207.35. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 254,530 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,314,283.50. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 30,005,613 shares of company stock valued at $461,793,777 in the last three months. 14.90% of the stock is owned by insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Coupang Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of CPNG. Raymond James & Associates increased its holdings in Coupang by 64.0% in the 1st quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 188,859 shares of the companys stock worth $3,339,000 after buying an additional 73,703 shares during the period. Bank of New York Mellon Corp grew its stake in shares of Coupang by 140.7% during the 1st quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 1,035,866 shares of the companys stock worth $18,315,000 after purchasing an additional 605,499 shares during the period. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. grew its stake in shares of Coupang by 111.0% during the 1st quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 23,878 shares of the companys stock worth $422,000 after purchasing an additional 12,562 shares during the period. HighTower Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Coupang by 27.0% during the 1st quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC now owns 81,147 shares of the companys stock worth $1,435,000 after purchasing an additional 17,248 shares during the period. Finally, Citigroup Inc. grew its stake in shares of Coupang by 75.8% during the 1st quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 78,576 shares of the companys stock worth $1,389,000 after purchasing an additional 33,890 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 72.02% of the companys stock. Coupang Company Profile (Get Free Report) Coupang, Inc, together with its subsidiaries owns and operates in e-commerce business through its mobile applications and Internet websites primarily in South Korea. The company operates through two segments, Product Commerce and Developing Offerings. It sells various products and services in the categories of home goods and decor products, apparel, beauty products, fresh food and groceries, sporting goods, electronics, and everyday consumables, as well as travel, and restaurant order and delivery services. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Coupang Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Coupang and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wells Fargo & Company upgraded shares of Guidewire Software (NYSE:GWRE Free Report) from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating in a research note issued to investors on Wednesday morning, MarketBeat Ratings reports. A number of other research firms have also commented on GWRE. TheStreet upgraded shares of Guidewire Software from a d rating to a c- rating in a research report on Thursday, September 7th. StockNews.com assumed coverage on Guidewire Software in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. The Goldman Sachs Group increased their target price on Guidewire Software from $103.00 to $115.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 15th. JMP Securities raised their price objective on Guidewire Software from $100.00 to $110.00 and gave the company a market outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 15th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price objective on Guidewire Software from $83.00 to $100.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, September 8th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $101.20. Get Guidewire Software alerts: Read Our Latest Report on Guidewire Software Guidewire Software Stock Up 1.4 % Insiders Place Their Bets GWRE opened at $108.53 on Wednesday. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $95.33 and a 200-day moving average price of $86.67. The firm has a market capitalization of $8.89 billion, a P/E ratio of -127.68 and a beta of 1.16. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33, a current ratio of 3.72 and a quick ratio of 3.72. Guidewire Software has a one year low of $59.28 and a one year high of $108.82. In other news, insider James Winston King sold 1,379 shares of Guidewire Software stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $103.79, for a total transaction of $143,126.41. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 46,485 shares in the company, valued at $4,824,678.15. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In other news, COO Priscilla Hung sold 6,310 shares of Guidewire Software stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $100.00, for a total transaction of $631,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief operating officer now directly owns 41,963 shares in the company, valued at $4,196,300. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, insider James Winston King sold 1,379 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $103.79, for a total transaction of $143,126.41. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 46,485 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,824,678.15. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 17,835 shares of company stock worth $1,827,180 over the last three months. Company insiders own 0.38% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Guidewire Software Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its position in Guidewire Software by 0.5% in the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 8,045,464 shares of the technology companys stock worth $724,092,000 after purchasing an additional 38,954 shares during the period. Comerica Bank grew its position in Guidewire Software by 6,461.2% in the 3rd quarter. Comerica Bank now owns 15,222 shares of the technology companys stock worth $1,370,000 after purchasing an additional 14,990 shares during the period. Diversified Trust Co bought a new stake in Guidewire Software in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $221,000. Jacobs Levy Equity Management Inc. grew its position in Guidewire Software by 628.6% in the 3rd quarter. Jacobs Levy Equity Management Inc. now owns 313,151 shares of the technology companys stock worth $28,184,000 after purchasing an additional 270,169 shares during the period. Finally, Creative Planning grew its position in Guidewire Software by 7.2% in the 3rd quarter. Creative Planning now owns 5,660 shares of the technology companys stock worth $509,000 after purchasing an additional 380 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 98.28% of the companys stock. About Guidewire Software (Get Free Report) Guidewire Software, Inc provides a platform for property and casualty (P&C) insurers worldwide. The company offers Guidewire InsuranceSuite Cloud, such as PolicyCenter Cloud, BillingCenter Cloud, and ClaimCenter Cloud applications. It also provides Guidewire InsuranceNow, a cloud-based platform that offers policy, billing, and claims management functionality to insurers; and Guidewire InsuranceSuite for Self-Managed. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Guidewire Software Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Guidewire Software and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Morgan Stanley lowered shares of HEICO (NYSE:HEI Free Report) from an equal weight rating to an underweight rating in a research note published on Wednesday, MarketBeat Ratings reports. They currently have $174.00 price objective on the aerospace companys stock, down from their previous price objective of $184.00. Several other equities research analysts have also recently commented on HEI. William Blair assumed coverage on HEICO in a research note on Tuesday, December 12th. They issued an outperform rating on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and set a $200.00 price objective on shares of HEICO in a research note on Wednesday, August 30th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft assumed coverage on HEICO in a research note on Wednesday, September 27th. They set a buy rating and a $192.00 price objective on the stock. StockNews.com began coverage on HEICO in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Finally, Benchmark boosted their target price on HEICO from $170.00 to $185.00 in a report on Wednesday, August 30th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and nine have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, HEICO currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $201.82. Get HEICO alerts: Get Our Latest Report on HEICO HEICO Trading Up 0.5 % NYSE:HEI opened at $179.78 on Wednesday. The stock has a market capitalization of $24.84 billion, a PE ratio of 61.78, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.59 and a beta of 1.16. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $169.81 and its 200-day simple moving average is $169.27. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.41, a current ratio of 4.03 and a quick ratio of 2.50. HEICO has a fifty-two week low of $149.05 and a fifty-two week high of $191.00. HEICO (NYSE:HEI Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, December 19th. The aerospace company reported $0.74 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.68 by $0.06. The firm had revenue of $936.45 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $901.13 million. HEICO had a return on equity of 14.74% and a net margin of 13.60%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 53.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $0.70 EPS. Sell-side analysts expect that HEICO will post 3.47 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. HEICO Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a Semi-Annual dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 19th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, January 4th will be issued a $0.10 dividend. This represents a yield of 0.1%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, January 3rd. HEICOs dividend payout ratio is 6.87%. Insider Buying and Selling at HEICO In other news, CEO Laurans A. Mendelson sold 23,477 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, October 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $166.20, for a total transaction of $3,901,877.40. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 1,694,451 shares in the company, valued at approximately $281,617,756.20. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Insiders own 8.26% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of HEICO A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of HEI. NBC Securities Inc. bought a new stake in shares of HEICO during the 3rd quarter valued at $42,000. Harbour Investments Inc. lifted its position in shares of HEICO by 41.5% during the 2nd quarter. Harbour Investments Inc. now owns 341 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $60,000 after buying an additional 100 shares during the last quarter. AXS Investments LLC bought a new stake in shares of HEICO during the 2nd quarter worth $65,000. Janiczek Wealth Management LLC lifted its position in shares of HEICO by 18.3% during the 3rd quarter. Janiczek Wealth Management LLC now owns 447 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $72,000 after buying an additional 69 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Sunbelt Securities Inc. bought a new stake in shares of HEICO during the 1st quarter worth $109,000. 27.77% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. HEICO Company Profile (Get Free Report) HEICO Corporation, through its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, and sells aerospace, defense, and electronic related products and services. The company's Flight Support Group segment provides jet engine and aircraft component replacement parts; thermal insulation blankets and parts; renewable/reusable insulation systems; and specialty components. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for HEICO Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for HEICO and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cameco (TSE:CCO Free Report) (NYSE:CCJ) had its price objective hoisted by Raymond James from C$69.00 to C$71.00 in a research report sent to investors on Wednesday morning, BayStreet.CA reports. The brokerage currently has an outperform rating on the stock. Raymond James also issued estimates for Camecos Q1 2024 earnings at $0.58 EPS, Q2 2024 earnings at $0.58 EPS, Q3 2024 earnings at $0.59 EPS, Q4 2024 earnings at $0.60 EPS and FY2024 earnings at $2.35 EPS. Several other research analysts have also recently weighed in on CCO. Royal Bank of Canada boosted their price target on shares of Cameco from C$49.50 to C$56.00 in a research report on Tuesday, September 5th. Scotiabank boosted their price target on shares of Cameco from C$54.00 to C$70.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, September 29th. TD Securities upped their target price on shares of Cameco from C$70.00 to C$75.00 and gave the company an action list buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 29th. Canaccord Genuity Group upped their target price on shares of Cameco from C$67.00 to C$72.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday. Finally, Eight Capital upped their target price on shares of Cameco from C$65.00 to C$70.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, November 9th. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Buy and a consensus price target of C$65.20. Get Cameco alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on CCO Cameco Trading Down 0.2 % Shares of CCO stock opened at C$57.88 on Wednesday. The companys 50-day moving average price is C$58.32 and its 200-day moving average price is C$50.66. The company has a current ratio of 3.85, a quick ratio of 3.74 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 18.46. The stock has a market cap of C$25.11 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 94.89, a PEG ratio of 2.22 and a beta of 0.90. Cameco has a twelve month low of C$30.02 and a twelve month high of C$63.12. Cameco (TSE:CCO Get Free Report) (NYSE:CCJ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 31st. The company reported C$0.32 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of C$0.15 by C$0.17. The firm had revenue of C$575.00 million for the quarter. Cameco had a net margin of 11.70% and a return on equity of 4.82%. As a group, equities analysts predict that Cameco will post 2.2430815 earnings per share for the current year. Cameco Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared an annual dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 15th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, November 30th were given a dividend of $0.12 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, November 29th. This represents a dividend yield of 0.21%. Camecos dividend payout ratio is presently 19.67%. Insider Transactions at Cameco In other news, Senior Officer Brian Arthur Reilly sold 22,500 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$62.43, for a total transaction of C$1,404,675.00. In other news, Senior Officer Caroline Marie Gorsalitz sold 29,439 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$58.43, for a total transaction of C$1,720,120.77. Also, Senior Officer Brian Arthur Reilly sold 22,500 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$62.43, for a total transaction of C$1,404,675.00. Over the last quarter, insiders have sold 90,719 shares of company stock valued at $5,496,919. 0.13% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Cameco Company Profile (Get Free Report) Cameco Corporation provides uranium for the generation of electricity. It operates through two segments, Uranium and Fuel Services. The Uranium segment is involved in the exploration for, mining, and milling, purchase, and sale of uranium concentrate. The Fuel Services segment engages in the refining, conversion, and fabrication of uranium concentrate, as well as the purchase and sale of conversion services. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Cameco Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cameco and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (TSE:CM Free Report) (NYSE:CM) had its price target raised by Scotiabank from C$57.00 to C$62.00 in a report issued on Wednesday, BayStreet.CA reports. They currently have a sector perform rating on the stock. Several other research firms have also recently commented on CM. Cormark cut their price objective on shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from C$62.00 to C$61.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, September 1st. Royal Bank of Canada cut their price objective on shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from C$66.00 to C$63.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, December 1st. Canaccord Genuity Group set a C$64.00 price objective on shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Monday, December 18th. Bank of America raised shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from an underperform rating to a neutral rating and boosted their price objective for the company from C$63.00 to C$66.00 in a research report on Monday, December 18th. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods cut their price objective on shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from C$58.00 to C$56.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, November 23rd. Ten equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of C$62.73. Get Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce alerts: View Our Latest Report on Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Stock Up 1.4 % Shares of CM stock opened at C$64.17 on Wednesday. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce has a 12-month low of C$47.44 and a 12-month high of C$64.43. The firm has a market capitalization of C$59.76 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.44, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 31.58 and a beta of 1.08. The firm has a fifty day moving average of C$54.24 and a 200-day moving average of C$54.88. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (TSE:CM Get Free Report) (NYSE:CM) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 30th. The company reported C$1.57 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of C$1.58 by C($0.01). The firm had revenue of C$5.84 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of C$5.86 billion. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce had a net margin of 23.44% and a return on equity of 9.72%. Research analysts expect that Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce will post 6.6704782 earnings per share for the current year. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Increases Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, January 29th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, December 28th will be given a dividend of $0.90 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, December 27th. This is a boost from Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerces previous quarterly dividend of $0.87. This represents a $3.60 annualized dividend and a yield of 5.61%. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerces payout ratio is 69.77%. Insider Activity In other news, Senior Officer Christina Charlotte Kramer sold 15,446 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, December 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$57.19, for a total value of C$883,356.74. 0.05% of the stock is owned by insiders. 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. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Accenture (NYSE:ACN Free Report) had its price target increased by UBS Group from $333.00 to $365.00 in a research report report published on Wednesday, Benzinga reports. UBS Group currently has a neutral rating on the information technology services providers stock. Several other research analysts have also commented on the stock. Wedbush raised their price objective on shares of Accenture from $330.00 to $360.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, December 14th. Redburn Atlantic started coverage on shares of Accenture in a research note on Thursday, November 16th. They issued a buy rating and a $410.00 price objective for the company. Royal Bank of Canada reissued an outperform rating and issued a $340.00 price objective on shares of Accenture in a research note on Friday, September 29th. Robert W. Baird lowered their price objective on shares of Accenture from $332.00 to $322.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Friday, September 29th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets lowered their price objective on shares of Accenture from $360.00 to $350.00 in a research note on Friday, September 29th. Seven investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Accenture currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $348.59. Get Accenture alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on Accenture Accenture Price Performance Shares of ACN stock opened at $354.45 on Wednesday. The firm has a market cap of $222.57 billion, a PE ratio of 32.85, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.14 and a beta of 1.23. The company has a 50-day moving average of $322.91 and a two-hundred day moving average of $316.84. Accenture has a 1-year low of $242.80 and a 1-year high of $354.82. Accenture (NYSE:ACN Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, December 19th. The information technology services provider reported $3.27 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.14 by $0.13. The company had revenue of $16.22 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $16.17 billion. Accenture had a net margin of 10.65% and a return on equity of 29.08%. Accentures revenue was up 3.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $3.08 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Accenture will post 12.21 EPS for the current fiscal year. Accenture announced that its board has authorized a share repurchase program on Thursday, September 28th that authorizes the company to buyback $4.00 billion in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization authorizes the information technology services provider to buy up to 2% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares buyback programs are typically an indication that the companys management believes its shares are undervalued. Accenture Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, February 15th. Shareholders 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 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.46%. Accentures payout ratio is currently 47.82%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, CEO Julie Spellman Sweet sold 9,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, October 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $291.41, for a total transaction of $2,622,690.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 35,830 shares in the company, valued at $10,441,220.30. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In other news, CEO Julie Spellman Sweet sold 9,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, October 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $291.41, for a total transaction of $2,622,690.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 35,830 shares in the company, valued at $10,441,220.30. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, insider Ellyn Shook sold 5,250 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, October 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $298.48, for a total transaction of $1,567,020.00. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 20,265 shares in the company, valued at $6,048,697.20. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last quarter, insiders have sold 36,334 shares of company stock valued at $10,939,027. 0.07% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Accenture A number of hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of ACN. Jag Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in Accenture by 0.3% during the third quarter. Jag Capital Management LLC now owns 9,271 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $2,847,000 after acquiring an additional 31 shares during the period. First National Bank of Hutchinson grew its holdings in Accenture by 2.9% during the second quarter. First National Bank of Hutchinson now owns 1,132 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $349,000 after acquiring an additional 32 shares during the period. Pinnacle Wealth Planning Services Inc. grew its holdings in Accenture by 0.7% during the second quarter. Pinnacle Wealth Planning Services Inc. now owns 4,535 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $1,399,000 after acquiring an additional 32 shares during the period. Jump Financial LLC grew its holdings in Accenture by 3.6% during the third quarter. Jump Financial LLC now owns 917 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $282,000 after acquiring an additional 32 shares during the period. Finally, Aries Wealth Management increased its stake in Accenture by 0.8% in the 2nd quarter. Aries Wealth Management now owns 4,288 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $1,323,000 after purchasing an additional 33 shares in the last quarter. 70.42% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About Accenture (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. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Accenture Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Accenture and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ducommun Incorporated (NYSE:DCO Get Free Report) has been given an average recommendation of Moderate Buy by the four research firms that are currently covering the company, Marketbeat reports. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the company. The average 1-year price objective among brokers that have covered the stock in the last year is $62.20. A number of equities research analysts have recently weighed in on the company. Royal Bank of Canada boosted their price target on Ducommun from $56.00 to $60.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, November 9th. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Ducommun in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Get Ducommun alerts: View Our Latest Analysis on Ducommun Ducommun Trading Up 0.3 % NYSE DCO opened at $51.75 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $755.55 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 35.45 and a beta of 1.27. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.42, a current ratio of 2.93 and a quick ratio of 1.80. Ducommun has a 12 month low of $40.24 and a 12 month high of $58.28. The companys fifty day moving average price is $49.41 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $46.64. Ducommun (NYSE:DCO Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 8th. The aerospace company reported $0.70 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.54 by $0.16. The business had revenue of $196.25 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $195.64 million. Ducommun had a net margin of 2.51% and a return on equity of 6.25%. As a group, research analysts predict that Ducommun will post 2.52 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Insider Buying and Selling at Ducommun In other news, VP Jerry L. Redondo sold 1,559 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, December 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $52.31, for a total transaction of $81,551.29. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now owns 59,064 shares in the company, valued at $3,089,637.84. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In other Ducommun news, VP Jerry L. Redondo sold 1,538 shares of Ducommun stock in a transaction on Friday, November 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $47.54, for a total transaction of $73,116.52. Following the sale, the vice president now owns 60,623 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,882,017.42. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, VP Jerry L. Redondo sold 1,559 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $52.31, for a total value of $81,551.29. Following the transaction, the vice president now owns 59,064 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,089,637.84. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 10.80% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Ducommun Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Connor Clark & Lunn Investment Management Ltd. increased its stake in Ducommun by 54.2% during the 1st quarter. Connor Clark & Lunn Investment Management Ltd. now owns 7,213 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $395,000 after buying an additional 2,535 shares during the period. Pinebridge Investments L.P. bought a new stake in Ducommun during the second quarter worth approximately $27,000. Brandywine Global Investment Management LLC acquired a new stake in Ducommun in the second quarter worth approximately $1,623,000. Gabelli Funds LLC boosted its stake in Ducommun by 8.2% during the 2nd quarter. Gabelli Funds LLC now owns 60,780 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $2,648,000 after purchasing an additional 4,600 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Mitsubishi UFJ Kokusai Asset Management Co. Ltd. acquired a new position in shares of Ducommun during the 2nd quarter valued at $791,000. 85.89% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. About Ducommun (Get Free Report Ducommun Incorporated provides engineering and manufacturing products and services primarily to the aerospace and defense, industrial, medical, and other industries in the United States. The company operates through two segments, Electronic Systems and Structural Systems. The Electronic Systems segment provides cable assemblies and interconnect systems; printed circuit board assemblies; higher-level electronic, electromechanical, and mechanical components and assemblies, as well as lightning diversion systems; and radar enclosures, aircraft avionics racks, shipboard communications and control enclosures, printed circuit board assemblies, cable assemblies, wire harnesses, interconnect systems, lightning diversion strips, surge suppressors, conformal shields, and other assemblies. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Ducommun Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ducommun and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sonoco Products (NYSE:SON Get Free Report) and TFF Group (OTCMKTS:FRFTF Get Free Report) are both industrial products companies, but which is the better investment? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their profitability, valuation, institutional ownership, risk, dividends, earnings and analyst recommendations. Profitability This table compares Sonoco Products and TFF Groups net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Get Sonoco Products alerts: Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Sonoco Products 7.20% 24.40% 7.65% TFF Group N/A N/A N/A Earnings & Valuation This table compares Sonoco Products and TFF Groups revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Sonoco Products $7.25 billion 0.76 $466.44 million $4.96 11.32 TFF Group N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Insider and Institutional Ownership Sonoco Products has higher revenue and earnings than TFF Group. 76.2% of Sonoco Products shares are held by institutional investors. 0.5% of Sonoco Products shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a stock is poised for long-term growth. Analyst Ratings This is a summary of current ratings and recommmendations for Sonoco Products and TFF Group, as reported by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Sonoco Products 0 2 3 0 2.60 TFF Group 0 0 0 0 N/A Sonoco Products presently has a consensus price target of $61.40, indicating a potential upside of 9.35%. Given Sonoco Products higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Sonoco Products is more favorable than TFF Group. Summary Sonoco Products beats TFF Group on 8 of the 8 factors compared between the two stocks. About Sonoco Products (Get Free Report) Sonoco Products Company, together with its subsidiaries, designs, develops, manufactures, and sells various engineered and sustainable packaging products in North and South America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. The company operates through two segments: Consumer Packaging and Industrial Paper Packaging. The Consumer Packaging segment offers round and shaped rigid paper, steel, and plastic containers; metal and peelable membrane ends, closures, and components; thermoformed plastic trays and enclosures; and high-barrier flexible packaging products. The Industrial Paper Packaging segment provides paperboard tubes, cones, and cores; paper-based protective packaging products; and uncoated recycled paperboard products. Sonoco Products Company also offers various packaging materials, including plastic, paper, foam, and other specialty materials. The company sells its products in various markets, which include paper, textile, film, food, packaging, construction, and wire and cable. Sonoco Products Company was founded in 1899 and is headquartered in Hartsville, South Carolina. About TFF Group (Get Free Report) TFF Group, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and distributes barrels and wood products for the aging of wines and alcohols in France, rest of Europe, the United States, Asia, and internationally. The company offers forestry and logging, stave milling, whisky and bourbon cooperages, cask making, wood and oenological products, and stainless-steel containers. It primarily serves wine, bourbon, and whisky markets. The company was formerly known as Tonnellerie Francois Freres. TFF Group was founded in 1910 and is based in Saint-Romain-de-Colbosc, France. Receive News & Ratings for Sonoco Products Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sonoco Products and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com cut shares of Graphic Packaging (NYSE:GPK Free Report) from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note released on Thursday. Several other equities analysts have also recently commented on the company. Jefferies Financial Group reduced their target price on Graphic Packaging from $26.00 to $24.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, October 18th. Truist Financial restated a buy rating and set a $31.00 target price on shares of Graphic Packaging in a research report on Tuesday, September 5th. Citigroup reduced their target price on Graphic Packaging from $29.00 to $26.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, October 10th. Raymond James cut Graphic Packaging from a strong-buy rating to a market perform rating in a research report on Monday, November 27th. Finally, Bank of America upgraded Graphic Packaging from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 31st. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have issued a hold rating and six have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $27.89. Get Graphic Packaging alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on GPK Graphic Packaging Price Performance Shares of NYSE GPK opened at $24.61 on Thursday. The stock has a market cap of $7.53 billion, a PE ratio of 11.14, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.34 and a beta of 0.87. Graphic Packaging has a fifty-two week low of $20.07 and a fifty-two week high of $27.56. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.90, a quick ratio of 0.46 and a current ratio of 1.17. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $22.42 and a 200-day moving average of $22.94. Graphic Packaging (NYSE:GPK Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results 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. The company had revenue of $2.35 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.47 billion. Graphic Packaging had a return on equity of 35.97% and a net margin of 7.14%. The firms quarterly revenue was down 4.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $0.67 earnings per share. Equities research analysts anticipate that Graphic Packaging will post 2.85 earnings per share for the current year. Graphic Packaging Announces Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 5th. Investors of record on Friday, December 15th will be issued a dividend of $0.10 per share. This represents a $0.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.63%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 14th. Graphic Packagings dividend payout ratio is presently 18.10%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Graphic Packaging Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. OLD Point Trust & Financial Services N A purchased a new stake in Graphic Packaging during the 2nd quarter valued at about $26,000. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. lifted its holdings in Graphic Packaging by 369.6% in the 1st quarter. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. now owns 1,174 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $30,000 after buying an additional 924 shares during the period. ST Germain D J Co. Inc. purchased a new stake in Graphic Packaging in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $29,000. AllSquare Wealth Management LLC purchased a new stake in Graphic Packaging in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $31,000. Finally, FinTrust Capital Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in Graphic Packaging by 870.7% in the 3rd quarter. FinTrust Capital Advisors LLC now owns 1,291 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $29,000 after buying an additional 1,158 shares during the period. 99.67% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. 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. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Graphic Packaging Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Graphic Packaging and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Molina Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE:MOH Get Free Report) has earned an average recommendation of Moderate Buy from the nine analysts that are currently covering the firm, MarketBeat Ratings reports. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the company. The average 12-month price target among brokers that have covered the stock in the last year is $356.18. Several equities analysts have recently commented on MOH shares. StockNews.com upgraded Molina Healthcare from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Thursday, October 12th. UBS Group boosted their price target on shares of Molina Healthcare from $350.00 to $380.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Thursday. Cantor Fitzgerald reiterated an overweight rating and set a $374.00 price objective on shares of Molina Healthcare in a research note on Tuesday, November 21st. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on shares of Molina Healthcare from $367.00 to $392.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, November 17th. Finally, Stephens restated an equal weight rating and set a $350.00 target price on shares of Molina Healthcare in a report on Tuesday, October 3rd. Get Molina Healthcare alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on Molina Healthcare Insiders Place Their Bets Institutional Investors Weigh In On Molina Healthcare In other news, Director Ronna Romney sold 335 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $358.00, for a total transaction of $119,930.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 16,907 shares in the company, valued at approximately $6,052,706. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website . In other news, Director Ronna Romney sold 335 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $358.00, for a total transaction of $119,930.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 16,907 shares in the company, valued at $6,052,706. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink . Also, Director Steven J. Orlando sold 1,134 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, October 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $325.96, for a total transaction of $369,638.64. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 19,299 shares of the companys stock, valued at $6,290,702.04. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Corporate insiders own 1.10% of the companys stock. A number of large investors have recently made changes to their positions in MOH. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. lifted its position in Molina Healthcare by 40.4% during the 3rd quarter. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. now owns 125 shares of the companys stock worth $41,000 after acquiring an additional 36 shares during the period. VisionPoint Advisory Group LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Molina Healthcare by 105.6% during the third quarter. VisionPoint Advisory Group LLC now owns 111 shares of the companys stock worth $36,000 after purchasing an additional 57 shares during the period. Wellington Management Group LLP boosted its position in Molina Healthcare by 8.3% in the third quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 3,395,040 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,113,200,000 after buying an additional 259,474 shares during the last quarter. American Century Companies Inc. increased its holdings in Molina Healthcare by 15.9% in the 3rd quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 44,184 shares of the companys stock worth $14,487,000 after buying an additional 6,046 shares during the period. Finally, Deutsche Bank AG raised its position in Molina Healthcare by 1.5% during the 3rd quarter. Deutsche Bank AG now owns 258,441 shares of the companys stock worth $84,740,000 after buying an additional 3,754 shares during the last quarter. 98.11% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Molina Healthcare Price Performance Shares of MOH stock opened at $358.38 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $20.89 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.34, a P/E/G ratio of 1.16 and a beta of 0.58. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $356.01 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $326.90. Molina Healthcare has a one year low of $256.19 and a one year high of $384.71. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61, a current ratio of 1.47 and a quick ratio of 1.47. Molina Healthcare (NYSE:MOH Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 25th. The company reported $5.05 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $4.87 by $0.18. The company had revenue of $8.55 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $8.24 billion. Molina Healthcare had a return on equity of 34.85% and a net margin of 2.80%. Molina Healthcares revenue was up 7.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $4.36 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Molina Healthcare will post 20.83 EPS for the current year. Molina Healthcare Company Profile (Get Free Report Molina Healthcare, Inc provides managed healthcare services to low-income families and individuals under the Medicaid and Medicare programs and through the state insurance marketplaces. It operates in four segments, Medicaid, Medicare, Marketplace, and Other. The company served in across 19 states. The company was founded in 1980 and is headquartered in Long Beach, California. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Molina Healthcare Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Molina Healthcare and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:NCLH Get Free Report) have been assigned an average rating of Hold from the thirteen analysts that are currently covering the stock, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have issued a hold rating, four have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. The average 12 month target price among brokerages that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $19.04. Several equities analysts have recently issued reports on the company. StockNews.com cut Norwegian Cruise Line from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Wednesday, November 15th. Redburn Partners raised shares of Norwegian Cruise Line from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a $25.00 price objective on the stock in a research note on Thursday, September 14th. Tigress Financial reaffirmed a strong-buy rating and set a $32.00 price objective on shares of Norwegian Cruise Line in a research note on Friday, December 15th. Redburn Atlantic raised shares of Norwegian Cruise Line from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and set a $25.00 price objective on the stock in a research note on Thursday, September 14th. Finally, Citigroup decreased their price objective on shares of Norwegian Cruise Line from $20.00 to $16.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, October 17th. Get Norwegian Cruise Line alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian Cruise Line Stock Performance Shares of Norwegian Cruise Line stock opened at $20.95 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $8.91 billion, a PE ratio of -34.34 and a beta of 2.52. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 28.80, a quick ratio of 0.27 and a current ratio of 0.30. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $15.65 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $17.46. Norwegian Cruise Line has a one year low of $11.76 and a one year high of $22.75. Norwegian Cruise Line (NYSE:NCLH Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, November 1st. The company reported $0.76 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.61 by $0.15. The company had revenue of $2.54 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.53 billion. Norwegian Cruise Line had a negative net margin of 2.60% and a negative return on equity of 177.38%. Norwegian Cruise Lines revenue was up 57.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm earned ($0.70) earnings per share. Research analysts expect that Norwegian Cruise Line will post 0.48 EPS for the current fiscal year. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Norwegian Cruise Line Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. American Century Companies Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Norwegian Cruise Line by 16.3% in the first quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 29,153 shares of the companys stock worth $638,000 after buying an additional 4,081 shares in the last quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS lifted its stake in Norwegian Cruise Line by 20.1% in the 1st quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS now owns 55,781 shares of the companys stock worth $1,220,000 after purchasing an additional 9,335 shares in the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Norwegian Cruise Line by 4.2% during the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 22,085,953 shares of the companys stock worth $483,242,000 after purchasing an additional 882,556 shares during the last quarter. Great West Life Assurance Co. Can acquired a new position in shares of Norwegian Cruise Line during the 1st quarter worth approximately $1,515,000. Finally, Yousif Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Norwegian Cruise Line by 7.2% during the 1st quarter. Yousif Capital Management LLC now owns 67,863 shares of the companys stock worth $1,485,000 after purchasing an additional 4,570 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 60.49% of the companys stock. About Norwegian Cruise Line (Get Free Report Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, operates as a cruise company in North America, Europe, the Asia-Pacific, and internationally. The company operates the Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises brands. It offers itineraries ranging from three days to a 180-days calling on various locations, including destinations in Scandinavia, Russia, the Mediterranean, the Greek Isles, Alaska, Canada and New England, Hawaii, Asia, Tahiti and the South Pacific, Australia and New Zealand, Africa, India, South America, the Panama Canal, and the Caribbean. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Norwegian Cruise Line Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Norwegian Cruise Line and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Everence Capital Management Inc. purchased a new position in shares of SM Energy (NYSE:SM Free Report) during the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor purchased 22,970 shares of the energy companys stock, valued at approximately $911,000. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of SM. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. lifted its position in SM Energy by 41.0% during the 1st quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 8,075 shares of the energy companys stock worth $314,000 after acquiring an additional 2,348 shares in the last quarter. Natixis Advisors L.P. raised its position in shares of SM Energy by 28.4% in the 1st quarter. Natixis Advisors L.P. now owns 20,390 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $794,000 after purchasing an additional 4,513 shares in the last quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC raised its position in shares of SM Energy by 55.1% in the 1st quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC now owns 63,571 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $2,476,000 after purchasing an additional 22,582 shares in the last quarter. Great West Life Assurance Co. Can raised its position in shares of SM Energy by 2.5% in the 1st quarter. Great West Life Assurance Co. Can now owns 110,627 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $4,431,000 after purchasing an additional 2,680 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Cibc World Market Inc. acquired a new position in shares of SM Energy in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $1,226,000. 91.26% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get SM Energy alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities analysts have issued reports on the company. Wells Fargo & Company assumed coverage on SM Energy in a research report on Wednesday, November 15th. They issued an equal weight rating and a $40.00 target price on the stock. Mizuho upped their target price on SM Energy from $48.00 to $50.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Monday, September 18th. Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed a sector perform rating and issued a $46.00 target price on shares of SM Energy in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. Susquehanna upped their target price on SM Energy from $32.00 to $40.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 18th. Finally, StockNews.com initiated coverage on SM Energy 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, seven have assigned a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, SM Energy has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $40.50. SM Energy Price Performance Shares of SM opened at $38.61 on Friday. SM Energy has a 12 month low of $24.66 and a 12 month high of $43.73. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.46, a current ratio of 1.17 and a quick ratio of 1.17. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $38.46 and a 200 day moving average price of $37.09. The company has a market cap of $4.49 billion, a P/E ratio of 5.64 and a beta of 4.12. SM Energy (NYSE:SM Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 2nd. The energy company reported $1.73 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.61 by $0.12. SM Energy had a net margin of 34.03% and a return on equity of 20.90%. The business had revenue of $640.90 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $629.32 million. On average, research analysts forecast that SM Energy will post 5.98 earnings per share for the current year. SM Energy Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a semi-annual dividend, which was paid on Monday, November 6th. Investors of record on Tuesday, October 24th were given a $0.15 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, October 23rd. This represents a yield of 0.8%. SM Energys dividend payout ratio is presently 8.77%. SM Energy Profile (Free Report) SM Energy Company, an independent energy company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of oil, gas, and natural gas liquids in the state of Texas. It also has working interests in oil and gas producing wells in the Midland Basin and South Texas. The company was formerly known as St. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for SM Energy (NYSE:SM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for SM Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SM Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Canadian Natural Resources Limited (TSE:CNQ Get Free Report) (NYSE:CNQ) Senior Officer Timothy Shawn Mckay sold 50,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, December 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of C$86.72, for a total value of C$4,335,890.00. Timothy Shawn Mckay also recently made the following trade(s): Get Canadian Natural Resources alerts: On Wednesday, December 20th, Timothy Shawn Mckay sold 50,000 shares of Canadian Natural Resources stock. The stock was sold at an average price of C$87.03, for a total transaction of C$4,351,385.00. On Wednesday, November 29th, Timothy Shawn Mckay sold 37,500 shares of Canadian Natural Resources stock. The stock was sold at an average price of C$89.95, for a total transaction of C$3,372,975.00. Canadian Natural Resources Price Performance Shares of TSE:CNQ opened at C$86.48 on Friday. The firms 50 day moving average price is C$88.47 and its 200-day moving average price is C$83.48. Canadian Natural Resources Limited has a twelve month low of C$67.13 and a twelve month high of C$93.44. The company has a quick ratio of 0.54, a current ratio of 0.91 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 33.13. The stock has a market capitalization of C$94.26 billion, a PE ratio of 13.37, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.53 and a beta of 1.89. Canadian Natural Resources Increases Dividend Canadian Natural Resources ( TSE:CNQ Get Free Report ) (NYSE:CNQ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 2nd. The company reported C$2.59 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of C$2.20 by C$0.39. Canadian Natural Resources had a net margin of 19.74% and a return on equity of 18.33%. The business had revenue of C$9.90 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of C$8.79 billion. Equities research analysts expect that Canadian Natural Resources Limited will post 7.5134666 EPS for the current year. The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 5th. Investors of record on Friday, December 8th will be issued a $1.00 dividend. This is a boost from Canadian Natural Resourcess previous quarterly dividend of $0.90. This represents a $4.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.63%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 7th. Canadian Natural Resourcess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 61.82%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several research analysts have recently issued reports on CNQ shares. National Bank Financial upped their target price on shares of Canadian Natural Resources from C$90.00 to C$101.00 in a research note on Thursday, October 12th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their price objective on Canadian Natural Resources from C$106.00 to C$101.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, December 19th. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price target on Canadian Natural Resources from C$95.00 to C$86.00 in a report on Thursday, December 14th. CIBC upped their price target on Canadian Natural Resources from C$93.00 to C$95.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Monday, October 16th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group lowered their target price on shares of Canadian Natural Resources from C$98.00 to C$96.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, December 18th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of C$95.12. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on CNQ About Canadian Natural Resources (Get Free Report) Canadian Natural Resources Limited acquires, explores for, develops, produces, markets, and sells crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids (NGLs). The company offers light and medium crude oil, primary heavy crude oil, Pelican Lake heavy crude oil, bitumen (thermal oil), and synthetic crude oil (SCO). Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Canadian Natural Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Canadian Natural Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Capital Investment Advisors LLC boosted its stake in Rio Tinto Group (NYSE:RIO Free Report) by 16.7% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 404,189 shares of the mining companys stock after purchasing an additional 57,818 shares during the period. Capital Investment Advisors LLCs holdings in Rio Tinto Group were worth $25,723,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in RIO. Allworth Financial LP boosted its position in Rio Tinto Group by 66.8% in the 2nd quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 397 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $25,000 after buying an additional 159 shares during the last quarter. Householder Group Estate & Retirement Specialist LLC purchased a new position in Rio Tinto Group in the 3rd quarter valued at about $27,000. First Manhattan Co. boosted its position in Rio Tinto Group by 555.4% in the 4th quarter. First Manhattan Co. now owns 426 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $30,000 after buying an additional 361 shares during the last quarter. Spotlight Asset Group Inc. purchased a new position in Rio Tinto Group in the 2nd quarter valued at about $32,000. Finally, Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. boosted its position in Rio Tinto Group by 90.6% in the 1st quarter. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. now owns 686 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $55,000 after buying an additional 326 shares during the last quarter. 10.03% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Rio Tinto Group alerts: Rio Tinto Group Trading Down 0.2 % Shares of NYSE RIO opened at $73.83 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.25, a current ratio of 1.99 and a quick ratio of 1.37. The firms 50-day moving average price is $67.59 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $65.17. Rio Tinto Group has a 52-week low of $58.27 and a 52-week high of $80.51. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities analysts have weighed in on the stock. StockNews.com cut shares of Rio Tinto Group from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report on Friday, November 10th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised shares of Rio Tinto Group from a neutral rating to an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, September 13th. BNP Paribas raised shares of Rio Tinto Group from a neutral rating to an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 5th. UBS Group raised shares of Rio Tinto Group from a sell rating to a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. Finally, Barclays raised shares of Rio Tinto Group from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 24th. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, eleven have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Buy and an average target price of $72.00. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Rio Tinto Group About Rio Tinto Group (Free Report) Rio Tinto Group engages in exploring, mining, and processing mineral resources worldwide. The company operates through Iron Ore, Aluminium, Copper, and Minerals Segments. It offers aluminum, copper, iron ore, diamonds, gold, borates, titanium dioxide, salt, silver, molybdenum, and lithium. The company also owns and operates open pit and underground mines, refineries, smelters, and concentrator facilities, as well as power stations, research, and service facilities. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding RIO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Rio Tinto Group (NYSE:RIO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Rio Tinto Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Rio Tinto Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Douglas Lane & Associates LLC reduced its stake in American Express (NYSE:AXP) by 1.3% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 654,265 shares of the payment services companys stock after selling 8,761 shares during the period. American Express accounts for 1.6% of Douglas Lane & Associates LLCs holdings, making the stock its 11th biggest holding. Douglas Lane & Associates LLC owned 0.09% of American Express worth $97,610,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. RB Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in American Express by 5.3% during the first quarter. RB Capital Management LLC now owns 3,783 shares of the payment services companys stock valued at $707,000 after purchasing an additional 190 shares during the period. Roundview Capital LLC increased its stake in American Express by 0.4% in the first quarter. Roundview Capital LLC now owns 27,029 shares of the payment services companys stock valued at $5,054,000 after acquiring an additional 105 shares during the last quarter. Zions Bancorporation N.A. lifted its stake in American Express by 5.6% in the first quarter. Zions Bancorporation N.A. now owns 1,421 shares of the payment services companys stock worth $266,000 after purchasing an additional 75 shares during the last quarter. Covestor Ltd raised its stake in shares of American Express by 207.1% during the first quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 946 shares of the payment services companys stock valued at $177,000 after acquiring an additional 638 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Donaldson Capital Management LLC purchased a new stake in American Express in the first quarter worth about $397,000. 83.08% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get American Express alerts: Insider Buying and Selling at American Express In related news, Vice Chairman Jeffrey C. Campbell sold 21,008 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $168.33, for a total value of $3,536,276.64. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 125,646 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $21,149,991.18. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In other news, Director Walter Joseph Clayton III bought 1,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, October 24th. The stock was bought at an average price of $143.93 per share, with a total value of $143,930.00. Following the acquisition, the director now owns 2,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $287,860. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, Vice Chairman Jeffrey C. Campbell sold 21,008 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $168.33, for a total value of $3,536,276.64. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 125,646 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $21,149,991.18. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 0.12% of the companys stock. American Express Stock Up 0.4 % Shares of American Express stock opened at $185.57 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.70, a current ratio of 1.60 and a quick ratio of 1.60. The firm has a market cap of $135.24 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.41, a PEG ratio of 1.15 and a beta of 1.23. The stocks 50-day moving average is $161.32 and its 200 day moving average is $162.78. American Express has a one year low of $140.91 and a one year high of $186.37. American Express (NYSE:AXP Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 20th. The payment services company reported $3.30 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.96 by $0.34. American Express had a return on equity of 30.60% and a net margin of 13.61%. The firm had revenue of $15.38 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $15.36 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $2.47 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 13.5% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts anticipate that American Express will post 11.22 EPS for the current year. American Express Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 9th. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 5th will be given a dividend of $0.60 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, January 4th. This represents a $2.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.29%. American Expresss payout ratio is 22.51%. Analysts Set New Price Targets AXP has been the topic of several analyst reports. Oppenheimer lowered their target price on American Express from $190.00 to $175.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, October 11th. Barclays began coverage on American Express in a report on Wednesday, November 15th. They issued an overweight rating and a $184.00 price target for the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their target price on shares of American Express from $192.00 to $167.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, October 17th. Piper Sandler raised shares of American Express from an underweight rating to a neutral rating and increased their price objective for the stock from $150.00 to $151.00 in a research report on Tuesday, October 24th. Finally, HSBC began coverage on shares of American Express in a research report on Friday, October 13th. They issued a buy rating and a $181.00 price target for the company. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have assigned a hold rating and nine have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, American Express presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $171.78. View Our Latest Report on AXP American Express Profile (Free Report) American Express Company, together with its subsidiaries, provides charge and credit payment card products, and travel-related services worldwide. The company operates through three segments: Global Consumer Services Group, Global Commercial Services, and Global Merchant and Network Services. Its products and services include payment and financing products; network services; accounts payable expense management products and services; and travel and lifestyle services. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AXP? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for American Express (NYSE:AXP Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for American Express Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for American Express and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Traynor Capital Management Inc. increased its position in Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER Free Report) by 11.6% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 47,060 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock after purchasing an additional 4,887 shares during the period. Traynor Capital Management Inc.s holdings in Uber Technologies were worth $2,164,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the company. AE Wealth Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Uber Technologies by 9.3% in the second quarter. AE Wealth Management LLC now owns 92,267 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock valued at $3,983,000 after purchasing an additional 7,869 shares in the last quarter. Brandywine Managers LLC bought a new position in Uber Technologies during the 1st quarter valued at $539,000. Armistice Capital LLC boosted its holdings in Uber Technologies by 75.0% during the 1st quarter. Armistice Capital LLC now owns 1,092,000 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock worth $34,616,000 after acquiring an additional 468,000 shares during the last quarter. Chilton Investment Co. Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Uber Technologies in the 2nd quarter worth $209,000. Finally, Itau Unibanco Holding S.A. raised its holdings in shares of Uber Technologies by 1,425.2% in the second quarter. Itau Unibanco Holding S.A. now owns 49,842 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock valued at $2,152,000 after purchasing an additional 46,574 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 74.07% of the companys stock. Get Uber Technologies alerts: Insider Activity In other news, CEO Dara Khosrowshahi sold 50,016 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $50.00, for a total value of $2,500,800.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 1,266,227 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $63,311,350. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. In other Uber Technologies news, insider Tony West sold 18,750 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $51.40, for a total value of $963,750.00. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 181,339 shares in the company, valued at $9,320,824.60. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, CEO Dara Khosrowshahi sold 50,016 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $50.00, for a total transaction of $2,500,800.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 1,266,227 shares of the companys stock, valued at $63,311,350. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 187,616 shares of company stock valued at $9,747,789. 3.84% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Uber Technologies Trading Up 0.4 % UBER stock opened at $61.71 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $126.99 billion, a PE ratio of 125.94 and a beta of 1.32. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.91, a quick ratio of 1.14 and a current ratio of 1.14. Uber Technologies, Inc. has a one year low of $23.90 and a one year high of $63.53. The companys 50 day moving average price is $52.96 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $47.79. Uber Technologies (NYSE:UBER Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, November 7th. The ride-sharing company reported $0.10 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.13 by ($0.03). The business had revenue of $9.29 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $9.47 billion. Uber Technologies had a return on equity of 11.74% and a net margin of 2.93%. As a group, analysts predict that Uber Technologies, Inc. will post 0.37 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Analysts Set New Price Targets UBER has been the topic of a number of research analyst reports. Tigress Financial boosted their target price on Uber Technologies from $66.00 to $72.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, November 30th. JMP Securities restated a market outperform rating and issued a $62.00 price objective on shares of Uber Technologies in a research note on Friday, December 1st. KeyCorp increased their target price on shares of Uber Technologies from $61.00 to $70.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 19th. Wedbush reissued an outperform rating and issued a $57.00 target price (up from $55.00) on shares of Uber Technologies in a research report on Tuesday, November 7th. Finally, Roth Mkm boosted their price objective on Uber Technologies from $61.00 to $62.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 8th. Thirty investment analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, According to MarketBeat.com, Uber Technologies has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $57.34. Get Our Latest Analysis on UBER About Uber Technologies (Free Report) Uber Technologies, Inc develops and operates proprietary technology applications in the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia excluding China and Southeast Asia. It operates through three segments: Mobility, Delivery, and Freight. The Mobility segment connects consumers with a range of transportation modalities, such as ridesharing, carsharing, micromobility, rentals, public transit, taxis, and other modalities; and offers riders in a variety of vehicle types, as well as financial partnerships products and advertising services. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Uber Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Uber Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Montecito Bank & Trust lowered its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI USA Value Factor ETF (BATS:VLUE Free Report) by 16.7% during the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 13,795 shares of the companys stock after selling 2,762 shares during the quarter. Montecito Bank & Trusts holdings in iShares MSCI USA Value Factor ETF were worth $1,251,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the business. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich raised its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI USA Value Factor ETF by 96,646.6% during the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 43,117,070 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,043,950,000 after purchasing an additional 43,072,503 shares in the last quarter. Matson Money. Inc. raised its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI USA Value Factor ETF by 3.8% during the 2nd quarter. Matson Money. Inc. now owns 3,499,330 shares of the companys stock valued at $328,202,000 after purchasing an additional 127,605 shares in the last quarter. Cowa LLC raised its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI USA Value Factor ETF by 11,529.8% during the 1st quarter. Cowa LLC now owns 2,989,446 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,328,000 after purchasing an additional 2,963,741 shares in the last quarter. Cerity Partners LLC raised its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI USA Value Factor ETF by 4,056.0% during the 2nd quarter. Cerity Partners LLC now owns 811,659 shares of the companys stock valued at $76,125,000 after purchasing an additional 792,129 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans raised its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI USA Value Factor ETF by 2.3% during the 1st quarter. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans now owns 542,961 shares of the companys stock valued at $50,273,000 after purchasing an additional 12,018 shares in the last quarter. Get iShares MSCI USA Value Factor ETF alerts: iShares MSCI USA Value Factor ETF Trading Up 0.5 % iShares MSCI USA Value Factor ETF stock opened at $100.42 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $7.14 billion, a P/E ratio of 8.51 and a beta of 1.04. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $92.98 and its 200-day simple moving average is $93.31. iShares MSCI USA Value Factor ETF has a 1-year low of $71.21 and a 1-year high of $89.40. iShares MSCI USA Value Factor ETF Company Profile The iShares MSCI USA Value Factor ETF (VLUE) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI USA Enhanced Value index. The fund tracks an index of large- and mid-cap US equities. Stocks are selected and weighted using fundamental metrics (earnings, revenue, book value and cash earnings), aiming for exposure to undervalued stocks in each sector. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding VLUE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI USA Value Factor ETF (BATS:VLUE Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI USA Value Factor ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI USA Value Factor ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. WealthBridge Investment Counsel Inc. boosted its stake in Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF (NYSEARCA:VGK Free Report) by 3.8% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 115,955 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after buying an additional 4,290 shares during the period. Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF makes up 2.9% of WealthBridge Investment Counsel Inc.s portfolio, making the stock its 13th largest holding. WealthBridge Investment Counsel Inc.s holdings in Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF were worth $6,717,000 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 the stock. Montecito Bank & Trust grew its position in shares of Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF by 6.8% during the 3rd quarter. Montecito Bank & Trust now owns 21,352 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $1,237,000 after purchasing an additional 1,355 shares in the last quarter. Moller Financial Services grew its position in shares of Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF by 2.8% during the 3rd quarter. Moller Financial Services now owns 106,611 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $6,176,000 after purchasing an additional 2,863 shares in the last quarter. Courier Capital LLC grew its position in shares of Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF by 0.6% during the 3rd quarter. Courier Capital LLC now owns 223,403 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $12,942,000 after purchasing an additional 1,328 shares in the last quarter. Toth Financial Advisory Corp grew its position in shares of Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF by 59.1% during the 3rd quarter. Toth Financial Advisory Corp now owns 1,010 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $59,000 after purchasing an additional 375 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Ronald Blue Trust Inc. grew its position in shares of Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF by 20.5% during the 3rd quarter. Ronald Blue Trust Inc. now owns 4,723,932 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $291,466,000 after purchasing an additional 802,309 shares in the last quarter. Get Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF alerts: Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF Stock Up 0.1 % Shares of NYSEARCA:VGK opened at $64.10 on Friday. The companys 50 day moving average price is $59.97 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $60.45. Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF has a 12-month low of $55.06 and a 12-month high of $64.44. The firm has a market cap of $19.60 billion, a PE ratio of 11.10 and a beta of 0.95. Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF Company Profile Vanguard European Stock Index Fund is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks to track the performance of a benchmark index that measures the investment return of stocks issued by Companies located in the markets of Europe. The Fund on focuses indexing investment approach by investing all, or substantially all, of its assets in the common stocks included in the FTSE Developed Europe All Cap Index. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. DAVENPORT & Co LLC grew its position in Coterra Energy Inc. (NYSE:CTRA Free Report) by 0.1% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 3,594,885 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 4,241 shares during the quarter. DAVENPORT & Co LLC owned about 0.48% of Coterra Energy worth $97,635,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other large investors have also modified their holdings of CTRA. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Coterra Energy in the first quarter valued at approximately $1,267,000. D.A. Davidson & CO. acquired a new stake in shares of Coterra Energy in the first quarter valued at approximately $305,000. Yousif Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Coterra Energy in the first quarter valued at approximately $3,011,000. Raymond James Trust N.A. acquired a new stake in shares of Coterra Energy during the first quarter worth $400,000. Finally, BRITISH COLUMBIA INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT Corp acquired a new stake in shares of Coterra Energy during the first quarter worth $3,218,000. 90.54% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Coterra Energy alerts: Coterra Energy Price Performance Shares of CTRA stock traded up $0.04 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $25.78. The stock had a trading volume of 3,901,840 shares, compared to its average volume of 7,300,009. Coterra Energy Inc. has a 12-month low of $22.25 and a 12-month high of $29.89. The company has a market cap of $19.39 billion, a P/E ratio of 8.86, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.20 and a beta of 0.30. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $26.75 and a 200 day simple moving average of $26.74. The company has a current ratio of 1.04, a quick ratio of 1.01 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.12. Coterra Energy Announces Dividend Coterra Energy ( NYSE:CTRA Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Monday, November 6th. The company reported $0.47 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.44 by $0.03. Coterra Energy had a return on equity of 17.14% and a net margin of 33.97%. The business had revenue of $1.36 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.38 billion. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Coterra Energy Inc. will post 2.3 earnings per share for the current year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, November 30th. Investors of record on Thursday, November 16th were given a dividend of $0.20 per share. This represents a $0.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.10%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, November 15th. Coterra Energys dividend payout ratio is presently 27.49%. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, Director Dan O. Dinges sold 400,000 shares of Coterra Energy stock in a transaction dated Monday, September 25th. The stock was sold at an average price of $26.60, for a total transaction of $10,640,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 3,302,392 shares in the company, valued at approximately $87,843,627.20. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In related news, Director Dan O. Dinges sold 400,000 shares of Coterra Energy stock in a transaction dated Monday, September 25th. The stock was sold at an average price of $26.60, for a total transaction of $10,640,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 3,302,392 shares in the company, valued at approximately $87,843,627.20. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, Director Dan O. Dinges sold 68,275 shares of Coterra Energy stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, September 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $27.22, for a total value of $1,858,445.50. Following the sale, the director now owns 3,152,392 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $85,808,110.24. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 1.70% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Analyst Ratings Changes CTRA has been the subject of several recent research reports. Susquehanna increased their price target on Coterra Energy from $28.00 to $31.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, October 18th. Mizuho reaffirmed a buy rating and set a $42.00 price target on shares of Coterra Energy in a report on Tuesday, September 19th. UBS Group raised Coterra Energy from a neutral rating to a buy rating and decreased their price target for the stock from $33.00 to $31.00 in a report on Thursday, December 14th. Wells Fargo & Company raised Coterra Energy from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and set a $30.00 price target for the company in a report on Thursday, December 14th. Finally, Bank of America increased their price target on Coterra Energy from $32.00 to $34.00 in a report on Wednesday, September 27th. Six analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $32.07. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on CTRA About Coterra Energy (Free Report) Coterra Energy Inc, an independent oil and gas company, engages in the development, exploration and production of oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids in the United States. The company primarily focuses on the Marcellus Shale with approximately 183,000 net acres in the dry gas window of the play located in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Coterra Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Coterra Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Fifth Third Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW Free Report) by 41.3% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 3,992 shares of the industrial products companys stock after acquiring an additional 1,166 shares during the period. Fifth Third Wealth Advisors LLCs holdings in Illinois Tool Works were worth $919,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the business. GoalVest Advisory LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Illinois Tool Works in the second quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Northwest Capital Management Inc purchased a new position in Illinois Tool Works during the second quarter worth approximately $28,000. Miller Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Illinois Tool Works during the second quarter worth $31,000. Quarry LP grew its holdings in Illinois Tool Works by 52.7% in the 1st quarter. Quarry LP now owns 142 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $35,000 after buying an additional 49 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Steward Financial Group LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Illinois Tool Works in the 2nd quarter worth $39,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 79.56% of the companys stock. Get Illinois Tool Works alerts: Illinois Tool Works Stock Up 0.5 % Illinois Tool Works stock traded up $1.42 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $261.91. 496,909 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,074,373. The company has a fifty day moving average of $239.10 and a 200-day moving average of $241.64. The company has a market cap of $78.81 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.40, a P/E/G ratio of 5.04 and a beta of 1.13. The company has a quick ratio of 1.13, a current ratio of 1.58 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.27. Illinois Tool Works Inc. has a twelve month low of $217.06 and a twelve month high of $264.19. Illinois Tool Works Announces Dividend Illinois Tool Works ( NYSE:ITW Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 24th. The industrial products company reported $2.55 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.46 by $0.09. Illinois Tool Works had a return on equity of 95.68% and a net margin of 19.55%. The business had revenue of $4.03 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.10 billion. During the same period last year, the firm earned $2.35 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up .5% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts expect that Illinois Tool Works Inc. will post 9.68 EPS for the current year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 11th. Investors of record on Friday, December 29th will be paid a dividend of $1.40 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 28th. This represents a $5.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.14%. Illinois Tool Workss payout ratio is 54.32%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities research analysts recently issued reports on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price objective on shares of Illinois Tool Works from $265.00 to $255.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Monday, October 16th. Barclays decreased their price target on Illinois Tool Works from $213.00 to $198.00 in a research note on Thursday, September 7th. Citigroup raised their price objective on Illinois Tool Works from $244.00 to $256.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, December 11th. Wells Fargo & Company upped their target price on shares of Illinois Tool Works from $220.00 to $277.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 19th. Finally, StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Illinois Tool Works in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating for the company. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $240.82. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Illinois Tool Works About Illinois Tool Works (Free Report) Illinois Tool Works Inc manufactures and sells industrial products and equipment worldwide. It operates through seven segments: Automotive OEM; Food Equipment; Test & Measurement and Electronics; Welding; Polymers & Fluids; Construction Products; and Specialty Products. The Automotive OEM segment offers plastic and metal components, fasteners, and assemblies for automobiles, light trucks, and other industrial uses. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ITW? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Illinois Tool Works Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Illinois Tool Works and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Community Trust & Investment Co. raised its position in shares of Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (NYSE:ICE Free Report) by 0.6% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 127,032 shares of the financial services providers stock after buying an additional 713 shares during the period. Community Trust & Investment Co.s holdings in Intercontinental Exchange were worth $13,976,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Several other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of ICE. Spire Wealth Management increased its holdings in shares of Intercontinental Exchange by 374.6% in the first quarter. Spire Wealth Management now owns 299 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $31,000 after purchasing an additional 236 shares in the last quarter. Oakworth Capital Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Intercontinental Exchange by 53.9% in the second quarter. Oakworth Capital Inc. now owns 297 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $34,000 after purchasing an additional 104 shares in the last quarter. First Capital Advisors Group LLC. acquired a new stake in shares of Intercontinental Exchange in the second quarter valued at approximately $35,000. Pacifica Partners Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Intercontinental Exchange in the third quarter valued at approximately $37,000. Finally, Old North State Trust LLC increased its holdings in shares of Intercontinental Exchange by 227.3% in the first quarter. Old North State Trust LLC now owns 1,270 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $40,000 after purchasing an additional 882 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 87.91% of the companys stock. Get Intercontinental Exchange alerts: Intercontinental Exchange Trading Up 1.2 % Shares of NYSE ICE opened at $125.72 on Friday. The companys fifty day moving average is $112.84 and its 200-day moving average is $113.21. The stock has a market cap of $70.28 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 29.17, a P/E/G ratio of 2.79 and a beta of 0.96. Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. has a twelve month low of $94.16 and a twelve month high of $125.91. The company has a quick ratio of 1.00, a current ratio of 1.00 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.82. Intercontinental Exchange Announces Dividend Intercontinental Exchange ( NYSE:ICE Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 2nd. The financial services provider reported $1.46 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.40 by $0.06. The business had revenue of $2 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.01 billion. Intercontinental Exchange had a net margin of 25.17% and a return on equity of 13.06%. Equities research analysts predict that Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. will post 5.59 EPS for the current year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 29th. Investors of record on Thursday, December 14th will be given a $0.42 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, December 13th. This represents a $1.68 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.34%. Intercontinental Exchanges dividend payout ratio is currently 38.98%. Insider Activity at Intercontinental Exchange In related news, President Benjamin Jackson sold 10,100 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, December 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $114.78, for a total value of $1,159,278.00. Following the sale, the president now directly owns 125,184 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $14,368,619.52. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. In related news, President Benjamin Jackson sold 10,100 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, December 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $114.78, for a total value of $1,159,278.00. Following the sale, the president now directly owns 125,184 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $14,368,619.52. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, CFO Warren Gardiner sold 500 shares of Intercontinental Exchange stock in a transaction on Friday, December 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $112.34, for a total transaction of $56,170.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 15,025 shares in the company, valued at $1,687,908.50. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last ninety days, insiders have sold 21,667 shares of company stock valued at $2,461,744. 1.10% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth ICE has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. Bank of America reduced their price objective on shares of Intercontinental Exchange from $141.00 to $140.00 in a research note on Tuesday, October 3rd. UBS Group raised their price objective on shares of Intercontinental Exchange from $135.00 to $140.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, September 8th. Barclays reduced their price objective on shares of Intercontinental Exchange from $122.00 to $120.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, October 10th. Jefferies Financial Group raised their price objective on shares of Intercontinental Exchange from $129.00 to $134.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, September 19th. Finally, Morgan Stanley raised their price objective on shares of Intercontinental Exchange from $119.00 to $124.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 28th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have assigned a hold rating, five have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $132.83. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on ICE Intercontinental Exchange Profile (Free Report) Intercontinental Exchange, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the provision of market infrastructure, data services, and technology solutions for financial institutions, corporations, and government entities in the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Singapore, India, Abu Dhabi, Israel, and Canada. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ICE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (NYSE:ICE Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Intercontinental Exchange Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Intercontinental Exchange and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Onyx Bridge Wealth Group LLC cut its holdings in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF (NYSEARCA:SPLV Free Report) by 48.0% in the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 16,305 shares of the companys stock after selling 15,051 shares during the quarter. Onyx Bridge Wealth Group LLCs holdings in Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF were worth $959,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Barrett & Company Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at about $25,000. Ronald Blue Trust Inc. purchased a new stake in Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $31,000. Missouri Trust & Investment Co grew its stake in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF by 112.1% during the 2nd quarter. Missouri Trust & Investment Co now owns 507 shares of the companys stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 268 shares during the period. Fiduciary Alliance LLC purchased a new position in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $35,000. Finally, Spotlight Asset Group Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at $41,000. Get Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF alerts: Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF Stock Performance SPLV stock opened at $62.01 on Friday. Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF has a one year low of $57.17 and a one year high of $65.29. The firms fifty day moving average is $60.38 and its 200 day moving average is $61.13. The firm has a market cap of $9.08 billion, a PE ratio of 20.07 and a beta of 0.69. Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF Profile The Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF (SPLV) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the S&P 500 Low Volatility index. The fund tracks a volatility-weighted index of the 100 least-volatile stocks in the S&P 500. SPLV was launched on May 5, 2011 and is managed by Invesco. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cross Staff Investments Inc lessened its stake in The Southern Company (NYSE:SO Free Report) by 7.7% during the third quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 6,035 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 500 shares during the period. Cross Staff Investments Incs holdings in Southern were worth $391,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in SO. Prudential PLC lifted its holdings in shares of Southern by 23.4% during the 1st quarter. Prudential PLC now owns 19,438 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $1,409,000 after acquiring an additional 3,689 shares during the last quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust lifted its holdings in shares of Southern by 33.5% during the 1st quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 1,727 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $126,000 after acquiring an additional 433 shares during the last quarter. Covestor Ltd lifted its holdings in shares of Southern by 63.0% during the 1st quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 1,902 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $138,000 after acquiring an additional 735 shares during the last quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Southern by 0.4% during the 1st quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 49,925 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $3,621,000 after acquiring an additional 221 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Mackenzie Financial Corp lifted its stake in Southern by 35.8% in the first quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 907,132 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $65,776,000 after purchasing an additional 239,325 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 62.85% of the companys stock. Get Southern alerts: Southern Trading Up 0.1 % Shares of Southern stock traded up $0.07 during trading on Friday, hitting $69.44. The stock had a trading volume of 3,013,477 shares, compared to its average volume of 4,216,037. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $69.28 and its 200-day simple moving average is $69.24. The stock has a market cap of $75.73 billion, a PE ratio of 25.07, a PEG ratio of 4.84 and a beta of 0.55. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.59, a current ratio of 0.84 and a quick ratio of 0.63. The Southern Company has a 12 month low of $58.85 and a 12 month high of $75.80. Southern Announces Dividend Southern ( NYSE:SO Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, November 2nd. The utilities provider reported $1.42 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.32 by $0.10. The business had revenue of $6.98 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $8.38 billion. Southern had a net margin of 11.60% and a return on equity of 10.26%. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that The Southern Company will post 3.6 EPS for the current fiscal year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 6th. Stockholders of record on Monday, November 20th were issued a $0.70 dividend. This represents a $2.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.03%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 17th. Southerns dividend payout ratio is presently 101.08%. Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, CEO Stephen E. Kuczynski sold 5,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $71.23, for a total transaction of $356,150.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 106,284 shares of the companys stock, valued at $7,570,609.32. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In other news, CEO Stephen E. Kuczynski sold 5,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $71.23, for a total transaction of $356,150.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 106,284 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $7,570,609.32. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, insider David P. Poroch sold 10,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, November 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $69.39, for a total transaction of $693,900.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 28,691 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,990,868.49. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last ninety days, insiders sold 25,000 shares of company stock valued at $1,722,000. 0.28% of the stock is owned by insiders. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several analysts have weighed in on the stock. BMO Capital Markets lowered their price target on shares of Southern from $72.00 to $70.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, August 31st. Mizuho dropped their price objective on shares of Southern from $76.00 to $73.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, November 21st. Barclays dropped their price objective on shares of Southern from $68.00 to $64.00 in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. Guggenheim dropped their target price on shares of Southern from $80.00 to $72.00 in a research note on Monday, October 9th. Finally, Scotiabank downgraded shares of Southern from a sector outperform rating to a sector perform rating and set a $78.00 price objective on the stock. in a research report on Friday, November 3rd. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating, four have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Southern currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $73.00. View Our Latest Stock Report on SO About Southern (Free Report) The Southern Company, through its subsidiaries, engages in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity. It operates through three segments: Gas Distribution Operations, Gas Pipeline Investments, and Gas Marketing Services. The company also develops, constructs, acquires, owns, and manages power generation assets, including renewable energy projects and sells electricity in the wholesale market; and distributes natural gas in Illinois, Georgia, Virginia, and Tennessee, as well as provides gas marketing services, gas distribution operations, and gas pipeline investments operations. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Southern Company (NYSE:SO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Southern Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Southern and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cross Staff Investments Inc decreased its holdings in Duke Energy Co. (NYSE:DUK Free Report) by 5.8% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 6,449 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 398 shares during the quarter. Cross Staff Investments Incs holdings in Duke Energy were worth $569,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the business. Advocate Group LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Duke Energy by 7.2% in the third quarter. Advocate Group LLC now owns 69,204 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $6,108,000 after buying an additional 4,676 shares during the last quarter. Impact Partnership Wealth LLC lifted its holdings in Duke Energy by 451.9% during the third quarter. Impact Partnership Wealth LLC now owns 1,722 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $152,000 after purchasing an additional 1,410 shares in the last quarter. Montecito Bank & Trust purchased a new position in Duke Energy during the third quarter valued at approximately $260,000. Onyx Bridge Wealth Group LLC purchased a new position in Duke Energy during the third quarter valued at approximately $361,000. Finally, Capital Investment Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in Duke Energy by 2.6% during the third quarter. Capital Investment Advisors LLC now owns 61,393 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $5,419,000 after purchasing an additional 1,542 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 63.68% of the companys stock. Get Duke Energy alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several brokerages have weighed in on DUK. Barclays lifted their price target on shares of Duke Energy from $96.00 to $97.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, September 14th. Wells Fargo & Company upgraded shares of Duke Energy from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and lifted their price objective for the company from $94.00 to $103.00 in a research report on Thursday, November 30th. KeyCorp lifted their price objective on shares of Duke Energy from $96.00 to $106.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 19th. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Duke Energy from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, November 3rd. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada reduced their price objective on shares of Duke Energy from $104.00 to $101.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, September 6th. Seven 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, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $98.82. Duke Energy Price Performance DUK traded up $0.50 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $96.86. The companys stock had a trading volume of 1,927,521 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,125,827. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $91.20 and its 200-day moving average price is $91.08. Duke Energy Co. has a 12 month low of $83.06 and a 12 month high of $106.43. The stock has a market cap of $74.65 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 61.69, a P/E/G ratio of 2.84 and a beta of 0.45. The company has a current ratio of 0.76, a quick ratio of 0.52 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.43. Duke Energy (NYSE:DUK Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 2nd. The utilities provider reported $1.94 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.92 by $0.02. Duke Energy had a net margin of 4.47% and a return on equity of 8.24%. The business had revenue of $7.99 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $8.13 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $1.78 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was up 1.9% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts expect that Duke Energy Co. will post 5.59 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Duke Energy Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 18th. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 17th were given a dividend of $1.025 per share. This represents a $4.10 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.23%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, November 16th. Duke Energys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 261.15%. About Duke Energy (Free Report) Duke Energy Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an energy company in the United States. It operates through two segments, Electric Utilities and Infrastructure (EU&I) and Gas Utilities and Infrastructure (GU&I). The EU&I segment generates, transmits, distributes, and sells electricity in the Carolinas, Florida, and the Midwest; and uses coal, hydroelectric, natural gas, oil, solar and wind sources, renewables, and nuclear fuel to generate electricity. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Duke Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Duke Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. DAVENPORT & Co LLC decreased its stake in shares of EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:EOG Free Report) by 1.1% in the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 864,043 shares of the energy exploration companys stock after selling 9,357 shares during the quarter. DAVENPORT & Co LLC owned approximately 0.15% of EOG Resources worth $109,994,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Cetera Investment Advisers raised its holdings in shares of EOG Resources by 16.0% in the 1st quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 16,031 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $1,911,000 after purchasing an additional 2,213 shares in the last quarter. Moors & Cabot Inc. purchased a new position in shares of EOG Resources in the 1st quarter worth approximately $404,000. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of EOG Resources in the 1st quarter worth approximately $278,000. Zions Bancorporation N.A. grew its position in shares of EOG Resources by 237.7% in the 1st quarter. Zions Bancorporation N.A. now owns 1,155 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $138,000 after buying an additional 813 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. grew its position in shares of EOG Resources by 23.7% in the 1st quarter. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. now owns 662 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $79,000 after buying an additional 127 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 89.21% of the companys stock. Get EOG Resources alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research analysts have recently issued reports on EOG shares. Sanford C. Bernstein downgraded shares of EOG Resources from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and cut their price objective for the stock from $155.00 to $146.00 in a research report on Tuesday, October 17th. Mizuho cut their price objective on shares of EOG Resources from $158.00 to $150.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, November 15th. Wells Fargo & Company downgraded shares of EOG Resources from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating and cut their price objective for the stock from $150.00 to $130.00 in a research report on Thursday, December 14th. UBS Group dropped their target price on shares of EOG Resources from $165.00 to $145.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, December 14th. Finally, Bank of America upped their price target on shares of EOG Resources from $143.00 to $147.00 in a research note on Wednesday, September 27th. Nine equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eleven have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $145.52. EOG Resources Price Performance EOG traded up $1.19 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $122.27. 1,742,029 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 3,336,008. The company has a current ratio of 2.43, a quick ratio of 2.10 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14. The company has a market capitalization of $71.30 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.08, a PEG ratio of 0.35 and a beta of 1.44. EOG Resources, Inc. has a 52-week low of $98.52 and a 52-week high of $137.95. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $124.49 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $124.16. EOG Resources (NYSE:EOG Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 2nd. The energy exploration company reported $3.44 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.95 by $0.49. The business had revenue of $6.21 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.91 billion. EOG Resources had a net margin of 32.11% and a return on equity of 26.80%. On average, equities analysts forecast that EOG Resources, Inc. will post 12.08 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. EOG Resources Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, January 31st. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, January 17th will be issued a dividend of $0.91 per share. This represents a $3.64 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.98%. This is an increase from EOG Resourcess previous quarterly dividend of $0.83. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, January 16th. EOG Resourcess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 27.04%. About EOG Resources (Free Report) EOG Resources, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, explores for, develops, produces, and markets crude oil, and natural gas and natural gas liquids. Its principal producing areas are in New Mexico and Texas in the United States; and the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. The company was formerly known as Enron Oil & Gas Company. Read More Receive News & Ratings for EOG Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for EOG Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Legacy Trust decreased its holdings in Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (NYSE:AMP Free Report) by 1.8% in the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 1,704 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 31 shares during the quarter. Legacy Trusts holdings in Ameriprise Financial were worth $562,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in AMP. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of Ameriprise Financial by 106,308.4% in the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 1,587,613 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $494,335,000 after purchasing an additional 1,586,121 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in shares of Ameriprise Financial in the 4th quarter worth $389,527,000. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich boosted its position in shares of Ameriprise Financial by 41,839.7% in the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 433,657 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $144,043,000 after purchasing an additional 432,623 shares in the last quarter. Nuveen Asset Management LLC lifted its position in Ameriprise Financial by 29.7% during the 2nd quarter. Nuveen Asset Management LLC now owns 1,673,748 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $555,952,000 after acquiring an additional 382,811 shares during the period. Finally, BlackRock Inc. lifted its position in Ameriprise Financial by 3.6% during the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 9,317,752 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $2,855,891,000 after acquiring an additional 322,614 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 82.62% of the companys stock. Get Ameriprise Financial alerts: Ameriprise Financial Stock Performance Shares of AMP stock opened at $376.05 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $38.06 billion, a PE ratio of 15.31, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.82 and a beta of 1.44. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $343.81 and a 200-day simple moving average of $338.28. The company has a quick ratio of 0.57, a current ratio of 0.57 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.51. Ameriprise Financial, Inc. has a 52-week low of $275.09 and a 52-week high of $382.22. Ameriprise Financial Announces Dividend Ameriprise Financial ( NYSE:AMP Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 25th. The financial services provider reported $7.68 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $7.58 by $0.10. The business had revenue of $3.91 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.96 billion. Ameriprise Financial had a return on equity of 81.75% and a net margin of 17.63%. On average, equities analysts expect that Ameriprise Financial, Inc. will post 29.37 EPS for the current year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 17th. Stockholders of record on Monday, November 6th were issued a $1.35 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 3rd. This represents a $5.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.44%. Ameriprise Financials dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 21.98%. Insider Activity In related news, CEO James M. Cracchiolo sold 9,948 shares of Ameriprise Financial stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $365.86, for a total value of $3,639,575.28. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 157,103 shares in the company, valued at approximately $57,477,703.58. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In related news, CEO James M. Cracchiolo sold 9,948 shares of Ameriprise Financial stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $365.86, for a total value of $3,639,575.28. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 157,103 shares in the company, valued at approximately $57,477,703.58. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CFO Walter Stanley Berman sold 6,409 shares of Ameriprise Financial stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, December 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $370.81, for a total value of $2,376,521.29. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 8,048 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,984,278.88. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 0.73% of the companys stock. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of analysts have commented on AMP shares. Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed an outperform rating and set a $410.00 price target on shares of Ameriprise Financial in a research report on Tuesday, October 31st. Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an equal weight rating and set a $383.00 price target (up previously from $365.00) on shares of Ameriprise Financial in a research report on Friday. Finally, StockNews.com cut Ameriprise Financial from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 29th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Ameriprise Financial has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $388.50. Check Out Our Latest Report on AMP Ameriprise Financial Company Profile (Free Report) Ameriprise Financial, Inc, through its subsidiaries, provides various financial products and services to individual and institutional clients in the United States and internationally. It operates through four segments: Advice & Wealth Management, Asset Management, Retirement & Protection Solutions, and Corporate & Other. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AMP? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (NYSE:AMP Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Ameriprise Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ameriprise Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. H&H Retirement Design & Management INC purchased a new stake in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS Free Report) during the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor purchased 755 shares of the investment management companys stock, valued at approximately $234,000. A number of other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of GS. Fairfield Bush & CO. purchased a new stake in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $66,000. Candriam Luxembourg S.C.A. increased its holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group by 1,505.1% during the 1st quarter. Candriam Luxembourg S.C.A. now owns 41,300 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $13,633,000 after acquiring an additional 38,727 shares during the period. Baird Financial Group Inc. increased its holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group by 18.5% during the 1st quarter. Baird Financial Group Inc. now owns 118,609 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $39,153,000 after acquiring an additional 18,540 shares during the period. Zions Bancorporation N.A. increased its holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group by 79.4% during the 1st quarter. Zions Bancorporation N.A. now owns 827 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $273,000 after acquiring an additional 366 shares during the period. Finally, Covestor Ltd increased its holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group by 118.3% during the 1st quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 310 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $102,000 after acquiring an additional 168 shares during the period. 69.06% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get The Goldman Sachs Group alerts: Insider Transactions at The Goldman Sachs Group In other news, insider Ericka T. Leslie sold 1,376 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $335.15, for a total value of $461,166.40. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 10,471 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,509,355.65. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In related news, major shareholder Goldman Sachs Group Inc sold 72,874 shares of The Goldman Sachs Group stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $0.71, for a total transaction of $51,740.54. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 397,954 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $282,547.34. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, insider Ericka T. Leslie sold 1,376 shares of The Goldman Sachs Group stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $335.15, for a total transaction of $461,166.40. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 10,471 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,509,355.65. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Corporate insiders own 0.54% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Citigroup decreased their target price on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $400.00 to $380.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, September 21st. JMP Securities reissued a market outperform rating and issued a $440.00 price target on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in a report on Wednesday, October 18th. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Oppenheimer increased their price target on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $447.00 to $468.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, November 16th. Finally, HSBC started coverage on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in a report on Thursday, September 7th. They issued a buy rating and a $403.00 price target on the stock. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $393.99. View Our Latest Stock Report on The Goldman Sachs Group The Goldman Sachs Group Trading Up 0.0 % Shares of GS opened at $380.65 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $124.13 billion, a P/E ratio of 18.42, a PEG ratio of 2.24 and a beta of 1.44. The company has a quick ratio of 0.77, a current ratio of 0.77 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.11. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $334.23 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $331.81. The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. has a twelve month low of $289.36 and a twelve month high of $386.20. The Goldman Sachs Group (NYSE:GS Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 17th. The investment management company reported $5.47 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $5.42 by $0.05. The Goldman Sachs Group had a net margin of 7.77% and a return on equity of 7.37%. The business had revenue of $11.82 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $11.15 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $8.25 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 1.3% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts anticipate that The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. will post 22.73 EPS for the current year. The Goldman Sachs Group Dividend Announcement The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, December 28th. Stockholders 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 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.89%. The Goldman Sachs Groups dividend payout ratio is 53.24%. About The Goldman Sachs Group (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. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for The Goldman Sachs Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for The Goldman Sachs Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Guidance Capital Inc. decreased its position in shares of Devon Energy Co. (NYSE:DVN Free Report) by 3.8% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 11,021 shares of the energy companys stock after selling 440 shares during the quarter. Guidance Capital Inc.s holdings in Devon Energy were worth $504,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Geode Capital Management LLC grew its position in shares of Devon Energy by 0.6% during the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 14,229,808 shares of the energy companys stock worth $686,953,000 after buying an additional 84,769 shares during the period. Morgan Stanley grew its position in shares of Devon Energy by 3.3% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 11,263,424 shares of the energy companys stock worth $692,813,000 after buying an additional 356,448 shares during the period. Victory Capital Management Inc. grew its position in shares of Devon Energy by 15.0% during the 2nd quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. now owns 8,059,219 shares of the energy companys stock worth $389,583,000 after buying an additional 1,049,592 shares during the period. Raymond James & Associates grew its position in Devon Energy by 4.6% in the 2nd quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 8,027,615 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $388,055,000 after purchasing an additional 350,916 shares during the period. Finally, Northern Trust Corp grew its position in Devon Energy by 1.4% in the 1st quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 7,371,571 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $435,881,000 after purchasing an additional 99,059 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 68.34% of the companys stock. Get Devon Energy alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several research firms recently issued reports on DVN. Sanford C. Bernstein downgraded shares of Devon Energy from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and set a $48.00 price target for the company. in a research report on Tuesday, October 17th. Pickering Energy Partners raised shares of Devon Energy from a neutral rating to an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, November 9th. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Devon Energy in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Raymond James reduced their price target on shares of Devon Energy from $61.00 to $53.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, December 19th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada reduced their price target on shares of Devon Energy from $60.00 to $55.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, November 15th. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $57.24. Devon Energy Trading Down 0.1 % NYSE DVN opened at $45.81 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $29.35 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 7.83, a PEG ratio of 0.15 and a beta of 2.20. Devon Energy Co. has a one year low of $42.59 and a one year high of $66.96. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.48, a current ratio of 0.96 and a quick ratio of 0.89. The businesss fifty day moving average is $45.80 and its 200-day moving average is $48.24. Devon Energy (NYSE:DVN Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, November 7th. The energy company reported $1.65 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.56 by $0.09. The company had revenue of $3.84 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.03 billion. Devon Energy had a return on equity of 33.97% and a net margin of 24.63%. Equities research analysts predict that Devon Energy Co. will post 5.86 EPS for the current year. Devon Energy Increases Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 29th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 15th will be paid a dividend of $0.77 per share. This represents a $3.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 6.72%. This is a boost from Devon Energys previous quarterly dividend of $0.49. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 14th. Devon Energys payout ratio is presently 13.68%. About Devon Energy (Free Report) Devon Energy Corporation, an independent energy company, explores for, develops, and produces oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids in the United States. It operates in Delaware, Anadarko, Williston, Eagle Ford, and Powder River Basin. The company was incorporated in 1971 and is headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Devon Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Devon Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Guidance Capital Inc. raised its stake in shares of AvalonBay Communities, Inc. (NYSE:AVB Free Report) by 3.7% in the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 2,764 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after buying an additional 99 shares during the quarter. Guidance Capital Inc.s holdings in AvalonBay Communities were worth $463,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Clarius Group LLC raised its stake in AvalonBay Communities by 4.0% during the second quarter. Clarius Group LLC now owns 1,425 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $270,000 after buying an additional 55 shares during the last quarter. Vanderbilt University increased its holdings in shares of AvalonBay Communities by 1.6% in the 3rd quarter. Vanderbilt University now owns 3,728 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $640,000 after purchasing an additional 57 shares in the last quarter. BOS Asset Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of AvalonBay Communities by 4.6% in the 1st quarter. BOS Asset Management LLC now owns 1,346 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $226,000 after purchasing an additional 59 shares in the last quarter. Advisor Resource Council increased its holdings in shares of AvalonBay Communities by 5.0% in the 2nd quarter. Advisor Resource Council now owns 1,250 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $237,000 after purchasing an additional 60 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Wexford Capital LP increased its holdings in shares of AvalonBay Communities by 1.9% in the 2nd quarter. Wexford Capital LP now owns 3,347 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $633,000 after purchasing an additional 61 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 88.71% of the companys stock. Get AvalonBay Communities alerts: AvalonBay Communities Price Performance Shares of AvalonBay Communities stock opened at $187.29 on Friday. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $173.70 and its 200-day simple moving average is $180.53. AvalonBay Communities, Inc. has a 52 week low of $153.07 and a 52 week high of $198.65. The company has a market capitalization of $26.60 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 28.51, a PEG ratio of 3.59 and a beta of 0.93. The company has a quick ratio of 1.84, a current ratio of 1.84 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.67. AvalonBay Communities Dividend Announcement Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, January 16th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 29th will be given a $1.65 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 28th. This represents a $6.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.52%. AvalonBay Communitiess payout ratio is 100.46%. A number of analysts have commented on the company. Barclays reduced their target price on AvalonBay Communities from $195.00 to $194.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Friday, September 22nd. Evercore ISI lifted their price objective on AvalonBay Communities from $183.00 to $188.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, November 30th. Colliers Securities raised AvalonBay Communities from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a $202.00 price objective for the company in a report on Thursday, September 14th. Truist Financial cut their price objective on AvalonBay Communities from $214.00 to $202.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Monday, November 27th. Finally, KeyCorp lowered their target price on AvalonBay Communities from $205.00 to $200.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, November 30th. Nine research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $194.19. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on AVB AvalonBay Communities Profile (Free Report) As of September 30, 2023, the Company owned or held a direct or indirect ownership interest in 296 apartment communities containing 89,240 apartment homes in 12 states and the District of Columbia, of which 17 communities were under development and one community was under redevelopment. The Company is an equity REIT in the business of developing, redeveloping, acquiring and managing apartment communities in leading metropolitan areas in New England, the New York/New Jersey Metro area, the Mid-Atlantic, the Pacific Northwest, and Northern and Southern California, as well as in the Company's expansion regions of Raleigh-Durham and Charlotte, North Carolina, Southeast Florida, Dallas and Austin, Texas, and Denver, Colorado. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AVB? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for AvalonBay Communities, Inc. (NYSE:AVB Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for AvalonBay Communities Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AvalonBay Communities and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Flagship Harbor Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of SPDR Gold Shares (NYSEARCA:GLD Free Report) by 3.5% in the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 32,768 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after purchasing an additional 1,101 shares during the quarter. Flagship Harbor Advisors LLCs holdings in SPDR Gold Shares were worth $5,618,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Sei Investments Co. acquired a new position in SPDR Gold Shares during the 1st quarter worth $24,420,000. Covestor Ltd boosted its position in SPDR Gold Shares by 69.4% during the 1st quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 532 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $96,000 after acquiring an additional 218 shares during the period. Merit Financial Group LLC boosted its position in SPDR Gold Shares by 18.6% during the 1st quarter. Merit Financial Group LLC now owns 2,773 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $501,000 after acquiring an additional 435 shares during the period. First Western Trust Bank acquired a new position in SPDR Gold Shares during the 1st quarter worth $256,000. Finally, Prudential Financial Inc. boosted its position in SPDR Gold Shares by 32.5% during the 1st quarter. Prudential Financial Inc. now owns 36,898 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $6,666,000 after acquiring an additional 9,049 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 40.99% of the companys stock. Get SPDR Gold Shares alerts: SPDR Gold Shares Trading Up 0.4 % Shares of GLD stock opened at $190.27 on Friday. SPDR Gold Shares has a 1 year low of $166.66 and a 1 year high of $192.40. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $184.92 and a two-hundred day moving average of $180.60. SPDR Gold Shares Profile SPDR Gold Trust (the Trust) is an investment trust. The investment objective of the Trust is for the Shares to reflect the performance of the price of gold bullion, less the Trusts expenses. The Trusts business activity is the investment of gold. The Trust creates and redeems Shares from time to time, but in one or more Baskets (a Basket equals a block of 100,000 Shares). Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GLD? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for SPDR Gold Shares (NYSEARCA:GLD Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for SPDR Gold Shares Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SPDR Gold Shares and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Corundum Group Inc. cut its position in Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF (NYSEARCA:SPLV Free Report) by 9.2% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 37,052 shares of the companys stock after selling 3,753 shares during the quarter. Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF accounts for about 1.2% of Corundum Group Inc.s holdings, making the stock its 15th biggest holding. Corundum Group Inc.s holdings in Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF were worth $2,178,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Ignite Planners LLC raised its position in Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF by 87.5% in the second quarter. Ignite Planners LLC now owns 9,726 shares of the companys stock valued at $605,000 after purchasing an additional 4,539 shares during the last quarter. New York Life Investment Management LLC raised its position in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF by 9.8% during the second quarter. New York Life Investment Management LLC now owns 49,219 shares of the companys stock worth $3,091,000 after acquiring an additional 4,375 shares during the last quarter. CWM LLC raised its position in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF by 160.7% during the second quarter. CWM LLC now owns 127,097 shares of the companys stock worth $7,983,000 after acquiring an additional 78,352 shares during the last quarter. Atlantic Private Wealth LLC bought a new position in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF during the second quarter worth about $111,000. Finally, Accurate Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF during the second quarter worth about $512,000. Get Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF alerts: Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF Stock Performance Shares of SPLV traded up $0.29 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $62.01. 1,322,615 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,315,298. Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF has a 52 week low of $57.17 and a 52 week high of $65.29. The stock has a market capitalization of $9.08 billion, a PE ratio of 20.07 and a beta of 0.69. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $60.38 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $61.13. Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF Profile The Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF (SPLV) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the S&P 500 Low Volatility index. The fund tracks a volatility-weighted index of the 100 least-volatile stocks in the S&P 500. SPLV was launched on May 5, 2011 and is managed by Invesco. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Flagship Harbor Advisors LLC decreased its stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (BATS:USMV Free Report) by 0.3% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 48,481 shares of the companys stock after selling 165 shares during the period. Flagship Harbor Advisors LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF were worth $3,509,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in USMV. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC lifted its position in iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF by 140,054.1% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 10,961,456 shares of the companys stock valued at $790,321,000 after purchasing an additional 10,953,635 shares during the period. Alaska Permanent Fund Corp acquired a new position in iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at about $350,979,000. Allstate Investment Management Co. acquired a new position in iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF during the 4th quarter valued at about $308,588,000. Osaic Holdings Inc. lifted its position in iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF by 69.6% during the 2nd quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. now owns 5,490,944 shares of the companys stock valued at $231,290,000 after purchasing an additional 2,254,112 shares during the period. Finally, Envestnet Asset Management Inc. lifted its position in iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF by 6.8% during the 2nd quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 27,194,855 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,021,394,000 after purchasing an additional 1,731,554 shares during the period. Get iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF alerts: iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF Trading Up 0.5 % iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF stock opened at $77.42 on Friday. iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF has a 1 year low of $47.44 and a 1 year high of $55.45. The company has a market cap of $29.70 billion, a PE ratio of 20.17 and a beta of 0.75. The companys 50-day moving average is $74.83 and its two-hundred day moving average is $74.33. About iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF The iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (USMV) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI USA Minimum Volatility (USD) index. The fund tracks an index of US-listed firms selected and weighted to create a low-volatility portfolio subject to various constraints. USMV was launched on Oct 18, 2011 and is managed by BlackRock. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 1900 Wealth Management LLC lifted its position in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:AGG Free Report) by 253.8% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 91,286 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 65,488 shares during the quarter. iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF comprises approximately 0.9% of 1900 Wealth Management LLCs holdings, making the stock its 26th biggest position. 1900 Wealth Management LLCs holdings in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF were worth $8,584,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF by 90,331.9% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 62,881,813 shares of the companys stock worth $6,098,907,000 after purchasing an additional 62,812,278 shares during the last quarter. Raymond James & Associates increased its position in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF by 14.9% during the second quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 58,718,589 shares of the companys stock worth $5,751,486,000 after buying an additional 7,620,532 shares during the last quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. increased its position in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF by 18.3% during the second quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 48,782,934 shares of the companys stock worth $4,778,288,000 after buying an additional 7,537,670 shares during the last quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich raised its stake in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF by 98,060.6% in the second quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 7,043,021 shares of the companys stock valued at $689,864,000 after buying an additional 7,035,846 shares during the period. Finally, Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ADV lifted its position in shares of iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF by 95.1% in the second quarter. Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ADV now owns 10,636,769 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,041,872,000 after buying an additional 5,186,189 shares during the last quarter. 83.21% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF alerts: iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF Stock Down 0.1 % Shares of AGG stock traded down $0.13 during trading on Friday, reaching $98.83. 13,234,679 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 7,950,658. iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF has a twelve month low of $91.58 and a twelve month high of $101.15. The firms fifty day moving average price is $95.22 and its 200-day moving average price is $95.95. About iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF IShares are index funds that are bought and sold like common stocks on national securities exchanges as well as certain foreign exchanges. iShares are attractive because of their relatively low cost, tax efficiency and trading flexibility. Investors can purchase and sell shares through any brokerage firm, financial advisor, or online broker, and hold the funds in any type of brokerage account. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ziegler Capital Management LLC lessened its stake in Bank of America Co. (NYSE:BAC Free Report) by 2.3% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 405,664 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 9,709 shares during the period. Ziegler Capital Management LLCs holdings in Bank of America were worth $11,107,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Buckingham Strategic Partners grew its position in Bank of America by 23.7% in the 2nd quarter. Buckingham Strategic Partners now owns 54,963 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,577,000 after buying an additional 10,535 shares during the last quarter. Goodman Advisory Group LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Bank of America by 104,312.4% in the second quarter. Goodman Advisory Group LLC now owns 194,207 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $5,572,000 after acquiring an additional 194,021 shares in the last quarter. Old North State Trust LLC increased its stake in shares of Bank of America by 1.8% during the first quarter. Old North State Trust LLC now owns 23,584 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $675,000 after acquiring an additional 420 shares during the period. Arkfeld Wealth Strategies L.L.C. raised its holdings in Bank of America by 1.8% during the second quarter. Arkfeld Wealth Strategies L.L.C. now owns 25,847 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $759,000 after purchasing an additional 446 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Parnassus Investments LLC lifted its position in Bank of America by 9.5% in the second quarter. Parnassus Investments LLC now owns 37,656,022 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,080,351,000 after purchasing an additional 3,278,515 shares during the period. 68.06% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Bank of America alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets BAC has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. Odeon Capital Group raised Bank of America from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $37.94 target price for the company in a research note on Thursday, December 14th. HSBC started coverage on Bank of America in a research report on Thursday, September 7th. They issued a buy rating and a $35.00 price objective for the company. Oppenheimer upped their price target on shares of Bank of America from $49.00 to $51.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, November 16th. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $35.00 price objective on shares of Bank of America in a research note on Tuesday, September 12th. Finally, Piper Sandler lowered their target price on shares of Bank of America from $28.00 to $27.50 and set an underweight rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, September 15th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating and ten have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $35.58. Insiders Place Their Bets In other Bank of America news, major shareholder Of America Corp /De/ Bank sold 17,769 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, November 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $9.94, for a total transaction of $176,623.86. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this link. 0.27% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Bank of America Stock Performance NYSE BAC opened at $33.43 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.82, a current ratio of 0.83 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.12. Bank of America Co. has a fifty-two week low of $24.96 and a fifty-two week high of $37.00. The business has a fifty day moving average of $29.28 and a 200-day moving average of $29.15. The stock has a market cap of $264.56 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.36, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.37 and a beta of 1.40. Bank of America (NYSE:BAC Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, October 17th. The financial services provider reported $0.90 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.83 by $0.07. Bank of America had a net margin of 18.69% and a return on equity of 12.08%. The firm had revenue of $25.20 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $25.13 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $0.81 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 2.8% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, analysts predict that Bank of America Co. will post 3.43 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Bank of America Dividend Announcement The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 29th. Investors of record on Friday, December 1st will be given a dividend of $0.24 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, November 30th. This represents a $0.96 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.87%. Bank of Americas dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 26.89%. About Bank of America (Free Report) Bank of America Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides banking and financial products and services for individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses, institutional investors, large corporations, and governments worldwide. Its Consumer Banking segment offers traditional and money market savings accounts, certificates of deposit and IRAs, noninterest-and interest-bearing checking accounts, and investment accounts and products; and credit and debit cards, residential mortgages, and home equity loans, as well as direct and indirect loans, such as automotive, recreational vehicle, and consumer personal loans. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Bank of America Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank of America and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. National Health Investors (NYSE:NHI Get Free Report) and NorthWest Healthcare Properties Real Estate Investment Trust (OTCMKTS:NWHUF Get Free Report) are both real estate companies, but which is the superior business? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their analyst recommendations, valuation, dividends, institutional ownership, profitability, earnings and risk. Dividends National Health Investors pays an annual dividend of $3.60 per share and has a dividend yield of 6.3%. NorthWest Healthcare Properties Real Estate Investment Trust pays an annual dividend of $0.87 per share and has a dividend yield of 23.4%. National Health Investors pays out 148.1% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. NorthWest Healthcare Properties Real Estate Investment Trust pays out -155.0% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. NorthWest Healthcare Properties Real Estate Investment Trust is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and lower payout ratio. Get National Health Investors alerts: Earnings & Valuation This table compares National Health Investors and NorthWest Healthcare Properties Real Estate Investment Trusts top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio National Health Investors $311.04 million 7.94 $66.40 million $2.43 23.40 NorthWest Healthcare Properties Real Estate Investment Trust N/A N/A N/A ($0.56) -6.61 Institutional & Insider Ownership National Health Investors has higher revenue and earnings than NorthWest Healthcare Properties Real Estate Investment Trust. NorthWest Healthcare Properties Real Estate Investment Trust is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than National Health Investors, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. 62.1% of National Health Investors shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 15.5% of NorthWest Healthcare Properties Real Estate Investment Trust shares are owned by institutional investors. 7.3% of National Health Investors shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. Profitability This table compares National Health Investors and NorthWest Healthcare Properties Real Estate Investment Trusts net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets National Health Investors 33.90% 8.25% 4.20% NorthWest Healthcare Properties Real Estate Investment Trust N/A N/A N/A Analyst Recommendations This is a breakdown of current ratings and recommmendations for National Health Investors and NorthWest Healthcare Properties Real Estate Investment Trust, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score National Health Investors 0 6 0 0 2.00 NorthWest Healthcare Properties Real Estate Investment Trust 0 1 0 0 2.00 National Health Investors currently has a consensus target price of $53.86, indicating a potential downside of 5.28%. NorthWest Healthcare Properties Real Estate Investment Trust has a consensus target price of $13.38, indicating a potential upside of 261.49%. Given NorthWest Healthcare Properties Real Estate Investment Trusts higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe NorthWest Healthcare Properties Real Estate Investment Trust is more favorable than National Health Investors. Summary National Health Investors beats NorthWest Healthcare Properties Real Estate Investment Trust on 8 of the 11 factors compared between the two stocks. About National Health Investors (Get Free Report) Incorporated in 1991, National Health Investors, Inc. (NYSE:NHI) is a real estate investment trust specializing in sale, leasebacks, joint-ventures, senior housing operating partnerships, and mortgage and mezzanine financing of need-driven and discretionary senior housing and medical investments. NHI's portfolio consists of independent living, assisted living and memory care communities, entrance-fee retirement communities, skilled nursing facilities, and specialty hospitals. About NorthWest Healthcare Properties Real Estate Investment Trust (Get Free Report) Northwest Healthcare Properties Real Estate Investment Trust (TSX: NWH.UN) (Northwest) is an unincorporated, open-ended real estate investment trust established under the laws of the Province of Ontario. The REIT provides investors with access to a portfolio of high-quality international healthcare real estate infrastructure comprised as at September 30, 2023, of interests in a diversified portfolio of 229 income-producing properties and 18.2 million square feet of gross leasable area located throughout major markets in Canada, the United States, Brazil, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. The REIT's portfolio of medical office buildings, clinics, and hospitals is characterized by long-term indexed leases and stable occupancies. With a fully integrated and aligned senior management team, the REIT leverages over 300 professionals in ten offices in eight countries to serve as a long-term real estate partner to leading healthcare operators. Receive News & Ratings for National Health Investors Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for National Health Investors and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. MaxLinear (NYSE:MXL Get Free Report) and ams-OSRAM (OTCMKTS:AUKUF Get Free Report) are both computer and technology companies, but which is the superior business? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their profitability, earnings, analyst recommendations, risk, valuation, dividends and institutional ownership. Analyst Recommendations This is a breakdown of recent recommendations for MaxLinear and ams-OSRAM, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Get MaxLinear alerts: Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score MaxLinear 0 6 5 0 2.45 ams-OSRAM 1 1 0 0 1.50 MaxLinear currently has a consensus target price of $26.36, indicating a potential upside of 10.31%. Given MaxLinears stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, equities research analysts clearly believe MaxLinear is more favorable than ams-OSRAM. Profitability Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets MaxLinear -0.42% 16.19% 9.97% ams-OSRAM N/A N/A N/A Insider & Institutional Ownership This table compares MaxLinear and ams-OSRAMs net margins, return on equity and return on assets. 87.7% of MaxLinear shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 38.1% of ams-OSRAM shares are owned by institutional investors. 11.0% of MaxLinear shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. Earnings & Valuation This table compares MaxLinear and ams-OSRAMs revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio MaxLinear $858.50 million 2.27 $125.04 million ($0.04) -597.50 ams-OSRAM N/A N/A N/A $1.30 2.02 MaxLinear has higher revenue and earnings than ams-OSRAM. MaxLinear is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than ams-OSRAM, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Summary MaxLinear beats ams-OSRAM on 8 of the 11 factors compared between the two stocks. About MaxLinear (Get Free Report) MaxLinear, Inc. engages in the provision of communications systems-on-chip solutions for the connected home, wired and wireless infrastructure, and industrial and multi-market applications worldwide. Its products integrate various portions of a high-speed communication system, including radiofrequency, high-performance analog, mixed-signal, digital signal processing, security engines, data compression and networking layers, and power management. The company's products are used in various electronic devices, such as cable Data Over Cable Service Interface Specifications, fiber and DSL broadband modems and gateways; Wi-Fi and wireline routers for home networking; radio transceivers and modems for 4G/5G base-station and backhaul infrastructure; and fiber-optic modules for data center, metro, and long-haul transport networks, as well as power management and interface products. It serves electronics distributors, module makers, original equipment manufacturers, and original design manufacturers through a direct sales force, third-party sales representatives, and a network of distributors. The company was incorporated in 2003 and is headquartered in Carlsbad, California. About ams-OSRAM (Get Free Report) ams-OSRAM AG designs, manufactures, and sells LED and optical sensor solutions in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Americas, and Asia/Pacific. The company operates in Semiconductors and Lamps & Systems segments. The Semiconductors segment offers semiconductor-based products and solutions, such as high-performance LEDs, lasers, and optical sensors for automotive, consumer, and industrial end markets. The Lamps & Systems segment provides lamps and lighting systems for the automotive, industrial, and medical end markets. The company was formerly known as ams AG and changed its name to ams-OSRAM AG in January 2022. ams-OSRAM AG was founded in 1981 and is headquartered in Premstatten, Austria. Receive News & Ratings for MaxLinear Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for MaxLinear and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. [December 23, 2023] Powering Up Queensland: Jackery's Exclusive Debut at 43 Bunnings Warehouses Tweet BRISBANE, Australia, Dec. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Jackery, the global leader of innovative portable power and green outdoor energy solutions, is delighted to announce its grand debut at 43 Bunnings Warehouse stores across Queensland, just in time for the festive season. This collaboration marks a monumental stride in Jackery's mission to redefine portable power accessibility in Australia. Jackery's Last-Minute Christmas Finds at Bunnings Let's celebrate the holiday season with a touch of innovation and eco-conscious living. Jackery's advanced solar generators and portable power stations, now at Bunnings Warehouse, provide a distinctive and environmentally friendly gift choice for outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy the convenience of portable power without the noise and safety concernsthanks to Jackery's fuse-free, quiet, and safe indoor power solution. A Festive Journey from Queensland to National Expansion in 2024 This inaugural launch in Queensland sets the stage for a nationwide presence in 2024, promising Australians from coastto coast access to Jackery's revolutionary portable power solutions. Beyond Outdoors to Your Power Partner in Times of Need Jackery transforms from an outdoor essential to an indispensable power partner, seamlessly transitioning between your outdoor escapades and home necessities. More than just enhancing your outdoor ventures, Jackery emerges as a trustworthy power solution for home emergency backup, ensuring uninterrupted operation for your fridge and essential appliances during unexpected power interruptions. With Jackery, you can relish the adaptability of clean and sustainable power, which serves your energy needs effortlessly. Jackery's commitment to community welfare shines through its support for emergency services. The brand proudly partners with Yeodene CFA in western rural Victoria, providing essential power solutions to bolster emergency services and volunteer training. In times of natural disasters, including floods and bushfires, the brand stands ready to support communities by donating essential power solutions. Organizations in need are encouraged to connect with Jackery Australia through their official Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/jackery.australia) or Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/jackery.au/) accounts. Find Jackery Near You To embark on a journey of innovation and power, visit Jackery's Where to Buy page on the official AU website (https://au.jackery.com/pages/where-to-buy). Discover the nearest Bunnings Warehouse stores, explore the current in-store models and plan your visit to infuse your holidays with clean energy. For a broader selection, additional models are available on the Bunnings website (https://www.bunnings.com.au/) and Jackery AU's official website (https://au.jackery.com/). Celebrate the holidays with a power-packed punchJackery, your partner in clean energy, is now closer than ever! View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/powering-up-queensland-jackerys-exclusive-debut-at-43-bunnings-warehouses-302022086.html SOURCE Jackery Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Right now fashionista angels inspire this peek at pop culture, community news and top headlines. Check TKC news gathering . . . Boozing Time Almost Begins Some Kansas City sports bars opening Christmas Day for Chiefs fans The Kansas City Chiefs welcome the Las Vegas Raiders Christmas Day hoping to send visiting Raiders fans home with a lump of coal in their stockings. Tribute For Soldier Program buries unclaimed veteran ahead of holidays with full military honors The Homeless Veterans Burial Program through Dignity Memorial has buried hundreds of veterans across the country, with a chapter in Kansas City doing its part. Kansas City Culture For X-mas Christmas Eve Jazz and special menu at an iconic KC hotel Celebrate Christmas Eve and day at Chaz Restaurant & Lounge at The Raphael Hotel with the Mengel Brother's Duo jazz group and special menu. Good Deeds For Holidays 1K Christmas meals delivered by dozens of Salvation Army volunteers On Saturday, dozens of Salvation Army volunteers rolled up their sleeves to help feed those in need for Christmas. Ballers Celebrate Chiefs players reveal Christmas plans ahead of Christmas Day game The Kansas City Chiefs will have a busy Christmas Day with a noon matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. Most Don't Measure Up Ex-Victoria's Secret employee - 'way we measure is nowhere near the right way' A FORMER Victoria's Secret employee has dished the dirt on what it's really like to work in one of the brand's approximately 812 nationwide stores. The ex-associate says staff fai... Prez Pleads For Peace Biden urged Israel to stop pre-emptive strike on Lebanon: report President Biden convinced Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the 11th hour to nix a planned strike against Hezbollah days after the Oct. 7 massacre over fears that it would trigger a region-wide war, a new report says. MAGA Case Cont'd With the Supreme Court on sideline for now, Trump's lawyers press immunity claims before lower court Donald Trump's lawyers are telling a federal appeals court that he was acting within his role as president when he pressed claims about "alleged fraud and irregularity" in the 2020 election. White House Brings Everybody Down Democrats in Key States Worry Biden Could Be a Drag on Their Races Democrats in battleground states are growing increasingly anxious about President Joe Biden's low approval ratings, worrying that voters' persistent antipathy toward his leadership could not only cost the party the White House but also weigh down the candidates who are sharing the ballot with him. European War Doesn't Stop For Christmas Russians shell Kherson as Ukraine marks Christmas on 25 December for first time Birth of Christ was formerly celebrated on 7 January, but has moved in symbolic shift away from Russia Holy Land Abandoned On Christmas Eve, Bethlehem resembles a ghost town. Celebrations are halted due to Israel-Hamas war. The normally bustling biblical birthplace of Jesus looks like a ghost town on Christmas Eve, with celebrations in Bethlehem called off due to the Israel-Hamas war Celebs Change Climate Kim Kardashian transforms LA backyard into winter wonderland: 'Snow everywhere' "If you look outside there's snow everywhere and it just looks so beautiful and so lit up," Kardashian said, adding that her yard is "pure magic." Local Recipe FOX4 morning crew makes Taylor Swift's Chai Sugar Cookie recipe FOX4 decided to try out Taylor Swift's popular Chai Sugar Cookie recipe to celebrate the holidays and her frequent trips to Kansas City. Katie's Christmas Forecast An umbrella will be necessary Sunday Sunday will have high temperatures around 58 degrees with rain moving through most of the day; Monday will have more wind and rain. Band Aid - Do They Know Its Christmas is the song of the day and this is the OPEN THREAD for right now. Maybe this is a story of salvation . . . Old school Midtown KC biz must sacrifice themselves for the benefit of future merchants. More likely it's just more bad planning that's characteristic of the toy train system that STILL has yet to produce the economic benefit promised . . . Our favorite example . . . At the apex of the current line, at the "busiest" stop in the heart of downtown . . . Lies an empty restaurant. Now, here's a Kansas City biz searching for the yearbook answer to bad situation . . . Its so hard to understand, and its kind of a pain, but Im a proponent of public transits, so Im excited for whenever it comes in, a Midtown merchant said. I do have some family that dont come down here as much, though, because of the constitution. Construction is expected to be completed by 2025. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Hi, my name is Scott C. Waring and I wrote a few books and am currently a ESL School Owner in Taiwan. I have had my own UFO sighting up close and personal, but that's how it works right? A non believer becomes a believer when they experience their first sighting. You witnessed it, your perceptual field changes, so now you need to share it. I created this site to help the UFO community get a little bit organized. I noticed that there was a lot of chaos when searching for UFO sighting reports, so I hope this site helps. I wanted to support those eyewitnesses who have tried to tell others about what they have seen, yet were laughed at by even closest of friends. More and more each day the governments of the world leak bits and pieces of UFO information to the public. They have a trickle down theory in hopes of slowly getting citizens use to the idea that we are not alone in universe and never have been. The truth is being leaked drop by drop until one day we look around and find ourselves neck high in it. The discovery of alien species in existence is the most monumental scientific event in human history, suppression of that information is a crime against humanity. About me: I live in Taiwan. I OWN MY OWN ENGLISH SCHOOL, AND ONCE HAD 5 SCHOOLS. Am Former USAF at SAC base (flight line). Age: 42 Educ: BA in Elem ed. Masters in Counseling ed. I had two UFO sightings, (30+bus size orbs) in military and in 2012 personally saw the UFO over Taipei 101 building on New Years Day (and recored it). Iceland has announced it will join two coalitions that support Ukraine - the IT Coalition and the Mine Action Coalition. This is said in a statement published on the website of Ukraines Ministry of Defense, Ukrinform reports. Iceland also announced additional funding of EUR 340,000 through the NATO Comprehensive Assistance Package to buy medical supplies for Ukraine. Since Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Iceland has provided humanitarian, economic and security related support to Ukraine, working primarily through international organizations, including the United Nations, the World Bank, NATO and other multilateral forums. "I am grateful to the Government and people of Iceland for their strong support. Thanks to our partners, we will be able to strengthen our capabilities in the areas of information technology, communication and cyber security, as well as have the necessary training and equipment for demining," said Rustem Umerov, Minister of Defense of Ukraine. Hopefully this support will result in a strengthened defence posture and be a testimony of our continued unwavering support for Ukraine. We are pleased to further support our Ukrainian friends directly. By joining the IT and Demining Coalitions and providing additional funding to the Comprehensive Assistance Package for Ukraine we continue our non-lethal support to Ukraine as it fights Russias unjust and illegal invasion says Bjarni Benediktsson, Minister for Foreign Affairs. Currently eight countries have formally joined the IT Coalition: Estonia, Luxembourg, Belgium, Denmark, Iceland, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania. The UK and Italy have also announced their intention to join. As reported by Ukrinform, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Finland, and Sweden will provide Ukraine with military, economic, humanitarian, and political support to fight Russian aggression now and in the long term. The Russian army is using drones trying to find the weapons systems that Ukrainian forces used to bring down three Su-34 fighter-bomber jets on December 22. Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat said this on national television, Ukrinform reports. "Now the enemy, using drones, is trying to gather the maximum amount of intelligence in southern areas where the Russian fighter jets were brought down," he said. Ihnat said that in doing so, the Russian troops are looking for the systems "from which their planes were sent into eternal flight." He also added that following the successful downing of three Russian Su-34 jets, the enemy is using much fewer aircraft weapons, especially guided bombs, in the Kherson sector. Ihnat said that the Russian army must understand that Ukrainian weapons systems, including those provided by international partners, could be deployed in various sectors of the front and not only where the occupiers have recently lost their Su-34s. "The Air Force can conduct such operations in different sectors. The only question is that there should be more of these systems, and this issue is being discussed as part of our recently created air defense coalition," Ihnat said. He stressed that Ukraine was waiting for military assistance, including aid from Germany, and the supply of additional Patriot, IRIS-T systems and other weapons that would help Ukraine gain an advantage over enemy forces and drive them away from Ukrainian borders. In the past 24 hours, 48 clashes have been recorded on the battlefield in Ukraine. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said this in its evening update published on Facebook, Ukrinform reports. The enemy actively uses operational-tactical aircraft and FPV-type quadcopters, conducts assault operations with the support of armored vehicles. The enemy also increased the number of artillery attacks. In the area of responsibility of the Khortytsia operational and strategic grouping of troops, the number of enemy artillery attacks is more than 1,000 per day," the update says. The enemy launched 29 airstrikes and carried out 26 MLRS attacks on the positions of Ukrainian troops and populated areas. Throughout the day, the Air Force of Ukraine launched 12 strikes on Russian manpower, weapons and military equipment clusters, one ammunition depot and one anti-aircraft missile system. Units of the Ukrainian missile forces hit two artillery units and one command post of the enemy. A total of 48 combat clashes were recorded on the front lines in Ukraine in the past day. The operational situation in eastern and southern Ukraine remains difficult. More than 20 settlements came under enemy artillery and mortar fire, including Kliusy, Bleshnia, Leonivka of Chernihiv region; Seredyna-Buda, Progres, Volfyyne, Basivka, Myropyllia of Sumy region; Huryiv Kozachok, Veterynarne, Hatyshche, Budarky, Topoli of Kharkiv region. "The enemy has not given up its intention to drive our units out of the left bank of the Dnipro. The enemy conducted 23 unsuccessful assaults, it was repelled and suffered significant losses. Our units are steadfastly holding the defense, continuing to hold their positions and inflicting fire damage on the enemy," the General Staff said. As reported by Ukrinform, the Defense Forces of Ukraine eliminated 366 Russian invaders and destroyed 32 units of enemy military equipment in the area of the Tavria operational and strategic grouping of troops on December 23. The team of the Save Ukraine charity organization has managed to return three more children from temporarily occupied Ukrainian territory. Mykola Kuleba, the founder of Save Ukraine, announced this on Facebook, Ukrinform reports. "The Save Ukraine team has managed to return three more children from the temporarily occupied territories. Thus, we completed the 14th rescue mission, during which we saved 14 children, seven of them children deprived of parental care," Kuleba said. According to him, at the beginning of the Russian full-scale invasion, 8-year-old Yelysei lived with his grandmother in the temporarily captured part of the Kherson region, while his mother lived in Odesa. The grandmother died, and the Russian invaders immediately placed the child in a boarding school. The mother could not go to pick up her son due to bad health, so the woman's cousin went to pick him up. However, the child was not given to her, although the woman had all the necessary documents. "It was necessary to act, because if a child stays in Russia without parental care for half a year, they are given an appropriate status, which allows them to be handed over to a Russian family or to choose another way of placement. So our team did everything to ensure that the mother received the necessary medical assistance and was able to take the child from the occupied territory," Kuleba said. The woman had to go through many hours of interrogation by Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB), interviews and overcome obstacles. However, she was able to pick up the boy from the boarding school. "Two 18-year-old brothers, Andrii and Mykhailo, also came to Ukraine with Yelysei. Both are orphans. Before the full-scale invasion, they were brought up in a foster family in the occupied territory. After coming of age, the boys realized that very soon the occupation authorities would send them to fight against their own people. In Ukraine, they were both wanted as missing persons," Kuleba said. According to him, now all three are safe. The children are waiting for recovery and a return to normal life. Photo credit: Mykola Kuleba / Facebook KARACHI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Dec, 2023) The Vice Chancellor of Sindh Madressatul islam University, Alma Mater of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Dr Mujeeb Sahrai has presented a great tribute to the founder of Pakistan on his 147th birthday anniversary. He said that Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah was unique in his thinking, character, struggle and actions. He said the Quaid was a popular personality and political leader of the subcontinent during the period when influential figures among Hindus, Sikhs and even Muslims were present, but Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah proved himself to be the beloved leader of the Muslims due to his intelligence, truthfulness, honesty and unparalleled leadership skills and the Muslims of undivided India unanimously accepted him as their leader. Dr Sahrai has further said that while Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah had a modern concept of the development and efficiency of other sectors for the development of his country and people, he also had a different view and outline about education. Apart from this, he gave great importance to education. That is why when he wrote his last will in Bombay on 31 May 1939, he bequeathed his personal property to three educational institutions Islamia College Peshawar, Aligarh University and Sindh Madressatul Islam. He said although having brothers, sisters and a daughter, instead of giving all his property to them, after giving his share to them, he gave three parts of the remaining property to educational institutions. Dr Sahrai said Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah not only did this, but when he was still the president of the All India Muslim League and came to inaugurate the college classes at the Sindh Madressah on 21st June 1943, he took out five thousand rupees from his pocket and gave it to the Sindh Madressah. On this occasion, he also asked the businessmen and rich people of the city to provide financial support to this institution because these institutions cannot run without financial support. The vice chancellor said Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah studied at Sindh Madressah from 1887 to 1892. During this period, he must have seen Khan Bahadur Hasan Ali Effendi, the founder of the Sindh Madressah, because Hasan Ali Effendi established the Sindh Madressah in 1885 and two years later Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah joined it. So he must have met Effendi. He said another thing is that when Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah was studying in the Sindh Madressah, during all this time Hassan Ali Effendi's son Wali Muhammad Effendi was the principal of the Sindh Madressah. Therefore, his work, character, thought and knowledge and the co-curricular activities of the Sindh Madressah must have been his focus. Dr Mujeeb Sahrai said now we need to see, understand and implement the ideals and priorities of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. In this way, we will be able to determine the right direction for the development of each of our sectors and of the nation. Former TV journalist Yekaterina Duntsova was disqualified on Saturday as a candidate for Russia's next presidential election, preventing her from running against Vladimir Putin on a platform of opposition to the war in Ukraine. Members of the central electoral commission voted unanimously to reject her candidacy, citing "numerous violations" in the papers she had submitted in support of her bid. Putin's critics said the decision showed that no one with genuine opposition views would be allowed to stand against him next March in the first presidential election since the start of the 22-month war. The Kremlin says Putin will win because he enjoys genuine support across society, with opinion poll ratings of around 80%. Duntsova, 40, said on Telegram she would challenge the decision in the Supreme Court, calling it unjustified and undemocratic. "With this political decision, we are deprived of the opportunity to have our own representative and express views that differ from the official aggressive discourse," she said. Opposition candidate plans to run In a separate development, Russian news outlets said Boris Nadezhdin, an opposition politician who has been critical of Putin and the war, was put forward as a candidate on Saturday by the center-right Civic Initiative party. They said he planned to register with the electoral commission on Monday. Screenshots posted by a telegram channel representing Duntsova showed documents with signatures that it said the commission had highlighted as inadmissible. Duntsova appealed to veteran liberal politician Grigory Yavlinsky to let her run as a representative of his Yabloko party rather than as an independent candidate, which would allow her to submit a new application. But Yavlinsky said in an interview on a YouTube channel that Yabloko was not planning to field a candidate and would not back Duntsova "because we don't know her." 'Fear must not win' When Duntsova said last month that she wanted to stand, commentators had variously described her as crazy, brave, or part of a Kremlin-scripted plan to create the appearance of competition. "Any sane person taking this step would be afraid, but fear must not win," she told Reuters in an interview in November in which she called for the release of political prisoners and said Russians were "very tired" of the conflict in Ukraine. Abbas Gallyamov, a former Kremlin speechwriter now labeled by the authorities as a "foreign agent," said Putin had not wanted to risk the same scenario as Alexander Lukashenko. The Belarusian leader clung to power in 2020 only with the help of what the opposition and Western governments said was large-scale ballot rigging to enable him to claim victory over opposition candidate Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya. "The Tsikhanouskaya effect is absolutely possible, and in the Kremlin they understand that," Gallyamov wrote on Telegram. Anastasia Burakova, a lawyer and rights activist also newly designated as a foreign agent, said the disqualification showed the authorities were determined that "not a single competitor who could cast a shadow on support for Putin and the war should be in the public field." With Putin, 71, in full control of the levers of power, supporters and opponents alike say he will cruise to a new six-year term which, if he completes it, would make him Russia's longest-serving ruler since the 18th century, outlasting all Soviet rulers including Josef Stalin. His best-known opponent, Alexey Navalny, is serving prison sentences totaling more than 30 years and his supporters say they do not even know where he is, after they were told he had been moved from his previous penal colony earlier this month. Lawyers last had access to him on December 6. Meanwhile the Communist Party, which has finished a distant second to Putin at every election since 2000, named 75-year-old Nikolai Kharitonov as its candidate. With bleak December weather gripping the French capital and world attention dominated by the bloody conflict in Gaza, the slow reemergence of Paris fire-battered Notre Dame cathedral is a welcome Christmas present. A golden rooster a potent symbol of light in Christianity and of France once again sits atop the cathedrals reconstructed spire, replacing one that fell into the 2019 blaze which nearly demolished the edifice. By December 8, 2024, authorities pledge, Notre Dame will reopen to the public. Its extraordinary when you see it up over Notre Dame, the cathedrals former chief architect, Benjamin Mouton, said of the spire, which like most of the rest of the reconstruction replicates the one before the blaze. It has a power, he added in an interview. Its an absolute work of art. Notre Dames latest reincarnation the medieval cathedral has weathered other setbacks over the centuries has not been without a dose of drama and controversy. In August, General Jean-Louis Georgelin, who oversaw Notre Dames reconstruction effort, died abruptly while hiking in the Pyrenees. He was replaced by a close associate, Philippe Jost. A decision to cover the spire in lead, as it had been before, stirred debate. And more than 100,000 people signed a petition against replacing half-a-dozen traditional stained-glass windows with modern iterations. But for many visitors and Parisians, Notre Dames restoration brings a sense of joy. Maryse Pinheiro, a retired teacher living in northern Paris, gazed at the cathedral one recent evening, as it was lit up in tiny white lights. It seemed like it was in preparation for a renaissance, she said. Tourist Thomas Kelly Hamilton from Washington visited Notre Dame during the first day of his stay in Paris. It just catches your eye, particularly the scaffolding for the spire, and you can see the cross at the top, he said. It was kind of inspirational to see everyone hard at work working like bees. Restoring Notre Dame has been a massive feat, involving roughly a thousand workers on any given day, including specialized craftsmen, and artisanal workshops across France and beyond. President Emmanuel Macron initially pushed for its reopening by the Paris summer Olympics next July, but reconstruction was slowed notably due to decontamination work from the lead that melted during the fire. At a ceremony earlier this month, a long list of the artisans names, along with holy relics saved from the fire, were inserted into the bowels of the rooster before it was affixed to the spire. The previous rooster, too damaged to be reused, is on display at a Paris exhibit on Notre Dame. "I believe that all this work is thanks to God, Monseigneur Laurent Ulrich, archbishop of Paris, said at the event. In other words, I look at this work and say that there has been much intelligence, much strength, much perseverance, much desire to succeed. A rocky past Considered a jewel of medieval Gothic architecture, the 12th century cathedral has had a rocky history. It was looted and vandalized during the French revolution, and later sold at auction. When Napoleon came to power, he scrapped the sale and ordered that the building be redecorated for his coronation. The current edifice, which replaced an earlier one destroyed by fire, also saw another blaze in the 13th century. Investigators are still determining the origins of the April 2019 fire that swept through the cathedral, leaving French and tourists in disbelief. Many were in tears as they watched the steeple fall into the inferno. This time, the cathedral will be equipped by a special firefighting system aimed at avoiding another blaze. After much debate, authorities chose to replicate the spire built by 19th century architect Eugene Viollet-Le-Duc. But President Macron has called for a modern twist to Notre Dame by replacing half a dozen stained-glass windows with contemporary ones. To break with the architecture seems to me to be an error, says Mouton, who added his name to the petition against the move. The windows to be replaced were not damaged in the fire, the former architect added. And they are of great quality. U.S. President Joe Biden describes next year's election as a battle for "the soul" of his nation. His campaign has centered on that, and assertions that he has improved Americans' lives through his stands on the economy, access to abortion, and threats to democracy. In recent months, he has crisscrossed the nation to talk up legislation that has created jobs, to promote his efforts to protect abortion rights and improve gun safety, and to speak often passionately about his work to protect constitutional rule. He has approached so-called kitchen table issues in metaphorically apt settings that let him communicate several messages at once, such as when he told first responders Monday in Philadelphia the birthplace of the U.S. Constitution that firefighters once saved his house from burning down. Or when he visited the district of one of his loudest Republican detractors in November to tout his work in bringing them climate-friendly jobs. "The historic investments we're celebrating today is in Congressman [Lauren] Boebert's district," Biden said. "She's one of the leaders of this extreme MAGA [Make America Great Again] movement. She, along with every single Republican colleague, voted against the law that made these investments in jobs possible." Or, at an event in November touting job growth, when he flexed his credentials as a grandparent to a rural Minnesota mother who tried to silence a crying baby, telling her, "It's OK. Kids are allowed to do that with me." From his perch at the White House, Biden seems confident about his chances of defeating his most likely challenger, former President Donald Trump. When a reporter asked him in early December if he thought Trump could be beaten by any Democrat other than him, Biden paused, smiled and said, "Probably 50 of them. I'm not the only one who can defeat him, but I will defeat him." Age factor But for a lot of U.S. voters, this is a numbers issue. Pollsters say most worry about the economy, while many also point to a number the Biden administration can't change: his advanced age. By election night, Biden who at 81 is about four years older than Trump will be five years senior to the oldest man to ever occupy the office Ronald Reagan. Democratic pollsters say these concerns are weighing Biden down, leaving Trump currently ahead in critical swing states. "Voters are not comfortable with the age of either of our candidates," Evan Roth Smith, head pollster for Blueprint, a public opinion research initiative, told VOA. "I think the age factor is part of the wider dissatisfaction with, 'Oh no. This again? We're doing this again, Trump versus Biden?'" Trump has campaigned on the sidelines of his many court appearances facing a range of charges. "He's playing to as strange as it sounds a sense of nostalgia, that when Donald Trump was president and this is what he would say prices were lower, the Middle East wasn't at war, Ukraine wasn't being invaded by Russia, China was was less muscular, and so on and so forth," Smith said. Warns of Trump's vitriol Biden also has recently worked a bit more Trump vitriol into his campaign, recently hammering on Trump's words that he will be a "dictator" for a day if he is re-elected. "I'm going to follow the Hatch Act and avoid commenting on the 2024 election," deputy White House deputy press secretary Andrew Bates said in response to VOA's question about whether the administration sees Trump's comments as a national security threat. But he added, "And I want to say: It is wrong to suspend the Constitution and abuse federal power to persecute critics and trample the First Amendment. It is wrong to override the will of the voters, as upheld by over 80 federal judges and the Trump administration's top election security official. It is wrong to engage in violent rhetoric and spread dangerous conspiracy theories that have cost brave police officers their lives." Trump made the comment December 5 during an interview with a popular conservative media personality, who asked, "You are promising America tonight you would never abuse power as retribution against anybody?" "Except for Day One," Trump replied. He then elaborated, "I want to close the border, and I want to drill, drill, drill." This strong contrast is one that both men and those trying to supplant Trump for the Republican nomination are attempting to highlight before November. But one thing is clear if either man wins in 2024: After four years with each, American voters know exactly what kind of president they're choosing. US President Joe Biden describes next years election as a battle for "the soul of this nation. His campaign has centered on that as well as on threats to democracy, abortion access, and his economic accomplishments. VOA White House correspondent Anita Powell looks at the issues and the politics that will dominate the coming election year. U.S. President Joe Biden and several family members headed to Camp David, the presidential retreat in nearby Maryland, for the Christmas holiday. Biden and family members, including daughter Ashley Biden, son Hunter Biden and grandson Beau Biden, left the White House Saturday. First lady Jill Biden spent part of the day at Fort Campbell in Kentucky, as part of her Joining Forces initiative. She participated in a holiday celebration with local military families and volunteers two weeks after a deadly EF-3 tornado caused destruction in the region. "I know the holidays look a little bit different this year, so I brought this special guest with me all the way from the North Pole!" Biden said to those present as she introduced Santa Claus, according to local WKRN news. On December 9, severe storms raked Kentucky, including Fort Campbell. Base officials said 68 military families were still displaced, down from 354 right after the storm. After the holiday event, Jill Biden traveled to Camp David to be with the rest of her family. The president and Jill Biden return to Washington on Tuesday and then head to St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands to spend the New Years holiday. On Friday, the Bidens visited the Childrens National Hospital to meet the young patients and their families. The first lady read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas to the patients, while the president waved and smiled at the children and their family members. First lady Bess Truman began the annual visits to the Washington, D.C., childrens hospital more than 70 years ago. Some material for this article came from The Associated Press. Chinese premier Li Qiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, talks with people affected by an earthquake in Chenjia Village of Dahejia Township, Jishishan County, northwest China's Gansu Province, Dec. 23, 2023. Li on Saturday visited several villages in Jishishan County, Gansu Province, and Minhe County in the neighboring Qinghai Province. A 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck the areas at 11:59 p.m. Monday. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei) Premier Li Qiang has called for using all possible means to improve living conditions of affected people in earthquake-hit areas in northwest China and make sure they live through winter days safely. Li, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, on Saturday visited several villages in Jishishan County, Gansu Province, and Minhe County in the neighboring Qinghai Province. A 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck the areas at 11:59 p.m. Monday, leaving 148 people dead and 781 injured as of Friday, and toppling many buildings. During the visits, the premier talked with people affected by the disaster and learned about the work related to resettlement, relief supplies and the construction of temporary dwellings. He said the top priority of current relief work was to ensure the affected people stay warm and safe in winter. He urged relief workers to race against time to send relief supplies and daily necessities to the victims in the settlements, and build temporary houses as fast as possible for those who currently live in tents. Buildings in the quake areas should be checked and reinforced, if needed, so that residents can move back and essential facilities such as schools and hospitals can be reopened, Li said. Reconstruction should be planned in a coordinated manner to help local people improve their living conditions in order to prevent poverty caused by the disaster, he said. He urged the best possible medical treatment for those injured in the quake. The premier also instructed local governments to timely release disaster relief information and actively respond to the concerns of the affected people. Jon Caldara is president of the Independence Institute in Denver and hosts The Devils Advocate with Jon Caldara on Colorado Public Television Channel 12. His column appears Sundays in Colorado Politics. When Alexis Cholas lost his right arm as a volunteer combat medic near the front lines in eastern Ukraine, his civilian career as a surgeon was over. But thanks to a new bionic arm, he was able to continue working in health care and is now a rehab specialist helping other amputees. The 26-year-old is delighted with his sleek black robotic arm he described it as "love at first sight" and realizes how lucky he was to get one. "There are fewer (bionic) arms available than lost ones," Cholas said. Russia's war on Ukraine has created a massive need for prosthetic limbs. An estimated 20,000 Ukrainians have had amputations since the war started in February 2022, many of them soldiers who lost arms or legs due to blast wounds. Only a small number was able to receive bionic prostheses, which are more advanced and can provide greater mobility than the traditional prosthetic limbs. They are also far more costly than conventional prostheses. Bionic artificial limbs typically pick up electrical signals from the muscles that remain above the amputation site, thanks to something called myoelectric technology, to carry out an intended motion. Cholas' bionic arm was made by Esper Bionics. Before 2022, the Ukrainian startup primarily targeted the United States market, but due to the sharp rise in demand for prosthetic limbs caused by the war, Esper now distributes 70% of its products at home. The company's production hub in the capital of Kyiv is working at full capacity, with more than 30 workers producing about dozen bionic hands a month. In one corner of the factory, a small group of engineers huddle as they program, assemble and test the elegant bionic arms known as Esper Hand. Each finger's movement on the robotic hand is accompanied by a soft whirring sound, assuring the engineers of its smooth operation. Bohdan Diorditsa, head of strategic relations at the company, says that despite ramping up production, Esper Bionics is struggling to keep up with demand, with almost 120 people on the waitlist. In Ukraine, the company says it provides the bionic prostheses at zero profit for about $7,000 apiece, just enough to cover production costs. In the United States, the Esper Hand sells for more than $20,000. "We do not consider Ukraine as a market, but rather as an opportunity to help," says Diorditsa. Compared to a conventional prosthesis, which is designed to replicate simple basic functions of a missing arm or leg, a bionic one offers the capability to restore fine motor skills. "Everyone wants them," says Anton Haidash, a prosthetist at Unbroken, a municipal center in the city of Lviv that focuses on rehabilitation of civilians and soldiers affected by the war. The center has helped provide prosthetic limbs to about 250 people so far, including about 20 bionic arms. The difference in cost is significant. While bionic limbs can cost up to $50,000, conventional artificial limbs are priced at $800-$2,700, Haidash says. Ukrainians can get the regular artificial limbs free of charge through the public health care system. However, to get a bionic prosthesis, they normally need additional funding from charities or rehabilitation centers such as Unbroken, which depend on donations. And while patients can make the final decision about the type of prostheses they want, a variety of factors, including the nature of the injury and the person's occupation, also play a role. Unbroken purchases bionic prostheses from German and Icelandic companies as well as Esper Bionics, whose notable advantage is having both a manufacturing and a service center in Ukraine. This means people don't need to travel abroad when a repair or resizing is required. Another outstanding characteristic of the Esper Hand, which is powered by artificial intelligence, is its ability to adapt over time, learning the user's unique interactions with the hand. After getting outfitted with his bionic arm, Cholas went back to volunteering as a combat medic on the front lines, while in his day job in Kyiv he works as a rehabilitation specialist in a public hospital. Most of his patients are members of the military or civilians who, like him, have lost limbs. He says their shared experience helps him quickly develop a rapport with his patients. "I now know a lot not only from textbooks but also from my own experience," he says. Cholas speaks to his patients encouragingly as he examines their injuries. His movements with the bionic hand are natural and fluid. He effortlessly removes a bandage and dresses a patient's wounds without the assistance of nurses. The bionic prosthesis allows him to perform even delicate movements, such as picking up a grape without crushing it, he says. "I feel uncomfortable when I'm without the prosthesis," he says. "But when I have the bionic arm on, I feel comfortable. It's like a part of you." Ding Zhongfu was awakened by loud pounding on his door. Five policemen greeted Ding, an elder in a Chinese church. The officers pinned him to the wall that Thursday morning in November and interrogated him while searching the apartment he shared with his wife, Ge Yunxia, and their 6-year old daughter. Ding's family now pleads for his release after he was taken from his home in China's central Anhui province on suspicion of fraud. In their first public comments on the case, the family denies that Ding committed any fraud. Instead, they told The Associated Press in an interview, it is part of a wider crackdown on religious freedoms in China. Four others were detained, all senior members of the Ganquan church, a name that means "Sweet Spring," according to the family. All were taken on suspicion of fraud, according to a bulletin from a Christian prayer group. "Under the fabricated charge of 'fraud,' many Christians faced harsh persecution," said Bob Fu, the founder of a U.S.-based Christian rights group, ChinaAid, who is advocating for Ding's release. Police have started using fraud charges in recent years against leaders of what are known as house churches, or informal churches not registered with the government in China. While China allows the practice of Christianity, it can only legally be done at churches registered with the state. Many who choose to worship in house churches say that joining a state church means worshiping the supremacy of the government and Communist Party over God, which they reject. Beijing in the past several years has increased the pressure on house churches. In 2018, Chinese leader Xi Jinping issued a five-year plan to "Sinicize" all the nation's officially allowed religions, from Islam to Christianity to Buddhism, by infusing them with "Chinese characteristics" such as loyalty to the Communist Party. Heeding the call, local governments started shutting down house churches through evictions, police interrogations and arrests. In 2022, pastor Hao Zhiwei in central Hubei province was sentenced to eight years in prison after being charged with fraud, according to Fu. That same year, preachers Han Xiaodong and Li Jie and church worker Wang Qiang were also arrested on suspicion of committing fraud. On December 1 police called Ding Zhongfu's wife into the station, saying that her husband was being criminally detained on suspicion of fraud. They declined to give her a copy of any paperwork they had her sign that acknowledged they were investigating him. A police officer at the Shushan branch's criminal division who answered the phone this week declined to answer questions, saying he could not verify the identity of The Associated Press journalist calling. The family had been preparing to move to the United States in December to join Ding's daughter from a previous marriage. "I wasn't necessarily a proponent of him moving to the U.S.," said the daughter, Wanlin Ding, because it would be such a drastic uprooting. "It wasn't until this event that I realized how serious it was." She had wanted him to be part of her wedding in the spring. Ding's Ganquan house church had been forced to move multiple times in the past decade, Ge said. The congregation pooled money to buy property so they could use it as a place of worship. Because the churches aren't recognized by the government, the deeds were put in the names of Ding and two other church members. Still, police forbade them from using the property to worship, showing up ahead of services to bar people from entering. In recent years, Ding's wife said, the church had been meeting at more random locations to avoid police. The church has about 400 to 500 worshipers from all levels of society. Ding, in addition to managing the church's finances, served as an elder in the community, someone people could come to with their problems. One friend called Ding a "gentle" person in a handwritten testimony for the pastor's case as part of the public plea for his release: "He was always proactively helping those in society who needed to be helped." France on Friday completed the withdrawal of its troops after they were asked to leave Niger by the country's new junta, ending years of on-the-ground military support and raising concerns from analysts about a gap in the fight against jihadi violence across the Sahel region of Africa. The last French military aircraft and troops departed Niger by the December 22 deadline set by the junta which severed ties with Paris after the coup in July, the French Army General Staff told The Associated Press by email. France already announced this week that it would close its diplomatic mission in Niger for "an indefinite period." However, the country would continue to be involved in the Sahel the vast expanse south of the Sahara Desert which has been a hot spot for violent extremism although differently, President Emmanuel Macron said Thursday during a visit to a base in Jordan. "I decided on some important reconfigurations," Macron said. "We will continue to protect our interests over there, but our armies won't be as present permanently, will be less stationary and also less exposed," he said. Niger's junta described the end of the military cooperation with France as the start of "a new era" for Nigeriens. "Niger stands tall, and the security of our homeland will no longer depend on a foreign presence," it said via X, formerly known as Twitter. "We are determined to meet the challenges before us, by consolidating our national military and strategic capabilities." But analysts say a vacuum will be created by the troops' departure. It will "leave Niger and the entire Sahel worse off" in terms of overall counterterrorism efforts as Niger was seen as the last remaining Western partner in the decade-long fight against jihadi groups in the region, said Ryan Cummings, director of Africa-focused security consulting company Signal Risk. Some 1,500 French troops were training and supporting the local military in Niger, which had been envisioned as the base for counterterrorism operations in the region after anti-French sentiment grew in Mali and Burkina Faso, both run by juntas that have also forced French troops out. But after deposing Niger's democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum, the nation's junta led by Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani severed military relations with France and other European countries. Instead, he sought defense cooperation with Russia, whose private mercenary Wagner Group is already active in parts of Africa but faces an uncertain future there following the death of its leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin. The withdrawal of foreign military missions is already affecting security in Niger, where the number of attacks has surged, according to Oluwole Ojewale with the Dakar-based Institute for Security Studies. "The country has not demonstrated sufficient military capabilities to fill the vacuum created by the withdrawal. Strategic attacks are being launched by the various armed groups who now roam freely in the ungoverned spaces in the country and incidents have remained on the rise," said Ojewale. The junta in Niger has formed a security alliance with the military governments in Mali and Burkina Faso to coordinate counterterrorism operations across the Sahel. However, much of the immediate impact of the departure of French troops would be felt in western Niger's Tillaberi region which has been the hot spot for extremism in the country, said Cummings. "Violent extremist organizations may utilize the vacuum created to exploit and expand their operations" in the Sahel, he said. When Ernseau Admettre decided to leave Haiti and head north with his young family in tow, very little was guaranteed. But the situation in his homeland, beset by poverty and gang violence, had grown so dire that a risky passage to and then across the United States' Southern border offered a kind of hope he said he could never find by staying put. Admettre discovered Boston through the internet and set his sights on Massachusetts. The trip took the family through several countries including the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua and Mexico. "We're going through a very tragic moment in our country. We have no safety. We cannot definitely have all our needs met in Haiti," Admettre said through a translator Friday. "Leaving Haiti was the best solution to survive." The Admettres Ernseau, 43; his wife, Jimene, 36: and their children Elionai, 6, and Gabyana, 2 months eventually arrived at the Boston International Airport right as winter temperatures were settling in. Ernseau Admettre said he was lucky to be discovered by volunteers working to fill gaps in the shelter system as his family was being kicked out of the airport. He viewed those volunteers as angels sent by God. "I don't have any family who lives in the United States," he said. "We didn't expect to receive this welcome or experience because we have no family ties here." The family is now one of eight that have found shelter at a rectory building at the Bethel AME Church in Boston's Jamaica Plain neighborhood. The families which include 13 children ranging from infants to a 15-year-old total 28 individuals, according to Geralde Gabeau, executive director of the Immigrant Family Services Institute in Boston, which is helping provide services. Admettre said he has received a work authorization and hopes to start bringing in money so his family can move out of the shelter and into an apartment. He said he has studied business administration and computer sciences and is also a tailor. Gabeau said the migrants are determined to work hard to find their way in the country. She said they are focused first on getting authorized to work. The organization hopes to bring in employers in January to help those living in the rectory find a way to jobs and more permanent homes. For now, they live and cook together and take English and computer classes. "They live as a community," Gabeau said, pointing to big pots of vegetables and meat and Haitian rice on the kitchen stove. Demand for shelter has increased as the state struggles to find newly arriving migrants places to stay after hitting a state-imposed limit of 7,500 families in its emergency homeless shelter system last month. As of Thursday, there were more than 350 families on the state waiting list hoping to find a spot in the system. The state planned to open a former courthouse in Cambridge as an overnight overflow site to accommodate some of them. The space can fit up to 70 families with cots and limited amenities and will only be used in the evening and overnight hours, according to Scott Rice, director general of Massachusetts Emergency Assistance. The site is only open to families who have been assessed at a state intake site and determined to be eligible for emergency assistance. Rice said the facility will give eligible families a warm, safe place to sleep until a shelter unit becomes available. "We encourage community organizations to reach out to us with any daytime programs and resources they are able to provide to families in need," Rice said in a statement. Sitting outside her makeshift shelter in eastern Chad, Sudanese refugee Mariam Adam Yaya warmed up tea on some firewood in a bid to quell the pangs of hunger. The 34-year-old from the Masalit ethnic group crossed the border on foot after a four-day trek with no provisions and her 8-year-old son clinging to her back. She said "heavily armed" men attacked her village, forcing her to flee and leave seven of her children behind amid brutal violence that has sparked fears of ethnic cleansing. Sudan has since April 15 been plunged into a civil war pitting army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan against Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, his former deputy and commander of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Thousands have fled for neighboring Chad and found refuge in overcrowded camps such as Adre where Yaya has settled. In the western Darfur region, paramilitary operations have left civilian victims belonging to the non-Arab Masalit group in what the United Nations and NGOs say is a suspected genocide. In the West Darfur town of Ardamata alone, armed groups killed more than 1,000 people in November, according to the European Union. "What we went through in Ardamata is horrifying. The Rapid Support Forces killed elderly people and children indiscriminately," Yaya told AFP. Trauma Chad, a country in central Africa that is the world's second least developed according to the United Nations, has hosted the highest number of Sudanese refugees. The U.N. says 484,626 people have sheltered there since the fighting broke out, with armed groups forcing more than 8,000 people to flee to Chad in one week. Formal camps managed by NGOs and informal settlements erected spontaneously have sprouted throughout the border region of Ouaddai. A traumatized Amira Khamis, 46, said she was targeted due to her Masalit ethnicity and has lost five of her children. Recovering in an emergency medical structure run by the NGO Doctors Without Borders (MSF) near the Adre camp after shrapnel fractured her feet, she told AFP women and young girls were raped. "They systematically kill all the people of dark black color," she said. Mahamat Nouredine, a 19-year-old who is nursing a fractured arm and has lost four relatives in the violence, said the RSF mercilessly hounded the Masalit community before he escaped to Chad. "A group of RSF followed us to a hospital and tried to kill everyone... they laid us on the ground in groups of 20 and fired at us," he said. "Their unspoken goal is to kill people due to their skin color." Critical conditions The United States and other Western nations have accused the RSF and its allies of committing crimes against humanity and acts of ethnic cleansing. An estimate by the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project puts the war's death toll at 12,000. Almost 7 million people have fled their homes, according to the U.N. After surviving atrocities in their homeland and the perilous journey abroad, the refugees are now confronting the looming threat of famine. Yaya said she and her child have "barely" eaten since their arrival in Chad. The scarcity of water in the camps has generated tensions that humanitarian organizations have struggled to calm. Gerard Uparpiu, MSF's project coordinator in Adre, said the influx of Sudanese refugees was creating a "worrying" situation. "We receive them in critical conditions. They are shaken physically and psychologically," he added. MSF's hospital is surrounded by fencing and constantly monitored by a guard, measures necessitated by the brutality of a conflict that has not spared the wounded. "They also attacked us when I was being taken to Chad to receive treatment," said Amir Adam Haroun, a Masalit refugee whose leg was broken by an explosive. About 300 Indian citizens heading to Central America were sequestered in a French airport for a third day Saturday after a dramatic police operation prompted by a tip that those aboard might be victims of human trafficking, authorities said. Those aboard included children and families. The youngest passenger is a toddler of 21 months, and among the children are several unaccompanied minors, according to the local civil protection agency. Two of the passengers have been detained as part of a special investigation into suspected human trafficking by an organized criminal group, according to the Paris prosecutor's office. Prosecutors wouldn't comment on what kind of trafficking was alleged, or whether the ultimate destination was the U.S., which has seen a surge in Indians crossing the Mexico-U.S. border this year. French authorities hung white tarps across the soaring bay windows of the small Vatry Airport in Champagne country to ensure privacy for the passengers held inside. The unmarked A340 plane, grounded since Thursday, can be seen parked near the terminal. Other flights were canceled or rerouted as the airport was transformed into the hub of a vast trafficking investigation. The 15 crew members of the Legend Airlines charter flight en route from Fujairah airport in the United Arab Emirates to Managua, Nicaragua were questioned and released, according to a lawyer for the Romania-based airline. A surreal holiday weekend scene has been unfolding in the Vatry Airport since Thursday. The flight stopped for refueling and was grounded by French police based on an anonymous tip that it could be carrying victims of human trafficking, the prosecutor's office said. The unusual and sudden probe disrupted air travel as police cordoned off the airport and flights were disrupted, according to the administration for the Marne region. The airfield is used primarily for charter and cargo flights. Police sequestered the passengers in the airport, where they spent two nights on camp beds while the investigation continues, according to an official with the Marne administration. The official said the passengers initially remained in the plane, surrounded by police on the tarmac, but were then transferred into the main hall of the airport to sleep. Emergency workers, a doctor and local volunteers are on the scene and the passengers are being given regular meals, medical care and access to toilets and showers, said Patrick Jaloux, head of the regional civil protection service. A special section of the terminal has been equipped for families. As the ordeal drags on, "we are trying to find ways to help them pass the time" and reduce their distress, Jaloux told The Associated Press. Indian consular representatives are stationed at the airport and working with the French government "for the welfare of the Indians" and for an "early resolution of the situation," the Indian Embassy in France posted Saturday on X. Legend Airlines lawyer Liliana Bakayoko said the company is cooperating with French authorities, denies any role in possible human trafficking and ''has not committed any infraction." A "partner" company that chartered the plane was responsible for verifying the identity documents of each passenger and communicated their passport information to the airline 48 hours before the flight, Bakayoko told The Associated Press. The customer had chartered multiple flights on Legend Airlines from Dubai to Nicaragua, and a few other flights have already made the journey without incident, she said. She would not identify the customer, saying only that it is not a European company. The crew members, who are of multiple nationalities, "are rather traumatized," she said. "They wrote me messages that they want to see their families for Christmas." The U.S. government has designated Nicaragua as one of several countries deemed as failing to meet minimum standards for eliminating human trafficking. Nicaragua has also been used as a migratory springboard for people fleeing poverty or conflict in the Caribbean as well as far-flung countries in Africa or Asia, because of relaxed or visa-free entry requirements for some countries. Sometimes charter flights are used for the journey. From there, the migrants travel north by bus with the help of smugglers. The influx of Indian migrants through Mexico has increased from fewer than 3,000 in 2022 to more than 11,000 from January to November this year, according to the Mexican Immigration Agency. Indian citizens were arrested 41,770 times entering the U.S. illegally from Mexico during the U.S. government's budget year that ended September 30, more than double from 18,308 the previous year. They called the makeshift machines used to print underground pamphlets and papers "Vietnamitas" in homage to the war waged by the Viet Cong in Vietnam. It was symbolic of the odds faced by Spanish communists, socialists, students and dissident priests who saw themselves as a kind of guerrilla force fighting the might of the dictatorship of General Francisco Franco. Despite the ruthlessness of the regime, they believed that by spreading the word, they hoped to bring down El Caudillo The Leader as Franco was known. Faced with stringent censorship, many paid with their lives for challenging the dictatorship. Pedro Patino, a Communist Party activist and union official, was shot dead by the Spanish civil guard in 1971 as he tried to distribute a pamphlet called El Socialista. Patino used his daily wages and a large part of his time to produce the paper. He is among the cases recorded in a new book about Spain's own samizdat clandestine movement that fought Franco. Jesus A. Martinez, a professor of contemporary history at Complutense University of Madrid, spent six years investigating what he calls the ink battle against the dictatorship. He uncovered 5,000 documents from public and private archives that attest to the efforts undertaken to present an alternative to the narrative propagated by Franco and his right-wing National Catholicism government. His book Vietnamitas Contra Franco (Vietnamitas Against Franco) details those findings. A law enacted during the Spanish Civil War said that "nothing could be published without the permission of the regime, Martinez told VOA. That conflict lasted from 1936 to 1939. But these people were never censored. They always lived in a world away from that, a dissident world, said Martinez, who expressed surprise at the sheer size of the underground world. Martinez said the Franco government imprisoned and fined those caught producing underground publications or anything else that challenged the narrative of the regime. The fight against Franco extended beyond newspapers to womens magazines, poetry, drawings and posters. The book details the ingenuity of the underground campaigners, who believed that one day they could topple the dictatorship with words. They used suitcases with false bottoms and hid speeches by left-wing leaders in the covers of recipe books, which were smuggled from France into Spain to inspire the communists and socialists living there. During the 1960s, the regime turned its attention from communists to rebellious students, as the rest of the world underwent a social revolution from which Spain was isolated. Researchers have uncovered how, in two months in 1969, police raided the homes of 415 students and 390 workers, leading to 383 arrests. From 1964 to 1973, the Public Order Court prosecuted 53,500 people. Of the 11,261 cases, 2,622 were for illegal propaganda and 3,658 for illicit association a charge that could be brought in connection with producing underground media. Ultimately for many, the hope of toppling Franco came to nothing. The dictatorship lasted from 1939 until 1975, when the general died in his bed. Soledad Fox Maura, a professor of Spanish and comparative literature at Williams College in Massachusetts, told VOA that underground opponents of military rule played a vital role in bringing democracy to Spain. Fox Maura is the author of Exile, Writer, Soldier, Spy, a book about the life of Jorge Semprun, an author, French resistance fighter and Nazi concentration camp survivor who worked undercover for the communists during the dictatorship and later became a government minister. She recounted the story of Domingo Malagon Alea, a so-called master forger who produced fake passports for communists. This man was an artist before the war, and he was a genius at forging these passports, Fox Maura told VOA. The clandestine anti-Franco militants had an important role in bringing democracy to Spain. It took nearly four decades, but they had laid much of the groundwork before Francos death. Samizdat comes from the Soviet era when underground media in Russia and other Eastern Bloc communist states sought an alternative narrative to that of the totalitarian communist states. In modern-day Russia, this tradition has been revived by activists who seek to combat media crackdowns by President Vladimir Putin. As Russia tries to control information on the war in Ukraine, online news producers and aggregators face the threat of fines. Apps and even people who share information online have been hit with penalties. In July 2022, a Russian court fined Google more than $370 million for refusing to remove information about the war from its platforms, including YouTube. In March 2023, a Siberian court sentenced a freelance journalist to eight months corrective labor for knowingly distributing in social media posts false information about the Russian army. Andrei Novashov, who worked for media outlets including RFE/RLs Siberia Realities project, is also barred from posting online for a year. Modern-day Spain has one of the better records for defending the press. Media watchdog Reporters Without Borders describes the country as tolerant of diversity and notes few journalists are pressured by authorities. Alfonso Bauluz, president of media watchdog Reporters Without Borders, says there is no comparison to the Franco era censorship of the media, but challenges remain. "There are some changes, maybe more violence in the street towards journalists because of greater political polarization, he said. Iran's deputy foreign minister Saturday dismissed U.S. accusations that Tehran was involved in attacks by Yemeni rebels on commercial ships, saying the group was acting on its own. Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi rebels have launched more than 100 drone and missile attacks, targeting 10 merchant vessels in the Red Sea, according to the Pentagon, in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, where Israel is battling Hamas militants. On Friday, the White House released U.S. intelligence that Iran provided drones, missiles, and tactical intelligence to the Houthis, who control vast parts of Yemen including the capital, Sanaa. "The resistance (Houthis) has its own tools... and acts in accordance with its own decisions and capabilities," said Ali Bagheri, Iran's deputy foreign minister. "The fact that certain powers, such as the Americans and the Israelis, suffer strikes from the resistance movement... should in no way call into question the reality of the strength of the resistance in the region," he told Mehr news agency. Earlier Saturday, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said Washington had previously asked Iran to advise Yemeni rebels not to act against U.S. and Israeli interests in the region. "We have made it clear to the Americans that these groups have decided, based on their interests, on how to support Gaza," said Amirabdollahian during a conference in Tehran in support of Palestinians. "We have not and will not order them to stop the attacks." The Gaza Strip has endured 11 weeks of Israeli air and ground attacks that killed more than 20,000 people, mostly women and children, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run coastal territory. Israel has vowed to crush Hamas after the Palestinian militant group carried out a cross-border attack on October 7 that killed around 1,200 people in Israel, mostly civilians. Palestinian militants also abducted about 250 people, 129 of whom Israel says remain in Gaza. Iran, which supports Hamas financially and militarily, has hailed the October 7 attack on Israel but denied any involvement. The Islamic republic has repeatedly warned of a widening conflict, and last month Amirabdollahian said the intensity of the war has rendered its expansion "inevitable." President Ebrahim Raisi has said Iran sees it as "its duty to support the resistance groups" but insisted that they "are independent in their opinion, decision and action." Last month, Tehran dismissed as "invalid" Israel's accusations that Houthi rebels were acting on Tehran's "guidance" when they seized a Red Sea ship owned by an Israeli businessman. Iran's navy on Sunday added domestically produced sophisticated cruise missiles to its arsenal, state TV reported. The TV said both Talaeieh and Nasir cruise missiles have arrived at a naval base near the Indian Ocean in the southern Iranian port of Konarak, some 1,400 kilometers (850 miles) southeast of the capital, Tehran. Navy chief Adm. Shahram Irani said the Talaeieh has a range of more than 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) and called it "fully smart." Irani said the cruise missile is capable of changing targets during travel. He said the Nasi has a range of 100 kilometers (62 miles) and can be installed on warships. Last month, a container ship owned by an Israeli billionaire came under attack from a suspected Iranian drone in the Indian Ocean, as Israel wages war on Iran-backed Hamas in the Gaza Strip. From time to time, Iran announces the test firing, production and commissioning of new military equipment that cannot be independently verified. The country says it has a stock of various kinds of missiles with ranges up to 2,000 kilometers (1,250 miles), capable of reaching its archenemy Israel and U.S. bases in the region. At a solemn Christmas Eve Mass at the Vaticans St. Peter's Basilica, Pope Francis lamented that Jesus' message of peace is being drowned out by the "futile logic of war" in the land where he was born. "Tonight, our hearts are in Bethlehem, where the Prince of Peace is once more rejected by the futile logic of war, by the clash of arms that even today prevents him from finding room in the world," Pope Francis said as the death toll continues to climb in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Sunday that his countrys war against Hamas in the enclave will be a long one. "Let it be clear: This will be a long war... (until) Hamas is eliminated and we restore security in both the north and the south," Netanyahu said at a cabinet meeting Sunday. With Israeli strikes on Gaza continuing, more than 166 Palestinians were killed in the past 24 hours taking the total Palestinian death toll to 20,424 according to the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry. Israel says the number of Israeli soldiers killed in combat over the weekend rose to 15 bringing to 161 the total number of soldiers killed since Israels ground operation started in the Gaza strip. "This is a difficult morning, after a very difficult day of fighting in Gaza," Netanyahu said. "The war is exacting a very heavy cost from us; however, we have no choice (but) to continue to fight." In northern Gaza, Israeli airstrikes pounded areas of Jabalia overnight, while in southern Gaza they struck Khan Younis, the birthplace and powerbase of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. Intense fighting continued early Sunday. Israel said it has achieved almost complete operational control of northern Gaza attacking about 200 targets in Gaza over the past day. IDF spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari had said the military is nearing complete operational control of northern Gaza. IDF troops are continuing ground operations in Khan Younis, and at the same time are preparing to expand the activity to additional areas of the strip, with an emphasis on its south, Hagari said. The head of the World Health Organization Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Sunday the health system in Gaza was being destroyed and reiterated his call for a cease-fire. "The decimation of the Gaza health system is a tragedy," he posted on X, formerly Twitter. "We persist in calling for #CeasefireNow." "In the face of constant insecurity and inflows of wounded patients, we see doctors, nurses, ambulance drivers and more continue striving to save lives," Tedros said. As of December 20, WHO had registered 246 attacks on health care in Gaza, including hospitals and ambulances, resulting in 582 deaths and 748 injuries. Tedros hailed Gaza's medical workers who continue their work under increasingly dire circumstances. Hospitals, protected under international humanitarian law, have repeatedly been hit by Israeli strikes since the war erupted. Of Gaza's original 36 hospitals, only nine are now partially functional, all of them in the south and all of them overwhelmed. WHO staff described "unbearable" scenes in two badly damaged hospitals in the north, Shifa and Al-Ahli, where largely abandoned patients, including young children, beg for food and water. The Israeli military accuses Hamas of having tunnels under hospitals and using the medical facilities as command centers, a charge denied by the Islamist group. Vast areas of Gaza lie in ruins and its 2.3 million people, most of them displaced, have endured dire shortages of water, food, fuel and medicine due to an Israeli siege, alleviated only by the limited arrival of aid trucks. Demonstrations calling for a cease-fire in Gaza were mounted around the world over the weekend. London, New York, Istanbul and Sanaa were among the locations where rallies were held. Thousands of protesters staged one of the largest pro-Palestinian marches in Moroccos Rabat on Sunday since the outbreak of the war in Gaza, demanding Morocco severs ties with Israel. The march was organized by leftist groups and the outlawed but tolerated Adl wal Ihsan Islamists. Most of the 10,000 protesters appeared to be Islamists with men marching separately from women, waving Palestinian flags and holding signs calling for "resistance till victory," "stop Moroccan government normalization with Israel and "free Palestine." Protesters also called for a boycott of brands they accuse of supporting Israel. Morocco agreed to strengthen ties with Israel in 2020 under a deal brokered by the U.S. administration under former U.S. President Donald Trump. Hamas militants poured into the Gaza border on October 7 and attacked southern Israeli communities, killing about 1,200 people, according to Israel. The group, designated a terrorist group by the U.S. and others, also seized around 240 hostages, of whom 129 remain in Gaza. In response, Israel vowed to crush Hamas and launched an air, land and sea offensive on Gaza. Israel said Hamas is to blame for the high civilian death toll, citing its use of crowded residential areas and tunnels. Israel has launched thousands of airstrikes since the October 7 terror attack. On Saturday, U.S. President Joe Biden spoke to Netanyahu about Israels military campaign in Gaza. According to a White House statement, Biden emphasized to Netanyahu the critical need to protect the civilian population including those supporting the humanitarian aid operation, and the importance of allowing civilians to move safely away from areas of ongoing fighting. Some material for this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters. Jabalia, in the northern Gaza Strip, was the focus of Israeli strikes overnight and fighting early Sunday, with Israel saying it has achieved almost complete operational control of northern Gaza. Israel said it had attacked about 200 targets in Gaza over the past day. Now, "we focus our efforts against Hamas in southern Gaza," military spokesperson Jonathan Conricus told Agence France-Presse. Hamas said strikes had hit Jabalia and Khan Younis, the birthplace and powerbase of Yahya Sinwar, Hamas' leader in Gaza. IDF spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari had said the military is nearing complete "operational control" of northern Gaza. "IDF troops are continuing ground operations in Khan Younis, and at the same time are preparing to expand the activity to additional areas of the Strip, with an emphasis on its south," Hagari said. However, more than a dozen Israeli soldiers were killed in fighting over the weekend, in what the Israeli military called some of the bloodiest days of fighting since its ground offensive began in Gaza on October 20. On Sunday, Israel said that 153 soldiers had died since the start of the war on October 7. Demonstrations calling for a cease-fire in Gaza were mounted around the world over the weekend. London, New York, Istanbul and Sanaa were among the locations where rallies were held. Hamas militants streamed across the Gaza border on October 7 and attacked southern Israeli communities, killing about 1,200 people, according to Israel. The group, designated a terrorist group by the U.S. and others, also seized around 250 hostages, of whom 129 remain in Gaza. In response, Israel vowed to crush Hamas and launched an air, land and sea offensive on Gaza. The Palestinian territory's Hamas government says the war has killed more than 20,000 people, mostly women and children. The Health Ministry in Hamas-controlled Gaza does not differentiate between civilians and combatants. Israel said Hamas is to blame for the high civilian death toll, citing its use of crowded residential areas and tunnels. Israel has launched thousands of airstrikes since the October 7 terror attack. On Saturday, U.S. President Joe Biden spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about Israels military campaign in Gaza, the White House said. "I did not ask for a cease-fire," Biden told reporters as he left Washington for Camp David. He called the conversation long and private. According to a White House statement, Biden emphasized to Netanyahu "the critical need to protect the civilian population including those supporting the humanitarian aid operation, and the importance of allowing civilians to move safely away from areas of ongoing fighting." They also discussed the need to free the remaining hostages held by Hamas. Netanyahus office later said the prime minister "made clear that Israel would continue the war until achieving all its goals." On Sunday, during a weekly Cabinet meeting, Netanyahu dismissed reports that the United States had convinced Israel not to expand its military activity. "Israel is a sovereign nation," Netanyahu said. "Our military decisions are based upon our own calculations." "The decision on how to use our forces is an independent decision of the IDF and no-one else," he added, saying Israels actions are "not dictated by external pressures." Meanwhile, UNICEF, the U.N.s agency for children, warned on X on Saturday, "Water and sanitation services in Gaza are at the point of collapse, putting children at serious risk of illness and death." Israel said Saturday that it has arrested hundreds of alleged militants during the past week. The arrests are in addition to the 700 people already arrested by Israel whom Israel believes also have militant ties. Reports emerged Saturday that 70 humanitarian trucks had entered southern Gaza through Egypts Rafah border crossing. Gaza is in urgent need of humanitarian aid. Israel had told Palestinians in Gaza to evacuate to southern Gaza, but when they arrived, there were few accommodations for the massive influx of people. About 85% of the 2.3 million people who live in Gaza have been pushed into the south. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Friday its a mistake to measure the effectiveness of the humanitarian operation by the number of trucks. "The real problem is that the way Israel is conducting this offensive is creating massive obstacles to the distribution of humanitarian aid inside Gaza," he said. He noted that prerequisites for an effective aid operation dont exist since there is no guaranteed safety for staff to work in a logistical capacity and resume commercial activity. Some material for this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters. Moldova's pro-European President Maia Sandu said on Sunday she intends to run for a second presidential term in late 2024 to bring the issue of the country's European integration to its logical conclusion. "We still have important steps to take and I pledge to continue, if you will give me your trust for a new term," Sandu said in a statement published on the presidential website. Sandu, a former World Bank economist who favors closer ties with the European Union, defeated the pro-Moscow incumbent Igor Dodon in a run-off vote in December 2020. The presidential elections are due to be held in November-December 2024, with the exact date to be determined by parliament. Integration with the EU is one of Sandu's goals, with Brussels announcing earlier this month the start of accession talks with Chisinau. "Our future is in the European family and we need to say clearly - the whole country - which path we choose for Moldova. I call on parliament to initiate a referendum next autumn, in which the voice of the citizens will be decisive," she said. Sandu has denounced Russia's invasion of Ukraine and accused Moscow of plotting a coup to oust her. The room was packed with Native American leaders from across the United States, all invited to Washington to hear from federal officials about President Joe Biden's accomplishments and new policy directives aimed at improving relationships and protecting sacred sites. Arlan Melendez was not among them. The longtime chairman of the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony convened his own meeting 4,023 kilometers away. He wanted to show his community would find another way to fight the U.S. government's approval of a massive lithium mine at the site where more than two dozen of their Paiute and Shoshone ancestors were massacred in 1865. Opposed by government lawyers at every legal turn, Melendez said another arduous appeal would not save sacred sites from being desecrated. "We're not giving up the fight, but we are changing our strategy," Melendez said. That shift for the Nevada tribe comes as Biden and other top federal officials double down on their vows to do a better job of working with Native American leaders on everything from making federal funding more accessible to incorporating tribal voices into land preservation efforts and resource management planning. The administration also has touted more spending on infrastructure and health care across Indian Country. Many tribes have benefited, including those who led campaigns to establish new national monuments in Utah and Arizona. In New Mexico, pueblos have succeeded in getting the Interior Department to ban new oil and natural gas development on hundreds of square miles of federal land for 20 years to protect culturally significant areas. But the colony in Reno and others like the Tohono O'odham Nation in Arizona say promises of more cooperation ring hollow when it comes to high-stakes battles over multibillion-dollar "green energy" projects. Some tribal leaders have said consultation resulted in little more than listening sessions, with federal officials not incorporating tribal comments into the decision making. Rather than pursue its claims in court that the federal government failed to engage in meaningful consultation regarding the lithium mine at Thacker Pass, the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony will focus on organizing a broad coalition to build public support for sacred places. Tribal members are concerned other culturally significant areas will end up in the path of a modern-day Gold Rush that has companies scouting for lithium and other materials needed to meet Biden's clean energy agenda. Melendez was among those thrilled when Biden appointed Deb Haaland to lead the Interior Department. A member of Laguna Pueblo, Haaland is the first Native American to serve as a Cabinet secretary. Melendez, a former member of the U.S. Human Rights Commission who has led his colony for 32 years, said he understands the difficulty of navigating the electoral landscape in a western swing state where the mining industry's political clout is second only to the power wielded by casinos. Still, he was disappointed Haaland declined an invitation to visit the massacre site. "The largest lithium project in the United States and they don't even have the time to come out here and meet with the tribal nations in the state of Nevada," he said. The tribe's lawyer, Will Falk, urged other tribes to resist "tricking ourselves into believing that just because the first Native American secretary of Interior is in office that she actually cares about protecting sacred sites." Interior Department spokeswoman Melissa Schwartz didn't respond directly to that criticism but said in an email to The Associated Press that there has been "significant communications and partnership with tribes in Nevada." The federal government in early December published new guidance for dealing with sacred sites. While Falk and others are skeptical, they acknowledged the document speaks to concerns tribes have raised for decades. Among other things, the guidance says federal agencies should involve tribes as early as possible when planning projects to identify potential impacts to sacred sites and to determine whether mitigation measures can allay concerns. Agencies also should consult with tribes that attach significance to the project area, regardless of where they are located. It also suggests Indigenous knowledge should be on equal footing with other sciences and incorporated into the federal decision-making process. That knowledge can consist of practices, cultural beliefs and oral and written histories that tribes have developed over many generations. Justin C. Ahasteen, executive director of the Navajo Nation Washington (D.C.) Office, said the new guidance appears to have incorporated some of the recommendations made by tribal leaders but that it could have gone further. "If this guidebook increases transparency in the consultation process, we will take it as a win," Ahasteen said. "But ultimately the thing we all seek is for the federal government to acknowledge the necessity of tribal consent before changing rules that affect tribes." The problem, Falk said, is none of it is legally binding. "These kinds of documents function more as pacifying propaganda," he said. Western Shoshone Defense Project Director Fermina Stevens said the changes were "more 'lip service' for the government to deal with the 'Indian problem' in this new day and age of mineral extraction." Morgan Rodman, executive director of the White House Council on Native American Affairs, disagrees. He said the guidance is intended to serve as a springboard to improve engagement with tribes and that the administration will be aggressive with training to make sure employees have an understanding of what sacred sites are. "While change certainly doesn't happen overnight, it's part of a continuum of important policy statements part of the momentum we've been building the last three years," he said in an interview. Rodman made clear he wasn't referencing Thacker Pass, but some directives he highlighted have been key points of contention in that case. U.S. Judge Miranda Du in Reno twice ruled the tribe failed to prove the massacre occurred on the specific grounds of the mining project, or that far-flung tribes had a legal stake in the fight. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld her earlier ruling in July. The tribe says the government has ignored evidence that the land they consider sacred isn't limited to a specific site where the U.S. Calvary first attacked men, women and children as they slept. They cited newspaper accounts, diaries and a government surveyor's report documenting human skulls discovered along a miles-long escape route crossing the mine site where troops killed and scalped those who tried to flee. Tribal historic preservation officer Michon Eben said the whole stretch is an unmarked burial ground. Melendez said he's pleased Biden has promised to enhance consultation. But if federal agencies don't follow through, he said, "Well, it's just words that really don't mean anything to us." Polish farmers will suspend a protest at the border crossing with Ukraine at Medyka from Sunday, but truckers will continue blockades at three other crossings over Christmas and will allow even fewer trucks to pass than earlier, they said on Saturday. Polish drivers have been blocking several crossings with Ukraine since November 6, demanding the European Union reinstate a system whereby Ukrainian companies need permits to operate in the bloc, and the same for European truckers seeking to enter Ukraine. They were later joined by farmers who demanded government subsidies for corn and no hikes in taxes. Roman Kondrow, one of the leaders of the protesting farmers, said after talks with Agriculture Minister Czeslaw Siekierski that the protest in Medyka will be suspended from Sunday morning until Jan. 2 or 3, 2024, PAP news agency reported. However, truckers said they would stay on the border over Christmas and will let through only one commercial truck every three hours, instead of three every hour. "We are intensifying the protest, (allowing only) one truck every three hours," said Edyta Ozygaa, one of the leaders of the trucker's protest in Dorohusk, told Reuters, adding that the transport of humanitarian help and military equipment were not being blocked. Poland's deputy infrastructure minister said on Friday after a meeting in Kyiv that he hoped truckers' protests on the border with Ukraine could be resolved before the end of the year. Polish truckers resumed their blockade of one of the main crossings at the Ukrainian border this week after a short break. According to data from Poland's Customs office, the wait at the Dorohusk crossing was 77 hours on Saturday. In his nightly video address on Christmas Eve, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that this Christmas, the second in a row during Ukraines defensive war against Russia, the most important element for Ukrainian families, is not what dishes are on the table, but what people are at the table. And how precious it is to have them around. Zelenskyy remarked that Ukrainians values and wishes have changed since the onset of the war. How today it's not so much about how we decorate our homes, but rather how we protect them and clean up the mess, sweeping the enemy out of our home. How we rejoice at seeing the first star in the evening sky and not seeing enemy missiles and Shaheds in it, he said. For the first time since 1917, Ukraine is celebrating Christmas on December 25 instead of January 7, the date that Russia celebrates. Zelenskyy signed legislation moving the public Christmas Day holiday to Dec. 25 last July in response to Russias ongoing war in Ukraine. Moving the holiday reflects another Ukrainian cultural shift away from Russia. While both Ukraine and the West observe the Gregorian calendar, Russia still follows the Julian calendar for some religious practices. Kyivs switch is a sign of its continuing effort to align itself with Europe. Drone downings Ukrainian forces shot down all but one of 15 Russian drones launched from the eastern coast of the Sea of Azov at Ukraine overnight, the Ukrainian air force said on the Telegram messaging app. "As a result of air combat, Ukraines air force and defense forces destroyed 14 Shaheds in Mykolaiv, Kirovohrad, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipro and Khmelnytskyi regions," the Ukrainian air force said. Reuters could not independently verify the report. There was no immediate comment from Russia. No damage or casualties have been reported by military and civilian authorities. At least four people were killed, and nine others wounded in Russian shelling in the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson over the past 24 hours, regional authorities said Sunday. Russian troops fired 71 shells at Kherson, hitting the city center, residential areas, medical and educational institutions and "critical infrastructure facilities, Oleksandr Prokudin, the head of the regional military administration wrote on Telegram. Prokudin said an elderly couple in their 80s and a child were among the victims. Ukrainian forces recaptured Kherson following several months of Russian occupation in November last year, but Russian forces continue to shell the area. Ukraine officials had warned that Russia would likely step up its attacks on Ukraine this winter. Authorities had also cautioned that the attacks could be focused on damaging Ukraines energy infrastructure. There were 81 combat clashes on the front line over the past 24 hours, the General Staff of Ukraines armed forces said, claiming that Ukrainian troops repelled 17 Russian attacks near Kupyansk district of the Kharkiv region and 11 assaults near the Bakhmut area in Donetsk province. Our soldiers are firmly holding the defense in the Avdiivka area [in Donetsk province], inflicting significant losses to Russian forces, the General Staff said. There were no immediate comments by Russian authorities. Russia loses fighter jets Ukraine downed three Russian Su-34 fighter-bomber aircraft Friday on the southern front, hailing it as a success in Ukraines 22-month-old war against Russias invasion. "This week once again demonstrated the effectiveness of bolstering our air defense. It is not only for protecting cities and villages from Russian drones and missiles but also for front-line operations, Zelenskyy said in a video address adding that the capability to shoot down Russian fighter jets is one of the keys to ending this war justly. The fate of the Russian pilots and crew members was not immediately clear. The Russian military made no mention of the incident. Meanwhile, Ukrainian and Russian troops are both facing an adversary of another kind on the ground, the British Defense Ministry said Saturday in its daily intelligence update on Ukraine, noting there are exceptional levels of rat and mice infestation in some sectors of the front line. The rodents will likely seek shelter in vehicles and defensive positions, the ministry said, which could also affect soldiers morale, according to the report. The update said the jump in the rodent population is likely the result of this years mild autumn, along with ample food from fields left fallow due to the fighting. The British ministry also said the rodents could also gnaw the cables of military equipment, just as they did in the same region during World War II. Unverified reports indicate, the ministry said, that Russian troops are beginning to experience a growing number of cases of illness, which the Russian troops blame on the rodents. Some material for this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters. Sri Lanka's police announced Sunday the arrests of nearly 15,000 people during a weeklong, military-backed, anti-narcotics drive, a crackdown denounced by rights activists. Police said their operation, code-named "Yuktiya" or "Justice," led to the seizure of almost 440 kilograms of narcotics, including 272 kilograms of cannabis, 35 kilograms of hashish and 9 kilograms of heroin. Authorities believe the Indian Ocean island is being used as a drug trafficking transit point. A police statement said 13,666 suspects were arrested while nearly 1,100 addicts were detained and sent for compulsory rehabilitation at a military-run facility. Local media showed footage of police and soldiers using sniffer dogs to search homes in the capital and elsewhere. Police said raids will pause for the Christmas holidays as officers needed to be deployed on security-related duties, but will resume after Tuesday, which is a Buddhist holiday. Human rights lawyer Hejaaz Hizbullah said the police raids were illegal as they were conducted without search warrants and urged victims to get the details of officers to initiate legal action later. Rights activist Ambika Satkunanathan posted on social media that the searches were not based on evidence but were "targeting only poor areas." The police were arresting drug users and small-time dealers but "not focusing on large-scale traffickers," she added. Sri Lanka's biggest drug haul by weight was in December 2016, when police seized 800 kilograms of cocaine. A Japanese-owned chemical tanker struck Saturday off the coast of India was targeted by a drone "fired from Iran," the Pentagon said in a statement, a sign of expanding risks to commercial shipping beyond the Red Sea. The attack came amid a flurry of drone and missile strikes by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels on a vital Red Sea shipping lane. The attacks began after the start of the Israel-Hamas war, with the rebel group claiming to act in solidarity with Gaza. Saturday's attack took place around 10 a.m. local time (0600 GMT) and caused no casualties aboard the vessel, the Pentagon statement said, adding that a fire had been extinguished. The U.S. military "remains in communication with the vessel as it continues toward a destination in India," the statement said. The drone strike occurred 370 kilometers off the coast of India, it said, adding that no U.S. Navy vessels were in the vicinity. It was the first time the Pentagon has openly accused Iran of directly targeting ships since the start of Israel's war on the militant group Hamas, which is backed by Iran and is a designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S., U.K, EU and others. In an interview published Sunday, British Foreign Secretary David Cameron branded Iran a "malign influence" and pledged stepped-up deterrence toward Tehran. "Iran is a thoroughly malign influence in the region and in the world -- there's no doubt about that," he told the Sunday Telegraph newspaper. "You've got the Houthis, you've got Hezbollah, you've got the Iranian-backed militias in Iraq that have actually been attacking British and American bases, troops. And, of course, Hamas. "So you've got all of these proxies, and I think it's incredibly important that, first of all, Iran receives an incredibly clear message that this escalation will not be tolerated." The former British prime minister echoed accusations by the United States Friday that Iran is involved in attacks on commercial ships by Yemen's Houthi rebels, providing drones, missiles and tactical intelligence. The Pentagon statement said the MV Chem Pluto ship is flying under a Liberian flag and operated by a Dutch entity even though it is owned by a Japanese company. Ambrey, a maritime security firm, said the "chemical/products tanker ... was Israel-affiliated" and had been on its way from Saudi Arabia to India. The Wall Street Journal reported that the Dutch company operating the MV Chem Pluto "is connected to Israeli shipping tycoon Idan Ofer." The Indian navy said it had responded to a request for assistance. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the strike. Last month, an Israeli-owned cargo ship was hit in a suspected drone attack by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in the Indian Ocean, according to a U.S. official. The Malta-flagged vessel managed by an Israeli-affiliated company was reportedly damaged when the unmanned aerial vehicle exploded close to it, according to Ambrey. The Red Sea attacks on shipping since the start of the Israel-Hamas war have prompted major firms to reroute their cargo vessels around the southern tip of Africa, despite the higher fuel costs of much longer voyages. The United States has been joined by more than 20 countries, including the U.K., in setting up a multinational naval task force to protect Red Sea shipping. The Houthi rebels have launched more than 100 drone and missile attacks, targeting 10 merchant vessels involving more than 35 different countries, according to the Pentagon. On Saturday, an official in Iran's Revolutionary Guard warned of the forced closure of other waterways unless Israel halted its war with Hamas. "With the continuation of these crimes, America and its allies should expect the emergence of new resistance forces and the closure of other waterways," Mohammad Reza Naqdi said, quoted by Iran's Tasnim news agency. Among the waterways he mentioned was the Mediterranean Sea. He did not elaborate. The Turkish air force conducted airstrikes in northern Iraq and Syria on Saturday and destroyed 29 targets of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) after 12 soldiers were killed in the past two days in northern Iraq, the defense ministry said Saturday. The operations were conducted in northern Iraq and Syria at 10 p.m. local time and the targets hit included bases, shelters, and oil facilities believed to be used by PKK militants, the ministry said. It did not say which regions of northern Iraq and Syria it struck. Earlier Saturday, the defense ministry said that 12 Turkish soldiers had been killed in the past two days in clashes with PKK militants in northern Iraq. The military carried out operations on PKK targets and said it neutralized at least 16 PKK militants on Saturday in ongoing clashes, the ministry said in a statement. Turkey typically uses the term neutralized to mean killed. The ministry also said seven militants had been killed Friday. The PKK, designated a terrorist group by Turkey, the United States and the European Union, took up arms against the Turkish state in 1984. Turkey regularly carries out airstrikes in neighboring Iraq as part of its offensive against PKK militants based there. The screams were heard soon after the ailing boat emerged into view. On board were babies and children alongside mothers and fathers begging to be saved. The passengers were ethnic Rohingya Muslims who had fled surging gang violence and rampant hunger in the refugee camps of Bangladesh, only to find themselves adrift with a broken engine on the Andaman Sea. For a moment, it appeared their salvation had arrived in the form of another boat carrying Rohingya refugees that had pulled up alongside them. But those on board the other boat itself overloaded and beginning to leak knew if they allowed the distressed passengers onto their vessel, it would sink and all would die. They wanted to help, but they also wanted to live. Since November, more than 1,500 Rohingya refugees fleeing Bangladesh by boat have landed in Indonesia's northern province of Aceh three-quarters of them women and children. On Thursday, Indonesian authorities spotted another five boats approaching Aceh's coast. With so many Rohingya attempting the crossing in recent weeks, nobody knows how many boats did not make it, and how many people died. This account of two boats was told to The Associated Press by five survivors from the vessel that made it ashore. It provides the first clues into the fate of the boat carrying up to 200 Rohingya refugees that vanished weeks ago. On December 2, the United Nations refugee agency, the UNHCR, put out an urgent message about the two distressed boats and urged countries to look for them. But in the case of the boat that remains missing, it appears no one searched. From a beach near where they staggered ashore on December 10, the survivors told the AP of their harrowing journey. "I remember feeling that together, we would be finished. Together, we would sink. Together, we would drown," says 31-year-old Muhammed Jubair, who was among the 180 people on his boat to be rescued, along with his three children, wife and brother-in-law. The story of the missing boat and its passengers begins the way most Rohingya boat journeys do with tearful goodbyes in sweltering shelters in the camps of Bangladesh, where more than 750,000 Rohingya fled in 2017 following attacks by the military in their homeland of Myanmar. In one of those shelters, Noor Fatima clutched her 14-year-old brother, Muhammed Ansar, as he began to cry. The family hoped Ansar would get a job in Indonesia that could help support them. There were few alternatives: Bangladesh bans camp residents from working, so their survival depends on food rations, which were slashed this year. It was November 20, and Ansar would be making the trip with several relatives, including his 20-year-old cousin, Samira Khatun, and her 3-year-old son. As her brother left, Fatima told herself other boats had made it safely to Indonesia. Surely his would, too. The next day, Samira called Fatima's family, telling them they were aboard the boat. "We are on our way," she said. "Pray for us." Meanwhile, the boat Jubair and his family were on was chugging across the sea. Days into its journey, the passengers on Jubair's boat spotted Ansar and Samira's boat; its engine was broken, and water was seeping in. Those on Jubair's boat worried if they got too close, the people on the ailing vessel would jump onto their boat, sinking them all, says one of Jubair's fellow passengers, Rujinah, who goes by one name and was on board with five of her children. As Jubair's boat drew nearer, between 20 and 30 people began preparing to make the jump, says Zakir Hussain, another passenger. The captain of Jubair's boat shouted to those on the distressed vessel to stay put. Then he asked for a rope so he could tie the boats together and tow their boat behind his. Once tethered, the boats began moving through the water. Then, two or three nights later, a storm erupted. Pounding waves destroyed the engine on Jubair's vessel. It was then, the passengers on Jubair's boat say, that the ropes between the two vessels were severed. Jubair could hear the passengers on the other boat pleading for their lives. "They were crying and shouting loudly, 'Our ropes are broken! Our ropes are broken! Please help us!' But how could we help?" Jubair says. "We would die with them." The other boat vanished from view. For days, Jubair and his fellow passengers languished at sea, their food and water gone. Eventually, a plane spotted them, and a Navy ship arrived, delivering supplies. The vessel towed them into Indonesian waters and then left when their boat was close to land. That's when their captain and another crew member fled the vessel on a fishing boat, Jubair says. The abandoned passengers guided their battered boat to shore. Though they have no idea what their future holds, at least they are alive. They hope the passengers on the other boat are, too. "I feel very sad for them because we were in the same situation, and now we are safe," Hussain says. "We are just praying for that boat to find land and for the passengers to stay alive." Ann Maymann, the UNHCR's representative in Indonesia, urged regional governments to launch a search. "Here you have hundreds of people that are obviously distressed at the best and, at the worst, they are not even distressed any longer," Maymann told the AP. "Those nations in this region have fully capable and resourced search and rescue capacities." The governments of regional countries that the AP reached out to either did not respond to requests for comment or said they were unaware of the boat. Meanwhile, a familiar feeling of dread has crept into Bangladesh's camps, which last year mourned the loss of another boat carrying 180 people that an AP investigation concluded had sunk. Fatima struggles to sleep as she waits for news of Ansar, her brother. One way or another, she says, they just want answers. One night, she says, Ansar came to their mother in a dream and told her he was on an island. The family believes he is alive, somewhere. The United Nations warned Saturday that an Iranian-Swedish citizen is facing imminent execution in Iran after a Swedish court upheld the conviction of a former Iranian prison official. "Disturbing news that Dr. Ahmadreza Djalali could be shortly executed on charges of 'enmity against God,'" the U.N. human rights office said on X. Djalali was sentenced to death in 2017 on espionage charges that have been denounced as baseless by Stockholm and his supporters. Before his arrest in Iran in April 2016, Djalali was a visiting professor in disaster medicine at Vrije Universiteit Brussel, a Belgian research university. The U.N. rights office said his execution could take place soon "despite failures to respect fair trial and due process standards." "Iran must stop this execution, it said. Sweden's foreign ministry said that "the circumstances in which Ahmadreza Djalali had been detained make for a serious threat to his health." The comments came amid fears that a Swedish appeals court decision confirming the conviction of former Iranian prison official Hamid Noury could jeopardize the fate of several Swedish prisoners in Iran. Amnesty International warned Friday that Djalali in particular was "at grave risk of imminent retaliatory execution" after the court this week confirmed Noury's life sentence for crimes committed during a 1988 purge of dissidents. Noury, 62, was convicted of "grave breaches of international humanitarian law and murder" over his role in a purge that saw at least 5,000 prisoners killed across Iran. The crackdown is widely considered retaliation for attacks carried out by the People's Mujahedin of Iran (MEK), an exiled opposition group, at the end of the Iran-Iraq war. Sweden tried Noury under its principle of universal jurisdiction, which allows it to prosecute a case regardless of where the offences took place. Since the appeals verdict, "mounting evidence indicates that Iranian authorities are threatening to carry out Ahmadreza Djalali's execution in retaliation for their unmet demands to pervert the course of justice in Sweden," said Diana Eltahawy, Amnesty's deputy director for the Middle East and North Africa. "The cruel toying with Ahmadreza Djalali's life immediately after a Swedish court of appeals upheld (Noury's) conviction and life sentence... heightens concerns that Iranian officials are holding Ahmadreza Djalali hostage to compel Sweden into a prisoner swap," she said in a statement. Iran has previously used detained foreigners as bargaining chips to secure the release of its citizens abroad, and Swedish media reports have also speculated about the possibility of a prisoner swap. Djalali is not the only Swede being held in Iran. EU diplomat Johan Floderus, 33, was arrested in Iran in April 2022 -- as Noury's lower court trial was underway in Stockholm -- and has now been held for more than 600 days. Floderus' trial opened in Iran this month, with Tehran accusing him of conspiring with Israel and of "corruption on Earth" -- one of Iran's most serious offences, which carries a maximum penalty of death. The U.N. rights office said Saturday that a "moratorium on all death sentences is urgently required" in Iran. According to rights groups, Iran executes more people per year than any other nation except China. In a November report, the Norway-based Iran Human Rights group said the country had executed more than 600 people so far this year, the highest figure in eight years. Amnesty said Friday that Iran had "recently embarked on another alarming executions spree, executing at least 115 people in November 2023 alone." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has told Americans his country is fighting for our freedom and yours as he made an impassioned for Congress to approve more assistance to fight Russias invasion. But prospects for additional U.S. aid to Ukraine are seriously delayed, if not in grave doubt, despite his whirlwind diplomacy in Washington on Tuesday. After hours of talks on Capitol Hill, Zelenskyy spent more time at the White House meeting with President Joe Biden and his aides about the way forward. As Zelenskyy wrapped up his two-day visit to Washington, it was unclear if he was able to shake up the political stalemate over aid. Nearly 7,000 miles away in Portland, Oregon, venture capitalist George Djuric said he was compelled to visit Israel during the country's war with Palestinian militant group Hamas and to pledge support for the high-tech sector. Djuric, chief technology officer at yVentures who arrived in the United States as a 3-year-old refugee from Bosnia during the Bosnian war in the mid-1990s, this week joined some 70 other U.S. tech executives and investors on a trip to Israel. "Coming here is a chance to stand in solidarity with Israel and also support the tech ecosystem, which is the world's second largest after Silicon Valley," he said. "As a technology fund, it makes sense for us to be here." Although not Jewish, Djuric said he was drawn to Israel by the state's resiliency and as someone whose family's views were shaped by war. "I was horrified by what happened on October 7 and I was equally horrified the next day when I saw people demonstrating in support of what happened," he said, referring to the October 7 attack on Israel launched by Hamas. Investors and analysts had predicted the conflict with the Palestinians would derail a fragile recovery in high-tech, which accounts for more than half of Israel's exports and nearly a fifth of its overall economic output. Funding had already dropped sharply amid a global slowdown and a divisive government judicial overhaul when the war took its toll on the economy. Growth, on pace for a 3.4% clip this year, has fallen to an expected 2% with the outlook at least as grim. At least 15% of the tech workforce has been called up for military reserve duty. Yet, even as the war rages, tech funding deals are still getting done, albeit at a slower pace. Startups have raised more than $6 billion in 2023 compared with $16 billion in 2022. On Tuesday, ScaleOps, a startup specializing in cloud resource management, announced a $21.5 million funding round. Last week, cyber startup Zero Networks, which prevents attackers from spreading in corporate networks, raised $20 million. 'Long-term bullish on Israel' Ron Miasnik, of Bain Capital Ventures who co-organized the delegation, said he had expected Israeli startups to go on drawing large sums. He said he believed the country's economy would ultimately bounce back. "It doesn't matter to us whether the economic rebound takes three months, six months, nine months or 12 months," he said. "We're long-term bullish on Israel." Miasnik said the idea of the trip emerged from watching other solidarity groups, such as religious ones. "We felt the (U.S.) tech and the venture capital community, which is so heavily integrated within Israel, was missing," he said. Initially, it was supposed to be just 15 people but, he said, hundreds of people showed interest. They included CEOs and senior executives of U.S.-based tech and VC funds from Meetup.com, Apollo, TPG, Susquehanna Growth Equity, Mastercard, John Deere and Harvard University's endowment investment fund. In addition to meeting local investors and startups, they met Israeli leaders and families of hostages still held captive in Gaza and toured border towns hit by the October 7 attack. Bain has a number of investments in Israel, including Redis Labs, in which the fund has invested more than $100 million, and cybersecurity firm Armis, and Miasnik said he was seeking to add more Israeli cybersecurity startups to its portfolio. Similarly, Danny Schultz, managing director of New York-based Gotham Ventures said he was looking to invest in 10 to 20 Israeli growth stage startups, mainly in fintech, in the next three to five years. "At the point that Israeli CEOs need more capital, they also need relationships across the ocean in the U.S. and Europe to really help build their companies," he said. Joy Marcus co-founded a new VC fund called The 98 and only invests in "women-led technology businesses that are disrupting industry." "I am tortured by the war. ... So I am here to support Israel first and foremost," she said. "And I am also very interested in investing in some Israeli women." The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. Israel continues its military operations against Hamas and its allies ahead of one of Christianitys major holidays. But in the United States, officials warn of heightened threats due to the conflict in Gaza. VOAs Arash Arabasadi has the story. Western embassies in the Democratic Republic of Congo urged restraint on Saturday after leading opposition members called this week's election a sham, with some calling for it to be annulled. Five opposition leaders called in a joint statement for a protest march on Wednesday. One election officer meanwhile said late voting in a few places in the country's far east had been authorized for Sunday. In a joint statement Saturday, 12 European embassies in the capital, Kinshasa, along with the Canadian embassy, called for calm. "So long as the vote count is continuing, we call on all the parties involved ... to show restraint," they wrote. The U.S. embassy issued a similar call on Friday. About 44 million people in the nation of 100 million were registered to vote, with more than 100,000 candidates running for various positions. President Felix Tshisekedi, 60, is running for reelection against 18 opposition candidates. The sheer scale of the DRC, which is roughly the size of continental Western Europe, and its dire infrastructure make elections a stark logistical challenge. Massive delays and bureaucratic chaos marred the vote on Wednesday, with election authorities struggling to transport voting materials to polling stations on time. Some stations were unable to open at all. Protests, fraud allegations Officially, the country's Independent National Electoral Commission, CENI, extended the vote until Thursday for stations that had been unable to open on polling day. But ballots were still being cast on Saturday in remote areas, according to some officials, in a sign of continuing difficulties. Macaire Kambau Sivikunula, an election official in the North Kivu region in the east of the country, told AFP that CENI had granted special permission for five voting stations to open on Sunday for voting. Failure to get the voting up and running on schedule had led to death threats against him, his family and other election officials, he said. Five opposition leaders said in a statement Saturday that they were organizing a protest march for next Wednesday. They included gynecologist Denis Mukwege, the 2018 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and former oil executive Martin Fayulu. "We will protest against the irregularities noted during the voting operations," they wrote in a letter to the governor of Kinshasa, where they plan to hold the march. Five other opposition candidates, including business magnate and former provincial governor Moise Katumbi, released a separate statement calling for the vote to be annulled, saying it had been marred by "massive fraud." 'Serious irregularities' The poor but mineral-rich central African nation held four concurrent polls on Wednesday to elect the president, lawmakers for national and provincial assemblies, and local councilors. CENI on Friday evening released presidential results from the Congolese diaspora, which represents a minuscule proportion of the electorate, indicating a provisional lead for Tshisekedi. The release of other results expected on Saturday was postponed until Sunday. Results from the DRC's 26 provinces are expected to start being released next. Tshisekedi is considered the front-runner in the first-past-the-post presidential election, especially given that the opposition is divided. The African Union, which conducted an observation mission, said the poll had taken place in an atmosphere of calm but noted major logistical challenges. Election observers from the U.S.-based Carter Center noted "serious irregularities" at 21 out of 109 polling stations it visited. On Saturday, a team of Congolese civil society observers called Regard Citoyen reported that in 21% of the polling stations it observed, would-be voters were turned away illegally. But in 13% of polling stations, people either without voting cards or not listed on the voter rolls were allowed to cast ballots, it said. The Congolese government and CENI have both rejected accusations that the vote was chaotic. CENI also announced an inquiry into "acts of violence, vandalism and sabotage carried out by certain ill-intentioned candidates." Maria de Lourdes Ortiz Zacarias swiftly cuts hundreds of strips of newsprint and colored crepe paper needed to make a pinata, soothed by Norteno music on the radio while measuring pieces by feel. "The measurement is already in my fingers," Ortiz Zacarias says with a laugh. She has been doing this since she was a child, in the family-run business alongside her late mother, who learned the craft from her father. Pinatas haven't been displaced by more modern customs, and her family has been making a living off them into its fourth generation. Ortiz Zacarias calls it "my legacy, handed down by my parents and grandparents." Business is steady all year, mainly with birthday parties, but it really picks up around Christmas. That's because pinatas are interwoven with Christian traditions in Mexico. There are countless designs these days, based on everything from Disney characters to political figures. But the most traditional style of pinata is a sphere with seven spiky cones, which has a religious origin. Each cone represents one of the seven deadly sins: lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy and pride. Hitting the papier-mache globe with a stick is a symbolic, with the added advantage of releasing the candy within. Pinatas weren't originally filled with candy, nor made mainly of paper. Grandparents in Mexico can remember a time a few decades ago when pinatas were clay pots covered with paper and filled with hunks of sugar cane, fruits and peanuts. The treats were received quite gladly, though falling pieces of the clay pot posed a bit of a hazard. But the tradition goes back even further. Some say pinatas can be traced back to China, where papermaking originated. In Mexico, they were apparently brought by the Spanish conquerors, but may also replicate pre-Hispanic traditions. Spanish chronicler Juan de Grijalva wrote that pinatas were used by Augustine monks in the early 1500s at a convent in the town of Acolman, just north of Mexico City. The monks received written permission from Pope Sixtus V for holding a year-end Mass as part of the celebration of the birth of Christ. But the Indigenous population already celebrated a holiday around the same time to honor the god of war, Huitzilopochtli. And they used something similar to pinatas in those rites. The pre-Hispanic rite involved filling clay jars with precious cocoa seeds the stuff from which chocolate is made and then ceremonially breaking the jars. "This was the meeting of two worlds," said Walther Boelsterly, director of Mexico City's Museum of Popular Art. "The pinata and the celebration were used as a mechanism to convert the native populations to Catholicism." Pinatas are also used in Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Chile, Peru, Puerto Rico and Venezuela, mainly at children's parties. The pinata hasn't stood still. Popular figures this year range from Barbie to Spider-Man. Ortiz Zacarias' family makes some new designs most of the year, but around Christmas they return to the seven-pointed style, because of its longstanding association with the holiday. The family started their business in Acolman, where Ortiz Zacarias' mother, Romana Zacarias Camacho, was known as "the queen of the pinatas" before her death. Ortiz Zacarias' 18-year-old son, Jairo Alberto Hernandez Ortiz, is the fourth generation to take up the centuries-old craft. "This is a family tradition that has a lot of sentimental value for me," he said. Yemen's internationally recognized government has welcomed U.N.-led efforts to end the country's civil war after the warring parties committed to take steps towards a cease-fire. The Arabian Peninsula's poorest country has been gripped by conflict since the Iran-backed Houthi rebels overran Sanaa in 2014, triggering a Saudi-led military intervention in support of the government the following year. A U.N.-brokered cease-fire brought a sharp reduction in hostilities in April 2022. The truce expired in October last year, though fighting largely remains on hold. On Saturday, the U.N. special envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, said the two sides had committed to a new cease-fire and to engage in a U.N.-led peace process. The Yemeni government said later it "welcomed the statement issued by the Special Envoy... regarding the efforts made to reach a roadmap under the auspices of the United Nations to end the war." The government, in a statement released late Saturday, also "expressed its thanks" to Saudi Arabia and Oman for their efforts to advance the peace process. Ahmed Nagi, a senior analyst at the International Crisis Group think tank, said the United Nations would play the leading role in the process. Its announcement "frames the progress made in negotiations over the past months", he told AFP. It signals that the "U.N. now leads the negotiations, with the Saudis stepping back and allowing the U.N. to handle future political deals", he said. Saudi Arabia is pushing to extricate itself from the conflict, despite slim hopes of a lasting peace. Many analysts are pessimistic that Riyadh's plans for a downsized military role will bring peace to Yemen, which remains deeply fractured along religious, regional and political lines. Estonian Interior Minister Lauri Laanemets (see photo), member of the social democratic party, said he was willing to detain Ukrainian immigrants aged 25 to 60 and deport them to Ukraine, to be enrolled in the Kiev army. To this end, the Ukrainian parliament is about to adopt a bill that will force Ukrainian male migrants to report to Ukrainian embassies in order to be mobilized. The number of men willing to serve in Kievs army has dropped so much that the average age of Ukrainian conscripts is now 43 years old. Editors note: Almost two years into the war, Gazette Photo Editor Christian Murdock has traveled to Ukraine to capture the struggle of a generation. For the next couple of weeks, his images and stories aim to better connect us to the plight of a people not so far away. LVIV, Ukraine Valentyn Bordun was focusing on finishing medical school when the Russians invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022. The 24-year-old had one final exam left. Meanwhile, the Lviv railroad station was overflowing with refugees escaping the war in eastern Ukraine. More than 60,000 refugees traveled through the station every day in the early months. In the first couple days, I saw lots of people scared, trying to get help, money, Bordun said Monday, Dec. 18, 2023, from the railroad station. I asked myself what can I do? How can I be useful? Bordun and 15 other students from the Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University decided to volunteer at the station. The nonprofit Ptaha Bird of Ukraine was born. Within four months, the list of volunteers had grown from 16 to 2,000. Some came from as far away as Colorado, Bordun said. They provide medical help and crisis counseling, food and diapers along with assistance to refugees needing to replace lost documents. People were depressed, Bordun said. They didnt have a house, had to leave their pets behind. Everyone was fighting to survive. One of the survivors stories still haunts him. Sign up for free: News Alerts Stay in the know on the stories that affect you the most. Sign Up For Free View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. Bordun found a 9-year-old girl waiting in the train station with her 16-year-old brother. She was crying and wouldnt speak to anyone. After two days of silence, he approached her again. She began to tell Bordun of her first memories of war. She was in a park near their Kyiv home. She was with her mother, friends and other children. She and her friends were playing in the playground when a rocket hit, decapitating one of her close friends. She was hysterically crying, Bordun said. The eyes of child seeing those pictures are too hard. Their mother had put them on the train in Kyiv to escape the war. Their father was joining the Ukrainian army and her mother had to stay behind. They planned to meet their grandmother in Poland. Bordun said he doesnt know if the children made it to Poland or found their grandmother. I feel Im doing something right, Bordun said. Feel empty when I cant do anything. I get the inner strength from other people. The war has changed him. When I compare myself to me before the war and now, Im two different people, Bordun said. Before I wanted to make money. Now I just want to be helpful. Now I just ask myself what can I do to help other? He added: Ill volunteer until the end of the war. Its a lifestyle and its a family. Recipes What do you want to cook today? That divide exists not only in Australia, but within the Coalition itself. Standing a few feet from Forrest that night is Matt Kean, the NSW state Liberal MP and former climate change and energy minister. He is in Dubai with a group of mostly state conservative MPs who want to see the Coalition embrace stronger climate policies. Nuclear, he says that night, would simply take too long to deploy in Australia, even if it was worth the cost. Not on board that night in Dubai was federal Liberal MP Ted OBrien, climate change and energy spokesman, who was in town with a second group of Coalition representatives that was in town to voice their support for nuclear energy. OBrien addressed a side-event at the COP co-sponsored by the group Coalition for Conservation and the World Nuclear Association, an industry lobby. There he told an audience of around 20 that should the Coalition win power he would end the ban on nuclear energy in Australia and sign the 22 nation pledge. He had little to say about the pledge signed by 120 nations to triple renewable energy and double energy efficiency. The Coalition is moving ever closer to nuclear power as being its central policy response to both climate change the pressing need to replace ageing coal-fired power stations. It favours small modular reactors (SMR), a nascent technology not yet in commercial use that would deliver far smaller facilities than the traditional, large scale nuclear power plants operating around the world. Loading But evidence continues to mount that it is neither the cheapest nor fastest solution to either problem. The CSIRO on Thursday released findings that helped fill a glaring information gap on the costs of clean energy and responded to mounting criticisms by the federal opposition and the nuclear industry of the governments focus on renewables. The top science agencys GenCost report showed that a grid supplied almost entirely by wind and solar produces cheaper energy than one that included coal power, or nuclear reactors now, and would continue to do so for decades to come. Previous GenCost reports have been criticised for not incorporating the costs of tens of billions of dollars of transmission lines needed to link the growing fleet of wind and solar farms across the country to population centres. But the latest findings included more than $30 billion of new transmission lines and projects to provide back up power when the wind isnt blowing and the sun isnt shining such as the $12 billion Snowy 2.0 pumped hydro project. GenCost uses the metric known as the levelised cost of electricity. This is how much it costs for a power plant to generate electricity, which includes capital expenditure as well as the revenue required to create a return on investment. It showed that a mix of wind and solar power in 2023 would generate electricity for $90 to $134 per megawatt hour. This cost range is projected to fall to a $70 to $100 by 2030 with renewables generating 90 per cent of the grids electricity. Coal generation is more expensive, even without the cost of transmission lines to link the power stations to the grid, costing between $110 and $220 per megawatt hour in 2023. This price drops slightly to a range of $85 to $135 in 2030. CSIRO updated its findings on electricity generation from SMRs, using US company NuScales, which developed the worlds most advanced commercial SMR project in Utah, which in November copped a 70 per cent blowout in project costs. Loading CSIRO found that were SMR technology available today it would generate electricity at a cost of $380 to $640 a megawatt hour. This marked an increase from its July projections for SMRs to generate electricity at between $200 and $350 per megawatt hour. CSIRO said SMR costs would fall as the technology develops, with a projected cost of $210 to $350 a megawatt hour of electricity generation in 2030. Again using NuScale as a guide, CSIRO said its 15-year development pipeline for its Utah project indicated Australia could not feasibly expect to have a functioning SMR before 2038. This timeline is backed by Australias former chief scientist, Alan Finkel, who said in August it was highly unlikely Australia could open a nuclear power plant before the early 2040s, pointing out the autocratic United Arab Emirates took more than 15 years to complete its first nuclear plant using established technology. In a further challenge to establishing a nuclear power industry in Australia, the CSIRO addressed the argument that Australia should follow the lead of countries like France, UK, US, Canada, Spain and South Korea, which power their electricity grids with traditional large scale nuclear plants. It said claims of cheap nuclear power in these countries are ignoring the fact that these plants were either funded by taxpayers, or have been in operation for a considerable time over which the capital costs have already been recovered Such prices will not be available to countries that do not have existing nuclear generation such as Australia, GenCost said. A global trend The CSIROs analysis echoes other international research showing that the nuclear industry continues to shrink as it is undercut by newer technologies. This years World Nuclear Industry Status Report - an annual 500-page survey of the global industry by a nuclear-sceptical think tank based in France finds that nuclears share of global energy capacity continues to shrink as the cost of its renewable competitors rapidly falls. The WNISR found that last year for the first time nuclears share of power generation fell below 10 per cent of total gross electricity generation for the first time since the 1980s, accounting for just 9.2 per cent. It said that there was little prospect that small modular reactors would reverse the trend over the few years the world has left to arrest greenhouse gas emissions in line with climate goals set at the COPs. The international media continues to provide large-scale coverage of early, often vague developments of Small Modular Reactor designs, despite no significant progress on the ground to report at least not outside China and Russia with no startups, no construction starts, not even a design certification, says the report. And the report says most countries underestimate the cost of nuclear power by failing to include the expense of decommissioning nuclear power plants and liabilities for accidents in their estimates of the cost of nuclear energy. Nuclear, it says, is the most expensive form of power. It cited analysis last updated in April by Lazard, one of the oldest banks in the world, suggesting that the unsubsidised average electricity generating costs of utility scale solar between 2009 and 2022 declined by around 84 per cent to $US60 ($89) per megawatt hour. For wind power the fall was 63 per cent. Nuclear increased by 46 per cent to $US180 per MWh. Battlelines So far the opposition is unmoved by these arguments and is sticking with its advocacy for nuclear and against new renewables. Responding to the CSIRO report on Thursday OBrien claimed Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen had misrepresented it. As an author of the report, CSIRO, has confirmed, GenCost considers only costs to investors, not consumers, he said. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton is calling for the government to halt the rollout of new energy transmission lines amid a farmer backlash over land access. He is also campaigning against offshore wind projects, warning they will blight coastal views and disrupt whale migrations. Along with OBrien, Dutton is calling for nuclear power to be added to the nations energy mix, with SMRs deployed on the site of closed coal plants to provide backup for wind and solar and generation. Equally, the government is digging in. A wind farm in Western Australia. Credit: Foresight Group It is telling that when OBrien was set to speak at his side event at COP one government official went out of his way to ensure Australian media knew where and when the event was to be held on the sprawling Dubai campus. Asked about the oppositions for nuclear at the event Bowen was unequivocal, saying that even if nuclear was affordable it could not be deployed in Australia before coal plants retire and emissions reductions targets need to be met. I dont have time for distractions. We have 73 months between now and 2030. Even the National Party and the Liberal Party now, apparently, accept that a nuclear power station in Australia could not open by 2030. David Littleproud says we can start in 2045 or something, that weve got time. We dont have time. Hes wrong. Hes wrong on reliability. He is wrong on the climate. He is dead, plain wrong. Australians are in the dark about whether their Christmas lunch has been ethically sourced because of a lack of regulation on imported seafood, which makes up more than two-thirds of the countrys supply. Poor practices by international shipping fleets have caused the number of overfished stocks to triple in the past 50 years, according to the United Nations, while the International Labour Organization has listed forced labour and human trafficking as a severe problem in the industry. Sydney Fish Markets Innovation and Technical Manager Erik Poole. Credit: Dion Georgopoulos Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt said seafood caught via illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing is making its way into Australia. While Australia already combats IUU fishing including through licensing and enforcement, monitoring control and surveillance, and regional and multilateral action, we do not have a national import control scheme to prevent IUU fishing product from entering the country, he said. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has wished all Australians a Merry Christmas while paying tribute to those who are giving up their day to help others. For so many Australians, this is a chance to rest, Albanese said in his Christmas message on Sunday. To spend time with our family, catch up with friends, and to cherish the memories of those no longer with us. Christmas was also a holy time, he said. Albanese expressed his gratitude to everyone giving up their Christmas for the sake of others. In particular, our emergency personnel and Australian Defence Force members, whether here or overseas, our medical workers and our hospitality [workers] and those who give up for others through charities. Former foreign minister Marise Payne has told an audience in the United States that the disastrous exit from Afghanistan is the single foreign policy decision that plagues her daily. Payne was foreign minister when the Biden administration executed the decision made by the former Trump White House to exit Afghanistan. The Western-backed president Ashraf Ghani fled allowing the Taliban to saunter back into Kabul and seize control, two decades after their repressive regime was ousted by the US-led Western coalition. Former foreign and defence minister Marise Payne at the ORFs annual America dinner in Washington DC. Credit: YouTube/Observer Research Foundation Despite speculation the Taliban might take a moderate stance upon its return to control, it went on to reimpose strict controls on women and girls, banning them from work and education opportunities they had enjoyed under the security of the US-led coalition and forcing them to wear full face coverings. Cleaning and whitewashing Cleaning the humble abode dates back to pre-Christianity and was generally carried out before the Winter Solstice when daylight hours diminish fast in the dead of winter. With the arrival of Christianity, the tradition was seen as a proper preparation to welcome Mary, Joseph and the new-born baby, Jesus. Necessary repairs to the thatch roof might also take place. Whitewashing (white lime and water mix) applied by a large brush (inside and outside) was very common in pre-1960s Ireland. It was bright, cheery and considered healthy. December 8th December 8th was the day when generally folk began to prepare for Christmas. It was also a big market day in most local towns for selling geese and turkeys. My mother knew her turkeys - hens and cocks individually. She had an ouncel to weigh them and their legs were tied with a light strip of cloth cut from an old apron to restrain them from flying hither and thither! The turkeys yielded a valuable seasonal bounty which supplemented the weekly egg money obtained from the travelling shop. The 'Christmas Box' Richard Langans travelling shop was famous all over a vast region of West Mayo. As a thanksgiving gesture for a years trade, shops were expected to provide their customers with a 'Christmas Box'. It usually contained tea, sugar, a fruit cake, a candle, perhaps jelly, custard, walnut plug or bendigo tobacco for the man of the house if he was a pipe smoker or a packet of ten Woodbines, Aftons or Players for Cigarette smokers. The 'Christmas Box' might also contain an apple or an orange and a threepenny thin bar of Cadburys milk chocolate for the children. It was the cause of great consternation to a customer if they didnt get a 'Christmas Box' from the local shop. Knock's village cat took up residence in the parish crib in 2019. Picture: Sinead Mallee The Big Shopping Some days after selling the turkeys, mother would take out her Raleigh bicycle. Castlebar, our local town, roughly 14 miles away was her destination. In late evening, she returned home having walked many hills with two huge well-laden shopping bags on the handlebars and a white string secured bundle or large box tied on the carrier. Often the first question she would be met with in the evening was Where were you all day?" (!) The Postman and the Parcels The Postman was always a welcome sight at Christmas. There might be dollars in a blue envelope from the USA or, glory be to God, a parcel! Parcels were hugely valued and were a cause of great excitement for the family that received them. They always aroused the curiosity of the Postman who delivered it as well. Postmen were usually great characters and people always gave them a dram from 'the priests bottle' as a gesture of thanks. At Christmas, it would be usual to see the local postman struggling on a hill with his bicycle going east to west and the cap on his greying head going north to south or visa versa. Christmas Cakes Some weeks before Christmas, mother would buy cut fruit, mixed peel, treacle, currants, raisins and all the ingredients necessary for making Christmas cakes. The oven would nestle in a bed of hot coals until the cake rose and was deemed baked. Passing by it was hard to resist giving it a big pinch as it cooled on the griddle! Candle at the window This is one of the well-observed of Irish Christmas traditions. A large red candle used to be placed inside a window as a sign of welcome for Mary and Joseph on Christmas Eve. These days it is common to see artificial candles, usually electrically or battery operated, in all the windows of dwelling houses throughout the whole festive season. Holly Berry laden holly remains a popular adornment in many houses. It dates back to times past when our ancestors would have decorated their humble homes with this lovely native evergreen bush, laden with its rich red berries. It is still one of my favourite pre-Christmas tasks to source the beloved holly. The Crib Many Irish mothers created a real Christmas crib with Jesus, Mary and Joseph figurines. A big debate often followed on where to place the shepherds, the sheep and the donkey and the three wise men. Ivy provided a surround; the star went over head and straw provided the bedding for our saviour. The grounds of Ballintubber Abbey feature a beautiful crib in an underground cave each Christmas. Going to midnight mass in the Kerry Mountains in the 19th century. Picture: Hulton Archive/Getty Images Midnight Mass Attending Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve was probably the most widely practised of all Irish Christmas traditions. Usually, the church was crammed with the largest single congregation of the year and it was a particularly social occasion. Families wearing their very best newly-purchased clothing came together for the holiday to meet friends and neighbours that they may not have seen for a whole year. The Midnight Mass has been brought forward to 8 or 9 pm on Christmas Eve in many parishes as some clergy frowned on clients who congregated at the back of the church. Some had just left the pub and showed signs of tipsiness with loud conversation and the odd hiccup! Christmas Morning The best time for children if all is well in the family home is Christmas Morning. This is when they wake up early and open their shiny new presents that apparently arrived down the chimney in Santas red sack strewn over the great mans shoulder! HoHoHo There is great excitement for children as they boast who woke up the earliest and found the gifts that Santa has left under the Christmas tree. Christmas Dinner Christmas dinner traditionally comprises a roast turkey, potatoes Brussel sprouts and vegetables etc. Quite often this is followed by trifle, mince pies, Christmas pudding and Christmas cake and a choice of alcoholic drinks or minerals. The heartburn and indigestion will come later in the afternoon and a spoon of bread soda is a reliable traditional cure! Children in Ireland celebrate St Stephen's Day circa 1955. Picture: George Pickow/Three Lions/Hulton Archive/Getty Images St Stephens Day and Wren Boys December 26th is celebrated as the feast of Saint Stephen. He is the first Christian martyr to be so honoured. A notable element of this day was the custom in which groups of mostly young men with a captive wren went from house to house reciting rhymes, singing or playing music. The Wren Boys tradition is to be found throughout much of Ireland, especially Kerry and the western seaboard. The Wren boys are diminishing fast as the Halloween tradition of 'Trick or Treat' has gained international popularity. It is seemingly no longer popular or cool to go from door to door reciting: The Wrenthe wren, the king of all birds, St Stephen' Day was caught in the furs! Up with the kettle and down with the pan and give me some money to honour the wren. 'The boys of Barr na Sraide a hunting for the Wren' is a wonderful old Irish ballad. Throughout some areas of Ulster, and to a lesser degree parts Leinster, Wren Boys are replaced by Mummers and Rhymers which is another wonderful ancient custom dating back to the earliest times. Public Decorations Most villages, towns, and cities decorate the streets with holy symbols, lights and a large lit-up Christmas tree. These are usually located in the heart of the community such as in Ballyheane village, which has a magnificent annual lighting display. Churches build cribs to display the birth of Jesus and the arrival of the three wise men. Families at home and abroad exchange Christmas cards in the weeks leading up to Christmas though now electronic mail is quickly taking over and the cost of posting cards is almost prohibitive. Nollaig na mBan Little Christmas or Womens Christmas - this custom came into being during a time when the running of a family home was mainly left to the women of the house. Over the Christmas period, a lot of work would go into cooking, decorating and keeping everyone clothed, warm and fed. On January 6th, the household tasks would pass to the menfolk and the women would meet up with friends, perhaps have a deoch and exchange news and views. Modern Traditions Christmas Carols, Christmas Day Swims, Horse Racing (King George Chase) on St Stephenss Day, the Panto Season (Ireland's premier Panto takes place in the Gaiety Theatre, Dublin every year) and Past v Present GAA novelty club matches are all fairly new modern traditions that appeal to the masses. The old customs and traditions are disappearing fast as technology, social media, robots, smart phones and modern gadgetry rule our lives. How very lucky are we (auld wanes and good old boys!) to have experienced humble expectation and the real joy of 'simple things' in times past. Final legislation on the use of e-scooters is hoped to be confirmed over the coming months. Mayo Co Council's road safety officer Gary Smyth said e-scooters are a new introduction to the transport system in Ireland and there have been four fatalities from them nationally so far in 2023. Mr Smyth said there are problems with them in Mayo but the council is currently awaiting final legislation on the use of e-scooters following a recent convention in Dublin, which would enforce a speed limit of 20km/h, no driving e-scooters on a footpath, a helmet to be worn, a minimum size of the e-scooters wheels, to be 16 years or older to operate an e-scooter and there is to be no passengers on the scooter. Cllr John OMalley said there have been several accidents on e-scooters, with a man in Castlebar recently killed after falling off an e-scooter. Cllr Damien Ryan said the sooner the new rules are published the better and then it is down to enforcement. It is currently not possible to tax or insure e-scooters for use in a public place. Look, Daddy, Teacher says every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings. If you remember that scene from the ending of Its a Wonderful Life, Frank Capras 1946 classic, it will certainly make you smile. The title is well chosen its a wonderful movie for sure. The story unfolds like A Christmas Carol, except this time the lead character is the very opposite of Scrooge: a man who does not need redemption but reminding. That lead character is George Bailey, a small-town man despairing of life who realises over Christmas with a little help from that angel in need of wings that his life is full of worth and meaning. With the one and only Jimmy Stewart in the lead, we are drawn into George Baileys story, hoping (no matter how many times we have seen it) that all will work out in the end. In tracing the disappointments and missed opportunities of life, Stewart portrays a classic everyman: the authenticity is the appeal. Orson Welles once said that he decided not to follow other actors in imitating Jimmy Stewart because, he said, "to imitate him is all we could do". This season is made for watching such classics and admiring such classic actors. And it gives us that bit of time we need to do it. The pace of modern life is one reason we need the Christmas season to slow down. A second is that the addiction to smartphones and iPads has wrecked the capacity of so many to just sit down and watch something from start to finish. American actor Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka in 'Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory', directed by Mel Stuart, 1971. Picture: Silver Screen Collection/Hulton Archive/Getty Images Pressing pause was meant to refer to the break you took when you watched a movie: now it is what you do on Netflix when you want to check your phone after the opening credits. This season is a good time for old traditions, so maybe this is the time of year to put away the phone and the remote and just watch something, from beginning to end, with no distractions other than what the plot throws up. We stand on good, old, traditional ground when we do that. The Christmas movie is at the heart of our west of Ireland Christmases Past, a ritual which when shared with family is at least as important as the dinner, the tinsel and the tree. Gathered around the fire, bellies full and treats in full flow, it is a happy time and one to savour. Christmas movies and Christmas memories are close neighbours. How well I can remember them from growing up in the 1980s. Planning what to watch took up as much time as the watching itself, and how I looked forward to that debate, starting with the publication of the Christmas movie schedule, where the encyclopaedia was the RTE Guide. That magazine was produced in vast quantities for this was a time when no self-respecting house could go without it at Christmas. Many hands would thumb it and sets of eyes would devour it. There were lots to see but the main item was always clear: movies. They came in types: blockbusters showing for the first time on terrestrial TV; the feel-good Christmas movies; movies that were not for young ones (which young eyes most carefully sought out). Regardless of which type, there were always rows about which ones would be shown on the big days of Christmas. When you were the youngest you could not rely on strength of will to win the debate, but a loose lip might help. Oh, the emotional tools that were used would have kept many a film screenwriter in clover! That dynamic got only fiercer as the 1980s wore on. It had been altogether simpler to choose when there was only RTE in the house, but by then a new technology was changing the dial. The TV deflector system was a window on the world long before the internet. It was a Christmas present that every house wanted. Governments would fall over proposed restrictions to it. Access to one of those complex-looking aerials widened our horizons and increased the intensity of those rows about what to watch. For with the BBC, UTV and (God forgive us our sins) Channel 4 to choose from, there was real competition, with new ideas and new movies deflected into our homes. Younger readers cannot in their always-on smartphone haze discern what it meant to get the BBC back in the west of Ireland of the 1980s. There were perhaps more extreme parallels elsewhere. In old communist East Germany, there were two regions where you couldnt access West German television. Those low-lying regions were collectively referred to by fellow East Germans as the Valley of the Clueless. There was a touch of that for any house in our part of the world that did not yet have the BBC. Westport photographer Frank Dolan was in Leenane in 1989 for the filming of the iconic Irish movie 'The Field' and captured this brilliant image of Richard Harris taking a break from playing the part of 'The Bull' McCabe. Frank recalls that 'The Bull' told him to get lost just as the photograph was being taken! Between those channels, we saw all the classics at one time or another, and we waited with excitement each Christmas to see what hit would get its first airing on terrestrial TV as the advertisements on RTE for the Christmas movies would breathlessly proclaim. If RTE didnt produce some serious hit movies, they would experience the kind of negative PR not seen by them since, well, recently. Every publication is full of Christmas lists so I will not hide from mine, proudly declaring my bias right at the start. When compiling a list of top ten Christmas movies, your own nativity story determines what appears. So, for this '80s kid, born in 1977, here are the top ten that will be forever associated with Christmas. First, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory nothing can or will beat it, and of course, I mean the original Gene Wilder version. When Wonka says in response to Charlies return of the gobstopper "so shines a good deed in a weary world," it gets me every time. Second, Gremlins. Its no masterpiece, but on a cold afternoon over the Christmas season, its a great piece of fluff. Be careful with the water! Third, Home Alone. I know, its gone a bit out of fashion, but as a simple gag fest in the best tradition of slapstick, its great fun. And who hasnt a tear in their eye when the grandfather picks up his granddaughter at the end? Fourth, Die Hard. If ever a movie deserves its title, this is it. Bruce Willis gatecrashes a Christmas Eve party where dear oh dear things have gotten very awkward for the guests. But here comes their knight in a vest and no shoes. Fifth, Citizen Kane. Yes, yes, I know its not a Christmas movie, but it is the movie. Turn off the phone, pull the curtains, throw a sod on the fire and just enjoy the magic. Orson Welles didnt need to imitate Jimmy Stewart for other reasons. He is a genius. Sixth, The Muppet Christmas Carol. Yes, you can go for the more conventional telling of A Christmas Carol if you like (and there are a lot of good options) but you will never find a better role for Kermit than as Bob Cratchit and will be hard-pressed to find a more poignant Tiny Tim than in this Muppet classic. God Bless Us Every One. Seventh, The Snowman. Is it strictly speaking a movie? I dont care. Its gorgeous and if you can watch it without the deepest emotion, you could do with a nocturnal visit from the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future as seen above. Youll be walking in the air. Eighth, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. For the title song alone, this deserves inclusion on the list. Its a strange movie in many ways, but enjoyable with it. Ninth, Mary Poppins, both the original and the pretty impressive Mary Poppins Returns. Sure, it is not set at Christmas but as a story about what matters at Christmas time, there is little to beat it. And in The Place Where Lost Things Go, the remake has one of the most beautiful and poignant movie songs there is. Tenth, there are so many options for the last spot; Elf, The Grinch, Love Actually, Miracle on 34th Street, The Princess Switch. But I guess it needs to be the Harry Potter series, the hardy perennials of the Christmas season. The movies like the books get better as they go along. On reflection, for a publication called Western Star, there also needs to be a place for at least one movie with a Western theme or focus, which for me would be The Field, but for others, it might be Into the West. The Field wins it for this line: God made the world, but seaweed made that Field. Its the perfect movie for a dark night between Christmas and New Year. Whatever or whichever movies you might choose, if sitting down together to watch is a tradition your house has lost, perhaps this might be the year to reinstate it. Gently suggest a phone ban and watch something after dinner on Christmas Day together, rather than retreating literally to your own devices. My list above might help you choose or cause a row! Happy Christmas. 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. DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza (AP) At least 68 people were killed by an Israeli strike in central Gaza, health officials said Sunday, while the number of Israeli soldiers killed in combat over the weekend rose to 17. Associated Press journalists at a nearby hospital watched frantic Palestinians carry the dead, including a baby, and wounded following the strike on the Maghazi refugee camp east of Deir al-Balah. One bloodied young girl looked stunned while her body was checked for broken bones. The 68 fatalities include at least 12 women and seven children, according to early hospital figures. We were all targeted, said Ahmad Turkomani, who lost several family members including his daughter and grandson. There is no safe place in Gaza anyway. Earlier, the Health Ministry in Gaza gave the death toll as 70. The Israeli military had no immediate comment. As Christmas Eve fell, smoke rose over the besieged territory, while in the West Bank Bethlehem was hushed, its holiday celebrations called off. In neighboring Egypt, tentative efforts continued on a deal for another exchange of hostages for Palestinians held by Israel. The war has devastated parts of Gaza, killed roughly 20,400 Palestinians and displaced almost all of the territorys 2.3 million people. The mounting death toll among Israeli troops 156 since the ground offensive began could erode public support for the war, which was sparked when Hamas-led militants stormed communities in southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 and taking 240 hostage. Israelis still largely stand behind the countrys stated goals of crushing Hamas governing and military capabilities and releasing the remaining 129 captives. That's despite rising international pressure against Israels offensive, and the soaring death toll and unprecedented suffering among Palestinians. HAMAS EXACTS A PRICE The war exacts a very heavy price from us, but we have no choice but to continue fighting, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said. In a nationally televised speech, Israeli President Isaac Herzog appealed for the country to remain united. This moment is a test. We will not break nor blink, he said. There has been widespread anger against his government, which many criticize for failing to protect civilians on Oct. 7 and promoting policies that allowed Hamas to gain strength over the years. Netanyahu has avoided accepting responsibility for the military and policy failures. Over time, the public will find it hard to ignore the heavy price paid, as well as the suspicion that the aims that were loudly heralded are still far from being attained, and that Hamas is showing no signs of capitulating in the near future," wrote Amos Harel, military affairs commentator for the Haaretz newspaper. The Israeli military said it had completed the dismantling of Hamas underground headquarters in northern Gaza, part of an operation to take down the vast tunnel network and kill off top commanders that Israeli leaders have said could take months. Efforts toward negotiations continued. The head of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Ziyad al-Nakhalah, arrived in Egypt for talks. The militant group, which also took part in the Oct. 7 attack, said it was prepared to consider releasing hostages only after fighting ends. Hamas top leader Ismail Haniyeh traveled to Cairo for talks days earlier. INSIDE GAZA Israels offensive has been one of the most devastating military campaigns in recent history. More than two-thirds of the 20,000 Palestinians killed have been women and children, according to the Health Ministry in Gaza, which does not differentiate between civilians and combatants. On Friday, Israeli airstrikes on two homes in Gaza killed 90 Palestinians, including dozens from an extended family, according to rescuers and hospital officials. One of the homes, located in Gaza City, became one of the deadliest airstrikes in the war after 76 people from the al-Mughrabi family were killed, said Mahmoud Bassal, a spokesman for Gazas Civil Defense department. The Palestinian Red Crescent said a 13-year-old boy was shot and killed in an Israeli drone attack while inside al-Amal Hospital in Khan Younis, a part of Gaza where Israel's military believes Hamas leaders are hiding. An Israeli strike overnight hit a house in a refugee camp west of the city of Rafah, on Gazas border with Egypt. At least two men were killed, according to Associated Press journalists in the hospital where the bodies were taken. At least two people were killed and six others wounded when a missile stuck a building in the Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza. And Palestinians reported heavy Israeli bombardment and gunfire in Jabaliya, an area north of Gaza City that Israel had claimed to control. Hamas military arm said its fighters shelled Israeli troops in Jabaliya and Jabaliya refugee camp. Israel faces international criticism for the civilian death toll but it blames Hamas, citing the militants use of crowded residential areas and tunnels. Israel has launched thousands of airstrikes since Oct. 7. It says it has killed thousands of Hamas militants, without presenting evidence. Israel also faces allegations of mistreating Palestinian men and teenage boys detained in homes, shelters, hospitals and elsewhere during the offensive. It has denied abuse allegations and said those without links to militants are quickly released. Speaking to the AP from a hospital bed in Rafah after his release, Khamis al-Burdainy of Gaza City said Israeli forces detained him after tanks and bulldozers partly destroyed his home. He said men were handcuffed and blindfolded. We didnt sleep. We didnt get food and water, he said, crying and covering his face. Another released detainee, Mohammed Salem, from the Gaza City neighborhood of Shijaiyah, said Israeli troops beat them. We were humiliated, he said. A female soldier would come and beat an old man, aged 72 years old. INTERNATIONAL PRESSURE The United Nations Security Council has passed a watered-down resolution calling for the speedy delivery of humanitarian aid for hungry and desperate Palestinians and the release of all the hostages, but not for a cease-fire. But it was not immediately clear how and when deliveries of food, medical supplies and other aid, far below the daily average of 500 before the war, would accelerate. Trucks enter through two crossings: Rafah, and Kerem Shalom on the border with Israel. Wael Abu Omar, a spokesman for the Palestinian Crossings Authority, said 123 aid trucks entered Gaza on Sunday, The head of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, reiterated U.N. calls for a humanitarian cease-fire, adding on social media that the decimation of the Gaza health system is a tragedy. Amid concerns about a wider regional conflict, the U.S. Central Command said a patrol ship in the Red Sea on Saturday shot down four drones launched from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, a while two Houthi anti-ship ballistic missiles were fired into international shipping lanes. The Iran-backed Houthis say their attacks are aimed at Israel-linked ships in an effort to stop the Israeli offensive in Gaza. ___ Magdy reported from Cairo. Associated Press writer Jack Jeffery in London contributed to this report. Find more of APs coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, Pa. - Northampton County police and emergency crews will be buying new gear, Tasers and a boat thanks to $344,699 in grants awarded by the county. The public-safety grants can be used for vehicles, equipment, training and capital spending. The list of grant winners was proposed by the administration of County Executive Lamont G. MClure and approved by County Council earlier this month. The North Bangor Fire Department received the biggest grant, $24,900 to help buy a new tanker. The Bushkill Township Volunteer Fire Company was awarded $24,700 to purchase struts for a vehicle. Ten organizations received $20,000 each: The City of Bethlehem Fire Department to replace firefighting foam; City of Bethlehem Police Department to buy 20 ballistic shields; Hanover Township Volunteer Fire Company, equipment for a new engine; Hecktown Volunteer Fire Company, purchases of gear, boots and harnesses, and Hellertown Borough to buy six cameras for police cars. Also, Lower Saucon Fire Rescue, for a new boat and accessories; Nazareth Borough to buy seven Taser systems; Nazareth Regional Ambulance Corps for a new defibrillator; Upper Nazareth Fire Department for five new portable radios, and the Upper Nazareth Police Department for 10 new Tasers. Suburban Emergency Medical Services will receive $16,665 to buy 15 patient-lifting systems; the Northampton County District Attorney's office will get $15,000 for records management; the Nancy Run Fire Department and Bethlehem Township Volunteer Fire Company were each awarded $13,100 to buy five portable radios, and the Colonial Regional Police Department will receive $12,800 for a drone upgrade. Dewey Fire Company will receive $7,290 for a trailer; Friends of Bethlehem Mounted Police were awarded $7,067 for equipment; the Washington Township Police Department will receive $5,753 for two mobile data terminals, and the Palmer Municipal Fire Department gets $4,324 for three automated external defibrillators (AEDs). ALLEN TWP., Pa. A 52-year-old Northampton man is facing multiple charges for his role in a physical altercation last week. According to Pennsylvania State Police-Bethlehem, David Buechele pointed a loaded handgun at a 37-year-old Emmaus woman who was his on-again-off-again girlfriend and her 5-year-old son. The incident occurred Friday, Dec. 15, in the 5200 block of Cherryville Road, Allen Township. After demanding that the two victims leave the residence, Buechele "pushed her out the door causing her to fall into a barbecue grill," police said. For his alleged actions, Buechele is charged with recklessly endangering another person, assault and harassment. Charges against him were filed with Northampton County District Court 03-3-01, police said. SMITHFIELD TWP., Pa. Pennsylvania State Police say they are investigating a criminal mischief incident that occurred Thursday morning at St. Luke's East Stroudsburg Campus in Smithfield Township, Monroe County. According to police, a white 2017 Honda CR-V parked on the left side of the facility around 8:10 a.m. Thursday. Around 11:50 a.m., police said a physician at the hospital notified the driver that there were "numerous nails in the vehicle's driver front tire." The car had been parked and unoccupied during that time, police said. According to police, the value of the damaged tire was $300. There was no available surveillance footage of the area, police said. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Pennsylvania State Police-Stroudsburg at (570) 619-6800. In Schuylkill County, authorities are investigating a fire at a house where a police officer rescued a young child. The fire broke out early Friday afternoon on Indiana Avenue in Shenandoah Heights. That child was inside a third-floor bedroom that was on fire. Officer Mark Hysock quickly entered the home and rescued the child, who is believed to be under the age of 2 The rescued child and two others were taken to the hospital. No word yet from authorities on their conditions. WARRINGTON TWP., Pa. A 44-year-old Maryland woman has turned herself in for her role in a theft at Warrington Township Wegmans earlier this year. According to Warrington Township Police, Kimberly Jo Smith of North East, Maryland, gave herself up Thursday in connection to the theft from the store on Sept. 7. On that date, police said Smith and a male accomplice selected "numerous packs of razors and concealed them" in her purse. According to police, the two thieves attempted to leave the store without paying for $359.91 worth of merchandise. But when confronted by loss prevention, police said Smith "dumped the merchandise on the ground" and fled the area before police arrived. Upon turning herself in, Smith was charged with retail theft and receiving stolen property. She was processed by was processed and arraigned by Judge Stacy Wertman who set bail at $25,000.00 unsecured, according to police. FLEMINGTON, N.J. A Hunterdon County man is charged with distributing materials showing child sexual abuse, the Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office (HCPO) said Saturday. According to the HCPO, 30-year-old Kyle J. Andrews is accused of "soliciting underage victims online for sexual purposes and distributing child sexual abuse material" (CSAM). The HCPO said search warrants were served around 5 a.m. Thursday at Andrews' residence in Whitehouse Station, Hunterdon County, and an acquaintance's residence in Phillipsburg, Warren County. Andrews was taken into custody at the latter residence, and detectives seized "electronic devices and other computer equipment" from both residences, the HCPO said. According to the HCPO, Andrews' arrest followed a joint investigation by the HCPO, Warren County Prosecutor's Office and police in Front Royal, Va. The investigation was launched because of a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, the HCPO said. Members of the Front Royal Police Department travelled to New Jersey to assist in executing the search warrants, the HCPO said. In New Jersey, Andrews is charged with distributing CSAM and possessing CSAM crimes of the second and third degrees, respectively. The HCPO said Andrews is also charged with two offenses in Virginia: Use of communications systems to facilitate certain cases involving children (2 counts), and possessing child pornography. Andrews remains in custody in New Jersey and has waived extradition to Virginia, the HCPO said. Was Donald Trump protected by presidential immunity when he tried to overturn the results of the 2020 election? The American Supreme Court refused on Friday, December 22 to rule urgently on this question, a boon for the Republican who thus hopes to be able to postpone the start of his trial. The tempestuous billionaire, indicted in four criminal cases and candidate in the November 2024 election, must be tried from March 4 for his pressure during the last presidential election. But his lawyers are trying by all means to shift the judicial calendar so that it does not coincide with that of the presidential election. The Republican primaries begin in January and could last until June. Of course I have the right to presidential immunityDonald Trump repeated again Friday on his Truth Social platform, assuring that he was of his right and duty to act in the face of what he considers, without proof, to be an election stolen. Little Christmas gift from #Supreme Court federal to #Trump: she rejects the request of special prosecutor Smith to immediately judge the ex-presidents appeal on his presidential immunity on January 6. This risks delaying the trial. https://t.co/ofW8nlJ8KI via @nbcnews Corentin Sellin (@CorentinSellin) December 22, 2023 Twitter Corentin Sellin on Twitter / X Arm wrestling around the calendar His counsel thus, among other things, invoked the argument according to which Donald Trump enjoys a absolute immunity for all the actions he committed while he was in the White House. And that he should not, for this reason, be prosecuted. Judge Tanya Chutkan, who will preside over the proceedings of this federal trial, rejected a first request for immunity in early December, considering that no text protected a former president against criminal prosecution. Donald Trumps lawyers appealed this decision, asking an appeals court to rule on the subject. This additional stage, which will begin on January 9, could however take many weeks and risks, ultimately, postponing the start of the former presidents trial. In mid-December, federal prosecutor Jack Smith appealed to the Supreme Court of the United States, asking the highest court in the country to rule directly on this question, without waiting for the decision of the court of appeal. What the Supreme Court with a conservative majority after having been largely overhauled by Donald Trump therefore refused on Friday. To the satisfaction of the principal concerned, who said he was impatient to present his arguments to the court of appeal. The Supreme Court has never explicitly said whether a former president has immunity from criminal prosecution. Locally, similar attempts to invoke presidential immunity for Donald Trump have been rejected by lower court judges. The case law is all the more vague as Donald Trump is the first former president of the United States to be criminally charged. Three different cases In total, the Supreme Court dominated by conservatives, whose judgments are regularly criticized by Democrats, could be called upon to decide three times this year on the fate of Donald Trump. In addition to this question of presidential immunity, the temple of American law has agreed to rule on a law used in prosecutions against the former president and hundreds of his rampaging supporters who attacked the United States Congress on January 6 2021. There is also the question of Colorado: a court declared Donald Trump ineligible for the Republican primaries in this American state because of his actions during the assault on the Capitol. The former president shouts electoral interference and calls on the Supreme Court of the United States to agree with him. Election, trial, election, trial: the Republican billionaire is preparing to experience an extraordinary year in every way, punctuated by comings and goings between the courts and the campaign platforms. Neither a stint in prison nor a return to the White House can currently be ruled out for the Republican a completely extraordinary situation on which he has capitalized. With each twist and turn in his sprawling legal saga, Donald Trump has so far raised crazy sums of money and climbed in the polls, thanks to his supporters, convinced that he is the victim of a political cabal. He did not wait to campaign on the Supreme Courts decision: At this crucial moment, I ask for your supporthe wrote to his supporters in an email calling for donations. Douglas Lane & Associates LLC lessened its stake in American Express (NYSE:AXP) by 1.3% in the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 654,265 shares of the payment services companys stock after selling 8,761 shares during the period. American Express accounts for 1.6% of Douglas Lane & Associates LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 11th biggest holding. Douglas Lane & Associates LLCs holdings in American Express were worth $97,610,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Several other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in AXP. Tyler Stone Wealth Management purchased a new stake in shares of American Express in the second quarter worth approximately $27,000. RVW Wealth LLC bought a new position in American Express during the third quarter valued at approximately $33,000. Impact Partnership Wealth LLC bought a new position in American Express during the second quarter valued at approximately $35,000. BOK Financial Private Wealth Inc. raised its position in American Express by 2,142.9% during the third quarter. BOK Financial Private Wealth Inc. now owns 314 shares of the payment services companys stock valued at $47,000 after acquiring an additional 300 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Brown Shipley& Co Ltd bought a new position in American Express during the second quarter valued at approximately $49,000. Institutional investors own 83.08% of the companys stock. Get American Express alerts: American Express Stock Performance NYSE AXP opened at $185.57 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 1.60, a quick ratio of 1.60 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.70. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $161.32 and a 200 day simple moving average of $162.78. American Express has a 12-month low of $140.91 and a 12-month high of $186.37. The company has a market cap of $135.24 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.41, a PEG ratio of 1.15 and a beta of 1.23. American Express Dividend Announcement American Express ( NYSE:AXP Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 20th. The payment services company reported $3.30 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.96 by $0.34. American Express had a return on equity of 30.60% and a net margin of 13.61%. The business had revenue of $15.38 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $15.36 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $2.47 EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was up 13.5% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts predict that American Express will post 11.22 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 9th. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 5th will be issued a $0.60 dividend. This represents a $2.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.29%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, January 4th. American Expresss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 22.51%. Insider Activity at American Express In other American Express news, Director Walter Joseph Clayton III purchased 1,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, October 24th. The shares were bought at an average price of $143.93 per share, with a total value of $143,930.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the director now directly owns 2,000 shares in the company, valued at $287,860. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In other news, Vice Chairman Jeffrey C. Campbell sold 21,008 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $168.33, for a total value of $3,536,276.64. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 125,646 shares of the companys stock, valued at $21,149,991.18. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, Director Walter Joseph Clayton III purchased 1,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, October 24th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $143.93 per share, with a total value of $143,930.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 2,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at $287,860. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. 0.12% of the stock is owned by insiders. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of brokerages have recently weighed in on AXP. Citigroup upgraded shares of American Express from a sell rating to a neutral rating and boosted their price objective for the stock from $143.00 to $154.00 in a research note on Wednesday, October 25th. StockNews.com upgraded shares of American Express from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Monday, October 23rd. Oppenheimer lowered their target price on American Express from $190.00 to $175.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, October 11th. Barclays assumed coverage on American Express in a report on Wednesday, November 15th. They issued an overweight rating and a $184.00 price objective for the company. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group lifted their price target on American Express from $186.00 to $205.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday, December 18th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have given a hold rating and nine 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 price target of $171.78. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on American Express American Express Profile (Free Report) American Express Company, together with its subsidiaries, provides charge and credit payment card products, and travel-related services worldwide. The company operates through three segments: Global Consumer Services Group, Global Commercial Services, and Global Merchant and Network Services. Its products and services include payment and financing products; network services; accounts payable expense management products and services; and travel and lifestyle services. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AXP? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for American Express (NYSE:AXP Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for American Express Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for American Express and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Armstrong World Industries (NYSE:AWI Free Report) from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report published on Wednesday morning. Separately, Truist Financial raised their price objective on shares of Armstrong World Industries from $90.00 to $95.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 25th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have given a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $84.75. Get Armstrong World Industries alerts: Read Our Latest Report on Armstrong World Industries Armstrong World Industries Trading Up 0.5 % Shares of Armstrong World Industries stock opened at $99.05 on Wednesday. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $83.66 and its 200-day simple moving average is $77.02. The stock has a market capitalization of $4.38 billion, a PE ratio of 19.77, a P/E/G ratio of 2.27 and a beta of 1.11. Armstrong World Industries has a 1-year low of $62.03 and a 1-year high of $99.48. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.07, a current ratio of 1.88 and a quick ratio of 1.31. Armstrong World Industries (NYSE:AWI Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 24th. The construction company reported $1.60 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.31 by $0.29. The firm had revenue of $347.30 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $330.42 million. Armstrong World Industries had a net margin of 17.54% and a return on equity of 41.76%. The companys revenue was up 6.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm earned $1.36 EPS. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Armstrong World Industries will post 5.13 earnings per share for the current year. Armstrong World Industries Increases Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, November 16th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, November 2nd were issued a $0.28 dividend. This is an increase from Armstrong World Industriess previous quarterly dividend of $0.25. This represents a $1.12 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.13%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, November 1st. Armstrong World Industriess payout ratio is currently 22.36%. Institutional Trading of Armstrong World Industries A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of AWI. Signaturefd LLC increased its holdings in Armstrong World Industries by 182.0% in the 3rd quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 392 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $28,000 after acquiring an additional 253 shares during the last quarter. CWM LLC increased its holdings in shares of Armstrong World Industries by 68.7% in the 2nd quarter. CWM LLC now owns 410 shares of the construction companys stock worth $30,000 after buying an additional 167 shares during the last quarter. Covestor Ltd increased its holdings in shares of Armstrong World Industries by 334.2% in the 2nd quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 495 shares of the construction companys stock worth $36,000 after buying an additional 381 shares during the last quarter. Point72 Hong Kong Ltd bought a new stake in shares of Armstrong World Industries in the 2nd quarter worth about $38,000. Finally, Acadian Asset Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Armstrong World Industries in the 2nd quarter worth about $79,000. 98.93% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Armstrong World Industries Company Profile (Get Free Report) Armstrong World Industries, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, and sells ceiling and wall systems in the United States, Canada, and Latin America. It operates through Mineral Fiber and Architectural Specialties segments. The company offers suspended mineral fiber, soft fiber, fiberglass wool, and metal ceiling systems, as well as wood, wood fiber, glass-reinforced-gypsum, and felt ceiling and wall products; ceiling component products, such as ceiling perimeters and trims, as well as grid products that support drywall ceiling systems; ceilings and walls for use in commercial settings; and facade and partition products. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Armstrong World Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Armstrong World Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Azul S.A. (NYSE:AZUL Get Free Report) has received an average recommendation of Moderate Buy from the eight research firms that are presently covering the stock, MarketBeat.com reports. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the company. The average 12 month price target among brokerages that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $12.40. Several analysts recently issued reports on AZUL shares. The Goldman Sachs Group reduced their price objective on shares of Azul from $18.30 to $15.50 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Monday, October 30th. Raymond James lowered their price objective on shares of Azul from $15.00 to $13.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, October 26th. HSBC started coverage on Azul in a research report on Friday, September 22nd. They issued a buy rating and a $12.30 target price on the stock. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised Azul from a neutral rating to an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, September 18th. Get Azul alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on AZUL Azul Stock Down 0.4 % Institutional Inflows and Outflows NYSE:AZUL opened at $10.05 on Friday. Azul has a 52 week low of $3.82 and a 52 week high of $13.86. The stocks fifty day moving average is $9.34 and its two-hundred day moving average is $9.93. The company has a market capitalization of $4.24 billion, a P/E ratio of -7.61 and a beta of 1.78. Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of AZUL. US Bancorp DE boosted its stake in shares of Azul by 721.4% in the 2nd quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 1,922 shares of the companys stock valued at $26,000 after buying an additional 1,688 shares during the period. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. lifted its stake in Azul by 83.9% in the first quarter. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. now owns 2,630 shares of the companys stock worth $151,000 after acquiring an additional 1,200 shares during the last quarter. Harel Insurance Investments & Financial Services Ltd. acquired a new position in Azul during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $39,000. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC increased its position in shares of Azul by 3,578.9% in the 3rd quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 3,495 shares of the companys stock valued at $30,000 after purchasing an additional 3,400 shares during the last quarter. Finally, UBS Group AG raised its holdings in shares of Azul by 930.7% in the 2nd quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 3,628 shares of the companys stock valued at $26,000 after purchasing an additional 3,276 shares in the last quarter. 1.56% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Azul Company Profile (Get Free Report Azul SA, together with its subsidiaries, provides scheduled air transportation services in Brazil. As of December 31, 2022, the company operated approximately 1,000 daily departures to 158 destinations through a network of 300 non-stop routes with an operating fleet of 177 aircraft and a passenger contractual fleet of 194 aircraft. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Azul Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Azul and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ducommun Incorporated (NYSE:DCO Get Free Report) has received a consensus rating of Moderate Buy from the four analysts that are presently covering the company, Marketbeat reports. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the company. The average 1-year target price among brokerages that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $62.20. Several brokerages have recently issued reports on DCO. Royal Bank of Canada upped their target price on shares of Ducommun from $56.00 to $60.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, November 9th. StockNews.com began coverage on Ducommun in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Get Ducommun alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Report on Ducommun Insider Activity Institutional Investors Weigh In On Ducommun In related news, VP Jerry L. Redondo sold 1,538 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $47.54, for a total transaction of $73,116.52. Following the transaction, the vice president now owns 60,623 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,882,017.42. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link . In related news, VP Jerry L. Redondo sold 1,538 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, November 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $47.54, for a total transaction of $73,116.52. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now directly owns 60,623 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,882,017.42. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website . Also, VP Jerry L. Redondo sold 1,559 shares of Ducommun stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $52.31, for a total transaction of $81,551.29. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now owns 59,064 shares in the company, valued at $3,089,637.84. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Corporate insiders own 10.80% of the companys stock. A number of hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in DCO. Paradigm Capital Management Inc. NY lifted its holdings in shares of Ducommun by 61.3% in the 2nd quarter. Paradigm Capital Management Inc. NY now owns 1,068,015 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $46,533,000 after buying an additional 406,000 shares during the period. BlackRock Inc. raised its position in Ducommun by 35.3% in the second quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 1,245,822 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $54,280,000 after acquiring an additional 324,788 shares in the last quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. lifted its holdings in Ducommun by 39.3% in the second quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 675,475 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $29,072,000 after acquiring an additional 190,608 shares during the period. RDST Capital LLC boosted its position in shares of Ducommun by 237.2% during the 2nd quarter. RDST Capital LLC now owns 268,050 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $11,679,000 after purchasing an additional 188,550 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company MN grew its stake in shares of Ducommun by 1,421.1% during the 2nd quarter. Wells Fargo & Company MN now owns 132,001 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $5,751,000 after purchasing an additional 123,323 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 85.89% of the companys stock. Ducommun Trading Up 0.3 % NYSE:DCO opened at $51.75 on Friday. Ducommun has a 1 year low of $40.24 and a 1 year high of $58.28. The stock has a market cap of $755.55 million, a P/E ratio of 35.45 and a beta of 1.27. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.42, a quick ratio of 1.80 and a current ratio of 2.93. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $49.41 and a 200-day simple moving average of $46.64. Ducommun (NYSE:DCO Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 8th. The aerospace company reported $0.70 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.54 by $0.16. The firm had revenue of $196.25 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $195.64 million. Ducommun had a return on equity of 6.25% and a net margin of 2.51%. As a group, analysts anticipate that Ducommun will post 2.52 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. About Ducommun (Get Free Report Ducommun Incorporated provides engineering and manufacturing products and services primarily to the aerospace and defense, industrial, medical, and other industries in the United States. The company operates through two segments, Electronic Systems and Structural Systems. The Electronic Systems segment provides cable assemblies and interconnect systems; printed circuit board assemblies; higher-level electronic, electromechanical, and mechanical components and assemblies, as well as lightning diversion systems; and radar enclosures, aircraft avionics racks, shipboard communications and control enclosures, printed circuit board assemblies, cable assemblies, wire harnesses, interconnect systems, lightning diversion strips, surge suppressors, conformal shields, and other assemblies. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Ducommun Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ducommun and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Capital Investment Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:EOG Free Report) by 3.1% in the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 184,704 shares of the energy exploration companys stock after purchasing an additional 5,501 shares during the quarter. Capital Investment Advisors LLCs holdings in EOG Resources were worth $23,413,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich increased its holdings in shares of EOG Resources by 100,317.5% during the second quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 538,528,863 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $61,629,243,000 after buying an additional 537,992,573 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp increased its holdings in EOG Resources by 2.8% in the first quarter. State Street Corp now owns 36,299,584 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $4,161,014,000 after purchasing an additional 1,005,328 shares during the period. Capital Research Global Investors increased its holdings in EOG Resources by 11.0% in the second quarter. Capital Research Global Investors now owns 33,923,655 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $3,882,219,000 after purchasing an additional 3,348,650 shares during the period. Wellington Management Group LLP increased its holdings in EOG Resources by 12.4% in the first quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 26,897,413 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $3,083,250,000 after purchasing an additional 2,977,408 shares during the period. Finally, Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. increased its holdings in EOG Resources by 4.5% in the second quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 12,791,379 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $1,463,845,000 after purchasing an additional 551,835 shares during the period. 89.21% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get EOG Resources alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of analysts recently weighed in on the company. Stifel Nicolaus increased their price objective on EOG Resources from $161.00 to $165.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, November 30th. Bank of America increased their price objective on EOG Resources from $143.00 to $147.00 in a report on Wednesday, September 27th. Morgan Stanley downgraded EOG Resources from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating and set a $134.00 price objective for the company. in a report on Monday, December 11th. Piper Sandler upped their price target on shares of EOG Resources from $157.00 to $158.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, November 16th. Finally, StockNews.com began coverage on shares of EOG Resources in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Nine investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eleven have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $145.52. EOG Resources Price Performance EOG stock opened at $122.27 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $71.30 billion, a PE ratio of 9.08, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.35 and a beta of 1.44. The companys 50-day moving average is $124.49 and its 200-day moving average is $124.16. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14, a current ratio of 2.43 and a quick ratio of 2.10. EOG Resources, Inc. has a 1 year low of $98.52 and a 1 year high of $137.95. EOG Resources (NYSE:EOG Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 2nd. The energy exploration company reported $3.44 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.95 by $0.49. The company had revenue of $6.21 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.91 billion. EOG Resources had a net margin of 32.11% and a return on equity of 26.80%. Equities research analysts expect that EOG Resources, Inc. will post 12.08 EPS for the current fiscal year. EOG Resources Increases Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, January 31st. Investors of record on Wednesday, January 17th will be given a $0.91 dividend. This is a boost from EOG Resourcess previous quarterly dividend of $0.83. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, January 16th. This represents a $3.64 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.98%. EOG Resourcess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 27.04%. EOG Resources Profile (Free Report) EOG Resources, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, explores for, develops, produces, and markets crude oil, and natural gas and natural gas liquids. Its principal producing areas are in New Mexico and Texas in the United States; and the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. The company was formerly known as Enron Oil & Gas Company. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EOG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:EOG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for EOG Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for EOG Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com lowered shares of Dorian LPG (NYSE:LPG Free Report) from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note released on Thursday morning. Other equities analysts also recently issued research reports about the stock. Pareto Securities raised shares of Dorian LPG from a hold rating to a buy rating and boosted their price objective for the stock from $27.00 to $35.00 in a research note on Monday, October 16th. Jefferies Financial Group raised shares of Dorian LPG from a hold rating to a buy rating and lifted their price target for the stock from $37.00 to $50.00 in a report on Monday, November 20th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $32.58. Get Dorian LPG alerts: View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Dorian LPG Dorian LPG Price Performance LPG stock opened at $46.44 on Thursday. Dorian LPG has a one year low of $15.81 and a one year high of $47.19. The companys fifty day moving average price is $38.25 and its 200-day moving average price is $30.70. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.63, a quick ratio of 2.61 and a current ratio of 2.63. The company has a market capitalization of $1.89 billion, a PE ratio of 7.34 and a beta of 1.22. Dorian LPG (NYSE:LPG Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 2nd. The shipping company reported $1.85 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.73 by $0.12. Dorian LPG had a net margin of 51.81% and a return on equity of 28.85%. The company had revenue of $144.70 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $135.02 million. On average, equities analysts anticipate that Dorian LPG will post 7.31 EPS for the current fiscal year. Dorian LPG Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a Variable dividend, which was paid on Thursday, November 2nd. Shareholders of record on Friday, October 20th were issued a $1.00 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, October 19th. Dorian LPGs payout ratio is 47.39%. Insider Buying and Selling at Dorian LPG In other Dorian LPG news, insider Tim Truels Hansen sold 25,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $37.61, for a total value of $940,250.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 186,866 shares in the company, valued at $7,028,030.26. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. In related news, insider Tim Truels Hansen sold 25,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $37.61, for a total transaction of $940,250.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 186,866 shares in the company, valued at approximately $7,028,030.26. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, CFO Theodore B. Young sold 5,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, September 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $29.13, for a total transaction of $145,650.00. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 103,720 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,021,363.60. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 74,129 shares of company stock valued at $2,901,386. 15.90% of the stock is owned by insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Dorian LPG Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Dorian LPG by 1,571.5% in the 1st quarter. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. now owns 6,870 shares of the shipping companys stock valued at $100,000 after buying an additional 6,459 shares during the period. Swiss National Bank increased its holdings in Dorian LPG by 7.5% during the 1st quarter. Swiss National Bank now owns 75,985 shares of the shipping companys stock worth $1,101,000 after purchasing an additional 5,300 shares during the period. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted its position in shares of Dorian LPG by 32.6% during the 1st quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 799,380 shares of the shipping companys stock worth $11,583,000 after acquiring an additional 196,749 shares in the last quarter. American Century Companies Inc. boosted its position in shares of Dorian LPG by 27.1% during the 1st quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 143,744 shares of the shipping companys stock worth $2,083,000 after acquiring an additional 30,663 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Citigroup Inc. boosted its position in shares of Dorian LPG by 7.4% during the 1st quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 69,755 shares of the shipping companys stock worth $1,011,000 after acquiring an additional 4,820 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 64.01% of the companys stock. About Dorian LPG (Get Free Report) Dorian LPG Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the transportation of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) through its LPG tankers worldwide. It owns and operates twenty-five very large gas carriers (VLGCs). The company was incorporated in 2013 and is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Dorian LPG Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Dorian LPG and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bard Financial Services Inc. boosted its position in GSK plc (NYSE:GSK Free Report) by 11.2% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 6,945 shares of the pharmaceutical companys stock after buying an additional 700 shares during the quarter. Bard Financial Services Inc.s holdings in GSK were worth $252,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Fairfield Bush & CO. bought a new stake in shares of GSK in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $28,000. SRS Capital Advisors Inc. boosted its holdings in GSK by 52.9% in the first quarter. SRS Capital Advisors Inc. now owns 1,090 shares of the pharmaceutical companys stock worth $39,000 after purchasing an additional 377 shares during the period. Indiana Trust & Investment Management CO bought a new stake in GSK during the third quarter valued at $40,000. Nelson Van Denburg & Campbell Wealth Management Group LLC raised its holdings in shares of GSK by 61.3% during the first quarter. Nelson Van Denburg & Campbell Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 968 shares of the pharmaceutical companys stock worth $42,000 after purchasing an additional 368 shares during the period. Finally, Intrepid Capital Management Inc. bought a new position in shares of GSK during the second quarter valued at approximately $44,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 13.53% of the companys stock. Get GSK alerts: GSK Trading Up 0.5 % Shares of NYSE:GSK opened at $36.99 on Friday. The company has a 50 day moving average of $35.64 and a 200-day moving average of $35.58. The company has a current ratio of 0.95, a quick ratio of 0.70 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.27. The firm has a market cap of $76.11 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.94, a P/E/G ratio of 1.72 and a beta of 0.64. GSK plc has a twelve month low of $33.20 and a twelve month high of $38.32. GSK Cuts Dividend GSK ( NYSE:GSK Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, November 1st. The pharmaceutical company reported $1.26 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.09 by $0.17. The firm had revenue of $10.32 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $9.72 billion. GSK had a return on equity of 52.88% and a net margin of 20.47%. As a group, analysts anticipate that GSK plc will post 3.93 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 11th. Investors of record on Friday, November 17th will be paid a dividend of $0.3398 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, November 16th. This represents a $1.36 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.67%. GSKs dividend payout ratio is currently 35.48%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Separately, StockNews.com raised GSK from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Wednesday, November 1st. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $1,565.00. Read Our Latest Stock Report on GSK GSK Company Profile (Free Report) GSK plc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the research, development and manufacture of vaccines and specialty medicines to prevent and treat disease in the United Kingdom, the United States, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Pharmaceuticals, Pharmaceuticals R&D, Vaccines, and Consumer Healthcare. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GSK? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for GSK plc (NYSE:GSK Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for GSK Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for GSK and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Naples Global Advisors LLC lowered its stake in GSK plc (NYSE:GSK Free Report) by 0.7% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 48,804 shares of the pharmaceutical companys stock after selling 360 shares during the period. Naples Global Advisors LLCs holdings in GSK were worth $1,786,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Fairfield Bush & CO. purchased a new stake in shares of GSK in the second quarter valued at approximately $28,000. SRS Capital Advisors Inc. boosted its stake in shares of GSK by 52.9% in the first quarter. SRS Capital Advisors Inc. now owns 1,090 shares of the pharmaceutical companys stock valued at $39,000 after buying an additional 377 shares in the last quarter. Indiana Trust & Investment Management CO purchased a new stake in shares of GSK in the third quarter valued at approximately $40,000. Nelson Van Denburg & Campbell Wealth Management Group LLC boosted its stake in shares of GSK by 61.3% in the first quarter. Nelson Van Denburg & Campbell Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 968 shares of the pharmaceutical companys stock valued at $42,000 after buying an additional 368 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Intrepid Capital Management Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of GSK in the second quarter valued at approximately $44,000. 13.53% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get GSK alerts: GSK Stock Up 0.5 % GSK opened at $36.99 on Friday. The businesss fifty day moving average is $35.64 and its two-hundred day moving average is $35.58. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.27, a quick ratio of 0.70 and a current ratio of 0.95. The company has a market cap of $76.11 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.94, a PEG ratio of 1.72 and a beta of 0.64. GSK plc has a one year low of $33.20 and a one year high of $38.32. GSK Cuts Dividend GSK ( NYSE:GSK Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 1st. The pharmaceutical company reported $1.26 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.09 by $0.17. GSK had a return on equity of 52.88% and a net margin of 20.47%. The business had revenue of $10.32 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $9.72 billion. Analysts anticipate that GSK plc will post 3.93 EPS for the current fiscal year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 11th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 17th will be given a $0.3398 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, November 16th. This represents a $1.36 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.67%. GSKs dividend payout ratio is currently 35.48%. Analysts Set New Price Targets Separately, StockNews.com upgraded GSK from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 1st. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $1,565.00. Read Our Latest Stock Report on GSK GSK Company Profile (Free Report) GSK plc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the research, development and manufacture of vaccines and specialty medicines to prevent and treat disease in the United Kingdom, the United States, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Pharmaceuticals, Pharmaceuticals R&D, Vaccines, and Consumer Healthcare. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GSK? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for GSK plc (NYSE:GSK Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for GSK Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for GSK and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Guidance Capital Inc. raised its position in Entergy Co. (NYSE:ETR Free Report) by 6.6% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 11,045 shares of the utilities providers stock after purchasing an additional 682 shares during the quarter. Guidance Capital Inc.s holdings in Entergy were worth $995,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Alberta Investment Management Corp raised its holdings in shares of Entergy by 73.3% during the 2nd quarter. Alberta Investment Management Corp now owns 27,412 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $2,669,000 after buying an additional 11,598 shares during the period. Pacer Advisors Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Entergy by 0.9% during the 2nd quarter. Pacer Advisors Inc. now owns 12,524 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $1,219,000 after buying an additional 114 shares during the period. Merit Financial Group LLC raised its holdings in shares of Entergy by 24.5% during the 2nd quarter. Merit Financial Group LLC now owns 3,600 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $351,000 after buying an additional 708 shares during the period. Valeo Financial Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of Entergy by 67.7% during the 2nd quarter. Valeo Financial Advisors LLC now owns 5,373 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $523,000 after buying an additional 2,170 shares during the period. Finally, DekaBank Deutsche Girozentrale raised its holdings in shares of Entergy by 5.4% during the 2nd quarter. DekaBank Deutsche Girozentrale now owns 37,279 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $3,559,000 after buying an additional 1,913 shares during the period. 86.52% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Entergy alerts: Entergy Trading Up 0.5 % NYSE:ETR opened at $100.22 on Friday. Entergy Co. has a 12-month low of $87.10 and a 12-month high of $115.20. The firm has a market capitalization of $21.19 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.40, a P/E/G ratio of 2.30 and a beta of 0.68. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.80, a current ratio of 0.91 and a quick ratio of 0.65. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $98.52 and a 200 day simple moving average of $97.80. Entergy Increases Dividend Entergy ( NYSE:ETR Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 1st. The utilities provider reported $3.27 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.97 by $0.30. Entergy had a return on equity of 10.77% and a net margin of 11.56%. The business had revenue of $3.60 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.22 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $2.84 EPS. Equities research analysts predict that Entergy Co. will post 6.74 EPS for the current year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 1st. Investors of record on Tuesday, November 14th were given a dividend of $1.13 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, November 13th. This represents a $4.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.51%. This is a positive change from Entergys previous quarterly dividend of $1.07. Entergys payout ratio is currently 64.94%. Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities research analysts recently commented on the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their target price on Entergy from $117.00 to $121.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Friday, December 1st. Morgan Stanley lifted their price objective on Entergy from $92.00 to $94.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a report on Tuesday, November 21st. Guggenheim lifted their price objective on Entergy from $99.00 to $103.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, November 3rd. Bank of America upgraded Entergy from a neutral rating to a buy rating and lifted their price objective for the stock from $94.00 to $110.00 in a report on Tuesday, November 21st. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada downgraded Entergy from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating and set a $117.00 price objective on the stock. in a report on Wednesday, November 8th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have assigned a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Entergy presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $109.91. Get Our Latest Research Report on Entergy Insider Activity at Entergy In other Entergy news, EVP Marcus V. Brown sold 38,417 shares of Entergy stock in a transaction on Monday, December 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $101.53, for a total transaction of $3,900,478.01. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 9,380 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $952,351.40. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Insiders own 0.39% of the companys stock. Entergy Company Profile (Free Report) Entergy Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the production and retail distribution of electricity in the United States. The company operates in two segments, Utility and Entergy Wholesale Commodities. The Utility segment generates, transmits, distributes, and sells electric power in portions of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, including the City of New Orleans; and distributes natural gas. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ETR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Entergy Co. (NYSE:ETR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Entergy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Entergy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. TFF Group (OTCMKTS:FRFTF Get Free Report) and Sonoco Products (NYSE:SON Get Free Report) are both consumer cyclical companies, but which is the better stock? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their institutional ownership, risk, valuation, earnings, analyst recommendations, profitability and dividends. Earnings and Valuation This table compares TFF Group and Sonoco Products top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Get TFF Group alerts: Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio TFF Group N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Sonoco Products $7.25 billion 0.76 $466.44 million $4.96 11.32 Sonoco Products has higher revenue and earnings than TFF Group. Institutional & Insider Ownership Profitability 76.2% of Sonoco Products shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.5% of Sonoco Products shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a company will outperform the market over the long term. This table compares TFF Group and Sonoco Products net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets TFF Group N/A N/A N/A Sonoco Products 7.20% 24.40% 7.65% Analyst Ratings This is a summary of current ratings and target prices for TFF Group and Sonoco Products, as reported by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score TFF Group 0 0 0 0 N/A Sonoco Products 0 2 3 0 2.60 Sonoco Products has a consensus price target of $61.40, indicating a potential upside of 9.35%. Given Sonoco Products higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe Sonoco Products is more favorable than TFF Group. Summary Sonoco Products beats TFF Group on 8 of the 8 factors compared between the two stocks. About TFF Group (Get Free Report) TFF Group, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and distributes barrels and wood products for the aging of wines and alcohols in France, rest of Europe, the United States, Asia, and internationally. The company offers forestry and logging, stave milling, whisky and bourbon cooperages, cask making, wood and oenological products, and stainless-steel containers. It primarily serves wine, bourbon, and whisky markets. The company was formerly known as Tonnellerie Francois Freres. TFF Group was founded in 1910 and is based in Saint-Romain-de-Colbosc, France. About Sonoco Products (Get Free Report) Sonoco Products Company, together with its subsidiaries, designs, develops, manufactures, and sells various engineered and sustainable packaging products in North and South America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. The company operates through two segments: Consumer Packaging and Industrial Paper Packaging. The Consumer Packaging segment offers round and shaped rigid paper, steel, and plastic containers; metal and peelable membrane ends, closures, and components; thermoformed plastic trays and enclosures; and high-barrier flexible packaging products. The Industrial Paper Packaging segment provides paperboard tubes, cones, and cores; paper-based protective packaging products; and uncoated recycled paperboard products. Sonoco Products Company also offers various packaging materials, including plastic, paper, foam, and other specialty materials. The company sells its products in various markets, which include paper, textile, film, food, packaging, construction, and wire and cable. Sonoco Products Company was founded in 1899 and is headquartered in Hartsville, South Carolina. Receive News & Ratings for TFF Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for TFF Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Hersha Hospitality Trust (NYSE:HT Free Report) in a research report sent to investors on Wednesday morning. The firm issued a sell rating on the real estate investment trusts stock. Several other research analysts also recently commented on the company. Stifel Nicolaus downgraded Hersha Hospitality Trust from a buy rating to a hold rating and increased their price objective for the company from $8.75 to $10.00 in a research note on Monday, August 28th. Barclays raised Hersha Hospitality Trust from an underweight rating to an equal weight rating and increased their price objective for the company from $8.00 to $10.00 in a research note on Tuesday, August 29th. Jefferies Financial Group downgraded Hersha Hospitality Trust from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 29th. BMO Capital Markets raised their target price on Hersha Hospitality Trust from $7.00 to $10.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a research note on Monday, August 28th. Finally, B. Riley downgraded Hersha Hospitality Trust from a buy rating to a neutral rating and raised their target price for the stock from $9.00 to $10.00 in a research note on Friday, September 1st. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating and ten have given a hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Hersha Hospitality Trust currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $9.63. Get Hersha Hospitality Trust alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on HT Hersha Hospitality Trust Price Performance Institutional Trading of Hersha Hospitality Trust NYSE HT opened at $9.99 on Wednesday. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $9.95 and a 200 day moving average price of $8.42. Hersha Hospitality Trust has a one year low of $5.64 and a one year high of $10.31. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.73, a quick ratio of 1.68 and a current ratio of 1.68. The company has a market cap of $402.60 million, a P/E ratio of 58.76 and a beta of 1.81. A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Carmignac Gestion acquired a new stake in shares of Hersha Hospitality Trust during the 3rd quarter worth about $552,000. Deutsche Bank AG boosted its holdings in Hersha Hospitality Trust by 27.6% during the 3rd quarter. Deutsche Bank AG now owns 100,794 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $994,000 after acquiring an additional 21,793 shares during the period. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company purchased a new position in Hersha Hospitality Trust during the 3rd quarter valued at about $131,000. Royal Bank of Canada boosted its holdings in Hersha Hospitality Trust by 82.2% during the 3rd quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 47,282 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $467,000 after acquiring an additional 21,333 shares during the period. Finally, EHP Funds Inc. purchased a new position in Hersha Hospitality Trust during the 3rd quarter valued at about $2,366,000. 56.96% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Hersha Hospitality Trust Company Profile (Get Free Report) Hersha Hospitality Trust (HT) is a self-advised real estate investment trust in the hospitality sector, which owns and operates luxury and lifestyle hotels in coastal gateway and resort markets. The Company's 25 hotels totaling 3,811 rooms are located in New York, Washington, DC, Boston, Philadelphia, South Florida, and California. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Hersha Hospitality Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hersha Hospitality Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hudson Pacific Properties (NYSE:HPP Free Report) had its price objective increased by Piper Sandler from $8.00 to $11.00 in a research report report published on Wednesday morning, Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has an overweight rating on the real estate investment trusts stock. Other research analysts also recently issued research reports about the stock. The Goldman Sachs Group raised shares of Hudson Pacific Properties from a sell rating to a neutral rating and raised their price target for the stock from $5.50 to $6.25 in a research note on Thursday, November 30th. Bank of America downgraded shares of Hudson Pacific Properties from a neutral rating to an underperform rating and reduced their price target for the stock from $5.50 to $4.00 in a research note on Monday, November 13th. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Hudson Pacific Properties in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a sell rating on the stock. Mizuho raised shares of Hudson Pacific Properties from an underperform rating to a neutral rating and reduced their price target for the stock from $10.00 to $7.00 in a research note on Wednesday, October 18th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets raised their price target on shares of Hudson Pacific Properties from $10.00 to $11.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 5th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have given a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $8.11. Get Hudson Pacific Properties alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Report on Hudson Pacific Properties Hudson Pacific Properties Trading Down 1.9 % Shares of HPP opened at $8.77 on Wednesday. Hudson Pacific Properties has a twelve month low of $4.05 and a twelve month high of $12.23. The company has a market cap of $1.24 billion, a P/E ratio of -11.54 and a beta of 1.23. The company has a current ratio of 1.51, a quick ratio of 1.51 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.41. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $6.11 and its 200-day simple moving average is $5.94. Hudson Pacific Properties (NYSE:HPP Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, November 1st. The real estate investment trust reported ($0.27) earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.21 by ($0.48). Hudson Pacific Properties had a negative net margin of 10.00% and a negative return on equity of 3.07%. The firm had revenue of $231.44 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $238.37 million. As a group, analysts expect that Hudson Pacific Properties will post 0.95 EPS for the current year. Institutional Trading of Hudson Pacific Properties A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio boosted its holdings in shares of Hudson Pacific Properties by 7.4% in the 3rd quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio now owns 190,070 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,264,000 after buying an additional 13,097 shares in the last quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP bought a new stake in shares of Hudson Pacific Properties in the 3rd quarter valued at about $1,103,000. American Century Companies Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Hudson Pacific Properties in the 3rd quarter valued at about $9,313,000. Deutsche Bank AG boosted its holdings in shares of Hudson Pacific Properties by 2,367.6% in the 3rd quarter. Deutsche Bank AG now owns 4,280,984 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $28,469,000 after buying an additional 4,107,498 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Creative Planning boosted its holdings in shares of Hudson Pacific Properties by 42.1% in the 3rd quarter. Creative Planning now owns 40,384 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $269,000 after buying an additional 11,957 shares in the last quarter. 97.58% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. About Hudson Pacific Properties (Get Free Report) Hudson Pacific Properties (NYSE: HPP) is a real estate investment trust serving dynamic tech and media tenants in global epicenters for these synergistic, converging and secular growth industries. Hudson Pacific's unique and high-barrier tech and media focus leverages a full-service, end-to-end value creation platform forged through deep strategic relationships and niche expertise across identifying, acquiring, transforming and developing properties into world-class amenitized, collaborative and sustainable office and studio space. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Hudson Pacific Properties Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hudson Pacific Properties and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Naples Global Advisors LLC lessened its stake in Huntsman Co. (NYSE:HUN Free Report) by 0.7% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 67,871 shares of the basic materials companys stock after selling 495 shares during the quarter. Naples Global Advisors LLCs holdings in Huntsman were worth $1,656,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Several other large investors have also recently modified their holdings of the stock. American Century Companies Inc. increased its holdings in Huntsman by 33.6% in the 1st quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 27,472 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $1,030,000 after buying an additional 6,907 shares in the last quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC increased its holdings in Huntsman by 42.3% in the 1st quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC now owns 13,414 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $506,000 after buying an additional 3,986 shares in the last quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC bought a new stake in Huntsman in the 1st quarter worth about $155,000. BlackRock Inc. increased its holdings in Huntsman by 0.4% in the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 12,672,792 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $475,358,000 after buying an additional 47,739 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Great West Life Assurance Co. Can increased its holdings in Huntsman by 9.0% in the 1st quarter. Great West Life Assurance Co. Can now owns 14,250 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $565,000 after buying an additional 1,173 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 83.44% of the companys stock. Get Huntsman alerts: Huntsman Trading Up 0.4 % Shares of NYSE:HUN opened at $25.61 on Friday. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $24.41 and a 200 day moving average of $25.75. The company has a market cap of $4.46 billion, a PE ratio of 55.67 and a beta of 1.11. The company has a current ratio of 1.88, a quick ratio of 1.14 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.41. Huntsman Co. has a 12-month low of $22.14 and a 12-month high of $33.46. Huntsman Dividend Announcement Huntsman ( NYSE:HUN Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 31st. The basic materials company reported $0.15 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.19 by ($0.04). Huntsman had a return on equity of 2.90% and a net margin of 1.27%. The business had revenue of $1.51 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.56 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $0.71 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 25.1% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Huntsman Co. will post 0.53 EPS for the current year. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 29th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 15th will be paid a $0.2375 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 14th. This represents a $0.95 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.71%. Huntsmans payout ratio is 206.52%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities research analysts recently commented on HUN shares. Wells Fargo & Company reduced their price objective on Huntsman from $29.00 to $25.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Thursday, September 28th. StockNews.com started coverage on Huntsman in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating for the company. Citigroup cut their price target on Huntsman from $30.00 to $26.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, September 21st. Royal Bank of Canada cut their price target on Huntsman from $26.00 to $22.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, November 2nd. Finally, UBS Group cut their price target on Huntsman from $25.00 to $24.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, November 2nd. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have assigned a hold rating and one has issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $25.11. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on HUN Huntsman Company Profile (Free Report) Huntsman Corporation manufactures and sells diversified organic chemical products worldwide. The company operates through three segments: Polyurethanes, Performance Products, and Advanced Materials. The Polyurethanes segment offers polyurethane chemicals, including methyl diphenyl diisocyanate, polyether and polyester polyols, and thermoplastic polyurethane. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding HUN? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Huntsman Co. (NYSE:HUN Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Huntsman Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Huntsman and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Naples Global Advisors LLC lifted its stake in iShares Russell Mid-Cap ETF (NYSEARCA:IWR Free Report) by 0.9% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 23,057 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 205 shares during the quarter. Naples Global Advisors LLCs holdings in iShares Russell Mid-Cap ETF were worth $1,604,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of IWR. MAS Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of iShares Russell Mid-Cap ETF by 23.5% in the first quarter. MAS Advisors LLC now owns 15,744 shares of the companys stock worth $1,245,000 after buying an additional 3,000 shares in the last quarter. Rhumbline Advisers increased its position in iShares Russell Mid-Cap ETF by 177.0% in the first quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 73,571 shares of the companys stock worth $5,741,000 after purchasing an additional 47,009 shares during the last quarter. Blair William & Co. IL increased its position in iShares Russell Mid-Cap ETF by 4.3% in the first quarter. Blair William & Co. IL now owns 81,545 shares of the companys stock worth $6,364,000 after purchasing an additional 3,341 shares during the last quarter. Sei Investments Co. increased its position in iShares Russell Mid-Cap ETF by 5.7% in the first quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 15,288 shares of the companys stock worth $1,193,000 after purchasing an additional 829 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Equitable Holdings Inc. increased its position in iShares Russell Mid-Cap ETF by 0.3% in the first quarter. Equitable Holdings Inc. now owns 90,610 shares of the companys stock worth $7,072,000 after purchasing an additional 232 shares during the last quarter. Get iShares Russell Mid-Cap ETF alerts: iShares Russell Mid-Cap ETF Stock Performance Shares of IWR opened at $77.52 on Friday. The companys fifty day moving average is $70.99 and its 200 day moving average is $71.75. iShares Russell Mid-Cap ETF has a fifty-two week low of $64.66 and a fifty-two week high of $77.90. The stock has a market capitalization of $30.59 billion, a PE ratio of 15.16 and a beta of 1.09. iShares Russell Mid-Cap ETF Profile iShares Russell Mid-Cap ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares Russell Midcap Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Russell Midcap Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of the mid-capitalization sector of the United States equity market. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IWR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Russell Mid-Cap ETF (NYSEARCA:IWR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Russell Mid-Cap ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Russell Mid-Cap ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Patriot Investment Management Group Inc. lessened its stake in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:AGG Free Report) by 3.6% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 92,050 shares of the companys stock after selling 3,408 shares during the quarter. iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF comprises about 0.8% of Patriot Investment Management Group Inc.s holdings, making the stock its 25th largest holding. Patriot Investment Management Group Inc.s holdings in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF were worth $8,656,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of AGG. Avalon Trust Co acquired a new position in shares of iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust raised its position in shares of iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF by 191.1% in the 2nd quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 294 shares of the companys stock valued at $29,000 after purchasing an additional 193 shares in the last quarter. Steph & Co. raised its position in shares of iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF by 80.4% in the 2nd quarter. Steph & Co. now owns 359 shares of the companys stock valued at $35,000 after purchasing an additional 160 shares in the last quarter. First Manhattan Co. raised its position in shares of iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF by 697.9% in the 4th quarter. First Manhattan Co. now owns 375 shares of the companys stock valued at $36,000 after purchasing an additional 328 shares in the last quarter. Finally, VitalStone Financial LLC acquired a new position in shares of iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $38,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 83.21% of the companys stock. Get iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF alerts: iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF Stock Performance Shares of AGG traded down $0.13 during trading on Friday, reaching $98.83. The companys stock had a trading volume of 13,234,679 shares, compared to its average volume of 7,950,658. The company has a fifty day moving average of $95.22 and a two-hundred day moving average of $95.95. iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF has a twelve month low of $91.58 and a twelve month high of $101.15. About iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF IShares are index funds that are bought and sold like common stocks on national securities exchanges as well as certain foreign exchanges. iShares are attractive because of their relatively low cost, tax efficiency and trading flexibility. Investors can purchase and sell shares through any brokerage firm, financial advisor, or online broker, and hold the funds in any type of brokerage account. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Scotiabank cut shares of Toronto-Dominion Bank (TSE:TD Free Report) (NYSE:TD) from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating in a research note issued to investors on Wednesday morning, BayStreet.CA reports. The brokerage currently has C$86.00 price objective on the stock, down from their prior price objective of C$95.00. Other equities research analysts also recently issued research reports about the stock. Cormark reduced their price target on shares of Toronto-Dominion Bank from C$96.00 to C$95.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Friday, August 25th. Desjardins set a C$96.00 price target on shares of Toronto-Dominion Bank and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 19th. Credit Suisse Group reduced their price target on shares of Toronto-Dominion Bank from C$93.00 to C$92.00 in a research report on Friday, August 25th. CIBC reduced their price target on shares of Toronto-Dominion Bank from C$86.00 to C$84.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Friday, December 1st. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada reduced their price target on shares of Toronto-Dominion Bank from C$92.00 to C$87.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Friday, December 1st. Five analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of C$90.68. Get Toronto-Dominion Bank alerts: Get Our Latest Analysis on Toronto-Dominion Bank Toronto-Dominion Bank Price Performance TD stock opened at C$85.12 on Wednesday. Toronto-Dominion Bank has a 12 month low of C$75.89 and a 12 month high of C$94.05. The firm has a market cap of C$152.36 billion, a PE ratio of 15.20, a P/E/G ratio of 1.06 and a beta of 0.87. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of C$81.62 and a 200 day simple moving average of C$82.19. Toronto-Dominion Bank (TSE:TD Get Free Report) (NYSE:TD) last released its earnings results on Thursday, November 30th. The company reported C$1.83 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of C$1.92 by C($0.09). Toronto-Dominion Bank had a net margin of 21.91% and a return on equity of 9.65%. The business had revenue of C$13.12 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of C$12.53 billion. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Toronto-Dominion Bank will post 8.0835708 earnings per share for the current year. Toronto-Dominion Bank Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, January 31st. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, January 10th will be paid a $1.02 dividend. This represents a $4.08 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.79%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, January 9th. This is a positive change from Toronto-Dominion Banks previous quarterly dividend of $0.96. Toronto-Dominion Banks dividend payout ratio is currently 72.86%. Insider Buying and Selling at Toronto-Dominion Bank In other news, Senior Officer Barbara Ann Hooper sold 9,162 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, December 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$80.49, for a total transaction of C$737,449.38. In other news, Senior Officer Barbara Ann Hooper sold 9,162 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, December 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$80.49, for a total transaction of C$737,449.38. Also, Senior Officer Riaz Ahmed sold 42,500 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, December 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$82.26, for a total transaction of C$3,496,050.00. Company insiders own 0.10% of the companys stock. About Toronto-Dominion Bank (Get Free Report) The Toronto-Dominion Bank, together with its subsidiaries, provides various financial products and services in Canada, the United States, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Canadian Personal and Commercial Banking, U.S. Retail, Wealth Management and Insurance, and Wholesale Banking. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Toronto-Dominion Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Toronto-Dominion Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com upgraded shares of TransUnion (NYSE:TRU Free Report) from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note issued to investors on Wednesday. A number of other equities analysts also recently weighed in on TRU. Evercore ISI downgraded TransUnion from an outperform rating to an in-line rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 25th. Oppenheimer initiated coverage on TransUnion in a research report on Tuesday, December 19th. They set an outperform rating and a $81.00 price target on the stock. Barclays lowered their price target on TransUnion from $80.00 to $55.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, October 25th. Royal Bank of Canada decreased their target price on TransUnion from $97.00 to $70.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, October 25th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group decreased their target price on TransUnion from $73.00 to $63.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, October 31st. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned a hold rating and nine have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $73.87. Get TransUnion alerts: View Our Latest Report on TransUnion TransUnion Price Performance NYSE:TRU opened at $68.05 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.30, a quick ratio of 1.54 and a current ratio of 1.54. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $58.39 and its 200 day simple moving average is $70.43. The company has a market cap of $13.18 billion, a P/E ratio of -53.16, a P/E/G ratio of 1.41 and a beta of 1.54. TransUnion has a 52-week low of $42.09 and a 52-week high of $82.75. TransUnion (NYSE:TRU Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, October 24th. The business services provider reported $0.91 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.95 by ($0.04). The company had revenue of $968.70 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $982.95 million. TransUnion had a negative net margin of 6.53% and a positive return on equity of 13.49%. TransUnions revenue was up 3.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $0.85 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that TransUnion will post 2.88 EPS for the current fiscal year. TransUnion Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 4th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 17th were issued a dividend of $0.105 per share. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, November 16th. This represents a $0.42 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.62%. TransUnions dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently -32.81%. Insider Transactions at TransUnion In related news, insider Steven M. Chaouki sold 1,276 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, October 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $71.43, for a total value of $91,144.68. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 56,860 shares in the company, valued at $4,061,509.80. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other TransUnion news, insider Steven M. Chaouki sold 1,276 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, October 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $71.43, for a total transaction of $91,144.68. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 56,860 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,061,509.80. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, Director Linda Zukauckas purchased 2,350 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, October 30th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $43.62 per share, with a total value of $102,507.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director now owns 7,781 shares in the company, valued at approximately $339,407.22. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Company insiders own 0.22% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On TransUnion Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Russell Investments Group Ltd. boosted its position in shares of TransUnion by 30.3% during the 1st quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 21,574 shares of the business services providers stock worth $1,340,000 after purchasing an additional 5,018 shares in the last quarter. BI Asset Management Fondsmaeglerselskab A S boosted its position in shares of TransUnion by 99.9% during the 2nd quarter. BI Asset Management Fondsmaeglerselskab A S now owns 4,913 shares of the business services providers stock worth $385,000 after purchasing an additional 2,455 shares in the last quarter. Bank of Nova Scotia boosted its position in shares of TransUnion by 64.2% during the 2nd quarter. Bank of Nova Scotia now owns 5,649 shares of the business services providers stock worth $443,000 after purchasing an additional 2,209 shares in the last quarter. Nomura Asset Management Co. Ltd. boosted its position in shares of TransUnion by 6.4% during the 1st quarter. Nomura Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 46,600 shares of the business services providers stock worth $2,896,000 after purchasing an additional 2,800 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Frontier Capital Management Co. LLC boosted its position in shares of TransUnion by 28.8% during the 1st quarter. Frontier Capital Management Co. LLC now owns 974,522 shares of the business services providers stock worth $60,557,000 after purchasing an additional 217,748 shares in the last quarter. TransUnion Company Profile (Get Free Report) TransUnion operates as a global consumer credit reporting agency that provides risk and information solutions. The company operates in three segments: U.S. Markets, International, and Consumer Interactive. The U.S. Markets segment provides consumer reports, actionable insights, and analytic services to businesses, which uses its services to acquire new customers; assess consumer ability to pay for services; identify cross-selling opportunities; measure and manage debt portfolio risk; collect debt; verify consumer identities; and mitigate fraud risk. Read More Receive News & Ratings for TransUnion Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for TransUnion and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Re: Scientists say that by bathing the skin cells in extracts of immune c [ #permalink orange that human skin cells in a test tube are made to behave as if they were that are made to behave as if they were that were to behave as if they were were made to behave as if they have made that were behaving as they have made behave as if they were 1. that human skin cells / human skin cells / they have made human skin cells (Construction) 2. are made to behave / were to behave / were made to behave / that were behaving / behave (Verb Tense & Active/Passive Voice) 3. as if they were / as if / as (Idioms) Lets start with #1 on our list, which has to do with construction. Scientists say that, by bathing the skin cells in extracts of immune cells , that human skin cells in a test tube are made to behave as if they were immune system cells. that that that that that human that they that they We can eliminate options A & B because they repeat that twice, which isnt necessary or grammatically correct to do here. were made to behave WRONG that were behaving OKAY behave OKAY We can eliminate option C because it uses passive voice, which is a big no-no on the GMAT! D) they have made human skin cells in a test tube that were behaving as immune system cells. INCORRECT E) they have made human skin cells in a test tube behave as if they were immune system cells. CORRECT There you have it - option E is our winner! EMPOWER gmat Total GMAT Content & Tactical Training | 120 Point Guarantee | All 6 Official GMAT Tests empowergmat.com Signature Read More Hello Everyone!Let's tackle this question, one thing at a time, and narrow down our options quickly so we know how to answer questions like this when they pop up on the GMAT! To begin, let's take a quick look at the question and highlight any major differences between the options inScientists say that, by bathing the skin cells in extracts of immune cells,immune system cells.A)human skin cells in a test tubeB)human skin cellsin a test tubeC) human skin cells in a test tubeD)human skin cells in a test tubeE)human skin cells in a test tubeAfter a quick glance over the options, there are a few key differences we can focus on:If we look at the original sentence, we see that there is a non-essential phrase we can remove:If we remove this non-essential phrase, what we have left over still needs to make sense. Lets do a quick check to see if our options are constructed properly. To make this easier to spot, were going to add in Scientists say that to each option:A) Scientists sayhuman skin cells in a test tube are made to behave as if they wereB) Scientists sayhuman skin cells were to behave in a test tube as if they wereC) Scientists sayskin cells in a test tube were made to behave as ifD) Scientists sayhave made human skin cells in a test tube that were behaving asE) Scientists sayhave made human skin cells in a test tube behave as if they wereNow that we have it narrowed down, lets tackle #2 on our list: Verb Tense & Active/Passive Voice. We need to make sure any option we choose is in active voice, and we also need to make sure the verb tenses make sense for the intended meaning:C) human skin cells in a test tubeas if Passive Voice =D) they have made human skin cells in a test tubeas =E) they have made human skin cells in a test tubeas if they were =Now that we have it narrowed down to only 2 options, lets tackle #3 on our list: Idioms. The phrases behave as X and behave as if they were X are slightly different things:This isbecause saying X behaving as Y changes the intended meaning. The sentence we have here suggests that the scientists created the human skin cells, which isnt accurate. The cells already existed - they just put them in a test tube and made them do something. This sentence is also saying that the human skin cells that scientists created were already acting like immune system cells - not that the doctors did anything to make them behave that way!This is! This clearly shows that the human skin cells already existed, and that the scientists were able to make them do something - behave as if they were a different kind of cell.It uses clear verbs, wording, and idioms to properly convey the intended meaning!Dont study for the GMAT. Train for it._________________ Weather Alert ...Very active weather and dangerous cold forecast for the next week... A very strong storm system will move through the region Friday. Very strong winds are expected and a wind advisory has been issued for the entire region for 40-50 mph wind gusts. Stronger winds are possible. Widespread rain may lead to localized flooding in areas where thunderstorms form with up to 2 inches of rain possible in those areas. Severe thunderstorms are not currently expected but there is a small potential over the southern Pennyrile region of Kentucky Friday morning. A change to sleet and snow is forecast at the end of the day but accumulations are still not anticipated. If temperatures do not rise above freezing Saturday it is expected to mark the first of 5 to 6 days where temperatures will not rise above freezing. Lows Saturday through Tuesday night are forecast to fall into or near the single digits. Below zero wind chills are likely most of Monday and Tuesday. This extended cold snap will be dangerous to those without adequate shelter and will likely challenge plumbing and other cold-sensitive infrastructure. Accumulating snow remains possible Monday but forecast amounts have trended a little lower, and will remain subject to change for the next few days as more data becomes available. ...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM CST /7 AM EST/ FRIDAY TO MIDNIGHT CST /1 AM EST/ FRIDAY NIGHT... * WHAT...Southwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected. * WHERE...Portions of southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, western Kentucky and southeast Missouri. * WHEN...From 6 AM CST /7 AM EST/ Friday to midnight CST /1 AM EST/ Friday night. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Wet ground may result in some trees being uprooted, and tree limbs will be blown down. A few power outages are likely. High profile vehicles will have difficulty. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...A corridor of stronger winds, with gusts up to 60 mph is possible over the Pennyrile region of west Kentucky ahead of the front, and across the entire quad-state behind the front. If that begins to appear likely a high wind warning will be issued. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects. && Movement Bank, a Danville financial institution founded in 1919 by nearly two dozen Black community leaders, will leave its downtown home in January. The bank is relocating its headquarters from 201 N. Union St. to 1296 Piney Forest Road. The new space will open Jan. 22. This strategic relocation allows us to optimize our operations, embrace new opportunities and continue our mission of positively impacting the lives of the people we serve, Michael Whitehead, president of Movement Bank, said in a news release. We are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead and remain dedicated to the purpose that has driven Movement Bank for over a century. It all started as Savings Bank of Danville and was later called First State Bank, which was known as the last remaining Black-owned bank in Virginia. The bank was founded with the goal of providing financial services to those that other banks would deny such as the African American community or those with low credit scores. It was rebranded Movement Bank in 2017 after Casey Crawford became the majority shareholder. The fact that a bank has survived for a century with that vision is an honor and a testament to the weight of that vision, Crawford said in 2019 when the bank celebrated 100 years. First State Bank powered Danvilles Black economy, becoming a launchpad for entrepreneurs needing startup capital for their businesses, Movement Banks website states. It has an extensive section dedicated to the banks early beginnings and progress through the years. In 1963, it played a pivotal role in the civil rights movement when it paid the bonds for nearly two dozen demonstrators jailed for protesting segregation, the site states. Having been an integral part of the banks legacy over three decades, I view this relocation as a pivotal moment in our journey, Jackie Barksdale, a branch manager, said. While bidding farewell to downtown Danville brings a mix of reminiscence and anticipation, I am confident that this strategic move will benefit the bank and position us to continue our legacy of community, service and love. A fixture eatery and nightspot in downtown Ocala has permanently shuttered. Molly Maguires Eatery of Ocala, 17 SW First Ave., was opened on Oct. 14, 2014 by local businessman George Carrasco. The eatery closed on Dec. 19. Its not bittersweet. My stewardship for this space is over, Carrasco said during a Dec. 22 interview. The eatery was known for its signature smoked chicken sandwich, called the Dirty Bird, and fare including garbanzo bean soup and a Cuban sandwich. Carrasco has purchased, upgraded and repurposed many downtown properties, including storefronts adjacent to the downtown square and along Southwest Broadway. He believes no one possess anything forever; we only act as stewards for a given time. I chose not to renew the lease and Im moving on, he said. The Dirty Bird Filthy sandwich was a best seller at Molly's. Carrasco said no jobs will be lost with the closing. Molly Maguires had three core employees: Carrasco, Elizabeth Arnett and Patti Amico. Both women plan to go to work with OMalley's Alley, he indicated. Carrasco said he will focus on the operation of OMalleys, a classic Irish pub on the downtown square according to their Facebook post. Carrasco opened OMalleys in 1997 and the location now employs about 25 people. He indicated OMalleys would serve the dirty bird-type sandwiches. OMalleys Alley and Molly Maguires are connected by an alley. Molly Maguire's Sandwich Chef Patti McGuire at work on May 17, 2022. Carrasco, 65, a native of Tampa who holds a degree in history, once worked with United Telephone Yellow Pages. He has been involved with Interfaith Emergency Services and served as a trustee on the Marion County Hospital District Board. Carrasco has been a driving force in developing downtown Ocala properties, including several locations along southwest Broadway Street that now house businesses including Stellas Modern Pantry at 20 SW Broadway St. Carrasco originally donated several of the stores for at least a year for use as locations offering art and antiques. The stores have since changed offerings several times. Elizabeth Arnett, 25, has worked at Molly Maguires since she was 16. It doesnt feel like work (here); its like family, she said. Arnett says the dirty bird sandwich with smoked chicken, caramelized onion, provolone cheese and more was the favorite dish 10 to 1. George Carrasco, owner of Molly Maguire's of Ocala, right, poses with customer Matt Young, left, during lunch on March 2. The restaurant was a favorite place to visit on St. Patrick's Day. Arnett said the restaurant smoked its own chicken and bacon. A filthy bird is a dirty bird topped with in-house smoked bacon and additional varieties of chicken like Buffalo chicken were also served, Carrasco said. Mike Porter of nearby American Pawn of Ocala said hes sad to see a good business neighbor leave. He has enjoyed the restaurants Cuban sandwich. Former city attorney Pat Gilligan said in a phone interview that Carrasco could be considered the tip of the spear in the development of today's downtown Ocala. Carrasco described another storefront he upgraded on Southwest Broadway Street that was nearly in need of demolition, with holes in the structure, but now is part of a revitalized strip of stores. Gilligan indicated the development of a number of properties in downtown Ocala by private business people drove the changes and upgrades that followed in downtown Ocala, like road improvements and the multi-story downtown parking garage. Gilligan said one guy (Carrasco) took a chance and got the ball rolling in downtown Ocala. It took a businessman. There should be a statue of George downtown, Gilligan said. Now open: Chick-fil-A opens in Ocala at corner of Southwest 48th Avenue and State Road 200 Meanwhile, Carrasco said the restaurants furniture will be donated to the Humane Society of Marion County and the eaterys refrigeration equipment will be donated to Interfaith Emergency Services. Carrasco said he appreciated working with former Mayor Kent Guinn and looks forward to working with current Mayor Ben Marciano. Ocala has been very good to me, Carrasco said. The restaurant is holding Molly Maguires Mulligan, a last chance for customers to order their favorite dish from the restaurant for takeout only. Customers must place their order by Dec. 26 at 3 p.m., and pickup is at the former Molly Maguires location, 17 SW First Ave., on Dec. 28 between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Email 58gcopm@gmail.com This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Popular restaurant ends its nine-year run in downtown Ocala First-time visitors to Houbaligou Village might check their maps again just to make sure they are in the right spot, because this area looks a lot more urban than rural, with highrises lining broad streets, a spacious square dotted with green trees and fountains, and neatly built neighborhoods. The village in east China's Shandong Province boasts an array of industries, including real estate development, education and commerce. Its fast development was a result of several factors, including adjacency to the county town and the ability to seize industrial opportunities, while deepening reform has also played a crucial role. China aims to make decisive progress in rural revitalization and basically achieve modernization of agriculture and rural areas by 2035. Reform to improve institutions and mechanisms is deemed a source of impetus and vitality for this process. Rural reform and innovation will be strengthened, according to the annual central rural work conference that concluded Wednesday. FROM FARMERS TO SHAREHOLDERS China has advanced rural reform across the board in the past decade, making breakthroughs in some key areas. The reform of the rural collective property rights system was one of the major tasks. By verifying rural collective assets and allowing farmers to voluntarily turn their rights in collective assets into shares, this reform is aimed at protecting farmers' interests and improving the vitality of the rural collective economy. After completing reform and setting up a shareholding cooperative in 2017, Houbaligou Village's collective assets have ballooned from 3.5 billion yuan to over 8 billion yuan (about 1.1 billion U.S. dollars) at present. As shareholders, villagers have received dividends annually and their incomes have grown continuously. Employees working for the village enterprise also hold shares based on the length of their service. "As shareholders, villagers and employees are all motivated to contribute to the village's development," said Yang Ruixia, a member of the village Party committee. The reform also has a lasting influence on Luyuan New Village of the city of Qufu, the hometown of Confucius in Shandong Province. A collective economic organization, established as a consequence of the reform process, has supported villagers in opening more than 160 guesthouses to tap local tourism resources. Kong Fanling, a 56-year-old villager, has turned her four-bed home into a guesthouse, which has the potential to bring in 60,000 to 70,000 yuan in revenue annually. Her family could only earn around 3,000 yuan a year from growing crops, which used to be their major source of income. "We could have never imagined making a living out of tourism. Villagers used to leave for jobs in cities in droves. Now around two thirds of them have returned to the village," Kong said. Nationwide, around 960,000 rural collective economies have been established since reform of the collective property rights system was rolled out in 2015. China will continue to deepen reform of the collective property rights system and other rural fields to enable farmers to increase their income, said Zeng Yande, an official with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. MODERNIZING AGRICULTURE The role of reform is also underlined in China's efforts to build up its strength in agriculture, which is part of the country's grand goal of developing itself into a great modern socialist country in all respects by the middle of this century. In a major institutional innovation in the past decade, China has allowed farmers to retain contract rights concerning their allotted farmland, while transferring management rights if farmers decide to lease the land to others. This reform, together with the extension of the rural land contract by a further 30 years, has provided further assurance to farmers and helped accelerate farmland transfer, large-scale farming and development of a modern agricultural industry. Thanks to the reform, profound changes have taken place in Xiaogang Village, the cradle of China's household contract responsibility system for rural land. The village in east China's Anhui Province has developed about 870 hectares of high-standard farmland since 2018 by amalgamating small plots of land, 70 percent of which has been transferred for large-scale farming, said Li Jinzhu, first secretary of the village Party committee. "Some families used to own a number of plots of farmland. Now with the small pieces of land forming larger ones, there are conditions suitable for improving infrastructure and developing modern agriculture," he said. The village has attracted leading agricultural groups like the Beidahuang Group and the Anhui Agricultural Reclamation Group. The local agricultural mechanization rate has reached over 97 percent. "Many of us did not expect this to happen five years ago. Now we have factory seedlings, machine transplanting, and drone pesticide spraying," Li said. Nationwide, the rate of mechanization in crop plowing, planting and harvesting had risen from 67.2 percent in 2017 to 73 percent in 2022. Helped by increased contributions from agricultural machinery and technology, China secured a grain harvest of over 650 million tonnes for the ninth consecutive year in 2023. With reform and innovation of institutions and mechanisms, agriculture in China will see further improved industrial, production and business operation systems and increased land yield, resource utilization efficiency and labor productivity, said Zheng Fengtian, director of the Rural Development Institute at the Renmin University of China. A company that restores classic cars will expand its Pittsylvania County operation by investing $3 million and creating 30 new jobs in the process. The Pittsylvania County Industrial Authority announced last week that KTL Restorations Inc. had entered into a lease-to-purchase agreement for a 12,000-square-foot building owned by the IDA at 2311 Cane Creek Parkway in the Ringgold East Industrial Park. The plan is to start upgrades on the building early next year and be in operation by the middle of 2024, a county news release reported. The company has been in Pittsylvania County since 2002 and right now is operated at 239 Mayfield Road. Specializing in restoring classic cars, KTL Restorations also adds aftermarket upgrades in the process to rebuild a show-quality automobile. Tom Lawrance founded the company in Long Island, New York. Working in his two-car garage, he took his love of Mercury Cougars and eventually turned it into a company rebuilding automobiles, according to the companys website. Kurtis, his son, worked side-by-side with his father learning the ins and outs of cars. The father-son team expanded their skills to include repair and painting. Before long, they found themselves standing on the Barrett Jackson stage with their record-breaking Mercury Cougar Eliminator, the site states. Thats when KTL Restorations was called The Cougar Specialist. That name has stuck around. Lawrance died in 2014, but his son and his wife continue to keep the fathers dream going. The company is now known nationwide and has been featured in specialty car publications. The IDA loves investing in local businesses and local citizens, Pittsylvania County IDA Chair Joey Faucette said in a statement. This project is unique in that it assists a nationally recognized company with its plans to expand here in Pittsylvania County, bringing jobs, revenue, and recognition to Southside Virginia. Faucette also praised the companys commitment to staying in the region and thanked the Longwood University Small Business Development Center including Director Michael Duncan for supporting the effort. The IDA agreement will allow KTL Restorations to buy the building. Thats expected to happen in 2027. The company also partners with the Pittsylvania County Career and Technical Center, a facility operated by Pittsylvania County Schools to give high school students training in trending industries. With a client base that extends beyond the U.S., we feel that the expansion is going to only further the partnership, client base and highly skilled trade jobs to our area, co-owners Kurt and Crystal Lawrance said in a statement. Across the U.S., there are only a handful of highly reputable restoration and custom shops many do vintage work but not to the car boutique level, as we do. The couple said the building expansion will help grow revenue and add more jobs, all while preserving classic cars. Active in the community, KTL Restorations regularly donates to Pittsylvania County Schools and public safety agencies. Company officials also act as ambassadors for the Dan River Region since they often bring business owners and industry leaders to the area. We preserve history, the owners said in the release. We bring back the memories and the dreams of the vehicle you rode in as a kid, or the one that has been passed down through three generations. Christmas is a time of tables laid with lavish servings of turkey and lashings of cranberry sauce. Of trees heaving with fairy lights and baubles, with scores of presents gathered around like Victorian urchins warming themselves by a lit brazier. Of Hollywood encouraging you to take your shot with Keira Knightley. In other words, its a time of rampant consumerism. Sky Maxs The Heist Before Christmas is something of a tonic, then: a Christmas movie for the underserved market in underserved Christmases. Hows things at home, Mikey? asks his headmaster, after Mikey (Bamber Todd) is caught, yet again, causing trouble at his Northern Irish primary school. Things arent great. Single mother Patricia (Laura Donnelly) is struggling to put food on the table, while her youngest son, Sean (Joshua McLees), is clinging on to the last vestiges of childlike naivety. Their Christmas plans become inextricably tangled up with those of a bank robber (James Nesbitt), who is on the lam in a Santa suit, and Santa himself (Timothy Spall), who young Mikey encounters laid up in the woods following an apparent sleigh crash. With both the police and Christmas Day closing in, what lessons are going to be learnt by this unusual quartet? Whether its the McCallisters of Home Alone, the Scrooges of, you know, all those Christmas Carol adaptations, or even Its a Wonderful Lifes depressed banker, George Bailey, Christmas movies often depict the materially wealthy in need of spiritual nourishment. The true meaning of Christmas, they are told, isnt in gift-giving or gorging, but in family, fraternity, and friendship. Here, The Heist Before Christmas is an interesting and worthwhile divergence. Dont you have a telephone? Santa asks Mikey, telling him to call the police. No, Mikey replies, you never brought me one. It is a recurring theme throughout the 75-minute special: little brother Sean desperately hopes that this will be the year he finally gets a bike, while his mother is scrounging bones at the butcher, pretending she has a dog in order to make weak broth. When the inevitable true meaning of Christmas message arrives, it does so from a starting point of understanding that material wealth is easier to disavow once youve already experienced it. But coded into its attempts to subvert yuletide materialism is The Heist Before Christmass essential problem. With its two young leads played ably by Todd and McClees and a script from Ronan Blaney that becomes increasingly slapstick, it feels like it ought to be aimed at younger children. And yet there are creeping adult themes that might push family viewing away: gun violence, dementia, and, most surprising of all, a scene where Patricia slaps her pre-teen son across the face. It is a moment for which the narrative requires the viewers mercy, even though it is never addressed or redressed. Instead, the action moves on, Shane MacGowan croons Fairytale of New York and Michael Buble warbles through Its Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas. But this vision of Christmas looks a lot more like a kitchen sink drama than were used to. This is an excellent idea, but requires a confident, unmediated execution that this lacks. The Heist Before Christmass cinematography looks cheap frequently over-lit in the manner that low-budget films on rushed production schedules often are and the action choreography is equally hammy. When Nesbitts criminal is punched in the face or lands on his testicles, it lacks tactility. And a car chase (albeit in buggies twinkling with fairy lights) feels agonisingly slow, like the films insurer was standing on the side with a clipboard and a speed gun. It all contributes to the film feeling targeted at audiences younger than its themes (This lot wont be buying chicken and pretending its turkey on the big day, whistles Nesbitt when he spies a parked Ferrari, an implication that few eight-year-olds will understand). Its important to applaud the desire to do something different with festive filmmaking, otherwise, we end up in an eternal loop of Dickens adaptations and romcoms involving burnt-out bigshots returning to their hick hometowns. The Heist Before Christmas is something unusual. But in its tonal imbalance, aesthetic wobbliness, and lack of ultimate commitment to its anti-capitalist core, it misses the true meaning of Christmas: that difference is something worth celebrating. Its not really news that Donald Trump fabricates stories and lies all the time, but this clip from a 1987 interview on CNNs Crossfire showed that the future president was basically always this way. While speaking to Pat Buchanan and Tom Braden, Trump praised Tom Wolfe as his favorite author. When asked if hed read Wolfes recently released book The Bonfire of the Vanities, Trump said, I did not. The conversation continued along those lines and Buchanan asked, Whats the best book youve read besides Art of the Deal? Trump insisted that he really liked Wolfes last book which happened to be The Bonfire of the Vanities. Quite the exchange on Crossfire with Donald Trump in 1987 when asked what books he reads. pic.twitter.com/90lJ2FOIbD Andy Kaczynski (@KFILE) August 28, 2020 The interview began when Buchanan asked, Who are your favorite authors? Trump replied, Well, I have a number of favorite authors. I think Tom Wolfe is excellent. Hes then asked if he read the book in question, which Buchanan mistakenly referred to as Vanity of the Bonfires before he corrected himself. Its a phenomenal book, Buchanan continued. Braden then asked, What book are you reading now? to which Trump unsurprisingly replied, Well, Im reading my own book again because I think its so fantastic. Trump also told Buchanan, I really liked Tom Wolfes last book. I think hes a great author. Hes done a beautiful job, hes he continued before Buchanan cut in, Which book? The his current book, Trump said. Just his current book, its just out. Bonfire of the Vanities,' Buchanan said. Yes, Trump replied. And the, the man has done a very good job, and I dont, I really cant hear with this earphone, by the way, Trump said, in what was clearly an attempt to distract from the obvious literary lie. That Trump claimed to have read at all is a surprise for those of us who endured his one term as president. A number of sources, including author Michael Wolff, have verified that Trump doesnt like to read at all. As he wrote in his 2018 book Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House of Trump, He didnt process information in any conventional sense. He didnt read. He didnt really even skim. Some believed that for all practical purposes he was no more than semi-literate. This isnt Trumps only literary lie. In 1990, his late ex-wife Ivana Trump claimed in an interview with Vanity Fair that he kept a collection of Hitlers speeches on his bedside table; Trump himself explained to the outlet that it was his friend Marty Davis from Paramount who gave me a copy of Mein Kampf, and hes a Jew. He then added, If I had these speeches, and I am not saying that I do, I would never read them. (NBC later clarified that Davis, who is not Jewish, said that he gave Trump the essays, titled My New Order, because he thought the businessman might think they were interesting.) Trumps interest, perceived or otherwise, in Hitler has come under recent scrutiny in the wake of his comment that immigrants are poisoning the blood of the United States. Hitler used the exact phrase about Jews often, something that Trump has since claimed to not know. No, and I never knew that Hitler said it, either, by the way, Trump said Friday in a radio interview. And I never read Mein Kampf. They said I read Mein Kampf. These are people that are disinformation, horrible people that were dealing with. I never read Mein Kampf.' Watch the vintage interview with Trump in the video near the top of this post. The post That Time Trump Was Caught Lying on CNN About His Book-Reading Habits | Video appeared first on TheWrap. When Bo Krsmanovic first stepped foot on an SI Swimsuit photoshoot, she traveled to Bora Bora, Tahiti for the 2016 magazine. She returned to the fold the following year for not one, but two featuresand this time, they brought her to both tropical and frigid climates alike. The Serbian model was photographed in Finland and Fiji in 17. In addition to her work with SI Swimsuit, Krsmanovic has been featured on the cover of publications like Maxim and Harpers Bazaar Serbia. Today, the 31-year-old model shares lifestyle and industry content regularly with her 347,000 Instagram followers. Its clear that much of Krsmanovics time is spent on work and the fashion industry, which makes sense, as she was actually shopping when she found out she had landed her first SI Swimsuit gig. The moment I found out I was a rookie I was actually in the GUESS shop, she told Fox News. And my booker called me, and hes like, Are you sitting? And I'm like, No, Im shopping, did something happen? Today, were throwing it back to Krsmanovics chilly photoshoot in Finland. Despite the temperatures, the model wore several string swimsuits, and even nothing but fur and snow boots for several photographs, while she cuddled up with an adorable Husky puppy in others. She certainly kept her cool in the icy climate of Northern Europe, and the resulting pics, captured by photographer Walter Chin, are absolutely stunning. Below are a few of our favorites. Walter Chin/Sports Illustrated Walter Chin/Sports Illustrated Walter Chin/Sports Illustrated Walter Chin/Sports Illustrated Walter Chin/Sports Illustrated Walter Chin/Sports Illustrated Make sure to follow SI Swimsuit on YouTube! Of Ariel Merediths five years of SI Swimsuit features, only some were the tropical photoshoots that have become a staple for the brand. A few were just a little bit outside of the boxin the most fun way. In 2014, the American model made her way to Montreux, Switzerland, a mountain town situated in the beautiful Swiss Alps, with photographer Yu Tsai. In her best and brightest bikinis, the model stepped out among the tall grass of the mountain locale, posing before the beautiful scenery of the unique SI Swimsuit set. Shooting with the Matterhorn as the backdrop was absolutely breathtaking, she said of the mountains in the background. Its just like the essence of beauty. In addition to the incredible scenery, the Louisiana native had the chance to do something shed never done before: work with a handful of sheep by her side. She posed both on the mountain and in the town of Montreux with sheep wandering along beside her and in the background, an added appeal in a set of already charming photos. Im really excited because were getting some really great pictures, she expressed during the photoshoot. Switzerland was definitely the perfect location for the 50th anniversary. I dont know where else I wouldve wanted to be besides this place. If nothing else, the experience was definitely unique, and the perfect way to celebrate such a big anniversary for the brand. Below are some of the fabulous photos from her scenic trip to Europe. Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated Make sure to follow SI Swimsuit on YouTube! Chris Evans and Alba Baptista have managed to stay out of the public eye so well that they may as well have been wiped away with a snap of Thanos' fingers I couldn't resist a little Marvel pun! The couple had been dating a full year when it was finally revealed in November 2022, and then secretly married in September 2023. The wedding was a small affair in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, with no phones and NDAs for the whole guest list, which included some of the actors Marvel co-stars, such as Scarlett Johansson, Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth and Jeremy Renner. Evans recently revealed that the couple had a second wedding ceremony in Portugal, where Baptista is from. We kind of had two ceremonies, he shared. We had one on the East Coast, we did one in Portugal my wifes Portuguese. But they were just wonderful and beautiful. Its a lot planning a wedding for those of you who are married you know, it takes a lot out of you. Since then, we've been eagerly waiting to see more of these lovebirds, and Christmas came early with a rare sighting! The newlyweds were spotted attending Johansson and her husband Colin Jost's Christmas party on Thursday night. Photos from Page Six show the couple arriving hand in hand. Baptista was dressed for the festive spirit in a red midi dress and navy blue overcoat, with bold red lipstick to top it off. Evans similarly wore holiday colors, with a dark-green shirt and burgundy slacks, topped with a brown overcoat. Sources told Page Six, "They looked inseparable, and he seemed to be a gentleman and very protective of her." Captain America is truly ready to protect his wife from any danger. The source also said, He quickly grabbed for her hand the second they left. I guess the Honeymoon period isn't over just yet! It was a star-studded event, including celebrities like Lorne Michaels, Jon Hamm, Amy Poehler, Sarah Silverman, Greta Gerwig, Bill Murray, and Alec Baldwin. Johansson stunned as a hostess in her signature red, but opted for a pale pink lipstick instead of her usual siren red. Johansson and Evans starred together in Avengers, and she and Jost were present at the secret wedding in September. All in all, Baptista and Evans took their time to emerge as a married couple, but they did not disappoint! Gift cards might seem like the perfect option when you don't know what to give, but consider all the cards that go unused and unwanted. It could just be they are forgotten in a drawer, but it might be that the gift card is not a match for your recipient's tastes. It's no small business; for example, Starbucks projected that 58 million gift cards worth over $3 billion in value would be sold in 2023 -- that's a lot of plastic, and not everyone is a Starbucks coffee fan. Enter Death Wish Coffee with its latest program that trades in those unwanted Starbucks cards for its premium coffee offerings. According to the Death Wish Coffee website, for every Starbucks card up to $100 in value, the company will issue a credit of equal value to be used online exclusively. In addition, the cash value of the Starbucks card will be donated to St. Jude's Children's Hospital. One card per person will be accepted until January 9, 2024, and important restrictions and other details can be found on the Death Wish website. Tasting Table reached out to Starbucks for comment but it chose not to give any official comments on the story. Read more: 31 Coffee Brands, Ranked From Worst To Best Trading In And Trading Up Starbucks gift cards on rack - Bloomberg/Getty Images Retail gift cards are a form of stored money, and the issuing company can make a lot of profit by investing the value until the card is redeemed. For some recipients, that is an extra incentive to cash in if they have objections with the issuing company. Considering the timing and the disputes between Starbucks and its unionized stores, some customers may be looking to shop elsewhere. One coffee lover made this extra easy by creating Nahbucks, an online map listing close to 50,000 non-Starbucks coffee locations around the country. What makes the Death Wish offer notable is that the company is offering an equal dollar exchange, so you get the full value of your card, as well as the warm fuzzy feeling of knowing that St. Jude's will also benefit. The New York-based coffee roaster was founded in 2012 and specializes in extra-caffeinated brews with an edgy skull and crossbones branding. The Fair Trade and organic certified coffee is available as beans, ground, brew pods, and instant coffee, all boasting about double the caffeine of a standard cup of joe. A single sleeve of its instant coffee contains a whopping 300 mg of caffeine -- be warned! The coffee is available at retailers nationwide, but note that the Starbucks card trade-in promotion is only valid for website orders. Read the original article on Tasting Table. The world is filled with a wide variety of pasta shapes beyond the basics of spaghetti and penne, and many of them come from the motherland, Italy. If you've never heard of fiocchetti before, you're in for a treat, as this type of noodle is the fancier cousin of the rich and tasty gnocchi. But while the latter is typically considered a dumpling more than a pasta, fiocchetti is the reverse. "Fiocchetti" means "little bows" in Italian, although each pasta is shaped more like a purse than actual farfalle, which are the bowtie shape you're probably used to seeing. Imagine enveloping a chocolate truffle in wrapping paper. You'd gather the paper around the top of the sphere and twist it, leaving any remaining tufts sticking out. This present is almost exactly what fiocchetti look like. The beauty of pasta shaped this way is that while they're not stuffed with chocolate truffles, they're still filled with all sorts of good stuff: multiple cheeses and sometimes fruit. In that sense, you may think of them as more like ravioli than gnocchi. Either way, you'll want to add them to your list of new pasta shapes to try. And the best part? You may be able to easily snag a bag at Trader Joe's, in the form of the chain's Cheese Filled Fiocchetti with Pink Sauce. Read more: 44 Types Of Pasta And When You Should Be Using Them Where Did Fiocchetti Come From? trattoria 4 leone's fiocchetti - 4 Leoni / Facebook So who came up with a pasta shaped like a purse (or like a small wrapped present)? The exact origins are a little murky, but stuffed pastas are nothing new in Italy (just think of ravioli, tortellini, etc.). In fact, stuffed pastas go all the way back to at least the 14th century, when they were mentioned in a book from Tuscany called "Libro della Cocina." It seems that fiocchetti may originally hail from Tuscany as well. Perhaps the most popular restaurant that serves the pasta shape today is called Trattoria 4 Leoni in Florence, which claims that it serves "typical Tuscan cuisine." The trattoria's fiocchetti dish is so adored that everyone from travel bloggers to culinary queen Giada de Laurentiis herself sings its praises, so it may be that Trattoria 4 Leoni can be credited with the modern global popularization of the pasta shape. The specific dish that gained recognition at the restaurant is the pear and cheese-stuffed fiocchetti, also called "pear-stuffed pasta in a sauce of taleggio cheese and asparagus." As its name suggests, small bits of pear are nestled into the little bundles of pasta dough, potentially along with ricotta. Popular Fiocchetti Fillings And Sauces dry purse shaped pasta - Aleksandra Duda/Shutterstock If you want to copy the world-renowned fiocchetti dish from Trattoria 4 Leoni, you'll want to stuff your pasta purses with a mixture of ricotta, Pecorino Romano, parmesan, and chopped pears although you can also incorporate another creamy cheese, like mascarpone, if you'd prefer. The flavor combination is so popular now that you may even be able to find boxes of purse-shaped pasta with dehydrated pears and cheese already stuffed inside, which you can simply pour into boiling water and cook like any other noodle. To truly replicate the trattoria's dish, top your fiocchetti off with a creamy bechamel sauce, reminiscent of the taleggio cheese sauce the restaurant uses. These flavors would also be delicious in a sweet and savory pasta salad with other fruits, like oranges; some Italian recipes tuck pasta with this filling into desserts with fruit, caramel, and gelato. In general, you may love filling these little purses with cheeses like gorgonzola or diced fruit like apple, and topping with sweet ingredients like candied pecans. Even when fiocchetti is used for savory dishes, pears tend to be a popular filling, although the pasta is often topped with a pink sauce or a fresh tomato sauce instead. But like we said, no matter which way you test out this cute little pasta shape, you're in for a treat. Read the original article on Tasting Table. Spoilers ahead for Maestro. There are endless talesrepeated ad nauseam, either as commendable example or cautionary taleof the woman who washed away her wishes at the river of her husbands genius. The more generous rendering of this story is not a washing away but a Biblical washing of: of feet, an act of love as symbolically powerful as it is humbling. Felicia Montealegre Bernstein, portrayed by a luminous Carey Mulligan in Bradley Coopers new biopic Maestro, does not match either of these images precisely. Like so many women destined to carry wife of [insert legend] forever in their biographies, she is neither and both. Thats a fine line Maestro walks with bold gusto, if imperfect balance. Cooperthe films director and the actor portraying Felicias husband, the celebrated conductor and composer Leonard Bernsteinmakes his efforts obvious as he carves into a complicated marriage and extracts the woman in it. He is quick to demonstrate his understanding that Felicia, however kind and forbearing she might have been, was never Lennys naive subordinate. She gave of herself willingly but also strategically: She understood that marrying Lenny was to merge herself not only with a whirling dervish of energy and ambition, but with a bisexual man whose desires she would and could not satisfy alone. And she used their partnership to her own professional advantages as well; some of the best moments in Maestro occur when Cooper and Mulligan act out the exhilaration of the couples creative union. (A scene in which they become active co-participants in an On the Town rehearsal together is of particular delight, and equal emotional weight.) Still, Cooper is just as eagerif not more soto examine the Felicia who gave more than she ever expected to give. When the journalist Edward Murrow interviews the couple on TV in one of Maestros early scenes, he asks the multi-hyphenate Lenny what the musician considers his primary occupation, then directs a similar but refracted question to Felicia: Does she herself have time for interests beyond acting? Well, it gets pretty hard to do much more than take care of this household, she replies. The scene fades into the next before Murrow can even finish asking Felicia her thoughts on music. This trend continues as the movie moves into the 1960s and deeper into the eventual breakdown of the Bernsteins marriage, when its as if the cameras view of Felicia zooms in too close, blurring its focus in the process. The script cant find a way to address all of her nuances, especially as it attempts to do the same for an increasingly erratic Lenny. Theres so much attention paid to what Felicia must endure and forgive as Lennys partneror, as she puts it to one friend, what she must survivethat theres not enough emphasis on what she, nevertheless, managed to do. Bettmann - Getty Images The real-life Feliciaborn in San Jose, Costa Rica, in 1922 and raised in Santiago, Chileimmigrated to New York City in 1944 and enrolled in drama school, adopting her mothers maiden name for the stage. As Maestro depicts, she met Lenny through her piano teacher, the Chilean pianist Claudio Arrau; he introduced the couple in 1946, leading to a short engagement that ended in 1947. What the film mentions but doesnt depict is Felicias separate romantic relationship with the actor Richard Hart from 1948 to 1951during which he died of an apparent heart attack. It was only after this affair that she reunited with Lenny, and they were once again engaged by the end of summer 1951. By that point, Felicia was indeed an established actress in America, both on the stage and screen: Beyond Broadway, she took on roles for TV at the studios that would one day merge under CBS and NBC. In the 60s and 70s, she engaged in numerous activist initiatives, including chairing the Womens Division of the New York Civil Liberties Union; protesting the war in Vietnam; raising funds in a controversial campaign for the Panther 21 members of the Black Panther party; and working in Chile for Amnesty International. Maestro depicts these years in vivid coloran abrupt shift from the films earlier black-and-white scenesyet omits many of their most revealing events. The script includes multitudinous mentions of Felicias activities, but only occasional scenes of her doing them, instead piling on instances that underscore the confusion and jealousy lurking inside the Bernsteins marriage. There is a logic to this sort of framing. One could argue (and many have) that Cooper was never trying to tell a complete story of Leonard Bernstein, and certainly not of Felicia Montealegre, but rather of a specific dynamic within their marriage. Thats all well and good, and Maestro very nearly succeeds in this goal. But any married person can tell you such a dynamic is in and of itself a result of the spouses interlocking nuances, many of which must be examined and re-examined over and over again to make any sense of the marriage itself. And in that regard, Cooper can never quite can get a finger on Felicia the woman for want of Felicia the wife. Evening Standard - Getty Images In one later Maestro scene, a pair of Felicias friends and colleaguesCynthia and Mendystart fretting over her, and the camera slowly closes in until she alone fills the frame, insisting shes busier than ever. (Cynthia points out busier isnt the same as better.) When Mendy tells her hes greedy for as much of you as I can get, Felicia smiles her winningest smile and tells him, Im all yours. Only we, the audience, watch her face fall seconds later, all too aware of the lie shes just told. There is so much to love about these moments, and about Maestros overall depiction of Felicia, that Im hesitant to critique it at all. Mulligan is a wonder; Coopers directorial vision is apparent; I cried precisely when Id imagine I was expected to cry. I adored Lenny and Felicia together, and could feel the love between them like a tangible presence in the theater. But as the film spends much of its last half hour depicting Felicias battle with lung cancer, from which she died in 1978, I found myself wondering how much of this very real woman Id missed outside Maestros narrow frame. It is, of course, intentional that the films key art features Felicia viewed from behind. This is also the imagery of the films last scene, when a younger Felicia, rendered once again in black-and-white, turns away from our gaze. It seems both a symbolic narrative gesture and an implicit acknowledgment of what the film cant do: see Felicia from straight-on. As Lenny finishes up an interview in these final moments, he repeats a line spoken by Felicia earlier: Any questions? (This is also a thematic callback to Maestros epigraph, a Bernstein quote: A work of art does not answer questions; it provokes them.) But as the camera cuts to his beautiful wife, smiling before she puts her back to us, the answer is all too obviousand no less frustrating. You Might Also Like Since 1994, the St. Moritz Gourmet Festival has attracted a lavish epicurean crowd, luring over 80,000 lovers of all things food and drink to the snowy mountains of the Swiss Alps during winter. Participants and chefs alike are rewarded for their travels with carefully prepared dishes and meals, as the world of gastronomy is celebrated in hotels and venues throughout the region. While participating in the St. Moritz festival, ticket-buying participants can count on a fusion of culinary tastes and styles, like the merging of Belgium's chef Viki Geunes, who has overseen Restaurant Zilte earning three Michelin stars and Jean-Philippe Blondet, chef patron of Alain Ducasse in London's Dorchester Hotel. Such dinners offer a double serving of a Michelin-rated experience, as two culinary professionals are matched up to cook multi-course meals in hotels like the Carlton, Suvretta House, and Grand Hotel Kronenhof. For those wanting a more unique culinary experience, wine tastings, a mountaintop brunch, and the festival's finale, introduce participants to many of the award-winning chefs for open conversation as well as great food and wine. Read more: Restaurant Foods That Always Taste Better Than What You Make At Home A Festival For The Senses chef plating at St. Moritz - St. Moritz Gourmet Festival/Facebook Hailing from Singapore, Japan, across Europe, and the United Kingdom, at least 10 chefs from Michelin-accredited restaurants will participate in the 2024 program from January 29 to February 3. The festival marks the event's 30th anniversary, and six days of gourmet events and food offerings are scheduled. From experienced and decorated chefs cooking up meals in smart hotels to Porsche limousines sweeping diners from one location to the next, this stylish scene is punctuated by the snowy peaks of the Upper Engadine mountains. Though there might be snow on the ground, the intoxicating combination of 5-star hotels and exceptional dishes warm guests quickly. To attend one of the festival experiences, tickets are required. Many events -- like the Porsche Gourmet Safari -- have already sold out. Festivalgoers should plan on shelling out close to $450 to eat amazing food and watch groups of celebrated chefs work their magic in kitchens like that of the Badrutt's Palace Hotel. Yet with several decades' worth of demonstrated culinary excellence, this festival does not lack attendance, and chefs are always keen to be there, just as much as paying visitors. Read the original article on Tasting Table. This was a very good year for Wild Turkeysome of the best whiskey released in 2023 was made at this venerable Kentucky distillery, including Masters Keep Voyage and the legacy-celebrating Generations. Both of those were expensive, limited-edition bottles, a far cry from the distillerys bread and butter Wild Turkey 101. Add another unicorn-shaped notch to the bourbon belt with the release of Russells Reserve Single Rickhouse Camp Nelson F, a fantastic yet elusive new bourbon that you should feel lucky if you get to taste. The gist of the Russells Reserve Single Rickhouse series is that each release is an attempt to highlight maturation terroir, or the effects of a particular warehouse on the flavor of the whiskey. The first Single Rickhouse, Camp Nelson C, came out last year and was aged in the eponymous of the same name. Now we have Camp Nelson F, named after a rickhouse built in the 1940s that is at a lower elevation than others on the Camp Nelson campus, one of three that also includes Tyrone and MacBrayer. This location is the source of many private barrel picks, because according to the distillery the airflow coming off the nearby Kentucky River allow the barrels to breathe more. More from Robb Report So heres the thingall of this is a great story, but its really impossible to quantify. Yes, barrel location has an affect on a whiskeys flavor, and not just where the whole warehouse is located but also where each barrel is inside the building. Temperature, humidity, and airflow all play a part, and two barrels sitting right next to each other might taste completely different. Theres a bit of dichotomy herethese factors both support the assertion that warehouse terroir is a real thing and make it seem a little ridiculous. But master distillers at every major Kentucky distillery will swear that one particular rickhouse is a sweet spot that yields the best whiskey, so lets assume they know a little bit more than you or me and go along for the ride. The bottom line is that Camp Nelson F is fantastic. This is classic Russells Reserve bourbon, bottled at barrel proof of 117.6, aged for more than a decade, and non-chill filtered. That signature Wild Turkey nutty grain flavor is present, along with a notes of charred meat, brown sugar, smoky oak, caramel, candied cherry, baked apple, and baking spices. This is a formidable bourbon with gargantuan flavor, and is an exciting addition to the Wild Turkey/Russells family. If that proof is a little high for you, a little bit of water or ice brings out some nice floral notes and tamps down the fire a bit, but please do at least try it neat first. If your inclination is to balk at Camp Nelson Fs $300 price tag (which is certainly going to be more on the secondary market), that totally makes sense. After all, you can find a bottle of regular Russells 10 Year Old bourbon for less than 50 bucks in most markets. But the facts cannot and will not be deniedCamp Nelson F is a superb bourbon that is worth searching high and low for. And if you do snag a bottle, please share with friends, it will be very much appreciated. Score: 96 100: Worth trading your first born for 95 99 In the Pantheon: A trophy for the cabinet 90 94 Great: An excited nod from friends when you pour them a dram 85 89 Very Good: Delicious enough to buy, but not quite special enough to chase on the secondary market 80 84 Good: More of your everyday drinker, solid and reliable Below 80 Its alright: Honestly, we probably wont waste your time and ours with this Best of Robb Report Sign up for Robb Report's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. STONEVILLE Its been more than two months since 64 students and teachers from Stoneville Elementary School participated in a day-long field trip to Haw River State Park, and teacher Kim Meeks said students are still talking about the experience. Stoneville Elementary was selected to receive a Connect Children and Nature grant from the North Carolina State Park Partners Foundation to attend a day-long field trip to Haw River State Parks Summit Environmental Education Center, with educational programming provided by the parks educators. The children learned about bat ecology, wetlands and animal adaptations and enjoyed a hot lunch in the centers cafeteria. These students gained a sense of knowing that there are a lot of things living in the woods around them and that there is more out in the world beyond their own backyard, Meeks said. A lot of our students lack background knowledge due to environment. Stoneville Elementary is a Title I school and receives federal funding to help broaden their learning experiences through different school-based events. During their field trip to Haw River State Park, the students participated in hands-on STEM activities, learning about the lives of different types of bats. They learned about the bat life cycle, feeding habits and echolocation, as well as how animals adapt to survive. They also learned about wetlands ecology through a hike around the wetlands surrounding the Haw River, where they encountered different animals that live in this environment. This included not only the animals along the trail but also in the water, Meeks said. The students used charts to classify different types of insects, turtles, crawfish and algae that lived in the waters of the river. Meeks was impressed with how the staff interacted with students and taught the students. The group instructors were very engaged with the students, Meeks said. They presented the program information in a way that the second grade could understand, and all the information aligned with the NCCS (North Carolina Course of Study) standards. The week prior to the field trip, second grade teachers incorporated bat ecology into their course of study to give the students background knowledge. They used fiction and non-fiction trade books to compare and contrast the life of bats, and students were given hyperdocs to research different aspects of bats. They also incorporated bats in writing assignments, including fact finding, labeling, life cycle and comparing fiction to non-fiction. Meeks and her fellow second grade teachers are very thankful to have been chosen to receive the funding to participate in the field trip. Without the funding it would have been about $32 per student to enjoy all of the activities, lunch, snack, and transportation costs, she said. In our county, that is a lot for a field trip. The Summit Environmental Education Center is operated by the NC Division of Parks and Recreation. The center provides curriculum-based learning experiences for all grades, as well as home schools and other groups. Outdoor and nature experiences are important for child development and wellbeing, said Michael Murphy, president of the foundation. A class environmental education field trip to Haw River State Park is a unique and memorable experience that should be available to as many children as possible. Meeks feels the trip definitely enhanced all of the students learning experiences. Yes, we did research bats prior to the field trip, however, actually applying what was learned in the classroom to the workshop experience gave the students a firmer foundation to build on to expand their realm of understanding, she said. Most of our students have never been outside of Rockingham County, so this type of offering allows them to beyond their backyards to see the many opportunities available to them to experience. We are abandoning women and girls caught in crises. They are in a meat grinder of war and the calamity of natural disaster. We have left them to anguished suffering and even death. Im saying this with propulsive sorrow because once again the world is failing to pay for half of the sexual and reproductive health care needed in humanitarian settings, care that's so intrinsic to human life. This year, a record 114 million people fled their homes amid a breathtaking rise in global conflict and climate carnage. In some crises, an astonishing 90% of those displaced were women and girls. Fortunately, millions did find support and solace in 50 countries through the tireless, lifesaving efforts of UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency. However, millions more found nothing but wrenching, choiceless choices, desperation and despair, because there was not enough money to pay for essential reproductive health services. UNFPAs overall humanitarian response plans were just 50% funded this year. In some places like Colombia, Guatemala and Honduras migrant corridors battered by storms and besieged by violence humanitarian needs went more than 90% unfunded. This is blatant neglect of the rights of women and girls. It is a betrayal of our basic values and principles, our human decency and simple compassion. UNFPA Global Goodwill Ambassador Ashley Judd shakes hands with Nebahat Akkoc, founder and president of Kamer, which runs a womens center in Turkey. Global crises only make women, girls more vulnerable As I have seen in more than a dozen visits to UNFPA programs, when the bombs drop and the earthquakes convulse communities, the sexual and reproductive health and rights of women and girls do not miraculously self-suspend. In fact, a pregnant woman will be even more vulnerable to dying in childbirth. The male-perpetrated beatings, sexual assaults and other horrors of gender-based violence intensify and worsen in the cauldron of conflict. Contraception is almost never prioritized at this moment, when womens and girls futures are most precarious, and when their autonomy is most compromised. Do we aspire to be the type of people who actually care one whit about half the worlds beating hearts? Then until we end crises for good, we must act urgently to make more bearable the plight of these women and girls. That means ending unsafe childbirth, preventing unintended pregnancies, eliminating the scourge of early marriage, and meeting core sexual and reproductive health needs. More from Ashley Judd: Americans thought child labor was a travesty 'over there.' That myth has been shattered. The funds required are not even that much. About $500 million would close the gap globally. That would be a blip in the budget of a large city and a fraction of the wealth of some individuals. That sum is the difference between a walk of tragedy or resilience for girls and women. In 2024, UNFPA predicts it will need $1.2 billion to support 48 million women, girls and young people in catastrophes across 58 countries. If it is once more shortchanged on half of that amount, the consequences will be most brutal in countries that rarely make the headlines, where the suffering is acute and near-constant. Countries like South Sudan, where UNFPAs humanitarian services were only 45% funded this year. When I visited South Sudan, I met women unable to use the outdoor toilet at night without risking assault until they received UNFPA dignity kits containing flashlights and information about protection services inexpensive but life-altering support. It grieves me, and makes me ever more determined when I meet women like Amira, in Hatay, Turkey, who survived literal earth-shattering destruction in the February quakes that killed more than 50,000 people in Turkey and Syria. Just weeks later, in a tent camp surrounded by rubble, Amira gave birth to a beautiful and healthy baby, thanks to UNFPA-supported prenatal care, monitoring and safe delivery services. UNFPA Global Goodwill Ambassador Ashley Judd walks through streets in Antakya, Hatay, where the damage and destruction from the earthquakes in February 2023 is still visible. Closing the funding gap is a first step toward peace My life itself is evidence of how communities in crushing poverty and riven by conflict can still deliver lifesaving health care, using every unlikely means often boiling down to mere compassion. Texas abortion ruling: The Republican abortion message out of Texas is clear: Judges, not doctors, know best When I broke my leg in four places, paralyzed my foot, and was hemorrhaging in the remote jungle of the Democratic Republic of Congo, I was saved by the attention and humanity of my community. Papa Jean reset my bones with his bare hands twice. Papa Didier guided a rickety motorbike for six hours on a narrow forest trail while Papa Maradona sat squeezed behind me on the bike, holding my loose bones together with his hands and making sure I didnt fall off if I passed out. Local women comforted me as I languished on the rain forest floor, repeating, I encourage you." Their devotion saved my life, and improbably my leg. The problem is that these heroes are invisible to policymakers. They get by with nothing. They deserve resources. Ashley Judd speaks at a news conference held to announce her appointment as a U.N. Population Fund's Goodwill Ambassador in 2016. These beautiful heroes and survivors are pressed into my soul. We have wept and danced together. Over and over, women and girls support each other to somehow carry on at the worst moments of their lives. But they cannot do it alone. I yearn for a peaceful and safe world. It will come when we honor and uphold the needs and rights inherent in sexual and reproductive health. Closing the funding gap for this fundamental human need is the essential first step. Ashley Judd is a humanitarian, writer and actor and has served as a United Nations Population Fund's Goodwill Ambassador since 2016. You can read diverse opinions from our Board of Contributors and other writers on the Opinion front page, on Twitter @usatodayopinion and in our daily Opinion newsletter. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ashley Judd: Women, girls have right to sexual, reproductive health The holiday season is in full swing but not every place you go will be as merry as the others. Recently, financial data outlet FinanceBuzz analyzed which U.S. cities have the fewest Christmas events and holiday activities and some California cities came out seeing green. Grinch-green, that is. How rich was the McCallister family in Home Alone? To decide the ranking, FinanceBuzz scored the U.S. 50 biggest cities based on a wide variety of holiday-themed factors, including number of department and toy stores, Google Trends searches, and more. Cities were given scores out of a 100, with the lowest scoring being considered the Grinchiest. San Diego was third among humbug cities, with FinanceBuzz noting the SoCal citys search history shows little interest in the holidays. An analysis of San Diegos Google searches found search volume for terms like Christmas party, Christmas festival, and Christmas dinner, to be among the lowest in the country. The Grinchiest Cities in the U.S., according to FinanceBuzz: San Antonio, Texas Number of holiday events and festivals per 100K: 44.6. Number of holiday markets per 100K: 2.9. Percentage of the population that donates to charity annually: 43.1%. Holiday score: 32.7/100. Jacksonville, Florida Number of holiday events and festivals per 100K: 41.4. Number of holiday markets per 100K: 1.6. Percentage of the population that donates to charity annually: 48.0%. Holiday score: 33.7/100. San Diego, California Number of holiday events and festivals per 100K: 80.9. Number of holiday markets per 100K: 1.3. Percentage of the population that donates to charity annually: 53.5%. Holiday score: 34.8/100. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Number of holiday events and festivals per 100K: 20.3. Number of holiday markets per 100K: 0.6. Percentage of the population that donates to charity annually: 50.7%. Holiday score: 35.2/100. Louisville, Kentucky Number of holiday events and festivals per 100K: 56.9. Number of holiday markets per 100K: 0.8. Percentage of the population that donates to charity annually: 64.6%. Holiday score: 35.4/100. Virginia Beach, Virginia Number of holiday events and festivals per 100K: 112.2. Number of holiday markets per 100K: 2.7. Percentage of the population that donates to charity annually: 52.1%. Holiday score: 36.3/100. Los Angeles, California Number of holiday events and festivals per 100K: 67.6. Number of holiday markets per 100K: 2.3. Percentage of the population that donates to charity annually: 47.2%. Holiday score: 36.4/100. Chicago, Illinois Number of holiday events and festivals per 100K: 68.5. Number of holiday markets per 100K: 2.3. Percentage of the population that donates to charity annually: 55.7%. Holiday score: 36.5/100. New York, New York Number of holiday events and festivals per 100K: 55.4. Number of holiday markets per 100K: 1.6. Percentage of the population that donates to charity annually: 49.4%. Holiday score: 36.8/100. Memphis, Tennessee Number of holiday events and festivals per 100K: 37.2. Number of holiday markets per 100K: 0.3. Percentage of the population that donates to charity annually: 55.6%. Holiday score: 36.9/100. Want to get through airport security faster? Avoid these 3 common mistakes FinanceBuzz also found that Los Angeles was among the handful of major U.S. cities that had a low amount of charitable volunteering throughout the year. Only 24.1% of Angelenos volunteer, the analysis found a figure thats among the five lowest in the U.S. Whats more, Riverside was named to FinanceBuzzs Naughty List when it comes to cities that give to charity, with only 39.9% of residents per 100,000 supporting charities in the holiday season. Overall, heres how the other California cities analyzed fared in their Holiday scores: Sacramento Holiday score: 42.2 San Francisco 45.8 San Jose 44.0 FinanceBuzz also ranked the jolliest U.S. cities, which found Minneapolis, Minnesota, to have the most to offer holiday-goers. When it comes to giving, the city came out on top, with 62.1% of residents donating annually and 46% of residents volunteering throughout the year the highest amount of any city. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. The EU has to find energy solutions that go beyond short-term subsidies While the cost of electricity in Europe has stabilised through 2023, the prospect of a new price hike remains high for many EU member states like Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Austria, Lithuania, Latvia and Romania. A pan-European reliance on imports, together with rising energy demands, continues to threaten market stability. Moreover, unit costs, while not fluctuating to the extremes of last winter, are still stubbornly high in many countries including Denmark, Italy and the Netherlands, as well as the EUs leading economy, Germany. To alleviate some of the risks posed to member states, the European Commission recently extended the use of supporting instruments first introduced in 2022. On 20 November, it agreed to extend several regulations by six months, including the Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework. This will allow members to provide aid to national entities, should electricity prices exceed the levels before the energy crisis, and has been followed up with proposals that would extend other anti-crisis measures, such as gas solidarity measures, the Market Correction Mechanism and rules related to permit-granting for renewable energy projects, into next year. Frustration with crisis solutions grows This interventionalist approach has landed well in many member states, and, for some incumbent administrations, is being used for their political gain ahead of the European elections in May. Last month, Germany's ruling coalition agreed on rules to provide aid to the energy-intensive industry; a programme set to run until 2028, with an estimated 28 billion budget. Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz speaks with the media as he arrives for an EU summit to debate gas price caps in Brussels, October 2022 - AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert Countries such as France and Poland are also among those in favour of maintaining subsidies, with the soon-to-be-formed Polish government announcing that they will maintain the electricity and gas price freeze for selected groups of consumers in 2024. Beyond the protection of vulnerable groups of electricity consumers, one of the main arguments for maintaining the support measures is the fear of loss of competitiveness, and the risk that, due to high energy prices, European companies will consider migrating operations to the US or China. Yet, in some EU countries, there is growing frustration at the continuance of crisis solutions, including Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, Estonia, and Finland, where politicians have pointed out that electricity prices have firmly stabilised over the year, and that maintaining special state aid rules is harmful to the EU market. Subsidising favours the richer countries While the risk of an increase in electricity prices in the EU over the next year exists, and the extension of some of the anti-crisis measures to 2024 seems fully justified, in the longer term, Brussels should be minded towards reducing the scope for subsidies. And there are several reasons for this. First, subsidising electricity prices is extremely costly. According to the 2023 Report on Energy Subsidies, they have risen to 181bn across the EU in 2022 and could reach 194bn in 2023. Second, maintaining the possibility of subsidising electricity prices in the long term might harm the EU energy market, deepening inequalities between member states, as a consequence of a subsidy race phenomenon, which disproportionately benefits richer countries. Divisions and headaches loom for 2024 and beyond if this behaviour becomes commonplace. It also threatens the very existence of the European market, if the European Commission signals its intent to further extend certain anti-crisis regulations without proper appraisal. A pedestrian walks past the European Commission headquarters in Brussels, December 2020 - AP Photo/Francisco Seco This is well illustrated in the figures for 2022, which show that of the total amount of state aid approved by the EU, 53% went to Germany and 24% to France. Divisions and headaches loom for 2024 and beyond if this behaviour becomes commonplace. It also threatens the very existence of the European market, if the European Commission signals its intent to further extend certain anti-crisis regulations without proper appraisal. The political leadership in Brussels should ensure they strictly assess the legitimacy of the provision of state aid in specific cases if interventionism is to persist in the short to medium term. While, for member states, emphasis should turn to completing ongoing legislative amends to the electricity market design as soon as possible. EU's energy mix has to grow stronger European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen spelt out some of the reforms needed to provide resilience back in 2022. The new electricity market design aims to create a more flexible, competitive, and consumer-friendly electricity market, better able to accommodate the growing share of renewables in the EU's energy mix. It is now up to member states to close on the details of this proposal for legislative changes and bring forward regulations specifying, among other things, rules on investment for the expansion of generation capacity, such as renewable energy storage and nuclear power. If they can do this, and veer away from subsidisation as a default response, there is an opportunity to stabilise electricity prices in Europe for the long term and reduce dependency on fossil fuels as primary sources of energy. Such action, by members across the EU 27, would also encourage investment in Europe as a green energy global leader, and, importantly, provide underpinning to the EU and its ability to withstand future geopolitical shocks. Szymon Kardas is a senior policy fellow on energy within the European Power programme at the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR). At Euronews, we believe all views matter. Contact us at view@euronews.com to send pitches or submissions and be part of the conversation. MANCHESTER TOWNSHIP, WAYNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) One person is dead after an explosion in Wayne County, officials say. Pennsylvania State Police tell 28/22 News their department was called to a reported explosion on Stalker Road, Manchester Township, at 2:31 a.m. early Sunday morning. Barn considered total loss after Friday afternoon fire According to state troopers, a neighbor called after hearing an explosion and seeing his neighbors house completely engulfed in flames. After extinguishing the blaze, first responders say they found a 62-year-old man dead inside the home. His name has not been released at this time. A state police fire marshal is still investigating the cause of the fire; however, authorities do not consider it to be suspicious. State Police have identified the man as Michael R. Osborne of Neptune, New Jersey. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com. During the month of December, the 51st Lights for Peace flag to fly at the Fort Taber - Fort Rodman Military Museum honors the memory of PFC Irving Chandler Kaplan, of New Bedford, a WWII veteran who was killed in Germany in 1945. Kaplan, who lived at 26th Eight St., New Bedford, was born on July 6, 1915. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Kaplan. According to the archives at the University of Massachusetts Library, Kaplan attended Boston University and Harvard University Law School and went on to practice law in New Bedford, with offices in the National Bank Building. PFC Irving Kaplan was killed in an accident in Germany in 1945. He was inducted into the U.S. Army on Dec. 14, 1942, and served with the U.S. Army Signal Corps. PFC Kaplan was killed on August 25, 1945, at the age of 30, as the result of an accident while serving in Kassel Germany during WWII. According to army.mil, throughout WWII, the Signal Corps served a variety of functions and had the responsibility for one of the most important systems used during World War II radar. Success in combat depended on good communications and that was the Signal Corps' main mission. At its peak strength in the fall of 1944, the Signal Corps was comprised of over 350,000 officers and men, over six times more than had served in WWI. According to army.mil, In addition to sending messages, the Signal Corps retained responsibility for the Armys signal security and intelligence activity. The 2nd Signal Service Company performed intelligence-gathering duties." Another specialized field that fell under the Signal Corps function was photography. "Its value and versatility reached new levels, especially during the second half of the war, partially due to improvements in training and organization. The Signal Corps created orientation and training films, using the talents of notables such as Frank Capra, who was commissioned as a major in the Signal Corps in 1942, and Theodor Seuss Geisel, who served as a member of Capras documentary film crew. The Signal Corps also created an unprecedented pictorial record of World War II. Kaplan Square is named in honor of PFC Irving Kaplan. Members of the Jewish War Veterans New Bedford Post 154 erected a monument in Irving Kaplans honor. On June 19, 1949, a parade and memorial service were held, and Kaplan Square was dedicated in his honor. Kaplan Square is located at the intersection of Fair and Bolton Streets in the South End of New Bedford. If you take County Street south to Fair St. and turn right, you will drive straight to this monument in the middle of the Portuguese community which was then populated by many Jewish, according to an article at the UMASS Library archives. In 1997 the 6th grade class of Mrs. Susan Baroody of the Congdon School took it on as a local beautification project to refurbish and replant the Kaplan memorial. It was rededicated on June 18, 1997, by the Jewish War Veterans in conjunction with the city of New Bedford. PFC Irving Kaplan was the husband of Sylvia Kaplan and the son of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Kaplan. Linda Ferreira, of Empire Ford, researches the life histories of area residents. American flags are provided by Empire Ford. Flags are raised by the staff at Fort Taber - Fort Rodman Military Museum. Those who would like to honor a local veteran in the future can contact Ferreira at lferreira@empirefordinc.com. This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: December Lights for Peace Flag honors Irving Kaplan Some notable Tuscaloosa landmarks received new names in 2023. Two downtown streets, a park, the federal courthouse, a bridge and the amphitheater were among the sites that began the year with one name and ended the year with a different name. The name changes included local civic and business leaders, a former U.S. senator and a German automaker that has been producing cars in Tuscaloosa since 1997. More: Tuscaloosa plans $10.2 million project to upgrade Snow Hinton Park Here's a guide to the name changes in Tuscaloosa: Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater The Tuscaloosa Amphitheater has been rebranded as the Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater. In November, the amphitheater was officially renamed the Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater and the Mercedes-Benz emblem will be raised inside and outside the 8,000-seat venue. Mayor Walt Maddox said the rebranding will have two major benefits on the amphitheater and the city. Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox and President and Chief Executive Officer of Mercedes-Benz U.S. International Michael Goebel pose for a photo after renaming the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater the Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater between concerts by Loverboy and Foreigner Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023. "No. 1 is the just straight financial picture," he said. "It ensures that we will have the resources to be one of the best amphitheaters in the country." "The second thing, and I think it's just as important, is the branding itself. We were intentional when we opened the doors of the amphitheater, not to take a title sponsor. We wanted to sell Tuscaloosa. Tuscaloosa has grown ...." he said. In 1993, Mercedes-Benz announced that Tuscaloosa County would be the site of the automaker's first production facility outside Germany. Since production began in 1997, more than four million vehicles have rolled off the assembly line at the Mercedes-Benz U.S. International plant in Vance. In November, the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater was renamed as the Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater. In this Sept. 26, 2017 file photo, Hall and Oates perform in the amphitheater. Mercedes-Benz has been a partner of the city of Tuscaloosa as a sponsor of the amphitheater since it opened in 2011. In a written release, Dimitris Psillakis, president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA said "Just as our company strives to bring people together through innovation and excellence, this facility will serve as a place where communities unite through the power of music, culture, and shared experiences. We look forward to seeing this venue serve as a central location for fostering connections and inspiration for years to come. Downtown Tuscaloosa's U.S. Courthouse and Federal Building was renamed Sept. 15 for Richard Shelby, the longest-serving U.S. senator from Alabama who helped channel the funding for the courthouse and numerous other local projects. Former Senator Richard Shelby speaks during the ceremony naming the federal courthouse in Tuscaloosa the Richard Shelby Federal Building and Courthouse Friday, Sept. 15, 2023. Though born in Birmingham, Shelby earned undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Alabama, then worked as a Tuscaloosa city prosecutor as well as private attorney, a U.S. magistrate, a special assistant state attorney general, and state senator, all before being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1978 from the Tuscaloosa-based 7th Congressional District. He was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1986, and served until retirement earlier this year, having chaired at varying times the Senate Appropriations Committee, Intelligence Committee, Banking Committee, and Rules Committee. The $47.8 million courthouse and federal building opened in 2011 with murals depicting various historical moments and movements from regional history. Shelby pushed for the building's classical look, in line with expectations of the region, meaning massive Doric and Ionic columns, broad steps and polished masonry. The specific model for the detailing building's portico was the Temple of Zeus at Nemea. The federal courthouse in Tuscaloosa has been renamed the Richard Shelby Federal Building and Courthouse Friday, Sept. 15, 2023. The Tuscaloosa federal courthouse houses the U.S. District and Bankruptcy courts, including courtrooms and support spaces, the U.S. Probation Office, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Senator Katie Britts Office, the U.S. Attorneys Office, the General Services Administration, and the Social Security Administration. The bill to change the building's name in honor of Shelby was signed by President Joe Biden in March 2022. "Thank you all very, very much for this great honor," Shelby said at the Sept. 15 renaming ceremony. Almon Avenue One of downtown's key streets, 21st Avenue, was renamed in honor of Robert "Bob" N. Almon Sr., a longtime businessman who helped change the face of Tuscaloosa. Almon, who died at 81 years old in 2014, is credited for helping to create many Tuscaloosa staples such as the amphitheater, the Tuscaloosa Rivermarket, the Tuscaloosa Riverwalk, Government Plaza and more. The City of Tuscaloosa renamed 21st Avenue as Almon Avenue in honor of Robert Almon Jr. on Friday, Oct. 27, 2023. Robert Almon and his sister Julie Jamison stand in front of the sign commemorating their father. "We're here today to recognize Bob Almon for being a transformational person in the history of this city," said Mayor Walt Maddox during the Oct. 27 ceremony. The late civil engineer was the head of the engineering firm Almon & Associates. Almon also planned and help implement the citys first sewage collection system, the widening of 15th Street from a two-lane street to a six-lane thoroughfare and the Tuscaloosa Riverwalk during a career that spanned decades. Gary Fitts Street Sixth Street was renamed in November to honor Travis Gary Fitts, a longtime Tuscaloosa businessman and civic leader. Fitts, who died May 28, 2022, is credited with turning the Fitts Agency Inc. into one of the largest independent insurance agencies in West Alabama. The City of Tuscaloosa renamed 6th Street as Gary Fitts Street during a ceremony Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023. Fitts was the fourth-generation owner and retired president of Fitts Agency Inc., a Tuscaloosa insurance agency that traces its beginning back to 1875. "Gary was a person who believed in community," said Mayor Walt Maddox during the Nov. 30 ceremony. "Gary was a champion, a champion for our country, a champion for his family, a champion for business, and a champion from Tuscaloosa," he said. Maddox said Fitts helped thousands of Tuscaloosa County residents economically through his business and his civic involvement. Parker-Haun Park River District Park, which opened in 2022 in the heart of downtown Tuscaloosa, was renamed Parker-Haun Park to honor local towing leaders. The city said it chose to honor the Parker and Haun families because of their staunch support for the Saban Center, an interactive learning hub expected to open in 2026. The City of Tuscaloosa renamed River District Park to honor the Parker and Haun families due to their overwhelming support of the Saban Center. The park is now known as Parker-Haun Park. The Parker and Haun families own the Tuscaloosa County-based Parker Towing, one of the largest barge lines in the United States. During the renaming ceremony in October, members of the Parker and Haun families said they are proud to support the Saban Center's mission to become a focal point where children can learn more about science, technology, engineering, the arts and math. The donation is for the STEAM opportunities for the children, said Tim Parker III, president and CEO of Parker Towing Co. We saw what a positive impact our prior contribution made at CHOM (the Children's Hands-on Museum) and wanted to be a part of the next evolution for the children of West Alabama. We are honored to have the park named after us due to our history at the location, Parker said. Luther Stancel Pate III Memorial Bridge In May, the Alabama Legislature approved a bill that named the Interstate 20/59 bridge over McFarland Boulevard in Tuscaloosa after the late father of developer Stan Pate. The bridge with the crimson arches, which serves as a gateway into the city of Tuscaloosa, is now known as the Luther Stancel Pate III Memorial Bridge. Gov. Kay Ivey signed the bill into law in May 2023, officially giving the bridge its new name. Members of the Building Bridges Institute for Racial Reconciliation chose its name from Tuscaloosas iconic bridges as a way to symbolize the arc of justice. [Staff photo/Gary Cosby Jr.] The elder Pate, who owned the Pate family farm in Buhl, died in a car accident in 1968 at the age of 31. His son, Luther Stancel Pate IV, who goes by Stan, is a businessman and political influencer. He has been involved in the sale of more than $100 million in property in Tuscaloosa, including McFarland Mall, which is near the I-20/59 bridge, and he has courted controversy by dabbling in state and local politics. The bill stated that the elder Pate "believed in the qualities of good character and integrity and his word and handshake were as good as gold; he had a passion for farming and believed that anything worth doing was worth doing right to the best of your ability. "Mr. Pate lived by example and worked hard to provide a good life for his four children ... his memory will not be forgotten." Reach Jasmine Hollie at JHollie@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Name game: Six Tuscaloosa landmarks changed names in 2023 Russian President Vladimir Putin may be open to a cease-fire in his war with Ukraine, so long as the country could still declare victory, a new report by the New York Times found. Putin, still confident in his forces, said that Russias goals have not changed. In his annual year-end press conference last week, Putin warned that there would be no peace solution in Ukraine until Russia achieves its overarching goals, the denazification and demilitarization of Ukraine. Putins message might be different now, as he has reportedly signaled he is ready to make a deal. Since September, Putin has signaled that he is open to a pause in fighting along the current lines, which is much shorter than his intention to dominate Ukraine, according to the Times who cited two former senior Russian officials. According to the United Nations, more than 10,000 civilians have been killed and 18,500 have been injured since the start of the war nearly two years ago. According to American officials, Putin also put out feelers for a ceasefire in the fall of 2022 after he was not happy with how much territory Russia had captured. Mr. Putins repeated interest in a cease-fire is an example of how opportunism and improvisation have defined his approach to the war behind closed doors, the Times wrote. The Times said they conducted dozens of interviews with Russians who have known Putin for years that shine a light on his maneuvering to avoid risks and keep his options open in the war thats lasted longer than he thought it would. The officials that spoke with the Times said Putin sees several reasons that make now a good moment to make a deal, particularly since the war seems stuck in a stalemate, Ukraines offensive has been disappointing and the onset of the Israel-Hamas war. According to the Kremlins analysis, public support for the war is broad but not deep, which means most people would accept whatever Putin would deem as a victory. Some Western officials are skeptical that Putin would only rearm and rebuild during a cease-fire. There is no guarantee that Ukraines leaders would accept a deal, though the country has been struggling to finance its military amid delays in funding from both Europe and the United States. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. LEWISTON, N.Y. (WIVB) A wanted woman from Romania was caught at the U.S. border in Lewiston after allegedly committing crimes in two different states. U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) said Loredana Lascan, 29, was headed to Niagara Falls, Canada this past Friday when she made a wrong turn at the border. While at the CBP inspection area on the American side, officers said Lascan had no identification on her. Once her identity was verified, CBP officers found an active felony warrant for her arrest from the Fairfax County Police Department in Virginia. She had been accused of multiple counts of fraud related to the alleged illegal use of credit cards. Additionally, CBP officers also uncovered a second arrest warrant from Northbrook, Illinois Police Department for a similar charge, CBP wrote in a news release. Lascan was eventually turned over to New York State police and charged as a fugitive from justice. She was then placed in the custody of the Niagara County Sheriffs office to await extradition. Latest Local News Evan Anstey is an Associated Press Award, JANY Award and Emmy-nominated digital producer who has been part of the News 4 team since 2015. See more of his work here and follow him on Twitter. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin made an unscheduled stop in Kuwait on Sunday to offer the United Statess condolences over the death of the countrys emir, Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah, which was announced Saturday. Austin departed this weekend for a scheduled trip to Israel, Qatar and Bahrain. President Biden announced Saturday he would lead a presidential delegation to Kuwait to pay respects. Pentagon press secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said Austin met Sunday with the Kuwait Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, Sheikh Ahmad Fahad Al-Ahmad Al Sabah, and expressed heartfelt condolences to Sheikh Nawafs family and the people of Kuwait on behalf of the Department of Defense. [Austin] shared that President Biden asked him to lead the U.S. delegation to Kuwait to mourn with the Kuwaiti people and express appreciation for the strong legacy that Sheikh Nawaf leaves behind. He conveyed his desire to advance and deepen the defense partnership, Ryder said in the statement. Austin posted photos on social media of his visit with officials in Kuwait and praised the late emir as a valued partner to the United States. His Highness Sheikh Nawaf was a valued partner and friend to the U.S. who demonstrated a lasting commitment to diplomacy aimed at de-escalating tensions in the Middle East. I am honored to be in Kuwait today to pay my respects and offer my condolences to the people of Kuwait and Sheikh Nawafs family, Austin wrote Sunday on X, formerly known as Twitter. Austin is making his second visit to Israel since Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israels southern border Oct. 7. He will be meeting with senior Israeli officials. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. CQ Brown Jr. will join Austin in Israel, marking the first visit to the Middle East since Brown took on the role, Ryder said last week. National security adviser Jake Sullivan met with Israeli leaders Thursday in Tel Aviv. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The nations largest prison health care provider has come under fire from a group of Democratic senators who say they are alarmed the government contractors chronic understaffing and cost-cutting measures may have put inmates lives in danger. In a letter sent Monday, the group of lawmakers, spearheaded by Sen. Elizabeth Warren, wrote that their deep concern stems from growing reports the company Wellpath has provided delayed and negligent care, at times inappropriately using restraints on inmates and denying them life-saving treatments. A spokesperson for Warren said this letter marks the beginning of an investigation launched by her and the other senators. A CNN investigation in 2019 exposed how amid a focus on cost containment, the company provided substandard care that led to deaths and other serious outcomes that could have been avoided. CNN highlighted deaths and near-death experiences of a number of inmates from around the country, showing how doctors and nurses failed to diagnose and monitor life-threatening illnesses, denied urgent emergency room transfers and allowed common infections and conditions to become fatal. Wellpath, formerly known as Correct Care Solutions, is hired by jails, prisons, immigrant and juvenile detention centers, and psychiatric facilities across the country. It contracts with small towns, large cities, state agencies and even the federal government responsible for the health and safety of hundreds of thousands of people in custody every day. CNN obtained thousands of pages of records documenting the companys treatment of inmates. Officials in one county terminated its contract after less than two years, calling the companys performance morally reprehensible. Another county complained that the companys failures had turned its jail into a sinking submarine. While Wellpath asserts that its cost-cutting measures do not compromise the quality of services, extensive evidence suggests otherwise, senators wrote in the letter to Wellpath and its private equity owner H.I.G. Capital, referencing CNNs investigation. Wellpath did not directly address the senators concerns, saying in a statement that the company is proud of the work it does to provide high-quality care to hundreds of thousands of patients every year. H.I.G., which didnt immediately respond to a request for comment, previously told CNN the firm is committed to socially responsible investing and believes strongly that its investment in Wellpath is consistent with these high standards. Senators specifically cited CNNs reporting that workers from multiple facilities shredded medical requests or hid them in boxes because of a lack of staff and resources. The letter noted that lawmakers have become increasingly worried about Wellpaths practices as scrutiny from government agencies and the media has intensified in recent years, and repeated pleas from inmates themselves have revealed a need for change. The senators asked for detailed information about the companys many contracts, deaths in custody and complaints about care, as well as policies and procedures covering everything from treating drug and alcohol withdrawal, responding to suicide attempts and caring for pregnant inmates. What should we investigate next? Email us at watchdog@cnn.com. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com WENTWORTH While growing up, Karen Chacon always helped her parents with technology. I was born into the boom you can say. It was the early 1990s when there were VCRs, search engines and DVDs, said Chacon, who grew up in Utah. I pretty much just started helping a lot of people. I used to build computers in high school, just as a side gig to make extra cash, but I always had a passion for technology, seeing it advance and change throughout the years. In Utah, Chacon explained, parents expected children to go straight to work after high school, so she did data entry jobs and worked in manufacturing. I had jobs here and there, but I just was not finding my passion, Chacon said. I moved to North Carolina five years ago, and started going to RCC to pursue my dream. And Chacon feels optimistic about finding a job after she marches to Pomp and Circumstance, she said. Im pretty sure I can find a job when I finish college. When you make connections with people at school, thats what builds you up, and you can trust them. She enrolled at Rockingham Community College in Fall 2021, following a break from school of about 10 years. Shes now working toward her associates degree in Science in Information Technology. I was nervous about coming to college because Id been out of school for so long, so coming back I felt like I didnt belong here because I might be too old, she said. But Im here for me, right? Im here to learn, to advance my life. Once you overcome that feeling of being older, youll feel like you belong. The teachers are so welcoming, and everybody is kind and nice. Theres a lot of encouragement. Chacons favorite classes at RCC have been the ones with hands-on components, she said. The online classes are fine, but to be honest, I like to be more personal. I like to interact with other people and use a lot of teamwork its like a collective mind where everyone either thinks alike or has different viewpoints. I like solving problems together. Its difficult for Chacon to choose a favorite instructor. She enjoyed Karen Astutos math class, but since she could pick just one, she highlighted Information Technology professor Thomas Knight. Ive enjoyed all of my teachers, but Mr. Knight is my top choice because hes my primary teacher for everything, she said. Mr. Knight always responds to emails, and if you have any questions, he makes you feel confident in what youre learning. He wants you to succeed. Chacon encourages anyone interested in technology to enroll at RCC. You learn so much new stuff, and things you thought you knew might not be true, she said. Coming to RCC definitely opens your mind to more possibilities, because I think when people think of technology, they just think of a computer, but it goes beyond that. Theres your cell phone, the internet, tablets, even Bluetooth devices. And there are so many career options than computers. You could be an engineer you can expand anywhere, really. Chacon said shes learned plenty, too, about preparing for job searches. And class time topics sometimes extend beyond the subject matter at hand. For instance, Chacon learned that integrity, communication, trust and honesty are important skills in landing a job lessons straight from RCCs Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) that is being established to teach students skills that employers seek. Knight encouraged his students to attend a QEP panel in September, featuring employers talking about coveted job skills. Chacon showed up early, and panelist JR Cecil of Liberty Tax initiated a conversation with her. I said Im in IT and Im looking for part-time work that fits in my schedule because Im a full-time student. Its hard to find a job when you have another responsibility that is important to you, she said. I told him Id been out of work five years, and Ive been struggling to find work, so my work history has a big gap. Cecil asked for her resume, and hired her shortly thereafter. Its been a wild journey, she said. Juggling the school and work load is new for Chacon. I try do my assignments a day or two ahead. JR has been really flexible with my schedule, and after work I start doing homework. I try to save some assignments for the weekend, so I can take a breather every once in a while, because it does get overwhelming, she said. If she has trouble with classwork, she looks for YouTube videos that give more in-depth explanations. I also love to read, its one of my hobbies. The school gives us a book, but I like to take it a step further and ask if theres another book recommendation that I should read for more information, she said. I love to learn. Currently, Im learning languages on the side. And Chacon was excited this semester when Knight had his students try LinkedIn Learning, which offers thousands of online seminars. Having that in school is really cool, she said. Its the stuff employers want to see that you know, so Im expanding the database of my brain. Chacon advises anyone considering RCC to just come, even if you feel like you dont have the money go to a financial advisor. If you feel like you dont know what you want to do, go see a counselor, and youll find your path. All you have to do is start. I waited, but Im here now. Christmas came early for lovers of a well-known, locally produced bread absent from retail stores for more than two years. Social media was buzzing on several independent grocery market pages and downriver-focused Facebook pages rejoicing about the return of beloved Detroit Oakwood Bakery bread to some stores. Photos showed loaves of Oakwood Bakery's Vienna bread, Hungarian Rye and hard-crust breads in its classic packaging at several stores. More: Breakfast casserole recipes for Christmas morning breakfast Downriver markets, Agemy & Sons Market in Allen Park, The Market in Brownstown and Trentwood Farms markets in Southgate and Woodhaven, are spreading cheer with Facebook shout-outs about the return of the bread. More: Beef tenderloin is a holiday showpiece: How to roast it On one Facebook page, more than 100 people commented that they were happy to see the bread at stores, calling it the "best bread ever" and a "Michigan treasure." More: Prime rib roast: 6 tips for cooking and recipe to try In a message to the Free Press, the Market in Brownstown said it received bread deliveries on Saturday and sold out twice. Another delivery was expected on Sunday. A call to the bakery late Saturday morning confirmed the return of the bread to some retail stores. Oakwood Bakery bread had been a mainstay at many grocery stores and independent grocers across metro Detroit. But in the fall of 2021, the Detroit bakery announced on Facebook that it would no longer deliver to retail outlets. The bakery has been in business for more than 109 years. The family has decided to retire, the post read at that time. Please stop in and get your last fresh loafs!! Contact Detroit Free Press food and restaurant writer Susan Selasky and send food and restaurant news and tips to: sselasky@freepress.com. Follow @SusanMariecooks on Twitter. Subscribe to the Free Press. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit's Oakwood Bakery breads back at some stores, sell out quickly If you are sending a Letter To the Editor, please be sure to follow these rules: Letters have a firm 200-word limit and will be edited for grammar, clarity and accuracy. The person who signs the letter must be the author. Anonymous letters will not be considered. Letters must address the editor, not a third party. We will not print form letters, libelous letters, business promotions or personal disputes, poetry, open letters, letters espousing religious views without reference to a current issue, or letters considered in poor taste. Letters reflect the opinion of the writer. The Yakima Herald-Republic cannot verify the accuracy of all statements made in letters. Writers are limited to one published letter per calendar month. At only 9 days old, baby Lailas tiny right hand gripped Santas finger as he leaned down to say hello to her during a visit to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Moses Cone Hospital. Thats the most special thing in the world, when a baby holds your finger, said Derek Davis, an 85-year-old volunteer dressed as Santa. I just love this job. Its the best job in the world. Davis, originally from Scotland, said he stays young by being around new life in the NICU, which is part of the Womens and Childrens Center at the hospital. For the past six years, his holiday visits have brought joy to him and to the NICU staff and families spending long hours there. As Santa, he has celebrity status and happily grants requests to pose for pictures when he walks down the hospitals hallways. Some patients families know hes nearby when they hear the familiar Ho! Ho! Ho! Its a blessing, said Aliza Greeson, who is the mother of Laila and Chloe Walters, and to two young daughters at home. Ryan Walters said he was glad he had Thursday off to enjoy Santas visit with his twin girls in the NICU. I think its really cool for the babies and for the parents, he said. Daniqua Gaddy was holding her week-old son, Jayce, when Santa paid a visit to them. Jayce was dressed in red and white holiday attire provided by the NICU family support team. I wanted to do something festive for him, Gaddy said. I was very excited to hear that Santa was coming. ... It helps you feel special in here. Our directory features more than 18 million business listings from across the entire US. However, if we're missing your business, add your business by clicking on Add Your Business. 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] A fost construit avionul F-35 cu numarul 1.000 Lockheed Martin a atins o piatra de hotar uriasa in productia de aeronave F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, dupa ce a terminat construirea celui de al 1.000-lea, potrivit mediafax.Avionul, desi este gata, nu va fi livrat pana nu va fi modernizat la varianta Block 4, care este inca in testare, arata The Drive, citat [citeste mai departe] In case youre keeping score, it was only a month ago that What Happens Later was in theaters. Now on DVD, its a prime example of cut your losses. In short, its dreadful. In the new Hallmark-like rom-com, Meg Ryan and David Duchovny are former lovers who meet accidentally in a regional airport when a storm moves in. Shes headed to Boston; hes bound for Austin. They have that say what? kind of encounter, then spend the rest of what seems like eternity unloading about the past. She, apparently, was a free soul. He was a buttoned-up businessman bound for glory. When a situation pulled them apart, they never talked. But, here, nothing seems to shut them up. She opens up about a multitude of subjects and reminds him of little things most would forget after they happened. Co-written and directed by Ryan, its hardly something she might have starred in three or four decades ago. Its a labored journey that isnt made any better by the lack of co-stars. Even though others are in the airport, they dont get a hint of attention. Instead, he talks about his daughter and her decision to become a dancer even though he doesnt think shes very good. Ryans character, meanwhile, limps around the walkways like Diane Keaton on a bad clothes bender. She has a rainstick, too, and a habit of writing things in her boots. (Dont ask.) The talks manage to hit on the younger generation, music and ailments theyve both acquired. When theyre making lists (and there are several), the banter sounds forced. Clearly, the screenplay comes from people striving to sound smart instead of spontaneous. Throughout the film, an airport voice makes announcements, then comments on the couples situation. Its cute, but it also seems a little too gimmicky. If anything, What Happens Later should have been a play. Lighting could have provided necessary transitions and the two actors wouldnt have seemed so awkward. Ryan still has that winsomeness she exhibited in a handful of films (many directed by her friend Nora Ephron), but theres a worldliness that never gets tapped. When she starts explaining the things that tore them apart, she seems like someone who has been plotting for years to have this accidental encounter. That both of them go by W. Davis is one of the films odder aspects. Shes Willa; hes Bill. They dont listen carefully to gate closings, either, and manage to sleep on a floor that most wouldnt walk on. As director, Ryan frequently frames her scenes in weird ways. At one point, the two are sitting so far apart, its a miracle they dont fall off the edges of the screen. Nebraskas unique Unicameral Legislature relies a great deal on Nebraskas second house its citizens. Nebraskans are encouraged to comment and testify on bills every bill introduced receives a public hearing. Nebraskans can also participate in ballot initiatives and referendums, which provides the opportunity to place new laws on the ballot or, conversely, vote to repeal existing laws. I will share more information on how you, as a member of the second house, can better participate in our legislative process in a future article. I wanted to take this opportunity to point out that your ideas matter. Earlier this year, I was contacted by email from a constituent with an idea. That idea was could Nebraskans donate their unused prescriptions to be used by others who might need them? The constituent had done some research and shared that Iowa and Wyoming had prescription drug donation programs to do exactly that. My staff and I were able to do some initial investigation into these programs and put this on my to-do list. Over the interim we began to look into these programs further. We knew Nebraskans could currently return unused prescriptions and other medications to their local pharmacy. We also learned that Nebraskans cannot receive donated medications outside certain immunosuppressant and cancer drugs. Iowa has an established program, SafeNetRx. This has, since its inception in 2007, received donations from all 50 states, including Nebraska. They have used these donations to provide more than 134,000 Iowans, who are at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level and are uninsured or underinsured, with more than $105 million in donated medicine. We became further intrigued how we could provide this benefit for low-income families and to those who fall through the cracks of our current health insurance system here. I, along with my colleague Senator Riepe, my staff and representatives of several Nebraska hospitals and the Nebraska Pharmacists Association, made the trip over to Grimes, Iowa where SafeNetRx is located to see first hand how this might work. SafeNetRxs CEO Jon Rosmann, along with his team of pharmacists and technicians as well as a bi-partisan group of Iowa Senators and Representatives, shared with us that the Iowa Legislature had directed them to work with other states to build a more robust, regional prescription drug donation program. This was exciting news! We could join forces, utilize SafeNetRxs decades of experience, its modern high-tech facility, its stringent inspection and inventory systems, to assist Nebraskans who otherwise would not be able to afford the prescriptions they need. We can do all this for less than the half a million dollars or so spent each year on our existing unused medication collection program. The disposal program would continue to be vital for collecting unused medications that have been opened, or need refrigeration, or are controlled substances, all of which are not acceptable for a donation program. We could, in participating in a program like SafeNetRx, redirect a substantial portion of what is currently collected and destroyed to people who need these medications but cannot afford them. This could potentially save our state millions of dollars in down-the-road costs associated with emergency room visits, overnight hospital stays or other costs born out of the inability to obtain medicines that prevent or treat medical conditions. I am presently working with my colleagues and experts in healthcare to figure out what we need to do legislatively to make this a potential solution for many Nebraskans. None of this may have occurred if it was not for the time and effort of one concerned and caring citizen doing some investigation and sending an email. If I can be of assistance to you in any way, please do not hesitate to contact my office. My staff members Matt and Katie are available to assist you with your needs and they pass along messages, so if youd like a call back, please let them know! New Delhi: As the year draws to a close, corporate landscapes have witnessed unexpected changes, especially in the realm of top executives. Several high-profile CEOs bid farewell to their roles, leaving an indelible mark on the business world. Let's take a closer look at the notable resignations that marked the end of 2023. Uday Kotak In a surprising move, Uday Kotak announced his resignation in September, catching many off guard. While he initially planned to step down after some time, Kotak left his position sooner than expected, leaving analysts puzzled. (Also Read: Invest In This LIC's Policy For Double Benefits: Check Details) The exact reasons for his abrupt departure remain undisclosed, adding an element of mystery to the exit. Speculations surrounding his resignation were fueled by a handwritten resignation letter. (Also Read: Ola Electric Files For IPO: Check Face Value, Opening And Closing Date, Issue Size & More) Rajesh Gopinathan TCS, India's largest IT company, experienced a leadership change this year as CEO Rajesh Gopinathan tendered his resignation in March. Leadership transitions are infrequent at TCS, making this departure particularly noteworthy. The company, known for stability in its leadership roles, has only had four CEOs in its five-decade history. Venu Nayar Venu Nayar, the CEO of the retail store chain Shoppers Stop, stepped down in August, citing the need to explore other opportunities and spend more time with family as the reasons for his departure. Nayar played a crucial role in reshaping Shoppers Stop into an omnichannel retailer. His resignation triggered an 11 percent drop in the company's shares, surprising the market. Murali Ramakrishnan Murali Ramakrishnan, who could be reappointed this year, chose to exit from South Indian Bank in March. While he could have continued in his role, Ramakrishnan decided to prioritize spending more time with family over another term. Joining as an advisor in July 2020, he quickly assumed the role of MD and CEO within four months. Mathew Job Compton Greaves Consumer Electricals saw a change in leadership as CEO Mathew Job resigned in April. Job's sudden departure notably impacted the company's stock prices. The reasons behind his swift exit were not extensively disclosed, leaving stakeholders curious about the circumstances leading to the CEO's resignation. New Delhi: A crude oil tanker carrying 25 Indian crew members was hit by a drone attack by the Iran-backed Houthi militants in the Red Sea on Sunday, the Indian Navy said. The tanker, MV SAIBABA, was not India-flagged as claimed by the US Central Command (CENTCOM) earlier, but owned by Gabon and registered in India, the navy clarified. The attack was part of a series of assaults on commercial shipping by the Houthi rebels, who have been fighting a Saudi-led coalition in Yemen since 2015. The US CENTCOM said that two Houthi anti-ship ballistic missiles and several one-way attack drones were fired from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen on December 23, targeting international shipping lanes in the Southern Red Sea. The US naval ship USS LABOON, which was patrolling the area as part of Operation Prosperity Guardian, intercepted and shot down some of the drones, and responded to the distress calls from the attacked vessels. No injuries or damage were reported in the incident, the US CENTCOM said. Another vessel, the M/V BLAAMANEN, a Norwegian-flagged chemical/oil tanker, reported a near miss of a drone attack. The US CENTCOM said that these attacks were the 14th and 15th on commercial shipping by the Houthi militants since October 17, and posed a threat to the safety and security of international maritime traffic. The Houthi rebels have been escalating their attacks on shipping and US assets in the region, in retaliation for the Israel-Hamas war that broke out on October 7. The rebels have also seized a boat in a raid last month, and claimed responsibility for a drone strike on a Saudi oil facility in November. India, which has a strong interest in the free movement of commercial shipping, has been monitoring the developments and participating in international efforts to ensure safe transit of ships in the Arabian Sea. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said on Thursday that India was supportive of the US-led Operation Prosperity Guardian, which aims to ramp up security in the Red Sea region. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also had a telephone conversation with his Israeli counterpart Naftali Bennett on Friday, and discussed the regional situation and the threats posed by terrorism and radicalism. New Delhi: Ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party has set a goal of securing 50 per cent vote share. The party has also announced the beginning of cluster meetings from January 15 while the Yuva Morcha will hold around 5,000 conferences across the country. BJP recently concluded a two-day meeting of national office bearers. During this meeting, the party decided to hold a nationwide campaign to connect with new voters. Sources say that Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who attended the two-day meeting at BJP Headquarters in New Delhi, asked all officials to ensure a huge victory margin in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. The cluster meetings will be attended and addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and BJP President JP Nadda. Meanwhile, the BJP Yuva Morcha will begin a new campaign for new voters across the nation from January 24. During the meeting, officials were told not to wait for the announcement of candidate lists and gear up for the elections. Apart from this, the party will organise widespread campaigns to celebrate the grand opening of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya from January 1. BJP workers will go door-to-door in villages across India to encourage people to join the diya lighting program for the inauguration of the temple. New Delhi: A retired senior police officer, who was the local muezzin, was killed by terrorists while he was giving the call for Azaan from a mosque in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday, police said. The victim, Mohammad Shafi Mir, was shot four times by unidentified terrorists inside the mosque in Gantmulla village in Sheeri area of the district, where he was a regular for Azaan. Mir, who had retired as a senior superintendent of police in 2012, was devoted to his duties at the mosque, his family members said. His cousin, Mohammad Mustafa, who was at home, said that he heard Mirs last words of reham (mercy) as the Azaan stopped suddenly at Ashhadu Anna Mohammadu Rasool-Allah (I bear witness that Mohammad is the messenger of Allah). Mustafa said that he initially thought that Mir might have collapsed due to dizziness, but later learnt that he had been fatally shot by the terrorists. He said that his daughter informed him that his cousin had died, and they rushed to his house. Mir was taken to Baramulla hospital, where he was declared dead. Mir is survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter. A large number of people gathered at his house and at the mosque complex to mourn his death. Mirs younger brother, Abdul Kareem, said that he was sleeping when he was woken up by sounds that he thought were caused by a problem in the microphone. He said that his daughter-in-law told him that people were crying. Kareem said that he suspected that the attack was planned, as the Imam (prayer leader) of the mosque goes home on Saturday and returns on Sunday. He said that Mir used to give the call for Azaan every day. The police said that the area was cordoned off and a search operation was launched to nab the assailants. No terrorist group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far. The killing of Mir was condemned by various political parties, who expressed their condolences to his family. The National Conference (NC) said that violence can never be tolerated in any form, and expressed profound sadness over the tragic incident. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said that innocent people have become collateral damage to maintain the facade of normalcy touted by the Centre. The BJP termed the act dastardly and said that terror and terrorists have no religion. New Delhi: In an unprecedented turn of event, Kolkatas coveted Jadavpur University (JU) witnessed a convocation ceremony without its chancellor. The Governor of West Bengal is, by the virtue of his seat, the chancellor of Jadavpur University. The development comes a day after Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose removed Buddhadeb Sau from the chair of interim Vice Chancellor. An official statement from Guv Boses office read, The authorization given to Prof Buddhadeb Sau as per order no. CU/WB/22/23 dated August 17, 2023, to exercise the powers and perform the duties of the office of Vice Chancellor, Jadavpur University till further orders, is withdrawn. This order will take immediate effect." However, in less than 12 hours, Sau was reinstated as the vice-chancellor of the university. The chancellor of JU did not attend the event as it was organised without his consent. Meanwhile, the now ex-vice chancellor, Sau, attended the convocation ceremony only as a guest. The ceremony was presided over by the universitys pro-vice chancellor Amitava Dutta. The University Grants Commission (UGC) also did not send any representative to the event. Sources from JU say that Saus decision to not take part in the ceremony was prompted after a notification from the governors office said that an investigation will be launched against Sau over complaints filed against him. The university, for a long time, was running without a head before the appointment of Buddhadeb Saha. Governor Bose was not happy with Saus decision to announce the date of convocation without his consent after he held a meeting with Bengals Education Minister Bratya Basu. New Delhi: Christmas is a holiday celebrated worldwide, which is associated with warmth, joy, and goodwill. It is celebrated on December 25th and marks the birth of Jesus Christ. On the enchanting evening of Christmas Eve, the entire nation came alive with a radiant glow as churches across the country adorned themselves with a dazzling array of sparkling lights and flickering candles in anticipation of the joyous occasion of Jesus Christ's birthday. From the Holy Family Catholic Church in the heart of Srinagar to the lively streets of Kochi in the southern reaches of Kerala, the nation resonated with the spirit of Christmas, transforming into a spectacle of resplendent lights that illuminated the festive celebrations from north to south. #WATCH | Kerala: Streets of Thiruvananthapuram all decked up with decorative lights on #Christmaseve pic.twitter.com/kn8jam5yqj ANI (@ANI) December 24, 2023 #WATCH | Goa: Streets of Panaji decorated with colourful lights, brimming with people on the #Christmaseve pic.twitter.com/31qqEf0XJX ANI (@ANI) December 24, 2023 #WATCH | J&K: A church in Jammu lit up colourful lights and decorated on #ChristmasEve pic.twitter.com/6QAaKDt4Kr ANI (@ANI) December 24, 2023 #WATCH | Kerala: Streets of Kochi illuminated with colourful lights and decorated beautifully on the #ChristmasEve pic.twitter.com/rmY9ejlkOj ANI (@ANI) December 24, 2023 #WATCH | Meghalaya: Streets of Shillong all decked up, brimming with people ahead of Christmas and New Year pic.twitter.com/ZC4K5JaEBV ANI (@ANI) December 24, 2023 Meanwhile, with the Christmas holiday clubbed with the weekend, people took a chance to celebrate the festival at their nearest tourist hot spot which in turn resulted in long jams at several areas including Manali and Shimala which is generally the spot for Delhi-NCR people for short vacation. #WATCH | Himachal Pradesh: Traffic congestion and slow vehicular movement witnessed in Manali as people throng to hilly areas ahead of Christmas and New Year pic.twitter.com/XVxwhBal2a December 24, 2023 The Koyembedu area of Chennai, Tamil Nadu witnessed heavy traffic jams on Christmas eve and people flocked to Marina Beach on the weekend, ahead of Christmas. #WATCH | Tamil Nadu: Traffic snarls in Koyembedu area of Chennai on Christmas eve pic.twitter.com/vF7yX015y6 ANI (@ANI) December 24, 2023 Sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik also marked the occasion of Jesus Christ by creating a sand sculpture of Santa Claus using onions at Puri's Blue Flag beach with the message 'Gift A Plant, Green The Earth'. #WATCH | Odisha: Sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik says, "...It is 100 feet long, 20 feet high and 40 feet wide sculpture. We have used two tonnes of onions..." pic.twitter.com/GPFjJkj7Bq December 24, 2023 Speaking to ANI, Pattnaik said the sculpture is 100 feet long, 20 feet high, and 40 feet wide and two tonnes of onions have been used in its making. Christmas brings a variety of traditions, including festive decorations, gift-giving, and gatherings with family and friends. The holiday season is defined by glowing lights, adorned trees, and the spirit of generosity, which fosters a sense of togetherness and spreads cheer throughout communities. In one of his first comments on Parliament security breach, BJP MP Pratap Simha on Sunday said that he has left it for the people to decide whether he is a traitor or a patriot. Goddess Chamundeshwari, Goddess Kaveri, and my reader fans know whether I am patriotic or anti-national. People will give their mandate in this regard in the upcoming Mysuru-Kodagu Lok Sabha election," Simha told reporters. The Bhartiya Janata Party MP from Mysuru is embroiled in a controversy after it was alleged that a visitor's pass was issued in his name to the two accused of breaching the security of Lok Sabha on 13 December. When asked about the posters that called him a traitor, Simha said, They (people) are the ones who have to ultimately give the judgement. They will decide whether I'm a patriot. I leave it to their decision. I don't have anything to say other than that." Meanwhile, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi earlier this week said that Simha has submitted his statements as part of the ongoing investigation on the Parliament security breach case. The security breach in Lok Sabha triggered a political slugfest between the Central government and the Opposition who called for a statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the House and demanded action against Simha. Following the security breach in the Indian Parliament on the anniversary of the 2001 attack, safety protocol in the complex has been altered significantly. It has also been decided that the security of the Parliament will now be handed over to Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) from Delhi Police. New Delhi: The new Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Mohan Yadav, wants to change how people view time by shifting the Prime Meridian from Englands Greenwich to Ujjain. The Prime Meridian is the longitude that is used to gauge time worldwide. Since it passes through Greenwich, the global standard of time is called Greenwich Standard of Time or GMT. Yadavs decision to change world time comes from his push to reject westernization. It was our (Ujjains) time that was known in the world, but Paris started to set the time and later, it was adopted by the British who considered Greenwich the Prime Meridian, the new MP chief minister said as he responded to a question in the state assembly. He added that his government will work towards proving that Ujjain is the global Prime Meridian and correct the time of the world. Yadavs claim comes from a Hindu astronomical belief that says that Ujjain was once considered Indias central meridian. The city lies at the precise point of interaction at the Tropic of Cancer. It is also the place where Indias oldest observatory is located. While GMT was accepted as the Prime Meridian in 1888, the Indian Standard Time (IST) is 5:30 hours ahead of GMT and is calculated from Uttar Pradeshs Mirzapur. Taking a swipe at the commonly accepted Western ideas, Yadav said, The world has two types of living beings one who is awake during the daytime and another awake at night, so what is the logic behind changing the day at midnight? He added, Westernisation is ruining the world and his government will collaborate with scientific minds to reverse this rot. Yadav also claimed that his bid to change world time will be supported by the neighbouring states of Madhya Pradesh. The Chief Minister, during his address at the state assembly, also criticised the globally-accepted Gregorian calendar, adding that more emphasis should be given to the Hindu calendar. Aryabhatta, who is a renowned mathematician, did remarkable work in aeronautics. Now, its time to give importance and recognition to our ancient knowledge. Vikram Samvat should be given importance over the Gregorian Calendar, he said. New Delhi: In a horrific incident, a woman was burnt alive by her brother-in-law in front of her two children in Ratlam district of Madhya Pradesh on Saturday, police said. The accused, Suresh (40), was arrested for the murder that took place at Dhodhar village, where the victim, Nirmala (33), was living. According to the police, Suresh had a grudge against Nirmala, who was the wife of his younger brother Prakash. Prakash had committed suicide recently, and Suresh had held Nirmala responsible for his death. On Saturday, Suresh attacked Nirmala with a rod and doused her with petrol before setting her on fire. Nirmala died on the spot, while her two children witnessed the brutal act. Superintendent of Police (SP) Rahul Kumar Lodha said that Suresh had confessed to his crime and was booked for murder. He said that the police were investigating the motive behind the murder and the circumstances of Prakashs suicide. The incident has shocked the villagers and the local administration, who have condemned the barbaric act and demanded strict action against the accused. New Delhi: Rajya Sabha Chairperson Jagdeep Dhankhar has accused the Opposition parties of causing deliberate and strategised disruptions in the winter session of Parliament, which led to the suspension of 146 MPs. In a letter to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, who is the leader of the opposition in the House, Dhankhar expressed his disappointment over Kharges refusal to meet him for a dialogue. Dhankhar said that he had repeatedly requested Kharge for interaction in the House and by way of written communications, but his offer was rejected. He said that this was not in line with the parliamentary practices and traditions and that he had to suffer Kharges stance in the House. Dhankhar also invited Kharge for an interaction on December 25 or any other convenient time at his official residence, saying that we need to move ahead. He said that he would share with Kharge the predetermined role of the main opposition party in the disruptions, which he did not want to embarrass him by mentioning in the letter. He said that the suspensions were based on the premise of deliberate disorder in the House by way of sloganeering, raising placards, entering the well of the House and gesticulating towards the Chair. He said that he had exhausted all efforts and initiatives to secure order in the House, including by way of brief adjournments and seeking interactions in the Chairmans Chamber. He said that he had also taken similar recourse when one of the opposition members video-graphed the proceedings of the House, and shared the sensitive aspects of that episode with Kharge in his Chamber. He said that weaponising disruption and disturbance as a political strategy was no less than sacrileging the temple of democracy. The letter by Dhankhar came a day after Kharge wrote to him, saying that the Opposition parties were prepared to engage in a meaningful discussion on the issue of security breach in Parliament, which was neither admitted nor allowed to be spoken on the floor of the House. Kharge said that the Opposition parties firmly believed in fostering dialogue and discussion, which were fundamental pillars of any parliamentary democracy. He said that the Opposition parties had submitted multiple notices under the relevant rules of the Rajya Sabha to address the pressing issue of the breach of Parliament security. Kharge also hoped that Dhankhar would accommodate the Oppositions concerns and uphold the basic principle of parliamentary democracy. He said that the Government will have its way, but the Opposition must have its say in letter and spirit. New Delhi: As Ayodhya gears up to open its first airport, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be in the city to hold roadshows and inaugurate Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram International Airport and Ayodhya railway station. On December 29, the prime minister will also lay the foundation stone of developmental projects worth Rs 3,284. Talking to ANI, the Commissioner of Ayodhya Gaurav Dayal said that PM Modi will hold a roadshow and public meetings during his visit to the city. Sharing the details of the arrangements made ahead of his visit, Dayal said, All facilities are available in hospitals. The chief minister is also reviewing it. For high-end services, we will keep a backup plan from here to Lucknow. The PM is coming on December 30. The airport and the railway station which have been prepared in the first phase are going to be inaugurated. Modis visit to the temple town comes ahead of the grand consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple on January 22. The government of Uttar Pradesh has set out a budget of Rs 100 crore for Ramotsav, a series of celebratory events to be held from December 30 to January 22. Earlier this week, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath held a meeting with local officials to review the preparations made ahead of Modis visit. A release from the chief ministers office said, The PM is scheduled to arrive in Ayodhya on December 30 before the much-awaited consecration ceremony at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple. On his visit, the PM will gift projects worth thousands of crores to Ayodhya. In view of the importance of the event, all necessary preparations should be made by the local administration with the help of the Centre. Baramulla: Terrorists shot dead a retired Senior Superintendent of Jammu and Kashmir Police (SSP) Mohammad Shafi, at Gantmulla Village of Kreeri area in North Kashmirs Baramulla district early today. The retired officer survived by his wife, two sons, and a daughter, was laid to rest amid huge public participation. Jammu and Kashmir Police officials said that Mohammad Shafi had gone to the nearby mosque where he was offering Azaan ( Call for prayer) at the time of being shot by the terrorists. Shafi a retired officer for the last 11 years used to offer Azan daily since he got retired. Today he was middle of Azan when he was shot. People around felt that Azan stopped halfway some people rushed to the mosque and found Shafi on the floor He was taken to a nearby hospital, but doctors declared him dead. Terrorists fired upon Shri Mohd Shafi, a retired police officer at Gantmulla, Sheeri #Baramulla, while praying Azan in the mosque and succumbed to injuries. Area has been #cordoned off. Further details awaited, Jammu and Kashmir Police posted on X (formerly Twitter). (sic) After the news of Mohammad Shafi's killing spread in the Baramulla district, a large crowd began to assemble at his residence. The retired officer was laid to rest with significant local public participation in his funeral. Various segments of society, including politicians, expressed condemnation for Mir's killing and called for decisive actions against those responsible. The Jammu and Kashmir Police, in collaboration with other security agencies, have initiated an extensive cordon and search operation in the region. Security forces are exploring all aspects of the killing. According to officials, the ongoing investigation reveals that the deceased was shot with a 12-bore pellet gun, and the possibility of personal enmity is also under scrutiny. Police sources indicate that numerous suspects have been apprehended for questioning, and the police have gathered several 12-bore licensed guns from the area for further investigation. Authorities assure that they are diligently working to apprehend the perpetrators responsible for the officer's death. Intelligence inputs suggest that terrorists in Jammu Kashmir have changed their strategy, on one side they have chosen forests to hide and target the army and other security forces conveying vehicle or petrol movements who are seen in recent attacks in Poonch, Rajouri, Kulgam, and Kokernag while on other hand in towns they choose soft targets and attack them. There has been a rise in target killings in the Kashmir Valley in recent times. A police inspector was shot dead in Srinagar recently while a policeman was killed in the same Baramulla district recently too and a policeman was attacked in the Bemina area of Srinagar. The Pentagon has said that an Iranian drone on Saturday struck a chemical tanker in the Indian Ocean, Reuters reported. "The motor vessel CHEM PLUTO, a Liberia-flagged, Japanese-owned, and Netherlands-operated chemical tanker, was struck at approximately 10 am local time (6 am GMT) today in the Indian Ocean, 200 nautical miles from the coast of India, by a one-way attack drone fired from Iran," a Pentagon spokesperson told Reuters. The incident comes as the latest illustration of the growing regional tensions after the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel. The Pentagon said this was the "seventh Iranian attack on commercial shipping since 2021". An India-bound merchant vessel, MV Chem Pluto, with 20 Indian and one Vietnamese crew member on Saturday caught fire after it was attacked by a suspected drone. It was later secured by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), the ICG said in an official statement. DRONE ATTACK ON MV CHEM PLUTO-Indian Coast Guard Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre,Mumbai received information regarding fire onboard MV Chem Pluto. The Merchant ship with 20 Indian &01 Vietnamese Crew was reportedly attacked by a suspected drone strike on aerial platform.(1/6) pic.twitter.com/CpioW9MfT9 Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) December 23, 2023 The merchant vessel reportedly commenced its voyage from the UAE on December 19 and was bound for New Mangalore port with an arrival date of December 25. According to the official statement, on December 23, the Indian Coast Guard Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Mumbai received information regarding a fire onboard MV Chem Pluto, reportedly attacked by a suspected drone strike or aerial platform. The Indian Coast Guard Maritime Coordination Centre (MRCC), which established real-time communication with the vessel's agent, ascertained no loss of life and assured all assistance. It was also learned that the vessel fire had been doused by the crew. To augment the vessel's safety, MRCC Mumbai has activated ISN and immediately diverted other merchant vessels in the vicinity of Chem Pluto for assistance. The ship is being escorted to Mumbai. "The Indian Coast Guard also pressed Offshore Patrol vessel Vikram and Coast Guard Dornier maritime surveillance aircraft into action for rendering assistance to Chem Pluto. The Coast Guard Dornier aircraft has sanitised the area and established communication with Chem Pluto. The vessel has started making its way towards Mumbai after undertaking damage assessment and repairs on its power generation systems," the statement further read. New Delhi: As the holiday season unfolds across the country, the festive cheer has intensified, especially with the fortuitous alignment of Christmas and New Year falling on consecutive Mondays. With the additional weekend days surrounding these celebrations, individuals are seizing the opportunity to embark on brief vacations to their nearest tourist hotspots. Notably, a surge in holidaymakers from Delhi-NCR and nearby areas to Himachal Pradesh's enchanting destinations like Manali and Shimla has led to a significant increase in vehicular movement, resulting in extensive traffic jams stretching for kilometers. Simultaneously, various parts of the country are experiencing traffic snarls as people take advantage of the festive occasion to revel in the vibrant city lights and partake in the joyous atmosphere on the eve of Christmas. On Saturday, fresh snowfall adorned the Atal Tunnel in Rohtang Pass. This engineering marvel, nestled in the Himalayas, is a highway tunnel skillfully built beneath the Rohtang Pass within the eastern Pir Panjal range. Situated on the Leh-Manali Highway in Himachal Pradesh, India, the Atal Tunnel is notably recognized as the longest single-tube highway tunnel positioned above 10,000 feet, according to information from the Border Roads Organisation's official website. New Delhi: Union Minister and BJP leader Smriti Irani attended the second edition of Zee Real Heroes 2023 where she took a subtle jibe at the Opposition saying "mai vipaksh ka aachar banati hu. Her comments came after she was asked a question posed to her inquiring about her favourite pickle. When asked, Someone asked you what your favourite pickle is. Do you remember your answer? to which she replied, Jo main vipaksh ka banati hu (the one I make out of the Opposition). During the session, Irani said that she will continue serving the nation with a big smile in the future. When asked about what she would change about the media if she was an editor of a news channel, Irani said, I would not change a thing. Theres a competitive spirit in news media today, especially after the rise of multimedia. Earlier, news channels used to compete with newspapers but now the scenario has changed and the competition has gone further up. ALSO READ- Zee Real Heroes: Who Is Anurag Thakur's Real-Life Hero? Know Here Since the media has become so competitive, you can imagine how many talented people are employed in this industry, she added. The union minister also recalled the recent interaction of her father with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying that it was memorable for the former. Smriti Irani currently holds two portfolios Ministry of Women and Child Development and Ministry of Minority Affairs. An exceptional event unfolded in Dwarka, Delhi, organized by BN Group to mark its 10th Foundation Day. Leading the proceedings, Ashima Aggarwal, a prominent member of BN Group, revealed the initiation of an annual scholarship for girl children in need, aimed at supporting their pursuit of quality education. The distinguished guest list included Union Minister Parshottam Rupala, overseeing Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying. BN Group Chairman Ajay Kumar Agarwal, MD Anubhav Agarwal, and various other notable dignitaries actively participated in the event. The celebration involved presenting awards and making significant announcements, shedding light on BN Group's diverse interests in FMCG, Edible Oil, Real Estate, Timber, and Specialty Chemicals. With a century-long legacy, the conglomerate remains committed to building a self-reliant nation through sustainable practices and innovative solutions. Addressing the audience, Anubhav Agarwal, Managing Director and CEO of BN Group, shared, "As we commemorate a decade of accomplishments, our dedication to continuous growth and staying at the forefront of progress has intensified. Our vision for the future is anchored in sustainability, innovation, and the profound responsibility of contributing to the nation's growth." He extended his gratitude to internal and external stakeholders for their contributions. Chintan Ajay Kumar Shah, Director of BN Group, expressed appreciation for the company's success, attributing it to team spirit. Chairman Ajay Aggarwal provided insights into the company's CSR activities, highlighting a plantation drive to plant fifty thousand trees annually, having already planted a thousand in Agra, Noida, and Greater Noida. At the second edition of Zee Real Heroes, the real heroes of bollywood came out and talked about their personal and professional life. Famously known for his acting skills in various films, Rajkummar Rao talks about his journey in bollywood and how he met his lady love Patralekha. His words of wisdom have inspired many in the past and will continue to do so in future. Heres what Challang actor said at the Zee Real Heroes: Q) Is the Gurugram boy still there or hes long lost in the streets of Mumbai? Rajkummar Rao: The Gurugram boy is 100 percent there and it is what I am right now. The boy who resided in Gurugram and saw a dream of becoming a successful actor, is the same right now. One should never forget his reality or roots, otherwise one will become very fake and that fakeness will become evident in his/her work. People like my work because they are able to relate with it. They feel that they are living through the character. I put my reality out through my work, hence the audience appreciate my work. Q) Has your native Gurugrams accent ever affected any role? Rajkummar Rao: Ofcourse I know the language but I havent got many opportunities to speak in my accent. Q) You are a self-made star, how difficult is it for outsiders to create any impact in the industry? Rajkummar Rao: It is very difficult. I have seen it myself, many people from my institute and my batch are really good actors but they dont get the opportunity easily. For example, Jaideep Ahlawat is my classmate, but it took him 13 years to get him Paatal Lok, to get noticed. But the key is to be at it. It is very easy to talk, but if you have talent then your time will come, sooner or later, but it will come. Q) As per sources, weve come to know that Rajkumar Rao loves critics. Is this true? Rajkummar Rao: I like it but I wont say I like all of them as every other person has become a critic now. When I started my career, there were only a few who used to write really well. But now just open Youtube and youll find many. So I dont like all of it but yes, from wherever I get constructive criticism I like it. I used to get many critic awards but last year I got best popular actor for Badhaai Do, hence I feel I have jumped from critics to popular actor. Q) As per sources, weve come to know that Rajkumar Rao loves Mumbai so much that he has added an extra M in his name. Is this true? Rajkummar Rao: People who love me, suggested that I should do this. There is science and astrology behind this. I am not a staunch believer, but people around me suggested I should do this, hence I did it. Q) As per sources, Rajkummar Rao never proposed to Patralekha, he just changes his ringtone to Thukra kar mera pyaar, mera intekaam dekhegi Rajkummar Rao: Since the day me and Patralekha knew each other, this song wasnt there. Luckily she never rejected me and I never had to become an IAS. But yes, whenever I go to any promotions then people say there should be a part two for Shaadi May Zarur ana, it has become a cult. Q) As per sources, Rajkummar Rao gets good roles because he is a gold medalist in taekwondo and he tells this to his directors beforehand Rajkummar Rao: The first part is true that I am a gold medalist in taekwondo but I have never told any of my directors about this, because I don;t want them to put any action sequence forcefully. My real art form isnt out yet. New Delhi: As Christmas approaches, people are gearing up to welcome the festive season in their special ways. With Christmas just around the corner, it's important to note that bank branches in certain states will be closed for an extended period during the Christmas weekend. According to the Reserve Bank of India's official list of bank holidays, all banks nationwide will remain closed on December 25 in observance of Christmas, which falls on a Monday. (Also Read: Bank Holidays January 2024: Check City-Wise List And Number Of Days Bank Branches Will Remain Closed) Additionally, December 23 is the fourth Saturday, designated as a bank holiday as per the rules. The following day, December 24, is a Sunday. (Also Read: Ola Electric Files For IPO: Check Face Value, Opening And Closing Date, Issue Size & More) In some states, the celebration of Christmas extends beyond the official holiday. In Nagaland's capital, Kohima, Christmas festivities will continue on December 26 and 27, which fall on a Monday and Tuesday. Similarly, banks in Mizoram's capital, Aizawl, and Meghalaya's capital, Shillong, will also be closed on December 26 due to the extended Christmas celebrations in those regions. It's important to be aware that bank holidays can vary from region to region. While some holidays are observed nationwide, others are considered local holidays. For instance, banks in various cities across India will only be closed on December 25, in contrast to some cities in the northeastern part of the country where Christmas celebrations span two days. New Delhi: Staying healthy in today's times become the go-to method for everyone. As the digital era is evolving day by day, people are relying more on digital platforms to track their health records. Some digital platforms also provide medical assistance to the needy. Now, adding one more step forward, Samsung has rolled out a new medication tracking feature, taking health monitoring on smartphones to a whole new level. What Is Newly Introduced Feature Of Samsung Health App? The newly introduced feature will allow you to keep a record of the medicines that are prescribed to you. The app will also remind you to take the medicine on time. This new facility is available via the Samsung Health app. Where It Is Available For Now? This innovative feature, currently available in select markets with a focus on the US, enables users to log information about prescribed medicines directly into the Samsung Health app. How Does It Work? Users can input details such as medication names, dosage schedules, and even specifics like pill color and shape. The medication feature aims to assist users in maintaining a consistent medication routine. It not only sends timely reminders for pill intake but also proves valuable for those who need alerts about running low on their medication. What sets Samsung's medication tracking apart is its comprehensive approach. The app goes beyond basic reminders; it provides users with detailed information about the medicines they are taking. Samsung has collaborated with medical content experts from Elsevier to ensure that users receive insights into possible side effects and alerts if anything seems amiss with the prescribed pills. Samsung recommends having a phone running Android 8.0 or higher, along with the updated Samsung Health app version 6.26 or later. However, it's worth noting that the medication feature's availability may vary depending on the specific phone model. Angle down icon An icon in the shape of an angle pointing down. Former President Donald Trump. AP Photo/Lynne Sladky Donald Trump said that he was not a student of Hitler and had not read any of his works. Trump was defending his controversial comments about immigrants poisoning the blood of the country. Trump claimed he did not know Hitler had used similar language about Jewish people. Former President Donald Trump said he was not a student of Hitler, following backlash to his controversial comments that immigrants are poisoning the blood of our country. Trump said that he never knew Adolf Hitler had used similar language to describe Jewish people and said he had never read Hitlers Mein Kampf manifesto. I know nothing about Hitler. Im not a student of Hitler, Trump said on the radio interview with Hugh Hewitt. Hitler and his Nazi party spoke about the purity of bloodlines Donald Trump said he had never read Mein Kampf, Adolf Hitlers autobiographical manifesto. Bundesarchiv I never read his works. They say that he said something about blood. He didnt say it the way I said it, either, by the way. Its a very different kind of a statement. Hitler and his Nazi party often spoke about the purity of bloodlines to dehumanize Jewish people, saying their blood would make German blood impure. I never knew that Hitler said it, either, by the way. And I never read Mein Kampf. They said I read Mein Kampf. These are people that are disinformation horrible people that were dealing with. I never read Mein Kampf, Trump said. Trumps controversial commentsmade while speaking in New Hampshire last week, were about immigrants entering the United States. Explaining his comments, Trump said: What Im saying when I talk about people coming into our country is they are destroying our country. This country is, we have prisoners coming in. We have mental patients coming in by the thousands, really , by the millions. When asked if he meant any racist sentiment, he replied: Dear, no. His statement sparked backlash, including from the Biden campaign, which said his words parroted Adolf Hitler. Trump previously used language about immigrants poisoning the blood in an interview earlier this year. In response, the Anti-Defamation Leagues CEO and national director, Jonathan Greenblatt, called his language racist, xenophobic and despicable, Reuters reported. Trump has been strong in his anti-immigrant rhetoric, and while president, implemented strict policies to crack down on it. First and foremost, visitors both Black and white are interested in how Black people were living in Cabarrus County before and after the Civil War. Before the Civil War, Blacks were, for the most part, living as enslaved people considered property without any rights to speak of. One of the most prominent Blacks (bi-racial) was born in 1849. Warren C. Coleman was born and raised on Union Street in Concord. His brother, Thomas, was born four years before in 1845, also on Union Street. Their father, Rufus Barringer, a white southerner was an attorney, general in the war, and former mayor of Concord before the war. Their mother was called Roxana and her status was slave. They lived where the Cannon Library currently stands. During slavery, anyone whose mother was a slave, he or she was a slave. Their father, a high-level person in Concord, went on to marry three different white women and had four different children. One of those children, Paul Barringer, became the president of Virginia Tech. His feeling about Blacks was similar to other southerners in spite of the fact that his half-brother was Black. Warren on the other hand became the richest Black man in America as of 1900. His legacy is mind bending and many people would be interested in visiting many of the places that he affected during his 54years life in Concord,. One of his first places of development is the Old Camp Ground Cemetery (OCGC) in 1876, located on Cabarrus Ave, opposite the MLK Monument. Warren was a member of Zion Hill AME Zion church before moving to Price Memorial AME Zion church and the OCGC is a few walking blocks away on Cabarrus. The cemetery was recently cleaned up wherein several head stones were uncovered after many years of neglect. Next, with some assistance from his father, Warren began to acquire many pieces of property in and around Concord and the surrounding counties. At the same time, Warren was the owner of a store on Union Street and many of the people coming, both Black and white, were able to acquire the items necessary to eat, live and otherwise take care of themselves. Warren lived with his master until 1870 because he was a teenage at the end of the war. William Coleman, his master, was also an attorney and served in the state legislature. Warren learned from both his master and father. Ultimately, Warren was able to purchase close to 100 homes in the Logan area and beyond. Next, after coming back from Atlanta Exposition of 1895, Warren donated the finances and land to build his church, Price Memorial AME Zion Church in Spring Street, Concord, not far from the Police Station. The Price Memorial AME Zion, after being built in 1895, remains a strong church that has serviced thousands of people in Concord and beyond. At the same time that he was building his church, Warren and others began the process of developing the first Black Textile Mill in the country. Located on 601 and Main Street, the mill will be under development with 150 apartments until on or about 2025. Once completed, the mill will house a small Black- museum that many people would be interested in seeing as part of their visit to historic Concord. Once available in 2025 or beyond, people will need permission to visit because too many people visiting at one time would not be good for people living inside. One would have to receive a permit. The same is true for the church, and the cemetery which are available now once permission is obtained. There may be annual tours of each in accordance with the wishes of the various places. Price Memorial will have to be reserved accordingly, Zion Hill AME church owns OCGC and the mill will require special permission because construction will take place and after, people will be living in the structure. In addition, there are many other Black churches near Price (due to segregation) and they may also be willing to accept visitors. According to Coleman, the area in back of Barber Scotia was known, by many, as a mill town, where black people could work, pray, buy food and live. In many places in the country visitors (whites) and others attend Black churches because of the history that is within. Professor Gates and others have documented the importance of the Black church in America. Peace. Rayven White received a extra special early Christmas present this year: She became a homeowner for the first time, as she and her 11-year-old daughter Riley officially moved into their new 1,200-square-foot home on Howerton Avenue in Concord on Thursday. Several groups helped make Whites dream a reality including WeBuild Concord, a nonprofit working to get more affordable housing in Cabarrus County partnerships; the Kannapolis-based Prosperity Unlimited, a nonprofit that teaches individuals the skills necessary for home ownership, financial management and wealth creation; and her realtor Joslyn Blackburn. White and her daughter, who are originally from Brooklyn, New York, had lived in an apartment for the past decade, before WeBuild Concord stepped in to provide some much needed-assistance. The home is not just something tangible, to just say I have a key to a place, White, 43, told the Independent Tribune, but it is also a spiritual grounding, it is a symbol of stability for myself and my daughter. White, a school manager in early childhood education had gone through the process of trying to purchase a home two other times but could never get past the pre-qualification stage. In working with WeBuild, which provided the supplemental funds, she was able to realize her long-awaited goal. So this time, to get all the way through to the end, its so surreal, but Gods timing is perfect, thats the best way I can put it, White said. WeBuild has thus far built 8 homes, with another 73 under construction, according to its chief executive officer Dr. Patrick Graham. As many as 50 new homes could be built in 2024. The Concord City Council earlier this month approved a sewer allocation for WeBuilds first public-private partnership, which should add 10 more homes in a local neighborhood. WeBuilds presence is felt in the area all around Howerton Avenue, as several townhomes are being built on Powder Street and the historic Kerr Street Baptist Church, which WeBuild purchased earlier this year, will comprise of 13 affordable and workforce housing units and incubator space for local entrepreneurs and artists. The dedication ceremony at Whites new home Thursday afternoon was of particular significance for Graham, who had wanted to buy a home for his mother, before she passed away last year. Thats sort of been a chip on my shoulder that I did not accomplish that, Graham told the paper. So each time that Im able to see a young woman, a young mom, a young family get an opportunity to own, it actually lifts a burden off me and it helps restore my faith in what were doing. The real theme of all this is that Ravyn today is a symbol of something greater than her or us, Graham told the crowd. It is really about providing opportunity and making opportunity a living and breathing thing. Graham added: Im glad ... that we were able to provide her the opportunity not only that she earns but that she deserves. This is not affordable housing, this is a home. As an educator herself, White left the crowd with an inspiring message about the importance of always finding new ways to learn. Education is so important, not just for children, but for ourselves, she said. And I want to encourage you to always be in a place that you are teachable theres always something to learn and someone is always watching. And believe it or not, even when you think youre not, youre impacting someone. Time seems to take longer in Washington, D.C. Case in point: If you were a Republican on Capitol Hill, 2023 was endless. At its start, the year arrived with a new GOP-led House and a new hope that this off-election session would be legislatively productive because 2024, a presidential election year, already loomed like an impending tornado. But the year started poorly with Januarys four-day, 15-ballot intraparty brawl that finally delivered the speakers gavel to GOP House leader Kevin McCarthy. The bitter, deeply personal battle left wounds on many Republicans and drained McCarthy of any real power from the start. With little mojo in his own caucus and none with Democrats, McCarthy spent most of his waking hours juggling GOP-tossed swords until Oct. 4, when eight of his own party members yanked him feet first from the speakers podium. The end, preordained by McCarthy during Januarys dealmaking to become speaker, was ugly and unprecedented. The 216-to-210 vote, noted Reuters later that day, marked the first time in history that the House removed its leader Stripped of his power, McCarthy in another display of his uncanny inability to read the room boldly assured mutinous colleagues that hed remain in the House. Eight weeks later, his dream, year and career in tatters, the California Republican announced his resignation at years end, another casualty of the too-long 2023. Hes not alone. By mid-December, noted the website Ballotpedia, 38 members of Congress seven members of the U.S. Senate and 31 members of the U.S. House announced they would not seek reelection in 2024. Thats eight more than two years ago and with the election still 11 long months away. McCarthy, however, wasnt the cause of this years House dysfunction; he was just a symptom. In fact, since his firing, the House GOP remains so disorganized it has yet to move any required legislation through its own caucus, let alone through the House. For example, McCarthys firing left Congress in uncharted waters to update farm-subsidy and nutrition programs, pass government funding bills and consider further aid to Ukraine. Three months later, every item on this short list not only remains undone under new Speaker Mike Johnson, each seems even farther from completion than when McCarthy was struggling to soothe the Houses GOP bellyachers and backbiters. Worse, opined Punchbowl News, a daily report from Capitol Hill, Johnsons indecisive, do-little style of leadership portends even more do-nothingness for 2024. For example, the Houses failure to take up legislation to reauthorize a foreign surveillance law, FISA, before leaving for Christmas was yet another terrific example of Johnsons speakership: He is either unwilling, unable or disinterested in making big decisions. Who can blame him? The second he was handed the speakers gavel after yet another bloody brawl his GOP colleagues put a target on his back. Just look at his five immediate Republican predecessors and their fate: Gingrich, deposed; Hastert, deposed; Boehner, deposed; Ryan, deposed; McCarthy, fired. Is Johnson just the next GOP Caesar to be chopped and diced into salad by his own partys knife fighters? That story will be written in the first four months of 2024 because he faces a legislative calendar that is as relentless as the march of time itself. In January, he must pass Tranche one of government funding, the first part of the much-delayed 2024 federal budget, noted Punchbowl. In February, Tranche two of government funding looms. March brings the reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration and April, our old friend, FISA reauthorization returns. And dont forget the overhaul of the 2023 Farm Bill that was punted into 2024 after House Republicans could neither agree on its spending levels nor its spending priorities. GOP Reps spent the first part of the delay blaming each other for that failure. But, alas, the new year always brings new hope. Unless youre a member of the House Republican leadership where any day might bring a new speaker. Which colleges have produced the most legislators in the 118th Congress? Which colleges have produced the most legislators in the 118th Congress? #12. Brown University (tie) #12. Dartmouth College (tie) #12. The George Washington University (tie) #12. University of California, Berkeley (tie) #12. University of Florida (tie) #12. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (tie) #5. United States Military Academy (tie) #5. United States Naval Academy (tie) #5. University of WisconsinMadison (tie) #5. Yale University (tie) #4. Princeton University #3. Georgetown University #2. Stanford University The Barbie power ballad Im Just Ken and AP and Frontlines documentary 20 Days in Mariupol just got one step closer to an Oscar nomination. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Thursday shortlists in 10 categories, including best original song, documentary feature, international feature, original score, and crafts like hair and makeup, visual effects and sound. Mstyslav Chernovs 20 Days in Mariupol was shortlisted in both the documentary and international feature categories, representing Ukraine in the latter. Among the 15 international features advancing are The Zone of Interest (United Kingdom), Tran Anh Hungs The Taste of Things (France), Lila Aviles Totem (Mexico) and Aki Kaurismakis Fallen Leaves (Finland). Justine Triet's acclaimed Anatomy of a Fall was not selected to represent France and thus was not eligible in the category. Original song contenders competing against Im Just Ken include two other songs from Barbie: Dua Lipas Dance the Night and Billie Eilishs What Was I Made For? Only two songs from a single movie can advance to the nomination stage, however. Both Flora and Son and The Color Purple had two songs advance. Other contenders include Sharon Van Etten for Quiet Eyes from Past Lives, Olivia Rodrigo for Can't Catch Me Now, from The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, Jon Batiste for It Never Went Away from American Symphony, Lenny Kravitz for his Rustin song Road to Freedom and Jarvis Cocker's Dear Alien (Who Art In Heaven) from Asteroid City. Diane Warren will also get another shot at a nomination for The Fire Inside from Flamin' Hot. But several expected finalists were left off, including Justin Timberlake for Trolls Band Together" and Jack Black for his Super Mario Bros. Movie ballad Peaches. Wonka was also missing from the list. The 15 original score finalists included a number of familiar players, including John Williams ("Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny"), Ludwig Goransson (Oppenheimer), Mica Levi (The Zone of Interest) and the late Robbie Robertson for Killers of the Flower Moon. Joe Hisaishi could also be headed for his first Oscar nomination for The Boy and the Heron. Composer Kris Bowers advanced for The Color Purple, but not for Origin, which also missed out in the song category. Past Lives, by Christopher Bear and Daniel Rossen, was another surprise exclusion from the score finalists. Documentary nominees in addition to 20 Days in Mariupol include American Symphony, about Batiste, Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie, Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project, The Eternal Memory, A Still Small Voice and Four Daughters. Some were surprised at the omission of Kokomo City, about the lives of Black trans sex workers, and Little Richard: I Am Everything. Barbie missed the cut for makeup and hairstyling, which included nominations for Beau is Afraid, Poor Things, Maestro, Oppenheimer," Killers of the Flower Moon and Napoleon. Though Oppenheimer fared well in most categories, it was not among the finalists in the visual effects category. The films surprising omission from the list of the original 20 finalists was previously reported. The visual effects contenders are often comprised of superhero and franchise films that aren't otherwise considered big awards players this year that includes Zack Snyder's poorly reviewed Rebel Moon-Part One: A Child of Fire, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. Live action, animated and documentary shorts finalists were also announced. The live action category is a little starrier than usual, with both Pedro Almodovars Ethan Hawke and Pedro Pascal western Strange Way of Life and Wes Andersons The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar, with Benedict Cumberbatch and Ben Kingsley, among the contenders. For the most part, shortlists are determined by members in their respective categories, though the specifics vary from branch to branch: Some have committees, some have minimum viewing requirements. Final nominations in all categories will be announced on Jan. 23. The 96th Oscars, hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, will be held on March 10, broadcasting live on ABC from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. The show will begin one hour earlier than usual, at 7 p.m. ET. Oscar Best Picture winner from the year you were born Oscar Best Picture winner from the year you were born 1928: Wings 1929: The Broadway Melody 1930: All Quiet on the Western Front 1931: Cimarron 1932: Grand Hotel 1933: Cavalcade 1934: It Happened One Night 1935: Mutiny on the Bounty 1936: The Great Ziegfeld 1937: The Life of Emile Zola 1938: You Cant Take It With You 1939: Gone with the Wind 1940: Rebecca 1941: How Green Was My Valley 1942: Mrs. Miniver 1943: Casablanca 1944: Going My Way 1945: The Lost Weekend 1946: The Best Years of Our Lives 1947: Gentlemans Agreement 1948: Hamlet 1949: All the Kings Men 1950: All About Eve 1951: An American in Paris 1952: The Greatest Show on Earth 1953: From Here to Eternity 1954: On the Waterfront 1955: Marty 1956: Around the World in Eighty Days 1957: The Bridge on the River Kwai 1958: Gigi 1959: Ben-Hur 1960: The Apartment 1961: West Side Story 1962: Lawrence of Arabia 1963: Tom Jones 1964: My Fair Lady 1965: The Sound of Music 1966: A Man for All Seasons 1967: In the Heat of the Night 1968: Oliver! 1969: Midnight Cowboy 1970: Patton 1971: The French Connection 1972: The Godfather 1973: The Sting 1974: The Godfather: Part II 1975: One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest 1976: Rocky 1977: Annie Hall 1978: The Deer Hunter 1979: Kramer vs. Kramer 1980: Ordinary People 1981: Chariots of Fire 1982: Gandhi 1983: Terms of Endearment 1984: Amadeus 1985: Out of Africa 1986: Platoon 1987: The Last Emperor 1988: Rain Man 1989: Driving Miss Daisy 1990: Dances with Wolves 1991: The Silence of the Lambs 1992: Unforgiven 1993: Schindlers List 1994: Forrest Gump 1995: Braveheart 1996: The English Patient 1997: Titanic 1998: Shakespeare in Love 1999: American Beauty 2000: Gladiator 2001: A Beautiful Mind 2002: Chicago 2003: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King 2004: Million Dollar Baby 2005: Crash 2006: The Departed 2007: No Country for Old Men 2008: Slumdog Millionaire 2009: The Hurt Locker 2010: The Kings Speech 2011: The Artist 2012: Argo 2013: 12 Years a Slave 2014: Birdman (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) 2015: Spotlight 2016: Moonlight 2017: The Shape of Water 2018: Green Book 2019: Parasite 2020: Nomadland Oscar Best Picture winner from the year you were born 1928: Wings 1929: The Broadway Melody 1930: All Quiet on the Western Front 1931: Cimarron 1932: Grand Hotel 1933: Cavalcade 1934: It Happened One Night 1935: Mutiny on the Bounty 1936: The Great Ziegfeld 1937: The Life of Emile Zola 1938: You Can't Take It With You 1939: Gone with the Wind 1940: Rebecca 1941: How Green Was My Valley 1942: Mrs. Miniver 1943: Casablanca 1944: Going My Way 1946: The Best Years of Our Lives 1947: Gentleman's Agreement 1948: Hamlet 1949: All the King's Men 1950: All About Eve 1951: An American in Paris 1952: The Greatest Show on Earth 1953: From Here to Eternity 1955: Marty 1956: Around the World in 80 Days 1957: The Bridge on the River Kwai 1958: Gigi 1959: Ben-Hur 1960: The Apartment 1961: West Side Story 1962: Lawrence of Arabia 1963: Tom Jones 1964: My Fair Lady 1965: The Sound of Music 1966: A Man for All Seasons 1967: In the Heat of the Night 1968: Oliver! 1969: Midnight Cowboy 1970: Patton 1971: The French Connection 1972: The Godfather 1973: The Sting 1974: The Godfather: Part II 1975: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest 1976: Rocky 1977: Annie Hall 1978: The Deer Hunter 1979: Kramer vs. Kramer 1980: Ordinary People 1981: Chariots of Fire 1982: Gandhi 1983: Terms of Endearment 1984: Amadeus 1985: Out of Africa 1986: Platoon 1987: The Last Emperor 1988: Rain Man 1989: Driving Miss Daisy 1990: Dances with Wolves 1991: The Silence of the Lambs 1992: Unforgiven 1993: Schindler's List 1994: Forrest Gump 1995: Braveheart 1996: The English Patient 1997: Titanic 1998: Shakespeare in Love 1999: American Beauty 2000: Gladiator 2001: A Beautiful Mind 2002: Chicago 2003: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King 2004: Million Dollar Baby 2005: Crash 2006: The Departed 2007: No Country for Old Men 2008: Slumdog Millionaire 2009: The Hurt Locker 2010: The King's Speech 2011: The Artist 2012: Argo 2014: Birdman (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) 2015: Spotlight 2016: Moonlight 2017: The Shape of Water 2018: Green Book 2019: Parasite 2021: CODA 2022: Everything Everywhere All at Once McCOOL JUNCTION When Hank McGowan signed up to lease around 350 acres of his land for a solar panel facility in May 2020, he never thought everyone was going to be so upset about it. Rather, McGowan said he saw an opportunity to help both himself and his community of McCool Junction. He realized that the lease would be significantly more profitable and less risky than farming. And since he wasnt sure that his kids were going to come home and farm, the lease could ensure that the land stayed in his family. Plus, McGowan learned that a significant portion of the taxes on the 2,800-acre solar panel facility hundreds of thousands of dollars each year would go to McCool Junction schools. There were also potential environmental benefits to the community of using the land for solar rather than farming, McGowan said. He would be causing less soil erosion, drawing less on Americas depleting water table, and applying less nitrate fertilizer to the soil, which can contaminate groundwater and has been linked to pediatric cancers. McGowan, along with over 20 other parties, ultimately signed up for what is called the K-Junction Solar Project. The facility would provide approximately 310 megawatts and has the potential to power close to 59,000 homes, according to materials from Omaha Public Power District. There wasnt a single person who signed up for it who thought it would hurt anybody, McGowan said. But more than three years after McGowan first leased his land, the project is at a standstill, as the York County Zoning Board considers passing regulations that would prevent the project from going forward. Some time after landowners signed up, a group of McCool residents with property near the proposed facility formed an advocacy group, Our Voices Count. Members of the group say the solar facility could lead to a wide range of environmental and economic issues for the area, including a loss of revenue for local agricultural businesses and damage to nearby farmland. Some of the landowners who signed up for the project, meanwhile, are surprised by the controversy it has sparked. Clinton Schwartz, who signed up all 300 acres that he owns, said hes confident it wont harm the land, as critics allege. If I thought this was really going to be harmful to the environment, I would have never signed up, he said. Meanwhile, Larry Blum, who signed up 320 acres for the solar project, said, I could understandif this was a feedlot that was going to smell or something that was going to make a noise. I dont see why this would hurt anything, he added. I told them absolutely not In late 2019, EDF Renewables North America, a renewable energy company with headquarters in San Diego, began contacting landowners in McCool Junction about signing their land up for a possible solar project, according to McGowan. Gene Jackson, a member of Our Voices Count whose land would neighbor the project, said a representative from EDF contacted him by phone in January 2020 with an offer. I told them absolutely not, Jackson said. It is not clear how many McCool Junction landowners EDF contacted in total, but McGowan said he was the second-to-last landowner who signed up he joined the project in May 2020. In total, 23 parties have signed up, according to OPPD Community Relations Strategist Dustin Marvel. Then, for well over a year, there was almost no public discussion about the project controversial or not. Rumors about the project began circulating around that time, McGowan said. People claimed that EDF would sell the water from the leased land; they also alleged that the solar panels would heat up adjacent land. EDF did not do anything to explain to the public why those rumors were false, according to McGowan. In January 2022, potential neighbors to the project who had formed Our Voices Count went before the York County Board of Commissioners to express concern about the project. Jackson raised some of his concerns earlier this year, including about water use and temperature effects from the solar panel. Omaha Public Power District, a public utility based in Omaha, addressed those environmental concerns at a community conversation at the end of October, after purchasing the solar facility from EDF in July. Brad Underwood, vice president of systems transformation at OPPD, said at the community conversation that there is no evidence of temperature effects on nearby land and that OPPD does not have the right to ship the water from the land, per the lease. It is not clear why EDF decided to sell the project. EDF declined to comment for this article, but pointed to a press release from August, in which the company said, we have enjoyed our collaboration with the community. The company expressed confidence in OPPD, which has a longstanding presence in Nebraska. I think OPPD is doing an excellent job, McGowan said. Adam Beck, a potential neighbor to the project who is skeptical of it, said that although he opposes the solar facility, OPPD has been more transparent than EDF. The golden horseshoe of McCool Junction? According to McCool landowners who have signed up, one of the major reasons they are in favor of the project is the potential revenue increase for McCool Junction Public Schools. Schwartzs father, three sisters, and four children all graduated from McCool Junction Public Schools. Theres nothing we want more than keeping that school open. This will ensure it, Schwartz said. The total tax revenue estimate for York County from the 2,800-acre project for 2023, if built at 310 megawatts, is approximately $1.2 million, according to Marvel. That total tax revenue comes from real property tax and the nameplate capacity tax a tax on renewable energy facilities in Nebraska. Public power districts are not subject to the nameplate capacity tax, but OPPD said at its community engagement meeting that it plans to find a solar developer that would be subject to the tax. Around $800,000 of that $1.2 million would have been allotted to the McCool school district in 2023, according to Marvel, based on the 2023 tax levies, which York County Assessor Kurt Bulgrin shared with OPPD. McGowan compared that new source of revenue to holding eight record-setting school fundraisers. The 2023 Evening with the Stars raised $98,389.43, which is the highest amount ever raised, according to an Evening with the Stars committee member. That is why McGowan called the solar project a golden horseshoe, a nod to McCools mascot, the mustang. It is impossible to know the exact amount of tax revenue that would be allotted for the school each year. The amount would depend on the tax rates in the year that the solar facility became operational and also the size of the solar facility whether it is 310 megawatts, for instance, or less. In addition, critics of the project have suggested that even if the school gained this new source of revenue, aid from the state would have to go down and there may not be a net gain. However, according to State Board of Education Director of Finance Bryce Wilson, this new source of revenue would not have caused McCool Junctions state aid to go down in the 2023-2024 school year. Still, Wilson could not speak to the amount of state aid the school would receive in the future if it had this new revenue source. That depends on whether or not factors in McCools state aid calculation, such as equalization, change in the future due to shifts in the school districts needs or new legislation. With this new source of revenue, the school could try to expand its budget or lower the amount it asks property owners to pay in taxes. A 2023 bill from the Nebraska Legislature, LB243, places limits on how much a school district may expand its budget, so instead of expanding its budget with the new revenue source, the school would potentially be forced to lower property taxes. If you would like a tax break and you would like to see our school get this extra money, you need to speak up or if not, pay your taxes and dont complain about it, Blum said. McCool Junction Public Schools Superintendent Dade McDonald said that the school has adopted a neutral position on the solar project. Some awfully nice farm ground My biggest concern, Beck said, is that we arent getting more farm ground. Beck said he is concerned that the project will remove highly productive corn and soybean farmland from U.S. production. Lets not jeopardize this source, Beck said. Why cant we go to some of those desert regions? Beck asked about the solar facility. Indeed, McGowan said, The only argument I agree with is that it takes out some awfully nice farm ground. However, McGowan says that is why he hopes to still be a steward of the land by grazing sheep amongst the solar panels. The combination of solar and agriculture is known as agrivoltaics. OPPD expressed interest in agrivoltaics at its community engagement meeting in October. A recent study from the science journal Nature suggests that Nebraskas farmland may be a very good place for solar, if not one of the best. The 2019 study found that cropland is the best terrain in the world for solar energy productivity. Solar panels are most productive with plentiful insolation, light winds, moderate temperatures and low humidity, the study said. Barren terrain ranked fifth. Beck also expressed concern that the land was shifting out of food, fiber and fuel production and towards energy production. Beck said he is concerned about the potential negative impact of the project on the local agricultural economy, which depends on farmers for revenue. How is that going to affect local and area businesses? Beck asked. Economic impact The News-Times contacted 12 agricultural businesses in the area to understand the economic impact on local ag businesses. Only one company, the Sioux Falls-based POET Ethanol, which has a plant in Fairmont, responded; however, it did not directly address the subject. While we generally support clean energy sources, POET is not directly involved in this solar project and supports the local communitys ability to make the decision thats best for York and the surrounding area, the company said in an email. An economic study from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, which was commissioned by EDF Renewables, found that the construction of the solar project would have a one-time net positive impact of approximately $181.6 million on the region surrounding York, taking into account the loss of productive farmland. The study also found that the project would lead to an annual impact from operations of about $16.9 million, also taking into account the loss of productive farmland. This figure does not include the local annual tax revenue from the project. According to Jackson, the farm numbers used in the study were flawed. But Eric Thompson, chair of the department of economics at the UNL College of Business, who conducted the study, said he used crop prices from a typical year, rather than a peak year. Beck, meanwhile, expressed doubts about the UNL study because it did not take into account the end use of the grain, such as if it is sold to an ethanol plant in the community, which may employ local residents. Thompson said that while the report didn't take into account the further processing of grain, it also didn't take into account the electricity produced through the solar facility. Regardless of the future economic impact of the project, the controversy around it has already had an effect. According to Lisa Hurley, York County Economic Development Corporation executive director, an out-of-state company looking to potentially locate in Nebraska did not attend its site visit in York County because of the controversy around the solar project. Whats next? Ultimately, McGowan said, If the zoning commission finds that this isnt right, thats OK with me, as long as they know all the facts. I dont want people to base their decision on propaganda. The York County Zoning Board has not yet set a date for its next meeting, according to York County Zoning Administrator Nathaniel Heinz. At the next meeting the board will review its proposed regulations again. The zoning boards regulations serve as a recommendation to the York County Board of Commissioners, which would make any final decision on a solar operation. The latest draft of the regulations, which the board shared with the public on Nov. 13, include a required half-mile setback between the solar panels and adjacent non-participating land. The Center For Rural Affairs, an advocacy group for rural communities based in Nebraska, recommends setbacks of 100 to 300 feet. At the Nov. 13 meeting, Dana Jackson, who is married to Gene, told the zoning board that the regulations made her group, Our Voices Count, feel like were supported. According to Marvel, based on the proposed setbacks, the project could only be five to 10 megawatts, which would be economically infeasible. McGowan emphasized that he thinks a reasonable amount of setbacks should happen. He also said the zoning board needs to make a decision soon because he has to make plans for his farm, such as whether to buy new irrigation equipment. I need to make some longer-term decisions this winter, McGowan said. I will be a farmer regardless. The Journal Star's most memorable photos of 2023 A person who bought a lottery ticket in northeast Nebraska is in line for a green Christmas. A $2 million Powerball ticket was sold in Emerson, according to a Nebraska Lottery news release. The ticket was sold at Pony Express Emerson and matched the first five winning numbers but not the Powerball number from Saturday's $620 million draw. The winning numbers were 9, 14, 17, 18, 53 with a Powerball number of 6 and Power Play of 3. The ticket was purchased with a $1 Power Play option, meaning the regular $1 million prize was doubled. Prizes of $20,000 or more must be claimed in person at the Nebraska Lottery's Lincoln office, which is closed Monday for Christmas. Winning tickets expire 180 days after the drawing. Additional info can be found at nelottery.com or by calling 800-587-5200. The largest lottery jackpots in US history #15. $632.6 million #14. $648 million #13. $656 million #12. $687.8 million #11. $699.8 million #10. $731.1 million #9. $754.6 million #8. $758.7 million #7. $768.4 million #6. $1.08 billion #5. $1.1 billion #4. $1.3 billion #3. $1.5 billion #2. $1.6 billion #1. $2.04 billion OGALLALA State natural resources leaders Tuesday brought their latest Perkins County Canal update to the town where the foiled 1894 projects revival arguably began a century ago. The former Keith County Commercial Club first called in 1921 for finishing the South Platte River canal that their neighboring countys pioneers had to abandon after 16 Colorado miles. And it was in Ogallala on April 24, 1923, that Nebraska and Colorado negotiators concluded the South Platte River Compact. It gave Nebraska the right to resume and finish the canal, with a water right dated 102 years ago this past Sunday. Nebraska officials should have a precise Keith County route to discuss by spring, Nebraska Department of Natural Resources Assistant Director Jesse Bradley said during a canal open house at Ogallalas Keith County Fairgrounds. That would allow us to coordinate with landowners and talk about a more specific location on a map, said Bradley, one of several DNR staffers who answered questions Tuesday. He said itll be at least 2026, the centennial of Congress ratification of the compact, before 21st-century machines turn the projects first dirt or, across the Colorado line in Sedgwick County, turn it again after 132 years. Several years away Canal water probably wont start flowing from the South Platte near Ovid until 2032, he said. That doesnt account for studies and approvals federal water and environmental agencies require. The Nebraska Legislature set aside $629 million for Perkins canal planning and construction in 2021 and 2022, responding to concerns that Colorados thirsty Front Range will siphon off Nebraskas historic share of South Platte water if the compact isnt invoked. The surveyed 1894 canal route would have clipped Keith Countys southwest corner before running into and through Perkins County. The 1921 concept and one explored by the Twin Platte Natural Resources District in the 1980s envisioned an eastward course through southern Keith County instead. The compact gives Nebraska the right to invoke eminent domain across the state line in Sedgwick County, though the canal there must run on or near the original 1894 survey route. Bradley said Nebraska prefers to reach fair land deals in both states. Its too early to seek Keith County land without a final route there, he said, but Nebraska hopes to soon close its first purchase from a Sedgwick County landowner. DNR officials held a similar Sedgwick County open house in fall 2022, he said. In Keith County, weve had some people reach out about land needs, but we dont have the alignment yet. Local thoughts Roughly two dozen people wandered through DNRs displays, watched an 8-minute video or visited with department staff members in the first part of Tuesdays 2-hour open house. Michael Jeffres, who grows corn and other crops north and south of Brule, had a long conversation with Bradley. He figures his land south of Interstate 80 most likely will lie in the canals path. Theres almost no way it could get across there and not affect me in some way, Jeffres told The Telegraph. The 1921 and 1980s canal projections stayed close to the line of bluffs marking the south end of the South Platte valley. Natural breaks in those bluffs have long been eyed as possible sites for storage reservoirs. At least two such reservoirs are likely in Keith County, Bradley said. The 1921 canal vision, as well as the Twin Platte NRDs abortive 1980s exploration, looked at taking the canal into Lincoln County. But Bradley said it more likely will link with the Nebraska Public Power Districts Korty Canal in eastern Keith County or return to the river just above the Kortys west end between Roscoe and Paxton. Though Jeffres expects to be asked to sell land for the canal, he sees little alternative to the project if Nebraska wants to keep its share of river water. The question is: Is there a cheaper way to accomplish this? he said. I dont think there is, given Colorados comments. (But) theres so many unknowns here. Calls by Colorado leaders to more aggressively divert South Platte water for Front Range growth helped prompt then-Gov. Pete Ricketts in early 2022 to call for invoking Nebraskas compact right to finish the Perkins canal. One prominent Colorado water proposal would tap the South Platte between Brush and Sterling and pipe water back west 125 miles to the fast-growing Parker suburb south of Denver. Ron Schmidt, who has owned Schmidt Motors in Ogallala for some 40 years, said he knows about the Front Ranges endless thirst for water. He was born in Denver, grew up in Fort Collins and graduated from high school in Sterling. Those waters, we have a right to them and so we should take them, Schmidt said. If we dont say or do something about it, were guilty of inaction and we lose any opportunity for it. Claudia Stevenson of Ogallala, a retired U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service employee, took a more cautious view. I worry that we have a $600 million budget (for the canal) but theyre just now coming up with a design. And thats worrisome to me, she said. I worry about the water storage potential. We have drought years, we have flood years. Ive seen a lot of things destroyed by water. Jeffres said he well knows the South Plattes fickle character. One of his farm parcels draws water from the mid-1890s Western Canal in Deuel and Keith counties. He also uses Ogallala Aquifer groundwater. The South Platte Compact requires Nebraska to use water from a revived Perkins canal for irrigation. Jeffres said he might be able to tap that, but Im not sure from my experience with the river that its a steady enough source to use with any reliability. But I think the (project) benefits will be from the groundwater recharge as some canal water works its way down into the aquifer, he said. Telegraph analyses in May and November, using water-flow data starting in 1926 from the compacts official South Platte gage at Julesburg, found the river has supplied enough water to meet compact minimums about 40% of the time. That included much of the 2023 irrigation season. The compact requires Colorado to supply at least 120 cubic feet of water to Nebraska when available from April 1 to Oct. 15, in part to serve the Western Canal. It would have to provide at least 500 cfs the rest of the year if and when the Perkins canal is completed. Nebraska also is entitled to excess flows, including periodic floodwaters, that reach the state line year-round. Nebraska leaders are planning to build the canal to hold twice the compacts 500 cfs offseason minimum, both to collect more water and reduce South Platte flood impacts. Response to Colorado Bradley addressed comments by Colorado water officials that the canal wont stop major upstream South Platte diversion projects for Front Range needs, like the one aimed at Parker. The 1923 compact gives Colorado unlimited rights to tap the river in its Upper Division, west of the Logan-Washington county line east of Brush. It grants Nebraska a Lower Division water right for the canal dated Dec. 17, 1921, roughly when that eras Keith County leaders sought their water right. Lower Division river users with later rights would have their needs filled after Nebraskas if the Perkins canal is built. Inferences that large diversions closer to Denver still could leave Nebraska with less water dont fully consider the South Plattes hydrology, Bradley said. Some water that stays in the river or is used in the Upper Division, especially by agricultural producers, percolates down into the aquifer and flows underground toward northeast Colorado. Such return flows feed streams that re-enter the river in the Lower Division. Once the Perkins canal is in place, Bradley said, we believe Colorado has the requirement to continue to maintain those return flows. And they cant erode that. The closer to Nebraska a new Front Range-bound river diversion starts, he said, the more Nebraska stands to lose from its historic share of river water. With the Perkins canal, a Parker-type diversion starting in the Lower Division would have a water right later than Nebraskas 1921 compact right. But if the compact isnt invoked, Bradley said, Front Range users would continue to buy out water users, including in the Lower Division, and reduce Nebraskas supplies that way. Building the Perkins canal also could protect Sedgwick County and other Lower Division farmers against losing water to their Front Range neighbors, Bradley said. We want those junior water users in Colorado to get their water, he said. We just think they should receive it after we get ours. Top Journal Star photos for December 2023 A 27-year-old woman died and another was critically injured after a Thursday night crash on U.S. Highway 75 in Bellevue. The circumstances leading up to the crash are still being investigated, according to the Bellevue Police Department. Lenzea Stark, 27, of Plattsmouth, was killed in the crash. According to a press release from the department, police were called to northbound U.S. Highway 75 and Fairview Road about 7:45 p.m. Thursday to reports of a two-vehicle crash. Responding officers found two vehicles, a 2023 Nissan Sentra and a 2016 Ford Escape, that had both left the roadway. The two occupants of the Nissan, including Stark, had been ejected from the vehicle. Stark was taken to the Nebraska Medical Center with CPR in progress. An unnamed 32-year-old woman who was also ejected from the Nissan was taken to the Nebraska Medical Center, where she remains in critical condition, police said. The driver of the Ford Escape, an unnamed 48-year-old man, was not injured. A GoFundMe has been set up to raise money for Stark's funeral expenses. The Journal Star's most memorable photos of 2023 Political cartoonists from across the country weigh in on whether the United States should continue supplying aid to Ukraine in its war against Russia. Nebraskas Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep and their amazing climbing capabilities are enjoyable to watch throughout the year, but theres arguably no greater show than when they put their heavy headwear to use during fall. Its the headwear, after all, that gives the species its name. With a spread that can reach almost 3 feet wide, the horns on a mature ram can weigh more than 30 pounds. That exceeds the weight of all the other bones in its body combined. During the pre-rut, a period of fall in which rams work to establish dominance, the horns become especially useful. While subordinate rams occasionally sneak past the dominant ones for breeding, researchers estimate that in each herd the top one to three rams father 60% or more of the lambs. Because mating behaviors by bighorn sheep and other ruminant species are triggered by length of daylight, the timing is predictable. With that in mind, I ventured to the Wildcat Hills in early November 2022 to see if I could catch the show. After finding five similar-sized rams working to determine their pecking order, it didnt take long to determine it was well worth the journey. Like gunfighters of the Old West, rams frequently squared off in twos and stared each other down. Sometimes, they reared up on hind legs in what is called a threat jump. And, occasionally, theyd perform a head-on collision creating the cracking sound said to be audible from miles away. Scientists have estimated the collisions generate a force 60 times greater than that required to crack a human skull. If one ram is fortunate, the other will concede until the following year and more collisions wont be required that day. The victor will mate with the ewes of choice, and come spring, theyll deliver offspring with his winning genetics. Such collisions require a special build. Horns are made of bone extending from the skull, covered by a thick sheath of keratin, the sheeps version of the material that forms human fingernails. Not only are the horns solid enough to withstand the collision with minimal damage, the rams skulls are specially made to take a blow. The skulls are segmented with suture-like seams, giving them flexibility to lessen the risk of cracking. In addition, large frontal sinus cavities protect the brain by distancing it from the point of impact. While the clashing of the horns may be the most dramatic part of pre-rut behavior, each blow usually is preceded by long periods of jostling. Most of this groups time that day was spent in a huddled mass, nudging one another with their horns. This activity often results in wear on the horns tips, known as brooming. During these sessions, rams use their stout legs to kick their adversaries, often in the testicles. A few hundred yards away from this group of rams was a large group of grazing ewes, lambs and smaller rams. With the new forage that had emerged from areas recently burned by wildfires, they seemed uninterested in the drama between the big males. Yet the outcomes of the days competition would determine which males the females would be spending time with in the weeks to come. Furthermore, it would determine the genetic makeup of the herd for years to come. For these reasons, and of course human tendency to marvel at a good wreck, its a show worth watching. States with the most registered hunters States with the most registered hunters #50. California #49. Rhode Island #48. New Jersey #47. Hawaii #46. Connecticut #45. Massachusetts #44. Florida #43. Delaware #42. Maryland #41. Illinois #40. Washington #39. New York #38. Virginia #37. Ohio #36. Nevada #35. Texas #34. Indiana #33. South Carolina #32. New Hampshire #31. Arizona #30. North Carolina #29. Colorado #28. Michigan #27. New Mexico #26. Iowa #25. Georgia #24. Kentucky #23. Pennsylvania #22. Oregon #21. Utah #20. Missouri #19. Kansas #18. Nebraska #17. Mississippi #16. Minnesota #15. Louisiana #14. Vermont #13. Alabama #12. Tennessee #11. Arkansas #10. Wisconsin #9. Oklahoma #8. Alaska #7. West Virginia #6. Maine #5. Idaho #4. North Dakota #3. Montana #2. South Dakota #1. Wyoming RACINE Reading plays a crucial role in young students growth. It is foundational to education, and it can be difficult to make up literacy gains after elementary school. According to a 2012 study, students who are not reading proficiently by the end of third grade are four times more likely to not graduate high school than proficient readers. Reading is the gateway to all learning, said Dr. Jan C. Frijters, chief neuropsychologist at Sharpen. The Racine Unified School District is emphasizing early literacy because of how crucial it is for students. Its the building blocks of everything, so its really, really critical that we introduce literacy young and we keep it a priority, said Janell Decker, RUSD acting chief academic officer. Mallory Umar, RUSD assistant director of curriculum and instruction, agreed. Reading gives our students access to the world and all the opportunities within the world, Umar said. To me, reading is not just an academic skill, but it has such a greater impact on all other portions of a students life. Holiday options As winter break begins for school districts, there are many ways for young students to practice reading. That could involve a child receiving a book as a holiday gift. Decker said teachers often send books home with students and encourage them to read over the two-week hiatus. RUSD has a list of ways to incorporate literacy over winter break, such as a child signing gift tags, reading a book out loud to a family member and reading a holiday recipe. More info is available at docs.google.com/document/d/1YpnZG6znViuw99nlbQjE-IpgPOEU_8erX9pk5NBxZT8/edit. If students do not read during the time off, it can take a few days to get back into the groove, when returning to school in January, Umar said. Leading by example also can be beneficial. If children see adults reading, they will be more likely to do so. One of the most powerful things that you can do as a parent is to let your child see you reading, Frijters said. Human beings, we function by mimicry and by imitation, and when we see someone doing something and theyre clearly enjoying themselves, we want to do that thing, and something as simple as that can be very powerful for motivating a child. Talking about reading and what words mean is setting up these powerful associations, Frijters said. Im spending quality time with my parent. I like this thing were doing called reading, and it makes them want to read more. For a potential New Years resolution, Decker encouraged people to have a doable goal, such as reading one book before bed once per week with a young child. Frijters, who is also a professor at Brock University in Ontario, Canada, said another possible resolution is developing a ritual, such as reading with a child for a few minutes after dinner. Library info During winter break, a library can be a good option for students. As a kid, Umar often visited her local library on the south side of Chicago and checked out 32 books per week, the maximum allowable. Libraries are an amazing resource, Umar said. Library cards are free, as are books and reading materials available at the Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St. People can sign up for a library card by going to the Racine library with an ID that has their current address, such as a drivers license. Card applicants under age 16 need the signature of a parent or guardian. People also can apply for a library card online at ent.sharelibraries.info/client/en_US/racine/search/registration/$N/SHAREWSAUTH/true. The Racine library does not charge late fees. The librarys first floor is for children, and it has a TeenScene room on the second floor that is open from 1-6 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays. The library also has online guides for picture books, childrens books and teen books. Reading is freedom Umar, whose parents didnt graduate from high school, said books played a crucial role in her education and career path. I really feel like reading was the reason that I was able to transcend the situation that I was in, Umar said. For me, reading is freedom. Reading was an escape and opened doors to greater possibilities. Books allowed me to be able to have access to other worlds and opportunities that myself and my family wouldve never experienced, Umar said. I was able to access different parts of the world and different places through books It allowed for that opportunity to enter and see yourself as a part of those worlds, too. When she was a child, Deckers older cousin often read the book Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein. Decker, wanting to be like her cousin, read the book as well, and she became a voracious reader. Over the holiday break, familial and technological demands for everyones attention, including children, can make it difficult to read, but it is worth doing so. Theres so much to be said for letting your brain rest and giving it different stimuli than just a phone or a video game, and training your brain to slow down and pay attention in a different way, Decker said. Learning things that youre super interested in, going to a different place in your imagination those things are really, really valuable. Eight photos of RUSD Board members, state lawmakers learning about early literacy Learning sounds Teacher Marianne Cooper leads students in a reading exercise Monday, Oct. 23 at Wadewitz Elementary, 2700 Yout St. According to a 2012 study, Sounding it out Teacher Melani Raditz instructs students during a reading lesson Monday, Oct. 23 at Wadewitz Elementary, 2700 Yout St. Racine Unified aims to Fisher, Pfeffer and Katzer Racine Unified board member Nikki Fisher, from left, talks to Jenny Pfeffer and Don Katzer Monday, Oct. 23 at Wadewitz Elementary, 2700 Yout S Greta Neubauer Greta Neubauer, D-Racine, the Wisconsin Assembly Minority Leader, smiles while observing a lesson Monday, Oct. 23 at Wadewitz Elementary, 2700 Pfeffer and students Jenny Pfeffer, Wadewitz early literacy coach, sits with students during a lesson Monday, Oct.23 at Wadewitz Elementary, 2700 Yout St. Pfeffer Soren Gajewski Racine Unified Superintendent Soren Gajewski talks Monday, Oct. 23 at Wadewitz Elementary, 2700 Yout St. Gajewski said early literacy is RUSD Barbian and O'Connell Racine Unified School Board President Jane Barbian, left, talks with RUSD board member Brian O'Connell on Monday, Oct. 23 at Wadewitz Elementa McGuire, board members Tip McGuire, from left, Theresa Villar, Jane Barbian and Brian O'Connell observed reading lessons Monday, Oct. 23 at Wadewitz Elementary, 2700 Wadewitz early literacy Flash People light candles outside the building of the Faculty of Arts of Charles University in Prague, the Czech Republic, Dec. 23, 2023. (Xinhua/Deng Yaomin) The Czech Republic on Saturday mourned the victims of a university shooting in the capital Prague that has left 14 people dead. Czech flags flew at half-mast at official and public institutions. At noon, church bells rang across the country, and people observed a minute of silence in memory of the victims of the shooting at the Faculty of Arts of Charles University. Saturday has been declared a state mourning day by the government. In Prague, people came in the rain to the faculty's building in the city center, placing candles and flowers outside the building. A memorial service was also held in the St. Vitus Cathedral at Prague Castle. Christmas markets in some Czech cities have also canceled or reduced their programs. On Thursday, a 24-year-old student from the faculty shot and killed 14 people before committing suicide. The tragic incident also left 25 others injured, among whom, three were foreigners, according to police. Following the shooting, police on Friday tightened nationwide preventive measures concerning schools and other so-called soft targets. Czech Interior Minister Vit Rakusan has called the shooting "a terrible act, unprecedented in the history of the Czech Republic," adding that there is no indication that the shooting was linked to "international terrorism." Before this latest incident, the most devastating mass shooting in the Czech Republic occurred in 2015, when a gunman unleashed gunfire in the southeastern town of Uhersky Brod, claiming eight lives before fatally shooting himself. RACINE Family and friends of Lasheky Hill and the police continue to search for her nearly nine-months after she disappeared in late March. Hill, 46, was last seen leaving her residence in the 1000 block of Dr. Martin Luther King Drive on the evening of March 26. Lasheky was a very outgoing person, Georgia Hill, Lashekys mother, said. She was friendly to everyone, and she was a down-to-earth, good person. Lasheky is a mother and grandmother, and never would have left her kids, Georgia said. Georgia said Lasheky went missing the night before her birthday. She was last seen wearing white pants, possibly leggings, and was carrying a black purse with gold rhinestones. She also was possibly wearing a long blonde wig. When Georgia looked at her daughters Facebook page the next morning and saw that she had not responded to any birthday wishes or posted any photos, she knew something was amiss. There was nothing, Georgia said. I got worried, and I knew something was wrong because I know my child. Georgia said she began calling around but no one had heard from Lasheky. Georgia said the last person who had contact with Lasheky was her cousin. Lasheky reportedly called her cousin that night and said she was on her way to her cousins house to celebrate, but Lasheky never showed up, according to Georgia. After that, I got on foot, and from that day forward, me and my family were out there looking for my child, Georgia said. And they haven stopped. Shes someone who deserves justice. She was such a good-hearted person, said Michelle Pena, a friend of Lasheky. If you were sad, or upset about something, she would always put a smile on your face. During a news conference in May, Racine Police Department Deputy Chief Jessie Metoyer said officers had conducted dozens of interviews and were following up on tips. Sgt. Kristi Wilcox, the departments public information officer, said they are still looking into any information they receive about Hills disappearance and are waiting for evidence to be processed. This is a mother. This is a daughter. This is a sister, Pena said. They need to speak out. I believe a few people in that community know what happened. Georgia said she is waiting for the day that she can face the people who took her daughter. I forgive them because of God and only because of God, Georgia said. But I want to be able to face them to see the torment they put me through. Anyone with information about Lashekys disappearance is encouraged to contact Wilcox at 262-635-7868. Seven photos of kids delivering Christmas cards to Primrose Retirement Communities King and resident Karmalliah King gives a card to a resident Tuesday at Primrose Retirement Communities, 1775 N. Newman Road. Delivering cards Brigitte Sieverkropp receives a Christmas card Tuesday at Primrose Retirement Communities, 1775 N. Newman Road. Karmalliah King Karmalliah King smiles before giving a Christmas card to a resident Tuesday at Primrose Retirement Communities, 1775 N. Newman Road. D'Aubrey Bender DAubrey Bender helped pass out Christmas cards to residents, including Brigitte Sieverkropp, left, at Primrose Retirement Communities, 1775 N Jean Thompson Jean Thompson reads a Christmas card Tuesday at Primrose Retirement Communities, 1775 N. Newman Road. Vivian Thompson Vivian Thompson receives a Christmas card Tuesday at Primrose Retirement Communities, 1775 N. Newman Road. Christmas card A Christmas card is left outside a resident's door Tuesday at Primrose Retirement Communities, 1775 N. Newman Road. Christmas card delivery at Primrose I have run a fishing-related Christmas gift idea article around this time of year each year for several years now. If you are not familiar wit 1. Yes. More than 70% of the downtown buildings are occupied; the area is thriving now. 2. Yes. With the new E-Center , a brewery and the county annex moving in, its on the rise. 3. No. There may be a lot of new businesses, but foot traffic is still slow on most days. 4. No. Its improving, but the issues of crime and homelessness are still major obstacles. 5. Unsure. The area seems to be rebounding, but its hard to say if the trend will continue. Vote View Results Flash A man grieves during the mourning of victims at a hospital in central Gaza Strip city of Deir el-Balah, on Dec. 23, 2023. The death toll of Palestinians from Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip has so far risen to 20,258 since Oct. 7, with 53,688 others being injured, the Gaza-based Health Ministry said in a statement on Saturday. (Xinhua) The death toll of Palestinians from Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip has so far risen to 20,258 since Oct. 7, with 53,688 others being injured, the Gaza-based Health Ministry said in a statement on Saturday. It added that at least 201 Palestinians were killed and 368 injured in Israeli attacks in the past 24 hours. Medical and security sources told Xinhua that at least 18 people were killed, and several others wounded on Saturday following an Israeli airstrike in central Gaza's al-Bureij refugee camp. Meanwhile, another Israeli airstrike targeting the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza resulted in dozens of deaths and injuries, the sources added. Israel has been launching a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip to retaliate against a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on Oct. 7, during which about 1,200 people were killed and more than 200 were taken hostage. How desperately we need Christmas this year. Not the materialistic makeover of Christmas designed by corporate greed and supported by our own over-indulgence, but the message of the angels: Peace on earth, goodwill to all people. We are bombarded with so many stressors in our world today, stressors much greater than what present to buy for Uncle Harry that he can be return if he doesnt like it. Russia, a super-power, risks instigating a global conflict by waging war on Ukraine. America sees Israel, its ally, retaliating against Hamas for a savage attack, killing thousands of civilians to root out the terrorists and risking a broader Middle Eastern war. Closer to home we are faced with terrible divisiveness. Political parties across Europe and the United States demonize their opposition so that only those who agree with the narrow positions of their party are right, and those who dont are contemptuous. We deny ourselves the wisdom of nearly half of the nation when we refuse to seriously consider their thoughtful ideas. Honest and civil debates about historically proven remedies and sound visions for the future are useful only when each side can listen to the other, but these are not being heard. Where is the peace on earth? Where are the people of goodwill? The infant Jesus was born into such a world. Roman imperialism asserted that might makes right. Being a Roman citizen and adopting the Roman culture and religion made one acceptable. Unquestioned conformity to Romes model determined human value. Jewish leaders held a similarly exclusive attitude regarding who was righteous. One had to be a Jew, a religious Jew, and a follower of the Torah and the scriptures, as was narrowly interpreted by the Jewish religious hierarchy. Unquestioned conformity to their strict moral codes determined righteousness. We see a similar attitude even consigned to our Jolly Old Saint Nick and his list of naughty and nice. The infant Jesus grew up to preach a different way of being. What makes a person righteous? Keeping the most important commandments of God. And what were they? Love God with everything that you are, and love the fellow inhabitants of this earth as much as you love yourself. No list of moral codes is necessary. Love will influence us to do what is right. Of course, none of us can master this level of love. And having failed to keep the most important commandments, none of us is righteous. We then have no license to judge others, only to love them and try to bring them into the circle of love. God knows, if we will focus on what is most important to God, there will be peace on earth and goodwill to all. Let it begin. Keep asking, Where is the love? KEARNEY Alyssa Fehringer rolled two dice on the tiny table, then paused as the elementary student seated next to her totaled the numbers. 1 + 6 = 7 Awesome, Fehringer affirmed before adding a third die to the equation. 7 + 3 = 10 Perfect. Nice job. In their short time working together, Fehringer can already see the young girl becoming a more confident learner. Thats the beauty of the America Reads/America Counts program. I want to create a passion for learning and inspire kids to love school as much as I did, said Fehringer, a sophomore at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. The ONeill native just completed her first semester with America Reads/America Counts, a federal work-study program coordinated by the UNK Office of Financial Aid. Through the program, eligible UNK students are hired to work as tutors in elementary and preschool classrooms within the Kearney Public Schools system. They partner with KPS educators to provide additional support and assistance for students, with an emphasis on improving reading and math proficiency. We are so fortunate to have UNK as a partner for our students and teachers in each of our elementary buildings, said Mark Stute, principal at Meadowlark Elementary. They are truly a wonderful resource. Fehringer, whos studying 7-12 history education, spent two days a week at Meadowlark working with students either one-on-one or in small groups. She assisted a variety of grade and ability levels, allowing her to make an immediate impact while gaining valuable on-the-job skills. Ive known that I wanted to be a teacher since my sophomore year of high school, so I was looking for ways to get into the classroom right away when I got to college, Fehringer said. The on-campus classes and observation opportunities are great, she added, but nothing can prepare you for the profession like hands-on experience. Every school day is different. There are always going to be different things happening. Its always going to be so busy, she said. A teaching class cant fully replicate that feeling. You actually have to be inside the classroom working. Although Fehringer plans to teach high school history, some of the same techniques and lessons still apply. Ive already learned many concepts that Ill use in my own classroom, she said. Enriching experience UNK has participated in the America Reads/America Counts program for more than 25 years. Last semester, a total of 12 students were placed in nine different local schools. Tutors are allowed to work up to 10 hours a week, earning $14 an hour. Its definitely an enriching experience for them, said Anna Gettinger, assistant director of financial aid. Whether youre a pre-service teacher or someone who just likes working with kids, this is a great opportunity to help people and witness that growth. Dustin Mitchell, principal at Bryant Elementary, agrees. All of the UNK students have been a great fit for our school and students, he said. They are not all education majors. If they are education majors, it allows them to gain experience in the classroom while they get paid for their time. I feel like working with students can benefit anyone, and it might help direct UNK students to affirm their own education or career decisions. Brennalyn Carlson, a freshman music education major from Scottsbluff, was one of two UNK students who assisted at Bryant last semester. Her mother is a fourth grade teacher in Morrill, so education was a natural career choice. I think its just an instinct I have, she said. And I love music. Its been a big part of me. Anything you can think of thats music-related, I was in. Carlson worked with kindergarten students at Bryant, the perfect position for someone whos a kid at heart. I really enjoy this program a lot because you get the experience but you also get to have fun at the same time, she said. Seeing the smiles on the kids faces always makes my day. Carlson and Fehringer both plan to continue working as tutors through America Reads/America Counts, and there are positions available for other UNK students who want to join them. We would love to grow this as much as possible, Gettinger said. Holiday shopping is the pits. There Ive said it. At my age somewhere between brandishing a Kenosha Senior Center membership card and having one foot below ground in Green Ridge Cemetery keeping up with the gift-giving trends and current jargon (what the heck is a bilibo?) is exhausting! A century ago, the popular gifts in 1923 seem just about as puzzling to shoppers in the Kenosha/Racine area. Here are just five examples: Toledo Fireless Cooker By the 1920s, the primary cooking apparatus in most American household kitchens was a gas stove. But there was a different way of slowly cooking food that was had been gradually trending in the American appliance market for 20 years: the fireless cooker. The Toledo Fireless Cooker, made by the Toledo Cooker Co. of Ohio, was a popular brand. In 1900, it was the first electrically heated fireless cooker produced in the US. It used a wooden box with asbestos lining. These cookers were the forerunners of the slow cookers we use today. A few were electric, while other models had discs made of soapstone to be heated on a wood or gas stove and placed in the box. The 1923 Sears & Roebuck Catalog offered two fireless cookers models: a single compartment for $9.45 that weighed 60 lbs.; or a double compartment cooker priced at $16.85 and weighed 98 lbs. Like the Toledo model, each had insulated aluminum compartments. The food was put into removable aluminum pots of various sizes with steam-tight covers. The heated discs were then slipped in a separate compartment to slowly cook the food. It was sublime convenience because, like todays crock pots, the cook could leave the premises without worry. You could purchase the Toledo brand appliance at Chas. H. Goodman, 212 Wisconsin St. (616 58th St.) in Kenosha. A Smoker In this instance, a smoker isnt a who, but a what. As a piece of furniture, smokers were pretty common in homes. SMOKER For your husband, brother and sweetheart, in mahogany and walnut, with or without humidors, priced at $3.75 up to $50. Have your selection put away now, stated a classified advertisement in the Kenosha Evening News, placed by The Stephan Buchmann Furniture Co., 263 Park Street (715 57th St.), Kenosha. Smokers were also advertised as a Christmas gift in a Racine Journal ad by the Quality Furniture store, 3201 Washington Ave. in Racine. Weeks later, famed Porters Furniture in downtown Racine opposite Monument Square, bought out Quality Furniture. Porters then had special deals due to the increase of stock, including a cabinet style smoking stand with a small humidor of $7.95. When I was a child, we had a smoker in our household used as an end table with dual magazine racks. The humidor box was lined with tin, tinted to appear like copper. My Dad was a smoker the who, not the what but his poison was Chesterfield filter-less cigarettes. After consulting with my all-knowing older sister Mary Alyce, and two cousins, we cant think of anyone in our family household who smoked a cigar or pipe and utilized a humidor to store tobacco. As for me, I used it as a fort for my plastic army men, who would swing to the ground from the humidor on string. A 1900 Cataract Washer This item has nothing to do your eyes, utilizing instead the definition of cataract as a furious deluge of water. By 1923, this style of washing machine had been around for a long, long time. Created in 1831, a cataract washer used a hand crank to rotate clothes and water inside a drum. Prior to the cataract washer, people used a washboard and a hand-cranked wringer to do their laundry. A 1900 cataract washer had the water and clothes move in a figure eight cascading motion inside the drum, which was suspended in such a way that it swung and rocked at the same time sending the hot soapy water back and forth through the clothes four times more often than any other washer of the day. Another selling point was the rust proof tub, that wore well and could withstand the hardest water. This machine could handle everything from fine lace underthings to heavy blankets. And since it was electric, you could tend to other duties as the drum didnt require cranking. Both Wisconsin Gas and Electric Co. showrooms in Kenosha, 209 Market Street (613-56th St. Demolished), and in Racine, 305-307 Sixth St., advertised the 1900 Cataract Washer in local Christmas season newspapers in December 1929. Auto Robe In the early 1920s, most of the automobiles were open air affairs, without side windows. You could freeze if you didnt have an auto robe. From the classified section of the Kenosha News in December 1923. AUTO ROBES Beauties, all wool. Any motorist will enjoy finding one in his car Christmas morning. Kamm Tire Service, 257 Church St. (5710 Seventh Ave.) Most of these auto accessories were nothing more than heavy lap blankets, sometimes with a waterproof side. Wool ones ran $5.50 to $12.89 and plush $11.50 up to $15. At the time, a Ford Model-T cost around $300. Other robe models were indispensable for professional drivers in the delivery business. A rural letter carrier from Illinois donated his robe to the Smithsonian in 1960. It was made from rubberized canvas lined with wool. It opened in the back and was held about the body by a steel spring band in the waist and was closed at the bottom with leather overshoes. ...As you would raise up or lean over to reach a mailbox, the robe followed you and always staid (sic) in place, he wrote in the item description. It was a Godsend to me as, before wearing it, I froze or frosted my feet every winter. Radium Silk Lets be clear: radium silk had absolutely no radioactive material in it. Originating in the Parisian halls of fashion in the decade before, the term referred to particularly lustrous silks, with reference to the newest discovered element radium. It was admired for its strength and gloss, bringing to mind the phosphorescence of radium. Popular in womens apparel, blouses, gowns, dresses, drawers, slips and robes were sewn with it. Zahns Dry Goods, 500 504 Monument Square in Racine had petticoats made of radium silk for $3.95 that Christmas season. But the term radium silk was about to come to an end. Two years later, a scandal about women suffering radiation poisoning in the workplace broke in the news. Over 3,000 women worked in factories painting watch dials with glow-in-the-dark paint made with radium. The majority were getting sick. In 1923, the first dial painter at the Orange, N.J., plant died. Within a year, 50 women who had worked at the plant were ill, and a dozen died. None of this came to the publics attention until 1925 when the New York Times published an article on the fate of five of the dead women. By the end of the decade, the term radium had earned a negative connotation and was no longer indicative of good things. MADISON The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development and the University of Wisconsin-Stout are partnering on a first-of-its-kind program in Wisconsin to combine instruction at a four-year college with a Registered Apprenticeship program. The new Workforce Development Specialist Certificate program, also known as the Train the Trainer apprenticeship, started this fall to teach students about employment and training solutions that meet the needs of businesses and workers. UW-Stout is the first four-year university collaborating with Wisconsin Apprenticeship since apprenticeship began in 1911 to offer classes that fulfill instruction requirements for a Registered Apprenticeship and could be credited toward an undergraduate or graduate degree program. The three-class online program teaches students ways to design, develop, implement, and evaluate training and development solutions. Wisconsin apprenticeship provides access to the training needed to pursue the high-quality, family-supporting jobs our residents need to be successful, and we are excited to partner with UW-Stout on this new opportunity, DWD Secretary Amy Pechacek said. This is an example of how Wisconsin Apprenticeship applies innovation to meet workforce needs after more than a century. UW-Stout Chancellor Katherine Frank said this apprenticeship aligns with the universitys tenets of applied learning, career-focused education, and collaboration with business and industry, all with an aim to support state workforce development. As Wisconsins Polytechnic University, UW-Stout leads the way in building new partnerships with business and industry and identifying flexible pathways for students to both contribute to and build capacity within Wisconsins workforce, Chancellor Frank said. The Workforce Development Specialist Apprenticeship program provides students with a direct pathway to bachelors and masters degree program options and produces experts to help support professional development and advancement in the workforce. Apprenticeship continues its leadership as a proven and time-tested solution to meet the needs of employers and people seeking good jobs, said David Polk, Director of the Wisconsin Apprenticeship. While traditional apprenticeship programs continue to grow, many other industries are finding value in apprenticeships. UW-Stout Assistant Professor Dr. Kelly Droege, Director of the Master of Science Training and Talent Development program, noted the differences between traditional apprenticeships, which combine related instruction and on-the-job training in a formal skilled trades program, and this one. This apprenticeship moves beyond the trades. It may be the leading edge of a wave of nontraditional, online programs in which participants earn as they learn. The Workforce Development Specialist apprenticeship will prepare individuals to train and develop the workforce for critical jobs that many businesses across the country are having trouble filling or retaining top talent, Droege said. About Wisconsin Apprenticeship Wisconsins Registered Apprenticeship program is an earn-while-you-learn model that connects apprentices with high-skill, high-wage employment with sponsors across the state. In addition to learning the hands-on skills of the occupation from the sponsoring employer, apprentices gain knowledge specific to the occupation through an area technical college or private training center. A key component of apprenticeship is employment, and there is no apprenticeship without a respective job opening. UW-Stout is Wisconsins Polytechnic University, with a focus on applied learning, collaboration with business and industry, and career outcomes. Learn more via the FOCUS2030 strategic plan. STONE BANK Sometimes, expectations are exceeded, even surprisingly so. That was the case last week when we made the trip to Waukesha Countys Lake Country to check out the raw beef sandwiches on the menu at Kuhtz General Store, Food & Spirits. Just north of Moose and Okauchee lakes, the Kuhtz family has been operating the business here since 1926, when a family member traded a farm for the roadside store that, after Prohibition, added a bar built by Gettelman Brewing Co. in Milwaukee. The sandwiches have been served here for decades and go by a variety of names like cannibal or tiger meat. If you want to sound sophisticated but appear out of place, ask for steak tartare. But here at Kuhtzs place they are simply raw beef sandwiches. And, at this time of the year, they are on the Kuhtz menu seven days a week instead of just on weekends. My experience with the sandwiches goes back to when my grandfather and father owned a small grocery store in the village of Wales. There was a meat counter, and around the holidays, Dad and Grandpa Charlie would grind up sirloin for customers and for our family. It was served open face with a thin slice of onion on slices of cocktail rye. And for most of my 59 years, thats the way Ive always had it. Until Tuesday, when Craig Kuhtz made a pair of sandwiches for me and photographer John Hart. No miniature slices of bread here. We stood in amazement as Kuhtz used full-size slices of thick marble rye bread, a handful of onions and four ounces of ground sirloin for each sandwich. This was not a snack. It was a $7.95 meal and even came with a pickle. John and I each added salt and pepper and enjoyed what might be one of the cleanest-tasting sandwiches weve ever had, thanks to the low amount of fat in the bright red sirloin. The burger is sourced from a chunk of beef knuckle, commonly referred to as sirloin tip, and ground in the walk-in cooler off the kitchen. We just chop it up in squares, grind it a couple times and throw it on some bread. Add some onions and its a done deal, said Kuhtz, 61, who typically doesnt eat the sandwich. Its a steady item through the month of December and New Years. The holidays bring out the best in Wisconsins holiday gastronomical offerings. The menu is immense and can vary by community, region and family tradition. The best thing is that there are no wrong answers. Only waist-expanding goodness that goes far beyond green bean casserole. The states Native American tribes got the ball rolling thousands of years ago with meals of fish, bison, venison, wild rice, corn, squash and cranberries, according to Wisconsin First Nations. Their descendents have continued those traditions, which include harvesting wild rice from northern inland lakes, making maple syrup and smoking whitefish, cisco and lake trout harvested from Lake Superior, some of which is sold north of Bayfield at a fish market owned and operated by the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. When Europeans began settling here in the early 1800s, they brought a new wave of foods. In Watertown, known for its Irish and German communities, a smoker was built into a building that was constructed in the late 1850s on North Fourth Street, just a few blocks from the citys downtown. Henry Fendt and his two sons, Theodore and Alois Fendt, took over the building in 1919, and the family has been using the brick-lined smoker fueled by hickory to make German ring bologna, summer sausage and bacon. But in November and December, hundreds of hams get star billing in the smoker, which can hold 40 to 45 hams, each weighing about 16 pounds. It takes more than two days at low temperatures to complete each smoke, said fourth-generation operator Dale Fendt. Its about getting the smoke in, Fendt said. You get it hot to get it cooked, but the next two days its all about the smoke. Were pretty old-school here. About a mile up the street, Kraemer Wisconsin Cheese, established in 1929, makes award-winning cheese spreads. The shop ships orders to customers around the country and also sells a wide range of Wisconsin cheese, including a Limburger spread. One cooler holds containers of herring, some in cream sauce, others in wine. A cooler door over, theres eggnog from Sassy Cow Creamery in Columbus. And speaking of cheese, the bounty produced in our state is some of the best in the world. It includes Gouda from Marieke Penterman in Thorp; Red Rock Cheddar that includes a vein of blue from Chris Roelli near Shullsburg; and Rush Creek Reserve, a 12-ounce round wrapped in spruce bark that when heated becomes soft, almost like a custard. The cheese is produced only in the fall, when the cows at Uplands Cheese north of Dodgeville are transitioning from pasture to winters dry hay. Sweets are big this time of the year, and the offerings can come from Madison chocolate makers such as Madison Chocolate Co., Gail Ambrosius Chocolatier, CocoVaa Chocolatier and Infusion Chocolates, plus Driftless Chocolates in Mount Horeb, Candenas in Verona and Chocolate Caper in Oregon. Nutkrack continues to grow its brand of candied pecans after a $2.1 million expansion into more than 18,000 square feet of space last year in Cottage Grove. Its also included rebranding the company as Fortune Favors. New Glarus Bakery was founded in 1910 and continues to offer up almond horns, stollen, apple bread and Gipfel, a Swiss croissant. Over in Stoughton, where lefse is a staple, Fosdal Home Bakery features Norwegian cookies and pastries and even rounds of Kringle. To wash all this down, the states wineries, craft brewers and distillers offer all sorts of options. There are beers aged in bourbon barrels and others made with fruits that resemble wine. Dancing Goat Distillery in Cambridge, Yahara Bay Distillery in Fitchburg and Wollersheim Distillery near Prairie du Sac all make their own brandy, so there are more options than just Korbel when filling ice cream pails with brandy slush. Christmas Day for our family will include pulled pork from my brother-in-laws smoker in Cedarburg, along with heaps of macaroni and cheese. Some families may choose to go with Chinese food while Hmong sausages will be on the table for others. For many Latino families, tamales are a holiday staple. Some make their own while others may order them up from the many Mexican restaurants and delis that now grace the Wisconsin landscape. Waldo Olguin Galeana and his staff make between 5,000 and 6,000 tamales a week at this time of the year from the commercial kitchen at American Legion Post 501 on Dempsey Road. Galeana has been working out of the space for the past 10 years and sells the tamales at all three Willy Street Co-op locations and at El Sabor de Puebla, the restaurant he owns near East High School with his wife, Reyna Gonzalez Torres. The tamales can also be found in the summer at the North Side Farmers Market and the Hilldale Farmers Market. On Thursday, two pots held 250 tamales, all standing on end. Some had chicken with green sauce, others were filled with pork and a red sauce, and there were tamales filled with cheese and jalapeno peppers. For Galeana, who grew up in Pueblo, southeast of Mexico City, tamales have always been a part of the Christmas season. Theyre very popular, said Galeana. Its special at Christmas. NASA has discovered new evidence that Saturns moon Enceladus holds material that is important to the early development of life. The American space agency said the new evidence came from observations made by its Cassini spacecraft. Cassini spent seven years observing seasonal changes around Saturn. During that time, the spacecraft also collected data on Saturns moons. Two of Cassinis discoveries involved Saturns moons Titan and Enceladus. In its observations of Titan, the spacecraft studied the moons climate activity and recorded data on rivers, lakes and oceans. Cassini also found evidence of several Earth-like qualities of Titan that could support life. Another Cassini discovery involved the observation of hydrogen molecules in ice particles and vapor shooting upward from the moons surface. Researchers announced that finding in 2017, the same year Cassini officially ended its mission. In announcing that discovery, NASA scientists said the presence of hydrogen molecules could signal deep-sea chemical reactions between water and rock that could create microbial life. Now, the space agency is sharing a new finding that supports the earlier discoveries. Scientists examining Cassini data said they identified strong confirmation of the presence of another molecule seen as important for enabling life. Evidence of the molecule hydrogen cyanide was found in data relating to the same shooting flows of ice and water vapor observed by Cassini on Enceladus. The team used data collected by an instrument aboard Cassini designed to measure the activity of gas, ions and ice particles around Saturn. The discovery process involved a lot of mathematics aiming to understand the newly examined data. The new evidence is described in a study in Nature Astronomy by scientists from NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in California. The lead writer of the study, Jonah Peter, is currently a doctoral student at Harvard University. He called the discovery of hydrogen cyanide particularly exciting, saying the molecule is the starting point for most theories on the origin of life. NASA said in a statement that for life to exist in space, there must be collections of the right building blocks. One of the most important of these is amino acids. Hydrogen cyanide is one of the most important and versatile molecules needed to form amino acids, NASA noted. The researchers said hydrogen cyanide molecules can join together in many different combinations. They can also serve as a precursor for different kinds of amino acids. In addition, the latest examination of Cassini data suggested the underground ocean on Enceladus holds a powerful source of chemical energy. The ocean sits beneath the moons icy surface. Unidentified until now, the energy source is in the form of several organic compounds, some of which, on Earth, serve as fuel for organisms, NASA said. Astronomers involved in the research said that the discovery provides fresh evidence that there may be more chemical energy inside Enceladus than previously thought. The more energy that is available, the team said, the more likely it is that life can form and survive. Not only does Enceladus seem to meet the basic requirements for habitability, said JPLs Jonah Peter, we now have an idea about how complex biomolecules could form there, and what sort of chemical pathways might be involved. The search for possible life on Titan will continue when NASA launches its Dragonfly exploratory mission in 2026. Dragonfly is a drone, or pilotless aircraft. The vehicle is designed to capture images and also land on Titan to collect data. Tom Nordheim is a planetary scientist at JPL who helped lead the research. He noted that although NASA purposely sent the spacecraft crashing into Saturns atmosphere to end its service, Cassini is still proving to be a valuable research tool. Our study demonstrates that while Cassinis mission has ended, its observations continue to provide us with new insights about Saturn and its moons... Nordheim said. Im Bryan Lynn. Bryan Lynn wrote this story for VOA Learning English, based on reports from NASA and Nature. Quiz - NASA Finds Material that Could Support Possible Life on Saturns Moon Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz ________________________________________________ Words in This Story vapor n. many small drops of liquid that form in the air mission n. an important job or task, often involving travel to somewhere ion n. an atom or small group of atoms that has an electrical charge because it has added or lost electrons origin n. where something begins or comes from versatile adj. using for doing a lot of different things precursor n. something that happens or exists before something else and influences its development insight n. a thing that helps someone gain a deeper understanding of something habitability n. able to support living in or on Mental health expert Oleh Hukovskyi recently stood in a temporary classroom in eastern Ukraine speaking to a group of soldiers. They were attending a class on how to deal with the stress of war. Hukovskyi is one of hundreds of professionals and volunteers across Ukraine treating soldiers for mental health problems. It is a growing issue for an army facing fatigue as soldiers fight a larger enemy. Reuters news agency spoke to 13 people involved in supporting troops and four soldiers undergoing treatment. The treatment can last for a few days to several weeks in more serious cases. It also includes soldiers who have lost arms or legs and who are learning to live with their injuries. Soldiers spoke of stress, anxiety, fear, guilt and being extremely tired. But they also spoke of friendship, a sense of obligation to hurry back to their units and a strong desire to repel the enemy. Hukovskyi is one of the soldiers Reuters spoke to. He is a former psychiatrist. He joined the armed forces about six months after Russia launched an invasion in February 2022. Now, he runs a mental health support group attached to the 67th Separate Mechanized Brigade. The brigade is in the area of Lyman, a town heavily damaged by the war. "They have obligations and have to return to the front line," Hukovskyi said of the troops. Some of the soldiers are being treated for light wounds and battle stress at a medical aid center. Hukovskyi said Ukrainian soldiers were not given enough breaks from fighting. "Forty-five days is a critical period when soldiers can stay and...have a chance to stay mentally healthy," he said. He added that in some situations they might remain in battle longer. When that happens, they experience more head injuries and more battle fatigue. Citizen soldiers Many of those fighting joined as volunteers. They had little, if any, preparation for sometimes fierce combat conditions. The soldiers attending the class answer questions and suggestions. However, Hukovskyi knows there are limitations. Soon, the soldiers will have to return to fighting. "Ukraine has an army of mobilized citizens who just yesterday were teachers, artists, poets, IT specialists, or workers," said Dana Vynohradova. He is deputy brigade commander for mental health support. Nightmares and fear DJ attended Hukovskyi's class last month. Before the war, he was a factory worker from central Ukraine. Like most other soldiers, he goes by his call sign, DJ. "I have nightmares and they exhaust me. When I get some time to rest, I don't sleep at all," DJ told the group. Later, the 50-year-old explained that he was not prepared for the fierce combat. DJ said his position near the front line was under continuous attack by Russian forces. Like others, he said he suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and a concussion. On a rainy November day in a nearby village, Dmytro, a 24-year-old soldier, talks with his unit's stress control group leader. He is a man named Serhii Rostikov. The Russians occupied the village in 2022. The two men walk and talk among damaged houses. Rostikov said soldiers decide for themselves whether to seek mental health support. However, other specialists said unit commanders could make recommendations if they see signs for concern. "After the artillery shelling, I developed a fear of going back to (combat) positions," said Dmytro. He is with the 21st Separate Mechanized Brigade. He told Reuters that he reached out to his former group leader Rostikov for help. After working together, Rostikov sent Dmytro to rehabilitation. Dmytro said, I have no fear now and can easily go back to a combat position. I think we need psychologists, because soldiers suffer from a lot of stress." Many soldiers who seek psychological support return to battle after short breaks. Some more serious cases are sent away from the front for more treatment. DJ later said he had been kept away from combat for further treatment. Dmytro has rejoined his unit. The Ukrainian military has tried to recruit more people for psychological support. Ukraine's armed forces declined to answer questions about efforts to get support workers. It also did not release how many soldiers had been treated for psychological conditions since the start of the invasion. Such details are often treated as military secrets. Im Anna Matteo. And Im Mario Ritter. Charlotte Bruneau reported this story for Reuters with additional reporting by Sofiia Gatilova and Stefaniia. Anna Matteo adapted it for VOA Learning English. _______________________________________________ Words in This Story stress n. a state of mental tension fatigue n. a condition of being very tired anxiety n. fear or worry about something obligation n. the feeling of having a responsibility to do something psychiatrist n. a medical doctor who deals with mental health critical adj. very important mobilize v. (military) to organize and use people and resources for war call sign n. a set of letters or numbers that is used to identify a person on radio or for special purposes nightmare n. a frightening dream concussion n. an injury that results from a blow to the head rehabilitation n. treatment for an injury that is physical or mental that aims to return the patient back to normal life psychologist n. a health worker who deals with mental health but is not a doctor and cannot order the use of medication Kris Isensee watched as a handful of her foster puppies became a blur of black and white. The pit bull mixes playfully picked fights with one another over the water bowl, blanket and chew toys. Isensee has played referee at times these past three months, keeping things copacetic between the 13 dogs with whom she shares her home. Only four are permanent fixtures: She fosters the other nine for Brown Paws Rescue. With no permanent shelter, the rescue operation distributes its animals to trusted foster caregivers in the Madison area, hosting events like Saturdays West Side PetSmart Meet-and-Greet to give people the opportunity to meet potential new best friends or at least the chance to hold a soft puppy for a bit. Theyre getting a little hectic. They need to get adopted, Isensee said as the 3-month-old pups lavished sloppy kisses on two giggling boys who joined them in their pen. But just as quickly as it started, the love fest stopped: The small, easily distracted pups took note of the other cages, including the hound mixes next door. They wanted to play. The hounds, however, were busy being gently rocked by freshly sanitized hands. Affection and gentle coos werent always in the cards for these pups: About 10 of the dogs the rescue brought Saturday came from high-kill shelters in West Texas. Unfortunately, Texas, they have so many we cant take them all, said Allisa Brown, Brown Paws vice president. One of the hardest parts is picking (which dogs) to bring. Almost 69,000 dogs and cats were killed in Texas shelters in 2022, compared with 2,187 in Wisconsin shelters that same year, according to data from animal welfare organization Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. Some of the puppies wearing cupcake tutus and gingham bandanas, napping comfortably in the arms of strangers Saturday afternoon, were on the chopping block not too long ago. That makes each belly rub and kibble treat all the more special, Brown said. This is one way we can spoil puppies every month, she said. Thats the best thing about fostering. More adoptions Between January and November 2023, the Dane County Humane Society took in 4,247 animals, surpassing the intake numbers from the same periods in 2022 (3,975) and 2021 (3,602). Intake numbers havent quite risen to pre-pandemic levels: Between January and November of 2019, the society took in 5,210 animals. Adoptions, too, are on the rise. Just over 3,000 pets found their forever homes between January and November of 2023, compared with 2,822 during those same months in 2022 and 2,441 in 2021. But in 2019, the shelter saw 3,583 adoptions during that 11-month window. Wait times are getting longer. The average dog saw a shelter stay of seven or eight days pre-pandemic. Its now closer to nine days. If we transfer a group of dogs in each week knowing theyll be adopted by the time the next transfer comes in seven days, thats great because we have that space and were filling that need, said Humane Society spokesperson Lisa Bernard. With this additional day to find a home, the process begins to backlog, and now we may have to cancel a transfer that would otherwise help animals in an overcrowded shelter somewhere in Wisconsin or in the South. Nationwide Dog adoptions in the United States are down 1.2% from 2022, while shelter intake January through September this year saw a 2.5% increase in dog intake, according to Shelter Animals Count, a national database of shelter animals that estimates the U.S. shelter population grew by nearly a quarter-million animals in 2023. Dogs are the main driver of a 10% increase in overall intake compared with 2021. Euthanasia and other shelter deaths are also rising, up 31% from 2022 and up 85% from 2021. The number of animals entering shelters began to climb in 2021, after a pandemic-related dip. Adoptions havent kept pace with the influx of pets especially larger dogs creating a snowballing population problem for many shelters. Cats time While the dogs held court in the back of PetSmart, cats greeted passersby at the entrance. The cats are a PetSmart staple. Every Saturday for the past 17 years, Fisher Valley Felines has set up shop for its own meet-and-greets in the store. For consideration Saturday were siblings Jet and Justice, the latter of which spent the majority of his stay in the cat condo, jackhammering his tail into his litter box, kicking up dust at his unbothered sister. On occasion, Sarah, the mama cat in the next cage over, was less amused at Jets antics, making it known with the occasional hiss. Despite the cats occasional irritability, Fisher Valley Felines founders John and Karen Barger said that relations between the visiting cats and the other critters in the store are mostly amicable. At the moment, the Fitchburg-based cat rescue has about 35 animals. Like Brown Paws, Fisher Valley Felines is entirely foster-based and takes in a number of cats from kill shelters in the South. We basically just take in as many as we can, and once were full were full, Karen Barger said. In a typical year, the rescue sees about 125 adoptions, a small operation, Karen Barger said, but one thats worthwhile. They all deserve a second chance, she said. Fitchburg police are looking for a person who was reportedly shot during a dispute outside a bar early Saturday morning. Officers were dispatched to the parking lot of Monkeyshines Bar & Grill, 6209 McKee Road, just after 1 a.m. on reports of someone being shot. The alleged victim left the scene before officers arrived, but police found evidence that at least one shot had been fired and one round seemed to have hit the building, according to a statement from Lt. Edward Hartwick. No one has come forward about any injuries related to the incident. Fitchburg police are asking anyone with information about it to contact them at 608-270-4300. Tipsters can remain anonymous by contacting Madison Area Crime Stoppers at 608-266-6014 or P3Tips.com. Tips that lead to an arrest may be eligible for a cash reward. CHICAGO Christmas tree breeder Jim Rockis knows what it looks like when one dies long before it can reach a buyer. Rockis farms trees in West Virginia and Pennsylvania, where he and other producers often grow their iconic evergreens outside their preferred habitat higher in the mountains. But that can mean planting in soil that's warmer and wetter places where a nasty fungal disease called Phytophthora root rot can take hold, sucking moisture away from saplings and causing needles to crisp to burnt orange. "After a while, it just gets to the core of it," Rockis said. "They just wither away." Christmas tree growers and breeders have long prepared for a future of hotter weather that will change soil conditions, too. People buying trees may not have noticed a difference in availability this year and may not even in the next couple; the average Christmas tree takes eight to 10 years to reach marketable size. But that means the trees being grown right now are the beloved holiday traditions of tomorrow for millions of families. "You've got to start thinking about how you are going to adapt to this," Rockis said. That's why researchers like Gary Chastagner, a Washington State University professor called "Dr. Christmas Tree" for his decades of work on firs and other festive species, have been working with breeders like Rockis to see if species from other parts of the world for instance, Turkish fir are better adapted to conditions being wrought by climate change. In the past two years, surprisingly high numbers of evergreens died of fungal disease outbreaks in Washington and Oregon. Chastagner has been concerned that changing soil temperature and moisture "may change the frequency at which we would see some Phytophthora that are more adapted to warmer soil conditions." Some may attack trees even more aggressively, he added. Chastagner and his team are doing more sampling work to understand the causes of these outbreaks and whether they represent a pattern that could extend into the future. But some scientists say there isn't enough research on warming soil temperatures that could affect Christmas trees and many other crops, especially trees. A European study this year in the journal Nature Climate Change found that soil heat extremes are increasing faster than air heat extremes, which can affect the health of grasslands, forests and some agricultural areas. The same weather conditions that can put trees under stress favor many pests and diseases that can attack them, such as insects and fungi. The changes in forests and farm fields might not happen overnight, said Bert Cregg, a professor of horticulture and forestry at Michigan State University. But over time with a warming climate, "some trees may become more difficult to grow," he said. Changes in soils also have implications for soil carbon storage, a climate change solution that the U.S. has already put a lot of money and effort into researching. Warmer soil temperatures reduce its long-term carbon storage ability, partly because microscopic life underground is affected, researchers say. "The activity of these microbes usually increases with temperature, so it's less stable to store carbon there," said Almudena Garcia-Garcia, one of the Nature Climate Change authors and a postdoctoral scientist at the Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research UFZ in Leipzig, Germany. Although getting more information on how changing soils will affect crops and carbon alike is vital, scientists sometimes struggle to get enough data, said Melissa Widhalm, associate director and regional climatologist at Purdue University's Midwestern Regional Climate Center. Since soil temperature is measured differently than air temperature, the records don't go back very far, making it difficult to understand long-term trends. Widhalm, who was not involved with the Nature Climate Change research, said she wished more studies like it existed in other places like North America, and that the results are compelling because they combined physical observations in the ground with satellite data and computer simulations. "This paper did a nice job quantifying soil temperature-moisture relationships that scientists know exist but are difficult to measure," she said. Garcia-Garcia said her team plans to study soil temperature changes more in the future, in more locations if they can. "All the sources of information indicate this is happening," she said. "We are always studying extreme events from measurements in the air. But what is happening below our feet?" National Christmas Tree lit in spirited celebration after toppling earlier in week Ever since the nations highest court ended abortion rights more than a year ago, vaguely worded bans enacted in some Republican-controlled states have caused bewilderment over how exceptions should be applied. Supporters have touted these exemptions, tucked inside statutes restricting abortion, as sufficient enough to protect the life of the woman. Yet repeatedly, when applied in heart-wrenching situations, the results are much murkier. We have black and white laws on something that is almost always multiple shades of gray, said Kaitlyn Kash, one of 20 Texas women denied abortion who are suing the state seeking clarification of the laws one of a handful of similar lawsuits playing out across the country. State lawmakers there and elsewhere face growing pressure to answer these questions by amending laws in legislative sessions that start in most states next month. But its not certain how or whether they will. Before the Supreme Court overturned the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision in June 2022, nearly every state allowed abortion at least until a fetus would be viable outside the womb around 24 weeks' gestational age, or about 22 weeks after conception. Yet the new ruling cleared the way for states to impose tighter restrictions or bans; several had such laws already on the books in anticipation of the decision. Currently, 14 states are enforcing bans on abortion throughout pregnancy. Two more have such bans on hold due to court rulings. And another two have bans that take effect when cardiac activity can be detected, about six weeks into pregnancy often before women know theyre pregnant. Each state ban has a provision that allows abortion under at least some circumstances to save the life of the mother. At least 11 including three with the strictest bans allow abortion because of fatal fetal anomalies, and some do when the pregnancy was the result of rape or incest. But a provision included in a law enacted by Congress in 1986 and signed by Republican President Ronald Reagan said abortion must be available when a pregnant woman's life is at risk during a medical emergency. But a lack of clarity over how to apply that rule and other exceptions in state laws has escalated the trauma and heartache some women experience while facing serious medical issues but unable to access abortion in their home states. The case of Katie Cox, a Texas woman who sued for immediate access to abortion amid a fraught pregnancy and was denied by the state's top court, received broad attention this month. Meanwhile, Jaci Statton filed a complaint in Oklahoma claiming the state violated the federal rule. She said in court documents that because her own life wasn't found to be in immediate peril when doctors deemed her pregnancy nonviable, she was told to wait in a hospital parking lot until her conditioned worsened enough to qualify for life-saving care. In Tennessee, Nicole Blackmon told reporters that a 15-week ultrasound showed that several of her babys major organs were growing outside its stomach and it would likely not survive. Even so, her medical team told her she didnt have the option to have an abortion. She eventually delivered a stillborn baby because she could not afford to travel out of state for an abortion. The vagueness surrounding the Volunteer States abortion ban has prompted Republican state Sen. Richard Briggs' push to tweak the law during the upcoming 2024 legislative session. However, its unclear how far the measure will advance inside the GOP-controlled statehouse where many members are running for reelection. Other states took steps in 2023 to address the confusion, but advocates say they didn't fully accomplish the task. Across the country, advocates on both sides anticipate more legislatures will consider adding or clarifying abortion ban exceptions and definitions in 2024, though few, if any, such measures have been filed so far. Meanwhile, in states where Democrats are in control, lawmakers are expected to push to loosen abortion restrictions and expand access. This year, Maine became the seventh state to have no specific limit on when during pregnancy an abortion can be obtained. Greer Donley, an associate professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, who is an expert on abortion law, said there could be a push for more changes like that: Many people are questioning whether a line should exist at all right now. The line is stark in Texas, where changes are unlikely in 2024 because lawmakers aren't scheduled to meet. In Texas, Kash and 19 other women who were denied abortions, plus two physicians, have a lawsuit before the state's Supreme Court seeking to clarify when abortions should be allowed. Kash, who already had one child, was overjoyed at the thought of telling family and friends that she was expecting. But after a routine ultrasound 13 weeks into pregnancy, she learned that the baby had severe skeletal dysplasia and was unlikely to survive birth or likely to suffocate soon after being born. Is this where we talk about termination? Kash asked her doctor. He told me to get a second opinion out of state, she recalled. Her health wasnt immediately at risk of failing, so she didnt qualify for any of the narrow exceptions to allow her doctor to provide her abortion services. Instead, she went to another state to terminate her pregnancy legally. In the arguments on the case last month, a lawyer for the patients told the justices about the confusion. While there is technically a medical exception to the ban, Molly Duane, a Center for Reproductive Rights lawyer said, no one knows what it means and the state wont tell us. A journey through Azerbaijans astonishing modern landscape As I mentioned in my last weeks column, I flew to Azerbaijan not knowing what to expect from a country that I barely see on TV or read about in newspapers. But the moment I disembarked from our 12-hour plane ride from Manila, I was instantly amazed by the beautiful airport terminal, and by the uniquely modern architectural designs in the office and residential buildings I passed by en route to the hotel. Azerbaijan has a high rate of economic development and very low unemployment and one easily sees this wealth in Baku. The modern glass-and-steel buildings that stand out in the cityscape are testimonies to the countrys economic progress. On this page, you will see a handful of these strikingly one-of-a-kind structures that certainly awe tourists, especially those of us from Third World countries. It is widely known that Azerbaijans First Lady, Mehriban Aliyev, has a hand in the designs of the newly constructed buildings in the city. She goes for ultra-modern architecture, and also for the look and feel of Paris, which explains why we see many Paris-style newspaper kiosks all over the city and Louvre-style pyramids in some metro stations. These are among the citys outstanding edifices: Bakus skyline with the iconic Flame Towers in the background which symbolizes Azerbaijan, known as The Land of Fire The Flame Towers are three skyscrapers that reflect the countrys nickname, The Land of Fire. The facade of these buildings are completely covered with LED bulbs which come alive at night, making the buildings look like dancing flames. Each of these buildings serves a different purpose one is a luxury condominium, the other is the Fairmont Hotel, and the last one, is an office building. The Crescent Hotel is a curved building, forming an arch, designed to look like a crescent moon which is a significant feature of the Azerbaijani flag. But the architects who designed the structure declared that they just wanted to reinvent the traditional concept of a skyscraper, thus the semi-circle design. The Heydar Aliyev Center, where our FIA Plenary Session was held, is a masterpiece of neo-futuristic architecture. Its a 57,500-square-meter complex designed by Zaha Hadid, a popular Iraqi-British architect who won the World Architectures Design of the Year Award in 2014. The structure has a distinctive fluid and curved style all over, without any angles anywhere in the entire building. Even its walls, ceilings, and steps are all curved giving one the feeling of being inside a free-flowing giant-sized cocoon. The Waterfront Mall is designed like an 8-petalled flower I read somewhere that such flowing, fluid design of a large structure helps calm down frayed nerves while boosting the energy level of the people in it. No wonder my colleagues and I had such a pleasant experience while attending the conference at the Center, which is named after Azerbaijans former president, popularly known as the Father of the Republic. The citys Waterfront Mall is another outstanding architectural masterpiece, sitting by the edge of the bay. Its design is like a giant solitary eight-petalled rose, attracting shopaholics to the usual branded merchandise that we are all familiar with. The high glass walls allow daylight to filter through to the seven-storey atrium, highlighting its very clean and well-maintained interiors. Aside from being a very modern city, Baku is also a city of contrasts. Old Soviet-era buildings are seen juxtaposed with the new, modern buildings, showing tourists the stark contrast between the lavishly intricate brickwork and geometrical patterns on the old buildings and the sleek, smooth, crystalline-looking glass-and-steel designs of the new ones. The Crescent Hotel is the peoples way of reinventing the traditional look of a skyscraper As for Bakus economy, as if to highlight the financial capabilities of its citizens, there is the presence of many ritzy boutiques right in the center of town, carrying all the French and Italian name brands we know. When I had the chance to chat with Elvin, our tour guide, I commented that in many other big cities in the world, these luxury brands are usually located in an upscale part of the city, but in Baku, they are right in the heart of downtown. He said it is simply for convenience, to make them easily accessible to a majority of the residents as they can afford to buy these luxury brands anyway. Hearing that, there was a split second that I dreamily imagined I was an Azerbaijani and had the pocket for all the luxury brands I wanted. But I immediately recovered from my reverie and realized I am who I am. I love where I belongin the occasionally frustrating, yet, forever gratifying company of similarly energized colleagues and loving family, in a third-world setting that has been and always will be Home! Nevertheless, Bakus innovative and pioneeringly progressive architecture is, indeed, something to marvel at. A City of the Future? Well see about that. Meantime, I wish you all a VERY MERRY CHRISTMASmay your happiness be large and your bills be smalland if you cant have a White Christmas, dont worry. Just open a bottle of red! For feedback, Im at bobzozobrado@gmail.com Geneva, Switzerland The United Nations has called for the urgent rescue of 185 people, mainly women and children, on a distressed boat last heard to be near the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Indian Ocean. Around 70 of those onboard are children and 88 are women, the UNHCR refugee agency said in a statement. At least a dozen are feared to be in critical condition with one individual reported to have already died, it said. Many more could die under the watch of numerous coastal states without timely rescue and disembarkation to the nearest place of safety. UNHCR spokesman Babar Baloch told AFP the people onboard were Rohingya refugees, and said the agency was appealing to all the coastal authorities in the area to urgently rescue them. It is really a desperate situation, he said. Thousands of the mostly Muslim Rohingya, heavily persecuted in Myanmar, undertake risky sea journeys from Myanmar and refugee camps in Bangladesh every year trying to reach Malaysia or Indonesia. More than 2,000 Rohingya are believed to have attempted the risky journey to Southeast Asian countries in 2022, according to UNHCR. And since last year, more than 570 people, including Rohingya refugees, have been reported dead or missing at sea in the region, it said. When it comes to the people currently adrift, the agency emphasised that a bigger tragedy is preventable with timely efforts to save lives. This situation once again underlines the importance of all states in the region deploying their full search and rescue capacities to avoid human disasters happening at this scale. AFP The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said on Sunday it is looking forward to more joint patrols in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) next year, with other countries seeking peace and stability in Southeast Asia. AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar said the Philippines this year conducted joint air and maritime patrols with the United States and Australia, and is hoping to do the same with Japan and other countries next year. The President said that were just starting and there will be more to come. So expect that it wont just be bilateral patrols. Later on, it may become multilateral patrols, meaning, they will involve several countries, Aguilar said on radio dzBB. The President earlier this month said the country needs to change its strategy for countering Chinese aggression in the WPS because diplomatic efforts are making very little progress. The President also said that the current diplomatic efforts with China are heading in a poor direction. For the AFPs part, Aguilar said that they want to strengthen the alliances with other countries to make the Philippines stance in the WPS stronger. It is about establishing [and] strengthening our alliances with foreign countries so that our voice will be stronger and that we are also able to strengthen legal procedures that will advance our interest and at the same time, regional peace and stability, he said. We are still staying on the diplomatic track, but it will be an invigorated one. We are looking forward to having a really strong alliance with other countries and I think we are already gaining ground on this matter, he added. Senator JV Ejercito, meanwhile, said it is outright wrong for China to claim to be properly managing maritime differences through dialogue and consultation. In fact, China is harassing Philippine operations within the countrys exclusive economic zone. Who is using water cannons to obstruct and prevent our Filipino vessels during our resupply mission? Ejercito said. Who has been bullying and violating international maritime laws over the past months in our sovereign waters? It is none other than China, he said. He urged China to halt President Xi Jinpings expansionist policies to prevent potential conflicts. We hope that China honors the verdict of the Hague-based tribunal, constituted under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which ruled that Chinas claim of historical rights within its nine-dash line lacks any legal foundation, Ejercito said. The bottom line, he said, is to respect Philippine sovereignty and leave its territorial waters alone. We can only achieve peace and a sound relationship between China and the Philippines if both countries acknowledge each others maritime rights. In this case, the senator said, it is essential to recognize that the West Philippines Sea belongs to the Philippines. Earlier, the Chinese Embassy spokesperson in the Philippines said in the past few months, some Filipino politicians and officials, out of political self-interest, repeatedly dramatized and hyped maritime differences between China and the Philippines, aiming to smear and demonize China and silencing the advocates of China-Philippines friendship. Also over the weekend, Senator Francis Escudero said it is in the best interest of both China and the Philippines to continue to favor dialogue over confrontation. He said the war mongers are simply playing to the crowd, knowing that it is a popular issue. But have they brought their war-mongering to its logical conclusion which is war? Is that really what they want? he said. Why are we so afraid of dialogue when we dont really have to give up or agree to anything unless it is in accordance with our sovereignty and national interest in the WPS? he added. Words never killed anyone but actions, assumptions, instigation and offensive conduct certainly can many have died due to failure to talk, Escudero said. On the other hand, Senator Aquilino Pimentel III said China should understand that the Philippines, being a sovereign nation, has its own territorial sovereignty concerns and maritime rights and interests. We should also both realize, the sooner the better, that we really have contrasting positions, said Pinentel. Because of this, the Senate leader said, people should expect each party to act in accordance with its best interests. But being both responsible members of the United Nations, both parties must act in accordance with the spirit on why the UN was created in the first place as well as the letter of the UN Charter and the many other treaties meant to promote regional and world peace, he said. Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri branded 2023 a banner year for the Senate as he lauded his colleagues for their legislative accomplishments. He acknowledged senators for the enactment into law of 32 measures of national and local significance. The products of the Senates legislative mill this 2023 are a testament to our commitment to improve the life of every Filipino by crafting new laws that will boost the economy, generate jobs, and expand social protection, Zubiri said. A total of 32 bills have been signed into law by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for this year, which included the P5.768-trillion General Appropriations Bill and 15 local measures. On behalf of the Senate, we express our gratitude to President Bongbong Marcos for signing these measures into law, including the national budget that has significantly increased the funds for defense spending, while also giving significant increases in the budget of the Philippine Coast Guard, Zubiri said. This highlights our shared vision of promoting the welfare of the people and the nation, he added. Zubiri stressed that the Senate proud produced what he thinks is the best budget we have seen in years, with a good balance of social services, infrastructure development, and of course defense and securityincluding a much-deserved increase in the budget of our Coast Guard, who are at the frontlines of our continued efforts to protect our sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea. We are also proud to reflect the peoples concerns about confidential funds, by making the 2024 budget more transparent and our government agencies and offices more accountable in their spending. He said this one of the most responsive budgets and progressive budgets of our country in a while so Im very proud of it. Zubiri said among the key measures that were signed into law this year is RA No. 11959, which will pave the way for the construction of specialty health facilities in hospitals being managed by the Department of Health in all regions. The other important measures passed this year are The Public Private Partnership Act and The Internet Transactions Act. The PPP Act will mobilize private resources to finance infrastructure projects related to transportation, healthcare, internet, supply chain and logistics among others. The ITA will provide much-needed protection to consumers in online transactions. Other key measures are Republic Act No. 11939, or An Act Further Strengthening Professionalism and Promoting the Continuity of Policies and Modernization Initiatives in the Armed Forces of the Philippines; RA No. 11953, or An Act Emancipating Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries from Financial Burden by Condoning All Principal Loans, Unpaid Amortizations and Interests and Exempting Payment of Tax on Agricultural Lands Awarded under CARP; R.A. 11960 or the One Town One Product Philippines Program; R.A 11962 or the Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act, which establishes the National Employment Master Plan; and R.A. No. 11961 or the Strengthening the Conservation And Protection of Philippine Cultural Heritage Through Cultural Mapping. We enacted numerous other landmark measures such as the Conservation and Protection of Philippine Cultural Heritage Through Cultural Mapping, R.A. No. 11964 or An Act Institutionalizing The Automatic Income Classification of LGUs, and R.A. 11954 or the Maharlika Investment Fund, he added. According to Zubiri, a total of 29 measures, including the measure that prohibits the No Permit, No Exam policy and the proposed expansion of the coverage of the Centenarians Act of 2016, are awaiting the Presidents signature. Other bills of national significance that are awaiting enactment into law are: 1. S. No. 2001 or Providing for A New Passport Law, Repealing for The Purpose Republic Act No. 8239, Otherwise Known as The Philippine Passport Act Of 1996; 2. S. No. 2221 or Providing for the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers; 3. S. No. 2224 or Ease of Paying Taxes Act; 4. S. No. 2243or Strengthening and Revitalizing the Salt Industry in the Philippines; and 5. S. No. 2426 or Mandating the Formulation, Funding, Implementation, Monitoring, and Evaluation of a Comprehensive and Multi-Year Tatak Pinoy (Proudly Filipino) Strategy, Establishing A Tatak Pinoy Council. A total of 22 local bills are also awaiting the signature of the President. Concurrence in the rstification of internationsl agreemenys, resilutuons adopte Under Zubiris leadership, the senators concurred in the ratification of important treaties. It passed Resolution No. 42, Concurring in the Ratification of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which is envisioned to widen and enhance trade and investment opportunities for the Philippines, especially with RCEP member-states. The Senate also concurred in the ratification of the International Labour Organization Convention No. 190 or the Convention Concerning the Elimination of Violence and Harassment in the World of Work, which will benefit and protect not only workers here in the country, but also OFWs against abuse and gender-based violence. Senators also concurred in the ratification of the Agreement Between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Government of His Majesty The Sultan And Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion With Respect to Taxes on Income. Lastly, the Senate also voted to concur in the Ratification of the Agreement on Social Security Between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Government of the Republic of Korea. A total of 59 other simple resolutions were adopted under Zubiris leadership in 2023. As an organization involved in the rehabilitation of critical watersheds through reforestation, MTFI supports the National Greening Program of the government One of the urgent tasks of our generation today is to help ensure sustainable development. Whether we succeed or fail in this task greatly depends on how we protect and rehabilitate our environment. The passing on third and final reading of two House Bills before the House of Representatives went on recess for the holidays is a welcome development especially for us in the Million Trees Foundation, Inc. (MTFI). House Bills 09587 and 09588, An Act Requiring Parents to Plant Two Trees for Every Children Born to Them, and An Act Requiring All Graduating Senior High School and College Students to Plant Two Trees Each as a Civic Duty for Environment Protection and Preservation, respectively, will impact on the governments reforestation program. According to Committee Report 00863 submitted by the Committee on Reforestation, the House Bill substitutes House Bills 582, 986, 2499, 2580 and 4813. On the other hand, House Bill 09588 is the substitute bill for House Bills 978, 1009, 2342, 2498, 4207 and 5864 per Committee Report 00864. As I skimmed through bills filed in the House of Representatives, I learned that over the years, there had been several proposed legislations on reforestation aside from the bills mentioned. These include a proposed Act Providing For The Mandatory Planting of One Tree For Each Filipino Aged 7 Years Old and Above Each Year; An Act Promoting Tree-Planting Consciousness Among Filipino Youth Through Education and Civic Engagement to Increase Their Social Responsibility for the Environment; An Act Institutionalizing Quarterly Tree Planting Activity in the Philippines; An Act to Spur the Planting of a Billion Trees; An Act Providing Incentives for and Encourage Conservation and Maintenance of Forest Cover and Tree Planting in Ancestral Lands, to name a few. The two recently passed bills will greatly boost the countrys forest cover once enacted into law. As I have written in my previous column (Dec 2, 2023), reforestation is among the solutions to slow down the accumulation of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The countrys flagship reforestation program, Enhanced National Greening Program, builds upon the success of the National Greening Program. It was on Feb 24, 2011 when President Benigno S. Aquino III signed Executive Order 26 declaring the implementation of a National Greening Program as a government priority. The issuance sought to consolidate and harmonize all greening efforts such as Upland Development Program, Luntiang Pilipinas and similar initiatives of the government, civil society and private sector under a National Greening Program. The program involved the planting of 1.5 billion trees in about 1.5 million hectares of land of public domain from 2011 to 2016. As identified, lands of public domain refer to forestlands, mangrove and protected areas, ancestral domain, civil and military reservations, urban areas under the greening plan of the LGUs, inactive and abandoned mines sites; and other suitable lands. According to DENR, the lead agency of the program, the NGP aims to: 1) contribute in reducing poverty among upland and lowland poor households, indigenous peoples, and in coastal and urban areas; 2)implement sustainable management of natural resources through resource conservation, protection, and productivity enhancement; 3)provide food, goods and services such as timber, fiber, non-timber forest products, aesthetic values, air enhancement values, water regulation values, and mitigate climate change by expanding forest cover that serve as carbon sink; 4)promote public awareness as well as instill social and environmental consciousness on the value of forests and watersheds; 5)enhance the formation of positive values among the youth and other partners through shared responsibilities in sustainable management of tree plantations and forest resources, and 6) consolidate and harmonize all greening efforts of the government, civil society, and the private sector. An earlier issuance, Executive Order 23, dated Feb 1, 2011 defined the National Greening Program as a Department of Agriculture-Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Department of Agrarian Reform Convergence initiative anchored on the governments goal of poverty reduction, food, security, climate change adaptation and mitigation. On Nov 12, 2015, Executive Order193 was signed expanding the coverage of the National Greening Program. The EO stipulated the coverage of the National Greening Program is expanded to cover all the remaining unproductive, denuded and degraded forestlands and its period of implementation is likewise extended from 2016 to 2028. To be rehabilitated under the Expanded National Greening Program is an estimated 7.1 million hectares. For this year, the National Greening Program was allotted about P2.39 billion. As an organization involved in the rehabilitation of critical watersheds through reforestation, MTFI supports the National Greening Program of the government. It has forged ties with national government agencies, business entities, and other stakeholders to achieve a greener Philippines. Its target: 10 million more trees planted by 2030. We at the MTFI are hopeful House Bills 09587 and 09588 together with the respective counterpart in the Senate will be enacted into laws. Let us restore our forest. Together we can do this if, as the late President Fidel V. Ramos said, there is unity, solidarity and teamwork. (The author is president and executive director of the Million Trees Foundation Inc., a non-profit group advocating tree planting and watershed protection. He is also a book writer and publisher of biographical and coffee table books.) High in the command of the partys hierarchy, he makes sure everyone stays focused and toes the line The Presidents issuance of Executive Order 49 ushers in the appointment of his new Economic Czar, Secretary Frederick Deck D. Go to serve as the administrations Economic Whip heading the newly created Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (OSAPIEA). A move that will hopefully result in more synchronicity and performance in achieving the governments avowed development goals. Before being elevated to his new post, Secretary Deck Go was handpicked by the President as his presidential adviser on investment and economic affairs wherein he championed investments in agriculture, manufacturing, renewable energy, mining, digitalization, tourism, infrastructure, and the positioning of the electronics sector to capture the trending movement of manufactures to relocate operations away from China. I use the term Whip in reference to the congressional parlance of the Majority or Party Whip whose job is to make sure everyone is singing the same legislative agenda song. High in the command of the partys hierarchy, he makes sure everyone stays focused and toes the line. As the Economic Whip, Secretary Go assumes a critical position of trust as he will directly be advising the President on the complex issues and dynamics of the Philippine economy from both macro and micro perspectives. He will be the driving force behind the administrations economic policy agenda. He will set the pace and direction, making sure the economy is on the right track. He will be instrumental in shaping the economic future of the country. The Presidents confidence in Secretary Go has solid basis as his reputation is among the most esteemed with skills, experience, and achievements indisputably among the best in the land. A big name in the Philippines in the real estate industry, he is the President and CEO of Robinsons Land, one of the leading real estate companies in the country. He joined the company in 1992 when it only had five assets. Now, thanks to his leadership, Robinsons Land has grown significantly and manages a portfolio that includes shopping malls, office buildings, hotels and resorts, industrial facilities, and mixed-use developments. Concurrently, he is the President at Altus Property Ventures, Inc. and Robinsons Recreation Corp. Also in his list of responsibilities are his duties as the Group General Manager at several real estate development companies in China, including Taicang Ding Feng, Shanghai Ding Feng, Xiamen Pacific Estate Investment, Chengdu Ding Feng, Taicang Ding Sheng, Chongqing Robinsons Land, and Chongqing Ding Hong. His expertise goes beyond the real estate industry. He is currently the Chairman of Luzon International Premier Airport Development Corporation and also serves as the Vice Chairman of both Robinsons Bank Corporation and the Philippine Retailers Association. He also held director positions at Cebu Air, Inc., Manila Electric Company, JG Summit Petrochemical Corporation, JG Summit Olefins Corporation, and Cebu Light Industrial Park. Before he made his mark in these roles, he was a business reporter for The Manila Times. It is clear that Secretary Deck Gos diverse experience and exemplary career as an industry leader ticks off all the qualifications needed in his new, and daunting responsibility that I would say will need heroic efforts to effectively navigate and transform the siloed nature of government into a more developmental and results-driven culture like the private sector. We all had high hopes when very soon after assuming office, the President was able to quickly assemble his economic dream team. But after two years, reality eventually bit off much of the optimism with the Presidents trust rating surveys conducted by Publicus Asia showing a dropping trend from 80 percent in September to 48 percent in its November-December poll. This reflects a waning of confidence which is foundational to a countrys economic environment and investment prospects. As Filipino consumers, we are always at the receiving end of the governments capacity to deliver on its committed programs and reforms hyped as forward looking and inspiring economic road maps. We look forward to Secretary Gos success in leading a whole-of-Philippine society surge towards finally breaking free from this frustrating economic traffic jam and steer the country on the high road to inclusive prosperity. Merry Christmas! DUBAI, United Arab EmiratesThe Philippines took another step to solidify the governments pursuit of a green and blue socio-economic agenda after joining the Blue Carbon Action Partnership (BCAP) of the World Economic Forum (WEF). The partnership agreement, signed on December 3 at the sidelines of the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), aims to strengthen coastal ecosystems, boost blue carbon conservation and mitigate climate change. The effort is supported by the United Kingdom through the UK Blue Planet Fund, specifically the Climate and Ocean Adaptation and Sustainable Transition (COAST). Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga, head of the Philippine Delegation to COP28, signed the partnership agreement with Neo Gim Huay, Managing Director of the WEF Center for Nature and Climate. Blue carbon is the stored carbon from coastal and marine ecosystems such as mangroves, seagrasses and marshes. Coastal ecosystems, aside from providing essential ecosystem services such as coastal protection from storms and nursery grounds for fish, sequester and store large quantities of blue carbon from the atmosphere and the oceans thus contributing to solving climate change. The agreement effectively creates the National Blue Carbon Action Partnership (NBCAP) and will bring support from WEF for the government to work with businesses, communities and civil society organizations to restore, conserve and sustainably manage coastal ecosystems. The Philippines, endowed with rich biodiversity and extensive coastlines, is home to vast blue carbon ecosystems, said Loyzaga. We look forward to working with the Blue Carbon Action Partnership to facilitate the inclusive, whole-of-society approach to developing a shared ambition for blue carbon, community resilience, inclusive development and unlocking the Philippines potential to provide nature-based climate solutions for the rest of the world while supporting our programs for protected areas and preparing the country for participating in the new blue economy. The NBCAP will contribute to three strategic pillars. It will convene communities and moderate multilateral conversations relevant to structuring particularly multilateral government structure, and groups working on impact. It aims to generate new insights and roadmaps to support the creation of a national blue carbon baseline analysis, national blue carbon roadmap, and national blue carbon finance roadmap. It will also catalyze strategic action to support the implementation of the blue carbon and finance roadmaps, and global collaborations with complementary initiatives. We wish to unlock the Philippines potential to provide nature-based climate solutions not just for ourselves but for the rest of the world while supporting our programs on protected areas, and preparing our country for participating in the new blue economy, said Loyzaga. The role of the private sector cannot be diminished. And this would be a call for the private sector to go beyond ESG (environmental, social, and governance), and to integrate biodiversity protection and climate action into core business value cycles, instead of CSR (corporate social responsibility) options. Dr. Alfredo Giron, head of the Ocean Action Agenda and Friends of Ocean Action of the WEF, said collaboration of the government, private sector and civil society is important to realize the potential of nature-based solutions. If the Philippines were to achieve the most ambitious target in mangrove and seagrass restoration, you will get the world completely on a different chart, he said. DENR News Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and Chad have welcomed the international initiative announced by King Mohammed VI to enable these African landlocked countries have access to the Atlantic Ocean, a goal that requires investments in infrastructure and a co-development approach but that will transform the economies of these countries and the entire region. The four landlocked countries expressed, at a coordination meeting, hosted by Moroccos foreign minister Nasser Bourita in Marrakech Saturday, their gratitude to Moroccos King for such an initiative that meets the aspirations of these countries to economic and social development, key to fostering stability in the wider Sahel. In a speech in November, the King called for helping Sahel countries access the Atlantic, noting that this hinges on upgrading infrastructure in the Sahel countries and seeking to connect it to transport and communication networks existing in the region. He promised that Morocco will not spare effort to help sisterly Sahel states, including by offering access to its own infrastructure, roads and ports. To mercantile trade, the Sovereign prefers investment that truly creates common and lasting wealth. To anesthetic assistance, the Sovereign prefers structuring and win-win projects; and to the relentless security approach, the Sovereign relies on the inconspicuous power of the formation of minds, foreign minister Bourita told his Sahel peers in Marrakech. The supportive stand to the royal initiative was voiced by the Foreign Ministers of Burkina Faso Karamoko Jean-Marie Traore, of Chad Mahamat Saleh Annadif, of Mali Abdullah Diop, and of Niger Kalla Yawo Sangare following their first coordination meeting held at the invitation of Moroccos Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita. In a joint statement, the ministers thanked King Mohammed VI for this initiative, saying it shows the Monarchs active solidarity with brotherly African countries in general and the Sahel in particular. This strategic project will also help speed up regional connectivity and enhance trading for shared prosperity in the Sahel region. The ministers commended the inclusive and participatory approach in carrying out this initiative, affirming their common ambition to consolidate cooperation ties through joint multi-sectoral and innovative partnerships, reflecting the values of South-South cooperation and co-development. They agreed to set up a National Task Force in each country to prepare and propose a roadmap for the implementation of this landmark project. The ministers also agreed to finalize as quickly as possible the proposals to be submitted to King Mohammed VI and Heads of State of the four Sahel countries. In his opening address at the Ministerial Coordination Meeting on the royal initiative for Sahel countries access to Atlantic Ocean, Bourita said the move will help these African countries unlock their enormous potential, accelerate the growth and sustainable and inclusive development of the regions economies. King Mohammed VI has always valued and promoted cooperation ties with Sahel countries, said the Minister, affirming that Rabat will bring in all its energy, mobilize all its efforts, and share all its know-how. For his part, Nigers Foreign Minister Yaou Sangare described Morocco as a reliable partner which respects our dignity, our sovereignty and our independence, saying the royal initiative, which once again reflects the great vision of King Mohammed VI for Pan-Africanism, will give a new impetus to the development of the Sahel region. We hope that this Royal Initiative will offer real opportunities for the exploitation, transformation and commercialization of our resources, and for the acceleration of regional connectivity and trade flows for the shared prosperity of Morocco and Sahel countries, he said. The initiative is meant to help the Sahel be no longer a zone of instability but rather a zone of prosperity, he said, adding that Morocco is a true friend of Niger, a friend of all times. Malis top diplomat Abdoulaye Diop said his country backs the Atlantic Initiative announced by King Mohammed VI for Sahel States, and lauded the Kingdoms solidarity with brotherly African countries. Diop stated The initiative announced by the King on November 6th on the 48th anniversary of the Green March has captured the attention of the Malian government, which sees it as a manifestation of solidarity and effective brotherhood of the Kingdom of Morocco towards the sisterly African countries. He added that the Malian authorities appreciate this fraternal and solidarity initiative, considering it as a commitment from the Kingdom of Morocco to integrate its actions beyond bilateral cooperation, within a broad framework aimed at addressing common aspirations, while responding to the needs of the authorities and peoples of the Sahel region. Malis top diplomat pointed out further that choosing to celebrate the anniversary of the Green March, which holds special importance for the Kingdom of Morocco, to launch this initiative reflects the interest that Morocco grants to the development of Sahel countries by breaking their isolation. Granting water means granting life, and Morocco has chosen to grant the sea to non-coastal countries. As for the country of Mali, which extends over an extensive area exceeding one million and 200 thousand square kilometers, surrounded by seven neighboring countries, this initiative represents an opportunity in many aspects. He explained that, first and foremost, the Royal Initiative breaks the isolation of the concerned countries, which will enable dynamic exchanges between African countries or with the rest of the world, impact our economies, especially by providing opportunities to market our products, and participate more effectively in global trade, thus improving the trade balance for our countries. Burkina Fasos Minister of Foreign Affairs Karamoko Jean Marie Traore said the royal initiative will transform Sahel economies and promote their integration into global economy. Beyond the expression of an active solidarity, this initiative is a call to recognize the rights and values of landlocked countries in the global economy, Karamoko Jean-Marie Traore said. Burkina Faso welcomes any initiative aimed at transforming its continentality into an asset, because it is clear that our countries have remained impoverished for a long time due to inappropriate policies, he said. He urged neighboring Sahel countries to spare no effort to materialize this large-scale project on the ground. Chads FM Mahamat Saleh Annadif said Morocco is a strategic and reliable partner of all African countries, paying tribute to the leadership of King Mohammed VI. He thanked the Sovereign for this important initiative, noting that security and development are inseparable. In this regard, he welcomed this Royal Initiative aimed at promoting access of Sahel countries to the Atlantic Ocean, noting that Chads regional economic integration project goes hand in hand with the vision of the King for this region. Chads ambassador to Rabat Hassan Adoum Bakhit Haggar has highlighted, on the sideline of the event, the role of Dakhla port under construction. This future port will be the pride of Africa and all those who will benefit from this port infrastructure, the Chadian diplomat stressed, expressing his thanks to King Mohammed VI for this Royal Initiative aimed at enhancing the access of Sahel countries to the Atlantic Ocean which really gives hope to the regions countries. The Sovereigns Initiative is key for the survival of our landlocked countries, Bakhit Haggar underlined, adding that Morocco has always stood alongside African countries. Editor's note: This is part of a series of historical articles from Billings writer Lorna Thackeray examining life 100 years ago in Billings and the region. On Sunday, we'll publish two stories from Thackeray on what Christmastime was like in 1923. George One Eye Dyer cased the Salesville bank 13 miles out of Bozeman on an unseasonably warm November day in 1923 - likely posing as a destitute man peddling pencils to earn his next meal. The 46-year-old gangster, released from the state pen at Deer Lodge in March, had used the MO before. Within a few minutes, Dyer located the vault and sized up the probably scant security at the small-town institution. Sometime during the night of Nov. 9 or the early morning hours of Nov. 10, Dyer and a few associates, all of them skilled in the art of safe cracking, relieved the bank of bonds, cash and the contents of safe deposit boxes worth an estimated $5,000. Salesville, now known as Gallatin Gateway, proved among the most profitable of approximately 26 bank heists in Montana during a two-and-a-half year period. Twenty-two people in the loosely organized mob centered conveniently in Havre - only 40 miles south of the Canadian border and second only to Butte in its reputation for corruption were arrested as part of the gang. Among those charged with everything from first-degree burglary to receiving stolen property were a former sheriff from Havre, a former state legislator, an attorney, a former saloon owner, a railroad fireman and numerous outlaws with long criminal records. Although the crooks were well armed, they didnt shoot anybody and worked at night when bankers were tucked in warm beds. Long before Bonny and Clyde pillaged banks across the southwest and John Dillinger hid out in Chicago, the Havre Gang plotted a course of mayhem in small banks in Washington, Utah, Idaho and Canada as well as in Montana. But Salesville would prove its last hurrah. Just before Christmas 100 years ago, most of the gang was behind bars, hunted down by the famed Burns Detective Agency hired by the Montana Bankers Association. It all started to fall apart on April 17, 1923, when Arthur "Chicago Freddie" Davis, one of the suspected leaders of the racket, dropped his keys while blowing the safe at the First National Bank of Valier in Northwestern Montana. Detectives traced the keys to a car owned by Davis, which led to a garage he owned in Butte. Davis, 39, was long gone by the time law enforcement searched the garage, but his wife, Rea, had moved into a house in Havre. On Nov. 28, a combined force of law enforcement officers from around the state and former Montana Gov. Sam V. Stewart, acting as attorney for the bankers association, raided the Davis home. Four men and two women, including Rea Davis, were bundled off to the Hill County Jail. Among those arrested was former Hill County Sheriff Henry Loranger, who was suspected of selling some of the stolen bonds. The case against him was eventually dismissed for lack of proof that a $1,000 Liberty war bond he was holding was part of the stolen loot. Stewart estimated that the raid garnered between $6,000 and $8,000 in stolen bonds. Some had purportedly been sold to banks in Havre, arousing suspicion there. Relentless Burns detectives were now scouring the West for Dyer, Davis and more than a dozen other men suspected in the bank ring. Both Dyer and Davis were well known to law enforcement. Dyer had been sentenced in Billings on Feb. 18, 1914, to 19 years on a robbery count. But once on the Deer Lodge-bound train, he disappeared and enjoyed freedom for six years until his apprehension on March 19, 1920. Under normal circumstances, Dyer wouldnt have been eligible for parole until 1925, but Gov. Joseph M. Dixon had commuted his sentence so Dyer could be released on June 6, 1923. Since then, Dyer had been headquartered in Havre. Davis, 39, had probably encountered Dyer at the state penitentiary where he served time for a Sept. 18, 1921, bank heist at Homestead in Sheridan County in northeast Montana. Davis was paroled after serving a year. About the same time authorities in Havre converged on the Davis headquarters in Havre, law enforcement officers burst into a house in the suburbs of Salt Lake City and rounded up Dyer, three other men and a teenage girl. Officers said they found a complete set of burglar tools including an acetylene torch. A little more than a week later, Davis was picked up in Stockton, CA. Most of the banks in the bank gangs historic run were in small, rural communities often devoid of law enforcement. The list includes many towns that were blown away in the Great Depression that began in Montana at the end of World I and continued almost to World War II. Montana towns hit by the bank thieves were Coburg, Willow Creek, Sumatra, Homestead, Plains (twice), Denton, Madoc, Dayton, Roy, Corvallis, Dixon, Clyde Park (twice), Glentana, Fairfield (twice), Sheridan, Valier, Gildford, Williams, Hot Springs, Helmville, Ennis, Hall and Salesville. All totaled, law enforcement sources estimated the losses to exceed $100,000. Three months after his arrest, Dyer pleaded guilty to burglary and received a sentence of seven and a half to 15 years. It was his fifth prison term. Before his transfer to Deer Lodge, Dyer was locked up in the Gallatin County Jail in Bozeman. A news report from Jan. 30, 1923, said that a letter addressed to Dyer there contained a quantity of strychnine, enough, it is said, to have killed every inmate of the county jail if administered properly. Davis was destined for a Deer Lodge reunion with Dyer. He got 15 to 30 years. Its a pretty hard jolt, but Im due to pay, I guess, the sanguine Davis said. Banking was a dangerous game in 1920s Montana. Homesteaders who borrowed money in the green years before and during the First World War couldnt pay up when agriculture prices fell in the wars aftermath and when drought set in over large parts of the state. Between 1921 and 1925, more than 200 Montana banks failed. Most never reopened. By the 1930s, thieves would have had a hard time finding a rural bank to rob. 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. 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. 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. German Gulch enters Silver Bow Creek in Durant Canyon about 10 miles west of Butte. As prospectors arrived at Butte and Silver Bow Creek in 1864, they began to scour the countryside for gold, and in September 1864, one party made a major discovery about five miles above the mouth of German Gulch. Edmund Alfeildt led a group of seven men, including Lewis Smidtland and John Kwartz, up the stream to a point less than a mile above the confluence of Beefstraight, Norton and German Gulch Creeks. Their work yielded about $12 per day per man, equivalent in buying power to more than $200 today. They managed to keep their discovery secret until January 1865 when Charley Bass tracked them through the snow from Silver Bow City to find men pulling gold worth a dollar per pan from the mostly frozen sediment. Although Alfeildts party came to an accommodation with Bass, the word quickly got out and the stampede was on. By the spring of 1865, more than 1,000 men were prospecting in and near German Gulch, and prices soared in the mecca for argonauts. Flour reached $100 per sack if it was available at all, and a shovel cost $18. A drink of whiskey was 25 cents, and beer only a little less, thanks to one of the first breweries in Montana. The equipment there was eventually moved to Nisslers Brewery at Silver Bow City (Nissler Junction today). There was an upper or main town around the initial discovery, including a house built by Butte doctor G.W. Beal, which ultimately came to be Steinfields Store and was known as the White House. Beals father, Dr. J.W. Beal, built the Centennial Hotel at the corner of Granite and Main Streets in Butte where the Hennessey Building stands today. A mile north of the main German Gulch workings, in the flat at the confluence of creeks, additional stores sprang up, along with more than 80 houses in the Lower Town. Alfeildt, of Dutch-German ancestry, had come west with Gen. Sydney Johnston to put down a Mormon revolt against the Union in the late 1850s, then drifted into Montana with the gold prospectors. His partys first camp in the Butte region was near the site of todays Gregson Station on the Greenway trail, adjacent to a cliff known as Swallows Nest still inhabited by swallows today. The first death and first grave in German Gulch came when Old California Clark, a professional gambler, tried to force James Blake to play cards, which Blake refused since it was well known that Clark was a cheater. Clarks unrelenting pressure to play led Blake to shoot him in the knee a non-lethal wound, but when tetanus set in, Clark died. There were only a few such squabbles in the early German Gulch. As late as 1869, 300 or 400 men were still earning as much as $6 a day in gold, but a year later German Gulch was in serious decline, and the population was largely Chinese, with as many as 150 or more through the 1870s. According to a 1922 report in the Butte Miner, two centenarian Chinese still lived in the gulch, eking out a living finding gold. The rich Chinese cultural history centered on German Gulch has been described in detail by Garren Meyer in his masters thesis from the University of Montana. By most accounts, at least $13 million in gold was recovered from the placers of German Gulch, most of it in the 1860s. Organized by Copper City Kings, the 2023 Skate with Santa event was held on Saturday, Dec. 23 at the Butte Community Ice Center where attendees were able to meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus and ice skate. The Butte Community Ice Center will have free open skating from noon to 2 p.m. on December 24, and from December 26 to January 2. 09:41 Quota activist Manoj Jarange has announced that he will start an indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan in Mumbai from January 20 to intensify his demand of reservation for the Maratha community. However, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has urged people to exercise restraint and said the Supreme Court has accepted the curative petition filed by the state government on the Maratha reservation issue and scheduled a hearing on January 24. This has opened a 'window of hope' for the community, the CM said in a video message. Jarange had given the state government time till December 24 to fulfil his demand of reservation for the Maratha community. Addressing a massive rally in Beed district of Marathwada region on Saturday, Jarange said, "I will start an indefinite hunger strike at the Azad Maidan in Mumbai from January 20. It is difficult to suppress the Marathas. We will not return without getting reservation for the community." He claimed 'crores' of people from the Maratha community will come to Mumbai on January 20. The quota activist said he will leave his Antarwali Sarati village in Jalna district on foot and reach Mumbai and members from the community will also join him. Meanwhile, in a video message, CM Shinde said the state government's legal team comprising a battery of efficient lawyers will present its view before the Supreme Court and make all efforts to prove that the Maratha community is socially and economically backward. The State Backward Class Commission has been gathering empirical data on a 'large scale' on the Maratha community and its plight, he said. The CM asserted his government is committed to giving reservation to the Maratha community and urged people to observe restraint. He also said that quota benefits of other groups will remain untouched while giving reservation to the Marathas. Shinde said the previous Devendra Fadnavis-led government had given reservation to the Maratha community, which was upheld by the Bombay high court. However, the Supreme Court struck it down as the Maha Vikas Aghadi government (led by Uddhav Thackeray) failed to prove its point before the court. "The observations of the Supreme Court (while striking down the reservation) will be taken into cognisance while gathering empirical data about the Maratha community. This will help in presenting the case before the Supreme Court," the CM said. -- PTI Chinese workers among dead in Indonesia furnace blast Chinese workers among dead in Indonesia furnace blast Yemen's Houthis again warn off US forces in Red Sea The Houthis say they will keep attacking Israeli-linked ships in the Red Sea until there's a ceasefire in Gaza. (File image: Shutterstock) Yemen's Houthi rebels on Sunday renewed their warning to the US forces, urging them to leave the Red Sea quickly before it becomes "a burning arena." "The Red Sea will be a burning arena if America and its allies continue their bullying," Houthi spokesman Mohammed Abdulsalam said in a statement aired by the group's al-Masirah TV. The warning came as the US accused the Houthis of attacking MV Saibaba, an Indian-flagged crude oil tanker owned by Gabon, with a drone, which Abdulsalam denied by claiming that it was a US naval destroyer that was behind this near-miss missile attack in the southern end of the Red Sea. "While a plane belonging to our navy was carrying out reconnaissance work across the Red Sea, an American warship hysterically opened fire with multiple weapons," explained Abdulsalam, adding that one of the missiles exploded near MV Saibaba, which came from Russian ports and headed southward. The spokesman denounced the "militarization of the Red Sea" by America and its partners, saying they "posed a threat to international maritime navigation" and asking them to leave. On Wednesday, the Houthi leader Abdulmalik al-Houthi warned that his group would launch deadly attacks on US warships and interests across the Middle East if Washington waged war against the militia. Last week, the US announced a 10-nation coalition to quell Houthi missile and drone attacks on ships transiting the Red Sea. Houthi rebels have escalated 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. (Xinhua) He made these remarks during the 15th stakeholders' interaction meeting of IREDA, held today through a virtual platform, which serves as a platform for discussions aimed at advancing the development of the Renewable Energy sector. The session commenced with a comprehensive presentation highlighting recent business initiatives undertaken by IREDA, showcasing notable achievements and advancements in the Renewable Energy sector. "A key focus was placed on recent amendments to IREDA's existing Loan Products, and an action report was presented on the major suggestions received from stakeholders during the previous interaction meet held on September 16, 2023," the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy said. In his address, CMD Pradip Kumar Das expressed gratitude to IREDA's dedicated business partners, underscoring their pivotal role in the company's historic growth and achievements over the last three and a half years. He emphasized that the stakeholders' interaction meetings have played a crucial role in propelling IREDA's rapid growth, serving as a catalyst for collaborative efforts within the Renewable Energy sector. Ministry further stated that CMD, IREDA, attributed the significant success of IREDA's IPO primarily to the valued customers, who have maintained continuing business relationships with the company over an extended period. Emphasizing the pivotal role of IREDA's IPO in raising awareness within the investor community and the public at large regarding Renewable Energy development. "The meeting witnessed strong participation from esteemed business partners, ensuring a diverse range of perspectives," the ministry said. During the meeting, borrowers extended their congratulations to IREDA for its listing and 'CMD of the Year,' along with four other prestigious awards recently received. "The borrowers actively participated in the dialogue, contributing several productive suggestions for the development of the Renewable Energy sector. Their insights and suggestions were welcomed by IREDA as valuable inputs that will be considered appropriately in future policy formulations and strategic planning," the ministry said. (ANI) As preparations are underway for the 'Pran Pratishtha' of the Ram Temple on January 22, 2024, drummer and music composer Tanmay Mukherjee, along with his team, is creating a 'Ram Dhun' using western instruments for the mega event. Tanmay stated that he is doing his best to secure an opportunity to showcase his creation during the auspicious occasion. He has prepared a unique presentation on Ram Dhun in collaboration with T-Series Stageworks Academy, Lucknow. These students have been working on the drumming fusion of Ram dhun in a new way with Tanmay for the past several days. Mukherjee said that every person is cooperating in different ways for this grand Ram temple, so he thought that he and his team would contribute their bit through their music. "We are working on a new concept of drumming, quite famous in other countries. We are attempting to make it popular here, especially in Uttar Pradesh. So, I have started a drum circle. Such a grand event is happening in the country, and we just thought, why not spread Ram bhakti to people through drums? We are trying our best to get an opportunity to play the drum during the 'Pran Pratishtha' of Ram Mandir," he said while speaking to ANI. A student who is also part of the group said, "We are very excited about the event and just looking forward to participating in it." "We are getting a good response from the people, and they like the traditional Ram dhun being played on Western instruments," added another student. The Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirath Kshetra Trust has decided to enthrone Ram Lalla at the sanctum-sanctorum of the Ram Temple at noon on January 22 next year. Apart from political and religious leaders, Bollywood actors, including Amitabh Bachchan, have been invited for the 'Pran Pratishtha' of Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Chief Priest of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, Acharya Satyendra Das said. Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama, holds great spiritual, historical, and cultural significance for the people of India. Invitations were sent to personalities that include actors Amitabh Bachchan, Madhuri Dixit, Anupam Kher, Akshay Kumar, and ace directors Rajkumar Hirani, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Rohit Shetty, along with producer Mahaveer Jain. Additionally, South Indian celebrities will also be gracing the event upon invitation. This list includes Rajinikanth, Chiranjeevi, Mohanlal, Dhanush, and Rishab Shetty. Several actors have been invited for the 'Pran Pratishtha' of Ram Temple on January 22, 2024, Chief Priest of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, Acharya Satyendra Das told ANI, "It is a good thing; artists should come. Akshay Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, and many other artists have been invited by the Trust for 'Pran Pratishtha'. PM Modi is also coming. All the artists who are coming will be welcomed in Ayodhya." The trust has invited 4,000 saints of all sects for the ceremony. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya next year. Vedic rituals for the Pran-Pratishtha (consecration) ceremony of Ram Lalla (infant Lord Ram) in Ayodhya will begin on January 16, next year, a week before the main ceremony. A Vedic priest from Varanasi, Lakshmi Kant Dixit, will perform the main rituals of the consecration ceremony of Ram Lalla on January 22. From January 14 to January 22, Ayodhya will mark the Amrit Mahautsav. A 1008 Hundi Mahayagya will also be organised in which thousands of devotees will be fed.Several tent cities are being erected in Ayodhya to accommodate thousands of devotees, who are expected to arrive in the temple town of Uttar Pradesh for the grand consecration of the Ram Temple. According to the Sri Ram Janambhoomi Trust, arrangements will be made for 10,000-15,000 people. Local authorities are gearing up for the anticipated surge in visitors around the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony and are in the process of implementing enhanced security measures and making logistical arrangements to ensure a smooth and spiritually enriching experience for all attendees. (ANI) The festive spirit is in the air as churches in Srinagar gear up for Christmas celebrations. The city is adorned with twinkling lights, and colourful decorations and the sweet melodies of Christmas carols can be heard echoing through churches. As part of the preparations for the impending festivities, churches are being decorated with Christmas trees and vivid floral arrangements. The Christmas season offers joy and happiness to the Srinagar community. Families gather in churches to plan for the event. Srinagar's churches are ready to invite everyone to share in the celebrations of this unique time of year. The father of the church spoke to ANI about the preparations and said, "We started the celebration on December 1 and now it is almost complete. We get a lot of help from the people in every work of the church. Thousands of devotees come over here for the prayer and Christmas celebration. On this auspicious occasion, I want people all over the world to maintain peace and harmony." The Christmas celebration is in full swing in the valley. The paper mache artisans of the valley are busy making special balls and other gift items ahead of Christmas. The festival time always provides joy to the valley's paper mache artisans, who receive large orders of special balls and other gift goods. So, during this time, a maximum number of paper mache artisans are very busy making various items such as special balls, Santa Claus, stars, crescents, bangles, and other gift items that people will be distributing and decorating their homes and churches on the occasion of Christmas. They are receiving bulk orders from within the country as well as Europe, where people are celebrating the Christmas festival with zeal and using such beautiful paper mache products made by valley artisans on a large scale. As a result, craftsmen are constantly striving to make their products more appealing to attract overseas buyers. Kashmiri papier-mache products are recognised all over the world for their refinement and durability, and Christian people can decorate their Christmas trees this year with paper-mache balls, stars, Santa Claus, and a variety of elegant items. Tasaduq Hussain Mir, who is a paper mache artisan, told ANI, "Christmas is the biggest festival in the world and we start getting orders 6 or 7 or 8 months before. We get big orders on Christmas, including balls, bells, stars, Santa Claus and different articles that go to Europe and India, even people in Kashmir like them." He further talked about craft safaris, an initiative taken by the handicraft and handloom departments for the revival of Kashmir's cultural heritage. He also praised the director of handloom and handicrafts in Kashmir, Mehmood Ahmad Shah, for his initiative and for promoting the art and craft of Kashmir. "Craft Safari has made us famous around the world. Luckily, Srinagar has been recognised by UNESCO as a creative city, which has led to an increase in the export of our items. This year, about 20 to 25 lakh pieces were exported for Christmas. We have been getting more Christmas orders for the past two or three years and the credit for this goes to Mehmood Ahmad Shah, director of handicrafts and handlooms at Sahab. He has done a lot of work for the artisans, and he has promoted their art craft. We have become famous in the world," he added. Normally, Kashmiri artisans make paper pache products for tourists and during the peak season of tourism, they do very good business. But on Christmas, they are also getting big orders from foreign countries, where they are sending their products in huge quantities and doing satisfactory business. (ANI) After the deaths of three civilians in the Rajouri encounter, Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) President Ghulam Nabi Azad has said that the government should also include local people to gather information in such places affected by attacks. "Army and paramilitary forces are vigilant, now the central and state governments need to increase security agencies. Our agencies should be active but the government should also include local people to gather information in such places affected by attacks. I believe that these activities will be controlled," Ghulam Nabi Azad said. Meanwhile, the Indian Army said on Saturday that it is conducting an inquiry into the deaths of three civilians in the Poonch-Rajouri sector, where terrorists launched an attack on army personnel on December 21, killing four soldiers. The matter is under investigation, said the Indian Army in a post on social media. Security forces have been deployed in the Bafliaz area of Poonch district as search operations are underway to nab terrorists in the forest area of Dera ki Gali in the Rajouri sector. Taking to X, the Indian Army posted, "Search operations by the security forces are continuing in the area of operations after the incident of December 21. Reports have been received regarding three civilian deaths in the area. The matter is under investigation." "The Indian Army stands committed to extending full support and cooperation in the conduct of investigations," the army posted on X. Earlier, the Jammu and Kashmir administration announced compensation and jobs to the families of three civilians who were found dead near the site of an anti-terrorist operation in Poonch district. This comes after four Army personnel were killed and three others were injured in the forest area of Dera ki Gali in the Rajouri district after two Army vehicles were ambushed by heavily armed terrorists on Thursday evening. Pakistan is trying to revive terrorism in the Rajouri-Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir as around 25-30 Pakistani terrorists are suspected to be hiding in the forest areas of the region, defence sources said on Friday. Reacting to the situation, JK National Conference MP Farooq Abdullah said, "Terrorists attacked Surankote and our soldiers lost their lives. Our police personnel detained some locals. Are we fighting terrorists or our people?." "If we are fighting with our people, then we can never win this. I want to request that Home Minister Amit Shah come to Surankote to address people's sentiments. It is important that he tells people that they will investigate the issue and put it in front of them. It is a serious situation and a violation of human rights," he added. (ANI) A 62-year-old woman was isolated at Mahama Gandhi Memorial Hospital in Telangana after incidentally developing COVID-19 symptoms, JN.1 variant to be confirmed after genome sequencing, said Superintendent, MGM Hospital V Chandrashekar on Saturday. "The news going around is that cases of Covid-19 new variant JN.1 are admitted in MGM Hospital, Warangal so I want to clarify certain things because one 62-year-old woman got admitted to MGM Hospital. Incidentally, a private lab has declared her COVID-19 positive, we have isolated that patient and that is the first suspected case that came to the MGM hospital. We have taken a CT scan, so incidentally she has developed a COVID-19 positive and we are not sure that this COVID-19 positive is of the current variant JN.1 because it needs to be confirmed by genome sequencing," V Chandrashekar said. He further said that the hospital has preserved the sample and is consulting higher authorities to clarify the kind of variant. "Some of the samples from Hyderabad are tested by Genome sequencing and the results are yet to come. Standard protocols are there for the treatment of COVID-19 cases," he added. Meanwhile, after a surge in the cases of the new COVID subvariant JN.1, doctors from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) have advised people to not panic but rather remain alert and vigilant. "People are getting infected by the new sub-variant of COVID-JN.1 in many states of the country. The symptoms of the patients are mild. Therefore, there is no need to panic but the need to remain alert," Doctor Neeraj Nischal said. A multifold spurt in fresh COVID cases was noted in India over the past 24 hours, with Kerala contributing the major chunk of those. The total number of active cases of Covid-19 in the country was recorded at 3,420. Meanwhile, amid rising concerns over the emergence of the new variant of the coronavirus, former World Health Organisation (WHO) chief scientist Dr Soumya Swaminathan asserted that there is no need to panic currently as it is a variant of interest and not of concern. However, she urged people to be cautious by taking proper precautionary measures. Speaking to ANI exclusively, Dr Soumya Swaminathan, former DG, of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said, "We need to be cautious, but we don't need to worry because we don't have any data to suggest that this variant JN.1 is more severe or it's going to cause more pneumonia, more death." 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 emphasised that the overall risk posed by JN.1 remains low based on current evidence. (ANI) "On the occasion of the birth anniversary of Revered Indramani Badoni ji, pioneer of Uttarakhand state movement and excellent social worker, paid tribute to him by offering flowers at the government residence," Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said in a post on X. "The contribution made by you in building the state of Uttarakhand will always be unforgettable," he added. Uttarakhand Governor Lt General Gurmit Singh also paid tribute to the 'Gandhi of Uttarakhand' in a post on X. In 1994, Badoni began a fast unto death in Pauri to demand a separate Uttarakhand state. He was eventually put in Muzaffarnagar jail by the government. (ANI) "Respectful tribute to Indramani Badoni ji, the pioneer of the state building movement and known as 'Gandhi of Uttarakhand', on his birth anniversary. Your entire life was dedicated to social service, your sacrifice and dedication will always be a source of inspiration for us," Lt General Gurmit Singh posted on X. Indramani Badoni, one of the leading influential figures in Uttarakhand, was also known as the 'Gandhi of Uttarakhand' for his non-violent movement for the creation of Uttarakhand as a separate state. In 1964, Badoni began a fast unto death in Pauri to demand a separate Uttarakhand state. He was eventually put in Muzaffarnagar jail by the government. (ANI) National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) president Priyank Kanoongo alleged that during his visit to the two missionary organisations in the tribal areas of Madhya Pradesh's Dewas district, he found influential people were "involved in the dirty work of converting children." He also alleged that children have learned Christian religious prayers by heart and vowed to take action under the JJ Act and the Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 2021. Further alleging that children as young as 10 years of age were made to cut grass and even clean toilets on the premises, he vowed that due action would be taken by issuing a notice to the Chief Secretary of the Madhya Pradesh Government. https://x.com/KanoongoPriyank/status/1738615008131727820?s=20 Informing about his visit to the tribal areas of Dewas district on his official social media account, the NCPCR chief said that he inspected two different institutions that were run by misisonary organisations. "Today, during my visit to the tribal areas of Dewas district of Madhya Pradesh, I inspected two different institutions, both of which were being run by missionary organisations," he posted on x, roughly translated from Hindi. The NCPCR is a statutory body established under the Commission for Protection of Child Rights (CPCR) Act, 2005. It is under the administrative control of the Ministry of Women and Child Development. The commission's mandate is to ensure that all laws, policies, programs, and administrative systems conform to the vision of the rights of the child. According to the definition of the JJ Act, Kanoonga added in his post that children in need of care and protection (CNCP) can be kept in registered children's homes only with the orders of the CWC. "Here, a blatant violation of this law has been seen as the institutions did not submit the registration documents," he alleged. "Almost all the children are Hindus; however, the children offer Christian prayers at the institution. The children have learned Christian religious prayers by heart. Innocent children as young as 10 years of age are made to cut grass, sweep and even clean toilets on the premises," he further alleged in his post. The NCPCR chief alsi alleged that their team has found "evidence" of "foreign funding" for the institution. "Our team has also found evidence of foreign funding and high political contacts of the institute; it is clear that influential people in the tribal areas are using their influence to do the dirty work of converting innocent children," he added in his post. "Due action will be taken by issuing a notice to the Chief Secretary of the Madhya Pradesh Government," he further added in his post. Earlier in November, the child's body issued a notice to the Collector and Superintendent of Police of the Vidisha district to probe allegations that students of a Vidisha school were punished for chanting a religious slogan. The incident occurred at Bharat Mata Convent School, Ganj Basoda city, in Madhya Pradesh, on November 9. (ANI) The National Commission for Women (NCW) directed the police officer concerned to thoroughly investigate the alleged sexual harassment at Burari Hospital in Delhi, demanding the immediate arrest of the accused individuals. The Commission also sought a detailed report along with a copy of the F.I.R., within the next two days for a thorough review of the progress made in this investigation. "NCW has been made aware of distressing allegations through a recent media post, wherein several female workers from Burari Hospital have raised serious concerns about facing sexual harassment," read an official statement. According to NCW, the post highlights the inaction of both the hospital authorities and the police despite the victim's complaints. All female cleaning staff members have come forward, shedding light on the torment and inappropriate demands made by the hospital authorities to retain their employment.Despite the victims filing a First Information Report (F.I.R) against the accused individuals, Neeraj and Rajkumar, it is disconcerting to note that no substantial action has been taken even after more than five days, the NCW added.In response to this appalling situation, the NCW has conducted a preliminary assessment and identified the provisions of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 that appear relevant to the reported crime. Sections 509, 354, and 354-A of the Indian Penal Code have been prima facie observed in connection with this matter.The NCW vehemently condemns these reprehensible acts of sexual harassment against women. In light of the gravity of the situation, the Commission urgently directs the concerned police officer to thoroughly investigate the matter and invoke the aforementioned legal provisions against all accused individuals, if found guilty. It is imperative to ensure swift and stringent action against the perpetrators.Expressing deep concern over the delay and apparent negligence in handling this case by the Burari Police, the NCW calls for an inquiry into the conduct of the concerned police officer for potential dereliction of duty and procrastination. The NCW demands the immediate arrest of the accused individuals, Neeraj and Rajkumar. Additionally, the Commission requests a comprehensive report, along with a copy of the F.I.R., to be submitted within the next two days for a thorough review of the progress made in this investigation. (ANI) Accusing the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government of not taking immediate action, Tamil Nadu BJP Chief K Annamalai said on Sunday that people have been severely affected by the rains and floods in Chennai and South Tamil Nadu. Heavy rains pounded the state over the last few days, wreaking havoc in Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Tenkasi, and Kanyakumari. As many as 35 deaths have been reported, so far, in the ongoing flooding, with Thoothukudi district accounting for 22 fatalities and Tirunelveli 13. The state government and the Centre have jointly mobilised a massive rescue and relief operation to help the affected people. "People have been severely affected by the rains and floods in Chennai and South Tamil Nadu. The DMK government has not taken immediate action," Annamalai said while addressing a press conference in Coimbatore on Sunday. "The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu does not care about the people of Tamil Nadu," he claimed. The BJP leader added that the central government is going to render help to the people of Tamil Nadu very soon. "Apart from that, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is going to visit Thoothukudi on Tuesday to conduct a direct inspection," the BJP leader said, adding, "As the Tamil Nadu government is not carrying out the work properly, the central government is going to take responsibility and carry out the work." Earlier, an MI-17 V5 chopper and ALH-Dhruv copter of the Indian Air Force air-dropped over 11 tons of relief materials in 12 different places in the rain-ravaged Thoothkudi district. Till now, 59 tons of relief materials have been airdropped in the affected areas, according to the Southern Air Command of the IAF. On Saturday, Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary Shiv Das Meena said the rescue operation in the flood-affected southern districts of the state has been completed and the focus now is on the restoration of basic services there. However, communication lines in some districts are still in disarray in the aftermath of the flood. Roads and railway tracks have been left inundated due to the incessant rainfall across the state. Schools and colleges in Thoothukudi district announced a holiday on Thursday after heavy rains continued to pound several areas of southern Tamil Nadu, creating a flood-like situation and throwing life out of gear. Earlier, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin said his government has taken all possible precautions and measures for the safety and welfare of flood-marooned people. "There's been a heavy and continuous rainfall in Chennai and surrounding districts. Historically, the Thoothukudi district has never seen this much rainfall. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been deployed for rescue and relief operations," CM Stalin said. (ANI) Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami presented appointment letters to the nursing officers during the 'Appointment Letter Distribution Ceremony' under the Uttarakhand Medical Health Empowerment Campaign held at the Chief Minister's residence in Dehradun on Sunday. During the program, out of 1376 candidates selected by the Uttarakhand Medical Services Selection Board, 200 candidates were given appointment letters by the Chief Minister. All the remaining candidates have been provided appointment letters by the Health Department. The Chief Minister congratulated the nursing officers who received the appointment letters. He expressed hope that all the selected nursing officers will discharge their duties with dedication and hard work and will always be ready for the development of the state and public service. He said that the responsibility of the nursing officer is very important. "Nursing officers are also responsible for increasing health awareness in society at the ground level and educating the public on health-related issues. Your promptness and excellence in emergencies save the lives of people," the CM said. He said that the double-engine government has done much work in the field of health. The Chief Minister said that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, 'Ayushman Bharat Yojana' has proved to be a boon for the people of the state. To ensure that everyone in the state gets better health facilities, the state government is facilitating people to benefit from the Uttarakhand Atal Ayushman Yojana. E-Sanjeevani telemedicine services have proven to be extremely beneficial for people living in remote areas, he said. The government is running many schemes for the safety of mother and child. "Janani Suraksha Yojana" is being run for pregnant women, under which continuous efforts are being made to reduce maternal and child mortality by promoting institutional delivery, CM Dhami added. The Chief Minister said that, against the target of 2025 set by the Central Government to make India tuberculosis-free, the state government has set a target of making Uttarakhand a tuberculosis-free state by 2024. Nursing officers will play an important role in this also. The Chief Minister said that during the Corona epidemic, under the leadership of PM Modi, India not only helped the people of the country but also other countries with two vaccines each. We still have to be careful about COVID and work to keep people aware of it. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday reiterated how the advancement of drones in the agriculture sector has increased farmers' earnings and improved their quality of life. Sharing an article by Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, the Prime Minister's Office posted on X said that the Union Health Minister explains how the advancement of Kisan drones provides an effective and efficient technique for the application. "Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya explains how the advancement of kisan drones provides an effective and efficient technique for the application of liquid fertilisers, leading to an increase in farmers' earnings and improving their quality of life," the PMO stated. (ANI) The newly elected Congress's Madhya Pradesh Chief, Jitu Patwari, held a meeting with party workers on Sunday to decide the strategy for the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls. Deliberations were made on how to strengthen the organisation ahead of the general assembly polls. The party's state chief, Patwari, also instructed the workers on how to reach out to the public. The party leadership, earlier this month, removed Kamal Nath as its Madhya Pradesh chief and appointed Congress leader Jitu Patwari in his place. The election results in four states, especially the losses in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, came as a huge blow to the Congress's hopes for 2024, as it is now out of power across a vast swathe of the Hindi heartland. In Rajasthan, the vote count painted a starkly different picture to what some of the pollsters had predicted, with the BJP poised to form the government, winning 115 seats, and the Congress trailing at 69 seats. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is also leaving no stone unturned for the upcoming polls. The party has set a target of achieving a 50 per cent vote share. Along with this, the party will start cluster meetings after January 15 and Yuva Morcha will hold 5000 conferences across the country. The two-day meeting of BJP national office-bearers concluded on Saturday. In this meeting, the BJP has set a target of achieving a 50 per cent vote share in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Along with this, the party will run a campaign across the country to connect with new voters. The BJP will organise programmes at booth level to connect with new voters. According to sources, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has asked all the officials in the meeting to ensure a bumper victory margin in the Lok Sabha elections. (ANI) Reacting to the clip of DMK's MP Dayanidhi Maran in which he made controversial remarks stating Hindi speakers from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar come to Tamil Nadu end up doing construction work and cleaning toilets, Union Minister Nityanand Rai on Sunday said that such people want to create unrest and divisions in the country on the basis of North and South regions. Nityanand Rai also demanded that parties from Bihar who are a part of the INDIA bloc must condemn the statement of their ally's leader. "Dayanidhi Maran has made a very objectionable statement. On one side PM Modi speaks about 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas' and today people want to divide North India and South India but that won't happen. Bihar parties who are part of INDI alliance must condemn this," Nityanand Rai told ANI. The controversy has been triggered by a clip of DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran going viral in which he is saying that Hindi speakers from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar who come to Tamil Nadu end up doing construction work or cleaning roads and toilets. The clip was also shared by BJP National Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla. In a post on X, Shehzad Poonawalla said, "Once again an attempt to play the Divide and Rule card. First Rahul Gandhi insulted North Indian voters, then Revanth Reddy abused Bihar DNA then DMK MP Senthil Kumar said "Gaumutra states" now Dayanidhi Maran insults Hindi speakers and North Abusing Hindus/Sanatan, then playing divide and rule card is DNA of INDI." BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla questioned the stand of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and RJD President Lalu Yadav and Tejasvi Yadav on the issue. In the aftermath of Maran's comments DMK Spokesperson TKS Elangovan, labelled a major allegation on the central government, said that people from North Indian states are being given preference while being recruited in Public Sector Units (PSU). Getting more specific, Elangovan further added that there are PSUs in Uttar Pradesh as well but they are not recruiting Tamilians. "Now the government is selecting people from the northern states to work in Union PSUs. Even PSUs are there in UP but they are not recruiting Tamils."Our people are not against anybody coming here. They are doing menial work but the Government of India is putting them on higher posts, depriving Tamilians of their rights," Elangovan said. (ANI) As Prime Minister Narendra Modi sounded the Lok Sabha poll bugle with the slogan 'Abki baar 50 pc vote paar, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MP Supriya Sule said that each one has their strategy. "Each one has their strategy. It's a democracy for all. They have their strategy and we have their own," Sule told ANI. PM Modi gave the slogan during a BJP office-bears meeting in the party headquarters in the national capital on Friday, setting a target of a big win for the party in the 2024 Lok Sabha election. The NCP MP also spoke on the suspension of 146 members from the parliament. She said, "Unfortunately, nobody is talking about the attack on the parliament. We must discuss the security of all our leaders including Prime Minister Modi and the Vice President". On the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attack, two people jumped into the chamber of the Lower House of Parliament from the public gallery during Zero Hour, released yellow gas from canisters and shouted slogans before being overpowered by MPs. Meanwhile, 100 MPs were suspended from Lok Sabha, and another 46 from Rajya Sabha for unruly behaviour, disrupting proceedings by showing placards and raising slogans over the breach issue. The suspensions come as opposition MPs have demanded a statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the security breach in Parliament Earlier on Friday, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge wrote to Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, saying that witnessing the suspension of 146 members was 'painful, agonising, frustrating and disheartening'. In his letter to Dhankhar, the Congress leader said that the Opposition parties were prepared to engage in a meaningful discussion on the issue of security breach which neither was admitted nor was he, as the Leader of the Opposition, or any other Member of the Opposition parties permitted to speak on the floor of the House, even for a minute or two. "At the outset, I would like to state that as a committed opposition, we firmly believe in fostering dialogue and discussion, which are fundamental pillars of any parliamentary democracy. I would like to bring to your attention that multiple notices were submitted under the relevant rules of the Rules and Procedure of the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) to address the pressing issue of the breach of Parliament security," Kharge said. (ANI) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi slammed Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MP Dayanidhi Maran for using derogatory statement regarding people who build toilets and clean them, adding that leaders of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) are making fun of backward classes. "We are proud of those who build toilets and those who clean toilets. It may be shameful for you. You talk big on backward classes, dalits, weaker sections and now you are making fun of them," Mukhtar Naqvi said speaking to ANI on Sunday. DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran courted controversy when he was heard saying in a viral video clip that Hindi speakers from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar who come to Tamil Nadu end up cleaning roads and toilets. Naqvi said that the INDIA bloc is mentally perverted and on the verge of mental bankruptcy. He added that the opposition bloc does not even realise that their political path will put them in a pothole. "There are many criminals in the INDIA bloc. If you count their crimes, you will not be able to finish counting. At times they take on Sanatan, at times on those who speak Hindi, at times they say they are 'South', they are 'North', 'East', 'West'. Their mentality is perverted and they are on the verge of mental bankruptcy. They don't even realise that their political path will put them in a pothole. Earlier they waged a war against Sanatan, now they have waged a war on those who speak Hindi," the BJP leader said. "I think this is a ploy to create divisions and clashes in the society. And they are getting trapped in their own maze," he added. Reacting to some organisational changes in the Congress, Naqvi said that the Congress is a ravaged car in which snoring passengers are sitting. "No matter how much they change...they will be defeated in 2024. This is because Narendra Modi's list of works will defeat them. Now how much they change will not matter. This is because on one hand it is Congress' ravaged car and on the other hand are the snoring passengers seated in them...Let them do what they wish. They know that this arrangement will not give them the mandate," the BJP leader said. Speaking on Rahul Gandhi, Naqvi said that the former has neither facts nor arguments. "I feel very sad about Rahul Gandhi. He has neither facts nor arguments. When there are no facts, arguments become empty...When he was in the government, ever day he used to Hit Wicket, now when he is in the opposition he is throwing No Ball," he said. On allegations of frequent arrests of locals in Jammu and Kashmir, Mukhtar Naqvi said, "Whether it is Farooq Abdullah or those who are in politics for generations need to understand that it is the priority of the government to ensure the security of people in Kashmir, Jammu. But they need to get out of their soft corner towards terrorists and separatists." On rumours that the Samajwadi Party do not want the Bahujan Samaj Party in the INDIA bloc, Naqvi said, "The number of pores in this alliance is less than the differences in perspectives of their partners...Hence I said that in the Congress' ravaged car snoring players are sitting. They are pulling each other's legs." Speaking on the Congress government in Karnataka doing away with the hijab ban, Naqvi said that the party is create obstacles for the progress and education of Muslim girls. "The reason behind Congress doing away with hijab ban is criminal communal handiwork to create obstacles for the progress, education of Muslim girls. There is no ban on hijab in the country. You can wear hijab in the market or anywhere you go. Institutions have their own dress code which you need to follow. What you are doing is creating obstacles for Muslim girls education. This kind of criminal communal act is a forte of the Congress and the country will never forgive this," the BJP leader said. (ANI) "On the birthday anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, our government will give two years' bonus to about 12 lakh farmers in the state," Chhattisgarh CM said on Sunday. When asked about naxalism, he said that Union Home Minister Amit Shah has assured their full support. "The Union Home Minister has assured us that we will fight strongly against naxalism," he added. Earlier on Saturday, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Ministers of the state Vijay Sharma and Arun Sao paid a courtesy call to President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Saturday. "We met the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Union Home Minister and Union Ministers in Delhi and they have assured us that they will support us in building a prosperous, developed Chhattisgarh," he said. They also met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other Union ministers holding key portfolios. The Union Ministers that the Chhattisgarh CM and his deputies met included Home Minister Amit Shah, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. After meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vishnu Deo Sai said that for the last 5 years, development has stalled in Chhattisgarh. Meanwhile, CM Sai, along with the Deputy Chief Ministers, also met Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar. Vishnu Sai took the oath of office at Science College Ground in Chhattisgarh's Raipur on December 13. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will release the first series of 11 volumes of 'Collected Works of Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya' on December 25 in a programme organised at the Vigyan Bhawan of the national capital, said an official release on Sunday. According to an official release from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), "On the occasion of the 162nd birth anniversary of Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will release the first series of 11 volumes of 'Collected Works of Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya on December 25 at around 4:30 PM at Vigyan Bhawan." The Prime Minister will also address the gathering on the occasion, according to the official release. As per the release, "Amrit Kaal has been the Prime Minister's vision to bestow fitting recognition on freedom fighters who have contributed immensely to the service of the nation. The 'Collected Works of Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya' is an endeavour in this direction." The bilingual (English and Hindi) work in 11 volumes, spread across about 4,000 pages, is a collection of the writings and speeches of Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, collected from every nook and corner of the country. These volumes comprise his unpublished letters, articles and speeches, including memorandums; the editorial content of the Hindi weekly 'Abhyudaya' started by him in 1907; articles, pamphlets and booklets written by him from time to time and all speeches given in the Legislative Council of the United Provinces of Agra and Awadh between 1903 and 1910. It also includes statements given before the Royal Commission; speeches given during the presentation of bills in the Imperial Legislative Council between 1910 and 1920; letters, articles and speeches written before and after the establishment of Banaras Hindu University; and a diary written by him between 1923 and 1925, said the release. The work of researching and compiling the documents written and spoken by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya was undertaken by the Mahamana Malaviya Mission, an institution devoted to propagating the ideals and values of Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya. A dedicated team of the Mission, led by eminent journalist Ram Bahadur Rai, has worked on Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya's original literature without altering the language and text. The publication of these books has been done by the Publications Division under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, the illustrious founder of Banaras Hindu University, occupies a leading place among the makers of modern India. He is remembered as an outstanding scholar and freedom fighter who worked immensely to raise national consciousness among people, said the release. (ANI) As the 2024 Lok Sabha elections draw near, India's political landscape is undergoing a significant reshuffling. The emerging INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) consortium is gearing up to challenge the established National Democratic Alliance, setting the stage for an electoral showdown. The political landscape of India is experiencing a profound transformation in anticipation of the 2024 elections. The rise of the INDIA alliance, a revamped version of the existing UPA, poses a formidable challenge to the enduring supremacy of the NDA. This transformation, characterised by shifting alliances, alterations in vote percentages, and fluctuations in seat allocations, highlights the dynamic and unpredictable nature of India's electoral scenario. Till now, the INDIA bloc have held four meeting. The first meeting of the joint opposition convened in Patna on June 23 and the second meeting was held in Bengaluru on July 17-18. The third meeting happened in Mumbai on August 31-September 1 and the fourth meeting was held on December 19 in the national capital. INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) parties are seeking to put a united challenge against the BJP-led NDA in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. The 28 parties participated in the fourth meeting and kept their thoughts before the committee of the alliance. Challenges for INDIA bloc Coming up to the challenges which the INDIA bloc might face are finalising a seat-sharing arrangement and agreement on a PM face. The centrality of the Congress to the bloc was inadvertently endorsed by Mamata Banerjee and Arvind Kejriwal, when they proposed Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge as the PM face of the INDIA bloc but Kharge said that the question of PM face could be decided after the Lok Sabha polls. As the 2024 Lok Sabha elections loom just four months away, the allocation of seats becomes pivotal for the and INDIA bloc, especially after recent electoral setbacks. This discontent among INDIA bloc leaders is not unprecedented, as evident from previous meetings. During the Assembly elections statements made by SP chief Akhilesh Yadav and Congress state president Ajay Rai had created the rift between the parties. Later, the Congress high command had intervened and talked to the SP chief to solve the issue. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav attacked its INDIA block ally Congress on caste census, reminding them that the party did not conduct a caste census when it was in power. "Congress is the party that did not conduct caste census after independence... When all the parties in the Lok Sabha were demanding a caste census, they did not conduct a caste census," Akhilesh Yadav told ANI Satna in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh. Given that concerns such as the caste census failed to strike a chord with voters in recent state elections, leaders of the INDIA bloc may reconsider their strategy and work on formulating a fresh approach. INDIA bloc meetings The inaugural meeting of the Opposition coalition took place in Patna, with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar being the convenor. Fifteen opposition parties participated with the aim of consolidating their forces against the Modi led central government in the impending general elections. In the second meeting held in Bengaluru 26 opposition parties forged an alliance. During the meeting, the coalition was christened INDIA, an acronym for the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance. In the Mumbai meeting, the opposition parties adopted resolutions to collectively contest the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections while announcing that seat-sharing arrangements would be finalized as soon as possible in a spirit of give-and-take. Moreover, in the fourth meeting INDIA bloc addressed various issues, including seat-sharing, a joint campaign blueprint, and devising a strategy to take on the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. The fourth meeting was held in the backdrop of escalating tensions between the government and the opposition over the suspension of parliamentarians during the winter session of Parliament. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge asserted that INDIA bloc parties will focus on seat-sharing talks at the state level, adding that if any issue arises, it will be taken up at the leadership of the alliance. Kharge stated that all INDIA parties unanimously decided how to take the alliance forward. At least 8-10 meetings will be held together across the country. INDIA bloc also passed the resolution on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and the suspension of MPs from Parliament. "INDIA parties reiterate that there are many doubts on the integrity of the functioning of the EVMs. These have been raised by many experts and professionals as well. There is widespread demand for a return to the ballot paper system," the resolution stated. It suggested that "Instead of the VVPAT slip falling in the box, it should be handed over to the voter who shall then place it in a separate ballot box after having verified his or her choice. 100 per cent counting of VVPAT slips should then be done. Henceforth, the key challenge before the INDIA parties is to fight the BJP unitedly in the 2024 Lok Sabha election on an alternative common programme to counter the ruling dispensation. The INDIA alliance, marked by a spectrum of opinions from the Left's and J-K parties' dissatisfaction to Shiv Sena's vocal support for the ruling, must reconcile these differences to formulate a cohesive stance. This unified stance is crucial to effectively counter the BJP's attempt to introduce another divisive issue to polarize voters in the heartland. How BJP gearing up for 2024 Lok Sabha Polls As the battle for 2024 begins, the BJP undeniably maintains the upper hand. After securing victories in three crucial Hindi heartland states--Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh it being said that that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strengthened its position to face the INDIA bloc in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The Congress party was in power in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh and was a major contender in Madhya Pradesh and Telangana. However, it only secured victory in the southern state, taking power from the dominant Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS). After which, Congress will now be in power in three states--Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana. The 3-1 scoreline in this round of assembly elections is a comforting signal for the BJP's poll prospects next year. The party had crafted its campaign around the PM, his welfare interventions and larger credibility. During the recently concluded Assembly polls, PM Modi stood as the pivotal figure for the BJP, dispelling any concern about 'sidelining' party stalwarts. The PM's resonance with the electorate, along with the "Modi ki guarantee" slogan, won over Congress's manifesto. By messaging and strategy, the BJP effectively communicates the mantra of 'sabka saath, sabka vishwas, and sabka prayaas', emphasising Modi's inclusive governance approach. The ruling party is going all out to capture the hearts of people for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. On December 22, the party headquarters hosted a meeting of BJP leaders from across the nation. The Bharatiya Janata Party has set a target of achieving a 50 per cent vote share. Along with this, the party will start cluster meetings after January 15 and Yuva Morcha will hold 5000 conferences across the country. The two-day meeting of BJP national office-bearers concluded on Saturday. In this meeting, BJP has set a target of achieving a 50 per cent vote share in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Along with this, the party will run a campaign across the country to connect with new voters. The BJP will organise programmes at booth level to connect with new voters. According to sources, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has asked all the officials in the meeting to ensure a bumper victory margin in the Lok Sabha elections. Cluster meetings will be organized by dividing Lok Sabhas across the country into clusters. In these clusters, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and BJP President JP Nadda will address public meetings. Yuva Morcha will start new voter conferences on January 24. The BJP Yuva Morcha will organise 5,000 conferences across the country. Along with this, social conferences will also be organised across the country. It was said in the meeting that party leaders should not wait for the announcement of the list of candidates. Every BJP leader must now gear up to ensure victory by a record margin in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections It is expected that the BJP will begin an extensive campaign for the elections that are not even six months away. As the BJP government aims to transform India into a developed nation by the year 2047, the BJP has begun the Viksit Bharat campaign, named Viksit Bharat@2047 The outcomes have strengthened Modi's role as the triumphant figurehead for the party. Despite Congress's efforts to buck the anti-incumbency trend, Modi's guarantees and the BJP's persistent emphasis on highlighting Congress's shortcomings thwarted their endeavours. The safety-first stance of the opposition parties stems from the BJP's assembly wins, which it plans to build upon with the upcoming inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, raising concerns that the insertion of the Jammu and Kashmir issue into the debate will further help the BJP paint the opposition as pandering to the "vote-bank". It is expected that the BJP, in its campaign, will highlight the Ram Temple that will be inaugurated in Ayodhya on January 22, 2024, just a few months ahead of the national elections. Along with this, BJP has decided to run a campaign for Ram Mandir celebrations starting January 1, in which BJP workers will go door to door in all the villages across the country and encourage ten crore families to participate in Diya Lightning programs for Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The BJP is likely to highlight its success stories over its two terms at the Centre, including, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, the Pardhan Mantri Awas Yojna, Digital India, the success of Chandrayaan 3 and various other schemes that have benefited the citizens. With these victories in the three states, the BJP, along with its allies, now controls 17 states. The evolving political narrative in India will play a crucial role in influencing the upcoming elections, necessitating careful scrutiny. Earlier in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the NDA won 353 seats, the UPA stood at 91, and Others won 98. The voting was staggered in seven phases between April 11 and May 19, in which around 67 per cent of the nearly 900 million eligible people exercised their franchise to elect 542 members of the Lok Sabha. The 2024 Lok Sabha elections will be held next year that is likely to be between the Modi government's NDA alliance and the INDIA bloc. (ANI) Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal on Sunday, claimed that his party workers were brutally attacked by the CPI(M) goons and police. He further claimed that the Kerala CM was doing the same thing to the Opposition that BJP does to opposition parties. "Everywhere our boys were brutally attacked by the police and CPI(M) goons. We are fighting against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the dictatorial government and their attitude at the national level, but unfortunately in Kerala CPI(M) leader Pinarayi Vijayan is doing the same thing to attack the opposition parties, basically Congress and the UDF. This is condemnable," said Venugopal. On December 21, Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Legislative Assembly VD Satheesan alleged that Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is threatening him. "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. They also tried to attack young women," VD Satheesan said. He further asserted that the Kerala Chief Minister justified the actions of the accused person. "The first accused should be the Chief Minister of Kerala. Unfortunately, the Chief Minister of Kerala justified the actions of the accused person. He said that it was a life-saving activity and it should be continued," he added. Kerala Police has registered a case against the Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan regarding the Youth Congress march violence on December 20. The Congress leader has been charged under non-bailable sections of the Indian Penal Code for allegedly attacking the police and participating in the destruction of public property during the march. The protest march was held against the alleged attacks on Youth Congress workers who waved black flags during the Nava Kerala Sadas, an outreach programme of the state government. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the programme 'Mazdooron Ka Hit Mazdooron ko Samarpit' and hand over a cheque of about Rs 224 crore pertaining to the dues of the Hukumchand Mill workers on December 25, said an official release on Sunday. As per an official release from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), "Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the programme 'Mazdooron Ka Hit Mazdooron ko Samarpit' and hand over a cheque of about Rs 224 crore pertaining to the dues of the Hukumchand Mill workers to the official liquidator and heads of Labour Union of Hukumchand Mill, Indore, on December 25 at 12 noon via video conferencing." The programme will mark the settlement of the long-pending demands of the Hukumchand Mill workers. The Prime Minister will also address the gathering on the occasion, said the release. The workers of the Hukumchand Mill fought a long legal battle for the payment of their dues after the Hukumchand Mill in Indore was closed in 1992 and went into liquidation subsequently. Recently, the Madhya Pradesh Government played a positive role and successfully negotiated a settlement package that was endorsed by all stakeholders, including courts, labour unions, and mill workers, among others. The settlement plan involves the Madhya Pradesh Government paying all dues upfront, taking possession of the mill land, and developing it into a residential and commercial space, said the release. During the programme, the Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone of the 60 MW Solar power plant being established in villages Samraj and Ashukhedi of Khargone district by Indore Municipal Corporation. The establishment of the new solar power plant, being built for Rs 308 crore, is likely to help Indore Municipal Corporation save approximately Rs 4 crore per month in electricity bills. For funding the construction of the solar plant, Indore Municipal Corporation issued green bonds worth Rs 244 crore. It became the first urban body in the country to issue green bonds. It received a phenomenal response as people of 29 states subscribed to them with a value of about Rs 720 crore, which was about three times the initial value issued, said the official release. (ANI) Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) President Parvez Elahi is suffering from a chest infection, as per sources at the medical facility where he was taken from the Adiala jail, Geo News reported. Geo News is a Pakistani news channel. Elahi, 77, who has been incarcerated for months now, was transferred to the Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology (RIC) on Saturday after he complained of pain in his chest, sources confirmed. Once he reached the medical facility, the former Punjab chief minister underwent a detailed observation. Following the check-up, according to sources, the medics said he would have to come back to the hospital soon, as per Geo News. After the procedure, he was taken back to prison under tight security. The PTI president has remained entangled in legal battles for the better of the ongoing year, as PTI officer bearers faced the heat following the violent May 9 protests, as per Geo News. Earlier in December, the National Accountability Bureau filed a corruption reference of over Rs 1 billion against him, his son Moonis Elahi, and others. The anti-graft body filed the reference against the father-son duo for allegedly plundering the national treasury and receiving kickbacks. This was the same case in which he was arrested in August, according to Geo News. The senior PTI leader was initially arrested on June 1 in a Rs 70 million graft case related to the embezzlement of development funds allocated for the Gujrat district and has been behind bars ever since. He was released several times in between, only to be re-arrested immediately in different cases, including a money laundering case and allegations of illegal appointments in the Punjab Assembly, as per Geo News. (ANI) The United Nations (UN) has called on the Taliban to recognise individuals under 18 years of age as children and prevent their recruitment into security forces, Khaama Press reported. The Khaama Press is an online news service for Afghanistan. The UN has said that Afghan children remain in an extremely vulnerable situation. In a report released on Friday, the UN stated that over two years, from the beginning of 2021 to the end of 2022, a total of 4,519 cases of violence against 3,545 children ranging from a few months to 17 years old have been reported in Afghanistan. The findings indicate that the Taliban is the main perpetrator of these violations, as per Khaama Press. The UN stated that the Taliban does not accept the international definition of a child as someone under 18 years old and considers a child to be someone who does not show signs of puberty. Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict Virginia Gamba said that despite some actions by the Taliban, including the issuance of a decree prohibiting the recruitment of children, the group has not yet made child protection a part of its governance agenda. After regaining control of Afghanistan, the Taliban announced that it would dismiss underage individuals from its ranks. The United Nations said that the absence of a child protection mechanism has led to the deprivation of their freedom due to national security-related charges and alleged or actual affiliations with opposition forces or groups, according to Khaama Press. Gamba urged the Taliban to focus on child-related issues, advocating for protective measures and recognising anyone under 18 as a child to deter their military recruitment. The UN report, while highlighting the dire need for funding, identifies Afghan children as frequent victims of landmine incidents, lacking crucial support in the aftermath. The report calls for global support to eliminate explosive threats, emphasising the critical need for education and increased investment in children's safety and rights, as per Khaama Press. (ANI) A man was killed and a woman injured in a shooting inside a mall at Ocala in Florida on Saturday afternoon, CNN reported citing Ocala Police chief Mike Balken. Balken said the police received 911 calls about multiple shots fired inside the Paddock Mall, with the caller reporting an "active shooter scenario", CNN reported, adding that a heavy police team was rushed to the scene to respond to the situation. "Officers immediately made entry into the mall and eventually discovered this was not an active shooter situation," the police chief said. The police, instead, characterised the shooting incident as a targeted act of violence, Balken added, according to CNN. Following the incident, the judge halted California law that would have banned carrying concealed firearms in many public places. The police chief confirmed further that a man was found dead inside the mall from gunshot wounds. He added that a woman suffered a gunshot wound to her leg. She was shifted to a hospital and is expected to survive, Balten said. However, police are still searching for the suspect, who was reportedly described as a Black male wearing a black hoodie, black pants and a black mask over his face. According to CNN, while the parking lot of the mall has been reopened for residents to retrieve their vehicles, the mall remains closed, the Ocala Police Department said on a social media post. One of the people present at the mall during the shooting said they heard one shot, and, after a pause, three other shots rang out. "We heard one shot then a pause then 3 other shots rang out and chaos erupted," Syriah Williams, 18, who was shopping with her mother, said. Williams added that the mall employees opened the back storage area and instructed everyone to run, CNN reported, adding that she made her way through the storage area and down a hallway that led to a back exit. Following the shooting, WPG, owners of the Paddock Mall issued a statement on Saturday night. "We are deeply saddened by this tragedy. Our thoughts are with all those involved. The safety of our guests, retailers and employees is our top priority. We are working closely with the Ocala Police Department as they investigate this incident," the statement read. According to the Gun Violence Archive, deaths caused by Gun violence are approaching 42,000 for the year, reported CNN. Large and small communities across the country are searching for ways to curb the violence, as state-level efforts to regulate firearms in California, New York, Maryland and elsewhere have failed in court. The shooting took place at a shopping mall on one of the busiest shopping days of the year, second only to Black Friday, analysts said. (ANI) In a sombre social media post, Jaishankar conveyed his condolences, highlighting Dannenberg's exceptional friendship with India and many individuals personally. https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1738769455596061074 "Deeply grieved to learn of the passing away of Ambassador Hans Dannenberg of the Dominican Republic. He was an extraordinary friend of India and of so many of us personally. His tenure as the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in New Delhi is fondly remembered by those who served then," posted the EAM on X. Jaishankar acknowledged Dannenberg's personal efforts in building and elevating the diplomatic ties between the Dominican Republic and India, praising his role in reaching great political and economic heights. "He personally built Dominican Republic's relationship with India and took it to great political and economic heights," his post added. The External Affairs Minister extended heartfelt condolences to Ambassador Dannenberg's family, recognizing the loss of an extraordinary friend and diplomat. "Our condolences to his family," he also said. The Dominican Embassy in India also expressed profound condolences in a post on X. The Embassy emphasised Ambassador Hans Dannenberg Castellanos's exemplary diplomatic service, describing him as a defender of the best interests of the Dominican Republic. https://twitter.com/RDenIndia/status/1738633961986019493 The embassy extended sincere solidarity to Ambassador Dannenberg's family, including his wife and sons. "We express our deepest condolences on the passing of H.E. Hans Dannenberg Castellanos, former Ambassador to India. Hans Dannenberg was an exemplary diplomat who defended the best interests of the Dominican Rep. We extend our heartfelt solidarity to his family, his wife and sons," Dominican Embassy in India said in a post on X. (ANI) In the latest development, Muhammad Yahya Rasheed, counsel for PTI NA-127 candidate Ejaz Chaudhry, lodged a written complaint with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). Rasheed detailed the occurrences during his visit, along with two employees, to the Returning Officer (RO) Office for NA-127 for the submission of nomination papers on behalf of his client. "I was present in the office of RO Hassan Gillani, Director Civil Defence, when a sizable contingent of police officials raided the RO office, forcibly confiscating nomination papers from us," The Express Tribune quotes Rasheed as saying. "Furthermore, the police apprehended my two employees without just cause." Expressing his dismay, Rasheed revealed that upon addressing the issue with RO Gillani, the latter asserted having no control over the situation and recommended seeking legal recourse. This disclosure raised significant concerns about the feasibility of conducting free and fair elections under these circumstances. Advocate Yahya urged the ECP to scrutinise such incidents, seeking the recovery of Chaudhry's papers from the police. Simultaneously, PTI posted on X that Advocate High Court Waqar Mushtaq was apprehended by police while submitting papers for Ammar Bashir from PP-162. PTI revealed substantial hindrances for PTI Lahore, with officials, police, and unknown individuals posing challenges. Earlier, PTI Central Punjab VP Akmal Bari was abducted, and on Saturday, PTI Central Punjab President Hammad Azhar's nominations were rejected on higher authority orders. Similarly, the lawyer for Insaf Youth Wing Lahore president was abducted during nomination paper submission. District Returning Officer refused Mian Mehmood-ul-Rashid's papers, and police forcibly took papers from Dr Yasmeen Rashid's 83-year-old husband. Police allegedly abused Lahore High Court Bar Association President Advocate Aamir Jalil during paper submission. Party leaders and activists shared videos on social media depicting police and civilians attempting to snatch papers or impede submissions, The Tribune Express reported. (ANI) Cologne police chief Michael Esser on Saturday said the Cologne cathedral would be closed and sniffer dogs would be brought in to search the building after the evening mass service. "Even though the information relates to New Year's Eve, we are from this evening doing everything we can to ensure the safety of visitors of the cathedral on Christmas Eve," Esser said in a statement. Visitors will have to undergo thorough security checks before entering the cathedral on Sunday, Al Jazeera reported. According to the German newspaper Bild, the authorities in Germany, Austria and Spain have all received intelligence inputs of an Islamist group plotting attacks in Europe, with targets possibly including Christmas masses in Cologne, Vienna and Madrid. On Saturday, special forces in Vienna and Germany arrested several suspects, Bild reported. However, Al Jazeera could not independently confirm the arrests. Meanwhile, Austrian police stated that they were boosting security for churches and Christmas markets due to the heightened state of alert, reported Al Jazeera. "Given that terrorist actors throughout Europe are calling for attacks on Christian events, especially around December 24, the security authorities have taken the corresponding protection measures in public spaces," the Austrian Police said in a statement. Earlier this month, Spain's Interior Ministry announced it would tighten security measures for the Christmas holiday period. The Cologne cathedral, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, is one of Germany's most popular tourist attractions, attracting more than six million visitors each year. (ANI) Nicaraguan authorities apprehended a second bishop on Thursday (local time) in an extensive crackdown on opposition figures and the Catholic Church led by President Daniel Ortega's government, CNN reported, citing sources. Bishop Isidoro Mora, from the Siuna church on the Caribbean coast, was arrested after participating in a mass commemorating the anniversary of the Matagalpa church, the sources added. CNN has sought further details on Mora's legal situation and arrest from the Nicaraguan government. A source, requesting anonymity due to potential backlash, witnessed the moments leading up to the arrest and mentioned that Mora had briefly discussed detained bishop and government critic Rolando Alvarez during a homily. Mora was quoted as saying, "We are here praying for Matagalpa church, praying for Bishop Rolando," adding, "Unfortunately, (Mora) was arrested the next day." Alvarez, the bishop of Matagalpa, is serving a 26-year prison sentence for charges including conspiracy and treason. He refused to leave the country with 200 others opposing the government. The condition of Mora since the arrest remains unknown, as per one source. The other source told CNN the "persecution against the church in Nicaragua is very strong. We shut up because if we say something we face threats. We know the world knows, but we suffer the pain." Since 2018, tens of thousands of Nicaraguans have fled the country to escape persecution when Ortega's government suppressed widespread anti-regime protests, resulting in numerous deaths, injuries, and arbitrary detentions, according to Human Rights Watch. Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo view the Catholic Church as opposition forces, labelling the protests as an "attempted coup." Mora's arrest follows the expulsion of two Costa Rican nuns from Nicaragua in April after praying for Alvarez. Yader Morazan, an expert in Nicaragua's judiciary system, highlighted a "repressive pattern" against the Catholic Church, with dozens of priests and laymen jailed, and over 200 people, including priests and nuns, expelled or blocked from returning. A news release from state-owned website El19digital on Monday reported the arrest of 11 people linked to Christian organisations accused of money laundering. Ortega secured a fifth term as president in 2021. His government, citing a vague national security law, began detaining opposition figures, journalists, and activists ahead of the elections in June of that year, CNN reported. (ANI) Tel Aviv [Israel], December 24 (ANI/TPS): Friday night, during an operation in the town of Barta'a - nor far from Netanya on the coast and located just to the east of the pre-1967 borderline - police officers arrested a suspect who tried to attack the Israeli security forces there and shot a terrorist who took off his car's handbrake, sending it rolling at them, all this alongside a riot by local residents Also, a woman Border Police officer arrested the suspect who punched her on Friday in Barta'a. During the disruptions there, a rioters attacked one of the Israeli fighters who was operating there and escaped. Intelligence activity led to his arrest that same night the suspect, a resident of Barta'a (43) was transferred for further investigation. (ANI/TPS) Jamia Binoria Town, a prominent religious school in Karachi, the capital of Sindh province, has issued a fatwa (a religious decree) declaring the use of TikTok illegal and haram, terming it the biggest temptation of the modern era, Pakistani vernacular media reported. In Fatwa No. (144211200409), the institution outlined ten reasons supporting its stance. In the past, religious scholars have been calling for a ban on TikTok as a reason for spreading immorality, and a partial ban has also been imposed on TikTok time and again in Pakistan, Dawn News TV reported. The fatwa, delivered online by Jamia Binoria, asserts that TikTok poses an increasing danger as a fitna (temptation) in the present age and is considered illegal and haram from a Shariah perspective. Among the reasons cited, the app's inclusion of photos and videos of animals is deemed forbidden in Sharia, and the creation and dissemination of obscene videos by women on the platform is highlighted, Dawn News TV report added. Furthermore, the fatwa condemns the practice of men and women on TikTok making videos involving dancing and singing, which is viewed as a means of spreading obscenity and nudity, deemed a waste of time and leading to moral decay. Jamia Banoria's fatwa underscores that TikTok not only contains videos that mock scholars and religion but is a platform where everything can be subjected to mockery and ridicule. According to the fatwa, as reported by Dawn News TV, engaging with TikTok inevitably involves participating in activities that are considered sinful in Sharia, making it nearly impossible to avoid falling into such transgressions. Consequently, the fatwa declares the use of TikTok impermissible. With over 39 million downloads in 2022 alone, TikTok, owned by China-based ByteDance, is under increasing scrutiny and calls for bans worldwide, including in Pakistan, according to data from Sensor Tower, a mobile and digital analytics firm, The Express Tribune reported. Earlier this year, a petition was filed in the Lahore High Court, urging a ban on the TikTok application. The petition highlighted concerns about the platform's perceived detrimental effects on the youth of society, adding to the growing chorus of voices advocating for restrictions. In 2021, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority imposed a five-month ban on the video-sharing app from July to November. The ban was lifted after TikTok provided assurances that it would enhance measures to control indecent or immoral content on the platform, The Express Tribune reported. (ANI) In the central Gaza village of Jahar al-Dikh, troops located a Hamas weapons warehouse. Soldiers also spotted rocket launchers that had been used to fire rockets at Israel in previous days. The launchers were destroyed in an airstrike. Israeli forces operating in Gaza City also found large numbers of weapons, including mortars and explosives, inside a house next to a kindergarten. In another house nearby, a rocket launcher ready for use and aimed towards Israel was discovered, along with a rocket-propelled grenade on a windowsill ready to be fired. In Khan Yunis, soldiers uncovered large numbers of weapons, including military uniforms explosive charges, weapons, cartridges and combat equipment inside a residential home. Meanwhile, an Air Force fighter jet directed by ground forces killed a Hamas terrorist placing explosive charges and striking a terror squad that endangered the Israelis. Engineering forces destroyed a tunnel route from which terrorists came out and fired a rocket-propelled grenade. The IDF added that in the last two days, forces based on intelligence guidance carried out raids on the buildings at a school on the outskirts of Al Shati in northern Gaza where Hamas squads operated. Soldiers found many weapons, cartridges and maps belonging to Hamas. The moves come one day after the IDF announced it had completed the takeover of northern Gaza's Shejaiya district. At least 1,200 people were killed in Hamas's attacks on Israeli communities near the Gaza border on Oct. 7. The number of men, women, children, soldiers and foreigners held captive in Gaza by Hamas is now believed to be 129. Other people remain unaccounted for as Israeli authorities continue to identify bodies and search for human remains. (ANI/TPS) Taiwanese Labour Minister Hsu Ming-chun on Saturday said that the government has no plans to bring as many as 100,000 migrant workers from India to Taiwan, Taiwan's Central News Agency (CNA) reported. His remarks come in apparent reference to the statement made by Kuomintang (KMT) presidential nominee Hou Yu-ih. In a press release, Hsu Ming-chun said Taiwan had not signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with India to bring in migrant workers. He further said that the issue was subject to continued evaluation regarding employment cooperation. Hsu stressed that any claims made regarding Taiwan seeking to open its doors to 100,000 Indian workers are "fake," adding that these claims have been made by "ill-intentioned people" to manipulate people's opinions for electoral gains. Hsu Ming-chun's statement came after KMT nominee Hou cited a media report claiming that an MOU had already been signed to bring in Indian migrant workers, CNA reported. Hou Yu-ih's statement during a televised policy presentation forum on Wednesday was a likely reference to a November 10 media report claiming a prospective MOU between Taiwan and India. The report claimed that plans were being made for an "employment mobility agreement." The US media report, citing "senior officials familiar with the matter," claimed that an agreement to bring "as many as 100,000" Indian migrant workers to Taiwan could be signed as early as December this year,' Taiwan's Central News Agency (CNA) reported. On Saturday, Hou's campaign office said Hsu stated in November that Taiwan and India were set to sign an MOU by the end of the year to bring in migrant workers, according to CNA report. Given that there are only nine days left before the end of 2023, Hsu should clarify when the MOU would be signed and how many Indian workers would come to Taiwan according to the pact, Hou's office said. Speaking to local media on November 13, Hsu Ming-chun said that Taiwan and India "are expected to sign an MOU by the end of the year" to bring in migrant workers after the Cabinet signed off on the plan. However, Hsu said in December that no date has been set yet for signing the MoU. (ANI) The personal camaraderie between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden has pushed the bond between the two world's largest democracies to greater heights. President Joe Biden has said the friendship between the US and India was among the most consequential in the world as the two countries signed several major deals to further elevate their strategic technology partnership. During PM Modi's visit to the US in June, US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden welcomed him at the White House for the state dinner. PM Modi also addressed a joint session of the US congress (a rare honour for a visiting leader from overseas) is evident of the fact that India-US relations are deepening and widening. PM Modi stressed that the state dinner evening has become quite special because of the presence of the people of the two countries, as he called them "most precious assets." During his speech at the State Dinner held at the White House, PM Modi said, "Indian Americans have come a long way in the US and have always found a respectful place in America's melting pot. Indian Americans have played a significant role in further strengthening the inclusive society and economy of the US." Showing the strong bond between PM Modi and US President Biden, the two leaders were seen sharing a hug at the White House. A 'state visit' holds a special significance as compared to other foreign visits, as this is a formal visit by the head of state to a foreign country at the invitation of the head of state hosting him. Moreover, the visit signifies the highest expression of friendly bilateral ties between two sovereign nations. In one of Biden's addresses, he stressed that the relationship between India and the United States is "one of the most defining relationships" in the 21st century. Moreover, emphasising the strong boost in the strategic sectors between the two countries, multiple deals and Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) were signed between India and US, including the semiconductor deal, artificial intelligence (AI), space-related deals and much more. During the state visit, PM Modi and President Biden hailed the signing of an MoU on the Semiconductor Supply Chain and Innovation Partnership as a significant step in the coordination of the two countries' semiconductor incentive programmes, which will further promote commercial opportunities, research, talent, and skill development, according to a statement. The leaders welcomed an announcement by Micron Technology to invest up to USD 825 million to build a new semiconductor assembly and test facility in India with support from the Indian government. The combined investment valued at USD 2.75 billion would create up to 5,000 new direct and 15,000 community job opportunities in the next five years. Following the state visit, in July, President and CEO of semiconductor player Micron Technology Sanjay Mehrotra met PM Modi in Gujarat's Gandhinagar and they discussed the US-based company's plans to bolster the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem within India. Micron announced plans to build a new assembly and test facility in Gujarat with the facility expected to meet demand from both domestic and international markets. Besides the semiconductor deal, PM Modi and Biden further highlighted working on other sectors as well, including the co-production of jet engines for the Indian Air Force, defence industrial collaboration, space sector cooperation, innovation partnership and collaboration in emerging artificial intelligence technology. Later, in a major announcement, GE Aerospace announced that it had signed a MoU with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to produce state-of-the-art fighter jet engines for the Indian Air Force, which are known for their endurance and durability and will further enhance the capacity of the Indian Air Force. Additionally, GE Aerospace said that over 1,600 F414 engines have been delivered globally. According to the joint statement, both leaders hailed the signing of the MoU for the manufacture of GE F414 jet engines in India for HAL's Light Combat Aircraft Mk 2. This trailblazing initiative to manufacture F-414 engines in India will enable a greater transfer of US jet engine technology than ever before. Moving to the space sector, the two leaders welcomed the decision of NASA and ISRO to develop a strategic framework for human spaceflight cooperation by the end of 2023. The leaders hailed the announcement by NASA to provide advanced training to Indian astronauts at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, to mount a joint effort at the International Space Station in 2024. They further celebrated the delivery of the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite to ISRO's UR Rao Satellite Centre in Bengaluru, India, and looked forward to NISAR's 2024 launch from India. India is the ninth largest trading partner for the US, while the US is India's largest trading partner and the largest export destination, according to a statement from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Furthermore, PM Modi and Joe Biden affirmed the intention of the two governments, as trusted partners, to work together to ensure that their respective markets are well-supplied with the essential critical minerals needed to achieve climate, economic and strategic technology cooperation goals. Later, US President Biden visited India to attend the 18th G20 Summit held on September 9-10, marking his first visit to India as a US President. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepen and diversify the India-US Major Defence Partnership through expanded cooperation in new and emerging domains such as space and AI, and accelerated defence industrial collaboration. Meanwhile, during the G20 Summit, India, the US, Saudi Arabia and the European Union announced a historic agreement to launch a mega India-Middle East-Europe shipping and railway connectivity corridor. The announcement made by PM Modi was flanked by US President Biden, Saudi Arabian Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman and leaders of the EU. Speaking after the launch, PM Modi said, "I cordially welcome you all at this event. I am very happy to co-chair this event with my friend, President Joe Biden. Today we have all seen the conclusion of a historic and important agreement. In the coming days, it will be an effective medium of economic integration between India, South Asia, and Europe." During the G20 Summit, India and the US also settled the seventh and last outstanding World Trade Organisation (WTO) dispute over poultry products. Notably, the six previous disputes were resolved during PM Modi's state visit to the US. President Biden also lauded India's G20 Presidency for further demonstrating how the G20 as a forum is delivering important outcomes. PM Modi and President Biden, during the bilateral meeting held in New Delhi, reaffirmed the importance of the Quad in supporting a free, open, inclusive, and resilient Indo-Pacific. Furthermore, PM Modi looked forward to welcoming President Biden to the next Quad Leaders' Summit to be hosted by India in 2024. India also welcomed the US decision to co-lead the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative Pillar on Trade Connectivity and Maritime Transport, further to the US decision to join IPOI in June 2023. Moreover, in a move to further boost their relations, India and the US have also joined forces to launch as many as 10,000 electric buses on the streets of India, bringing about a significant transformation in India's public transportation system. Further shedding a light on Indo-Pacific security, US Defence and State Department officials co-chaired the seventh 2+2 Intersessional Dialogue with their Indian counterparts on September 26 and laid their emphasis on the transformative momentum in US-India ties and reiterated the need to uphold security in the Indo-Pacific region, according to the Pentagon. The officials underscored the transformative momentum in US-India relations and reaffirmed that a strong US-India partnership is essential to upholding security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. The 2+2 Intersessional Dialogue advanced a wide range of ambitious initiatives across the breadth of the US-India partnership, including defence and security, emerging technologies, people-to-people ties, clean energy, and supply chain resilience. Later in November, the US in a fact sheet said that the US-India relationship is one of the "most strategic and consequential" of the 21st century. To further hold discussions on the Indo-Pacific region, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin visited India, held discussions with PM Modi on November 11 and discussed India-US relations and their efforts to promote an open and secure Indo-Pacific region. Blinken and Austin were in India for the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, held in New Delhi. PM Modi, after meeting US Secretary Antony Blinken, stated that the '2+2' format is a key enabler for further strengthening the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. Moreover, India and the US are promoting a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific by strengthening the partnership through QUAD (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) with Japan and Australia. Calling the India-US partnership a "force" for the "global good," PM Modi said that the mutually beneficial cooperation between New Delhi and Washington is underpinned by their shared belief in democracy, pluralism, and the rule of law. Moreover, the personal bond between the two leaders has resulted in India-US relations becoming increasingly multi-faceted, covering cooperation in areas such as trade, defence and security, education, science and technology, civil nuclear energy, space technology and applications, environment, and health. Grassroot-level interactions between the people of the two nations provide further vitality and strength to this bilateral relationship. There have been regular contacts at political and official levels, and a wide-ranging dialogue on bilateral, regional and global issues has taken place. (ANI) At least 13 workers were killed and 38 others were injured after a furnace explosion at a Chinese-owned nickel factory in Indonesia on Sunday, CNN reported citing officials. The incident occurred at a factory in the Morowali Industrial Park on the island of Sulawesi. Chinese steel and nickel giant Tsingshan operates the factory, which has stakes in Indonesia's nickel mining industry and runs operations under its local arm, Indonesia Tsingshan Stainless Steel (ITSS), according to CNN report. Speaking to CNN affiliate CNN Indonesia, Morowali police spokesperson Ipda Hamid said that 13 people died on the spot, with multiple victims being taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. Hamid said police personnel were on the spot and an official investigation is being conducted. Videos from the spot showed thick black smoke from huge fires rising in the air. The blast occurred at the time when workers were repairing a furnace, CNN reported citing a UK media report. Hamid said several oxygen cylinders nearby also exploded, which caused the fire. "The cause of the explosion is thought to be because the bottom of the furnace still contained explosive trigger fluid during the repair process. Then an explosion occurred," Head of the Media Relations Division of PT Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park (IMIP) said, CNN Indonesia reported. Indonesian politician and labour activist Said Iqbal has called for a probe by the Indonesian Manpower Ministry. In a statement, Iqbal said, "The (operator) must bear the costs of medical treatment and accident compensation for those affected." "There must also be heavy sanctions for those who violate regulations," he added. (ANI) Days after being held for protesting against 'enforced disappearances' against the Pakistani government, the detained Baloch protestors were released by the Islamabad Police on Sunday, after their bail was approved, The News International reported. The development came after the Baloch protesters gave a three-day ultimatum to the Islamabad authorities, seeking the release of all students and demanding the dismissal of all the cases against the protestors. Earlier on Wednesday night, the Islamabad police used excessive force and rounded up all the Baloch protestors, who converged in the capital to stage a protest demonstration against "enforced disappearances." The long march led by Baloch women started their journey from Balochistan on December 6, The News International reported. Notably, the police action against the Baloch women and men triggered widespread condemnations from human rights bodies and political parties. Even the federal ministers admitted that the "protestors who reached Islamabad from Balochistan were not involved in the violence." Earlier this week, Islamabad Police detained several Baloch protesters after using water cannons and baton charges to break up a protest against enforced disappearances, ARY News reported. Soon after the arrests, the Baloch Yekjehti Committee (BYC) filed a petition in the Islamabad High Court. Hearing a petition filed by long march organisers against the "illegal" arrests of Baloch protestors, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) ruled that it is their "constitutional right" to hold protests. "Let them protest who have come to protest; it's their constitutional right," the court stated. IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq warned Islamabad IG Akbar Nasir Khan against any hindrance to the protest, stating that the Balochis have the constitutional right to demonstration. Meanwhile, the caretaker PM formed a three-member committee comprising Solangi, Fawad and Jamal Shah to hold talks with the families of the protesters, according to ARY News. The Islamabad police posted on X (formerly Twitter), that the protesters had demanded the release of their detained supporters during a meeting with a cabinet committee formed by the prime minister. "Keeping in view the legal requirements, the bail of the arrested protesters has been approved. The detained protesters are being released," it said, adding that the relatives of the detainees should contact them for information and assistance so that legal assistance can be provided, The News International reported. Earlier, the Islamabad police said that the court had issued orders to release 163 protesters after approving their bail. Meanwhile, the Baloch Yakjahti Committee said that the protest sit-in continues in front of the National Press Club in Islamabad. (ANI) The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Aid (OCHA) said the European Union has contributed 3 million euros to Afghanistan's humanitarian aid, Afghanistan-based Khaama Press reported. According to OCHA, the funds provided by the EU will enable aid agencies to give necessary assistance and protection to millions in need across Afghanistan, Khaama Press reported. Throughout the year, the European Union has been supporting Afghanistan by providing several aid packages to address the ongoing crisis. The humanitarian situation in Afghanistan remains dire, with more than half of the population in need of assistance, according to a Khaama Press report. OCHA has stated that USD 3 billion will be required for adequate aid in Afghanistan in the coming year. Initially, OCHA for the year 2023 requested USD 4.6 billion for Afghanistan's aid efforts. However, it has not received all the funds, resulting in a significant funding shortfall for aid needs in Afghanistan, Khaama Press reported. Due to the funding gap, an estimated 10 million people in Afghanistan lost access to vital food aid from May to November, according to OCHA. The funding shortfall comes amid a severe humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, exacerbated by harsh winter conditions. The situation in Afghanistan is critical as Afghan migrants face forced deportation from Pakistan, further adding to the already dire circumstances. The financial shortfall hampers the delivery of essential aid and services, affecting the vulnerable people in need. The convergence of the harsh winter, the humanitarian crisis and the influx of returning migrants causes an escalating need for increased support and resources. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has said that over one million children in Afghanistan are facing severe malnutrition, Afghanistan-based TOLO News reported. According to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Afghanistan needs USD 185 million to fight against malnutrition. In a post on X, he said that 30 per cent of the total Afghanistan population faces acute food insecurity. He said: "Close to 1 million children are severely malnourished and 2.3 million are suffering from moderate acute malnutrition. WHO needs USD 185 million to continue providing medicine and supporting hospitals to prevent more Afghan children and women from dying of malnutrition and the consequences of food insecurity." Afghanistan's Taliban-appointed Ministry of Public Health said that the number of malnourished mothers and children in the country has slightly increased compared to past years. According to the doctors of Indira Gandhi Children's Hospital, the number of malnourished children in Afghanistan has increased compared to past years, and in the winter 20 to 25 malnourished children visited the hospital. A nurse, Fatima Azimi, said: "Compared to the past year, especially in winter, our patients increased and nowadays 15 to 20 patients are referred daily." "For children not to face malnutrition, respectable families should increase the distance between births and observe health guidelines, and our society should be saved from poverty and improved," said a doctor Abdul Gafoor Rasooli, according to TOLO News. (ANI) Christians on Sunday evening gathered at Assumption Church in Nepal's Lalitpur for the mass prayer and singing Carole marking Christmas Eve--the evening before the birth of Jesus Christ. The annual celebration of Christmas Eve is held on December 24, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, who was born on December 25, observed as Christmas Day. Churches across Nepal have been decorated with lights and decorations to mark the evening with gaiety and fanfare, praising Christ. The "Assumption Church" in Lalitpur city has been decorated with lighting and a Christmas tree was set in the courtyard, which has become the centre of attraction for visitors. Speaking to ANI, Sushmita Kunwar, one of the participants of the mass prayer and Carole in Lalitpur, said, "I am Catholic and we are celebrating Christmas Eve as per the belief that Jesus is born to spread peace. We believe in that and that's why we are here to celebrate," A Christian holiday honouring the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas traditions around the world are diverse. However, they share key traits involving the themes of light and evergreens. Other communities also join the celebration in Nepal, as it has been observed as a national festival. People across the world observe the festival with traditions and practices that include decorating Christmas trees, exchanging gifts, sharing meals with family and friends, and waiting for Santa Claus to arrive. The history of Christmas trees goes back to the symbolic use of evergreens in ancient Rome and Egypt. The first such trees were brought to the US in the 1800s from Germany. Trees that are green throughout the year have a special meaning for people in the winter. Therefore, people decorate their homes with pine, fir, and spruce trees. It was also believed that evergreens would keep away ghosts, witches, evil spirits, and illness. Santa Claus has a history steeped in Christmas traditions. In recent times, he is considered a jolly man in red who brings toys to 'good boy and girl' on Christmas Eve. However, the story of Claus goes back to the 3rd century when Saint Nicholas walked the earth to become the patron saint of children. (ANI) An FIR was registered against several Pashtun political activists including nationalist leader Ali Wazir for welcoming the Baloch Genocide, Balochistan Post reported on Sunday. An FIR was registered against many Pashtun political activists including Pashtun nationalist leader Ali Wazir for welcoming the long march in Turbat against enforced disappearances. The Long March was carried out from Quetta to Islamabad in the city of DI Khan, Pakistan, Balochistan Post reported. Mahrang Baloch, the leader of the Baloch Solidarity Committee reacted to the FIR and said, "I do not understand those people who find our stand tough but are closing their eyes to the brutality of the state". He said that an FIR was registered against many Pashtun political activists including Ali Wazir for welcoming the long march in DI Khan, according to Balochistan Post. "Now what is this if not a state scandal," she stated. Earlier in the day, days after being held for protesting against 'enforced disappearances' against the Pakistani government, the detained Baloch protestors were released by the Islamabad Police on Sunday, after their bail was approved, The News International reported. The development came after the Baloch protesters gave a three-day ultimatum to the Islamabad authorities, seeking the release of all students and demanding the dismissal of all the cases against the protestors. Notably, the police action against the Baloch women and men triggered widespread condemnations from human rights bodies and political parties. Even the federal ministers admitted that the "protestors who reached Islamabad from Balochistan were not involved in the violence." Earlier this week, Islamabad Police detained several Baloch protesters after using water cannons and baton charges to break up a protest against enforced disappearances, ARY News reported. Hearing a petition filed by long march organisers against the "illegal" arrests of Baloch protestors, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) ruled that it is their "constitutional right" to hold protests. Earlier, the Islamabad police said that the court had issued orders to release 163 protesters after approving their bail. Meanwhile, the Baloch Yakjahti Committee said that the protest sit-in continues in front of the National Press Club in Islamabad. (ANI) ARY News is a Pakistani news channel. Bilawal, while speaking to the media in Larkana, said the cypher case is a serious matter and a judicial investigation must be carried out in this matter. He said that relief has been given in the cypher case, however, the Bhutto family went through political victimisation and that is why "we want proper investigation of the cypher case". Recently, former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan and PTI vice-chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi were again indicted by a special court in the cypher case. Judge Abual Hasnat Zulqarnain of the special court heard the case against Imran and Qureshi. This was the second time that the PTI leaders were indicted. Under the cypher case, the first information report (FIR) was registered on August 15 under the Official Secrets Act. It was registered on the complaint of the the Home Secretary. Imran Khan and former foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi were mentioned in the report, while the names of former principal secretary Azam Khan and former planning minister Asad Umar were also mentioned. The FIR stated that the former prime minister and foreign minister distorted the facts of the diplomatic cypher. "A conspiracy was launched to misuse the contents of the cypher to fulfil nefarious purposes," it added. It further stated that the former premier and top diplomat endangered state interests. (ANI) Former US President Donald Trump has urged a federal appeals court to throw out the federal election subversion criminal case in Washington, DC, arguing that he is protected under presidential immunity, CNN reported. Trump wants the DC Circuit Court of Appeals to overturn a lower-court ruling rejecting his claims of immunity in special counsel Jack Smith's election subversion case. The appeals panel is weighing Trump's request, which the Supreme Court on Friday refused to take up on an expedited basis, as Smith requested. As per CNN, the filing reiterates what the former president's lawyers have repeatedly asserted: that Trump was working in his official capacity as president to "ensure election integrity" when he allegedly undermined the 2020 election results and therefore has immunity and that his indictment is unconstitutional because presidents cannot be criminally prosecuted for "official acts" unless they are impeached and convicted by the Senate. Trump's attorneys wrote on Saturday: "The Constitution establishes a powerful structural check to prevent political factions from abusing the formidable threat of criminal prosecution to disable the President and attack their political enemies." "Before any single prosecutor can ask a court to sit in judgement of the President's conduct, Congress must have approved of it by impeaching and convicting the President," they wrote. "That did not happen here, and so President Trump has absolute immunity." The former president has been attempting to delay his March 4 trial in the case, with his fight over the immunity claim underscoring those efforts, as per CNN. The appeals court has expedited its consideration of his appeal, and it's set to hear oral arguments in the matter on January 9. District Judge Tanya Chutkan, who is overseeing his criminal case, temporarily paused all procedural deadlines in the case while the appeal played out. On Friday, the Supreme Court rejected a request from Smith for the justices to immediately hear the case before the DC Circuit had a chance to weigh in. Both sides will have the option of appealing the eventual ruling from the appeals court back up to the highest court. (ANI) Fourteen Israeli soldiers were killed in combat in the Gaza Strip over the weekend, marking some of the bloodiest days in Israels fight against Hamas, the Associated Press reported. The 14 soldiers were killed in central and southern Gaza over the weekend, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Sunday, the AP reported. The Israeli Army Radio reportedly said four soldiers were killed when their car was hit by an anti-tank missile, while others were killed in separate fighting incidents. Another solider was killed in northern Israel following an attack from the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, according to the AP. The weekend deaths bring the total number of Israeli soldiers killed in the militarys ground offensive in Gaza to 153, the AP reported. Speaking to the Israeli government on Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said this is a difficult morning, after a very difficult day of fighting in Gaza. Netanyahu expressed his condolences to the family members of the fallen soldiers and reiterated Israeli forces have eliminated thousands of terrorists. We are continuing with full force, until the end, until victory, until we achieve all our goals, Netanyahu said. The destruction of Hamas, the return of our hostages, and ensuring that Gaza will never again constitute a threat to the State of Israel. Israel has vowed to eliminate Hamas and its military capabilities following the militant groups Oct. 7 attacks that killed 1,200 people in Israel, including hundreds of civilians. The country immediately launched a massive retaliatory campaign in Hamas-run Gaza Strip, which has left an estimated 20,000 civilians dead, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The Health Ministry on Sunday said 166 were killed in Gaza in the past day, according to the AP. While the U.S. has reiterated its support of Israels right to defend itself, the Biden administration in recent weeks has upped its calls for Israelis military to minimize civilian deaths. President Biden on Saturday said he had a long talk with Netanyahu, empathizing he did not ask for a cease-fire, despite mounting pressure from the international community. Eight countries joined Israel and the U.S. in a U.N. vote last week, voting against a cease-fire resolution, while the U.S. abstained on a U.N. Security Council vote on Friday on Gaza aid after negotiating for a watered-down measure. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. An 18-year-old was arrested in connection with a daytime shooting in Stoughton on Saturday. Marc Francois of Stoughton was arrested and faces charges after he allegedly shot a Rhode Island man he had arranged to meet, police say. On Saturday, December 23 officers were called for a shots fired incident in the area of Central Street and Greenwood Avenue. Upon arrival, officers saw a man leaving the area. The suspect later identified as Dreancois was located a short time late at a condi complex with a firearm. Another man admitted himself to Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro with a gunshot wound. It was determined that this man was shot in Stoughton. Francois is facing the following charges: Assault and Battery with a Firearm Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon Causing Serious Bodily Injury Carrying a Firearm Without a License Possession of Ammunition without a License Possession of a Large Capacity Feeding Device Discharging a Firearm within 500 Feet of a Dwelling Disorderly Conduct Armed Robbery The investigation remains on going but according to officers, this is not a random act of violence. Francios was held on $500,000 cash bail, and he will be arraigned on Tuesday at Stoughton District Court. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW SEWELL, N.J. - Two people are dead and two others are seriously injured after the car they were in crashed in Gloucester County. The accident occurred on the 500 block of Fox Run Road, in Sewell, early Saturday morning, just after 12:30, authorities said. When they arrived, officers found a single vehicle, with four occupants, that had crashed. Two of the four were pronounced dead at the scene of the accident, officials said. The other two were rushed to Cooper University Hospital, where they are listed in critical condition. No other details were released regarding the accident. Deptford Township Police are investigating the accident and ask anyone with information to contact Officer Xavier Robinson or Detective Michael Tirado at 856-845-2220. Two men are wanted for their involvement in an assault on a woman at a business on Rollins Way in Columbus. Police first learned of the incident after responding to two people who went to St. Francis Hospital after being shot. According to the Columbus Police Department, the individuals at the hospital told them a woman was being assaulted by tow men in a parking lot. When the male victim at the hospital tried to help her, he was shot in the leg. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Another woman was also shot while the man attempted to help the woman under attack in the parking lot, according to CPD. Police said the male victim is expected to be fine, but the female victim was shot in the head and was in critical condition. Officers said warrants were issued for Kenneth Ray Henderson, 57, and Jeremy Dewayne Spradley, 39. They are considered armed and dangerous, according to CPD. TRENDING STORIES: Henderson and Spradley face the following charges: Henderson: Aggravated Assault x2 Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon Spradley: Aggravated Assault x2 Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime Anyone with information about the incident or the whereabouts of the suspects is urged to call 911 or Sgt. K. Phillips at 706-225-4408 or kphillips@columbusga.org. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: The Forsyth County Sheriffs Office said two people from Houston were arrested after they were arrested driving a stolen car on Wednesday. Sandy Springs police alerted Forsyth that a car with a stolen tag had entered the county, so a deputy found the car at a local apartment complex and attempted to pull it over. Instead, the car decided to speed away from deputies, leading them on a brief chase. Then, a second deputy joined and used a P.I.T. maneuver on one of the cars, making it undriveable. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] After that, the two men abandoned the car and ran away. The driver, 40-year-old Brandon Davis of Houston, TX, was arrested immediately, deputies said. Another person who was a passenger, jumped over a wall and fell 15 feet into a retention pond, according to deputies. He injured his leg and foot. He then gave them a fake ID, deputies said. He was eventually identified as 24-year-old Wallace Thomas from Houston. Another suspect was able to get away on foot, deputies said. While deputies searched the stolen car, they found a chain, a large yellow crowbar, two tow hooks used by tow truck drivers and a 12000-pound alloy steel winch hook. All of these are typically used to burglarize ATMs, deputies said. TRENDING STORIES: A background check determined both had been arrested and convicted multiple times for burglaries of businesses in other states. Thomas had several extradition warrants out of Texas and Missouri, and one of them was for stealing an ATM. Davis was charged with criminal trespass damage to property, affixing tag to conceal or misrepresent, fleeing and attempting to elude, reckless driving, theft by receiving, loitering and prowling, conspiracy to commit a felony, and possession of tools for the commission of a felony. Thomas was charged with loitering and prowling, obstruction, false name and date of birth, identity fraud, possession of tools for the commission of a felony, and conspiracy to commit a felony. Both are being held without bond. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: It has witnessed more than three centuries of American history, including the Revolutionary and Civil wars, and countless hurricanes. The gravestone of a woman who died as a slave, in 1848, is located in the shadow of its mighty frame and shaggy, Spanish moss-draped canopy. In 2023, the 55-foot-tall Cherry Hill Oak, as its known, the biggest and oldest live oak tree in Beaufort County, is still standing tall in Port Royal, a stones throw from Parris Island Gateway, one of the areas busiest roads. Beaufort County is turning the location into a park, which will give the general public access to the historic tree for the first time. Beaufort County, which owns the land, is now removing hazard trees and mowing the grounds around the hardy oak that dwarfs its wooded surroundings along Battery Creek. The work comes in preparation for a yet-to-be-determined public unveiling of the park and tree that was once threatened by development, said Hannah Nichols, a public information officer. Were thrilled with the acquisition, said Nichols. The Cherry Hill Plantation Oak was commemorated as the 2013 Heritage Tree by Trees SC, a non-profit organization founded in 1991. According to Michael Murphy, a board certified Master Arborist, it is the oldest and largest documented tree in Beaufort County. In September, Beaufort County announced that it had purchased the 11.22-acre Cherry Hill Oak property from Merryland Investments Battery Creek LLC for $1.5 million, using public conservation money set aside in the Rural and Critical Land Preservation Program to save the ancient oak and the history it holds in its massive girth and canopy. The area had been slated for apartment development before residents, led by neighbor Hope Cunningham and arborist Michael Murphy, rallied to protect it from the encroaching housing plans. The county described the price as a bargain-sale. Merryland Investments contributed $50,000 for future maintenance. The Town of Port Royal has agreed to maintain the passive park once it is ready for the public. A private fund for future maintenance costs has been set up by the Friends of Cherry Hill Oak. The Cherry Hill Oaks 114-foot canopy spread is nothing to sneeze at but its the 113-inch (9.4 feet) diameter that makes it the largest live oak in Beaufort County. The diameter is the imaginary straight line passing through its center from one side to the other. Its circumference, or the distance around its trunk, is 30 feet, 1 inch. Calculations place its age between 300 to 350 years, which also makes it the countys oldest live oak, Murphy says. Its not guesswork In 2009, Murphy launched an investigation to find the areas largest and/oldest live oak tree. It coincided with the city of Beauforts Tricentennial Anniversary on Jan. 17, 2011. Many people think live oaks are older than they are and dating them is difficult, Murphy says. To date a tree, you need a core sample to study the rings. But thats difficult with live oaks. One reason is the hardness of the wood, which makes it difficult to obtain coring samples. Live oaks also put out false rings, and their ring structures tend to decline over time. Getting an accurate age requires fine sanding techniques and microscopes. Large live oaks today are survivors In the 1700s and 1800s, many live oaks were cut down to build ships. It was called live oaking. The trees also were used as fuel in cotton gins, Murphy said. It was kind of a wholesale removal of all the trees that were of any size, Murphy says. Some large live oaks seen today actually grew from multiple stumps that remain from the live oaking period, but not the Cherry Hill Oak. During Murphys study of lives oaks for the tricentennial anniversary, he solicited input from the public, and considered only trees at least 60 inches in diameter and those with interesting characteristics or history. He came up with a top 10 lists of sorts. It isnt necessarily a list of the largest or oldest, although the trees on the list are large and old. Most of the trees, he says, are noteworthy also have an interesting characteristic, history or story. Heres Murphys list of the Top 10 most notable historic live oaks in Beaufort County. Not all of them are publicly accessible. 1. Cherry Hill Oak Its located on Oakview Drive off of Parris Island Gateway. The trees 114-foot canopy spread may not seem like a broad canopy for a tree with such a large trunk, says Murphy. But the tree that stands before us today is actually only one half of the original: Hurricane Gracie destroyed the other half in 1959. What makes the tree even more compelling is what is located underneath its canopy: The gravestone of Mary Pope. The property was once part of the Cherry Hill Plantation. Pope was an enslaved women who died in 1848. The grave of Mary Pope who died in November of 1818 rests under the canopy of the Cherry Hill Plantation Oak. 2. Liberty Oak Hilton Head developer and conservationist Charles Fraser is laid to rest under its grandiose bows at 147 Lighthouse Road in Sea Pines. A plaque dedicated to Charles Fraser, and a bust of his image lie under its shade of the Liberty Oak, memorializing the Hilton Head visionary. The majestic live oak was once thought to be over 350 years old, but later research showed it was not that old, Murphy said. Its age and diameter has yet to be definitively determined, Murphy said. Liberty Oak 3. Bluffton Secession Oak Its 87 inches in diameter and located off of May River Road in Bluffton. Although the tree is on private property, it can be seen clearly from the road. Lore has it that in July of 1844, under this tree, the first organized political movement with the express goal of South Carolinas independent secession from the Union was born. The Bluffton Movement, as it became known, was a call to secession if the South was not guaranteed its rights to slavery, a lower tariff and states rights. The tree collapsed during a storm in 2021. Bluffton Secession Oak 4. Kings Grant Live Oak This tree is on private property off of Broad River Bluff in Burton and is not accessible the public. It is 107-inches in diameter. Three other oaks on this site are 97, 91 and 81 inches in diameter. In 1705 William Hazzard came from England and received a Kings Grant of 500 acres of land southwest of Beaufort on a high bluff overlooking the Broad River. After serving as a colonel in the Beaufort militia he died and was buried on his plantation. This tree is a visual example of reaction wood that healthy trees produce to compensate for structural defects. Reaction wood is five times stronger than normal wood. 5. Squire Pope Live Oak Its 96-inches in diameter and located on the northeast corner of Squires Pope Road and Highway 278 near a Hilton Head Land Trust easement. It is one of the eight largest diameter trees in Beaufort County. The furrows and undulations of its trunk circumference are telltale signs that this tree could actually be made up of multiple trunk sprouts that re-grew from the cut stump, hundreds of years ago, after the original tree was cut down for shipbuilding purposes. Squire Pope Live Oak 6. Tailbird Live Oak Possibly the oldest tree on Hilton Head Island, the 64-inches-in-diameter tree is located on Outterbridge Circle on Hilton Head. In 1781, a royal militia on Daufuskie Island was instructed to burn the homes of known patriots between Beaufort and Savannah. When they arrived at Tailbird Plantation, Tailbird s 9-month pregnant wife faced the officer in charge who was her brother-in-law. He allowed her to move all the household goods out of the plantation house and place them under the spreading branches of the giant live oak about 100 yards from the main house before burning the house down. Tailbird Live Oak 7. Okatie Corners Oak Its located at the southeastern area of the intersection of Highway 170 and Highway 278 in Bluffton, which is also known as McGarveys Corner. This area was once known as Lands End, or the end of the paved road system in old Bluffton. Children of the era gathered under this tree on election day to watch for the sheriff to come to town, as he had one of the few motor cars of the day. Okatie Corners Live Oak 8. Pope Hunting Club Oak Its located on private property once known as the Pope Hunting Club on the east side of Highway 170 between Davis Road and the Okatie River in Bluffton. While it has no specific history, the tree, at 93-inches, is one of the eight largest single-trunked trees in Beaufort County. Pope Hunting Club Live Oak 9. 1st Presbyterian Church of Hilton Head The tree, which is 78 inches in diameter, is in the parking lot of the church at 540 William Hilton Parkway on Hilton Head Island. It may be the largest single-trunked tree on Hilton Head Island. This tree has old interior burn scars possibly set by early resident raccoon hunters to smoke out their prey. Also an excellent example of how a tree creates reaction wood around weakened trunk areas. Reaction wood is five times stronger than normal wood. First Presbyterian Live Oak 10. Rose Hill Trading Tree The tree, which is 66 inches in diameter, is on private property but can be seen from the street where North Lake Road ends into Hidden Lakes Circle on Hidden Lake Drive on Rose Hill Plantation in Bluffton. There are the remnants of an old tabby wall underneath the tree, which is known as the Trade Tree because slaves were traded underneath its canopy for the working plantations of Rose Hill and Belfair. Rose Hill Trading Tree Five people have applied for the Washington County Circuit Court judgeship left vacant with the recent death of Judge Andrew F. Wilkinson. The governor is to appoint someone to the bench before the Feb. 9 candidacy deadline for the 2024 election. The recently appointed Washington County Trial Court Judicial Nominating Commission will interview candidates, nominating finalists for the governor to consider. One of those finalists will be Kirk Chalis Downey, who is the attorney for Washington County government. Local housing landscape in 'crisis': Maryland Housing Secretary Day estimates 96,000-unit housing shortage. Bills aim to help. Downey automatically becomes a finalist because his name was forwarded to the governor as a candidate for the last open judgeship, Dave Harbin, president of the Washington County Bar Association, has said. Local attorney Jason Morton also was a finalist for the last judgeship opening, but he has withdrawn his candidacy for this judgeship, according to the Maryland Courts website. Who are the new candidates for the vacant Washington County judgeship? The other applicants for the local Circuit Court judgeship: Carter Phillip Ferrington, an associate attorney with Bar Adon & Vogel PLLC in Washington, D.C., according to his LinkedIn profile. The firm focuses on small businesses in Washington and Maryland, according to its website. Amy Katherine Gibson, who practices family law in Hagerstown and is a former member of the Washington County Bar Association Board of Directors. Travis William Poole, a Hagerstown attorney who has been an applicant twice before. He was nominated in 2019, and automatically added to the pool when another vacancy occurred in 2021. Loren Rebecca Villa, a Hagerstown attorney who also was an applicant in 2021. Whoever is appointed would need to stand for election in 2024 to keep the judgeship, Harbin has said. Circuit court judges serve 10-year terms. Public may submit comments to judicial nominating commission The public may submit written and signed comments about an applicant's qualifications. Those comments should be sent to The Judicial Nominating Commission, c/o The Administrative Office of the Courts, Human Resources, 187 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Fourth Floor, Annapolis MD 21401. Comments must be received at least a week before the commission meets on Jan. 8. With state holidays in the interim, Maryland Judiciary spokesman Bradley Tanner said that, ideally, written comments should be submitted by Jan. 4. Letters also may be emailed to debra.kaminski@mdcourts.gov in lieu of mailing hard copies. The judgeship has been vacant since Oct. 19, when Wilkinson, 52, was found shot in the driveway of his home north of Hagerstown. Authorities found the remains of the suspect in the attack, Pedro Argote, 49, of Frederick, Md., a week later on private property used for hunting, in an area near and east of the Pinesburg softball complex, according to the Washington County Sheriff's Office. That area is northwest of Williamsport. Local prosecutor finalist for Frederick County judgeship Among the finalists for a vacant judgeship for Frederick County Circuit Court is Christine M. Remsburg, according to the state judiciary website. Remsburg is an assistant state's attorney with the Washington County State's Attorney Office. That judgeship vacancy was created with the retirement of Judge Theresa M. Adams. Staff writer Tamela Baker contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Washington County circuit judgeship post includes 5 applicants MEMPHIS, Tenn. Memphis Police are requesting help locating the suspect responsible for the theft of five A/C condensers from a North Memphis church Saturday morning. According to reports, police responded to a scrap metal theft at Grace Baptist Church located at 1203 Manassas Street. Five A/C condensers were stolen from Grace Baptist Church Saturday morning Five A/C condensers were stolen from Grace Baptist Church Saturday morning Five A/C condensers were stolen from Grace Baptist Church Saturday morning Police say the A/C condensers are worth approximately $5,000 each, and were stolen around 10:30 a.m. according to a surveillance video stamp. Man steals over $16K in power tools from Home Depot The suspect was last seen wearing a red hoodie and light wash blue jeans. He was reportedly driving a gold sedan. If you have any information regarding this incident, call Crime Stoppers at 901-528-CASH. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Six people were pulled to safety after their recreational crabbing boat washed up onto rocks along the Oregon coast Friday evening. The boat lost power in Tillamook Bay, the Tillamook County Sheriffs Office said on their Facebook page. Deputy Billy Cloud said the boat washed up on the rocks near Lysters Corner before they could get the kicker motor started. A TCSO Marine Patrol boat launched around 5 p.m. Oregon sees record travel numbers for holiday season We got a bow line on the boat and we were able to successfully pull the vessel off the rocks, with the help of the swells. The boat was towed back to the marina and the awaiting trailer, Deputy Dennis Greiner said in a statement. No one was hurt, officials said. It was nice to be able to rescue the boat before it accrued any more damage or became a navigational hazard to other boaters, Cloud said. Tillamook County led the response with help from Garibaldi Fire Rescue, the Oregon State Police and the US Coast Guard. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. Ukraine downed 14 of the 15 Shahed-type drones launched by Russia overnight, the Air Force said on Dec. 24. 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 Primorsko-Akhtarsky in the Krasnodar Krai district of Russia. The drones were then directed to different regions of Ukraine, according to the Air Force. The drones were shot down over five oblasts in Ukraine, including Mykolaiv, Kirovohrad, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipropetrovsk, and Khmelnytskyi oblasts. Drone attacks are a near daily occurrence in Ukraine, affecting various regions across the country. Ukraine's Air Force regularly uses tactical aviation and anti-aircraft missile units, as well as mobile fire groups to repel 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. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. In what some may call a Christmas miracle, an Alabama woman born with two uteruses has given birth to twin girls on different days. Kelsey Hatcher learned of her condition, known as uterus didelphys when she was 17 years old, but it would be another 15 years before it resulted in her one-in-a-million pregnancy. Uterus didelphys is so rare it occurs in less than 1% of all women. The 32-year-old and her husband, Caleb Hatcher, live in Dora, Alabama, outside of Birmingham. The couple welcomed twin girls 10 hours apart at The University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital, according to a press release. Kelsey Hatcher and her husband, Caleb hold their twin daughters Roxi Layla and Rebel Laken on Thursday. Hatcher, 32, from Alabama who was born with two uteruses and became pregnant in both, gave birth to twin girls on different days, she announced on Friday. Double the labor For Hatcher this rarity "meant double the uterus, double the labor, double the babies and double the birthdays," the release said. 'One in a million': Alabama woman pregnant with 2 babies in 2 uteruses due on Christmas "Our miracle babies were born! They decided they were rare enough statistically that they should just go ahead and have their own birthdays too. Roxi Layla was born Tuesday night 12/19 at 7:49pm and was joined by her sister, Rebel Laken, Wednesday morning 12/20 at 6:09am," Hatcher announced in an Instagram post. In all, Hatcher spent 20 hours in labor. Embedded content: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1LfWa4tPwO/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Hatcher is already a mother to three, and she was not expecting to have additional children until she learned she was pregnant in May. "Theres only one baby in there, right?" Hatcher joked with her doctor at her first ultrasound at eight weeks. "As soon as she moved the ultrasound wand across my belly, I said, 'Oh my gosh, theres another one. Oh my gosh.' She said, 'Yes! There is,'" Hatcher told "TODAY." "I was just in complete shock and think for the first, I dont know, two to three weeks, my husband and I just laughed." Kelsey Hatcher and her husband, Caleb hold their twin daughters Roxi Layla, right, and Rebel Laken on Wednesday. Hatcher, 32, from Alabama who was born with two uteruses and became pregnant in both, gave birth to twin girls on different days, she announced on Friday. A one-in-a-million pregnancy The pregnancy is "one in a million," Dr. Richard Davis, a physician at the hospital where Hatcher delivered her children, told WVTM-TV in Alabama. Hatcher's pregnancy is so uncommon, that "some OB-GYNs go their whole careers without seeing anything like this," Dr. Shweta Patel, Hatcher's OB-GYN, previously told the outlet, calling her circumstances "very, very rare." Hatcher's pregnancy is a first for the team at the hospital. They're relying on "baseline teaching and baseline knowledge," Patel told "Good Morning America." While twin pregnancies aren't rare, Hatcher's pregnancy and birth are uncommon because she ovulated separately, with each egg traveling down each side of the uterus and the sperm traveling up each uterus, and fertilization occurring in both. "Because my cycles have always worked together as one, I assumed as I ovulated on one side ... and there would be no chance of having a baby in the opposite uterus," Hatcher previously told USA TODAY. "I never would have thought I would ovulate from both at the same time." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Alabama woman with 2 uteruses gives birth ahead of Christmas Ali Wong has officially filed for divorce from her husband Justin Hakuta. The Beef star filed for divorce on Friday, Dec. 22, in Beverly Hills more than a year after the couple announced their separation. In court documents obtained by TODAY.com, Wong listed the date of separation as April 10, 2022, and cited irreconcilable differences. Premiere Of Netflix's According to the documents, Wong is seeking joint legal and physical custody of their two children. The documents also state that the couple is in mediation to resolve any support and property issues and request that the court recognize their prenup. TODAY.com has reached out to representatives for Wong and Hakuta. Wong and Hakuta got married in November 2014 after the couple met at a friend's wedding. The couple share daughters Mari, 8, and Nikki, 6. A representative for the Always Be My Maybe star confirmed she and Hakuta were divorcing after nearly eight years of marriage in a statement to TODAY.com in April 2022. Less than a year after news broke, Wong opened up about her divorce during a cover story for the March 1 issue of the Hollywood Reporter. At the time, she said she did not expect the announcement to be so widespread. However, it wasnt the publics reaction to the news that was most difficult for Wong. She said by far the hardest part about getting divorced was her own moms reaction. I had told her before that I thought we might get divorced, and she was really upset, Wong recalled. She looked me in the eye and asked, Can you just wait until I die? She was literally asking me to not live a life for myself. But shes 82, what do I expect? Despite the couples split, Wong said she and Hakuta remained co-parents and friends, calling it a very unconventional divorce. Were really, really close; were best friends, she explained. Weve been through so much together. Wong shared that on the morning of the interview, she played pickleball with her husband. She added that she had plans to travel with him when she went on tour over the summer. This article was originally published on TODAY.com LAKEWOOD, Ohio (WJW) Christmas day the search for a mother and 1-year-old girl continues. Lakewood police said theyre searching for a 29-year-old named Ariel Monae Walters in connection with the stabbing of her husband who is the childs father and that she took the child, a 1-year-old girl named Choice Walters. An Amber Alert was issued around noon Sunday when the incident happened, police said. A warrant for attempted aggravated murder has been issued for Ariel Monae in connection with the stabbing in a Lakewood park, police said. Man pulled to safety after Akron officer grabs him in nick of time A witness observed a male being attacked in the park, Lakewood Police Captain Frank Eschweiler said. When officers did arrive they found our victim had been beat up and stabbed. Eschweiler said the victim is in serious but stable condition. Lakewood Police have been able to contact Ariel Monae, but they are not aware of her whereabouts. We have spoken to her, shes not being very cooperative with us, Eschweiler said. Weve spoken to some family members. And all we want to do is make sure the child is okay. Lakewood police encourage anyone with information to contact them at 216-521-6773. Eschweiler hopes Walters will come to her senses as she is facing serious charges. Shes going to turn herself in, he said. And like I said, like with the Amber Alert being issued, you know, the marshal service, the state highway patrol, BCI, theyre all working with us to try and track her down. So hopefully well find the baby soon. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. The US Air Force plans to restore its permanent fighter wing flying Boeing F-15 Eagles at Kadena air base in Japans Okinawa prefecture. But the move might be self-defeating if the flying branch doesnt do something to protect the F-15s from Chinese missiles. Japanese newspaper Nikkei was the first to report the news. Nikkei cited sources in the US Congress saying efforts were underway to base F-15EXs the newest version of the classic twin-engine, supersonic fighter at Kadena. But the $100-million jets are probably little more than expensive targets for Chinese ballistic missiles. Thats unless, and until, the Air Force hardens Kadena to withstand the intensive barrage that analysts say is the Chinese militarys likely first move in an invasion of Taiwan. For 44 years, F-15s belonging to the 18th Wing at Kadena have patrolled the sky over the western Pacific Ocean. As recently as last year, the wing had 48 single-seat F-15Cs and two-seat F-15Ds. They were the most capable USAF air-superiority fighters in the region, and the closest just 400 miles to a potential clash over Taiwan. But the F-15C/Ds were nearly 50 years old and increasingly unsafe for their pilots. Several of the Eagles at Kadena had been grounded for safety reasons. Several others had just a few flights left in them. So last year, the Air Force made the controversial decision to retire or reassign the original F-15s by 2025. Half are already gone. The drawdown of the 18th Wing has left US and allied forces in the western Pacific without their usual dedicated air cover. To compensate, the Air Force has been rotating smaller detachments of fighters from US-based squadrons to Kadena. But some observers worry that a temporary detachment cant replace a permanent wing, one whose pilots train every day to defeat a Chinese attack on Taiwan. So it was good news to many when Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach, commander of the US Pacific Air Forces, told Nikkei he did not expect temporary fighter rotations in perpetuity. According to the newspaper, the plan is for 36 newly-built F-15EXs to replace the 48 F-15C/Ds. The EX-model of the classic Eagle has the same basic shape as its older kin, but its a radically different airplane on the inside, with superior sensors and weapons. Boeing designed it to carry the new long-range hypersonic land-attack missiles the Air Force is developing. The company tailored the EX for a single pilot, but left space for a second crew member who could, among other tasks, control missile-armed drones. The Air Force has committed to buying just 104 F-15EXs through 2026, at least 54 of which would go to US Air National Guard squadrons that patrol US air space. A dozen more would go to test and training units, leaving just enough for two 18-jet squadrons at Kadena. But they might not even get off the ground during a war with China. According to war games organized by the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington DC, the Air Force would lose between 70 and 274 aircraft battling Chinese forces, most of them on the ground as Chinese missiles rained down in the conflicts first few hours. Kadena, and its F-15s, would be the biggest target. Its not for no reason that the same think-tank advised the Air Force to focus on its bombers. Where an F-15 might range 800 miles with a load of missiles, a bomber can fly thousands of miles meaning it can operate from bases that lie beyond the range of Chinese missiles. The USAFs 150 bombers, flying conveyer-style and launching a dozen long-range cruise missiles with each sortie, could sink a Chinese invasion fleet, CSIS concluded. Bombers, including the Air Forces newest B-21 stealth bomber, could render the 18th Wing and its F-15EXs redundant. But if the Air Forces own war games have indicated the F-15EXs are necessary for the defense of Taiwan, there are some obvious steps the service could take to protect them on the ground. The Air Force is already working on plans for dispersing its Pacific-based fighters from their big bases to many smaller bases that are harder to target. But this dispersal hinges on ample early warning about a coming Chinese attack. If Chinese forces achieve surprise, the F-15EXs will still be at Kadena when the missiles strike. Parking the fighters in thick concrete shelters might protect them from the worst of the damage. But the Air Force is weirdly resistant to building these so-called hardened aircraft shelters, even as the Chinese are building hundreds of similar shelters at their own air bases near Taiwan. The Air Force needs to decide. Is it serious about deploying new F-15s in a war with China? If not, it should center its war plans on bombers. If so, it needs to protect the jets at their vulnerable base. 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. (BCN) The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is offering half-off on all adoption fees through Jan. 3. The shelter, located at 1001 Rodriguez St., is open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. but will be closed on Christmas Day and New Years Day. Puppies adopted together after being thrown over animal shelter fence Puppies under six months old will be $105 to adopt during the discounted holiday period. The fee for adult dogs will be $75. Kittens can be adopted for $60 and adult cats for $50. Rabbits can be adopted for a fee of $35. The fees cover vaccinations, spay or neuter surgery and a microchip. Hundreds of pets are currently available at the shelter. More information can be found on the animal shelters website at scanimalshelter.org. Copyright 2023 Bay City News, Inc. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. Yekaterina Duntsova, a Russian politician critical of the countrys war against Ukraine, was blocked from launching a bid against Russian President Vladimir Putin by the Central Election Commission, the Associated Press reported. On Dec. 23, the Central Election Commission refused to register my initiative group, Duntsova said via Telegram. The commission cited errors in her application; Duntsova vowed to appeal the decision through the Russian Supreme Court. Ella Pamfilova, the leader of the election commission, addressed Duntsova during a meeting: You are a young woman, you still have everything ahead of you. Any minus can always be turned into a plus. Read it at Associated Press Read more at The Daily Beast. Wilmington was set to have its first ATM in early 1973. At the time, it was known as an automatic cash dispenser or cash-by-card system. Happy 50th anniversary to the ATM in Wilmington. The Dec. 24, 1972, edition of the Wilmington StarNews reported North Carolina National Bank would bring an automated cash dispenser machine, now known as an ATM, to Wilmington by January 1973. It was set to only give out cash in $25 or $50 increments, and a person could only use it twice a day and get no more than $100. Michael Brown, NCNB's Wilmington city executive, explained how it worked: Withdrawing money from a checking account just as if writing a check or they could obtain a regular cash advance on their account. You've probably seen this building in downtown Wilmington, which has been without a tenant for years. In 1971 it was the North Carolina National Bank. According to the story, the bank became the first in North and South Carolina to provide cash for customers on a 24-hour, seven-day basis when it introduced NCNB 24 in 1972. By the late 1990s, what was North Carolina National Bank became Bank of America, which has several Wilmington locations. This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: First ATM in Wilmington arrived in 1973 The Columbus Division of Police released more information about a deadly shooting inside a Brewery District bar that left one dead and two injured. Abdus Turner, 23, died in the shooting inside the Double Take Bar & Grill in the 900 block of South High Street, police said. He was pronounced dead at 6:20 p.m. after police responded to the shooting. Two were injured and one was killed in a Saturday evening shooting at Double Take Bar and Grill on the 900 block of South High Street. Witnesses told police that the shooting started after an argument in the bar, according to an incident report. Several people exchanged gunfire inside the bar, and two other adult victims took themselves to a local hospital with gunshot wounds and are expected to survive. Police have not publicly announced any suspects in the shootings and made no arrests as of Tuesday morning. Double Take Bar & Grill's website advertises itself as a family owned bar. It changed its name from Jimmy V's in 2021. Social media posts from Saturday advertised "Flight Night" with DJs, dancing, drink specials and hookah. bagallion@dispatch.com This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Police: Argument inside Brewery District bar led to deadly shooting Why not just raise workers pay? The city of Arlington recently announced what I see as the downgrading of our citys sanitation services. Beginning in February, contractor Republic Services will change from garbage pickup twice to once a week. Households will be supplied with bulky 95-gallon trash carts. City officials say this change is being made because contractors are unable to attract and retain workers to manually collect trash, even though it has worked for decades. Wouldnt a pay raise have been more economical than paying to dump thousands of unsightly trash carts on residents? Southlake gave Republic Services the boot and signed a contract with Community Waste Disposal offering twice-a-week service with only a 50-cent monthly rate increase. Why didnt Arlington? - Ron Hiett, Arlington But its still In God we trust I dont wish to debate the statistics of the number of nones versus religious believers. (Dec. 10, 4C, Letters) But Ill call attention to the fact that every denomination of our currency system includes the phrase In God we trust. Although the phrase does offend some, it doesnt seem to be a problem overall. - Barbara McDaniel, Arlington Give us a real solution George P. Bushs Dec. 13 call for solidarity with Israel did not prescribe any workable solution to the Palestine dispute ongoing since the 1917 Balfour Declaration. (Dec. 14, 11A, Video of Hamas attack on Israel was sickening) Does he support the moribund two-state solution along the 1967 border, a one-state solution that accords Jews and Arabs equal rights in a binational state, a West Bank-Gaza confederation with Jordan or a second Nakba the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians in 1948? Bushs grandfather well understood that Jewish settlement in the occupied Palestinian territories would undermine the two-state solution and lead to further enmity and violence. He and President Jimmy Carter also warned that Israel would devolve into an apartheid state if it continued to subjugate the Palestinians. Possible solutions, not just condemnations, are desperately needed. - George W. Aldridge, San Marcos Yes, Texas should ban abortion Mark Davis might catch some flak over his commentary about Kate Coxs nonviable pregnancy, but he was right on track. (Dec. 17, 5C, Heres the pro-life case that Texas abortion law works) The focus of the states statute is on the life and health of the mother, not the quality or duration of the life of the child. The latter is the prerogative of God alone. Its not up to us to decide whether a life is worthwhile or should be allowed to live. Our job is to love everyone, no matter health or physical condition, or whether a life is long or short. - Thomas F. Harkins Jr., Fort Worth This is what pro-life means Mark Davis should be thanked for telling readers the real anti-choice argument: Pro-life belief posits that the new life growing in the womb is sacred. And that is precisely why that belief should not be a basis for legislation. Legislating that belief into Texas law is an establishment of religion, in violation of both the U.S. and Texas constitutions. Of course, a real pro-life policy would support comprehensive pre-natal, neo-natal, pediatric and maternal health care, child care and other legislation necessary to make it possible for any willing person to bear and raise a healthy child. Davis kind of pro-life concern begins at conception and ends at birth even if the birth is doomed to a speedy and painful death. - Jim Burt, Fort Worth The rain was pounding down on their single-story home in Atascadero on Jan. 9 when homeowner Alicia Morin, 76, and her roommate Darla Deats, 84, peered out the bedroom window at the scene outside. The front yard was like a lake. The backyard looked like a lake. The street looked like a river. And the water kept coming down the little creek, Deats said of the home on Azucena Avenue. It didnt take long for the flow to breach the house, and soon 8 inches of contaminated water covered all 1400 square feet of the home. The pair said they had no choice but to evacuate. A nearby friend picked us up, three dogs and my friend (Deats) and myself, Morin said. We took just what we could carry. Its a familiar story for several Atascadero families who were displaced after their homes sustained considerable damage from the series of storms that hit San Luis Obispo County last winter. Aaron Spiller, whose property was eroded by the flooding of Graves Creek, sued the city for failing to maintain public assets, such as Graves Creek, Atascadero Creek and Atascadero Lake. The Tribune spoke with multiple residents who described feeling abandoned by their city in a time of disaster. They didnt put out a dime to help any of us and had no idea what we were going through and didnt care, Morin said. Other Atascadero homeowners in her neighborhood expressed similar discontent with the citys response to damage from the winter 2023 storms. Jamie Lind left, and Aaron Jenne question why more wasnt done to clear Atascadero Creek before their home flooded in the January rains this year, seen here in the creek Oct. 12, 2023. So many people were affected, so I really just assumed that the city would be stepping in and directing and helping us understand, letting us know what happened, and there was just really no response at all from the city, Atascadero homeowner Jamie Lind told The Tribune. Terrie Banish, director of community services and events for the city of Atascadero, declined The Tribunes request for an interview with the Public Works Department about flood damage to private properties throughout the city, citing potential litigation. She did supply a statement: During the January and March 2023 storms, Public Works was responding to reports all across the city that included plugged culverts and drains, downed trees blocking roads, flooded roads and several bridges over Atascadero creek being overtopped, Banish wrote in an email. While the city cannot perform work on private property, during and immediately following the storm events, staff from all departments answered phones, responded to emails and posts and provided information on available resources, encouraged property owners to take the necessary steps to protect themselves and their properties, and pointed them in the direction of a variety of services needed depending upon the situation or concern, the statement said. The full statement from the City of Atascadero is available at bit.ly/Atascadero-statement. Atascadero water damage company inundated with calls after winter storms When homeowners call Central Coast Casualty Restoration Inc., a water damage company based in Atascadero, it is typically due to an overflowing dishwasher, leaking washing machine or frozen pipes. But the January storms brought an unprecedented number of service calls including a call to Alicia Morins home that represented entirely different magnitudes of water damage, Wade Vaca, emergency services manager at Central Coast Casualty, told The Tribune. On Jan. 9, I went to work, didnt take any of my gear, like rubber suit, rubber gloves, rubber boots, galoshes, stuff like that. Then all of a sudden we got one call, then we got two calls, then we got three calls, he said. In the end, Central Coast Casualty responded to an estimated 300 flood-related service calls between January and March. The majority were due to groundwater run-off flooding into homes, which would be categorized as grossly contaminated water. Grossly contaminated water, or category three water as it is classified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification, may contain sewage, waste line backflow, wind-driven water from storms or hurricanes, water from rising rivers or streams, and/or sea water. Category one water is clean water, category two water is slightly contaminated, like if a washing machine overflows or a dishwasher drains out onto the kitchen floor, Vaca said. During the Jan. 9 storm, the first call was literally sewage coming up from peoples drains because their septic systems were flooding and it was pushing back into their homes, he said. Vaca estimated about 12 service calls were due to sewage water entering the home, which can bring even more health hazards. 11Wade Vaca, emergency services manager at Central Coast Casualty, a company that specialies in disaster restoration Dec. 15, 2023. Water intrusion in Atascadero homes lead to damage, health impacts After Central Coast Casualty came to Morins home to assess the water damage, she learned that the water that flooded into her home wasnt just muddled and brown because of a little dirt. The water was considered grossly contaminated. When it comes to the potential hazards that come with grossly contaminated water intrusion, its really too much to talk about, Vaca said. The level of contamination can really be immeasurable. Morin, who is a lung cancer survivor with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), said she couldnt step foot in her home for months due to the potential health risks. During that time, two seatrain containers held Morin and Deats furniture, clothing and other possessions that made contact with the contaminated water. Although Central Coast Casualty steam-cleaned everything with fabric material after removing it from the home, when Morin opens one of the boxes, she often starts coughing from the moldy fibers left behind. They go straight into the washing machine, she said. Ive been washing for three months now. Atascadero Creek overflowed its banks, flooding the neary by El Taconazo restaurant at Highway 41 and Portola Road on Jan. 9, 2023. The home owned by Aaron Jenne and Jamie Lind on Portola Avenue, near Highway 41 and the Mexican restaurant El Taconazo, also flooded with what could be described as grossly contaminated water, although the water was not specifically classified by Central Coast Casualty. The morning of Jan. 9, Jenne, whose single-story home on Portola Road is near both Atascadero Creek and Atascadero Lake, was watching anxiously as water from the creek flooded his backyard and came within yards of the house. If anything, he anticipated any flooding in his home to come from the creek. Then, at about 10:15 a.m., the Atascadero lake overflowed. The culvert that runs behind his home that was supposed to carry lake water overflow toward Highway 41 and Atascadero Creek was already filled with debris and failed to reroute the water. Suddenly, the water rushed in, and instantaneously, it was past our knees, his partner Lind said. Within about 10 minutes of the lake starting to spill, we had three or four feet of water in the house and it started to ingress just from the base plates in the kitchen, Jenne said. Theres no amount of sandbagging that we could have done to prevent the water from coming in. Jenne estimated about 18 inches of contaminated water flooded the home and soaked at least four feet below the flooring into the concrete slab beneath the structure. A car stuck in an overflowing Atascadero Creek was abandoned near Portola Road. The family of three, which included son Indigo who was 4 at the time, had to trudge through the debris-filled water and into their truck before landing at the Hilton Home2 Suites in Atascadero. Shortly after arriving at the hotel, the family started feeling sick, but Indigo got the worst of it. Lind said her son had a sinus infection and severe eye infection that sometimes left him unable to open his eyes. Photos taken by Lind shared with The Tribune showed Indigo had red, swollen eyes and flushed cheeks after exposure to floodwater after the storm. Doctors chalked it up to a really gnarly eye infection, and Indigo went through multiple rounds of antibiotics to clear it up, Lind said. Grossly contaminated water can contain bacteria, viruses and even more agents harmful to human and animal health, Vaca said. When youre dealing with the flood and the water is coming from the exterior, you also have to worry about pesticides and contaminants from litter and stuff coming off the earth into your home, he said. The psychological and emotional impacts of the flood and subsequent displacement continues to impact Indigo, his mother said. The former water baby is afraid of taking baths and showers and doesnt like to be alone in a room. When the water came rushing in on Jan. 9, mother and son were playing on the top of his bunk bed and watched as the contaminated water soaked his floor. This is definitely a pivotal moment in his development, she said. Jamie Lind and Aaron Jennes home, seen here on Oct. 30, 2023, was heavily damaged by flooding from Atascadero Lake and Creek during the January rains this year. Atascadero homeowners face steep cost to remediate storm damage On Jan. 10, Morin, Deats and three dogs checked into the Home2 Suites hotel in Atascadero. They didnt check out again until July 15, she said. There were quite a few of us (at the hotel), we called ourselves the Jan. 9 refugees, she said. Home2 Suites was where Morin and Deats met neighbors Lind, Jenne and Indigo, who didnt get back into their home until a couple months later. Both displaced Atascadero homeowners faced exorbitantly expensive home remediation and repair costs. Jenne and Lind purchased their Atascadero home in 2020. Jenne said his homeowners insurance denied his claim for coverage after the flood, since he did not have separate flood insurance. He estimated it will cost anywhere from $100,000 to $120,000 out-of-pocket just to get the house back to a state of habitability. The homeowner was granted $14,000 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency not nearly enough to cover the damage. Despite appealing to FEMA four or five times, he ultimately realized thats all were going to get from them. The family was displaced for about eight months, bouncing between the Atascadero hotel, a temporary apartment in Las Vegas and eventually living together in a fifth-wheel RV trailer in the driveway for about three or four months until it became possible to move back into the house in mid-September. Morin estimated it cost about $100,000 to repair her home and pay for temporary housing while construction was ongoing. Morin was able to secure about $21,000 from FEMA to pay for home repairs and a small sum to help pay for temporary housing during the remediation and remodel process. She also obtained an $86,000 loan from the Small Business Association at a 30-year, fixed rate. Aside from ruining furniture, flooring, cabinetry and clothing essentially the full interior of her home the contaminated water destroyed some items that cannot be replaced. My life pictures were completely gone, and all of my treasured books were gone. I mean, we couldnt save them. There was no way, Deats said. My pictures from all of my life. It was devastating, she added. I just resigned myself to the fact that it happened. In anticipation of another winter with heavy rainfall, Morin paid $9,000 out-of-pocket to install a drainage system to divert any potential overflow water from the creek across the street from her house. Morin said, $9,000 is a bunch of coin. It interfered with other things I wanted to do personally, but thats OK. At least, theoretically, the water should not come into the yard the way it did. Ahead of another possible winter of heavy rains, Zane Reif with 4th Generation Tree works on debris removal in Atascadero Creek on Oct. 30, 2023. Atascadero homeowners say city displayed lack of empathy for their plight After the January storms, all homeowners The Tribune spoke with said they contacted the City of Atascadero in some capacity to inquire about future storm preparations. Shortly after settling into the Home2 Suites hotel, Morin said she had a call with Atascadero Mayor Heather Moreno and then-city manager Rachelle Rickard, and it was not a good conversation. The conversation centered around what the city will be doing to maintain public assets and protect homes from flood damage during future storms, she said. Without exaggeration, if you had been sitting in front of them, you would have seen their feet back-pedaling, she said. I was angry by the time I hung up. Morin said that, because Azucena Avenue is not maintained by the city of Atascadero, the city claimed it was not responsible for any damage or repairs made to the road. However, Azucena Avenue is not a private road. It is a road with public access, she said, but the city doesnt do maintenance like fill potholes. Raindrops fill a puddle in Sunken Gardens on a rainy Monday in Atascadero, Dec. 27, 2021. The lack of concern, the lack of empathy, the lack of anything from the city, she said. The sentiment of the conversation was too bad, so sad, Deats echoed. The City of Atascadero declined to comment on Morin and Deats concerns for this article. Morin said she did speak with someone in the Public Works office last week about clearing debris from the culvert near her home to prevent any future flooding, and was assured that someone did perform the work in early December. Jenne said his conversations with Public Works after the storm were unproductive. He basically said, we dont have the time, we dont have the money, Jenne said. He kept pushing, and eventually Public Works said they would clear out the culvert along Highway 41. But Jenne said he feels that is not enough to prevent another weather event from flooding his home again if city-owned assets are not maintained properly. It has been really frustrating. I think were all in the same boat. Were paying pretty exorbitant property taxes, Jenne said. To hear the argument that the money is not there is just really frustrating. Austrian police have stepped up checks, especially around churches (MAX SLOVENCIK) Austria on Sunday said three people were detained for suspected involvement in an "Islamist network", as Vienna and Cologne step up police controls citing heightened security concerns during Christmas. German police are carrying out strict controls at the entry of the cathedral in the western city of Cologne following a "danger warning" for New Year's Eve. Austrian police have also stepped up checks, especially around churches, religious events and Christmas markets in Vienna, citing an "increased risk". Austrian authorities "intervening in an Islamist network" made four arrests Saturday, the interior ministry said Sunday. A ministry spokesman said three of the four had been detained pending further investigations. "There was no immediate threat of an attack in Vienna," he told AFP, declining to comment further. According to the German daily Bild, one arrest was also made in Germany. The arrested suspects are said to be Tajiks who allegedly wanted to carry out attacks for Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K), an IS offshoot in Afghanistan, Bild reported. "Terrorist actors across Europe are calling for attacks on Christian events -- especially around December 24th," Vienna police said in a statement. German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser pledged a firm response to any extremist threat. "We all love our Christmas traditions and won't allow ourselves to be intimidated or have our way of life hemmed in," she told regional media group Funke. However "we take the danger of Islamist terror very seriously and are extremely vigilant", she said. "Our security authorities have their sights on the Islamist scene and are acting decisively as the current measures show." Besides Austria and Germany, Spain also received indications that an Islamist group was planning several attacks in Europe, possibly on New Year's Eve and Christmas, Bild said. According to the newspaper, the targets of these attacks could be Christmas masses in Cologne, Vienna and Madrid. In July, a cell of suspected Islamists from IS-K was dismantled in Germany and the Netherlands. Those arrested in Germany were said at the time to have been planning an attack in the country. burs-jza-dlc/imm Three aviation experts have written letters to Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in support of a bid for clemency by a state prisoner nicknamed the ninja killer, who has been fighting to overturn his murder conviction for more than 30 years. The letters, which were delivered to Whitmers office by Temujin Kensus legal team on Dec. 5, cast doubt on the sensational theory presented at trial that the then-23-year-old could have chartered a private plane to fly him from one end of the state to the other, shot the victim and returned home without leaving a trace. Its so improbable its unbelievable, said Harvey Setter, 82, who wrote one of the letters. Setter, now retired, managed the Delta County Airport in Escanaba, Michigan, between 1982 and 1999. The two other letters were written by the former owner of an airport service station and a commercial pilot, who both offered a similar assessment to Setters, based on their knowledge of local airports connected to the case and past experience with the key witness behind the plane theory. The men say they were not previously contacted by authorities. Image: A photograph contained in the case file shows an airplane landing in Escanaba, Mich. Detectives flew from Port Huron, Mich. to Escanaba while investigating the murder of Scott Macklem. Kensu, now 60, has insisted since his arrest that he had nothing to do with the fatal shooting of Scott Macklem, 20, a student at St. Clair Community College, in a campus parking lot in 1986. No physical evidence has ever connected Kensu to the murder. At trial, nine alibi witnesses placed him in Escanaba more than 400 miles away from the crime scene in the hours before and after the murder. Yet Kensu was convicted of murder in 1987 and sentenced to life in prison without parole. IMage: Case file photographs of the scene where Scott Macklem was killed at St. Clair Community College. Since his conviction, investigators and attorneys have uncovered additional evidence they say points to his innocence, including the recantation of a jailhouse informants testimony and additional alibi witnesses who did not testify at trial. Kensus case has been championed by high-profile supporters, including the late Sen. Carl Levin of Michigan. The letters represent the newest evidence uncovered in the case in years. But Mike Wendling, the current top prosecutor in St. Clair County, dismissed the plane theory as a red herring. Wendling said in an interview that hes convinced the jurors convicted Kensu in part because they didnt believe the alibi witnesses. Three other people testified at trial that they believed they saw Kensu, who went by Fred Freeman before he converted to Buddhism in prison, on campus the morning of the killing. If you were to sit down and look at this case fresh again, Freeman would still be the leading suspect, Wendling told NBC News. Kensus appeals have been exhausted. He has also been denied clemency three times before, including by Whitmer. Last year, the Michigan Attorney Generals Conviction Integrity Unit declined to pursue his release on technical grounds, stating in a letter that there was no new evidence that supports the factual innocence claim. The unit did not make a determination regarding his innocence or guilt. Kensus future now hangs on his current clemency application, which has been pending before the Michigan Parole Board since June 2022. Once the board reviews the application and issues a recommendation, it sends it to the governor, who has the final say. Imran Syed, Kensus attorney and co-director of the Michigan Innocence Clinic, said that the letters cast doubt not just on the plane theory itself, but on the credibility of the witness prosecutors used to convince jurors it was possible. These are not people who have any interest in the case. Theyre just experts who would know whether something like this was at all feasible, Syed said. And theyre very clear that its not. The letters, Syed added, build on other evidence presented to appellate courts and the Conviction Integrity Unit in the past that raised questions about the validity of the eyewitness testimony and other key parts of the prosecutions case. All of these things just add up to show that he simply didnt do this, regardless of what procedural or technical reasons the courts may have had not to overturn this conviction in the past, Syed said. Hopefully, the governors office looks at this from a factual perspective. I think factually, with all the evidence presented, theres simply no way he committed this crime, and then theres just absolutely no reason he should remain in prison. During the trial, jurors heard witness testimony and statements made by St. Clair County Prosecutor Robert Cleland that Kensu, a martial arts practitioner, was violent, cunning and skilled in the art of mind control. Cleland argued that Kensu, who had previously dated Macklems fiance, killed the man out of jealousy. Image: Case file photographs show various martial arts weapons collected during the investigation of Fred Freeman (Temujin Kensu). To rebut the alibi witnesses, Cleland, who is now a federal judge, called to the stand a pilot named Bob Evans, who testified that it was possible for Kensu to have chartered a plane and flown from Escanaba, in Michigans Upper Peninsula, to Port Huron and back between 1:30 a.m. and 12 p.m. the day of the murder, which occurred shortly before 9 a.m. Several alibi witnesses testified at trial that they were with Kensu in Escanaba at those times. Evans told the jury that private pilots often hung around airports waiting for potential customers. Somebodys always willing to do it, he said. Evans has since died. Cleland never presented any evidence that such a flight happened, according to trial records. Wendling, the current prosecutor, said he thinks his predecessor didnt need to introduce the plane theory, which has been the subject of scrutiny for years, to convict Kensu. If Im 30 years later, looking at this case and the media attention and the position that [Freeman] has taken, Im thinking, Why did I even mention the damn airplane? Wendling said. But one juror, interviewed in 1995 by Detroit-based investigative journalist Bill Proctor, said that he was undecided until he heard Evans testimony. The prosecutor, Mr. Cleland, he explained to us that it was very possible, the juror said, according to a video recording of the interview reviewed by NBC News. He had time to come back here and to make the round trip. It doesnt take long, if you are flying. Cleland did not respond to requests for comment. A spokesperson for Whitmers office said that the governor reviews applications after the state Parole Board issues a recommendation. A spokesperson for the Michigan Department of Corrections said that neither it nor the Parole Board comments on active cases. Setter, who managed the airport in Escanaba at the time Port Huron detectives were investigating the murder, said he doesnt have an opinion about Kensus innocence and didnt remember the case until he was contacted by Joshua Sharpe, an investigative journalist and Knight-Wallace Fellow at the University of Michigan. Sharpe, whose work has helped lead to the release of two innocent people, tracked down Setter and the other men while working with the Michigan Innocence Clinic on Kensus case as part of his fellowship, which is focused on wrongful convictions. At trial, a detective testified that he spoke with the manager of Escanabas airport during his investigation. The detective said that while the manager found no records of a flight taking off the day Macklem was killed, the manager said it was possible a plane could take off or land without logging the flight. I dont remember anything about this thing, Setter said in an interview. Nobody talked to me. Setter questioned the theory that private pilots sat around at the small airport waiting for potential customers. At the time, the Delta County Airport offered both scheduled, but limited, commercial service to cities such as Detroit and Chicago, as well as unscheduled service by private pilots. But strict rules govern a private pilots ability to charter flights, he said. As far as people hanging around waiting for a flight, thats highly unlikely, he said. Rick Orzel, 71, who ran services, including fuel and maintenance, for airplanes at the St. Clair County Airport in Port Huron at the time of the murder, said in his letter that a flight from Port Huron to Escanaba would have required fuel but no detectives ever approached him asking for records of fuel sales, which he maintained for years. Orzel, who was also close friends with Evans, the pilot who testified at trial, also said in an interview that the assertion that pilots hung out at airports waiting to pick up passengers was a complete fabrication. The St. Clair County airport, he said, was so inactive that days would pass without a single airplane taking off. There werent any pilots hanging around at all, let alone hanging around for customers, he said. In his letter, Bob Thoms, 67, a flight instructor and commercial pilot who was lifelong friends with Evans, wrote that he was not known for honesty. He was a really good storyteller, Thoms said in an interview. Sometimes lets put it this way you had to fact-check what he told you. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Banksy artwork in Peckham. Three models of reaper drones have been attached to a red stop traffic sign. A second man has been arrested on suspicion of theft and criminal damage after a road sign featuring work by street artist Banksy was removed in south-east London, police have said. The artwork, a red stop sign with three military drones added on, was unveiled in Commercial Way, Peckham, on Friday. A man in his 20s was arrested on Saturday over the same offences. He has been bailed pending further inquiries. The Met said the second arrested man is in his 40s and remains in custody. Witnesses filmed the sign being taken by a man using bolt cutters within an hour of it being authenticated by Banksy when he posted a photo on his Instagram account. The Metropolitan Police launched an investigation after receiving a report of a theft from Southwark Council. "We are aware of footage being shared which shows the sign being removed," the force said, adding that anyone with information about the incident or the whereabouts of the sign should call police. In a video that later appeared on social media, a man could be seen holding a Lime hire bike steady as a second man stood on its saddle and reached up to cut the artwork free using bolt cutters. Wrenching it off the post, he then ran down the street and out of sight. After the artwork was removed, a new traffic sign was been put up by the local authority on Friday to avoid endangering people. Banksy's Instagram followers have widely interpreted his latest work as calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. Similar drone art appeared at Banksy's Walled Off hotel in Bethlehem in 2017 which he said had "the worst view of any hotel in the world" - referencing Israel's controversial wall in the West Bank. A Chinese man listens to the news on his radio in Chengdu, after an earthquake in 2008. The World Service is banned in China, but for some it is still accessible - STR/AFP The BBC left a vacuum for Chinese propaganda and diminished Britains voice in the world by cutting the World Service, its former head of Chinese news has said. Howard Zhang, who edited BBC News Chinese from 2016 until August this year, said his team faced an uphill battle against Communist Party disinformation while their budget and manpower were whittled away. He compared the corporation to generals who sent their soldiers into battle without weapons or ammunition and then attempted to shoot them in the back. The loss for me at least, as a naturalised British citizen, is for Britains long term global influence and prestige, he said. People dont even realise theyre losing this. In September last year, the BBC announced that it would axe 382 jobs from the World Service and cut broadcast services in languages including Chinese in a move projected to save 28 million. It comes after MPs on the foreign affairs committee heard that World Service cuts were one of the most self-defeating foreign policy acts of recent years, eroding British influence in key regions. Bosses trying to shoot you in the back Mr Zhang joined the BBC in 2000 to get a message the British message across of justice, fairness, of course, accurate information and standing firm against all the tyrannies around the world. The World Service was banned in China in 2021, but he estimated that it can still be accessed by five per cent of the population via a digital back door, along with the 40 million-strong Chinese diaspora across the world. However, his team, cut from almost 100 people to 30, was locked in a constant struggle with Chinas well-funded state broadcasting networks. Mr Zhang said: Were like front line soldiers trying to fight and we only have one pistol, forget about machine guns no machine guns, no bullets, no grenades. And those people are coming with howitzers. Meanwhile, your bosses are trying to shoot you in the back. The warning comes after Lord Cameron acknowledged that things have changed since a golden era of relations with Beijing. The Foreign Secretary told The Telegraph: We face a more aggressive, assertive China. Mr Zhang said the cuts had absolutely left a vacuum for Chinese disinformation and that the depleted news service could not properly cover the growth in authoritarianism. In one bruising encounter, he was upbraided by a viewer asking why they were not running stories on Tibet. He said: I tried to explain to him that we simply dont have the resources but then he said: But why do you have a China service? Communist Party internet trolls A Foreign Office report published this year found Tibet was subject to severe constraints on media freedom, freedom of religion and belief, along with repression of language and culture. When it covered certain stories, BBC News Chinese found itself overwhelmed by the Communist Partys internet trolls, known as the water army. An interview with the widow of Li Wenliang, the Wuhan whistleblower who was investigated by Chinese authorities after raising the alarm over Covid, was flooded with hostile comments, according to Mr Zhang. Mr Zhang continued: Thats the kind of energy they put in trying to deny, make it so unenjoyable to even watch you or view you. Meanwhile, we dont really have the resources to put up more than that, and thats the constant struggle. A BBC spokesman said: The needs of our audience have changed. As such, the BBC World Service is creating a specialist China Global Unit to focus on the reporting of China across the World Service and wider BBC platforms, demonstrating our commitment to covering stories from China. Separately, no other media organisation is doing more to combat misinformation. We have dedicated resources across BBC News, including the BBC Verify team, which put transparency and accuracy at the forefront of our journalism. The corporation said it did not recognise the staffing figures to which Mr Zhang made reference. 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. On a cold night in November, a man named Jefferson Davis addressed a crowd of conservative activists gathered in an American Legion hall 20 miles north of Milwaukee. In his left hand, Davis brandished an unusual prop. Related: The venom of our age: James Carville on the danger of Mike Johnsons Christian nationalism In this diaper box are all the receipts for the illegal absentee ballots that were put into the Mark Zuckerberg drop boxes all over the state of Wisconsin, said Davis. Behind him, a long table stacked with papers, binders and a small pile of doorknobs stretched across the hall. They were for theatrical effect: the doorknobs were a tortured analogy for the multiple conspiracy theories Davis had floated, and the diaper box was a visual stand-in for the ballot drop boxes Wisconsin voters used across the state in 2020. The paperwork, Davis insisted, contained the evidence of an enormous plot to steal the 2020 presidential election from Donald Trump in Wisconsin. His audience of more than 70 people, including local and state-level elected officials, sat rapt. Davis was speaking at an event organized by Patriots of Ozaukee County, a rightwing group that vows to combat the forces that threaten our safety, prosperity and freedoms and compares itself to the musket-toting Minutemen of the revolutionary war. The organization is one of more than 30 such patriot groups in Wisconsin identified by the Guardian which claim that the last presidential election was stolen from Donald Trump. Many, including the Ozaukee county organization, openly embrace Christian nationalist rhetoric and ideology, arguing that the laws of the US government should reflect conservative Christian beliefs about issues like abortion and LGBTQ+ rights. Their religious interpretation of the USs founding has propelled these groups not only into fights over elections administration but also against vaccine requirements and protections for transgender people. We were tired of the GOP, because theyre not really an activist organization Scott Rishel Patriots of Ozaukee County Now, with the 2024 presidential election less than a year away, Wisconsins patriot movement and its allies are fighting for legislation that they believe will protect the states electoral process from fraud, and mobilizing supporters to work the polls, observe polling places and spread the word about their concerns pushing the GOP further to the right and threatening more challenges to the voting process come election day. Patriots of Ozaukee County was created in March 2021 by local activists who were upset about the election, said Scott Rishel, who founded the group. He felt there was nowhere he could speak freely about the 2020 election, or things like Covid-19 vaccines and masks. Plus, he said: We were tired of the GOP, because theyre not really an activist organization. At the urging of a friend, he convened the groups first meeting. With the 2020 election and Covid tyranny, that all opened my eyes, he told the crowd of mostly older couples at the November event. The silent majority was killing us. It was killing our country, killing our community. And we needed to learn how to no longer be silent. By we, Rishel meant conservative Christians. Jesus Christ is my savior, my lord. Its amazing how some people didnt have the courage to say that they think itll make people uncomfortable. Their movement of biblically motivated patriots has since roared to life, winning some powerful allies along the way. In attendance at the Ozaukee county meeting was the state senator Duey Stroebel, the vice-chair of the states powerful joint committee on finance. Stroebel, who has refrained from actually endorsing Trumps false claims that the 2020 election was stolen, has nonetheless backed numerous bills to restrict voting access, invoking the heightened anxiety on the right about election security to justify their passage. Nearly two hours into the meeting, Stroebel interjected. One thing you might want to comment on is ranked-choice voting, he said, voicing his opposition to a bipartisan effort in the legislature to adopt the voting method used in states including Maine and Alaska that allows voters to rank their preference on multiple candidates. The method ensures the winning candidate wins a majority rather than a plurality of the vote and essentially eliminates the risk of third-party candidates spoiling an election result. Senator Stroebel is referring to whats called ranked-choice voting, Davis told the crowd. What I call it is guarantee that Democrats win. To members of this movement, this proposal is just the latest suspicious attempt to change the voting system to steal elections. Hardline conservatives have grown increasingly convinced that the election system is rigged against them, largely because Trump has pushed those claims hard since the 2020 election. And in spite of the fact that there was no evidence of significant voter fraud in recent American elections, it has also mobilized local groups into action across the US. Amy Cooter, a Middlebury College professor whose research focuses on militias and local rightwing groups, described the rise of patriot groups across the country as a backlash movement. After 2020, said Cooter, local rightwing groups have been motivated largely by the last presidential election and thoughts that it was stolen plus concerns that future elections might similarly be. The patriot movement in Wisconsin appears to be growing. Attendees at Novembers meeting were unsurprised by the packed house: closer to 200 had attended the Ozaukee groups last event in October, which featured a long lineup of speakers including Davis. Patriot groups in Wisconsin have found an awkward alliance with Republican officials and prominent activists in the state. A July gathering hosted by the Barron county Republican party, located across the state in north-west Wisconsin, drew closer to 500. That event, which included free beer and a gun raffle and was promoted by patriot groups, illustrated the common cause the movements activists have found with the grassroots of the GOP. The Brown county Republican party, in the north-east of the state, has hosted Constitution Alive! events, which patriot organizations advertised broadly. (A spokesperson said the local GOP is formally unaffiliated with patriot groups.) As you know, I travel the whole state, Davis told me in December. And everywhere I go, Im either asked to speak by patriot freedom groups, or Republican party chapters. And most of the time both groups show up. Many patriot groups in the state are animated by the Christian nationalist viewpoint. Patriots of Ozaukee County declares on its website that it views as fundamental truths that God is our creator and Jesus is our savior. The Ozaukee county group has also hosted Constitution Alive! events touting the claim that the US constitution is a Christian document led by the Patriot Academy organization, a Christian nationalist group that also offers weapons courses. Theyre not alone. Patriots United, a group in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, exemplifies the typical rhetoric of the Christian right, describing its membership as constitutional conservative Christians who seek to glorify and honor God with the explicit aim of increasing Christian influence in local government. Another Wisconsin patriot group called North of 29 has begun to put into action the work that Davis advocates. With the help of groups affiliated with Mike Lindell, the MyPillow CEO and conspiracy theorist, the group has begun canvassing neighborhoods for voter fraud, using data that they refuse to share publicly to identify instances of suspicious activity. (A similar group in Colorado has been sued in federal court for allegedly going door-to-door around Colorado to intimidate voters, a practice the suit argues violates the Ku Klux Klan Act.) Most prominent elected Wisconsin Republicans have refused to outright endorse Trumps claims that the 2020 election was stolen. But they have invoked the fears of election fraud to justify passing restrictive voting legislation that election-denying activists have clamored for. One bill, passed by the legislature and vetoed by the Democratic governor, Tony Evers, in 2022, would have made it harder for people to qualify as indefinitely confined, a status disabled voters can claim to receive an absentee ballot. During the 2020 election, during the peak of the Covid pandemic, the number of people who described themselves as indefinitely confined so they could vote from home increased dramatically a fact that became a central point in conspiracy theories about the election. Theyve also tried to ban the use of private grants to help fund elections, keying off another conspiracy theory driven by money donated by Mark Zuckerbergs foundation to local offices for election administration; Evers vetoed a bill to ban such money, but the legislature has now advanced the ban as a constitutional amendment which will be considered by voters this spring. Republicans in the legislature also unsuccessfully tried to force out Meagan Wolfe, the states nonpartisan top elections official who became the target of conspiracy theorists and election deniers after 2020. During his November presentation in Grafton, Davis handed out a pamphlet listing 53 issues that voters concerned about election security should focus on in Wisconsin. The priorities, which Davis and other election-denying groups across in the state have embraced, range from abolishing the bipartisan Wisconsin elections commission to requiring ballots cast in state and local elections to be counted by hand. Daviss recommendations might prescribe technical changes to elections administration. But he cast their importance in starkly biblical terms. I dont know where you are with the Lord, and I mean this sincerely: you better pray, said Davis. If the 2024 election wasnt conducted the correct way, he warned, theres going to be you-know-what to pay. This article was amended on 26 December 2023. Brown county is in north-east, not north-west, Wisconsin as an earlier version said. Despite Biden administration officials assuring the American public that the Chinese spy balloon did not collect and transmit data, a previously unreported phone call paints a different picture of top officials hiding information about the balloon. According to NBC News, a Jan. 27 phone call between President Joe Bidens top military adviser, Gen. Mark Milley and NORAD chief Gen. Glen VanHerck sheds new light on China's surveillance balloon. The network also reported that the administration initially hoped to keep the balloons existence a secret from Congress and the public, citing multiple former and current administration and congressional officials. "Before it was spotted publicly, there was the intention to study it and let it pass over and not ever tell anyone about it," one former senior U.S. official told NBC. AIR FORCE WARNS CHINESE COMPANY'S NORTH DAKOTA MILL WOULD BE 'SIGNIFICANT' NATIONAL SECURITY THREAT The suspected Chinese spy balloon drifts to the ocean after being shot down off the coast in Surfside Beach, South Carolina, U.S. February 4, 2023. A senior Biden administration official denied allegations of an attempt to conceal the incident, saying decisions were made to protect sensitive intelligence capabilities. CHINA SPY BALLOON SHOWS COUNTRY IS PREPARING CITIZENS FOR WAR THAT COULD COME AT ANY POINT READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP "To the extent any of this was kept quiet at all, that was in large part to protect intel equities related to finding and tracking them," the official told NBC. "There was no intention to keep this from Congress at any point." United Sates Air Force General Glen VanHerck, Commander of United States Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command attends a hearing held by the House Armed Services Committee March 1, 2022, in Washington, DC. During the Jan. 27 phone call, Milley called VanHerck, and said the Pentagon planned to send up F-22 jets and other aircraft alongside the object and attempt to gauge its characteristics. US NAVY RECOVERS SIGNIFICANT PORTION OF CHINESE SPY BALLOON OFF SOUTH CAROLINA, DEFENSE OFFICIAL SAYS Soon after that call, U.S. military jets used targeting pods to determine the object was a balloon the size of three school buses and equipped with a massive surveillance payload but no offensive capabilities, NBC reported. Biden was not briefed on the balloon until Feb. 1, NBC reported. The public did not hear about the Chinese spy balloon until Feb. 2, when NBC News broke the story. Presiden Biden, right, shakes hands with Mark Milley, outgoing chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, during an armed forces farewell tribute at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall in Arlington, Virginia, on Friday. VanHerck warned that the Chinese balloon program remains active and that the U.S. has failed to develop systems to detect and track the craft. "It exposed significant gaps, long range gaps, for us to be able to see potential threats to the homeland." VanHerck said. "I think that opened the eyes of a lot of people." The top military official said that the U.S. is "not where it needs to be" in the development of "deterrence options." "Time is the opportunity to create deterrence options or, if required, defeat options," he said, adding that the U.S. is still "not where we need to be." According to the outlet, Biden officials privately lamented the public outcry and consequences of the spy balloon's reveal in early 2023. Officials, in their view, claimed that the spy balloon's reputational consequences for China and U.S. relations posed a far graver threat than the balloon entering U.S. airspace. "It caused so many problems," one senior administration official said. President Biden's White House has stated the delay in shooting down the surveillance craft was due to safety precautions as the balloon was carrying several thousand pounds of equipment. The U.S. eventually shot down the craft over open water off the coast of South Carolina, leading to questions about why that wasn't done as it crossed water near Alaska. Editor's Note: This story has been updated with new information from the Department of Defense. Original article source: Biden admin's top officials attempted to 'conceal' Chinese spy balloon from public, Congress exposed: report President Biden said that he did not ask Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to negotiate a cease-fire in the countrys war with Hamas during a call Saturday, despite rising pressure to do so. Biden told reporters that he had a long talk with Netanyahu, not discussing its contents, later adding that he did not ask for a cease-fire. The international community has nearly unanimously urged the U.S. and Israel to push for a cease-fire in Gaza, as the Palestinian death toll from the Israeli military offensive rises. Over 20,000 Palestinians have died in the war, Gaza health officials said, and nearly the entirety of Gazas 2.3 million population is in dire need of humanitarian aid, according to the United Nations. In a U.N. vote last week, just eight countries joined Israel and the U.S. in voting against a cease-fire resolution, and the U.S. abstained on a U.N. Security Council vote Friday on Gaza aid after negotiating for days to water down the measure. Within the U.S., a rising number of lawmakers and members of the public have also called on the Biden administration to change its Israel policy. A half dozen moderate Democrats urged the administration to step up pressure on Israel to end its all-out ground offensive on Gaza this week in a letter to the president. We are deeply concerned by [Netanyahus] current military strategy in Gaza. The mounting civilian death toll and humanitarian crisis are unacceptable and not in line with American interests; nor do they advance the cause of security for our ally Israel, the letter reads. We also believe it jeopardizes efforts to destroy the terrorist organization Hamas and secure the release of all hostages, the lawmakers continued. American support for military aid to Israel among the public has also waned since the start of the war in early October. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Joe Biden (L), President of the USA, and Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel, sit together for talks during their meeting. Avi Ohayon/GPO/dpa US President Joe Biden has spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the military operation in the Gaza Strip, the White House announced on Saturday. The leaders discussed the "objectives and phasing" of the Israeli military campaign, the White House said following the meeting. The US government has been stressing the need for more targeted military activities by Israel in the Gaza Strip, focusing on the leadership of Hamas, which was responsible for the October 7 attack on Israel that triggered the war. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said a few days ago that if this were to happen, the number of civilian casualties would also fall. In the telephone conversation with Netanyahu, Biden emphasized that the civilian population including humanitarian volunteers must be protected at all costs, the White House said. It was important to allow "civilians to move safely away from areas of ongoing fighting," the statement added. The White House further said that Biden and Netanyahu had discussed the importance of securing the release of all remaining hostages. European intelligence suggests that Russia may launch an attack on Europe during the winter of 2024-2025 if the United States finds itself "without a leader" following the 2024 U.S. presidential election, the German tabloid Bild reported on Dec. 23, citing an anonymous European intelligence source. The intelligence service source contends that a potential Russian strike on Europe could occur within the presidential transitionary period, contingent on President Joe Biden not securing re-election in the 2024 U.S. presidential election. This transition period spans three months, from the November 2024 U.S. presidential election to the subsequent inauguration in January 2025. According to the intelligence source, Russia may aim to launch an attack on Europe during this transition, especially if the leading Republican candidate, former President Donald Trump, is re-elected. Assistance to European countries is anticipated to follow, albeit with some delay. Throughout his campaign for the presidency, former President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized the level of aid President Joe Biden's administration provides to Kyiv. President Volodymyr Zelensky has also previously warned that the result of the upcoming 2024 U.S. presidential election can "very strongly" influence the course of Russia's war against Ukraine. The German think tank DGAP has issued prior warnings to Western nations, suggesting that Russia might launch a direct attack against NATO in "as little as six to 10 years." While Poland's national security agency has expressed a more urgent concern, estimating that Russia could potentially attack NATO in less than 36 months. Polish officials have previously suggested that Russia might target a NATO alliance member in Eastern Europe, including countries such as Poland, Estonia, Romania, and Lithuania. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. As the 2024 presidential primaries draw closer and Donald Trump remains the Republican frontrunner, it is becoming increasingly likely the former president could end up in the White House again. But a former Trump administration cabinet member is raising concerns that another Trump presidency could be even more tumultuous than the first. Former attorney general Bill Barr told Fox Newss Neil Cavuto on Friday that Mr Trumps chaotic style of governance could lead to some problems and, unlike his first term, he may not have an administration to keep him in line. His style of governance, his continuing to pander to anger and frustration versus a constructive approach to solving our problem is going to be chaotic and not going to accomplish very much, Mr Barr said. Mr Barr served as attorney general under Mr Trump from 2019 until 2020 shortly before Mr Trump left the White House. He said the former president needs people around him who will push back and help keep him on the straight and narrow. But, Mr Barr said hes concerned that a second term in office will leave little room for those people to negotiate with the former president. During his first term, the main way that could be was by pointing out to him how this would hurt his prospects for a second term. Once he wins a second term I dont know what considerations can be used to push back bad ideas, Mr Barr revealed. The former attorney general said that if Mr Trump were to be re-elected he would likely have no problem filling a cabinet but its the type of the people he fills it with that raises questions. Notoriously, Mr Trump had a high amount of turnover in his administration due to disagreements over policies, personal conflicts, poor job performance, promotions and more. Mr Barr left at the end of the administration, notably after contradicting Mr Trumps allegations of widespread voter fraud in the 2020 election. Since leaving office, Mr Barr has become a vocal critic of the former president specifically his actions that led up to the January 6 attack on the US Capitol. One of the reasons Im against Trump as the [Republican National Committee] nominee is I dont think hes going to move the country forward, Mr Barr told Fox News. Read the full story on The Auto Wire Blackout Dodge Charger Smokes Arkansas Police Yet Again A few times weve covered how some mystery man in a black Dodge Charger has been giving the slip repeatedly to Arkansas State Police. There have been too many attempts to pull this guy over, with each trooper getting smoked pretty quickly in their attempt at pursuit. The most recent and probably most pathetic example just surfaced, which is something to behold. Learn why not everyone in Europe is onboard with limiting car emissions here. This time it was poor Arkansas State Trooper Ethan Carlton who spotted the infamous Mopar muscle car as he himself sat blacked out on the median of a rural highway. We dont know if the trooper was looking specifically for this Charger, although that would be hard to believe. If Arkansas State Police had any idea of where this guy was going to be, theyd have multiple troopers, Stop Sticks, and maybe a helicopter ready to go since this Dodge driver has embarrassed them far too much. Upon recognizing the Blackout Charger as it travels in the opposite direction, Trooper Carlton turns on his lights and turns around to catch up with it. Even without his emergency lights on, the troopers vehicle is easily identified by other drivers who quickly pull out of the left lane to let him through as he goes well over 100 mph to catch up with the Dodge. The infamous driver is cruising along at just under 100 mph when the trooper catches up. After pulling the signal fake-out to make his pursuer think hes pulling over, the suspect drops the hammer and the chase is on, albeit briefly. In just 3 seconds the guy shuts off all his Mopars lights as he pulls away effortlessly. Trooper Carlton keeps up the chase for a few minutes after that, but he has no hope of catching up with the Blackout Dodge Charger as it slips away into the night. Check out the video for yourself. Images via YouTube https://youtu.be/KFwadXBwq-M Blitz Bazawule at the premiere of The Color Purple in Los Angeles, the US - 6 December 2023 Blitz Bazawule, the director of a new film adaptation of Alice Walker's revered 1982 novel The Color Purple, is a true renaissance man. In his 41 years, the Ghanaian has also co-directed a Beyonce film, published a novel, performed his music across the world and set a Netflix record. His latest challenge - a musical of the potent, Pulitzer Prize-winning book about a troubled, young, black woman fighting racism and the patriarchy in America - is released in the US on Christmas Day. Bazawule's Color Purple follows a 1985 film adaptation that won actress Whoopi Goldberg a Golden Globe, and a Broadway musical that opened in 2005. Directing a second film version of a celebrated classic is a high-pressure task, but the Atlanta-based artist certainly has the credentials. Born Samuel Bazawule in the Ghanaian capital, Accra, he had a deep penchant for drawing as a boy. Music was also a major passion, particularly jazz, Ghanaian highlife, Motown and Afrobeat (a forerunner to the currently popular genre Afrobeats). However it was hip-hop, specifically Public Enemy's 1988 album It Takes a Nation of Millions To Hold Us Back, that had the biggest impact on Bazawule. "I had never heard young black people express themselves in that way before," Bazawule said on the website of his now defunct artist development company, Embassy MVMT. Inspired by Public Enemy, Bazawule released several mixtapes after he left Accra to study at Kent State University in the US. After graduation he moved to New York - the birthplace of hip-hop - to pursue a music career. He has released four studio albums under the name Blitz the Ambassador and raps in English, Ghanaian language Twi and West African Pidgin. Bazawule - pictured here in 2010 - said touring as a musician helped him fund his debut film Seun Kuti, Angelique Kidjo and Nneka are among the fellow African music stars to feature heavily in Bazawule's songs, while - in a full-circle moment - Public Enemy's Chuck D appears on his 2011 album Native Sun. Several years later, Bazawule used some of the money he earned from performing to fund his critically acclaimed, debut feature film The Burial of Kojo. "I realised no investor was interested in financing an African film that didn't revolve around the narrow cliches of war and disease. Self-funding was my only option," Bazawule wrote on crowdfunding site Kickstarter, as he attempted to raise more money for post-production. Through magical realism, The Burial of Kojo tells the story of a young girl on a mission to look for her father after he goes missing while working in a gold mine in Ghana. The film was shot in the country with a local cast, who speak Twi throughout most of the film. Bazawule composed and performed the score for The Burial of Kojo, telling the BBC after the film's 2018 premiere: "Making film is, I believe, the quintessential mix of all creative endeavours - you get to be a bit of a writer, you get to be a bit of a visual artist, you get to be a bit of a musician, all in one." Despite not possessing formal training or funding from traditional sources, Bazawule's debut film caught the eye of Hollywood titan Ava DuVernay, director of projects like Selma and When They See Us. After her company Array picked up The Burial of Kojo's distribution rights, it became the first Ghanaian-produced film to stream on Netflix. Bazawule received widespread critical acclaim, with the New York Times praising "a near-virtuoso work, a feast of emotion, nuance and beauty, and a startling feature directing debut". And film critics were not the only ones who were impressed. According to Bazawule, it was after watching The Burial of Kojo on Netflix that Beyonce invited him on board her own cinematic effort, Black Is King. Released in 2020, it serves as a visual companion to Beyonce's soundtrack for the 2019 Lion King reboot. The film celebrates black identity and female empowerment, while showcasing talent and culture from across Africa. Bazawule went on to bag a Grammy nomination for his work on the project. After entering the fields of film and music, Bazawule then crossed the frontier into literature. His 2022 novel, The Scent of Burnt Flowers, follows a couple who seek asylum in Ghana after fleeing persecution in 1960s America. It is reportedly being adapted into a six-episode TV series - with Bazawule writing, directing and producing. For Bazawule, key to his take on Celie, the character at the centre of The Color Purple, is her fertile imagination - using that to show how she overcomes abuse and trauma. "She's working in her head to liberate herself," he said in an interview in the run-up to the film's release. The Color Purple is also said to have African musical influences thanks to Bazawule - and he remains inspired by stories from his birthplace despite not having lived there for decades. He encourages other African creatives to bring their countries to the big screen, addressing filmmakers in his interview with the BBC. "Look inward, look at what we have on the continent. Visually, it's unmatched. So know what you have, do the work and believe," he said. You may be interested in: Californians escaping blue state politics have descended on Idaho with their government overreach strategies to interfere in the decisions of libraries and school districts about the books on their shelves. Book banning was largely absent from the Treasure Valley local governments when I moved here in 2003. But now that California plates are showing up at stop lights in the Treasure Valley, book banning makes the local headlines. The West Ada school district in Meridian just removed ten books from a longer list of 44 books considered for removal from its library shelves. West Ada librarians were invited to participate in the discussions of what books should be banned, but they declined, obviously troubled by the pontificating new majority commandeering local government decision-making. The Nampa school district removed 22 books from its library last year. Heres a case where a dystopian novel of the 50s comes to life in the 21st century. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury is a classic dystopian novel that depicts a society where books are banned and then burned. The Nampa Interim School Superintendent at the time said the banned books would be thrown in the garbage. (Apparently, they didnt have a match.) Its a safe wager that these charlatans didnt read the books cover to cover. They pick up titles in the right-wing media that gives them reassurance students arent exposed to sexual material or issues of race, the usual excuses these days for banning a book. (West Ada school district used the right-wing BookLooks.org to find its banned books.) Like their students arent technologically savvy enough in this digital world to find their own way to such material. In fact, banning a book may be the most effective tool for getting a book in the hands of students these high priests of our moral values claim to protect. It was in a column last year that I sought to nail down the hypocrisy of the radical right in its efforts to criminalize the work of librarians while preaching about the dangers of government overreach, but a co-founder of Moms for Liberty and Sarasota, Florida school board member Bridget Ziegler wins the grand prize of hypocrisy. After taking over a Sarasota Florida school board and crowing about woke books, all in the name of moral rectitude, she was involved in a three-way sex scandal with another woman and Zieglers husband, Christian Ziegler, chair of the Florida Republican Party. (No, I did not make up his first name.) Heres where the going gets tough. Who lost more of the moral high ground, the Republican Party of Florida or Moms for Liberty, which issues lists of banned books and now may have to be on guard for books that include the kind of three-some sex scandals the co-founder of Moms for Liberty apparently enjoys? Its at this point where I must admit I feel like Rip Van Winkle awakened to a new and distorted reality not of his making. Some of the best books Ive read are classics now banned by libraries and school boards across the country, but they were required reading for my senior English course in high school taught by Sister Delores, a Catholic nun, who probably could not have imagined that The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, 1984 by George Orwell or Brave New World by Aldous Huxley were books to be banned once the right wing sprang into action. Catcher in the Rye is the story of a disillusioned teenager confronting an adult world not making much sense to him. Its a great read for a high school English teacher to challenge her students on how to overcome what may appear as insurmountable odds in adjusting to that adult world, but profanity and sexual references are usually given as the reasons for banning it. Yet this most religious nun didnt see it that way. Go figure and if you figure correctly, you just might conclude that the self-appointed guardians of morality today dont have a clue how such a book might be used by a teacher in a classroom of kids moving into adulthood. My high school days unfolded during the Cold War when the fear of communism and the Reds reaching our shores and depriving us of our freedoms were uppermost in the minds of many Americans. The novel by George Orwell, 1984, was a stark reminder of the Red Scares end game: The totalitarian Big Brother of 1984 assumed total control over its citizens, even forbidding and criminalizing the protagonist Winston Smiths sex life. It was banned for its mild sexual content. Today, 1984 still serves as a reminder of life under despotic rule and the loss of individual freedom that autocrats enforce. Another favorite of book bans over the years was Brave New World by Aldous Huxley, rated #3 on the American Library Associations list of the most challenged books. It depicts an authoritarian ruling order that employs technology to reign over individual freedom, depriving citizens of their full humanity. Sound familiar? Huxley followed up with Brave New World Revisited in which he warns readers that his earlier novel had come to life in the ensuing years. It doesnt take an English major to realize that these banned books were way ahead of their time. They may have been required reading in my high school days, but they still serve today as a warning of whats ahead for todays democracies threatened by autocrats who lie, cheat, and steal to gain access to power and privilege. In justifying the removal of a book from the shelves or reading lists, the book Nazis often base their concerns on the welfare of students whom they claim are too young or immature to handle certain material in the books they ban. Their strategy today seems to have shifted from books about autocracy and dictatorship to books about race and sexuality. Banning books deprives students of the right to read and evaluate ideas, information and experiences that form the basis of our lives. If the tools of discovery and analysis we find in books are removed from them by indiscriminate bans, they will graduate sadly lacking in skills that allow citizens to distinguish between fact and fiction, a serious malady among many of todays voters. Most parents today still place faith in their childrens teachers and librarians to choose educational materials that provide a foundation of learning that is age-appropriate and that will serve them for the rest of their lives. But today, the self-righteous Pharisees who scour libraries for books to ban trust no one. They see a plot to corrupt their children behind every librarian and teacher. They expect the entire community to live by their values and they fit perfectly into the mold that has been carefully crafted by Donald Trump as he poisons the well from which we derive our faith and confidence in our local governments, in our schools and in authority figures in our community. Nothing is sacred and nothing is to be trusted by these moral zealots. If there is a threat to our childrens future, it is the growing right-wing mania that sucks a community dry of the free expression of ideas and the tolerance to respect the opinions of others. Read on! Bob Kustra served as president of Boise State University from 2003 to 2018. He is host of Readers Corner on Boise State Public Radio and is a regular columnist for the Idaho Statesman. He served two terms as Illinois lieutenant governor and 10 years as a state legislator. Russian leader Vladimir Putin "cannot be satisfied with a limited territorial victory" and "has decided to continue the war until the final victory," the EU's chief diplomat, Josep Borrell, said in an interview with the Guardian on Dec. 24. "He will not give up the war, especially not before the American election, which may present him with a much more favorable scenario," Borrell said. President Volodymyr Zelensky said during a press conference on Dec. 19 that the result of the 2024 U.S. presidential election could "very strongly" influence the course of Russia's war against Ukraine. Donald Trump, the former U.S. president and the Republican Party's leading candidate, has repeatedly criticized the level of aid U.S. President Joe Biden's administration provides to Kyiv. "We must prepare for a conflict of high intensity for a long time," Borrell told the Guardian. "Putin cannot be satisfied with a piece of Ukraine and to let the rest of Ukraine belong to the European Union." According to Borrell, Russia continues to pose a threat to its neighbors because it has always been an empire and has "never been able to become a nation." Putin "was wrong about the capacity of his army," and misjudged how Ukraine would resist, and about the strength of the EU and the transatlantic alliance, Borrell believes. "But he is still there," Borrell noted. "He is still willing to fight, to let his people die, so that his army and his people suffer, because he has no reverse." The U.K. Defense Ministry estimated that as of December 2023, 320,000 Russian troops have been killed or injured in the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on Dec. 1 to increase the size of Russia's army by 170,000 people, bringing it to a new total of 1,320,000 military personnel. Read also: Opinion: How Russias succession problem makes its future uncertain Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Boston Police are seeking the publics help in identifying a suspect in connection with a series of credit card fraud incidents that occurred downtown. Police said the suspect may be linked to three separate incidents where false credit cards were used to withdraw money from ATM machines. Anyone with information is strongly urged to contact Boston Police detectives at 617-343-6150. Community members wishing to assist investigators anonymously can do so by calling the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1-800-494-TIPS or by texting the word TIP to CRIME (27463). Boston Police say the department will protect the identity of anyone who wishes to help investigators anonymously. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Both parties are too radical now Our democracy is careening toward self-destruction. Both political parties have been co-opted by their radical wings. Compromise has ceased; party divisions are growing. Calls for retribution, secession and civil war are increasing. Politicians are expressing fear for their lives. Radical Democrats are advancing a socialist agenda that prioritizes nonessential initiatives ahead of critical needs. These needs include restoring law and order, and common-sense border policy. Radical Republicans are advancing an autocratic agenda that favors the wealthy, oppresses non-whites and LBGTQ people, deprives women of their right to abortion, and subverts democracy. Most Americans consider our current and former presidents unfit for the job. They are too old, and they place personal and radical party interests ahead of national unity and democracy. Trump will not abandon his candidacy; its his pathway to a self-pardon. Democrats must convince Biden that his legacy will be positive if he withdraws. Otherwise, he will be remembered with scorn as another Neville Chamberlain who ignored the gravity of the moment. Biden should endorse a younger, moderate candidate now. Considering the alternatives, the candidate would be acceptable to most independents and moderates in both parties. These groups together cast far more votes than either radical wing. Russ Treat, Richland Hunting helps manage game Dan Paul submitted his opinions on bear hunting. His op-ed leads the reader to conclude that rich people kill bears for trophies and seemingly (are) the only people who hunt bears. Most of the people that I know who hunt bears eat the flesh or give it to friends who eat the meat. Mr. Paul, as stated, works for the Humane Society. That organization is opposed to all hunting. They will take every opportunity to put a stop to hunting. Hunting is a tradition that helps maintain game animal populations. Washington state has done all it can to make hunting difficult while encouraging hunting in order to keep license money flowing to Olympia. Dave Thompson, Kennewick GOP on Ukraine disgusting I find the way that Congress is playing politics over support for Ukraine disgusting. Since 1946, we have spent untold billions of dollars for weapon systems to counter the threat of the spread of communism. And overshadowing this are the lives that have been lost in Korea, Vietnam and other police actions around the world in the name of stopping the Red Scourge from overrunning the world. These efforts were mostly undertaken in countries whose people didnt give a crap about politics. They just wanted people to stop killing their water buffaloes. And now we have the Ukrainians fighting and dying to save their country from the Reds, and a bunch of our politicians want to abandon them. This is embarrassing and disgusting. Bob Cummings, West Richland Trump echoing the words of Hitler I just heard on Fox News (which, by the way, lost the Dominion voting machine scandal with a $787 million judgment) some Republican leaders downplaying Trumps recent alarming rhetoric that only a dictator like Hitler would give. We need to root out communists, Marxists, fascists, and radical left thugs that live like vermin... and immigrants are poisoning the blood of our country. But instead of denouncing his words, the Republican Congress, including our congressman, went to work to try to degrade President Biden by wasting time and taxpayer money to launch an inquiry to determine if he needs to be impeached. If you love this country, the things coming out of Trumps mouth should be taken extremely seriously since hate crimes and domestic terrorism are way up since he came into and left office. This is the same man who has 91 federal felony crimes he is accused of, including trying to overthrow the U.S. government on Jan. 6 and (trying to) steal the election with a fake elector scheme. Authoritarians like Trump who degrade others, including immigrants, who defraud others by cheating on his income tax and in his businesses, and cant tell the truth have no business leading our country. John J. Patrick, Pasco The closure of a degree course in dance will affect the "entire creative community", campaigners have said. Arts University Bournemouth said "with great regret" it was discontinuing admissions to its BA (Hons) Dance course for the 2023-24 academic year. More than 1,300 people have signed an online petition opposing the move. The university said the course had produced "invigorating and exciting performances" but it faced a fall in applications and rising costs. A statement said: "Nearly all the income the university receives is derived from student fees and they have remained static for many years. "Our decision will allow the university to consider the potential for the development of a new contemporary arts performance provision that future-proofs the subject area and responds to current and future market demands." 'Deep concerns' It said it would bring together dance professionals, arts leaders, health professionals and educators to develop ideas on how best to promote dance in the area. The university added the three cohorts of existing students would continue to receive "high-quality education drawing on the expertise of our staff". The petition said future students would "miss out on the opportunity" to pursue dance at higher education in the Bournemouth area. "This [course closure] would be to the detriment of the entire creative community within the area and is of course symptomatic of the wider diminishing of the dance and arts sectors up and down the country," it said. Dance organisations have also expressed "deep concerns" about the closure of undergraduate courses at Bournemouth and elsewhere. In a joint statement, One Dance UK, DanceHE, People Dancing and Society for Dance Research said: "Without a comprehensive dance offer at higher education level... where will the next generation of dancers, choreographers, teachers, designers, administrators and dance researchers evolve from?" Follow BBC South on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Send your story ideas to south.newsonline@bbc.co.uk. As Ruben Gallego retraced the daily walk he made a quarter century ago from the small first-floor Pulaski Road apartment he shared with his mother and three sisters to Evergreen Park Community High School, the memories of a sometimes difficult childhood came back quickly. There were the taunts and bullying he endured as a kid from one of the first Latino families to move into the community. There was the juggling act of taking his younger siblings to school and back while his mother, Elisa, worked as a secretary, and the odd jobs he held to help the family make ends meet. And there were the times he recalled hearing my mom crying just because of the stress that she was dealing with. Sleeping on the floor because there was no money for bedding, I just remember it being the middle of the night and I just started crying, not because I was angry or mad. I felt I had to succeed to get everybody out. For much of his 44 years, Gallego has struggled to fit in. He successfully competed for a coveted scholarship to an elite college, but found himself unable to relate to his Ivy League classmates. He joined the Marine Corps Reserve and watched his best friend die in combat in Iraq, and subsequently suffered from post traumatic stress syndrome. He eventually made his home in Arizona, where he channeled his business marketing acumen toward a career in politics. Now Gallego, Evergreen Park Community High School class of 1998, Harvard class of 2004, corporal in Lima Company 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment 2005-2006, and a member of Congress since 2015, thinks he knows where he might next fit best: The United States Senate. Gallego is the only major Democratic candidate in one of the nations most closely watched Senate races. Hes looking to replace Democrat-turned-independent U.S. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, who has disappointed Democrats with her support of corporate interests. Kari Lake, a former TV news anchor and acolyte of former President Donald Trump, is running in the Republican primary for the seat. Ive never really fit in anywhere. I think thats what makes me very comfortable in walking into every room which is a good thing, Gallego said. You do notice things as you grow older. Your schools arent the best schools. You work hard and sometimes that check doesnt go that far. One of the good things I talk about on the trail is that of the many people in the Senate, I would probably be one of the few that still remembers working minimum-wage jobs, he said. Ive been working, legally, since I was 14. Before that, I was working on job sites doing day labor. The Sauce Guy One of those early jobs was at Barracos Pizza on West 95th Street, where Gallego recently gathered about 25 members of his family for a preholiday reunion. As young nieces and nephews ran around the room to the A Charlie Brown Christmas soundtrack, two of his sisters chatted with his aunts and uncles while Gallego and his wife, Sydney, took turns holding daughter Isla, who was born in July. I love you all, he joked over the din, but the pizza is really what Im looking forward to. Taking his 6-year-old son Michael into the kitchen, Gallego explained how as a high school freshman he was relegated to being the sauce guy because his dough-tossing skills were lacking. He lamented that now the dough is pressed through a roller machine rather than hand tossed. Thats absolutely cheating, he said later of the machine-rolled dough. But as he showed his son how he would sauce up the pizza in swirls using the back of a ladle, Michael comforted his father by saying, Not everything has changed. Change has been a constant for Gallego. His life experience informs his political agenda, with a priority on promoting assistance for mental health, education and military and veterans issues. Gallego was born in Chicago to a mother from Colombia and a father from Mexico. His father was in construction but turned to dealing drugs and left the family. When Gallego was in seventh grade, he, his mother and three sisters moved into a small, two-bedroom apartment on the first floor of a nondescript tan-brick three-flat in Evergreen Park. It was a hard time definitely growing up. I do remember feeling stress a lot as a kid trying to have a job, get good grades, help raise the family, he said. When youre 14, 15, you dont know how to process any of that. I now recognize, unfortunately, I put that off for many years. But I just remember trying to figure out how to survive mentally. In Evergreen Park back then, the arrival of a Latino family was a cultural change for a lot of people here. I did encounter some racism from other students and some parents, he said. But also Im not sure I would be the person I am without this place, because there were so many people who took care of me, he said, recalling teachers who gave him rides home when the weather was bad, friends parents who let him use a computer, neighbors who paid him $20 to shovel their walkways and driveways. On his recent preholiday visit, no one was home at his familys old apartment, #1 North, just off busy Pulaski Road. We kinda hit the low point, he recalled. My grandfather had died. He was my grandfather but also like a real father figure. We had just moved into that apartment. I had just started sleeping on the floor. Its kind of what kicked me into real overdrive and understanding that I needed to really push myself. On an inside wall of the entranceway was the mailbox that, on an afternoon during his senior year of high school, bulged with his ticket out acceptance and a scholarship to Harvard. I knew I had made it because the envelope was stuffing outside the mailbox, otherwise it would have been a one-page rejection letter that would have fit inside, he said. This is what Im going to be up against? As he retraced his walk to school, Gallego made a brief stop inside the public library. Its where local librarians helped by pointing him to the materials needed to prepare for college exams and applications. He became emotional as he remembered the time he broke down in tears when he didnt have enough change for the copy machine to make copies to take home to study. I remember talking to these kids at youth camps and theyd say, I take four hours of prep classes a week. This is what Im going to be up against? he recalled. And (Im) trying to save up every piece of change I could just so I could make copies? And that one day, his voice trailed off, the sad part about this is that I remember the times I broke down in tears. The first one was that one in the apartment. The second time was here (at the library). The third time was when I got into Harvard. Getting into Harvard was the culmination of his decision to buckle down on his high school studies to take his family out of poverty. I became possessed by the idea. I wish I still had that sometimes, he said, laughing. As an added incentive, his Uncle Al got him a job at a meat packing plant on the 5 a.m. shift. He joked that he did it to make sure I finished college. Harvard proved not to be a good fit. He struggled with his grades, had difficulty making friends with his more well-off classmates, and in his sophomore year admits he spent too much time partying and broke some rules. He was asked to leave Harvard but was told he could reapply in a year. He joined the Marine Corps Reserve during that break from school and resumed his college studies the following year, graduating in 2004. I didnt fit into Harvard. I fit in more in the Marines than in Harvard, without a doubt. I tried. I dont think I ever really adjusted, he said. We just kept going, and dying With the Marines, Gallego joined a group of men of similar socio-economic status, though he took some heckling over his Harvard connection. A year out of college, Gallegos Marine Reserve unit was shipped off to Iraq and assigned to Lima Company, with the role of conducting sweeps to seize weapons and eliminate supporters of Saddam Hussein. In its first two months, the unit did not have a casualty, and was dubbed Lucky Lima. But the luck soon ran out. During his deployment, 22 Marines and one Navy corpsman in his unit were killed in action. Ultimately, Lima lost 48 men, the hardest hit battalion in Iraq. It was the largest death count of any Marine unit since a 1983 Marine barracks bombing in Lebanon that killed 220. Among the units casualties was Lance Cpl. Jonathan Grant, who was killed when an improvised explosive device struck his amphibious assault vehicle. Gallego had promised Grants wife he would watch over him. When Gallego returned home, he suffered from post-traumatic stress. His first marriage, to a woman he met at Harvard, ended in divorce. Gallego recounted his military and post-combat experiences in his 2021 memoir, They Called Us Lucky: The Life and Afterlife of the Iraq Wars Hardest Hit Unit. I think for many years, I carried a lot of anger and resentment. Going to war I layered more trauma on top of trauma, he said. Before dealing with the PTSD, I had to deal with all of this other stuff I had grown up with. But when Gallego sought help for PTSD from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, he said he was rejected because, according to his service record, he never saw combat. In his book, Gallego wrote that his service record hadnt been updated properly when his units command failed to forward information about the reserves deployment to Iraq through proper channels. The records of other members of his units suffered from the same omission, Gallego wrote. There is like a whole documentary on my unit that had already come out and in it and Im actually, literally, in combat. I even brought it to my next appointment with the VA. I said, See. This is me! And they said, Sorry, if your record doesnt show it, we cant rate you for this or that, he said. Not just that it was me, but I heard other veterans were having this problem. A couple of guys I served with ended up being homeless because of this. Gallego said it took years to straighten out the situation but he now has a Combat Action Ribbon. His problems with the VA eventually helped steer him toward politics, even though his experience in Iraq had led him to detest politicians. I didnt care about politics. Actually, I was mad. I was so mad at politicians. They left us to die. S----y armor. S----y command, he said. I had a lot of friends who were already politically involved. They were calling politicians, saying, Hey, my friends unit has no armor. Theyre getting blown up. Do something. And nothing. Nothing. We just kept going, and dying. Selling salsa and politics After his military service, Gallego moved to Arizona to join his future wife, Kate Widland, a New Mexico native he met at Harvard who had moved to Phoenix to work on John Kerrys 2004 presidential campaign. His first post-military career move was in marketing and public relations, hoping to eventually create a business catering to the ever-growing Spanish language market in Phoenix. He joined a public relations firm through a friend of a friend and oversaw production of a few Ortega salsa commercials while also working on some political campaigns. The firm thought he did a better job selling candidates than salsa, and he ran the campaign for a severely underfunded Phoenix City Council candidate who ended up winning by 11 percentage points. That led to jobs as the councilmans chief of staff and vice chair of the Arizona Democratic Party. A successful 2010 run for the Arizona House followed and he rose to become assistant Democratic leader in the GOP-run chamber. In 2012, Gallego founded a group called Citizens for Professional Law Enforcement with the goal of removing controversial Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio from office. Arpaio had used taxpayer money to investigate Barack Obamas citizenship and created an armed posse of citizens to help deputies conduct roundups under an immigration law later deemed illegal. He faced numerous lawsuits over his departments activities. Gallego said he feared becoming a victim of Arpaios well-documented bullying tactics because of his work against the sheriff. I remember being followed home by sheriffs deputies. I remember telling my then-wife, Listen, if somebody comes knocking at the door and says theyre a sheriffs deputy, were just going to the ground right away. We dont want to give them any excuse to shoot us, Gallego said. Gallegos efforts to bring down Arpaio fell short, but the sheriff was defeated four years later and, in July 2017, convicted of criminal contempt of court for failing to follow a court order to stop racial profiling. He was pardoned by President Donald Trump a month later. Two years after the Arpaio effort, Gallego launched a run for Congress in a heavily Democratic district around Phoenix to replace retiring 12-term congressman Ed Pastor. He effectively won the seat by getting almost 50% of the vote in a four-way primary. The first Iraq War veteran to go to Congress from Arizona, Gallego coasted to victory in each of his reelection contests. Seeking higher office In 2018, Gallego backed the U.S. Senate candidacy of Sinema, a progressive who grew up in poverty, because we came from the same background. But a month after she announced her switch from Democrat to independent in late 2022, he formally announced his candidacy for her Senate seat. Sinema has alienated many Democrats over her refusal to support efforts to end the filibuster in the Senate, particularly for passage of Democratic voting rights legislation, as well as for siding with corporate interests and dramatically voting against a minimum-wage increase, giving a thumbs-down hand gesture and then curtsying after bringing a chocolate cake into the chamber. When youre poor, besides your family, the only other people that can look out for you are the politicians that you put in office. And to have someone use her time, her effort, her power for the already powerful after I had helped her? She screws us over, Gallego said. I did not know who was going to run on the Republican side. It could have been anybody. But I knew, one, Kyrsten was not going to be helpful anymore to working-class people and two, that were going to be able to win despite whatever Republican ran, he said. One prominent group that supports a womans right to abortion, Reproductive Freedom for All, formerly known as NARAL Pro-Choice America, backed Sinema previously but has endorsed Gallego, as has the Arizona Democratic Party. Democratic-aligned groups, including EMILYs List and Planned Parenthood Action Fund, have said they would not support Sinema again. Sinema has not formally announced she is seeking reelection as an independent but she has privately been seeking fundraising support, including in visits to the Chicago business community, according to one Illinois Republican who is knowledgeable about her efforts but asked not to be identified because he was not authorized to speak publicly about them. Lake, a former Phoenix TV news anchor turned politician, has backed Trumps false claims of a stolen 2020 presidential election and has repeatedly been unsuccessful in court challenges contesting her 2022 loss to Democrat Katie Hobbs in the Arizona governors race. Disciplinary proceedings are pending for Lakes attorneys, who have already been sanctioned by the Arizona Supreme Court for making false claims that 35,000 ballots were illegally inserted into batches of legal ballots in Maricopa County. Another one of her attorneys contended the CIA and the Justice Department forced the Arizona Supreme Court to create misinformation boards in the run-up to the 2020 election to prevent lawsuits challenging Trumps loss to Joe Biden. Lake recently posted on X, Time to wake up America! that questioned the justice system for going after truth seekers such as Trump, herself and Rudy Giuliani. We are becoming a corrupt third-world dictatorship a Banana Republic, Lakes post said. In a separate post on the same day, she added, Speaking of accountability, will @RubenGallego be held to account for denying the 2016 election & calling Trump illegitimate? In October, the National Republican Senatorial Committee revealed an internal poll showing Gallego leading the Senate race with 41%, followed by Lake with 37% and Sinema with 17%. The poll findings found Sinema was taking support away from Lake, which the NRSC said it would work to reverse. In November, the NRSC launched an ad attack titled Rotten Ruben Gallego that noted his divorce while his wife was pregnant with their first child and his remarriage to a DC lobbyist. Gallego and his ex-wife, Kate Gallego, who is now the mayor of Phoenix, co-parent their son. His current wife is a lobbyist for the National Association of Realtors. Republicans also have alluded to Gallegos sometimes forceful personality and temperament, possibly foreshadowing an effort to make his PTSD diagnosis a campaign issue. But Gallego readily discusses the issue and the need for improved mental health services and said he believes by being open about his PTSD it can encourage others to seek help. I think the NRSC is trying to make the best of a horrible situation, to be honest, Gallego said of Lakes candidacy. They can do whatever they want. At the end of the day, when people know me, know my family, know our story, know what were going to do, were going to win. I think thats what scares them. Lake has sought at times to shift the conversation to border security, saying Gallego is a hypocrite for his recent call that President Joe Biden declare the southern border an emergency and allow Arizona to receive federal help. Yet she keeps returning to the claim she was cheated in the election for governor and the false claims that the 2020 presidential election was stolen. For all intents and purposes, Kari Lake should be doing significantly better. She just ran a fairly close gubernatorial campaign. She has statewide name appeal being on TV forever. And yet, shes less popular now than the last day she was campaigning for governor. And why is that? Because she continues with election denialism, Gallego said. People are worried. You have Donald Trump talking about it and now you have someone who wants to be in the Senate and wants to be a vote for him, especially when it comes to overturning elections and having us move slowly into autocracy, he said. As for the intensity of the campaign attacks against him at such an early stage, Gallego said it is fitting. Theres nothing that Ive ever gained in life that didnt come with some kind of struggle, he said. rap30@aol.com Millions of people around the world rejoice as Christmas approaches. It is a time of family, friendship, gifts, and songs. In 2022, Americans spent $178 billion on Christmas. This year, more than 115 million Americans are expected to travel to celebrate the holiday. In the United States, Christmas traditions have changed steadily over the years; and millions still hold faithful to the original purpose of veneration of the birth of Christ and celebrating the message of peace and harmony. Early Christians celebrated Easter more with the death and resurrection of Jesus as the embodiment of Christian ideals. However, by the fourth century AD, the birth of Jesus also began to be noted with special church observances also, quite literally, the "Christ Mass." However, it was a matter of some debate when it should be observed. Some marked the birth of Christ on March 28, while others noted November 18. Neither the Roman Empire nor Hebrew officials in Judea kept birth records, so there was no certainty as to the particular day. In the early centuries after the crucifixion of Christ, Christians faced brutal persecutions, torture, and executions for their faith, so the message of Christ's birth and the promise of God became more important than the particular calendar day. After the legalization of Christianity within the Roman Empire in the fourth century, Pope Julius I declared around AD 350 that December 25 would be the official observance, but it was only a special church service and not seen as a gift-giving occasion. The Christmas Eve mass or communion service is still an important Christmas tradition for many American families and Christians worldwide. By the sixteenth century, Christmas slowly became more than a church service. The tradition of the Christmas tree originated in Germany in the 1500s when candles were attached to evergreen trees. In Germany especially, the day became a celebration noted for singing, parties, feasts, and drinking. The Puritans who arrived in New England in the early 1600s were appalled by such displays, which they considered sinful. As a result, Puritan leaders banned observances of Christmas well into the eighteenth century. In Massachusetts, Christmas was against the law for more than 20 years in the late 1600s. In fact, it was knowledge of the differences by which New Englanders and Germans typically observed the day that inspired George Washington to cross the Delaware River on Christmas Night 1776 to stage a surprise attack on the Hessian outpost at Trenton, New Jersey. After a brutal series of losses that summer and fall, Washington knew he had to turn the war around. He knew the German mercenaries the British had hired to pursue them would be too distracted by their own Christmas parties to suspect an attack during winter. At dawn on December 26, he surprised and overwhelmed the exhausted and hungover Hessian revelers to change the course of history. Ken Bridges German settlers brought many Christmas traditions to the United States, particularly Christmas trees, by the late 1700s and a number of notable Christmas carols, such as Silent Night and "O Christmas Tree," were originally German. But Christmas as a holiday emerged slowly. Louisiana was the first to declare Christmas a state holiday in 1837, and only a handful of states followed suit within the next few years. It did not become a federal holiday until 1870. Even the tradition of exchanging gifts did not emerge quickly. However, the gift-giving tradition expanded rapidly in the 1820s and 1830s, with merchants quickly looking to capitalize on the holiday. Writers such as English novelist Charles Dickens with A Christmas Carol (1843) and American writer Clement Clarke Moore with "A Visit from St. Nicholas" (1823) helped popularize Christmas as a gift-giving time. Christmas trees began to be sold widely across the North in the 1850s, with the first electric Christmas lights sold in 1882, but many families did not have Christmas trees until the early 1900s and most ornaments were handmade. The day's message of peace was not lost. On Christmas Eve 1814, American and British diplomats signed a peace treaty ending the War of 1812. A century later, on Christmas Day 1914, Allied and German troops staged an impromptu cease-fire during World War I to mark the spirit of Christmas. Christmas is celebrated today even in non-Christian households as the spirit of giving and peace has transcended its original religious meaning for some. Far from the shopping crowds, Christmas still has a magical place in the heats of young and old alike. In a quiet moment, many remember that Christmas is still a time of generosity for others. And Christmas is still a time of peace in our hearts and in the world, as we are reminded of the gift of one precious life, of brotherhood, and of the harmony for which the holiday was born. Ken Bridges is a writer, historian and native Texan. He holds a doctorate from the University of North Texas. Bridges can be reached by email at drkenbridges@gmail.com. This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Bridges: Christmas holiday observance, traditions change over time Britains Home Secretary James Cleverly has apologized for joking about spiking his wifes drink with a date-rape drug. According to a report in British tabloid the Sunday Mirror, Cleverly made the joke to female guests while attending a Downing Street reception earlier this month. According to the paper, Cleverly a senior minister in Prime Minister Rishi Sunaks Conservative government said that adding a little bit of Rohypnol in her drink every night was not really illegal if its only a little bit. He reportedly added that the secret to a long marriage was to ensure your spouse was someone who is always mildly sedated so she can never realise there are better men out there. His comments came on the same day that Cleverly vowed to strengthen British laws on the growing epidemic of drink spiking in the UK, according to the Mirror. A spokesman for Cleverly told PA Media: In what was always understood as a private conversation James, the Home Secretary tackling spiking, made what was clearly meant to be an ironic joke for which he apologises. The comments have stirred controversy among womens rights groups and prompted calls for his resignation. Opposition Labour politician and Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper wrote on X: Spiking is a serious & devastating crime. Truly unbelievable that the Home Secretary in charge of tackling violence against women & girls could think it OK to make jokes like this. How can victims trust him to take this vile crime seriously? The Fawcett Society, a womens advocacy group, described the comments as sickening. No wonder women dont feel safe. We know that banter is the excuse under which misogyny is allowed to thrive. How can we trust him to seriously address violence against women and girls? We deserve better than this from our lawmakers and Cleverly should resign, Fawcett Society chief executive Jemima Olchawski said. Womens Aid, an organization which aims to tackle domestic violence in the UK, said: We rely on political leaders to take action to end violence against women and girls, and the misogyny that underpins it. It is vital that spiking survivors see ministers treating the subject seriously and not downplaying the reality so many women face. Cleverly was forced to issue another apology just weeks ago for using inappropriate language in reference to Labour MP Alex Cunningham. He was accused of using a derogatory swearword to describe his constituency of Stockton North a claim he denies. Britain has been facing a rising epidemic of spiking incidents. Between May 2022 and April 2023, there were 6,732 reports of spiking in England and Wales, PA Media reported. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com British Home Secretary James Cleverly is facing outrage and calls to resign after a report that he joked about giving his wife a date-rape drug. The Sunday Mirror says Cleverly made the crack about spiking his spouses drink at a reception, saying that a little bit of Rohypnol in her drink every night was not really illegal if its only a little bit. His flack has since said that the comment was meant to be an ironic joke and that he apologizes. But Labor politicians have slammed the Tory Cabinet minister, and the Fawcett Society, a womens rights group, called for him to step down, saying it has no faith he can seriously address violence against women and girls. Read it at Sunday Mirror Read more at The Daily Beast. Betty Nankabirwa (R), the founder of Support Disabled Children Ggaba (SDCG), a charity organization looking after children with special needs, hands over a certificate of appreciation to Lei Xue, an executive of Chinese enterprise CRJE (East Africa) Limited, during the donation ceremony in Kampala, Uganda, Dec. 23, 2023. Chinese enterprise CRJE in Uganda, a subsidiary of China Railway Construction Engineering Group Co. Ltd, has supported children with disabilities here with home-use items and food ahead of Christmas celebrations. The supply included medicine, cooking oil, beans, and personal-care items. (Photo by Nicholas Kajoba/Xinhua) KAMPALA, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese enterprise CRJE in Uganda, a subsidiary of China Railway Construction Engineering Group Co. Ltd, has supported children with disabilities here with home-use items and food ahead of Christmas celebrations. The supply included medicine, cooking oil, beans, and personal-care items. Liu Qiang, general manager of CRJE (East Africa) Limited, on Saturday handed over the donation to Betty Nankabirwa, the founder of Support Disabled Children Ggaba (SDCG), a charity organization looking after children with special needs. Liu said that the support is part of his firm's effort to fulfill social responsibilities and assist vulnerable people in the community. Nankabirwa hailed the Chinese enterprise for the timely donations, saying that her charity organization strives to ensure that in the community children are treated equally and appreciated despite their disabilities. SDCG is a registered community-based organization that promotes rehabilitation services, protecting the rights of children, women and persons with disabilities in the slums area of Ggaba in Kampala, the capital of Uganda, since 2015. Staff members of Chinese enterprise CRJE (East Africa) Limited entertain children with disabilities during the donation ceremony in Kampala, Uganda, Dec. 23, 2023. Chinese enterprise CRJE in Uganda, a subsidiary of China Railway Construction Engineering Group Co. Ltd, has supported children with disabilities here with home-use items and food ahead of Christmas celebrations. The supply included medicine, cooking oil, beans, and personal-care items. (Photo by Nicholas Kajoba/Xinhua) LONDON (AP) British Home Secretary James Cleverly was under fire Sunday for joking about date rape just hours after announcing plans to crack down on what he had dubbed a perverse offense. Cleverly, who oversees national security and law enforcement in England and Wales, faced a call to step down after he reportedly joked at an event at the prime ministers home about drugging his wife. He told women guests at a Dec. 18 reception that the secret to a long marriage was having a spouse who is always mildly sedated so she can never realize there are better men out there, the Sunday Mirror newspaper reported. Cleverly said "a little bit of Rohypnol" the so-called date rape drug "in her drink every night was not really illegal if its only a little bit. The drug, colloquially known as a roofie when it is crushed and put into someone's beverage without their knowledge, makes the subject drowsy and can lead to unconsciousness and memory loss. Cleverly apologized through a spokesperson for what he called an ironic joke after he had announced the Conservative government planned to update legislation to make clear that such drink spiking is illegal. He described the practice as a perverse crime. The comments were made during a drinks reception at 10 Downing Street where political journalists mingled with political aides, ministers and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Conversations at such events are typically off the record, but the Sunday Mirror said it decided to report the news because of Cleverlys position and the subject matter. In what was always understood as a private conversation, James, the home secretary tackling spiking, made what was clearly meant to be an ironic joke for which he apologizes, his spokesperson said. Jemima Olchawski, chief executive of the womens rights group the Fawcett Society said the remarks were sickening, and she called on Cleverly to resign. How can we trust him to seriously address violence against women and girls? Olchawski said in a statement. Its sickening that the senior minister in charge of keeping women safe thinks that something as terrifying as drugging women is a laughing matter. Cleverly, 54, who met his wife in college and has two children, previously described tackling violence against women and girls as a personal priority. Senior members of the opposition Labour Party condemned the appalling comments. It is truly unbelievable that the home secretary made such appalling jokes on the very same day the government announced new policy on spiking, Yvette Cooper, a Labour member of Parliament, said. "Victims will understandably be questioning if they can trust him to take this vile crime seriously. The government has pledged to clarify that drink spiking is a crime while stopping short of making it a specific offense. Police in England and Wales receive an average of 561 reports of spiking a month, mainly by women who report incidents at bars and nightclubs, according to a Home Office report. (BCN) Historic changes to Californias conservatorship law, which will expand who can be placed in involuntary care and treatment in an attempt to address the states ongoing homelessness crisis, will have to wait in the Central Valley. The board of supervisors in San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties have opted to defer the new law, which otherwise would have gone into effect in January. Officials in both counties will now have an additional two years to comply with the changes. Union Square protest led to 3 adults, 1 minor arrested The bill from Sen. Susan Eggman, D-Stockton, signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom this October, represents the first major changes to the states landmark 1967 Lanterman-Petris-Short Act. Signed by then Gov. Ronald Reagan, the legislation upended how California dealt with the gravely disabled and ended the states previous practice of warehousing those with mental illnesses in state hospitals or psychiatric facilities. Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties are joined by other Central Valley counties, including Merced, Fresno, Sacramento and Kern, as with much of the state in postponing implementation. Once enacted, the law will give officials greater leeway in who can be placed in involuntary short-term psychiatric holds, longer detention and treatment programs. Currently, only those deemed gravely disabled can be placed in involuntary mental health care or conservatorship, including 5150 holds initiated by law enforcement or health providers that detain people in psychiatric facilities for 72 hours. The new law expands that definition to include severe substance use disorder without any accompanying mental illness. It also broadens the criteria for those with existing mental health disorders to include those who cannot provide for their personal safety or necessary medical care. Previously only those who could not provide for their own food, clothing and shelter could be eligible for involuntary care. While groups like the NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) California and California State Association of Psychiatrists have supported the bill, its signing was not without controversy. Disability Rights California, Human Rights Watch and other disability and mental health organizations have argued it would infringe on the civil rights of an already vulnerable population, and could lead to more mass involuntary conservatorships. The behavioral health services directors for both Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties successfully asked their supervisors for more time to implement the changes. They cited worries of insufficient capacities at county behavioral health facilities, area emergency rooms and drug treatment facilities among the reasons for the additional two-year window. Stanislaus County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Director Tony Vartan told the board last week that the changes would have an impact beyond his department. Law enforcement, courts, hospitals and other mental health providers in the region will also have to grapple with the new expanded definition of gravely disabled. He said without sufficient existing treatment programs or care facilities, it would force hospitals to be stuck with a lot of patients in an involuntary hold, which could mean less beds for other sick or injured patients. The California Hospital Association has reached out to county administrators across the state, including in Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties, urging them to delay implementation. In San Joaquin County, Behavioral Health Director Genevieve Valentine said the extra time is needed to build-out infrastructure and staffing. While statewide it is predicted the changes will result in an about 10% conservatorship increase, Valentine said in San Joaquin County they expect an increase of 20% to 25% because of the need in the region. I would hate to rush something when someones life is at risk when their civil rights are at risk, Valentine said. I want to make sure in San Joaquin County we are very strategic in how we put this into place. She called the law another tool in their toolkit to help deal with the states mental health challenges, particularly among its homeless population. The passage of SB 43 follows the states implementation of the CARE Act, which established specialized courts (called CARE Courts) in each county. County mental health providers, first responders, family members and others can petition the court to give individuals with mental illness voluntary services and treatment. Colma police search for woman linked to series of thefts that totaled $15K in stolen merchandise New psychiatric facility planned Stanislaus County is part of a seven-country pilot program that launched its CARE Court this October. The rest of the state has until December 2024 to finalize the new courts. While the two laws are not related, they both represent significant changes to how the state handles those with severe mental health disorders in an effort to address Californias ongoing homeless crisis. To implement SB 43, San Joaquin County officials plan to build a new from-the-ground-up psychiatric facility across from the existing county general hospital. If approved and funded, the up to 90-bed facility would begin construction this coming summer. In Stanislaus County, supervisors have asked Vartan to return to the board in January to give a more detailed timeline, and possibly earlier deadline, for SB 43s implementation. I look at this as a godsend, said Supervisor Terry Withrow during last weeks board meeting. Were talking about saving livesI cant think of a better way for us to spend our time and resources than to try to get this thing up and running as quickly as possible. The governor has also been vocal in his displeasure in what he called the slow-walking of the new conservatorship criteria. Most counties have opted to delay implementation, which was allowed in the act, with San Francisco and San Luis Obispo counties the only ones so far indicating theyd be ready for the changes by Jan. 1. We cant afford to wait, Newsom told reporters last week. The state has done its job; its time for the counties to do their job. They have to understand people are dying on their watch. Copyright 2023 Bay City News, Inc. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. Woman in mustard jumper messaging on a smartphone at home in front of a window The police and tech firms must do more to help victims of romance scams, the UK's new anti-fraud champion has said. Conservative MP Simon Fell told the BBC romance fraud could be "really traumatic" for victims. He said it was about more than people having money taken from them, with some defrauding others "for sexual gratification". The UK's National Fraud Intelligence Bureau received more than 8,000 reports of romance fraud in 2022. Romance fraud is when someone is conned into sending money to a criminal who convinces them they are in a genuine relationship. Mr Fell said: "It's not just about people being involved in scams and having money extracted from them. "It's also about some people defrauding others for sexual gratification, which is a far more pernicious crime and has a far deeper effect." Mr Fell - who worked in fraud prevention before he became an MP and who was appointed the government's head of anti-fraud earlier this month - told the BBC the issue was particularly prevalent over the festive period. "I think Christmas is one of those complicated times where families come together, lots of people celebrate together. But also lots of people are on their own," he said. "I'm sure as a consequence, lots of people go online looking for friendship and romance at the same time. "And what we know about fraudsters is they will pick people when they're at their most vulnerable... so this is the time of year where they can really reap the unfortunate benefits of people turning online, looking for love and friendship." Mr Fell said the response of police forces to fraud varied across the country, and there needed to be better coordination and consistency. "You basically want to know that whoever you go to, that crime is going to be reported, it's going to be taken seriously, it's going to be investigated, and you will be supported through that journey," he said. Cecilie Fjellhy spoke to the Commons committee last month Last month, MPs on the Home Affairs Committee heard from victims of romance scams, as part of an inquiry into the impact of fraud. Cecilie Fjellhy was a victim of the "Tindler Swindler", a conman who used the dating app to romance women whom he then manipulated into funding his lavish lifestyle. His story was told in a Netflix documentary of the same name in 2022. Ms Fjellhy met the conman, Simon Leviev, via Tinder while she was studying for a master's degree in London. He told her he was the chief executive of a large diamond firm, and she met his entourage which appeared to include personal assistants and a bodyguard. Leviev told her he could not use his credit cards because his business rivals would find out where he was. He persuaded her to take out cards and high-interest loans, and, by the time she learned the truth, he had taken more than 200,000 from her. "I didn't recognise myself," said Ms Fjellhy, who went on to co-found "LoveSaid", an organisation that helps victims of romance fraud. 'Trauma' When she went to the police, she told the committee, at no point was she seen as a victim. Instead, she said. she was treated as a suspect and was "appalled" that the Metropolitan Police did not work better with its European counterparts to get Leviev extradited. "To traumatise a victim who had gone through the worst like that, that is not how you treat a victim. "I have to say that this is what the fraudsters want. They want all the views to be on the victims and how awful we were, so they can go scot-free. Simon Leviev was laughing, I'm so sure." Ms Fjellhy also accused social media companies like Tinder of washing their hands of this kind of fraud, beyond putting up posters about "safe dating", and saying "we're doing everything we can". "I think this is just the tip of the iceberg because there is the shame. "I know that I was the only victim who wanted to come forward here, because it is not much fun to sit here and talk about it... Romance fraud is mental abuse and coercive control." she told the MPs. Scams often involve victims sending money, or taking out loans and credit cards With many romance scammers finding their victims through dating apps or other social media, Mr Fell also said tech companies had a role to play. "They all hold information," he told the BBC. "We need them to be working better with law enforcement as well." Last month, 12 of the world's biggest tech companies - including Facebook, Instagram and Match Group - signed a voluntary agreement with the government to reduce fraud on their platforms. Measures in the Online Fraud Charter include a commitment to enabling users of dating platforms to choose to interact only with people who have verified their identity. Wayne Stevens, from the charity Victim Support, called for more resources to be directed at tackling the issue. "The government's track record on tackling all types of fraud, including romance scams, is seriously disappointing," he said. "Romance fraud is also likely to be one of the most under reported types of fraud because of the shame, embarrassment and fear people experience when they realise what has happened." Labour MP Dame Diana Johnson, who chairs the Home Affairs Committee, told the BBC that when they heard from victims of romance fraud, they were shocked not just by how many cases there were, but by the lasting consequences for victims. "The criminal justice system, social media companies and financial services all need to do more to support victims and ensure perpetrators can't operate with impunity." Conservative Tim Loughton, who also sits on the committee, told the BBC: "No-one is doing enough to tackle romance fraud. because no-one has appreciated the seriousness of it. "That must change because there's no excuse now. Government is integral to that, police are integral to that." Editors Note: Jack Becker is the editor of Caprock Chronicles and is a Librarian Emeritus from Texas Tech University. He can be reached at jack.becker@ttu.edu. Todays article is the second of a three-part series about Pinkie Roden by frequent contributor Chuck Lanehart, Lubbock attorney and award-winning history writer. In 1951-52, West Texas liquor magnate Pinkie Roden found himself the target of grand juries and politicians, notably State Rep. Waggoner Carr of Lubbock, vice-chair of the Texas Legislatures Crime Investigating Committee. Grand juries in Amarillo and Lubbock asked the committee to investigate multimillion-dollar bootleg liquor conspiracies and corruption in the 30 dry counties of West Texas, in violation of the Texas Liquor Control Act. The Strip, Lubbocks first legalized liquor precinct. Pinkie Roden helped Lubbock wet voters prevail over the drys in 1960. In 1952, the committee held a two-and-a-half-day hearing in Amarillo, and their 1953 report condemned a large illicit liquor syndicate under Pinkies control which supplied liquor to bootleggers in dry areas. Pinkies Farm Store 13 miles northeast of Odessa where the large West Texas/South Plains dry area began was offered as an example. The store opened in 1951, and in a two-year period reported sales of $8,788,711 (almost $100 million in 2023 dollars). High solid walls surrounding the store hid bootleggers trucks from view during loading. Pinkie devised a police-warning system. Lookout cars patrolled highways nearby, and sentries reported on whether the coast was clear, communicated by an electric light behind the liquor stores wall: clear if on, danger if out. Bootleggers sometimes waited in line for six hours to be loaded, and there were loadings at all hours of the night. Pinkies liquor store in Odessa, 1950s. Pinkie developed a complex corporate scheme to shield his exposure to legal jeopardy. He was not a record owner of any of the liquor stores he controlled. Pinkie instead held large demand notes from corporate stockholders, enabling him to direct the businesses. All profits from the corporations went toward paying the debts of the corporation to Pinkie. The system allowed Pinkie to operate almost twice as many liquor stores as Texas law allowed. Lights out at The Strip Pinkie's telephone and bank records were subpoenaed and produced, and his employees were called to testify, including his brothers Ted and Bill. Pinkie also testified, but he and all alleged syndicate members were represented by capable attorneys who advised their clients to take the Fifth to many questions. The committee made no referrals for criminal prosecutions but blamed the corruption on a breakdown in local law enforcement, with the recommendation new laws be implemented. We as Legislatures cannot cure the situations that exist where there is organized effort and conspiracy to violate our criminal laws, merely by the passage of more laws. Working together, however, with our provision of proper law, alert and constant demand for law enforcement by the public, and performance of duty by our elected officials, we can keep organized criminal activities out of Texas. Aerial photo of tiny Impact, Texas, 2010 population of about 35. Pinkie Roden financed the legal battle that permitted legal alcohol sales in the Taylor County town in the early 1960s. Pinkie survived the inquisition unscathed, but he learned a valuable lesson about how government could affect his business and his life. A staunch Democrat, the old bootlegger turned his attention to politics, not as a candidate but as an influencer of the cutthroat game played in Austin for high-stakes power and influence. He invested in politicians, seeking out and supporting candidates sympathetic to his cause. He threw substantial financial support to incumbents whose seniority was a valuable commodity in powerful legislative committees like the one that targeted him in the early 1950s. Unreliable incumbents sometimes were relieved of the burden of public office, Pinkie said, thanks to his support for more friendly candidates. An observer commented on what made Pinkie effective in Austin. One, his word was his bond. Two, he had great intuition. Three, he made solid contributions to candidates and he was good at encouraging others to do the same all over the State. Through political influence and litigation, Pinkie infiltrated two of the biggest dry towns in West Texas, Lubbock and Abilene. In Lubbock County, in 1960, the wets won a local option election with Pinkies help in a precinct just south of the city limits. He quickly established a store on a lonely stretch of Highway 87 that would soon resemble a block or so of Las Vegas famous Strip, with huge neon-lit liquor stores constructed side by side. Predictably, the area became known as The Strip. Pinkie said it was a bird nest on the ground, and business boomed until 2009, when Lubbock allowed package sales in the city. Chuck Lanehart In Abilene, major litigation arose over the establishment of Impact, a tiny community just north of Abilenes city limits that had voted wet. Pinkie helped finance the litigation, and in 1963, the Texas Supreme Court gave the stamp of approval to liquor sales in Impact. Pinkie made many millions of dollars from the three Impact stores he controlled until 1978, when Abilene went wet and Impact faded. Among other legislative efforts, Pinkie fought against a 1969 constitutional amendment to legalize open saloons. Liquor by the drink, would certainly harm his business model. When he saw the measure would likely pass, he championed a compromise provision that restaurants and bars would be required to buy their liquor from retail package stores like his stores rather than from wholesalers or distilleries. Part Three of this series will be published in next Sundays Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Caprock Chronicles: Pinkie Roden: The Benevolent Bootlegger of West Texas, Part Two CASCADE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) Saturday was another busy day for travelers at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport. Veterans and active military members arriving in West Michigan were greeted with quite the welcome home. Every year for Thanksgiving and Christmas, the Patriot Guard Riders of Michigan and Blue Star Mothers gather at the airport to welcome home those who are currently serving or have served in the past. The event, known as Operation Handshake, has been happening for 10 years. Veterans and active military members arriving at the Ford Airport received a special welcome. (Dec. 23, 2023) Ford Airport welcomes vets, service members Members of the Patriot Guard Riders say its a time to show appreciation during the holidays. It started about 10 years ago because the Vietnam vets never got their welcome home, said Phil Pakiela, captain of the Patriot Guard Riders of West Michigan. We dont want that to happen again. They need to know we care. Theres so much negative press out there all the time they need to understand more of us care than dont. The groups were at the airport Saturday from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. A Manatee County judge sentenced a 46-year-old man to 15 years in prison for robbing a woman behind a Publix grocery store. In November 2022, Anthony Pete attacked a 75-year-old woman from behind, grabbing her purse and running away with it, prosecutors say. According to an arrest report, Pete later confessed to the crime. Investigators identified Pete, of Winter Haven, based on witness testimony and video footage of the robbery, which captured the license plate of a Chevrolet Malibu registered under his name, deputies say. Court records show Pete entered an open plea Monday, allowing Judge Charles Sniffen to decide his prison sentence without contest. Although the State was seeking a 30-year prison sentence, we are pleased that the court did sentence the defendant to a significant amount of prison time for the protection of our community, said Assistant State Attorney Tyler Egbert, the lead prosecutor on the case. At the time of the robbery, Pete was on probation after a 23-year prison sentence for robbery and aggravated battery. In the arrest report, the Manatee County Sheriffs Office described him as a career offender. According to the Florida Department of Corrections, Pete previously spent time in state prison for cocaine possession, robbery and battery on a person over the age of 65. Israel's push into Gaza to root out Hamas militants continued to exact a bloody toll on both sides, just days after the United Nations approved a weakened resolution calling for aid to the embattled region. Roughly 70 people were killed in an Israeli airstrike in central Gaza on Sunday, and the fatalities included at least a dozen women and seven children, according to early hospital figures. The strike impacted the Maghazi refugee camp east of Deir al-Balah and was condemned by The Council on American-Islamic Relations. Fifteen Israeli troops, meanwhile, were killed over the weekend, the Israeli military said Sunday. The mounting number of deaths came as a pall hung over Bethlehem, where the war led to Christmas Eve celebrations being canceled. Our message every year on Christmas is one of peace and love, but this year its a message of sadness, grief and anger in front of the international community with what is happening and going on in the Gaza Strip, Bethlehem Mayor Hana Haniyeh said. Israeli ground forces continued to press on Sunday, expanding their offensive in northern and southern Gaza in Khan Younis, Gazas second-largest city, Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told his Cabinet on Sunday that the nation had "no choice but to continue fighting" no matter the price. We are continuing with all the force, until the end, until victory, until we reach all our goals. Israel began its siege of Gaza three weeks after Hamas militants' brutal attack on Israeli border communities on Oct. 7, which left 1,200 people dead. Of the 240 people taken hostage, 129 captives remain after some were released and some died. About 154 Israeli soldiers have been killed in the ground offensive. The war has shattered the Gaza Strip: About 20,400 Palestinians have been killed. Nearly 85% of Gaza's 2.3 million people have been displaced, and most hospitals are barely functioning. International medical officials warned last week that disease and lack of food are leading to catastrophic conditions. "Gaza is already experiencing soaring rates of infectious diseases. Over 100 000 cases of diarrhea have been reported since mid-October. Half of these are among young children under the age of 5," the World Health Organization said. A picture taken from Rafah shows smoke billowing over Khan Younis during Israeli bombardment in the southern Gaza Strip on Dec. 24, 2023. Deadly hit: Israeli strikes kill at least 90 people, Gaza officials say Developments: During a Sunday evening mass, Pope Francis referenced Bethlehem, which holds a special place in Catholic doctrine as the place of Jesus' birth. "Our hearts are in Bethlehem," he said during the service at St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. "The Prince of Peace is once more rejected by the futile logic of war." An Iranian drone hit a chemical tanker in the Indian Ocean, the Pentagon confirmed in a statement to USA TODAY on Sunday. There were no casualties, and no U.S. Navy vessels were in the vicinity, the Pentagon said. Saturday's attack on the Liberia-flagged, Japanese-owned and Netherlands-operated chemical tanker was the seventh Iranian strike on commercial shipping since 2021, the Pentagon said. The incident comes amid escalating tensions in the area since the onset of the Israel-Hamas war. Demonstrators in Tel Aviv packed streets Saturday night protesting the government and demanding lsrael do more to bring the hostages home. Many chanted Bibi, Bibi, we dont want you anymore, referring to Netanyahu by his nickname. A US doctor's anguish: His family trapped in Gaza is 'barely staying alive' UN official pleads again for a humanitarian cease-fire Filippo Grandi, the U.N. high commissioner for refugees, on Sunday echoed pleas by other top U.N. officials for a humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza to enable the delivery of aid and to help free hostages. For aid to reach people in need, hostages to be released, more displacement to be avoided and above all the devastating loss of lives to stop a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza is the only way forward, Grandi wrote on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. A much delayed U.N. Security Council resolution approved Friday dropped language from an earlier draft that called for an "urgent cessation of hostilities" to appease the U.S., which vetoed two previous resolutions. Instead, the resolution 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 final resolution passed after the U.S. abstained from the vote. It was not clear when aid deliveries would pick up steam after the U.N. resolution. Trucks enter through two crossings Rafah on the border with Egypt and Kerem Shalom on the border with Israel. On Friday, fewer than 100 trucks entered, the U.N. said. And both crossings were closed on Saturday. As international calls for a truce continued to grow, President Joe Biden spoke with Netanyahu on Saturday. He, said he did not ask for a cease-fire, while Netanyahus office said the prime minister made clear that Israel would continue the war until achieving all its goals. Christmas Eve canceled in Bethlehem Christmas Eve was silenced in Bethlehem on Sunday, another grim reminder of the Israel-Hamas war. Dozens of Palestinian security forces patrolled an empty Manger Square in the West Bank town. The biblical birthplace of Jesus would normally be a vibrant scene of jubilant tourists, Christmas lights, marching bands and festive music. This year, without the Christmas tree and without lights, theres just darkness, said Brother John Vinh, a Franciscan monk from Vietnam who has lived in Jerusalem for six years. Local officials say over 70 hotels in Bethlehem have been shuttered, leaving thousands of people unemployed. There were few foreign visitors and only a handful of shops were open Sunday. We cant justify putting out a tree and celebrating as normal, when some people (in Gaza) dont even have houses to go to, said Alaa Salameh, one of the owners of Afteem Restaurant, a family-owned falafel restaurant near Manger Square. Contributing: The Associated Press This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Israel Hamas war live updates: Dozens killed in Israeli airstrike FILE - Seattle Mariners catcher Tom Murphy stands on the field during a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox, Sept. 15, 2021, in Seattle. Murphy and the San Francisco Giants have agreed on an $8 million, two-year contract, according to a person with direct knowledge of the negotiations. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File) SAN FRANCISCO (AP) Catcher Tom Murphy and the San Francisco Giants finalized an $8.25 million, two-year contract on Saturday, a deal with a 2026 team option that could make the agreement worth $12 million over three seasons. Murphy gets $4 million in each of the next two seasons, and the Giants have a $4 million option for 2026 with a $250,000 buyout. After adding South Korean outfielder Jung Hoo Lee with a $113 million, six-year contract, the Giants brought in a veteran behind the plate who could share time with Patrick Bailey following his stellar rookie season on defense. Blake Sabol served as a backup in 2023 but can also play the outfield and could be used more regularly at Triple-A Sacramento with the addition of Murphy. The 32-year-old Murphy spent the past four years with Seattle after playing his first four major league seasons for Colorado. He batted .290 with eight home runs and 17 RBIs over 47 games for the Mariners this year, his season ending Aug. 14 because of a sprained left thumb. San Francisco has missed the playoffs each of the past two seasons after winning a franchise-record 107 games and the NL West in 2021. The Giants tried without success to acquire Shohei Ohtani, making a final offer Zaidi called very comparable if not identical to the record $700 million, 10-year contract the Japanese two-way star agreed to with the rival Los Angeles Dodgers. Murphy will make a $20,000 annual donation to the Giants Community Fund in 2024 and '25 and, if the option is exercised, in 2026. ___ AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb Canon Chris Rutledge says peace is achievable "if there is a strong desire and willingness from humankind" The Catholic Dean of Guernsey has appealed for peace in his Christmas message. Canon Chris Rutledge said there were "many troubled areas all over the world" but "hope and joy" was possible. He reflected on the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and in Israel and Gaza. He said: "I pray that the human race can live together in peace and harmony ... it is achievable if there is a strong desire and willingness from humankind." 'Sense of grace' Conon Rutledge said the carol Silent Night "carried an important message" on Christmas. "The song's lilting melody and peaceful lyrics remind us of a universal sense of grace that transcends Christianity and unites people across cultures and faiths," he said. "Perhaps at no time in the song's history was this message more important than during the Christmas truce in 1914." The canon said communities should aim to come together on Christmas. "All of our churches are open," he said. "We can come to those churches and find that peace that is there." 'Love and joy and hope' The Anglican Dean also shared his hope of a better year for all in 2024. As part of his Christmas message, The Very Reverend Tim Barker asked people to come together to remember those who are amongst conflict in the world. "My heart goes out to all those who are suffering in Israel and the West Bank, and Gaza - Jews and Christians and Muslims. "It's just devastating to see how much devastation and how much hatred is causing so much damage for so many people." He added: "The vision before us is to find love and joy and hope, and so I wish everybody in these islands a very happy Christmas, and my prayers for the possibility of next year being different and being better for all of us." Reverend Barker said Christmas could be a difficult time for many on and off the islands. He added: "I'm very conscious that there are lots of people in these islands but all over, for whom this is going to be a very difficult time, of course." Follow BBC Guernsey on Twitter and Facebook. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk. Firefighters work to extinguish a fire at a waste management complex in Maghtab, Naxxar, Malta, on Dec. 23, 2023. The waste management complex caught fire on Saturday morning. (Photo by Jonathan Borg/Xinhua) A firefighter works to extinguish a fire at a waste management complex in Maghtab, Naxxar, Malta, on Dec. 23, 2023. The waste management complex caught fire on Saturday morning. (Photo by Jonathan Borg/Xinhua) Firefighters work to extinguish a fire at a waste management complex in Maghtab, Naxxar, Malta, on Dec. 23, 2023. The waste management complex caught fire on Saturday morning. (Photo by Jonathan Borg/Xinhua) Firefighters work to extinguish a fire at a waste management complex in Maghtab, Naxxar, Malta, on Dec. 23, 2023. The waste management complex caught fire on Saturday morning. (Photo by Jonathan Borg/Xinhua) The city of Bethlehem, the biblical birthplace of Jesus, is usually bustling with holiday festivities and decor this time of year, but this year, celebrations were called off in the wake of Israels war with the militant group Hamas. Where there are typically tourists, marching bands, pilgrimages and festive lights now stand dozens of Palestinian security forces patrolling the city in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, The Associated Press (AP) reported. Bethlehem typically draws scores of tourists to the West Bank, with celebrations culminating in the Manger Square around Christmastime. Instead of colorful decorations and lights in the Square, there is barbed wire, grey rubble and surrounding security forces, the news wire reported. Palestinian scouts hold signs in solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip calling to end the Israel-Hamas war, near the Church of the Nativity, traditionally believed to be the birthplace of Jesus, on Christmas Eve in the West Bank city of Bethlehem, Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023. Bethlehem is having a subdued Christmas after officials in Jesus traditional birthplace decided to forgo celebrations due to the Israel-Hamas war. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean) Brother John Vinh, a Franciscan monk from Vietnam who has lived in Jerusalem for six years, told the AP in Bethlehem that a nativity scheme in the Square showed baby Jesus wrapped in a white shroud, evoking a similar image of the thousands of children killed in Gaza. Just about 74 kilometers from Bethlehem stands war-torn Gaza, where more than 20,000 Palestinians have been killed since early October, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry. About 85 percent of the territorys 2.3 million residents have been displaced, while more than 50,000 individuals have been wounded in the violence. The conflict between Israel and Hamas, which has controlled Gaza since 2007, was triggered on Oct. 7 following the militant groups surprise incursion into Israel that left an estimated 1,200 people dead, including hundreds of civilians. Israel has since waged a retaliatory campaign against Hamas, vowing to eliminate the militant group and its military capabilities. The wars tensions have spread into the West Bank, with an estimated 300 Palestinians killed by Israeli fire, the AP reported. Civilians in the West Bank live under heavy restrictions that require numerous military checkpoints in the territory and prevent them from exiting the territory to work in Israel. The cancellation of holiday celebrations is a major blow to Bethlehems economy, with tourism accounting for about 70 percent of Bethlehems income, mostly during the Christmas season, the AP reported. Alaa Salameh, one of the owners of Afteem Restaurant, which is near the square, told the AP the business cant justify putting out a tree and celebrating as normal, when some people [in Gaza] dont even have houses to go to. Salameh said Christmas Eve is typical the busiest day of the year, but on Sunday morning, only one table was taken up. Instead of the traditional march through Bethlehem, young scouts stood with flags, the AP reported, while another group of teens standing under a banner reading Bethlehems Christmas bells ring for a cease-fire in Gaza tried to offer small inflatable Santas, but they were met with little interest. Our message every year on Christmas is one of peace and love, but this year its a message of sadness, grief and anger in front of the international community with what is happening and going on in the Gaza Strip, Bethlehems mayor, Hana Haniyeh, said in an address to the crowd, according to the AP. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Swimmers Colette O'Neill and Laura McCausland take part in the annual Helen's Bay Christmas Eve dip at Helen's Bay beach - Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye The UK has seen its warmest Christmas Eve in more than 20 years. Temperatures in Heathrow, south-west London, hit 15.3C on Sunday, well above average for the time of year, making it the warmest Dec 24 since 1997. Christmas Day is also set to be the hottest in years with parts of the UK expected to hit 14C. The 70mph winds hitting the UK have helped bring warmer temperatures to the south of England with the mercury expected to surpass the record of 15.6C set in Aberdeenshire in 1931. The weather phenomenon known as the foehn effect has seen strong winds create warmer temperatures by changing wet and cold conditions on one side of a mountainous region to warmer and drier conditions on the other side. Despite the rising temperatures in the south, snow will still fall in Scotland on Christmas Eve with showers potentially turning wintry. Christmas Day is also expected to reach 14C in London, with forecasters suggesting it could also be the warmest on record if it surpasses the 15.6C set in 1920 in Killerton, Devon. Met Office forecaster Dan Stroud said: Sunday is expected to be a very warm day for late December. Potential for it to be warmest Christmas Eve on record Some parts of the country expecting around 14 or even 15 and we cant totally rule out an isolated 16C, so there is the potential for it to be the warmest Christmas Eve on record, but were probably looking at the warmest for about 20 years. He added: The temperatures will peak today, there is a slight downward trend in temperatures for Christmas Day but were still expecting them to be comfortably above average. Were looking at 13 and 14C tomorrow, were probably looking at the warmest Christmas Day since 2016, when we actually hit 15.1C. Swimmers prepare to brave the waters of Freshwater Bay in Totland, Isle of Wight - James Jagger / StockimoNews / Alamy Live News The warmest December 25 on record was 15.6C in 1920, while the highest Christmas Eve temperatures of 15.5C were set in Aberdeen and Banff in Scotland in 1931. Some snow is predicted on Christmas Day for the mountains in Scotland. The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings covering Shetland and northeastern parts of Scotland. Next stop Papua New Guinea Where Santa will need his waterproofs pic.twitter.com/rHkTC9vfk4 Met Office (@metoffice) December 24, 2023 It warned of flying debris, power cuts and damage to buildings, while the rest of the country may see showers. Monday is set to be damp for much of the country, with heavy rain possible in Wales. The day will brighten up for many post-lunchtime. 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 Dean of Jersey - the Very Reverend Mike Keirle - has issued his Christmas message The Dean of Jersey - the Very Reverend Mike Keirle - has issued a his Christmas message for 2023. Reverend Keirle used his festive message this year to talk about the meaning of joy. He said joy was based on the principle "that God is with us". Jersey's Chief Minister Kristina Moore also issued a Christmas message - praising islanders for their resilience in 2023. 'The meaning of joy' Reverend Keirle said: "Here's a question for you at this festive moment: What exactly is joy? "I mean, many of us will enjoy Christmas with plenty of happiness and laughter and fun - enduring the worst possible cracker jokes that make us groan more than laugh. "But sometimes though, Christmas happiness is a little artificial, or perhaps superficial or fleeting, lacking deeper meaning. "Often, and especially at this time of the year, it comes at a price - one way or the other. So, joy isn't really just enjoying ourselves, or enjoying things. "A quick glance at the dictionary tells me joy is defined as intense gladness, rapture, delight, or happiness. You see again, I'm not convinced that does justice to the word either. "I've seen people in really difficult times experience joy. Some of the poorest people I ever met when I lived in Africa were people filled with joy, and it stuck out a mile." Meanwhile, Chief Minister Deputy Moore said in her message: "This year has seen an unprecedented number of events that have challenged us all. "Throughout, Islanders have demonstrated what a strong, resilient and kind community we're fortunate to live in. And this will be in evidence again over Christmas as we spend precious time with our family, friends and neighbours. "These are, however, difficult times for many Islanders and I hope the festive period will provide some opportunity for you to rest, re -energise and look forward to next year." Follow BBC Jersey on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk. BASTROP COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) Bastrop County Sheriffs Office deputies responded to a disturbance call that turned into an officer-involved shooting late Saturday, a post from the Bastrop County Sheriffs Office said. BCSO received a 911 call at 10:15 p.m. from someone inside a residence where someone fired a shot on FM 969 west of Bastrop. Deputies arrived at the area at 10:32 p.m. and left their vehicle at a neighboring home where the 911 caller sought shelter for safety, according to the sheriffs office. The sheriffs office said the suspect allegedly fired at deputies multiple times, and deputies returned fire not knowing in the dark if the suspect was struck. The suspect, who is identified as 61-year-old Seth Robertson, was shot twice. Additional deputies arrived and approached Robertson, who was taken to the hospital and at last check is in stable condition, BCSO said. Robertson is expected to be charged with attempted capital murder, according to the sheriffs office. No deputies were injured in the shooting. Four deputies were placed on administrative leave as is standard protocol. Another police agency responded for an independent investigation, which meets sheriffs office requirements, according to BCSO. No additional information was available as of Sunday evening. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. Landowners hold signs during a press conference by opponents of the Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline on Tuesday, August 22, 2023 in Fort Dodge. A carbon pipeline project aimed at reducing heat-trapping greenhouse gas emissions from the Midwest ethanol industry is irritating some within that very industry. Summit Carbon Solutions aims to transport carbon dioxide from ethanol plants to an underground storage site in North Dakota. Its CEO, Lee Blank, recently emphasized the importance of the pipeline for the ethanol industry in an interview with South Dakota Searchlight. Electric vehicles are continuing to grow, he said. They are, and maybe not here, but in cities. Our gas consumption is going down. So how do we open up other markets so ethanol consumption goes up? Iowa-based Summit wants to collect carbon dioxide emissions from 32 ethanol plants, including some in South Dakota. Doing so would make the project eligible for federal tax credits that incentivize greenhouse gas sequestration and could create access to new markets. Those include states demanding cleaner ethanol, and new ventures like ethanol-based jet fuel. Company spokesperson Sabrina Zenor said not having the pipeline would break the Midwest ethanol industry. Some opponents are anti-ethanol, she said. The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission denied Summit a building permit earlier this year, citing violations of county setback ordinances. Summit plans to resubmit an application. Meanwhile, some corn farmers who have long supported the ethanol industry were alarmed by Summits use of eminent domain to acquire private land for the pipeline, against the will of about 160 South Dakota landowners. That happened before the pipeline projects permit hearing with state regulators. South Dakota Farmers Union President Doug Sombke said members feel betrayed. They supported the growth of the ethanol industry, only to face what they perceived as an infringement on their property rights. You, the farmers, made this industry, Sombke said during a panel discussion on property rights at the organizations 108th annual convention in Huron in November. Sombke is furious over Summits allegation that pipeline opponents are anti-ethanol. There is nobody in this state thats worked harder for ethanol than me or this organization, he said. You should all be damn proud of that. There are other ways to ensure ethanol has a steady future, Sombke said, like blending more of it into the nations fuel supply. Plus, he said using sustainable agricultural practices that sequester more carbon on land thats used to grow corn for ethanol would accomplish the same goal. Ed Fischbach farms corn in Spink County and sells it to the ethanol industry. Today he leads South Dakotans First, a coalition of landowners and others opposed to the pipeline. Never in my wildest dreams, with all weve done for ethanol and these companies, did I think they were going to come back and ask me to give up my land, and you to give up your land so that they could improve their bottom line, Fischbach said at the Farmers Union Convention. He said the coalition of opponents will support legislation during the upcoming legislative session that would ban the use of eminent domain for carbon pipelines. Similar legislation failed last winter. State ag politicos call it vital Pipeline proponents in the states agriculture industry recently formed a coalition of their own. The group wants to raise public awareness about the potential negative impacts on the state and its rural communities if we allow a small minority of objectors to continue blocking proposals like the carbon pipeline project, according to a press release from the group, called Protect South Dakotas Future. Summit last reported having access agreements with enough landowners to give the company access to about 70% of the land required to complete the project. The coalitions site says a $1.2 billion investment, $99 million in local tax revenue during construction, and $53 million in annual expenditures are on the line. The coalitions board is made up of six influential ag development voices. Whether you agree or disagree with carbon sequestration, it is here, it is not going away, and will determine market access moving forward indefinitely, Walt Bones, former South Dakota Secretary of Agriculture and Noems 2022 Ag Ambassador said in the press release. Lake Preston area farmer, national soybean lobbyist, and Noems 2019 Ag Ambassador Paul Casper called the project vital to the industrys future. Weve been working to create value-added ag opportunities in the state for more than 25 years and we know the carbon pipeline is more than just an infrastructure project; its a lifeline for our states economic and agricultural future, Casper said in the release. Protect South Dakotas Future wasnt the only group of politically connected proponents to recently join the conversation. South Dakota Ag Alliance, co-founded by Rob Skjonsberg and Jason Glodt, prominent political figures in the state, will advocate for policies to complete the pipeline while trying to ensure opponent landowners do not feel cheated. DC lobbyists: Ethanol going nowhere Meanwhile, some D.C. ethanol lobbyists are irritated by Summits claim that the industry faces a bleak future without its carbon-capture project. The ethanol industry isnt going anywhere, said David Hallberg, an ethanol lobbyist and founder of the Renewable Fuels Association. They should stop saying that. Fellow ethanol lobbyist Doug Durante said the industry is aware of how electric vehicles and greater fuel efficiency will eat into demand for ethanol, but it has another pathway for keeping demand up. If the pipeline can add some value, thats great, but weve also got an opportunity right now, Durante said. And its higher blends. Hallberg agreed. Like Doug Sombke, Durante and Hallberg said more ethanol in the nations fuel supply would maintain its demand, even if liquid fuel consumption was halved. We have an immediate market opportunity that requires no federal subsidies, Hallberg said. All three leaders want to see E30 (30% ethanol, 70% gasoline) at as many gas pumps as there are currently pumping E15 (15% ethanol, 85% gasoline). This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: CO2 pipeline debate has resulted in divisions among ethanol proponents NEW ORLEANS Six fishermen were rescued off two separate boats by the U.S. Coast Guard after their vessels became disabled in the Gulf of Mexico several miles off the Louisiana coast as bad weather approached. The Georgia P. became disabled Friday evening about 70 miles from Venice, Louisiana, according to Coast Guard officials. The nearby boat Seahorse came over to help tow the boat back to shore, only to become disabled itself. An aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans hoisted six people from disabled vessels approximately 70 miles east of Venice, Louisiana December 23, 2023. The captain of the Seahorse called the Coast Guard for help, noting the weather was getting worse, communication was poor in the area, and he didnt have enough medication to ride out the night. The Coast Guard sent a rescue helicopter from New Orleans, which later hoisted all six crewmembers from both boats and brought them back to safety on shore in Alabama where they were checked by medics. Both boat owners will now need to coordinate salvage plans to retrieve their vessels. Original article source: Coast Guard rescues 6 from pair of disabled fishing boats off Louisiana VENTURA COUNTY, Calif. - Deputies arrested eight members of an alleged "cocaine delivery service" serving hundreds of people in Ventura and Los Angeles counties this week, which the department said "will greatly disrupt this organization." The Ventura County Sheriff's Department said it first learned about the drug ring in July 2023, which they said serviced the eastern part of the two counties. Deputies said they'd discovered Joel Cruz Ayala and Elmer Ayala-Ayala, both from Bakersfield, were "dispatchers" in the organization people who give the drugs to the drivers for delivery. Through a months-long investigation, deputies also identified Luis Cruz as the alleged head of the dispatch house, and Wilfredo Castillo, Lisandro Moreno, Kevin Bonilla, Jose Ayala Hernandez and Noel Cruz as the organization's alleged drivers. Detectives then tracked Castillo, Moreno, and Hernandez, and watched them deliver drugs to multiple customers throughout Ventura County. SUGGESTED: Man accused of running 'same-day delivery' fentanyl, cocaine operation It all came to an end on Dec. 21, when detectives served warrants at multiple locations in Bakersfield and the Panorama City and North Hills neighborhoods of Los Angeles. Castillo, Moreno, Bonilla, Hernandez, and Noel Cruz were arrested in LA. Deputies said they were each found with a "large amount" of pre-packaged cocaine, as well as suspected drug money. Joel Cruz, Elmer Ayala-Ayala and Luis Cruz were arrested at their residences and the dispatch house in Bakersfield. Detectives said they found evidence at the dispatch house linking them to higher-ranking members of the organization in El Salvador, including money transfers. "Detectives from the Ventura County Sheriffs Narcotics Unit believe the conclusion of this part of the investigation will greatly disrupt this organization," the department said in a press release. "However, detectives continue to investigate numerous other leads which will aid them in their pursuit of dismantling it completely." The family of a Fife man who died from a stab wound to the chest have welcomed the widening of a probe into his death. Colin Marr, 23, died from a single blow from a kitchen knife in 2007 after a row with his fiancee. His family have long challenged the original police ruling that it was suicide and a Crown Office forensic and pathology review was ordered in May. This has now been widened after a key 2012 forensic report about the stab wound was reportedly withdrawn. The 2007 police investigation concluded Colin had killed himself after a row at his flat in Lochgelly with his fiancee Candice Bonar about his alleged infidelity. Mr Marr's family believe there has been a miscarriage of justice while Ms Bonar has always maintained her innocence. As the death was treated as a suicide, there was no forensic, fingerprint or pathology expert attendance at the scene on the night of Colin's death. In 2012, police commissioned experts at the University of Dundee's Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification to review the case and they suggested the blade had "most likely entered the chest plate to the right of the border of the body of the sternum". This significance of this was that such a wound would have required less force because the knife passed through soft tissue rather than the sternum, making the idea of suicide more plausible. However, last month Baroness Black of Strome, the prominent forensic anthropologist who co-authored this 2012 report, told The Sunday Times newspaper the report was no longer valid as she had been misinformed about certain details. She said: "The stab wound was in fact to the left side of the chest and not the right, as I had been informed by the police and was written in the pathologist's report. "My report of the time no longer stands given that additional information was made known that was not presented at the time. "I stand by my statement that the knife was unlikely to have passed through the sternum." When contacted by BBC Scotland, the anatomist and peer declined to comment at this time. In a letter to Colin's family, the Crown Office said it was not aware of the comments attributed to Baroness Black prior to publication of the newspaper article, adding: "We have instructed the police to carry out some further work as a result of the press reporting." 'Significant step' Stuart Graham, Colin's stepfather, welcomed the developments. He said: "It is our view that the case for suicide is now off the table. "The withdrawal of the report by Baroness Sue Black is a very significant step in getting justice for Colin. It is finally time for this gross miscarriage of justice to be corrected. "The latest letter from The Crown Office gives us some hope that they are now treating this with integrity required." The Crown Office letter also confirmed that forensic and pathology reviews commissioned earlier this year are progressing, with further scientific work done in relation to fingerprint evidence. The forensic and pathology aspects of the original investigation into Colin's death have in the past been challenged by independent experts. Leading pathologist Dr Nat Cary has previously said it was "both possible and plausible" that Colin's injury was "inflicted by a third party", and he questioned previous police reports on the location of the stab wound. Colin's fiancee Ms Bonar has been interviewed three times by the police and voluntarily appeared in person at the 2011 fatal accident inquiry (FAI) into his death. At the inquiry Sheriff Alastair Dunlop said he could not decide if the death was suicide or homicide. Speaking after the FAI, Ms Bonar said: "My name is cleared. I have always been honest and declared my innocence throughout this heart-breaking nightmare. "What Colin did, he did to himself and that's the truth." A spokesman for the Crown Office said: "We appreciate the importance of this work to the family and they will be informed of significant developments. "Once further inquiries are complete, all the evidence will be reviewed by a prosecutor who has had no previous involvement in the case." German police searched Cologne Cathedral after warnings of a possible attack plot German authorities have increased security at Cologne Cathedral following warnings of a possible attack plot. Worshippers attending the Christmas Eve service were told to arrive early and avoid bringing large bags with them. The city's police chief said information pointed to threats over New Year's Eve rather than Christmas, but security would be boosted nonetheless. There have been heightened fears of attacks in several European countries over the festive period. Authorities used sniffer dogs to search Cologne cathedral on Saturday evening but no traces of explosives were found. "We are doing everything we can to ensure the safety of visitors," police chief Michael Esser said. Authorities in Germany, Austria and Spain have said radical Islamists could be planning attacks around Christmas or New Year. On Saturday, four people were arrested in Austria. Media reports say the suspects may have links with Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K), a group linked to the Islamic State group. It is not clear whether the arrests were connected to the alleged plot in Cologne. Dozens of police officers have been deployed near Vienna's St Stephen's cathedral. There was no danger of an immediate attack in the area, the interior ministry said on Sunday. Earlier this month, seven people were detained in Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands on suspicion of planning attacks. On 5 December European Home Affairs Commission Ylva Johansson said the EU was facing a "huge risk of terrorist attacks" over the holiday period. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer during a visit to Capitol Hill on Dec. 12. (Susan Walsh / Associated Press) Ukraines war to repel Russias invasion suffered two major setbacks this year. The first was on the battlefield, where a long-promised Ukrainian ground offensive was stymied by Russian fortifications that were stronger than expected. The second is underway in Washington, where Republicans in Congress have held up President Bidens request for $61 billion to keep Ukraines war effort going in 2024. The battlefield setback was a painful disappointment for Ukrainian leaders, who hoped the offensive could turn the tide of the war. The political problem could be even worse. If U.S. funding isnt approved quickly, aid from Europe could dry up as well, and Ukraines ability to fight could erode dramatically. Read more: Kicking Trump off the ballot won't be easy. Here's why Andriy Yermak, chief of staff to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, told an audience in Washington that if the deadlock persists, it will create a big risk to lose this war. His warning was for naught. Republican leaders in both houses of Congress say they support helping Ukraine in principle, but they're holding the aid hostage to bargain for tougher immigration rules, especially toward asylum seekers. . The House of Representatives went home 10 days before Christmas without acting on the administrations request. Senate negotiators from both parties stayed behind last week to try to strike a deal, but they fell short, too. As a result, Ukraine doesnt know whether it can count on more funding for the artillery shells and air defense weapons it needs to defend its cities from Russian onslaught. Military experts say Ukraines armed forces can keep fighting until the end of January with ammunition they already have. But the uncertainty over future supplies has forced them to scale back operations and reduce their rate of artillery fire. Read more: Column: Most voters think Biden's economy isn't working. Can he change their minds? A lower level of resources is going to mean a lower chance of success, said Michael Kofman, a military analyst at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. The effect of delayed funding will result in tangible deficits at the front line. Theres a broader political impact, too. If Congress doesnt approve funding quickly, the lesson to other countries will be that domestic politics has made the United States an unreliable ally. For almost two years, Biden promised that the United States would support Ukraine as long as it takes, and urged other governments to do the same. This month, faced with pushback, he downsized the commitment. Now its as long as we can. If Congress passes new funding by the end of January, it wont be a major blow to our credibility, said Alexander Vershbow, a former U.S. ambassador to Moscow. But if it drags on for months, it will be a disaster. GOP leaders said their decision to delay the funding was ordinary legislative hardball a bargaining chip to win concessions on immigration, which most voters consider more important than Ukraine. But their willingness to stiff-arm Zelensky also reflected eroding support among GOP voters for Ukraines battle against Russian President Vladimir Putin. Polls show most Americans support helping Ukraine at current or higher levels of aid. But conservative Republican voters the ones most likely to turn out for primary elections are disproportionately opposed. Read more: Column: Is Biden in trouble with Democrats over Gaza? Not as much as it looked The logjam has left Ukraine in the cold, literally and figuratively. The Ukrainians short-term military goal is to survive Russias winter offensive, which is likely to focus on civilian targets such as cities, electrical power plants and other economic infrastructure. After that, the Ukrainians hope to use long-range missiles supplied by the U.S. and other countries plus home-grown drones to strike Russian targets. In a recent interview with the Economist, Ukraines military commander, Gen. Valery Zaluzhny, called the situation a deadlock, adding that trench warfare does not favor Ukraine in the long run. Without a technological breakthrough, he warned, Sooner or later, we are going to find that we simply dont have enough people to fight. In some wars, a deadlock might open the way for peace negotiations. Not this one. At his four-hour-long news conference Dec. 14, Putin buoyantly declared: Victory is ours. One reason for his confidence, he said, is how shaky Ukraines Western support appears. Ukraine is getting everything as freebies, he said. But those freebies can run out at some point, and it looks like theyre already starting to run out. He did not sound interested in seeking a compromise settlement. There will be peace when we achieve our goals, he said. Those goals, he added, include replacing Zelenskys government and disbanding Ukraines armed forces. He doesnt sound ready to give up his ambition to absorb Ukraine into Russia. Our aid to Ukraine isnt an act of charity. Its in our interest to prevent Putin from expanding his empire. Putin still thinks he can wait out the West that the United States and Europe will tire of helping Ukrainians defend themselves and walk away. The grim lesson of the last few weeks is that he may turn out to be right. Get the best of the Los Angeles Times politics coverage with the Essential Politics newsletter. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. VIENNA, Dec. 24 (Xinhua) -- Three people were arrested in Austria on Sunday for suspected involvement in a "cross-border Islamist network" as police in the capital of Vienna stepped up controls to ensure Christmas security, local authorities said. The Vienna public prosecutor's office said that the suspects "discussed attack plans in Vienna, Cologne and Madrid" but "there was no immediate threat of an attack in Vienna," Austrian broadcaster ORF reported. Austrian police have intensified checks and patrols, especially around churches, religious events and Christmas markets in the capital, citing heightened security concerns amid calls for terrorist attacks on Christian events across Europe. Congress is paralyzed, and the price is dead students Congratulations, Idaho Statesman for reprinting Dana Milbanks column, originally in the Washington Post, entitled, Worst. Congress. Ever. Milbanks editorial is a reaffirmation of the currently inert Congress. Partly, this dysfunctionality is due to the rarity of any representative deviating from the party line, including Idahos senators, Jim Risch and Mike Crapo. Way beyond their blubbering condition, Congress is malevolent. There are many examples of their immorality, from their treatment of illegal entrants to their involvement in the insurrection to not impeaching a dictator wannabe. But among the civilized world, they reign supreme regarding their inability to ban assault weapons, implying they have an unhealthy respect for a wartime-intended mass murder machine and their manufacturers. The innocent victims include lots of children gunned down while cowering or maybe making Christmas cookies. The Washington Post found that since Columbine (1999), 380 school shootings have occurred with 352,000 students affected. In 2022, a record 46 school shootings occurred and 2023 has already eclipsed 2022. Dave Greegor, Boise If you stay home you get left out Im taken with the concept proposed by Jason Mercier. Your rights or preferences should be protected if you dont vote. He noted that special elections have low voter turnout, and the results could be swayed by the small majority that votes. To counter that prospect you preserve the super majorities currently in place. Why not remind us of our responsibility to vote, regardless of the time and place of the vote? It seems to me that retaining the supermajority requirement is another way to allow us to forgo our civic responsibility to vote without having any risk for doing so. One should either vote or live with the consequences of a low turnout, not continue a system that allows me to be lazy and not live up to my civic responsibility. Kirk Hall, Boise The inhumane death penalty What business does the Idaho Department Of Corrections Director have in trying to execute a man so sick he probably can barely walk? Bryn Clarke Hayes, Boise Voter ID laws are discriminatory Raise your hand if you know where your certified birth certificate is. Now imagine you are older, just moved to an assisted living facility and no longer have a drivers license. Naturally, you want to update your voter registration. This may be a challenge for many in this situation. Due to House Bill 340 passed in 2023, you need current identification. Dont panic, you can head to the Idaho Department of Transportation and get a free identification card. But wait! How will you get down there since you dont drive and how will you prove you are a U.S. Citizen? These are just some of the reasons the Idaho League of Women Voters and Babe Vote have filed a lawsuit with the state of Idaho over HB124 (not allowing student ID for registering to vote) and 340. I agree with them that many people in Idaho, who do not have a current drivers license, will find it next to impossible to obtain the free ID needed to register to vote. This isnt acceptable. Kayla Dodson, Boise How to manage the stress of parenting I am a student at Borah High School and in a Parenting and Child Development class. Through research and studying Ive learned of a pressing issue everywhere, not just in Idaho: the stress parents feel. Raising children is stressful, but its how the parents manage stress that is important. I would like to propose some effective ways to deal with that stress. One way is putting your child in a safe place and leaving the room. This gets you away from the thing that is causing you stress, keeping them safe so you dont do anything youll regret later on. Next or another coping method is expressing your feelings through art, writing, music, etc. Last but not least, try talking to your kid about whats going on. Such as, Our family is very short on money right now. Dad and I are trying to make more, so we are not able to do that. Explaining to them so they understand may help them. Madeleine Winspear, Boise We should be able to vote in elections we pay for Idaho voters, not political parties, pay millions in tax dollars to fund all Idaho elections, including all political party primary elections. Yet, since 2011, our legislature and Supreme Court have allowed Republican, Libertarian and Constitution political party bosses the power to deny independent voters their right to vote in political party primaries their taxes fund, unless they join a political party. Only the Idaho Democratic party allows all voters, regardless of their party affiliation, to vote in their political primary election, without joining the Democratic party. Every Idaho voter should have the right to vote in any election their taxes fund. Its time to give political power back to all Idaho voters. The Open Primaries Initiative will end Idahos closed primary system where political parties can deny voters their right to vote in some elections they pay for. The Open Primaries Initiative will give voters the freedom to vote in all elections, regardless their party affiliation, to elect more open-minded leaders focused on solving, not creating, Idaho political problems. Voters can help correct the taxation without voting participation injustice called closed primaries, by voting to pass the Open Primaries Initiative when it appears on the general election ballot in November 2024. Steven Shake, Caldwell House Speaker is shielding lawlessness Many of the criminals who broke into Americas Capitol were identified by the public by the videos of the insurrection against the U.S. Constitution They were prosecuted and convicted of various crimes. Federal law states that the crime of accessory-after-the-fact is: Whoever, knowing that an offense against the United States has been committed, receives, relieves, comforts or assists the offender in order to hinder or prevent his apprehension, trial or punishment, is an accessory after the fact. Protecting those who illegally entered the Capitol and tried to obstruct a legal proceeding by blurring the videos to be released to the public is such a crime. The conservative National Review and the mainstream media reported House Speaker Mike Johnson saying: We have to blur some of the faces of persons who participated in the events of that day because we dont want them to be retaliated against and to be charged by the DOJ... Johnson has since claimed he only wanted to prevent private retaliation and have transparency. Regardless, Johnsons actions will prevent trials of Jan. 6 insurrectionists by blurring pictures. It is neither transparent nor lawful. Ed Wardwell, Boise A conservative think tank has filed an ethics complaint against U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, alleging failure to disclose required financial information connected to her husbands income and funding sources for Browns inauguration ceremony. Supreme Court Justices Ketanji Brown Jackson and Clarence Thomas criticized each of their vastly different opinions on the ruling to end affirmative action. (Left photo: Getty Images, Right photo: AP) The Center for Renewing America sent a letter Monday addressed to the Judicial Conference Secretary, claiming that Brown willfully failed to disclose required information regarding her husbands medical malpractice consulting income for over a decade. Led by a former White House official under former President Donald Trump, the complaint also accuses the justice of failing to report the private funding sources of her massive investiture celebration at the Library of Congress in her most recent financial disclosure. Russ Vought, president of the conservative group, is urging the federal government to open an ethics investigation into whether Brown violated a federal law called the Ethics and Government Act of 1978. The Conference should refer Justice Jackson to the Attorney General [Merrick Garland] for her failure to disclose her husbands consulting income and open an investigation into the potential private funding of her investiture celebration, Vought said. Brown was sworn in as an associate justice in June 2022, making her the first Black woman to serve on the nations highest court. During his campaign, President Joe Biden promised to nominate the first Black woman to the Supreme Court. Only two Black justices currently serve on the Court, including Brown and Clarence Thomas, who has been under scrutiny after reports revealed he had received expensive gifts from several billionaire Republican megadonors, including Dallas real estate tycoon Harlan Crow. Senate Democrats urged Thomas to recuse himself from an upcoming decision on Trumps immunity in a federal case linked to election interference. They cited a conflict of interest due to his wife, Ginni Thomas, alleged involvement in a scheme to maintain Trumps presidency post-election. Her involvement was tied to events surrounding Trumps false claims of election fraud and the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. Meanwhile, federal judges are required to report the source of items of earned income earned by a spouse from any person which exceed $1,000exceptif the spouse is self-employed in business or a profession, only the nature of such business or profession needs be reported, according to the letter. The letter notes that since 2012, Brown has not disclosed these sources of earned income by her husband, surgeon Patrick Jackson. Jacksons failure to disclose her husbands medical malpractice clients, the public and parties are left without the opportunity to ensure that she has no conflict of interest in a particular case, Vought wrote. Ginni Thomas earnings from parties that actually have had business before the high court have been a subject of scrutiny since her husband amended years of financial disclosures in 2011. Clarence Thomas, responding to criticism from liberal watchdogs, claimed that year that disclosures his wife had been paid some $700,000 over six years by the Heritage Foundation had been inadvertently omitted due to a misunderstanding of the filing instructions. The conservative think tank routinely files amicus briefs in support of cases that go before the Supreme Court. It is unclear what will come from the CRAs complaint. At the time of Thomas incident, Steven Lubet, an expert on judicial ethics at Northwestern University School of Law, said failure to disclose spousal income is not a crime of any sort. Adding that hes not aware of a single case of a judge being penalized simply for this. Neither Brown nor the Supreme Court has yet to respond to the allegations. KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) Hundreds of people donated blood in Kalamazoo Saturday including Santa Claus himself. It was all part of the 38th annual American Red Cross Holiday Blood Drive. In Kalamazoo, the event ran from 8 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. at the Radisson Plaza Hotel. Photos: Santa visits Trinity Healths tiniest patients Adam Castle, executive director of the Red Cross Southwest Michigan Chapter, told News 8 that the blood drive was held in memory of an important local figure. Since 2015, its been held in honor of (Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety) Sgt. Lisa Zuk, who passed away from breast cancer and was a longtime advocate for blood donations, as well as the Red Cross, he said. According to Castle, donations are especially needed during the holidays. Someone needs blood products in the United States every two seconds, he explained. And this time of year, it can be challenging to keep up an adequate blood supply, due to the illnesses and holiday travel. USDA issues permit for Santas reindeer to legally enter the US It only takes an hour to donate blood, and your donation can save up to three lives, according to Castle. Its one of those things where it costs nothing and gives everything, Santa said after giving blood. He told News 8 he didnt feel a thing. Santa spoke with News 8 after giving blood on Dec. 23, 2023. A lot of people think about first responders, our police force, our fire department, the military, and they think about them keeping us safe. But this process with the Red Cross everyone who donates is a lifesaver, potentially, Santa said. It is the easiest way to give. And this is the giving season. This is the time to do it. But you know what? You can do it all year long. If youd like to make an appointment to donate blood, you can visit redcrossblood.org. Correction: A previous version of this article misspelled the name of Adam Castle, executive director of the Red Cross Southwest Michigan Chapter. We regret the error, which has been fixed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. Czech President Petr Pavel has signed amendments to the Lex Ukraine law, regulating the status of Ukrainians who have left for Czechia since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Source: Czech presidents website; European Pravda Details: The amendment's key provision extends temporary protection for Ukrainian citizens in Czechia until March 2025, in accordance with the decision of the EU Council. At the same time, the law also foresees providing financial support to refugees with temporary protection status as they seek to leave for Ukraine. The amount of this assistance is yet to be determined by the Czech government. Refugees will have the opportunity to apply for such assistance only once and no later than three months before the expiry of their right to stay in Czechia under temporary protection, i.e. by the end of 2024. Should these people later seek a long-term visa in Czechia, they would first face the obligation to repay half of the amount that the Czech government allocated so that they could travel back home. Background: As of October, there were 359,000 Ukrainian refugees in Czechia, about 115,000 of whom were legally employed. Earlier this year, Czechia also tightened the conditions for assisting Ukrainian refugees to reduce budget expenditures. Support UP or become our patron! A man has been shot and killed at a bar in Lawrence early Sunday morning. According to the DAs office, around 12:20 a.m. Lawrence police responded to a report of shots fired at Energy Lounge at 459 Broadway. Upon arrival, officers located a 29-year-old male suffering from a gunshot wound, he was treated on the scene and then transported to Lawrence General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The shooting remains under investigation by Lawrence Police Detectives, Massachusetts State Police and the Essex County District Attorneys Office. No arrests have been made. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine has announced the launch of an artillery coalition in January 2024 to strengthen the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Source: press release from the Ministry of Defence published on Sunday, 24 December, reported by European Pravda Details: The creation of the new coalition was discussed at a meeting between Deputy Defence Minister Lieutenant General Ivan Havryliuk and a delegation from the French Senate. Havryliuk said that the Ukrainian Armed Forces are interested in further purchases of Caesar self-propelled artillery systems, which have demonstrated high efficiency and accuracy in combat. Among other things, in 2024, Caesar will be tested to control fire using artificial intelligence, which should reduce the use of ammunition for firing and hitting targets by 30%. Havryliuk also called on France to help increase the number of ammunition for the Caesar systems. Background: Ukraine received 18 of these self-propelled artillery systems from France, and Paris had already been able to offset some of them with an order. A delegation from the French Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and the Armed Forces, following a visit to Ukraine and Poland this week, called for more military assistance to Kyiv to help it counter Russian aggression. Support UP or become our patron! A new "artillery coalition" to strengthen the Ukrainian army will begin its operations in Paris in January 2024, Deputy Defense Minister Ivan Havryliuk announced on Dec. 24 during the meeting with the delegation from the Senate of the French Parliament. He said that it's crucial for Ukraine to "enhance its firepower by receiving artillery systems from its allies," according to the Defense Ministrys statement citing Havryliuk. "In particular, the Armed Forces of Ukraine are interested in further procurement of self-propelled artillery units, such as Caesar," reads the statement. The Defense Ministry also reported that in 2024, "tests are scheduled for the fire control system of the Caesar self-propelled artillery unit using artificial intelligence." Havryliuk said the AI implementation "will result in a 30% reduction in the use of ammunition for zeroing in and targeting," the ministry reports. According to the statement, Havryliuk also asked the French delegation to assist in increasing the number of ammunition for the Caesars. Earlier on Dec. 18, Brigadier General Oleksandr Tarnavskyi said that Ukrainian forces face shortages of artillery shells and have to scale down some military operations due to a decrease in foreign aid. "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," said Tarnavskyi, who commands the Tavria group of forces. Russia's advantage in artillery shells has long been one of the key obstacles pointed out by Ukrainian commanders. "The volumes that we have today are not sufficient for us today, given our needs. So, we're redistributing it," Tarnavskyi said, explaining that the military is scaling down its tasks as a result. Read also: French ambassador: Now is not the time for negotiation, now is the time for war Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. A busy DeKalb County highway has been fully reopened after officials say officers were investigating a shooting. DeKalb County police told Channel 2 Action News officers were called to Highway 78 Eastbound past Mountain Industrial Boulevard to investigate a person shot. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Witnesses told Channel 2 Action News that they saw a man lying on the side of the highway with multiple gunshot wounds. According to the Georgia Department of Transportation, the highway was partially shut down due to the investigation. TRENDING STORIES: No further information has been provided. Channel 2 Action News reached out to DeKalb County police for more information but has not received a response. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: MADERA COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) The Madera County Sheriffs Office is asking for the publics assistance in locating a missing teen. Deputies say 15-year-old Albert Munoz is believed to be in the City of Madera. Munoz is described by authorities as 505, 117 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a grey Reebok hooded sweatshirt and jeans. Anyone with any information regarding Munozs whereabouts is asked to call the Sheriffs Office at (559) 675-7770. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com. Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco on Sunday said claims of government weaponization have contributed to an unprecedented rise in threats against public officials, including those in law enforcement, prosecution and election workers. In an interview with ABC Newss This Week, Monaco pushed back strongly on Republican claims the Department of Justice (DOJ) is full of political operatives working to help President Biden, Monaco said. Those claims bear no resemblance to the Justice Department that I know. The Justice Department that I know is filled with dedicated men and women, investigators, lawyers, prosecutors, analysts, professional staff who get up every day they get up without regard to whos in the White House or whos in Congress, Monaco said. Monaco said these claims really bother her and contribute to the toxicity of the Washington environment. [What] weve seen is an unprecedented rise in threats to public officials across the board, law enforcement agents, prosecutors, judges and election officials. And we are seeing that and responding to it, she said. Several members of the Republican party, notably former President Trump and several GOP congressional leaders, have repeatedly claimed without evidence that there is a weaponization of the federal government and that government agencies are working to promote Bidens so-called political agenda against Trump. Monaco reiterated the Justice Departments standing that special counsels Jack Smith, David Weiss and Robert Hur are conducting their respective investigations in a unbiased manner. Smith, Weiss and Hur are spearheading three separate DOJ respective investigations into Trumps alleged role on Jan. 6, 2021; Hunter Bidens alleged tax crimes; and the potential mishandling of classified documents following Bidens time as vice president. Asked if the three prosecutors are operating without regard to anything but the facts in the law, Monaco said, Yes. And the reason I say that here is these are matters of the utmost importance and significance. Its exceptionally important that they are handled independently, confidentially and free of any outside or inappropriate influence, she continued. And thats exactly why the attorney general appointed special counsels in the first place. Several GOP members made similar claims of politicization within the Colorado Supreme Court, which ruled last week Trump should not appear on the ballot due to his alleged role in the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection. The Colorado Supreme Courts seven-member bench was entirely appointed by Democratic governors, six of whom won retention elections, and a seventh will run to do so next year. Some GOP members and even some of Trumps GOP primary presidential rivals claim the decision is a way to prevent Trump from taking back the White House in 2024, even as three Colorado justices were opposed to taking the former president off the ballot. Former Attorney General Bill Barr touched upon this sentiment last week, arguing Colorados ruling will be counterproductive, as Trump is a person who feeds on grievances and will use the decision to reinforce his narrative that the federal government is working against him. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. TRIPOLI, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- Libyan Prime Minister Abdul-Hamed Dbeibah said Saturday that he will only transfer power through elections. Speaking at an event in the capital Tripoli, Dbeibah said he would hand over office to "those who deserve it" and let the Libyan people decide through elections. "We would like to establish a constitutional basis for the elections. My job in the government is to support the High National Elections Commission and secure the ballot boxes," Dbeibah added. Dbeibeh took office in February 2021, appointed through the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum, with the expectation to serve until the initially planned elections on December 24, 2021, which were later postponed due to disputes over the legal framework and the eligibility of candidates. In October, the Eastern-based parliament passed laws for presidential and parliamentary elections, but the Tripoli-based High Council of State rejected them and withdrew from a joint committee that was tasked with drafting the legislation for the vote. Because cruise vacations are easy to plan and relaxing, it's no wonder about 31.5 million people took them in 2023, according to data from Statista. Ranging from inconvenient to catastrophic, a tiny portion of these vacationers had their plans altered by unforeseen circumstances in 2023: Cruises turn into nightmares after marine life prevents entry into New Zealand Pesky algae, barnacles, oysters and even snails prevented ships from entering New Zealand's waters three times last winter, leaving a cruise line's human passengers with significant changes to their plans. THIRD AUSTRALIAN CRUISE IN WEEKS TURNS INTO 'NIGHTMARE' AFTER FUNGUS OUTBREAK PREVENTS ENTRY INTO NEW ZEALAND The Seven Seas Explorer of Australia's Regent Seven Seas Cruises fleet was forced to wait in open water for a cleaning crew to mitigate what New Zealand officials described as "higher than allowed levels of algae, barnacles, tube worms and potential oysters" clinging to ships, according to RNZ. After departing from Sydney Dec. 29, 2022, passengers expected to stop at eight ports and three fjords with just three days at sea. But an American passenger on the ship told Fox News Digital passengers instead spent 11 days at sea, only visiting one port. The Marshall Islands flagged cruise ship "Seven Seas Explorer" anchors in Alanya, Antalya, Turkey Sept. 4, 2022. New Zealand officials blocked two additional ships from entering their waters due to excessive marine life on their hulls last winter. Viking Cruises ship Viking Orion was left stranded at sea for eight days in January for what the company told Fox News Digital was a "limited amount of standard marine growth." More than 900 passengers on that cruise were refunded for their trips, according to earlier reporting by Fox News Digital. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP In late December 2022, a Princess Cruise Lines ship was held back by New Zealand officials for an excessive number of unexpected snail stowaways. Many passengers were dissatisfied with a $100 voucher and a voucher for 15% off future cruises they received along with an apology from the crew, per Reuters. Bahamas-bound passengers shocked after being rerouted to frigid locations Passengers who had packed their shorts and sunglasses for a trip to the Bahamas were shocked after their ship was rerouted to Boston, Maine and Canada over "unreasonable" weather changes. MSC Meraviglia passengers Lakeya Allen and Val Montgomery appeared on "Fox & Friends" and recalled their reaction to the unforeseen circumstances. "They sent this itinerary a couple hours before we were getting ready to leave to board the plane," Allen said. "I have three children, and I would have to repack all three bags. And we actually have maybe six bags or so. So, it was just too much to change, and we just left." Initially, the ship was slated to make stops at Port Canaveral, Florida; Nassau, the Bahamas; and MSC's private Ocean Cay island. The company told Fox Business that "unseasonable and rapidly worsening weather ... would have made it impossible to safely reach the southern Atlantic Ocean from New York City," and the only other option would have been "to take the more extreme step of canceling the cruise and thousands of people's vacations outright." CRUISE SHIP FIRE NEAR ALASKA PROMPTS DOZENS TO EVACUATE Engine room fire prompts more than 50 passengers to evacuate Alaska cruise ship All 51 passengers and 16 staff members were forced to suddenly abandon their sightseeing cruise through Alaska's Glacier Bay National Park when a fire started onboard in June. UnCruise Adventures said the fire originated in the engine room and that all the affected passengers would be compensated. After evacuating the Wilderness Discoverer, the passengers were reportedly placed on another cruise in the area. Eleven crew members remained onboard the ship as it was towed to Ketchikan, the company said. A cruise ship near Alaska Jan. 1, 2012. Rough seas sent tables flying, left passengers fearing for their lives Around 100 people were injured in November when their cruise ship entered rough seas off the coast of France. Treacherous conditions caused the Saga Cruises' Spirit of Discovery ship's automatic safety systems to activate. This made the vessel suddenly shift to one side before bringing it to a stop. VIDEO SHOWS HORRIFYING MOMENTS CRUISE SHIP PASSENGERS 'FEARED FOR THEIR LIVES': 'TABLES WERE FLYING' Five people were transported to hospitals when the ship docked in Portsmouth, a Saga Cruises spokesperson said of the Nov. 4 incident. A thousand passengers aboard the ship were scheduled for a 14-day trip to the Canary Islands, but staff decided to prematurely head back to the United Kingdom after the unsettling incident. One passenger told the BBC the situation was dire. Another said people "feared for their lives." "To say 'minor injuries' is an insult to the many horrific broken bones, pelvises, lacerations, stitches etc. that were caused [to] a very old passenger clientele," the passenger said of the official reaction from Saga Cruises. "People were writing texts to their loved ones in case we capsized." Rogue wave blows out Norwegian cruise ship's ability to navigate The MS Maud lost power after it was hit by a huge wave last Thursday as the ship was sailing toward Tilbury, England, from Flor, Norway. CRUISE SHIP FALL LEFT VIRGINIA WOMAN FEARING 'SHE WAS GOING TO DIE' IN FOREIGN HOSPITAL, DAUGHTER SAYS Although none of its 266 passengers or 131 crew members were injured, crew members were forced to manually pilot the ship back to port with emergency propulsion systems, company HX told NBC News. The wave reportedly shattered windows on the ship's bridge, causing water to enter the vessel and short out electrical components, per Reuters. One passenger's Facebook video showed the view from her window on the vessel, in which the cruise ship creaked and bobbed amid the high waves. Two civilian support vessels aided the ship back to port in Bremerhaven, Germany, the Danish Joint Rescue Coordination Center said in a statement Friday. Denise Hammond, 64, is pictured at a stop on her Carnival cruise before falling and fracturing her hip and elbow Oct. 4. American feared she would die in a foreign hospital after breaking hip on cruise ship Denise Hammond, 64, fractured her hip and elbow in a fall on the Carnival Cruise Luminosa Oct. 4. After doctors on the vessel took X-rays of the woman and determined she would need additional care, she was left to wait as the ship made its way to its next stop. Four days later, Hammond was brought to Siloam Hospital in Manado, Indonesia. There, her daughter told Fox News Digital, "the hospital conditions were really atrocious," and doctors told Hammond they didn't have the proper equipment to treat her fractured bones. "They weren't doing any scans or blood tests, giving any kind of anticoagulants. ... We were concerned she was going to die in that hospital," Rachel Matthews said of her mother's ordeal. After receiving money via GoFundMe and working tirelessly with the U.S. embassy, the family finally hired a transport company to take Hammond to the nearest hospital that could properly treat her, located in Bangkok, Thailand. According to the family's GoFundMe, Hammond's surgeries there were a success. However, because of the nine days she was left untreated, Matthews told Fox News Digital she needed "much more intensive surgery" because her injuries were "healing back incorrectly." Original article source: Disasters at sea: Six cruise mishaps in 2023 Donald Trump's lawyers asked a federal appeals court on Saturday to throw out special counsel Jack Smith's indictment of the former president related to the Jan. 6 uprising, arguing that Trump is immune from prosecution for acts he committed as president. This follows the U.S. Supreme Court's refusal to fast-track Trump's appeal of a previous ruling by U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan, who rejected the immunity claim. Trump's legal team claimed, in a filing with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, that he was acting within "quintessential" presidential authority in pursuing claims about "alleged fraud and irregularity" in the 2020 presidential election. The ex-president's lawyers further suggested that the Trump indictments may endanger national stability and are "likely to shatter the very bedrock of our Republic the confidence of American citizens in an independent judicial system. Smith's team of federal prosecutors, on the other hand, have argued that "Trump broke the law after the election by scheming to disrupt the Jan. 6, 2021, counting of electoral votes, including by pressing then-Vice President Mike Pence to not certify the results and by participating in a plot to organize slates of fake electors in battleground states," as the Associated Press reports. Trump's argument was emphatically rejected by Chutkan in a ruling earlier this month, in which she wrote that the presidency does not confer a lifelong get-out-of-jail-free pass. Smith then asked the Supreme Court to consider Trump's appeal, in hopes of sticking to a trial date in March. The appeals court has set arguments in the case for Jan. 9, but with a further appeal to the Supreme Court likely, Trump's trial is nearly certain to be delayed. WASHINGTON Most presidential candidates look for signs of trouble during campaigns but none before former President Donald Trump saw the threats of criminal convictions and getting thrown off the ballot. Legal problems may be the biggest threats to Trump's huge lead in Republican polls, as rivals urge voters to leave the drama of the Trump era behind. Polls show that, so far, Republican voters have rallied around Trump after a series of indictments in 2023; but he and aides have expressed concern that voters in 2024 may tire of all the drama and start to look at other candidates. Trump has repeatedly attacked the prosecutions and lawsuits and urged voters to stick with him in upcoming caucuses and primaries. "Crazy things can happen," Trump said Tuesday in Waterloo, Iowa. As Trump and his rivals enter the 2024 election, there are at least three signs of trouble for the front-running former president. Here are some of the things that can and will happen to Trump as he pursues the presidency again: Adverse court rulings The potential for legal trouble is all around Trump and could pop up any time. This past Tuesday, the Colorado Supreme Court stunned the political world by ruling Trump is ineligible for public office because of the insurrection by his supporters on Jan. 6, 2021. The decision could conceivably keep Trump off the ballot in Colorado inspiring other states to follow suit but Trump attorneys are confident the Supreme Court will reverse the disqualification ruling. In the meantime, Trump, his lawyers, and his campaign team must prepare for the possibility of as many as four criminal trials in a campaign year. Two trials one in Washington, D.C., and the other in Atlanta involved efforts to overturn President Joe Biden's win in the 2020 election. There is also a New York state case about hush money payments and a Florida federal case about classified documents. The district trial was scheduled for March but is on hold because of pretrial motions. The Trump legal team is seeking to delay all of the criminal trials until after Election Day on Nov. 5, and for good reason: A criminal conviction would transform the presidential race. A Reuters/Ipsos poll this month reported that "some 31% of Republican respondents said they would not vote for Trump if he was convicted of a felony crime by a jury." There is also a potentially damaging civil trial looming against the former president. A second defamation trial for writer E. Jean Carroll, who won a $5 million judgment against Trump in May, is scheduled to start Jan. 15 the same day as the Iowa caucuses, the start of the Republican nominating process. Falling poll numbers; rising rivals Trump's GOP rivals warn that his continued legal woes will eventually wear out voters who might start to consider alternatives. Trump's rhetoric has also escalated, including describing political opponents as "vermin," saying migrants have "poisoned" Americans; and threatening to prosecute political opponents. Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, who is moving up in New Hampshire primary polls, says voters want to move beyond the turmoil of the Trump era. "Chaos does follow him," Haley told Fox News this week. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is banking on a strong showing in Iowa, has also said he would avoid the "chaos" of the Trump years. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who is betting his long-shot candidacy on New Hampshire, is Trump's most outspoken critic on the campaign trail. He says Trump's legal problems and divisive rhetoric already render him unfit for public office. Bad voter reaction The ultimate bad sign for Trump would come from voters. If Trump underperforms in the Iowa caucuses on Jan. 15, and DeSantis does better than expected, that will embolden opponents. If Haley defeats Trump in the New Hampshire primary on Jan. 23, that could totally change the race. Haley also has high hopes in her home state of South Carolina, which holds its Republican primary on Feb. 24. If Haley does well in Iowa and wins in New Hampshire, "momentum will swing heavily in her favor pre-South Carolina," said Lara Brown, a political scientist and author of "Jockeying for the American Presidency: The Political Opportunism of Aspirants." In that case, Brown said, "both DeSantis and Christie likely will drop out." As they walk through a political minefield, Trump and his campaign aides said they are counting on a huge haul of delegates on March 5, the day of "Super Tuesday" primaries in more than a dozen states. They hope to have enough delegates to clinch the nomination after a March 19 set of big-state primaries that include Florida and Ohio. Even if he does that criminal trials still loom. If Trump is tried and convicted before the start of the Republican convention on July 15, his nomination could conceivably be challenged on the floor. "Is one of our major parties going to nominate a convicted felon for president of the United States?" said Republican pollster Whit Ayres. "I don't know and neither does anyone else," he said. "We haven't faced this kind of thing before." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Donald Trump faces signs of political trouble; here are just a few Donald Trump said that he was "not a student of Hitler" and hadn't read any of his works. Trump was defending his controversial comments about immigrants "poisoning the blood" of the country. Trump claimed he did not know Hitler had used similar language about Jewish people. Former President Donald Trump said he was "not a student of Hitler," following backlash to his controversial comments that immigrants are "poisoning the blood of our country." Trump said that he never knew Adolf Hitler had used similar language to describe Jewish people and said he had never read Hitler's "Mein Kampf" manifesto. "I know nothing about Hitler. I'm not a student of Hitler," Trump said in a radio interview with Hugh Hewitt . Hitler and his Nazi party spoke about the purity of bloodlines Donald Trump said he had never read Mein Kampf, Adolf Hitler's autobiographical manifesto. Bundesarchiv "I never read his works. They say that he said something about blood. He didn't say it the way I said it, either, by the way. It's a very different kind of a statement." Hitler and his Nazi party often spoke about the purity of bloodlines to dehumanize Jewish people, saying their blood would make German blood impure. "I never knew that Hitler said it, either, by the way. And I never read Mein Kampf. They said I read Mein Kampf. These are people that are disinformation horrible people that we're dealing with. I never read Mein Kampf," Trump said. Trump's controversial comments , made while speaking in New Hampshire last week, were about immigrants entering the United States. Explaining his comments, Trump said: "What I'm saying when I talk about people coming into our country is they are destroying our country. This country is, we have prisoners coming in. We have mental patients coming in by the thousands, really, by the millions." When asked if he meant any racist sentiment, he responded: "Dear, no." His statement sparked backlash, including from the Biden campaign, which said his words "parroted Adolf Hitler." Trump previously used language about immigrants "poisoning the blood" in an interview earlier this year. In response, the Anti-Defamation League's CEO and national director, Jonathan Greenblatt, called his language " racist , xenophobic and despicable ," Reuters reported. Trump has been strong in his anti-immigrant rhetoric, and while president, implemented strict policies to crack down on it. Read the original article on Business Insider Former President Donald Trump on Saturday called on an appeals court to throw out the federal charges alleging he tried to steal the 2020 presidential election. Attorneys for the former president argued in a 71-page filing to the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals that the charges Trump faces should be dismissed. The lawyers claim Trump's actions following the 2020 race for the White House fell under his official responsibilities as president. A federal grand jury indicted Trump in August over his efforts to overturn the race, and he was arrested just weeks later in Georgia on election charges in the Peach State. The indictment of President Trump threatens to launch cycles of recrimination and politically motivated prosecution that will plague our Nation for many decades to come and stands likely to shatter the very bedrock of our Republicthe confidence of American citizens in an independent judicial system, Trumps lawyers wrote in the Saturday filing, which only applied to the federal election case against the former president, not the case in Georgia. Trump has repeatedly argued that his actions following the 2020 election are protected because he was acting in an official capacity as commander in chief. The filing on Saturday called on the Washington appeals court to reject a lower courts ruling that refused this claim of immunity. Trump's trial in the case is scheduled to begin in March. The charges brought by special counsel Jack Smith could land him in prison for decades. The Supreme Court on Friday sidestepped the question of whether Trump may claim immunity from criminal charges tied to his alleged interference in the 2020 election, but the legal wrangling over the issue is far from over. The same case will almost certainly return to the Supreme Court in coming months, but the move signals that the issue will first be decided by federal appeals courts. And U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan earlier this month rejected a series of arguments from Trump to have the case dismissed, including that he can't be prosecuted because his alleged actions were "at the heart of his official responsibilities as President." "Defendants four-year service as Commander in Chief did not bestow on him the divine right of kings to evade the criminal accountability that governs his fellow citizens," Chutkan said in her Dec. 1 ruling. Contributing: John Fritze and Aysha Bagchi, USA TODAY This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Donald Trump calls on court to block federal 2020 election charges Donald Trump urged a federal appeals court to throw out the federal election subversion criminal case in Washington, DC, again arguing in a filing late Saturday that he is protected under presidential immunity. Trump wants the DC Circuit Court of Appeals to overturn a lower-court ruling rejecting his claims of immunity in special counsel Jack Smiths election subversion case. The appeals panel is weighing Trumps request, which the Supreme Court on Friday refused to take up on an expedited basis, as Smith requested. The filing reiterates what the former presidents lawyers have repeatedly asserted that Trump was working in his official capacity as president to ensure election integrity when he allegedly undermined the 2020 election results and therefore has immunity, and that his indictment is unconstitutional because presidents cannot be criminally prosecuted for official acts unless they are impeached and convicted by the Senate. The Constitution establishes a powerful structural check to prevent political factions from abusing the formidable threat of criminal prosecution to disable the President and attack their political enemies, Trumps attorneys wrote Saturday. Before any single prosecutor can ask a court to sit in judgment of the Presidents conduct, Congress must have approved of it by impeaching and convicting the President, they wrote. That did not happen here, and so President Trump has absolute immunity. The former president has been attempting to delay his March 4 trial in the case, with his fight over the immunity claim underscoring those efforts. The appeals court has expedited its consideration of his appeal, and its set to hear oral arguments in the matter on January 9. District Judge Tanya Chutkan, who is overseeing his criminal case, temporarily paused all procedural deadlines in the case while the appeal plays out. The Supreme Court on Friday rejected a request from Smith for the justices to immediately hear the case before the DC Circuit had a chance to weigh in. Both sides will have the option of appealing the eventual ruling from the appeals court back up to the highest court. Trumps team asked the appeals court earlier this month to examine the immunity ruling issued by Chutkan. Chutkan rejected Trumps immunity claims, writing in an opinion that his four-year service as Commander in Chief did not bestow on him the divine right of kings to evade the criminal accountability that governs his fellow citizens. Chutkan had also dismissed arguments from Trumps attorneys that the criminal indictment should be thrown out because he was working to ensure election integrity as part of his official capacity as president when he allegedly undermined the 2020 election results, and therefore is protected under presidential immunity. Defense attorneys reiterated those arguments Saturday. Trumps lawyers said Saturday that Chutkan missed what the Founders recognized: That punishment of the President is irreducibly political and so belongs primarily to the branch most politically accountableCongress and, ultimately, the Senate. They also warned that, in their view, Trumps indictment threatens to launch cycles of recrimination and politically motivated prosecution that will plague our Nation for many decades to come. This story has been updated with additional details. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The prospective return of Donald Trump to office as president and commander in chief may and in fact should prompt a fundamental rethinking of civil-military relations in this country. Rather than a call to action, I offer here an appeal for preventive reflection by the military establishment on a matter of utmost domestic and international, strategic and ethical consequence. Think of civil-military relations as a tacit but binding social contract of mutual rights, obligations and expectations among the three parties to this ideally harmonious but inevitably sometimes discordant relationship: the uniformed military, the militarys civilian overseers in Congress and the executive branch, and the general public. In the ideal version of this tripartite relationship, all parties have recognized institutional roles they are expected to fulfill for the common good. But if and when any of the parties fails to perform their roles correctly, the contract is broken and democracy is jeopardized, at least in some measure. When we consider Trumps past dealings with the military; his disdain for particular generals (and others of lesser rank, dead and alive), even as he embraces unprofessional malefactors in uniform accused of war crimes and other serious misconduct; his selection of bottom-feeding loyalists to run the Pentagon in the waning days of his administration; his self-indulgent obsession with personal loyalty at the expense of all else; and his openly stated plans for autocratic rule, score-settling and the undermining of democratic institutions if he returns to office, we must conclude that traditional precepts of civil-military relations seem demonstrably outmoded and ill-equipped to counter any such enemy from within. As a longtime observer and teacher of civil-military relations myself, I have been forced to question some of the most deeply held tenets of this field. For one thing, I have long accepted the proposition that civilian control of the military is possible without democracy, but democracy isnt possible without civilian control of the military. Dictators obviously maintain unilateral control of their militaries, employed as they invariably are as praetorian protectors and coercive extensions of their autocratic overlords. But the leaders of inherently pluralistic democracies, by contrast, exercise control of their militaries only to the extent, generally unacknowledged, that those militaries allow themselves to be controlled out of loyalty to higher-order principles and institutions. In every case, civilian control, whether loose or restrictive, is an independent variable upon which democracy depends. The survival and viability of democracy in the face of impending internal tyranny would require the military to effectively manage how much control it will submit to, and perhaps to push back openly against improper or unconstitutional commands from above. The question to be answered is whether democracy would be enhanced or undermined by the forced loosening of civilian control by the military itself. There is also a second sense in which I have rethought my views on civil-military relations in the face of a civilian Man on Horseback scenario. It is best reflected in President Harry Truman's oft-referenced dismissal of Gen. Douglas MacArthur, following MacArthur's public statements that directly conflicted with the Truman administrations policies in the Korean War. MacArthur made his views on the affair known almost immediately after he was relieved, in a July 1951 speech before the Massachusetts state legislature: I find in existence a new and heretofore unknown and dangerous concept that the members of our armed forces owe primary allegiance and loyalty to those who temporarily exercise the authority of the executive branch of government, rather than to the country and its Constitution which they are sworn to defend. No proposition could be more dangerous. None could cast greater doubt upon the integrity of the armed services. For its application would at once convert them from their traditional and constitutional role as the instrument for the defense of the Republic into something partaking of the nature of a praetorian guard, owing sole allegiance to the political master of the hour. Truman would make his countervailing position clear later, in the second volume of his memoirs: If there is one basic element in our Constitution, it is civilian control of the military. Policies are to be made by the elected political officials, not by generals or admirals. . . . We have always guarded the constitutional provision that prevents the military from taking over the government from the authorities, elected by the people, in whom the power resides. . . . Any man who has come up through the process of political selection, as it functions in our country, knows that success is a mixture of principles steadfastly maintained and adjustments made at the proper time and place adjustments to conditions, not adjustment of principles. These are things a military officer is not likely to learn in the course of his profession. The words that dominate his thinking are command and obedience, and the military definitions of these words are not definitions for use in a republic. I have long sided unreservedly with Truman on the issue not so much on principle, I must admit, as because of MacArthurs overweening, self-aggrandizing arrogance. Now, however, faced with the prospect of another Trump presidency a year hence, I am surprised to find myself siding with MacArthur in the belief that under a commander in chief like Trump, the military must become a guardian of the democratic constitutional order. This unorthodox suggestion that the military must be an ultimate guardian of the Constitution prompts us to recall the oaths of allegiance that all uniformed service members swear to that document. Officers swear to support and defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic, and to bear true faith and allegiance to the same. Before being commissioned, though, officers also take the enlistment oath that all enlisted personnel are guided by throughout their time in service. To the imperatives for supporting and defending the Constitution, and bearing true faith and allegiance to it, that oath adds the pointed injunction to obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. These must be understood as pledges of unconditional allegiance to principles, values, processes and institutional prerogatives and arrangements, not as a pledge of loyalty to any particular individual. This presumably includes upholding such precepts as the rule of law, popular sovereignty, popular consent, public accountability, separate and shared powers, and checks and balances. The president, on the other hand, is accorded much more license in the oath he takes under Article II of the Constitution: to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution to the best of his ability. That phrase alone provides abundant discretionary license (even in the face of impeachment) especially if ability is defined in terms of will or intention. All of these oaths are codified in law, so we must trust that the democratic institutions we have established, as well as the socialization that accompanies those institutions, will ensure that no initiative to change the law in favor of personal loyalty oaths will ever gain traction in this country. Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course. A third sense, then, in which I have come to revisit the traditional tenets of civil-military relations in the face of Trumps potential return concerns a reversal of the widely held belief that a healthy state of civil-military relations in a healthy democracy enjoins the military to defer unconditionally to properly constituted civilian authority, regardless of the latters political affiliation or ideological orientation. That requires service members of all ranks to be apolitical, deferential, obedient, compliant, and silent, whatever the circumstances and without expectation of compensatory favor or disfavor. This is not to suggest that those in uniform dont make judgments and harbor personal opinions about their civilian masters as a matter of course, but that they regularly subordinate such views in the interest of professional integrity. But Donald Trump's return suggests that such self-imposed inhibitions and constraints may warrant urgent reconsideration, contingent on the ability and willingness of the militarys civilian overseers to demonstrate strategic literacy, strategic competence and exemplary strategic leadership. When the commander in chief and his appointed officials demonstrate vision, courage, competence, integrity, accountability and empathy, for example, they are upholding their end of the contractual bargain, thereby making themselves worthy of the limits the military has imposed on itself. But when the reality is the opposite when those civilian officials demonstrate obvious myopia, cowardice, incompetence, hypocritical expediency, unaccountability and intolerance the military is arguably justified in being neither silent nor compliant. If such a posture seems too dangerous even to contemplate or discuss, that reflects the militarys self-imposed socialization during more normal times with the Uniform Code of Military Justice, which threatens heavy personal sanctions for speaking out in public and resisting direction, even improper direction, from above. For example, Article 90 of the UCMJ (10 USC 890), concerning anyone in uniform who willfully disobeys a lawful command from a superior commissioned officer, Article 92 (10 USC 892), concerning anyone failing to obey an order or regulation, and Article 94 (10 USC 894), concerning intended mutiny or sedition of lawful authority, all call for court-martial and attendant punishment. There also are the catchall prohibitions of Article 133 (10 USC 933) and 134 (10 USC 934), which respectively prescribe courts-martial for conduct unbecoming an officer and acts that prejudice good order and discipline that thereby bring discredit upon the armed forces. The military, let us remember, is a hierarchical, authoritarian institution that paradoxically exists within a democracy and is sworn to uphold democracy. Its strengths as an institution including the norm of unquestioning obedience to authority also tend to be its weaknesses. They could in fact lead to its undoing come January 2025, if military leaders do not give adequate thought in advance to the changing contours of dissent, disobedience, politicization, democratic rule, constitutionalism and the ethics of public service that are in play. The imperative for the military under a Trump regime seems clear and distinct from established practice: to demand that orders be bona fide orders, not mere suggestions or expectations; that such orders emanate directly from the commander in chief, not from staff aides ostensibly speaking for him; and that the orders be in writing, openly transmitted, thereby depriving the president the cover of deniability that has become so commonplace. No less a soldier-statesman than Dwight D. Eisenhower, in a 1954 speech at Columbia Universitys bicentennial, offered words that may or may not have been meant to include those in uniform: Here in America we are descended in blood and in spirit from revolutionists and rebels men and women who dare to dissent from accepted doctrine. As their heirs, may we never confuse honest dissent with disloyal subversion. Certainly, an idea of such cardinal import should include those in uniform today, especially in the face of what may lie ahead. In spare moments between elbowing rivals, physically threatening colleagues and witnesses, dehumanizing their political opponents and refusing to stand up for the truth or simply to do their jobs, purportedly adult Republican males remain in a fever pitch trying to convince us they know what it takes to be a man. Apparently, its all about vague notions of character and virtues and morality and gosh darn it not being some wimpy woke liberal-intellectual-hedonist-groomer-babykiller (or some version of that, ordered according to taste). Oh, and you need to stand back and stand by for Donald Trumps next assault on the American experiment. Men have forever worried about being manly enough. The disgraced former guy, for instance, found it necessary to reference his manhood during a debate and cant seem to stop talking about his junk like an insecure adolescent. I occasionally fall prey to thoughts about my male bonafides. I dont even own a table saw. Whats up with that? During the pandemic, I convinced myself I ought to learn how to tie more knots (I quickly noticed that having busy hands near your lap is not a good look in a Zoom call). Books on what constitutes masculinity keep churning out like a fraternity pledge spewing after shooting a tallboy. One notorious recent example is Manhood: The Masculine Virtues America Needs, by Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri, a weighty tome of supposed biblical lessons for how to raise boys and young men in the midst of what he decries as a plight of Epicurean liberalism that leads the males of the species astray into lives for hedonistic pleasure. The Washington Posts Becca Rothfeld opened her entertaining review of Hawleys book pointedly: For practically as long as men have existed, they have been in crisis. Everything, it seems, threatens them with obsolescence. Again, despite Hawleys fervor, this is nothing new: the alleged crisis of masculinity seems to be a recurring feature in Western culture. It's true, however, that there appears to be something of a crisis for young men in America at the moment. Graduation rates are down and suicide rates are up, and the more general epidemic of loneliness seems to afflict men in particular. Whether this is a chronic issue or an acute crisis, the situation has been exploited, and likely exacerbated, by self-styled manly politicians and podcasters who profit in selling fear and despair. Republicans in Congress constantly set awful examples of what it means to be an adult, much less a man. Among other things, these men never want to pass legislation that would give younger people, whatever their gender expression, a leg up in life. In the Hawley version of righteous manhood, men do not judge other men for predatory sexual behavior. Donald Trump has been found liable for sexual assault and defamation in the E. Jean Carroll case and has been accused of sexual assault or harassment by dozens of women. He will almost certainly be the Republican presidential nominee next year. None of Trump's documented or alleged behavior merits any direct comment in Hawley's book. As Salons Amanda Marcotte recently noted, none of the other Republican candidates vying for the nomination even bothers bringing this history up: Neither he nor the voters hes speaking to give a single fig about sexual violence. If anything, rape charges just burnish ones reputation in MAGA circles, which have made a virtue out of toxic masculinity. Nor do men like Hawley, who make such ostentatious use of the Bible, flinch from other forms lawlessness, at least not when its perpetrated by other white men. They support a twice-impeached former president who faces four separate criminal indictments comprising 91 felony charges, and who yearns to return to the White House in order to pardon himself, seek revenge on his enemies and exercise dictatorial powers. Hawley rendered himself a global laughingstock by raising his fist in support of the insurrectionists gathering outside the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, and then scampering away from the very mob he had encouraged once they had stormed that potent symbol of our democracy. So manly, bro! Hawley is likely calculating that his loyalty will be rewarded when what's left of American democracy is short-circuited by a Trump victory in 2024. Religious belief has, of course, been weaponized by conservatives for many decades. Abortion became a hot-button issue in the late 1970s because GOP strategists needed something to attract the votes of right-wing Christians that was more acceptable than the fight to re-segregate public education. Fundamentalists and evangelicals have been trained for the past half-century to turn the other cheek to the actual lessons of Jesus and set their sights on the Prosperity Gospel, where God is perceived as something of a fiduciary, blessing those who do well financially (and support the pastors' lavish lifestyles). In the hyper-ideological MAGA world of American Christianity, Jesus has largely been cast aside as too wimpy, too woke, too concerned with unmanly things like healing the sick and welcoming the foreigner. I'm not trying to sell young men (or anyone else) on any particular form of religious belief, but the basic morality of Christianity turning the other cheek, serving those in need, welcoming the stranger which are certainly virtues also embraced by other faiths, could be said to offer a decent foundation for creating responsible citizens and future workers, husbands and fathers. Some people of faith have formed groups like The Christian Left to remind the cultists of Mammon of what their faith is supposed to be about. Salon contributor Nathaniel Manderson, an evangelical believer and former pastor, regularly writes on how the right is twisting the faith he once preached, most recently in this essay about House Speaker Mike Johnson, who likes to boast that his worldview is an open book, if that book is the Bible. Know-nothing members of Congress insist that they are sick and tired of the separation of church and state mandated by the First Amendment. To be fair, they arent all that keen about the rest of the Constitution, either. The funny thing about Christian nationalism is that beyond keeping men in charge (yet another perversion of the actual gospel), it isnt Christian and its immensely damaging to our shared sense of nationhood. I ask the young men of the so-called manosphere: Haven't you noticed that your feelings of loneliness, and your perceived difficulty in finding a decent career and meaningful relationships, are being stoked for political purposes? As Will Norris writes in the Washington Monthly, in an analysis you should stop right now and read: To a new generation of Republican leaders, Trump proved the potential of disillusioned young men as a growth demographic. But of course Republicans aren't really trying to help young men become engaged citizens who can fully participate in the economic and cultural life of the country. In the economic sphere, they want to keep you a gig worker or "independent contractor" as long as possible, with no guaranteed living wage or benefits or even reasonable workplace safety standards. Similarly, theyd prefer you to remain a kind of junior citizen for as long as possible, not fully vested in democracy or the country's future. Oh, and on balance they'd like it if you didnt vote, especially if youre a woke student on campus. Young people in a democratic republic need more training in civics and media literacy, in large part to better understand the critical role journalism plays in democracy. They could also use training on how to spot a con man (or woman), especially when they use religion as part of the pitch. As has been true throughout history, those most concerned about religious morality and in dispensing rules about how to be a man often have deep issues with themselves, and often with women. There was an earlier masculinity panic that led to a push for a manlier version of Christianity around the time of World War I. That affected many young men in that era, including one conflicted young man who grew up in segregated Washington, D.C., and became the deeply paranoid director of the FBI and one of the most powerful Americans of the 20th century. Others have noted that the false notion of America as a uniquely "Christian nation" was also prominent in World War I propaganda, though men of many faiths or none fought side by side in that horror show. We can't go back to some idealized past that never existed (no matter how badly the MAGA forces want to). But we can certainly use wisdom from the past to inform us now. Instead of taking highly dubious marching orders from a faux-religious right-wing politician or some muscle-bound misogynist podcaster, perhaps young men should be encouraged to look to classic literature and music, and to the voices of women as well as men. Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course. Personally, I think young men could find sounder advice from this old song by Stephen Stills than from anything in Josh Hawley's recycled 256 pages: We are not helpless, we are men. What lies between us, It can be set aside and ended. Every day we learn more how to hate, We shut the door, And then we tell ourselves we can't relate. Only to the ones who are the same, Yet even they are different, And ever so they shall remain. That line, And then we tell ourselves we cant relate feels especially relevant in an era when so many younger men may feel lost and unable to pursue healthy relationships, not to mention distracted by the angry messaging of fundamentalists, grifters, online trolls and "manfluencers" with weird ideas about sex and gender who encourage them, among other things, to keep women in their place and find a tradwife. To state the obvious (again), what Hawley and other concerned Republicans think makes a good man is belied by much of their behavior. Maybe it's sufficient to mention that a slew of them broke their oath of office. In his book, Hawley argues that No menace to this nation is greater than the collapse of American manhood. I would argue that traitorous and grifting members of Congress pose a somewhat greater menace. Hawley was educated at Stanford and then Yale Law School, two of the most exclusive elite schools in America. But that doesn't stop him from blatantly misunderstanding the Greek philosopher Epicurus in his nonsensical complaint about "Epicurean liberalism." Following some early Christians, Hawley spins Epicurus' philosophy as an appeal to wantonness and gluttony, which it absolutely is not. Epicurus advised people (addressing not just male citizens but also women and enslaved people) to work to attain tranquility in life, to strive to avoid fear and bodily pain, to be courageous, to try to live a well-considered life, to appreciate having fewer worldly things, to be authentic and not to fear death. (He also developed the concept that the physical world is made up of tiny particles, which he named atoms!) Any person, of any age and gender, would do much better to study the far-ranging ideas of Epicurus than the warmed-over nostrums Josh Hawley cribs from his readings of the Bible. Its the easiest thing in the world to play the tough guy; its much harder to face your fears and become a human being. Graham Windsor said being reunited with his fixed bear was "one of the best Christmas presents" A restored teddy that spent nights with its owner in air-raid shelters during World War Two was among our most read stories this week in Dorset. A variety of local issues featured on the BBC News website, BBC Radio Solent and South Today. We have picked five stories to keep you up to date. Santas race to catch Christmas pudding for charity Dozens of Santas took part in a pre-race warm-up In the Christmas lead-up, festive jollity has spread across the county, hence dozens of Santas racing along a beach to try to catch a Christmas pudding. The charity race saw about 200 take part in the 5km (3.1-mile) route along Weymouth beach. The event, which also features a shorter 2km (1.2-mile) "elf race" for children, was held to raise money for the Will Mackaness Trust. Festive fleet of Santas take to water for charity The group of paddleboarders dressed as Santas, elves, reindeer, snowmen and Christmas puddings Santas also took to paddle boards along the River Stour to raise funds for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. Partners Neil Wood and Sam Arnold, who run the community group BH Activity Junkies, organised the annual event. Ms Arnold said: "It was amazing to see so many people out on the river taking part but also the supporters on the banks cheering us on and collecting donations." World War Two tattered ted restored for Christmas Sam Peacefullday spent two weeks restoring the bear for Mr Windsor A teddy bear that provided comfort to its owner during World War Two air raids has been given a new lease of life in time for Christmas. The bear, Big Ted, was a gift to 87-year-old Graham Windsor from Dorchester in 1939. Thread-bare, lacking in stuffing and missing an arm, the treasured ted took a specialist two weeks to restore. Girl's transplant hope over hospital doll campaign Laura Gilbert's daughter Sophie needs a double lung transplant The mother of a 10-year-old girl who needs a lung transplant is hoping a hospital doll based on her daughter could inspire life-saving organ donations. Sophie Joscelyne, who lives in Poole, has been waiting for a matching organ since May. In November, the NHS placed hundreds of dolls in hospital waiting rooms, representing more than 230 UK children on transplant waiting lists. Christmas social media posts help teen battle anorexia Megan Shaw created a "fear food advent calendar" to continue challenging her eating disorder in the run-up to Christmas A 19-year-old whose anorexia recovery videos have gone viral has created a "fear food" advent calendar to continue challenging her eating disorder at Christmas. Megan Shaw, from Bournemouth, has taken to TikTok to publicly commit to Anorexia Nervosa recovery, educating and inspiring hundreds of others along the way. Her page has more than 75,000 followers and she has received more than 3.5 million likes on her recovery-related content. Follow BBC South on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Send your story ideas to south.newsonline@bbc.co.uk. NORTHEAST PHILADELPHIA - A 19-year-old man is dead after the car he was driving struck a pole in Northeast Philadelphia. The victim and his 18-year-old passenger were traveling north on the 10000 block of Academy Road a little before 1 a.m. Saturday, officials said, when he somehow lost control of the vehicle. The preliminary investigation found the car left the road and then hit a utility pole. MORE LOCAL HEADLINES: Medics pronounced the driver, identified as Kyle Prince Joselin, dead at the scene. The passenger was taken to Jefferson Torresdale Hospital and treated for unknown injuries. He is listed as stable. The Philadelphia Police Crash Investigation Division is continuing to investigate the accident. YANGON, Dec. 24 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar earned 192.683 million U.S. dollars from mineral exports in over eight months of 2023-24 fiscal year through next March, according to the Ministry of Commerce on Sunday. From April 1 to Dec. 15, the revenue of Myanmar's mineral exports decreased by over 20 million U.S. dollars compared to the same period last year, the ministry's data showed. The Southeast Asian country recorded 337.798 million dollars from mineral exports in the 2022-23 fiscal year, showed the data. Myanmar mainly exports agricultural, animal and marine products, minerals, forest products and manufactured goods to its foreign trade partners, including China, Thailand, Bangladesh and India. The drone that hit a chemical tanker off the coast of India on Saturday was fired from Iran, the Pentagon said, in the latest sign of escalation in the war between Israel and Hamas. No casualties were reported following the drone attack on the Japanese-owned vessel, but a fire is believed to have caused damage. Ambrey, a British maritime security firm, said the Israel-affiliated tanker was en route to India from Saudi Arabia when it came under attack. The incident took place 200 nautical miles from the Indian coast. It was the first time the Pentagon had openly accused Iran of directly targeting ships since the start of Israels war on Hamas. Hamas is backed by Tehran. A spate of attacks on vessels in the Red and Arabian Seas have been claimed by Iran-backed Houthi rebels, who control large swathes of Yemen. The Houthis have vowed to attack any Israel-affiliated ships in the key shipping route, or any vessels heading towards an Israeli port and have launched more than 100 drone and missile attacks, targeting 10 merchant vessels involving more than 35 different countries, according to the Pentagon. The Pentagon said the MV Chem Pluto was sailing under a Liberian flag and was operated by a Dutch entity, although the ship is owned by a Japanese company. The Wall Street Journal reported that the Dutch company operating the MV Chem Pluto is connected to Israeli shipping tycoon Idan Ofer. The attack came as an Iranian Revolutionary Guards commander threatened to close waterways if Israel, backed by the US, continues to commit crimes in Gaza. They shall soon await the closure of the Mediterranean Sea, [the Strait of] Gibraltar and other waterways, Iranian media quoted Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Naqdi, the coordinating commander of the Guards, as saying. Brig Gen Naqdi did not elaborate on how they would close the waterways. While Iranian proxy force Hezbollah, as well as militias in Syria, have access to the Mediterranean, the General singled out the Strait of Gibraltar, which is on the other side of the sea. The attacks on global shipping by Iran and its proxy forces since the start of the Israel-Hamas war have prompted major firms to reroute their cargo vessels around the southern tip of Africa, despite the higher fuel costs of much longer voyages. Last month, an Israeli-owned cargo ship was hit in a suspected drone attack by Revolutionary Guards in the Indian Ocean, US officials said. The Pentagon statement said this was the seventh Iranian attack on commercial shipping since 2021. On Sunday, Iran claimed it was bolstering its naval capabilities as it expands its war on global shipping, adding domestically produced sophisticated cruise missiles to its arsenal. State TV said that Talaeieh and Nasir cruise missiles have arrived at a naval base near the Indian Ocean in the southern Iranian port of Konarak, around 850 miles south-east of Tehran. Navy chief Admiral Shahram Irani said the Talaeieh has a range of more than 620 miles and called it a fully smart weapon. Irani said the cruise missile is capable of changing targets during travel. Admiral Irani said the Nasir has a range of 62 miles and can be installed on warships. Iran regularly boasts that it is creating new weapons capable of reaching Israel and US interests in the region, but they can rarely be independently verified. 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. On this Christmas Eve, I hope youre all settled in for a long winters nap. Or maybe just relaxing at home now that the decorating and shopping are done. For most of my life, Ive spent Christmases going from house to house visiting relatives. As a child, it was admittedly fun because I received presents at each stop. As I got older and moved hours away from family, it got harder sometimes because I had to work and other times because I simply longed to be at my own home. While I plan to always make time to visit relatives around the holidays, Im looking forward to Christmas morning this year. My husband and I will have already made our trip to Virginia to visit my family, so we can spend Christmas Day at home. Im excited to cook a big dinner, watch movies and enjoy a peaceful day. And I might even do it all in my pajamas. So, however you choose to spend the holidays, I hope you find joy and happiness. Speaking of holiday traditions, one of my favorite stories in todays StarNews is the tale of the Christmas Flounder, which has lived on for generations. Whether fact or fiction, its a story thats become important to readers. One year during the COVID-19 pandemic, we neglected to publish the story. But readers had not forgotten, and they let us know that they werent happy about our oversight. Lesson learned and I hope you enjoy this little piece of local lore in your newspaper. Floundering in tradition: A Cape Fear Christmas story for the ages I hope youll also take a few minutes to read the Q&A with community news reporter Cheryl Whitaker. She's worked at the StarNews in a variety of roles for more than 40 years. Shes not only one of the nicest and most caring people I know, but shes also the perfect example of what it means to change with the times. As the newspaper industry has changed, Cheryls evolved and adapted along the way. She works extremely hard to produce stories about local events, people and places. I hope you appreciate what she does. I sure do! Cheryl Whitaker: Still enjoying work after 40-plus years at the StarNews Sherry Jones is the StarNews executive editor. Send her an email at sjones1@gannett.com to let her know what you think about the recent changes to the Sunday StarNews. This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: From the editor: Have yourself a merry little Christmas Nilfa Farfan, an employee at Food City Supermarket in El Paso, folds and wraps the corn tusk after adding red chile covered pork to the center of the masa for the tamales on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023. Melissa Santos knocked on the door of the El Paso Times newsroom holding a bag filled with two dozen tamales. A "best tamales in town" story had published in the newspaper, which is part of the USA TODAY Network, in December sacred days for a Borderland tradition of making and eating tamales at Christmastime. Santos smiled with the confidence of someone who knew the tamales made by her family's independent grocery, Food City, deserved a spot on the list, though they'd been left off. "We sell out within two hours in the morning, until the next batch is ready," she said. In the culture of the Texas Borderland, braided tightly with Mexico, the tamal tradition begins with the cold weather and accelerates during the holiday celebrations known affectionately as "Guadalupe-Reyes" the Catholic holy days from Dec. 12, the day of the Virgin of Guadalupe, to Jan. 6, the day of Los Reyes Magos, or Three Kings Day. Nilfa Farfan, an employee at Food City Supermarket in El Paso, adds red chile covered pork to the center of the masa for the tamales on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023. At a Food City, in an aging strip mall, signs taped to cashier stalls advise shoppers of a "limit of two dozen tamales per household" through Christmas Eve even though they know customers flout the rule and bring their family members to buy two dozen apiece, Santos said. The store stopped taking special orders years ago. The Santos family has no idea what the real demand is, because Food City can only ever make 36,000 tamales in December and that's how many they sell. It's not a family recipe that keeps customers coming back, Santos said. The original belongs to Catholic nuns from Mexico, of the Dominican order, who four decades ago needed money to build their convent. And in asking for assistance, they ended up helping the Texas butcher who founded Food City save his business. "It's a long story," Maria de la Salud Garcia Fuerte, 70, said by phone from her convent in Tampico, Mexico. "You'll like it." Patricia Nora, an employee at Food City Supermarket in El Paso spreads masa on the corn husk for the tamales on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023. Many families in El Paso spend the holidays together preparing tamales for Christmas Eve. The process takes hours, at best, even with many hands making light work. It requires mixing the corn masa, or dough, by hand with pork lard; preparing the savory or sweet fillings; soaking the corn husks; spreading a layer of masa on an open husk, spooning in filling, then carefully folding each tamal like a gift. The lot is placed in a large pot, in concentric circles, to steam-cook. More: El Paso shines bright: Here's a map of the city's best holiday light displays in 2023 In El Paso, the flavors are almost always the same: pork with red chile; chicken with green chile; cheese with green chile slices; and, sometimes, sweet tamales studded with raisins. When the first hint of cold weather hits the desert, a collective craving sets in and El Pasoans head to their favorite bakery or grocery to buy tamales by the dozen. Maria Trevino, an employee at Food City Supermarket in El Paso arranges the red pork tamales on trays to cool off after they have been steamed on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023. 'Why don't you let us make tamales?' In the early 1980s, a group of Catholic nuns from Mexico set out on a tour of U.S. cities in hopes of raising money to build their convent and a chapel where they could pray. They were young and motivated. Garcia Fuerte arranged for a trip that would take the women to Los Angeles, Dallas and Chicago. But in Los Angeles, they found no one willing to help them. They came up short in Dallas, too. On their way between the cities, they stopped in El Paso and something about the city called them back, Garcia Fuerte said. Instead of continuing to Chicago, they returned to the border city so close to Mexico that, at night, in a seabed of twinkling lights, it's hard to tell where El Paso ends and Ciudad Juarez begins. That's when they met Jose "Joe" Santos, a butcher who got his start as a meat cutter in Safeway and who, in 1972, had opened his own grocery, Food City, in downtown El Paso. His family name means "saints" in Spanish. Employees at the Food City work daily to make tamales as they are sold out within two hours in the morning, says Melissa Santos of Food City. "A religious woman introduced us to Mr. Santos," Garcia Fuerte said. "Mr. Santos said, 'I don't know how to help you but why don't I give you a television set to put at the door of the store and you can sell raffle tickets." The nuns tried to sell tickets all day, in vain. "So I went and knocked on Mr. Santos' office door," Garcia Fuerte said. "I told him, 'It's so boring out front. Why don't you let us make tamales in your kitchen? And I'll sell them on the weekend.' He said, 'No, we'll sell the tamales right here in the store.'" Garcia Fuerte said she wanted to start right away. So the businessman and the nuns went shopping inside the store for the pork, chicken, chile and other ingredients they'd need. And the nuns started cooking the meat and cleaning the corn husks. More: What restaurants are open on Christmas Day? Details on McDonald's, Starbucks, Whataburger Food City was struggling financially. Santos was close to going out of business when the nuns showed up asking for help, said Stanley Santos, one of the elder Santos' seven children, who now runs the business. "I still remember their faces," he said. "They got in there with their habits, with aprons on. And we got a couple of people to go in and help so they could learn." Maria Trevino, an employee at Food City Supermarket in El Paso arranges the red pork tamales on trays to cool off after they have been steamed on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023. A story of salvation The way Garcia Fuerte tells it, Joe Santos was the answer to their prayers. The nuns made as many tamales as they could; Santos froze them and sold them at Food City and paid the nuns $4 a dozen. They'd travel again to El Paso and do it all over. Within two years, she said, they had saved enough to build their chapel. But the way the Santos family tells it, the nuns saved the family business. "That's how it started," Stanley Santos said. "And now people come from all over El Paso to buy our tamales." More: Any stores open Christmas Day? Details to know about Walmart, Target, Costco Joe Santos died in December 2017, at 89. His obituary said he served in the Navy and was revered for his community service. But "his most important legacy was his kindness and generosity to the countless nuns, priests and churches through El Paso, Mexico and other countries." Garcia Fuerte remembers him fondly. It's been years she returned to El Paso, she said. Their small convent is shrinking; there are 12 nuns where there once were 20. "Mr. Santos told us that, thanks to us, his business came back," Garcia Fuerte said. "But not because of the tamales; because of our prayers for him. That's part of our work: to pray for others." Patricia Nora, an employee at Food City Supermarket in El Paso spreads masa on the corn husk for the tamales while Nilfa Farfan arranges the tamales in a pot before they are steamed on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023. 'Memories about food' On a Tuesday evening before Christmas, customers waited in line at Food City to pick up freshly baked "pan dulce," Mexican-style sweet breads and cakes. A man behind the bakery counter wore a white apron and took orders. Asked when the next batch of tamales would be ready, the man behind the counter leaned in and said, as if sharing a secret, "They start restocking for the morning at 8:30 p.m. In the morning, they go fast. We close at 9 p.m. So play it how you want." How the Food City tamales stacked up against the others in town wasn't the point. The shoppers who would line up for their two dozen tamales apiece would have their reasons: a craving, convenience or perhaps a fond memory of the recipe handed down by the nuns. "People, when they think back to memories of their families, a lot of it's centered around food," said Melissa Santos. "Memories about food, how this tasted or the smell of this. So whether they're buying the ingredients from us, or they're buying the ready made food, you know their tradition started here." This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Tamales in El Paso: Food City serves 36,000 tamales, holiday tradition In the nine months since Mayor Adams tapped ex-NYPD chief Juanita Holmes to run the city Probation Department, she has ordered officers to carry guns, pushed for offenders to be charged more often with probation violations, and slashed funding to well-regarded programs. Critics worry shes shifted the agency from an emphasis on social work to a more aggressive law enforcement footing. Probation developed a national reputation for its thoughtful, reform-oriented approach, said City Councilman Lincoln Restler. And I think shes going in the wrong direction and sending the wrong message. But Holmes says the changes are aimed at making the agency do a better job ensuring people on probation are working, attending school, or meeting other requirements of their non-jail sentences. Appearing before reporters recently, Holmes suggested some programs funded by the city have failed to show they were helping probationers and, in her view, justified their funding merely by showing they had enrolled people in their programs. If you were a mentorship group, as long as you had 16 names, that was success, Holmes said. It didnt add up to me. Holmes says she wants key performance indicators to show people enrolled in mentorship groups and other probation programs are going through the steps required by the terms of their sentences steps she hopes will keep probationers from becoming repeat criminal offenders. Her aim with probationers, she said, is to plug them into the needs that they have. To me those are successful outcomes. We have program evaluators that we look at monthly, and if we see something deficient we speak with them. The Holmes era at Probation began March 9, weeks after she fell afoul of then-Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell in her previous job as the Police Departments director of training. Sewell was reportedly frustrated that over her objections, Holmes went to Mayor Adams in an effort to change the NYPDs physical training standards. Also, Sewell was irked that Holmes had invited rapper Cardi B to a Police Academy event. Adams decision to move Holmes to Probation with its $117 million budget and caseload of 13,400 adults and 600 youths was seen as an effort to give an old ally a soft landing. At first, it didnt seem as though Holmes wanted big change in the department. During City Council testimony March 23 early in her tenure Holmes praised the agencys holistic approach. Next to her were longtime probation officials Michael Forte, Sharun Goodwin, Wayne McKenzie and Gineen Gray. Only Goodwin is still at the department today. Forte left after Holmes diminished his role, insiders said. McKenzie departed for the Manhattan District Attorneys office. And Gray left after a blowup with Holmes over the direction of the agency, sources said. Gray did not return phone messages. Holmes, meanwhile, brought to Probations top ranks several current and former NYPD officers, none with probation experience. She tapped retired lieutenant Shamik Walton as her chief of staff eight days into her tenure. Waltons hiring was controversial because during a fight in 2005, he shot and killed a tenant in a Brooklyn building he owned. Walton was off-duty at the time. Walton was acquitted at trial and cleared by the NYPD. He retired in 2011. But in 2015, the city paid $500,000 to settle a wrongful death lawsuit brought by the dead mans family. On Nov. 8, Walton abruptly resigned from the Probation Department job, which paid him $179,000 per year on top of his police pension. Holmes also brought over William Red Manderson, a detective first grade she promoted who had worked for her when she was leading the NYPDs Training Bureau and before. Manderson, one of about 200 NYPD detectives first grade, is Holmes driver and personal aide, three insiders told The News. In fiscal 2023, which includes the first six months of this year, he made $192,547, including $51,896 in overtime, city payroll records show. Retired NYPD sergeant Robert Maldonado was hired in August as a deputy commissioner to oversee programming at a salary of over $160,000, which he collects on top of his police pension. As a cop, Maldonado worked for the NYC Emergency Management, the Joint Terrorism Task Force, and the NYPDs Intelligence Division, his LinkedIn page shows. After Maldonado retired in 2012, he founded a firm called East Coast Security which snagged a contract with NBC Universal, the page shows. Probations new top lawyer, Bridget Hamblin, previously worked for nearly 15 years at the Fire Department. Restler remarked at the Sept. 29 Council meeting that Holmes recruits with law enforcement backgrounds lack the insight and knowledge of those pushed out of the Probation Department early in her tenure. Were replacing them all with people who dont have probation experience, Restler said. Im not concerned, councilmember, Holmes responded. I think we have the expertise that we need. Evidence of Holmes emphasis on running the agency with more of a law enforcement approach came Sept. 1, when she ordered probation officers to wear a mandatory uniform shirt, a raid jacket and BDU (battle dress uniform) pants, to carry firearms at all times including on home visits starting Oct. 1, and to undergo mandatory active shooter training, an internal memo obtained by The News shows. They do conditional searches. Theyre recovering firearms, she explained to the City Council. Theyre going into a precarious situation. In July, for the first time, probation officers began getting official credit for arrests in the NYPDs online booking system, records show. This will help us to statistically capture our role, Holmes aides wrote to staff. Holmes also directed staff to issue probation violations to people who arent attending school or working. As a result, agency insiders say, the number of violations has risen. From March 9 to Oct. 9, probation violations issued to juveniles youths from ages 12 to 17 rose 44%, data obtained by The News show. The increase has been driven by a jump in technical violations, which rose from 34 between March 9 and Oct. 9, 2022 to 64 in the same period of 2023 a rise of 88%, the figures show. Probation officers in Family Court are are now less likely to give a break to youthful offenders who dont make curfew, said Natalie Peeples, director of Youth Justice Policy at The Legal Aid Society. It seems a lot more punitive now, Peeples said. Those lines of communication are shut down, and we are first hearing about problems after a violation is filed. When you bring police thinking into probation, it affects trust, said a retired probation officer. But violations issued to adults on probation during Holmes tenure have declined 23% from 362 to 279, the Probation Department figures show. Holmes drew criticism by killing Next Steps, a decade-old mentoring program for youth in often crime-troubled New York Housing Authority developments. Next Steps demise was announced in an email to 17 non-profits that work with the agency sent on Aug. 24 one week before the $3 million program was scheduled to be renewed. Holmes said later: The last nine years that Next Steps has been with us, its almost been a check-the-box renewal process. Holmes ax also fell on a 20-year-old home-based program that provided services to young people with criminal and family court cases. On Sept. 25, just as the nonprofit CASES was about to relaunch the program under the name Impact, Holmes ordered the contract canceled effective Oct. 9. No other details were provided. No conversation was had, wrote Sophia Morel of CASES in an email to other providers. It is unprecedented We were not given a rationale. Pressed by City Council members at the Sept. 29 hearing, Holmes characterized herself as unraveling a system involving the non-profits that hadnt been accountable. There werent any true outcomes. The only metric that I was provided was that 10 people attended, Holmes added. But officials with the non-profits disputed that claim in the hearing, saying data is carefully tracked and Holmes didnt ask for it before making the cuts. We were never given an opportunity to provide the data that DOP was looking for, said Andy Collado of RiseBoro Brooklyn, one of the nonprofits that lost Next Steps funding. We were dismissed as a casualty of war. Most recently, Holmes also cut $1 million a year from the well-regarded ARCHES mentoring program for people ages 16 to 24. The cut, which amounts to one-third of the programs annual budget, was attributed to the citys budget woes. Restler, in a Dec. 14 council hearing, drew a connection between that cut and the increase in the juvenile jail population, which has risen 30% in 2023, records show. We are slashing programs that keep people out. It is an absolutely backwards set of administration priorities, he said. But Holmes efforts appear to have the support of Mayor Adams and his top staff. At her Dec. 1 City Hall appearance, Holmes was with Deputy Mayor Philip Banks, who oversees law enforcement issues for Adams. Banks lauded the wealth of experience Holmes brings to her new job from her three decades in the NYPD. For many years, we looked at arresting people as the only way to actually [prevent] disorder, said Banks. But so many of these people can be saved if we give them the proper resources, he said. Im happy and pleased you bring a different way to look at it approach to probation. An explosion at a Lviv home has likely killed three people and injured at least four, Lviv Mayor Andrii Sadovyi reported on Dec. 23. Sadovyi reported the incident at around 9:33 p.m. local time, noting that the house's load-bearing walls had been damaged, and that people have been trapped under the rubble. While the exact cause of the explosion has yet to be confirmed, Sadovyi said it was likely caused by a gas leak in the house's garage. The bodies of two men were found under the rubble, and that of a woman around the age of 70 was found in the adjacent house. The woman's cause of death has yet to be determined. Two women and two children were reportedly taken to the hospital with minor burn injuries. "Twelve units of special equipment and 53 State Emergency Service personnel were involved in the effort to mitigate the effects of the explosion," the State Emergency Service reported. According to the rescuers, the fire caused by the explosion was extinguished at 11:17 p.m. Read also: How Russian troops killed 3 unarmed teenagers in Ukrainian village Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Explosions have been heard in Tokmak in Zaporizhzhia Oblast which is currently occupied by Russian troops, Mayor of Melitopol Ivan Fedorov has reported. Source: Fedorov on Telegram Details: Fedorov said that the explosions had been heard on the northern outskirts of the city. The mayor of Melitopol also mocked the traditional Russian excuses for explosions in their warehouses. Quote from Fedorov: "It's loud in Tokmak. It seems that 'reeds [on fire], air defence system and supersonic stuff have been present on the northern outskirts of the occupied city at the same time [the term "reeds on fire" is typically used by the occupiers to explain fires that were in fact caused by explosions ed.] Support UP or become our patron! A series of explosions rang out in the city of Odesa; Ukraines Air Force warned the population of a potential missile strike. Source: Ukraines Air Force on Telegram; correspondent of Ukrainska Pravda Details: As reported by the correspondent of Ukrainska Pravda, there were over five explosions in Odesa. The first of them was heard even before the air-raid warning was issued. At 21:27, the Air Force reported danger of missile attacks in the city: "[Residents of] Odesa, find shelter theres missile danger." Support UP or become our patron! Donald Trump takes the stage for a campaign event in Waterloo, Iowa, shortly after learning that the Colorado Supreme Court ruled him was ineligible to be on that states primary ballot, on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023. (Rachel Mummey/The New York Times) Former President Donald Trump has drawn widespread censure after reprising a line that casts immigrants living in the country illegally as poisoning the blood of our country. The remark underscored Trumps hard-line approach to immigration, which has been central to his platform since he made his first bid for president in 2015. If elected again, he has vowed to carry out mass deportations and enact other strict policies. He and his Republican rivals have pointed to the surge of migrants at the southern border to make their political case. Some Democrats, too, have been critical of the Biden administrations approach toward immigration. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times But even with legitimate lines of attack, Trump has at times turned to baseless and misleading claims during rallies in recent months. Heres a fact check. WHAT WAS SAID I read an article recently in a paper about a man who runs a mental institution in South America, and by the way, theyre coming from all over the world. Theyre coming from Africa, from Asia, all over, but this happened to be in South America. And he was sitting, the picture was sitting, reading a newspaper, sort of leisurely, and they were asking him, What are you doing? He goes, I was very busy all my life. I was very proud. I worked 24 hours a day. I was so busy all the time. But now Im in this mental institution where hes been for years and Im in the mental institution and I worked very hard on my patients, but now we dont have any patients. Theyve all been brought to the United States. during a rally in Nevada this month This lacks evidence. Trump has repeatedly claimed that immigrants crossing the border are coming from mental institutions and jails. This particular story would seem to offer specific facts behind that assertion, but there is no evidence that such a report exists. The New York Times could not find any such news account from the start of President Joe Bidens tenure in January 2021 to March, when Trump told the same story at a Texas rally. The Trump campaign did not respond when repeatedly asked about the source of this claim. But pressed this year by CNN for factual support for the tale, the campaign provided links that did not corroborate it. Likewise, there is no support for Trumps broader claim that countries are dumping their prisoners and psychiatric patients in the United States. We are unaware of any effort by any country or other jurisdiction to empty its mental-health institutions or its jails and prisons to send people with mental-health issues or criminals to the U.S., Michelle Mittelstadt, a spokesperson for the nonpartisan research organization Migration Policy Institute, said in an email. The claim, Mittelstadt noted, evokes elements of a mass exodus that occurred more than 40 years ago in Cuba: the Mariel boatlift of 1980. About 125,000 people fled to the United States, including inmates from jails and patients from mental health institutions freed by Cuban leader Fidel Castro. But there has been no present-day effort by any country, to our knowledge, or any credible reporting by media or others that anything of the like is taking place, Mittelstadt said. WHAT WAS SAID Theyve allowed, I believe, 15 million people into the country from all of these different places like jails, mental institutions, and wait till you see whats going to happen with all those people. during a rally in October in New Hampshire This lacks evidence. Setting aside the baseless suggestion that all immigrants entering the country illegally are coming from jails and mental institutions, Trumps estimate of 15 million is not supported by the data. Customs and Border Protection data shows that U.S. officials recorded nearly 8 million encounters at its borders from February 2021, the first full month of Bidens presidency, to October. But even then, encounter does not mean admittance, Tom Wong, an associate professor of political science and director of the U.S. Immigration Policy Center at the University of California, San Diego, said in an email. In fact, most encounters lead to expulsions. For example, CBP data shows that about 2.5 million expulsions occurred under Title 42, a health rule that used the coronavirus as grounds for turning back immigrants illegally crossing the border, from February 2021 until the policy ended in May. The number of encounters also are based on events, not people, and therefore could include the same person more than once. The exact number of people who have entered the country without authorization is hard to pin down because there are also gotaways people who crossed into the country illegally and evaded authorities. But the federal, observational estimates of such people also would not support Trumps claim. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas estimated at a recent hearing that there had been more than 600,000 gotaways in fiscal year 2023, which ended in September. That is also the estimate for fiscal year 2022, according to an inspector general report. And there were more than 391,300 in fiscal year 2021, which began in October 2020 under Trump and ended in September 2021 under Biden. In terms of migrants with criminal records, officials encountered nearly 45,000 at ports of entry since the start of fiscal year 2021. Between ports of entry in that period, officials encountered another 40,000 noncitizens with criminal records. Although Trump in this instance claimed the country had allowed 15 million migrants to enter, he has at other times predicted that would be the total figure by the end of Bidens term. That would be larger than the estimated total population of immigrants living in the United States illegally about 10.5 million in 2021, according to the Pew Research Center. WHAT WAS SAID In the past three years, Biden has spent over $1 billion to put up illegal aliens in hotels, some of the most luxurious hotels in the country. Meanwhile, we have 33,000 homeless American veterans. Can you believe it? during a rally in November in New Hampshire This needs context. Trumps figure of homeless veterans refers to a 2022 estimate by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. That number includes about 19,500 veterans who were in shelters when the count was conducted. And both the 2022 estimate and a new tally for 2023 which reported nearly 35,600 homeless veterans are actually down slightly from when Trump was in office, continuing an overall downward trend since 2009. As for migrant housing, Immigration and Customs Enforcement contracted in 2021 with a nonprofit group to house border arrivals at a handful of hotels in Texas and Arizona, as a 2022 Homeland Security inspector general report details. The contract totaled more than $130 million and ended in 2022. The Trump administration also turned to hotels in 2020 to hold migrant children and families before expelling them. The Biden administration has not directly spent $1 billion to place immigrants in hotels. But cities are indeed facing steep costs for sheltering and caring for border arrivals including through hotels. The Trump campaign did not indicate where Trump had obtained the $1 billion figure, but it is possible he was referring to a federal initiative that provides funding to local governments and nongovernment groups to help offset those costs. The program was, in fact, first authorized through 2019 legislation signed by Trump. Although it allows nonfederal entities to seek grants for housing migrants in hotels and motels, it is not exclusive to that. Congress provided the program $110 million in fiscal year 2021 and $150 million in fiscal year 2022. Lawmakers recently replaced the initiative with a new shelter and services program. For fiscal year 2023, officials earmarked $425 million for the old program and $363.8 million for the new one. All told, the federal government has allocated about $1 billion since fiscal year 2021, which includes the last few months under the Trump administration, toward local efforts to feed and shelter migrants around the country not only hotel expenses. Although the Federal Emergency Management Agency discloses recipients of the funding, it does not say how much of each grant is used specifically on hotel costs. WHAT WAS SAID We cannot forget that the same people that attacked Israel are right now pouring in at levels that nobody can believe into our beautiful USA through our totally open border. during a rally in Iowa in October This lacks evidence. Trump offered no evidence that people affiliated with Hamas, the militant group that staged a brutal assault on Israel in early October, are pouring into the country at record levels. And experts say they are unaware of data that would support that contention. If Trumps statement was meant to convey that terrorists more generally are pouring in at the border, he could be referring to the rising number of encounters at the southern border with people on a terrorism watchlist. The list includes known and suspected terrorists as well as people affiliated with them. A total of 169 noncitizens on that list tried to illegally enter the United States at the southern border in fiscal year 2023, which ended in September, up from three in fiscal year 2020, according to CBP statistics. Still, it is unclear what that says about the terrorism threat, said Alex Nowrasteh, vice president for economic and social policy studies at the libertarian Cato Institute. There is no record of a terrorist attack being committed on American soil by an immigrant who crossed the southern border illegally. (In 2008, three brothers who had come to the United States illegally years earlier as children, from Yugoslavia, were convicted of conspiring to kill U.S. soldiers at Fort Dix in New Jersey.) Apprehended individuals on the list are supposed to remain in government custody as they await removal proceedings, Nowrasteh said. c.2023 The New York Times Company A group of current and formerly incarcerated people alleging state prisons are using slave labor asked a federal judge Thursday to order the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles to use guidelines that predate a steep drop in parole grants in recent years. The motion for an injunction also asked the judge to remedy the unlawful parole denials and extended reconsideration periods rendered since Oct. 1, 2019 and to prohibit Gov. Kay Ivey and Attorney General Steve Marshall from instructing the parole board to ensure that incarcerated individuals who Alabama deems violent are not granted parole. Were doing everything were supposed to do to get back to our families, said Arthur Ptomey, Jr., a plaintiff in the lawsuit, in a press release. Im guilty of my crime and yes, I do believe I deserve another chance. I believe no one, though, is getting a fair chance or a fair hearing from this Parole Board to demonstrate we are ready and fit to return to supporting our families and our communities. A message seeking comment from the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles was left on Thursday. The lawsuit, filed last week in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama in Montgomery, alleging that Alabama prison labor is sustained by punishing those who refuse to work or those who encourage other prisoners to refuse to work. It also accuses public and private entities, ranging from local governments to fast food restaurants and grocery stores, of benefitting from the labor. The lawsuit also alleged that the state grew these programs by favoring white over Black prisoners in parole decisions for release. It further alleges that the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles, which has sharply curtailed parole grants in recent years, has unlawfully refused to release people from prison and further skewed the racial composition of the incarcerated population by wrongfully denying parole to thousands of Alabamiansand to Black Alabamians in particular. A statement from a group affiliated with the plaintiffs said Thursday the motion targets 2019 amendments to Alabamas Justice Reinvestment Act, which has effectively shut down any opportunity for parole consideration for thousands of people since September 2019. The plaintiffs in the lawsuit who include currently and formerly incarcerated Alabamians, three unions representing service industry employees and the Woods Foundation, a civil rights organization are asking the court to issue an injunction, ending Alabamas current practice of forced [prison] labor; to release individuals qualified for parole; require the state to pay the plaintiffs what they earn through working in the prison system, as well as monetary damages to be determined at trial. The lawsuit also claims Alabama made almost half a billion dollars from prison labor in 2023. They have been entrapped in a system of convict leasing in which incarcerated people are forced to work, often for little or no money, for the benefit of the numerous government entities and private businesses that employ them, the lawsuit alleged. Alabama Reflector is part of States Newsroom, an independent nonprofit website covering politics and policy in state capitals around the nation. This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Court asked to block Alabama parole policy amid slave labor claims Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) thanked President Biden for pardoning certain marijuana offenses, calling the charges bullshit weed charges. A few Christmases ago, as Lieutenant Governor, I pushed for legal weed and delivering pardons for bullshit weed charges. As a Senate candidate, I personally asked @POTUS to de-schedule cannabis and pardon those charges, Fetterman said in a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. This Christmas, as a Senator, THANK YOU @POTUS. Biden announced Friday that he will commute the sentences of 11 people serving jail sentences for nonviolent drug offenses and will sign a proclamation to pardon certain marijuana offenses, including use and possession on certain federal lands. Just as no one should be in a federal prison solely due to the use or possession of marijuana, no one should be in a local jail or state prison for that reason, either, Bidens statement said. Thats why I continue to urge Governors to do the same with regard to state offenses and applaud those who have since taken action. In October 2022, Biden announced pardons for thousands of individuals convicted of simple marijuana possession under federal law. The president also directed the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to reexamine how marijuana is scheduled. The department sent its recommendation to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in August, reportedly advising that marijuana be shifted down from a Schedule I controlled substance where it is currently classified alongside heroin, ecstasy and several other drugs to Schedule III. The DEAs final decision on rescheduling the drug is pending. Fetterman celebrated HHSs recommendation at the time, calling it a massive win for the Biden administration and a strong step in the right direction on marijuana policy. Fetterman has long championed marijuana legalization. As Pennsylvanias lieutenant governor, he advocated for the issue and defiantly displayed a pro-legalization flag, among others, from his office balcony. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 23) The cremated remains of slain Filipino caregiver Paul Vincent Castelvi arrived in the Philippines on Saturday, marking the third completed repatriation of remains after four Pinoys were killed during Hamas attack on Israel. The urn containing Castelvis remains was brought home by his wife Jovelle Santiago, who flew back to the Philippines with their one-month-old son. Castelvis mother and mother-in-law were also present at the airport, along with officials of the Department of Migrant Workers, including officer-in-charge Hans Leo Cacdac. Castelvi, 42, had worked in Israel for five years when he was killed by the Palestinian militant group during its surprise attack on Oct. 7. The Pampanga native was described by his family as their breadwinner. READ: 'Bakit naman ganoon ang ginawa sa anak ko?: Father grieves killing of OFW son in Israel The remains of one of the other victims a 49-year-old Filipina caregiver arrived in the Philippines on Oct. 21. This was followed by the repatriation of another remains on Nov. 3. Every Kansas school district must implement by the end of the year some form of an open enrollment policy, which allows students to attend public schools outside of their geographical boundaries. Open enrollment was part of House Bill 2567 from the 2022 legislative session. Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly signed the law, which also fully funded K-12 schools, despite objections from some Democrats on open enrollment. Many school districts across the state are just now finalizing their open enrollment policies after learning what theyre legally allowed to do. There have been organization that have been able to push some information out to help our school boards identify what they need, and what they have to put in place in terms of policy and what those variations can look like, said G.A. Buie, executive director of United School Administrators of Kansas. Open enrollment policy can be tricky for larger school districts Buie said he appreciates the level of local control districts are given under state law. There has, however, been some confusion about how districts assess how many available seats are available in the district. School districts will still be obligated to provide spots to students who move within their borders, and the unpredictability of migration creates a moving target that schools arent able to precisely gauge. Districts must account for their space by looking at the availability by the specific school and grade. Kansas approved an open enrollment policy, allowing students to opt into public schools they're not geographically located in as Republicans seek more school choice options. For a small school district thats not a huge deal. But for a larger district, Wichita, for example, has 86 school buildings and they have to go through and look at every grade level in every single school building, said Leah Fliter, assistant executive director of the Kansas Association of School Boards. Frankly, its an administrative burden for some of the larger school districts. But how districts define how much room they have is flexible enough that schools can practice some of their own due diligence. Buie said it doesnt seem like the law is going to drastically alter the attendance patterns at schools. Part of that is likely because most schools already had some form of an open enrollment policy in place. The Kansas School Superintendent Association estimated about 93% of Kansas school districts had some form of open enrollment policies, with the main holdout being suburban districts that have little space for new students. What this law was really was designed to do was trying to go into a couple of the suburban areas across the state and force them to open their boundaries a little bit more, which is not going to happen because theyre full, Buie said. The law also strips district ability to reject students from entering the district if theyre not in good standing with the school theyre transferring from. In the past, most districts had a policy that they had to be in good standing from the district they were leaving. That was not included in the legislation so districts could be forced to take a student thats not in good standing, Buie said. That is not sitting well with many of our boards of education. The case for school choice in Kansas School choice advocates cast doubt on the negative impacts of the open enrollment policies. Elizabeth Patton, the statewide director for Americans for Prosperity, said districts' open enrollment policies were more restrictive than opponents of a statewide open enrollment let on. Why are they so upset if most districts were doing it anyway, Patton said. From the data we were looking at, thats not actually true. Patton believes mandatory open enrollment empowers parents and families more options and flexibility within the public school system. School choice advocates say they support any type of policies that allow more flexibility in the schools that children attend. Using district lines to determine where a child goes to school, in our view, is basically a 200-year-old mistake that has actually resulted in a lot of racial and socioeconomic segregation in U.S. public schools, said Elizabeth Patton, the director of Americans for Prosperity in Kansas. Our position is that every single child in America, regardless of zip code or circumstance, should have the same opportunities to pursue education. AFP advocates for bolder school choice laws, like vouchers, educational savings accounts and tuition tax credits. Vouchers typically return the per-pupil funding a state provides to public schools that can be redeemed at a private school. Education savings account similarly distribute per-pupil funding to accounts controlled by parents that can be spent at either private schools or in home schooling. Tuition tax credits offer tax incentives for individuals or corporations that pay tuition, rather than distributing already collected tax dollars. Do open enrollment policies work? Advocacy groups on both sides of school choice programs claim studies show either harms or benefits of school choice. Brookings Institute, a liberal think tank, found that school choice increases racial disparities in academic achievement. The CATO Institute, a Libertarian think-tank, said a meta-analysis of school choice programs that include tuition assistance for private schools show a positive effect for students. The National Institute of Health found mixed results that supports open enrollment in public schools but not for private schools. We find that more choice of regular public schools in the elementary and middle school years is associated with a lower likelihood that students will be severely disengaged in eighth grade, and more choices of public schools of choice has a similar effect but only in urban areas," the NIH reported. "In contrast, more private sector choice does not have such a general beneficial effect. Buie said there isnt an achievement gap between students in private and public schools in Kansas once students backgrounds are accounted for. When you start looking at similarities of students' and parents' backgrounds, the data comes out very similar. If students are high risk, in most cases, maybe not all, theyre going to score a little bit lower whether its public or private," Buie said. If theyre a little more affluent, more college education from the parents, in most cases those students are going to score higher whether its private or public. But some school choice advocates say the accountability for student success should be the responsibility of the parents rather than the state. We would say we would leave it up to (the parents), if they're satisfied with a private school or micro school or whatever it might be. So ultimate accountability would fall on the parent, said Joey Magana, vice president of policy and advocacy for Ed Choice, an organization that advocates for expanded school choice policies. What will the Kansas Legislature do on school choice? Senate President Ty Masterson told The Capital Journal that hes planning to introduce legislation on school choice. Whether the House and Senate can muster two-thirds of their respective chambers to override a governor's veto is a different matter. "We still would like to do something to empower parents on school choice," Masterson said. "Not sure that we can get over a veto on that." Kelly has repeatedly opposed using tax dollars to support private schools or home schooling. A scaled-back school choice bill died during the last session after a governor veto and opposition from rural Republicans in districts that don't have many options for private or charter schools. I do not believe in vouchers," Kelly told reporters last year. "I believe that public dollars ought to go to public schools, and so it wont work. What they need to do is pull the special education funding out of that bill and put it back in the regular budget bill." This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: School choice fights looms Kansas as districts enact open enrollment A fire broke out and damaged a restroom at Concord Park on Saturday afternoon. ALSO READ: Fire started by candle caused $1M in damage to Charlotte apartments Just after 1 p.m., crews with the Concord Fire Department were sent to a structure fire at Hartsell Park on Sunderland Road Southwest. At the scene, firefighters saw light smoke coming from the restroom building. Crews were able to control the fire in about six minutes and said no one was hurt. A total of four engines, one ladder company, one rescue company, two battalion chiefs, and one safety officer responded with more than 25 firefighters. The Concord Police Department and Cabarrus County EMS assisted the Concord Fire Department. (WATCH BELOW: Family calls motel home this Christmas after fire destroys house) The castle pond in Chemnitz is flooded. Wood collected in front of a gate valve, which the THW removed with the help of an excavator. The flood situation has worsened in parts of Saxony. Erik Hoffmann/dpa Recent heavy rainfall across much of Germany has increased the risk of flooding in several regions. In the northern state of Lower Saxony, the third-highest of four warning levels was reached at 30 measuring stations early on Sunday, according to state authorities. The threshold was exceeded by the rivers Weser, Aller, Leine and Oker, among others. At level three, flooding of properties and larger areas as well as roads and cellars is possible. The fire brigade and volunteers used sandbags to protect areas in several districts. The emergency services secured transformer stations in the Rodenberg district east of Hanover, according to a dpa reporter present. Sirens sounded overnight to warn residents. Local mayor Thomas Wolf said early on Sunday that the floodwater was flowing over the weir. Volunteers had run from house to house to warn residents. The municipality had not experienced a flood like this in 25 years, he said. In the neighbouring state of Saxony-Anhalt, the flood forecasting centre issued warnings for the Mulde, Aller and Havel rivers. The flood situation also worsened in parts of Saxony, with alert level 3 reached at several water gauges on Sunday morning, including in the city of Chemnitz. On Saturday evening, the German weather service issued a warning for the states of Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, Hesse, Bavaria and Saxony due to the continous rainfall. "The persistent rain will continue until Monday, Christmas Day," it said. Firefighters monitor the water level of the Rodenberger Aue. Around 300 firefighters and the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) are deployed in Rodenberg to protect the town center from flooding. Ole Spata/dpa Congress in 2021 provided $6.4 billion to states to curb tailpipe emissions and reduce the effects of climate change. Florida was set to receive $320 million, the third most of any state. The state Department of Transportation began drafting a plan to add trucker parking at rest stops, which staff said could fix the statewide shortage that kept drivers on the road longer, polluting more, as they searched for a place to stop. The plan also suggested spending the money on things like electric buses and roundabouts, which reduce the amount of time idling cars sputter out climate-warming emissions at traffic lights. But last month, the department secretary, Jared Perdue, sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation declining participation in the federal program. Perdue said in the letter that the program was an example of government overreach that was the continued politicization of our roadways, echoing statements made by Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has said that climate change is politicization of the weather. Traffic is seen heading North along the Florida Turnpike near Homestead, Fla., as tourists in the Florida Keys leave town on Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2017. Heavy rain and 185-mph winds lashed the Virgin Islands and Puerto Ricos northeast coast Wednesday as Hurricane Irma roared through Caribbean islands on its way to a possible hit on South Florida. Florida now stands alone as the only state to say it would turn down the money, federal officials told the Tampa Bay Times. Any mention of the plan was wiped from the states website. When asked about the removal of the draft documents, a spokesperson for the agency said it took them down after the departments decision to decline participation in the program. Even Texas, whose governor often tries to outshine DeSantis on conservative credentials, plans to take its share of $641 million, officials there told the Times. Environmental experts and some lawmakers say the Florida transportation departments refusal to take the funding is a flawed decision. This is going to be so costly for Florida families and businesses in a growing, dynamic state where we need better transportation, said U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, D-Tampa. The congresswoman told the Times the move is fiscally irresponsible and that Florida looks foolish to other lawmakers on Capitol Hill. We need new leadership at the state level thats not going to send our hard-earned tax dollars back to Washington, she said. At least one local Republican lawmaker agreed with the decision to refuse the money. Rep. Laurel Lee, R-Brandon, said accepting the funds would require the state agency to conform to unrealistic and unfeasible goals. It is illegal to drive in the leftmost lane if you know or reasonably should know that you are being overtaken from behind by a faster vehicle. The Biden Administration continues to push an overreaching climate agenda on states through unconstitutional regulation and rule making, she wrote in a statement to the Times. The (Environmental Protection Agencys) efforts to force electric vehicles do not meet the transportation needs or budgets of Florida families. The state transportation departments Carbon Reduction Quick Guide, which outlined the plan for the federal money to go toward emission-cutting measures, was available online as late as November. A handful of news outlets had linked to it before its removal. After speaking with the Times, the Florida transportation department published Perdues letter Wednesday morning on their site, replacing the dead link to the deleted draft plan. That draft plan is still accessible on internet archives. For transparency and with the decision made to not submit a document for this program, our website was updated to reflect the latest and most up-to-date information, which is why it was replaced with Secretary Perdues letter, spokesperson Jessica Ottaviano said. Rather than accepting the federal money, Perdue wrote in the letter that Florida would focus on building roads and bridges, not reducing carbon emissions. While Perdue downplayed climate risks in his letter, the now-deleted documents from within his own agency emphasized bracing for current and future impacts of climate change. Perdue cited state data when he claimed Florida has the cleanest air on record, with emissions continuing to fall as fast as our state grows. Yet according to the department he oversees, Florida ranks among the 15 states with the highest levels of diesel emissions. The report with that statistic also appears to have been removed from the departments website. The data Perdue cited shows decreases in a handful of air pollutants. But the report did not include a measurement of carbon dioxide, of which the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will require continuous measurement and reporting starting early next year. Aerial view of the I-395 construction project taking place near downtown Miami and Overtown on June 8, 2021. How was traffic and construction complaints not ranked higher on a July 2023 survey of Nextdoor posts in Miami? Prior to opting out, the department had pinpointed trucker parking as a good use of the federal money. In 2019, 682 million tons of freight were hauled in Florida, the department noted. Nationwide, 98% of drivers reported nearly an extra hour of drive time looking for parking. The more time truckers search for parking, the more they burn fossil fuels. Truck parking needs in Florida exceed capacity throughout the state with truckers driving further and longer specifically in search of safe parking, the department noted in its now-deleted plan. The Florida Department of Transportation also said average commute times have grown in Florida by 11% over the last decade. About 40% of congestion and traffic volume issues in the state are due to roadway capacity. The department also noted that only about 0.5% of Floridas total motor vehicle registrations are for electric vehicles. The deadline to accept the funds passed Nov. 15. As of Thursday, no other state had informed the Federal Highway Administration that it would decline the money, a spokesperson for the federal transportation agency told the Times. Money to pay for the new program comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed in November 2021 and makes $6.4 billion in federal funds available over five years across the country. The bill was passed largely along party lines, with just 13 House Republicans crossing the aisle. Only California and Texas were to get more money than Florida. Cars make their way down the Overseas Highways Seven Mile Bridge near Little Duck Key and Bahia Honda State Park on Monday, Oct. 11, 2021. Texas will use the federal funds for congestion management, public transportation, truck parking and other projects, said Adam Hammons, a spokesperson for the Texas transportation agency. Texas and Florida have been prominent laboratories of conservative policymaking, led by two ambitious governors who have competed for the national spotlight. Both states are vulnerable to sea rise spurred by climate change. In a statement, a spokesperson for the Florida Department of Transportation said Perdues letter speaks for itself and said federal transportation officials have failed to provide guidance for the program, including an effective way to verify emissions reductions. Conducting business in this way is irresponsible and Florida cannot commit to a program that has unclear obligations, spokesperson Michael Williams said in the statement. While (the Florida Department of Transportation) began the process of coordinating with stakeholders and drafting a document, we ultimately made the decision to not submit the plan without having clear guidance, Williams said. The state agency pushed back against the federal departments statement to the Times that it had declined the funding, instead saying the state has offered to have further conversations with federal officials but has not heard back. Federal officials told the Times they plan to respond to Perdues letter. A presentation from the Florida Department of Transportation, dated Dec. 12, 2022, shows Floridas commute time of 28.4 minutes is higher than the national mean commute time. The department said nearly 19% of Floridians have commutes of 45 minutes or longer. A handful of environmental groups, including local chapters of the Sierra Club and the Environmental Defense Fund, object to Floridas decision. State Rep. Lindsay Cross, D-St. Petersburg, said the decision harms the state in ways beyond air quality. Cross, who is an environmental scientist, said that pollutants from vehicle emissions make up about half of stormwater runoff. Emissions from vehicles are not only a significant contribution to carbon pollution, but also to nitrogen pollution and to water quality, she said. Ali DySard, senior policy specialist at the Florida office of the Environmental Defense Fund, said transportation makes up half of the states pollution emissions. Theres overwhelming bipartisan support for keeping Florida healthy, and keeping our air good and keeping our residents prosperous, she said. This funding really would have helped that. DeSantis vetoed a bill in July that would have lowered the costs of electric cars for government agencies that bought the vehicles for their fleets. DySards organization calculated that the governors decision cost the state $8.7 billion in savings. The state transportation departments recent decision to opt out of the federal program presents a similar outcome, she said. DySard said Florida could begin to lag compared to other states when it comes to moving away from fossil fuels. The state official responsible for overseeing Floridas response to climate change, chief resilience officer Wesley Brooks, didnt reply to multiple requests from the Times asking if he agrees with the states decisions to turn down the climate money. Similar questions submitted to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, which regulates polluters, were redirected to the governors office, which then referred to Perdues letter. When contacted by the Times, several members of Floridas Republican congressional delegation didnt immediately respond either. They include: Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla.; Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla.; Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Palm Harbor; Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Sarasota; Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-St. Petersburg; and Rep. Brian Mast, R-Treasure Coast. This story was produced in partnership with the Florida Climate Reporting Network, a multi-newsroom initiative founded by the Miami Herald, the South Florida Sun Sentinel, The Palm Beach Post, the Orlando Sentinel, WLRN Public Media and the Tampa Bay Times. The aircraft carrier Eisenhower will wrap up a deployment in the Middle Eastern waters of U.S. Central Command in 2024. Meanwhile, as of Navy Times December deadline, the carrier Gerald R. Fords deployment had been extended once again, and the flattop remained on station in the Mediterranean Sea, where it has operated since leaving Norfolk, Virginia, in May. The Eisenhower arrived in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in November, the first time a carrier has operated in Central Commands area of responsibility since the end of the Afghanistan war in 2021. The arrival of [the Ike Carrier Strike Group] to Middle East region displays our speed and agility to flex as our nations leaders determined a balance of maritime capability in support of national security priorities, Rear Adm. Marc Miguez, commander of Carrier Strike Group 2, said in a Navy news release in November. The strike group brings an unparalleled combat superiority to CENTCOM and we will be leveraging our presence in the theater to enhance regional security and operate alongside our allies and partners. Eisenhower strike group, submarine arrive in Middle East The carrier got underway from Norfolk, Virginia, in October, and under the Navys Optimized Fleet Response Plan, strike groups usually deploy for seven or eight months. The Pentagon announced in October that the Ike, originally slated to deploy to the European theater this fall, would head to the Middle East days after Navy destroyer Carney intercepted cruise missiles and drones that U.S. officials attributed to Iran-allied Houthi rebel forces in Yemen fired. The announcement also came following attacks on U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria. Generations of Chicagoans accustomed to grimy politics might view former Ald. Ed Burkes federal racketeering conviction last week as just another case in a long conga line of crooked aldermen. But Burke was an undisputed Democratic kingpin. He not only set a record for serving 54 years in the City Council, but he departed in May as the last alderman who rose to power in the era of Mayor Richard J. Daleys vaunted Democratic machine. And, as such, his downfall will reverberate in City Hall history. Days after a federal jury convicted Burke on all but one of the 14 counts against him, friends and foes alike remained stunned that Burke, who once was viewed as untouchable, is now a convicted felon. Found guilty by a jury of using his public position to leverage property tax appeal business for his law firm, Burke, who turns 80 on Friday, is looking at a potentially long term in prison. The pre-Christmas verdict also capped a year of extraordinary public corruption victories racked up by federal prosecutors in cases arising from a sweeping investigation of ex-Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, the once-all-powerful state Democratic Party chairman. Burkes conviction and Madigans upcoming federal corruption trial mark the end of an era for the two legendary Southwest Side Democrats from neighboring wards who long held almost unchecked political power. In addition, the jurors on Thursday did far more than topple Burke, a stalwart political figure with old-school connections and a wife, Anne, who once was chief justice of the Illinois Supreme Court. They did what very few of even his fiercest political enemies could ever do: They humbled him. A long list of corrupt City Council aldermen As the verdicts were read in U.S. District Judge Virginia Kendalls 25th floor courtroom, Burke kept his hands clasped and rested his chin on his fingers, his face flushed. For much of the trial, Burke had worn a slightly more subdued version of his trademark pinstriped suits, flashy green ties and pocket squares. But on the afternoon he was convicted, Burke dressed in a black suit and muted black tie. Moments after the verdict, acting U.S. Attorney Morris Pasqual noted the thriving culture of corruption at City Hall, telling reporters, Ald. Burke obviously joins a long list of corrupt City Council aldermen who have been convicted of corruption charges over here in federal court. Asked whether Burkes conviction would serve as any kind of deterrent to others at City Hall, Pasqual suggested solemnly that many may think twice once they see Burke fully face the consequences when hes sentenced in June. We have not had the sentencing yet, Pasqual said. Obviously Ald. Burke was a very powerful alderman, this case has had massive publicity, and Id like to think that public officials out there who are tempted to start down this path will be even further on notice that the federal government is out there and were aggressively pursuing these kinds of matters. Pasqual also stood behind his offices choice to cut a deal with former Ald. Daniel Solis, 25th, who will avoid punishment for his own misdeeds in exchange for secretly recording Burke. The audio and video Solis recorded, Pasqual said, represented the best evidence going to show Ald. Burkes knowledge and intent: The words out of his own mouth. We dont regret that trial strategy one bit, Pasqual said. Solis improbable turn as an undercover FBI mole pierced the veil that may have protected Burke through his five decades on the City Council, even as Burke watched dozens of colleagues carted off to prison as he built a lucrative private law practice that constantly commingled with his duties as alderman and Finance Committee chairman. Through Solis cooperation, Burke was memorably caught saying such lines as he was not motivated to help developers since the cash register has not rung yet. When the developers dragged their feet, he told Solis as far as Im concerned they can go (expletive) themselves. And perhaps most notably, he asked Solis on a wiretapped call: So did we land the, uh, the tuna? One juror told the Tribune the members of the jury listened to every single recording during their 23 hours of deliberations. The number of Chicago aldermen convicted of wrongdoing is breathtaking: 38 since 1971. Three died while charges were pending; only one was acquitted. Charges are pending against former 34th Ward Ald. Carrie Austin, who had been the second-longest serving alderman next to Burke when she was charged in 2021. Solis has also been charged, although that case is expected to be dropped once his cooperation is complete. Former Ald. Dick Simpson, who served with Burke from 1971 to 1979 and led the councils small reform-minded bloc, viewed Burkes conviction as a continuation of a terrible pattern of corruption in which public officials have used their public power for private gain. The Richard J. Daley era created the modern political machine, which spawned the highest level of corruption in the country, said Simpson, who previously represented the North Sides 44th Ward. Despite Burkes long tenure, he leaves in disgrace, Simpson said. Madigan trial looms Burkes racketeering conviction comes with a maximum potential sentence of 20 years in prison, though hell likely receive a much lower term. Burkes conviction undoubtedly puts in jeopardy his nearly six-figure pension. Burkes attorneys had no comment after the verdict, but an appeal is likely. And they surely will cite Burkes age, the length of his public service, and lack of any previous criminal history in trying to minimize any time behind bars. With the Burke verdict, federal prosecutors have continued to build momentum that began in May with convictions they got in the ComEd Four case that netted a close Madigan confidant, the utilitys former CEO and two other lobbyists in a bribery-related scheme to boost the utilitys legislative agenda. In a separate case, the longtime speakers ousted chief of staff got nailed for lying to a federal grand jury even though hed been granted immunity. All of the convictions serve as precursors to the scheduled April 1 corruption trial of Madigan himself, the prosecutions main target. Madigan, who holds the nationwide record of 36 years as speaker, has filed a motion to delay his trial, citing an Indiana case now before the U.S. Supreme Court that challenges some of the same laws Madigan is accused of violating, including whether a quid pro quo is required to prove bribery under the statute. A judge ordered Madigan to be in court in person on Jan. 3, which will be his first public courtroom appearance since being indicted nearly two years ago. The issue Madigan raises is one that Burke also may cite on appeal. Madigan, like Burke, faces federal racketeering charges. And, if the Madigan trial date holds, its expected to wrap up only weeks before next summers Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Convention officials looking for a positive boost might be asked to defend Illinois national reputation as a politically corrupt state following high-profile convictions of two iconic Chicago Democrats who followed their fathers into politics and looked to the first Mayor Daley for guidance. Over the years, Burke and Madigan also managed to find a political balance in their off-and-on relationships with Mayor Richard M. Daley, the son who exorcised the ghosts of Hizzoners 1968 DNC billy-club debacle by running a successful 1996 Democratic convention in Chicago. Mr. Chairman Until Thursdays guilty verdicts, Burke was a survivor, a tenacious backroom insider who seeded City Hall with an army of loyalists ready to give him the latest political intelligence or insider tips that could enhance his knowledge on all matters big and small. He showed his greatest political resilience when he carried out his role as one of the two Eddies in the Vrdolyak 29. He and then-Ald. Ed Vrdolyak, 10th, led the anti-administration bloc of mostly white ethnic aldermen who tried to block nearly every issue pushed by Harold Washington, the first Black mayor of Chicago, a period known as Council Wars. At the height of his power, Burke spent decades commanding the all-powerful position of chairman of the councils Finance Committee under the second Mayor Daley, a nod to the notion that it was better to have a savvy political operative such as Burke working on the mayors playbook than against it. Being Mr. Chairman made Burke a player on virtually every significant issue that affected the city. He continued in that role under Mayor Rahm Emanuel until an FBI raid of the aldermans City Hall and 14th Ward offices five years ago led to the federal case that eventually forced him out of the coveted chairmanship. Despite winning reelection in 2019 with a federal charge pending, Burke became a political punching bag for Mayor Lori Lightfoot and opted not to run for his aldermanic seat again this year with the trial pending. He also would have had to overcome the extra challenge of running in newly redrawn ward boundaries that he had almost no say in redrawing unlike previous remaps. The indictment against Burke centered on a series of schemes to win private law business for his firm, Klafter & Burke. Among them were attempts to shake down the developers of the $600 million Old Post Office renovation and the owners of a Burger King in his ward who needed permits for remodeling work. Burke also was convicted of taking property tax business from a developer who wanted a pole sign permit for a Binnys Beverage Depot. The jury also found him guilty on charges he threatened to block an admission fee increase at the prestigious Field Museum when the daughter of former 32nd Ward Ald. Terry Gabinski, a longtime Burke ally, didnt get a paid internship despite Burkes support. As a student of history, Burke surely knows the uncanny parallels between his rise and fall and that of longtime 31st Ward Ald. Tom Keane, who preceded Burke as head of the Finance Committee. In the 1970s, when Burke was still relatively new on the council, Keane, the first Mayor Daleys City Council floor leader, was convicted on 17 counts of mail fraud and one of conspiracy to commit mail fraud. He was sentenced to five years in prison and paroled after serving 22 months. Keanes downfall came in 1974, when an ambitious federal prosecutor named James R. Thompson directed Keanes conviction on charges stemming from his City Council votes on the citys purchase of real estate in which he had a vested interest. Some counts were overturned on appeal. The U.S. Supreme Court subsequently held unconstitutional the portion of the mail-fraud law under which Keane was found guilty, but it refused in 1989 to grant his request to have the conviction removed from his record. Thompson, a Republican, went on to serve a record 14 years as Illinois governor. Like Burke, Keane had moved up to his fathers seat in the City Council upon his death. At one point in the early 1970s, Burke and Keane actually clashed. A small group of Young Turk aldermen, including Burke, staged a brief Coffee Rebellion, so named because the young aldermen held their meetings in the mornings. They challenged the iron-fisted rule of Daley and Keane. As a result, some of the rebels were given committee chairmanships and more voice in the council. As his council status grew, Burke would adopt much of Keanes style of politicking, enforcing loyalty among his colleagues by honing his parliamentary skills and know-how to tie up mayors agendas. With the Cook County Democratic Party, Burkes chairmanship of the judicial slate-making committee meant he could make or break future judges. If he goes to prison, Burke will experience a severe shift in his lifestyle from impeccably coifed clothes and private dining in downtown clubs to an oversized jumpsuit and a drab prison cell. A closing of a door to old-school politics The potential 2024 trial for Madigan may also serve to hobble a man who was once the most influential politician in the state, even more powerful than governors. His status as the Democratic leader was first weakened in 2018 when several aides and allies, including Timothy Mapes, the chief of staff convicted of lying to a grand jury, were accused of sexual harassment. The scandal lingered in the minds of many lawmakers, particularly women, when the U.S. attorneys office entered a deferred prosecution agreement with ComEd in July 2020 and gave Madigan the ignominious title of Public Official A. ComEd paid a record $200 million fine, and a bribery charge was dropped against the company following an agreed-upon three years of cooperating with federal authorities. ComEd also admitted it sought to influence Madigan into supporting the utilitys successful legislative agenda by showering his allies with no-work jobs, giving internships to a bevy of college students from his Southwest Side 13th Ward, and appointing the person he wanted on the state-regulated companys board of directors. In January 2021, Madigan lost the speakership when 19 members mostly women refused to support him for another term as head of the House. A few weeks later, Madigan quit the House, where he had served for more than 50 years, and resigned his post as chairman of the state Democratic Party. He was indicted in March 2022 in the racketeering case involving ComEd and in a superseding indictment in October 2022 for a similar scheme tied to AT&T, which also paid a $23 million fine. Madigan has emphatically denied wrongdoing in what prosecutors describe as a criminal enterprise, and so far has spent $8 million from his campaign war chest on defense lawyers. For now, though, the politically seismic impact of Burkes conviction alone may not be fully grasped by many everyday Chicagoans. It is a closing of a door to old-school politics that were run by bosses, a closing of a door of several generations of tactics run by old-school bosses when the peoples voices were not respected and not valued, said Eddie Read, chairman of Chicago Black United Communities, a group founded by activist Lu Palmer that became a leading supporter of Washington for mayor. While Burkes supporters have often praised his contributions to the city and decried his prosecution, the ex-aldermans comedown is also seen in some quarters as an overdue comeuppance. Sending him to prison is one thing, Read said of Burkes potential sentence. But to me a greater sense of justice would be to have him pay for the injustices done to the people who didnt have the old Democratic hookups contractors, workers, developers and investors who probably would have given resources back to the broader community. They were robbed of the opportunity. Chicago Tribunes Rick Pearson and A.D. Quig contributed. rlong@chicagotribune.com jmeisner@chicagotribune.com mcrepeau@chicagotribune.com James Stavridis, former NATO Supreme Allied Commander, made a holiday plea for more aid to Ukraine, saying he was worried and calling the countrys cause just. Its a very dangerous situation and here, the real action is actually not in Kyiv. The real action is in Washington, Stavridis said on radio show Cats Roundtable, hosted by John Catsimatidis, Sunday. Weve got to provide the military support to Ukraine. Their cause is just. Stavridis continued, saying half of the Russian army has been destroyed, without any U.S. soldiers being killed or even placed at risk, and the country has done so with the equivalent of 5 percent of the annual U.S. defense budget. We can afford to do this, and we should. So Im worried about the war in Ukraine only if the U.S. and our European allies fail to live up to the commitment weve made to support Ukraine, he said. Congress is not likely to reconvene before the new year, sending talks about an aid package for Ukraine into 2024. Ukrainians are bracing for a tough winter, as military operations slow down, troops are forced to preserve ammunition and Russias attacks continue to hit energy infrastructure, The Hill previously reported. Several Ukrainian officials have pleaded for aid and stressed that they will not be able to defend themselves soon. President Biden asked for $61 billion to send to Ukraine, but the money is being held up, as Republican lawmakers say they wont pass a package without more attention going to the countys southern border first. The White House warned that it will run out of money to send to Ukraine on Dec. 30, but it is not likely that members will return from their holiday breaks before then. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Police officers stand in front of St. Stephen's Cathedral following indications of a possible attack plan by a terrorist group. According to the Austrian Ministry of the Interior, the Austrian Office for the Protection of the Constitution has arrested four people in an investigation into a terrorist network. Max Slovencik/APA/dpa The Austrian domestic intelligence service has detained four people in an investigation into an Islamist network, according to the Ministry of the Interior. The arrests follow indications of a possible attack on a church in Vienna and the cathedral in the German city of Cologne. The Directorate for State Security and Intelligence at the Austrian Interior Ministry announced on Sunday that interrogations with the suspects were under way. Further details could not be given at present for reasons of criminal tactics. German newspaper Bild had previously reported on the Austrian arrests, as well as one in Germany. There was initially no confirmation of this on Sunday. The Interior Ministry in Vienna said the security situation in Austria and throughout Europe was tense. The security services were therefore taking precautionary measures during the Christmas holidays in the form of increased surveillance and monitoring in public spaces. The police in Vienna had made similar statements on Saturday. Security measures were also increased at Cologne Cathedral. Police officers stand in front of St. Stephen's Cathedral following indications of a possible attack plan by a terrorist group. According to the Austrian Ministry of the Interior, the Austrian Office for the Protection of the Constitution has arrested four people in an investigation into a terrorist network. Max Slovencik/APA/dpa Police cars stand in front of St. Stephen's Cathedral following indications of a possible attack plan by a terrorist group. According to the Austrian Ministry of the Interior, the Austrian Office for the Protection of the Constitution has arrested four people in an investigation into a terrorist network. Max Slovencik/APA/dpa Fourteen Israeli soldiers have been killed amid intense fighting in the Gaza strip over the past two days, the countrys military said. The Israeli military suffered the losses in central and southern Gaza as its forces battled Hamas militants in close-quarters combat in Khan Younis near the territorys border with Egypt. Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu admitted a very difficult day of fighting but vowed to press on with the offensive despite calls for a pause. The war is exacting a very heavy cost from us, he said in a statement. However, we have no choice but to continue to fight. Let it be clear: This will be a long war. We will fight until the end until the hostages are returned, Hamas is eliminated and we restore security in both the north and the south, Mr Netanyahu added. An Israeli solider stands next to a destroyed building in Khan Younis, southern Gaza (via REUTERS) Israel says Hamas seized around 240 hostages when militants killed 1,200 people in a rampage around southern Israel on 7 October. Up to 60 hostages were missing due to Israeli air strikes, Hamas said last month. There has been no confirmation of that number but Israel believes that 20 or more of some 130 hostages still held in Gaza are dead. Meanwhile, the Gazan ministry of health said more than 20,000 Palestinians have been killed in the conflict since 7 October. UK foreign secretary Lord Cameron admitted last week that too many civilians had been killed in Gaza and called for a sustainable ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Penning a joint article with Germanys Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, Lord Cameron said he supported a ceasefire only if it was sustainable in the long term. The Gazan ministry of health claimed more than 20,000 Palestinians have been killed since Israel began its offensive into the strip (EPA) Our goal cannot simply be an end to fighting today. It must be peace lasting for days, years, generations. We therefore support a ceasefire, but only if it is sustainable, he said. The UK, Germany and US abstained over a United Nations resolution last week, backed by 153 countries, demanding an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. Officially, the US and UK support a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict. The Fatah-run Palestinian Authority in the West Bank supports the solution. Hamas, which runs Gaza, does not support a two-state solution and has vowed to eradicate Israel and Jewish people around the world. It boycotted the peace process in the 1990s that eventually saw the establishment of the Palestinian Authority. Israeli military stand in the foreground of destroyed Palestinian infrastructure in southern Gaza (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) This month, the UKs Israeli ambassador Tzipi Hotovely rejected the idea of Palestinians having their own state in the Middle East. More than 300 soldiers were killed during the Hamas-led attacks on 7 October and more than 150 Israeli soldiers have been killed in Gaza since Israel began its ground offensive. By comparison, 67 Israeli soldiers were killed during a 50-day war in Gaza in 2014, when Israel carried out a ground invasion around the margins of the enclave. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 23) The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said the owners of a Filipino fishing boat has accepted a full settlement for the loss and damage incurred after a Chinese-flagged ship slammed the stationary vessel in the vicinity waters of Paluan, Occidental Mindoro earlier this month. READ: 5 rescued after alleged allision between PH, China boats in Occidental Mindoro The PCG did not disclose the settlement amount. On Dec. 5, Ruel J, the fishing vessel in question, was stationary and trying to attract fish when bulk carrier MV TAI HANG 8 hit the boat and continued on its voyage, leaving it and five Filipino passengers adrift. The PCG said that some fishing boats conducted rescue and towing operations to save the five stranded fishermen and recover the disabled Ruel J. Taihang Shipping Company Limited, the owners of Ruel J, appointed maritime services company Pandiman Philippines, Incorporated to work with the PCG to assess the fishing boats damage, it added. French authorities grounded a passenger plane carrying 303 Indian citizens on Thursday over suspicions of human trafficking. The flight was on its way from the United Arab Emirates to Nicaragua when it stopped at Paris-Vatry Airport in France's Champagne country to refuel. Officials received an anonymous tip that passengers on the flight were being trafficked. There were 11 unaccompanied minors on the flight, CNN reported. The youngest passenger was a 21-month-old toddler. Ineffective: Human trafficking laws were supposed to help women. Victims stories say otherwise. A Gendarme walks in front the plane which reportedly carried some 300 Indian citizens, at the Vatry airport, Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023 in Vatry, eastern France. About 300 Indian citizens heading to Central America were sequestered in a French airport for a third day Saturday because of an investigation into suspected human trafficking, authorities said. The Indian Embassy in France confirmed the incident in a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. Officials said an embassy team arrived at the airport to provide consular access. "We are investigating the situation, also ensuring wellbeing of passengers," the post said. French authorities informed us of a plane w/ 303 people, mostly Indian origin, from Dubai to Nicaragua detained on a technical halt at a French airport. Embassy team has reached & obtained consular access. We are investigating the situation, also ensuring wellbeing of passengers. India in France (@IndiaembFrance) December 22, 2023 Crew questioned and released The plane was operated by Legend Airlines, a Romanian- based company. Liliana Bakayoko, a lawyer for the airline, told CNN affiliate BFMTV that the plane, an A340 plane, had been chartered by a company registered outside of the European Union. Bakayoko said Legend Airlines did not participate in the selling of tickets for the flight. The crew members were questioned and then released, Bakayoko said, adding that they felt "traumatized" by the situation. They wrote me messages that they want to see their families for Christmas," Bakayoko told the Associated Press. Canvas out up to prevent people from seeing inside the Vatry airport, Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023 in Vatry, eastern France. About 300 Indian citizens heading to Central America were sequestered in a French airport for a third day Saturday because of an investigation into suspected human trafficking, authorities said. Two passengers detained The airline has refused to name the company that chartered the flight, citing an ongoing investigation. The incident has disrupted travel as police cordoned off the airport for the investigation. The airfield is mainly used for cargo and charter flights. The adult passengers are being questioned by law enforcement authorities, CNN reported. The unaccompanied minors were referred to government agencies for care. Two adults have been detained as part of an investigation into the suspected trafficking. Two of the passengers are being questioned in police custody to ascertain whether their role in the transport may have been different from that of the others, also under what conditions and for what purpose, the Paris Prosecutors Office said, according to CNN. Prosecutors in recent days declined to comment on the type of alleged trafficking and did not say if the final destination for the individuals on board was the United States. Judges are expected to decide on Sunday whether the passengers should remain detained at the airport. Contributing: Associated Press This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Plane headed for Nicaragua held in France over trafficking concerns Tobacconists in France will be allowed to sell hunting ammunition in the new year, in a move that critics have branded total madness. Tabacs, of which there are more than 23,300 across the country, half of them in small towns, will first have to obtain a specialist certificate and approval from relevant authorities. The French interior ministry said the change in the law would help prevent people from stockpiling munitions, having them delivered - which is legal - and driving a long way to buy them. The move, expected to come into effect from Jan 1, will reduce the need for large-scale storage and the sale of ammunition by post which the interior ministry says has caused problems. Customers will be required to show age identification and proof of their hunting or shooting licence before purchase of munitions. Tabac owners must take a two-day exam and seek approval from the mayor and relevant authorities who will assess their competence as vendors. Only two types of munitions - Category C and D - will be available for sale in the licensed tabac shops. The former, mainly used for hunting, includes shotgun shells, smoothbore cartridges and carbine ammunition. Like going to a pharmacy to buy tobacco Some have voiced concern about the change. Rubens Abbosh, the owner of gun shop Aux Armes de Diane, in Seine-et-Marne, called the plan total madness. He told Le Parisien: A gun shop has to have surveillance cameras, a safe, electric metal shutters and a remote surveillance system that responds more quickly than those of other businesses. The number of gun shops has fallen in recent years meaning some hunters have to travel further to purchase their munitions. Jean-Claude Legrand, a hunter in the Gard, told newspaper The Connexion the move could be beneficial to those who live some distance from armourers. But, he countered, most people buy ammunition only once for the hunting season, adding that the policy doesnt seem very coherent. Its like going to a pharmacy to buy tobacco, he said. Others also questioned the policy and suitability of tabac shops as vendors. French animal welfare group L214 said: It seems so crazy it is hard to believe. The hunting lobby is really not ashamed of anything. The National Committee Against Smoking alleged that two out of three tobacconists continue to sell tobacco to minors completely illegally. The French interior ministry was approached for comment. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. A furnace explosion at a Chinese-owned nickel factory in Indonesia on Sunday has killed at least 13 workers and injured 38 others, officials say. The incident took place at a factory in the Morowali Industrial Park on the island of Sulawesi. The factory is operated by Chinese steel and nickel giant Tsingshan, which has stakes in Indonesias lucrative nickel mining industry and runs operations under its local arm, Indonesia Tsingshan Stainless Steel (ITSS). Morowali police spokesperson Ipda Hamid told CNN affiliate CNN Indonesia that 13 people had died at the scene, with multiple victims being rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. Members of the police were at the scene and an official investigation was underway, Hamid said. In videos, thick black smoke from huge fires can be seeing rising in the air. Among the workers killed were eight Indonesians and five Chinese, Reuters reported. The blast was said to have occurred when workers were repairing a furnace. During the repairs process, an explosion occurred. Based on initial investigations, it (was) possibly caused because there was still some explosion-inducing liquid at the bottom of the furnace, read a statement issued by the company and reported by Reuters. Several oxygen cylinders nearby also exploded, which fueled the fires, said Hamid. This aerial picture taken on May 12, 2023 shows a general view of PT. Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park (IMIP), one of the biggest nickel producers in Konawe Utara. (Photo by RIZA SALMAN / AFP) (Photo by RIZA SALMAN/AFP via Getty Images) - Riza Salman/AFP/Getty Images Indonesia is the worlds largest exporter of nickel and is also rich in copper, cobalt and bauxite, used in the making of electric vehicle (EV) batteries. As demand for EVs surges around the world, Indonesia has emerged as a global leader in nickel production and has been aggressive courting foreign investment in smelters and processing plants from countries like China with its EV-friendly business policies. But critics say the governments rush to expand its nickel processing and EV market has come at a cost to the environment as well as people like farmers and indigenous tribes. Indonesian politician and labor activist Said Iqbal called for an investigation by the Indonesian Manpower Ministry. The (operator) must bear the costs of medical treatment and accident compensation for those affected, he said in a statement. There must also be heavy sanctions for those who violate regulations, he added. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com California Governor Gavin Newson isnt backing his own lieutenants call to remove Donald Trump from the states 2024 ballot after the Colorado Supreme Court determined that he was ineligible for the presidency. On 19 December, Colorados highest court ruled that the former president is disqualified from the presidency and should be removed from 2024 ballots, citing his role in the January 6 Capitol insurrection. California Lt Gov Eleni Kounalakis responded to the move by suggesting that her state should do the same ahead of its 5 March primary. But her boss Mr Newsom isnt on board. There is no doubt that Donald Trump is a threat to our liberties and even to our democracy, Mr Newsom said on 22 December. But in California, we defeat candidates at the polls. Everything else is a political distraction. Ms Kounalakis had expressed her intent to remove Mr Trump from the ballot in a letter to Californias Secretary of State on 20 December. Prompted by the Colorado ruling, Ms Kounalakis wrote, I urge you to explore every legal option to remove former President Donald Trump from Californias 2024 presidential primary ballot. She continued, California is obligated to determine if Trump is ineligible for the California ballot for the same reasons described in the Colorado Supreme Court decision. The constitution is clear: you must be 35 years old and not be an insurrectionist, she added. On the same day, Democratic state Sen Dave Min announced he planned to introduce a bill in 2024 that would allow California residents to sue to remove ineligible candidates from the ballot. Long before these efforts or the Colorado ruling, nine members of the California State Legislature wrote a 15 September letter to the states attorney general asking for Mr Trump to proactively seek the opinion of the court to determine if Donald J. Trump is or is not eligible to appear on the ballot. The letter continued, Section Three of the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution is clear that no person who has taken the oath of office and engaged in insurrection against the United States can hold public office. In response to the Colorado ruling, Mr Trump took to Truth Social to air out his grievances: A SAD DAY IN AMERICA!!! He also wrote, BANANA REPUBLIC??? ELECTION INTERFERENCE!!! Eleven weeks of war have killed thousands in Gaza and displaced the vast majority of its inhabitants, officials say (-) A relentless Israeli military campaign, in response to deadly Hamas attacks on October 7, has upset the lives of most, if not all, residents of the Gaza Strip. Israeli forces have launched a bombardment campaign and ground invasion of Gaza ever since Hamas militants launched their shock attack -- the deadliest in Israel's 75-year history. It killed about 1,140 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures. Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed at least 20,258 people in the besieged Palestinian territory, according to the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza. The United Nations estimates the fighting has displaced 1.9 million of Gaza's 2.4 million population. AFP spoke to three Palestinian women who shared how the conflict has upended their lives. - Nour al-Wahidi, 24, medical intern - Wearing a stethoscope around her neck, Wahidi recalled spending 38 consecutive days treating patients in terrible conditions at Gaza City's Al-Shifa hospital, which has been raided by Israeli forces. "I worked through moments of escalation these past two years, but everything about this war is different: the length, the death toll, the severity of injuries, the displacement," she said. For a month now Wahidi has been sharing an apartment with 20 members of her extended family, having been displaced twice since the war broke out. The medical intern is working in the emergency ward of the Kuwaiti hospital in Rafah, in the besieged territory's south. "Every day, I come across suffering that I never thought I would see," she said. Some of her relatives took shelter at a school run by the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, while others remained in Gaza. Wahidi has lost all contact with those who stayed behind in Gaza City because the grid is often down and communications frequently cut. "Before, I was home with everything I needed. Now I'm in this strange place, without water or food," she said. "The situation is catastrophic." She also warned that "there's been a rapid spread of disease". Still, she tries to make do by telling herself that others have it even worse. "After work, I can go home, I can cook and light a fire. I wash my hands when there's water," she said, counting her blessings. "We've had to consider water and food supplies, and how to charge our phones -- things we never thought about before," she added. "No one deserves to live like this." - Sondos al-Bayed, 32, housewife - Bayed hails from Gaza City but is now living in a tent outside the Kuwaiti hospital in Rafah. She shares the space with her journalist husband and three children. "Our life has been turned upside down. It's been a total 180," she said. Her family has been forced to move multiple times since leaving Gaza City. They first fled south towards the central city of Deir al-Balah. However, the homeowners who took them in soon asked them to leave. It was "out of fear that journalists would be targeted" by Israeli strikes, Bayed told AFP. "I cried so much... I didn't know what to do," she said. They set off again for Khan Yunis, in the south, but their plans were thwarted once again. The Israeli army issued an evacuation order for those in the area, sending them further south near the border with Egypt. With what little food she can find, Bayed prepares meals for her children but they refuse to eat: "The food's bad and expired." Life has become "hard, like being separated from family, as are the memories", Bayed said. "We were happy before and had a stable life. We dreamt of building a bigger house. I want (that life) back." - Lynn Ruk, 17, student - Ruk lives in a makeshift camp in Rafah along with her parents, brother, four sisters and niece. "My life used to be so boring, I'd complain. The war changed everything," she said. Her family left their home in Khan Yunis the day after the war erupted. "We took a photo of the house, in tears," Ruk said. They briefly stayed with one of her sisters. When it became too dangerous there, they left for the city's Nasser hospital, before winding up in Rafah. "I thought we'd go home after a week. It's been more than 70 days now and we're still not back," she said. The teenager said she has lost seven kilos (15 pounds) since the war began. She has fallen sick several times and was even taken to the emergency room after fainting. Today, her meals mainly consist of canned food, with only the occasional piece of bread. "I never thought my life would look like this... Before the war, I showered every day," she said. "Now, if I'm lucky, I'll wash at the mosque once a week, at sinks reserved for performing one's ablutions -- if there's any water," she added. Ruk is afraid for the lives of her friends, and her own. She aspires to be a journalist and hopes to be able to travel abroad to make her dream come true. "I wish I could go back to the life I had before, the one I didn't like," she said. my-sy/cgo/ezz/amj/ami/leg Ukrainian forces had 48 clashes with Russian troops, and repelled several dozen attacks across the front line on Dec. 24, according to the 6 p.m. report by the General Staff of Ukraines Armed Forces. The highest number of repelled attacks 25 attacks were reported in the area surrounding the embattled Avdiivka in Donetsk Oblast. According to the report, Ukrainian forces also repelled 23 attacks on the areas they hold on the Dnipro Rivers east bank in Kherson Oblast. The military also said the Ukrainian forces repelled 24 Russian assaults on the Kupiansk, Bakhmut, Marinka, and Zaporizhzhia axes. Ukrainian forces are holding positions on the Dnipro Rivers east bank in Kherson Oblast, according to the report. Ukraine has been conducting raids into Russian-occupied territory on the eastern bank since February. The enemy remains intent on pushing our units out of our lodgements on the (east) bank of the Dnipro (River), the General Staff said in its update. Meanwhile, according to the same report, Ukraines Air Force struck 12 locations of Russian troops, military hardware, ammunition depots, and air defense systems in the past day. Artillery forces hit two pieces of artillery and one Russian command post. Russia has lost 353,190 troops in Ukraine since the beginning of its full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022, the General Staff reported on the morning of Dec. 24. This number includes 800 casualties Russian forces suffered over the past day. It's an estimated number, updated daily by the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces, that can't be independently verified. Read also: Ukrainian soldiers storming eastern bank of Dnipro fear their mission is hopeless Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. Kings office is offering a reward for information that would help in an arson investigation underway in Jesup. According to the commissioners office, a residential fire on Cherry Street is under investigation as an arson. The home, which had been vacant for years according to the commissioner, was set aflame the morning of Dec. 14. A person of interest was spotted exiting from the rear of the structure just as the smoke began. Investigators have classified this fire as incendiary and are following all leads. The property suffered approximately $55,000 worth of damage as a result of the fire, King said in a statement. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: Anyone with information about the fire is encouraged to call the Georiga Arson Control Hotline at 1-800-282-5804. The State Fire Investigations Unit and insurance commissioners office said they are offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the fire. Currently, the State Fire Marshals Office is working with the Jesup Fire and Police Departments on this investigation, according to officials. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: Police stand at the entrance to Cologne Cathedral before the start of early mass on Christmas Day. Due to indications of a planned Islamist attack, the police have stepped up security measures. Roberto Pfeil/dpa No arrests have yet been made in connection with a possible attack on Cologne Cathedral in the western German state of North Rhine-Westphalia, security sources told dpa on Sunday morning. Police said they had increased security measures at the cathedral due to indications of a possible attack by an Islamist group. A church in Vienna was also a possible target. Police officers searched the cathedral with sniffer dogs on Saturday evening. No explosives were found, dpa learned on Sunday. The police said all visitors would be checked on Sunday, Christmas Eve. Earlier, Germany's Bild newspaper had reported that special units had already made some arrests in Vienna and that one person had also been arrested in Germany. The group in question may be connected to the Islamic State Khorasan Province terrorist group, dpa has learned. Police officers check every visitor to the early mass on Christmas Day at the entrance to Cologne Cathedral. Due to indications of a planned Islamist attack, the police have stepped up security measures. Roberto Pfeil/dpa I grew up in the Boston area, and Harvard was always a source of ambivalence: on one hand, a powerhouse par excellence to which anyone would be eternally thrilled to send their child, and on the other, an institution of profound arrogance and self-regard. Awash with billions from a vast endowment and donations, and from a different universe to European or British universities, its professoriate seemed immensely posh, living in huge houses in Central and Harvard Square, hosting lavish dinner parties and holidaying in the Swiss Alps and Tuscany. But, despite standard Ivy League cronyism and nepotism, snootiness and noisy virtue-signalling, the overall sense of the institution was one of true excellence. Professors like legal scholar Alan Dershowitz, who wrote the definitive The Case for Israel, the Nobel Prize-winning physicist Roy Glauber, and dozens more of their ilk were just part of the local landscape. Its true that too many undergraduates were there because of family legacy, sporting prowess or donations from a relative. And some ethnic minority students had gained admission helped by affirmative action policies. But most students were at Harvard because they were just absolutely excellent: incredibly smart, talented polymaths who really were the best, whatever school theyd come from. Since then, Harvard has become a very different place. What used to be mere undercurrents cronyism and arrogance, and the pursuit of social justice through double standards have become dominant, ideological and defining. Graduating students gather before the university's Harry Elkins Widener library - APCortizasJr/iStock In the past decade, affirmative action policies a complex and long-standing part of Americas attempts to right some of the wrongs of the past have morphed into Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). DEI is an authoritarian regime that groups people according to hierarchies of perceived oppression, with those considered most victimised (Black and trans people) pitted against the allegedly privileged white people, and scholastically over-achieving groups like Indians, East Asians and Jews. DEI has been embraced as the foundation of all teaching, hiring and socially acceptable behaviour by American universities. The stifling effects of DEI policies on free speech have been well documented, including at Harvard, where students are subjected to mandatory DEI training, which includes vows of fealty to the new laws of subjective gender pronouns and exhaustive lists of disallowed language, such as the question: Where are you from? In June, the Supreme Court ruled against Harvard, finding that it had discriminated against Asian-American applicants. In September, the Foundation of Individual Rights and Expression (Fire) ranked Harvard 254th out of 254 universities and colleges for freedom of speech. Things got a whole lot worse after the Oct 7 Hamas attack on Israel. Harvards disdain for freedom of speech was grotesquely inverted for all to see, with the attacks proving a starting gun for student mobs ostensibly protesting Israels robust response in Gaza to Hamass attack to attack and insult Jews. Some called for Jewish genocide. As has been widely noted in the firestorm since, Harvard is now a place where you can be put on notice for using the wrong gender pronouns, where undergraduates can be chucked out if years-old social media posts deemed racist are unearthed and where there are absolutely no consequences for calling for a second Jewish Holocaust, nor for the the mass disruption of classes with megaphones to chant pro-Palestinian slogans. Pro-Palestinian protesters hand out leaflets near the entrance to Harvard - Steven Senne/AP At the centre of this spectacle of double standards, anti-Semitism, freewheeling vandalism, disruption of learning and the celebration of terrorism is Claudine Gay, the president of Harvard University. Gay a quantitative political scientist of Haitian heritage has shown exacting commitment to the DEI agenda. But when it came to the maelstrom of anti-Semitic disruption that followed Oct 7, Gay was cold, quiet and apparently unconcerned. When congresswoman Elise Stefanik asked her, during the most watched congressional hearings in history, whether a hypothetical call for the genocide of Jewish people would qualify as a violation of Harvards code of conduct, Gay answered that it depend[ed] on the context. Instead of being sacked or resigning, Gay has stayed put. To the disbelief of most of the world, the Harvard board appearing wildly out of touch and craven voted to stand by her. Claudine Gay, before the congressional hearing - AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein The plot has thickened since Gays academic record has come under scrutiny. She has published amazingly little for someone in her role: just 11 peer-reviewed papers, a fraction of what most professors do to keep afloat. And then came the bombshell plagiarism charges, when evidence surfaced of numerous instances where Gays work simply copied or lightly paraphrased the wording and ideas of other scholars without attribution. When students commit plagiarism, they face harsh punishment and discrediting, but Gays duplicatory language as Harvard is calling it has been dismissed and downplayed by colleagues as Right-wing smearing. Except that it isnt: the precise instances of Gays plagiarism have been publicised and verified, and even liberal colleagues of hers are finding it impossible to defend her continued tenure. And still she is in post. This is more than a war of words. Gays stance on pro-Palestine student activity since Oct 7 has caused real harm. Harm that is a moral universe away from the confected micro-aggressions and made up grievances of those whose specialism is policing transphobia and racism. Some angry residents have hired mobile advertisements to voice their feelings - JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP Boaz Barak, an Israeli computer science professor at Harvard, was refused space in The Harvard Crimson student newspaper, so he wrote a blog on his own site, reflecting on the aftermath of Oct 7 at Harvard. One student lost four members of her family; three generations: grandmother, father, and two kids were murdered. The Idan family were the next-door neighbours of another students family. Parents Roee and Smadar were murdered. Their children, Michael (age nine) and Amalya (age six), survived by hiding in a closet for 14 hours. Little three-year-old Avigail ran out and is now a hostage in Gaza. As is well known, he continued, Hamas terrorists killed more than 1,400 Israelis that day. They gunned down hundreds of innocent partiers, raped women, tortured and mutilated their victims. Entire families were slaughtered in their homes. Hamas also took over 200 hostages, including mothers, babies, and the elderly. The same night, more than 30 Harvard student groups issued a statement holding Israel entirely responsible for all unfolding violence without mentioning Hamas at all. Barak was one of 400 academics, led by Steven Pinker, the celebrity Harvard professor of linguistics, to sign a letter against the statement. In response, an anonymous resolution condemning the letter was sent to the Harvard Graduate Student Union and emailed to all the letters writers, including Barak. The resolution rants on about how Israeli apartheid was the root cause of Hamass butchery against Israelis on Oct 7, and without shame or apology states that the goals of some.. in the Free Palestine movement is the total reconquest, total evacuation, or total eradication of the Jews and some pray for Israels destruction by an Iranian nuclear bomb. Several Harvard students lost friends at the Nova festival massacre, but had to face social media comments from peers such as: innocent festival goers line does nothing for me, and they couldnt give a f--- about them. On Sidechat, an anonymous social media app, students posted Let em cook and gotta get them all with the Palestinian flags; one, according to Barak, posted an emoji of a baby with a severed head; another posted that the two Israeli defeats in October (1973 and 2023) make it a great month. And so on. All this has cost Harvard more than $1 billion (0.78bn) as sickened donors have withdrawn their gifts. And still Gay stays on, defended by those who continue to insist that attempts to get her ousted are a racist, Right-wing smear-campaign, and, it is implied by some, the tantrum of the ever-complaining, over-entitled Jews. As one professor I know said in a private email Ive seen, the real victims in all this are Muslim students whose harms, the professor bafflingly claimed, go unreported. The rot goes deeper and wider. Just like The New York Times, Harvard claims to serve the pursuit of truth (its motto is Veritas) while evidence points again and again to the iron grip of vested interests and power hierarchies, which bully out those who dont conform and only selectively respects freedom of speech. Joan Donovan, a leading misinformation researcher at Harvards Kennedy School, claims to have been frozen out of Harvard for her work on Facebook, now Meta, just as Meta head and Harvard graduate Mark Zuckerberg and his wife were pledging $500 million to the university. Donovan had shared the Facebook Papers 22,000 pages of Facebooks internal documents leaked by the whistleblower Frances Haugen, which suggested that Facebook had knowledge that its services were designed in such a way as to cause harm, and chose to profit from this design anyway. Donovan has claimed that her funding was shut down, she was unable to hire people, and that she was targeted in a smear campaign. In a court filing, she says she was silenced in order to protect the interests of high-value donors with obvious and direct ties to Meta/Facebook. Everyone wants the old Harvard back: too much talent and knowledge is going to waste, too much is swirling into nastiness. Last week, Pinker published a five-point plan in The Boston Globe, outlining what Harvard needs to do to save itself. Of five sound recommendations, the most important one is getting rid of DEI policies. It will not be a quick fix, warns Pinker. But its necessary to reverse their tanking credibility or deepening the hole they have dug for themselves. What remains uncertain is whether Harvard will agree. 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. Just one night after a driver hit and killed a person on a busy east Charlotte road on Friday, residents of a senior living community are calling for change. The accident occurred on Dec. 22 around 6 p.m. on Central Avenue and Eastway Drive. According to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, 79-year-old Christopher Columbus Aery was crossing Central Avenue in an area without a crosswalk. Aery, who was wearing dark clothing at the time of the crash, then fell forward into the path of the Kia Rio, which was traveling east on Central Avenue. ALSO READ: East Charlotte road reopens after person was hit, killed by car Resident Berveen Young told veteran crime reporter Glenn Counts she hoped it wasnt a resident. I had his phone number, and I tried to call him, but it didnt work. I hope this is not the person I was thinking about, she said. Unfortunately for Young and the rest of the apartment community, it was her neighbor. While officers with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) have not released the victims name, others told Counts he was a friend to all. Thats a good-hearted person; Im going to the store; you need something, and he stopped and spoke to everyone, Lucielle Davis said. Davis has lived at the complex for seven years and said that at least three residents have been hit by cars while trying to cross Central Avenue to get to the only store within walking distance. Many of the people renting in the complex have to use canes, crutches, walkers, and even wheelchairs to get around. They say that a fair number of drivers dont pay attention to the crosswalk, so using it doesnt guarantee safety. When the light is red, I can go ahead and stop, and they will zoom on by. I wait till I see nothing coming, then I go; it is too dangerous up there, Young said. They got blinking for school zones; ok, this is a senior zone, Davis said, so why cant you put some kind of reduced speed when you come through this neighborhood going down the street? You know, blinking to tell them, Okay, youre speeding; slow down; thats what we need; something like that. Residents say they are looking to speak with their city council representative and then the council itself to see if something can be done to get drivers to slow down. (WATCH BELOW: Pedestrian killed on interstate in west Charlotte) Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 24) The Paranaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) saw its busiest day on Saturday, Dec. 23, with a record-breaking 240,000 people flocking to travel home for the holidays. The count is much higher than the 160,000 logged on Dec. 22, with Filipinos hoping to be back in their provinces ahead of Christmas eve. On Sunday, the foot traffic has relatively eased, although it has remained high with over 103,000 passengers recorded as of 4 p.m. The PITX management expects the Dec. 24 tally to reach 180,000. Officials, meanwhile, earlier said they expect around 1.5 million travelers at airports and another 5.1 million at seaports nationwide this holiday season. A Republican lawmaker has conceded that he messed up after he hurled homophobic and racist abuse at police officers during an arrest for driving under the influence. North Dakota state Representative Nico Rios was pulled over in his vehicle on 15 December after veering in and out of his lane, according to the Associated Press. He was subsequently charged with two misdemeanours of driving while drunk and refusing to provide a chemical test. In the police report, an officer penned that Mr Rios was verbally abusive, homophobic, racially abusive and discriminatory toward him for the entire duration of the incident following roadside testing. Following the incident, the North Dakota Republican posted an apology on X admitting that he had messed up. Nobody is more of a straight shooter than I am, and to put it bluntly I have to say that I messed up, he wrote. Nobody is more of a straight shooter than I am, and to put it bluntly I have to say that I messed up. Below is my official statement. pic.twitter.com/GwQA1zm0gX Rep. Nico Rios (@nico4nd23) December 18, 2023 Mr Rios explained that the arrest transpired after he had had a few too many drinks at a Christmas party, made the mistake of driving home, and received a DUI. The state lawmaker added: Im deeply embarrassed as this is not how I want to represent the people. My terrible decisions that night will not hinder my ability to represent and fight for the people of District 23. I am not a saint, but may God give me the strength to someday become one, he added. The Bismarck Tribune obtained and published the bodycam footage from the incident, confirming the officers report about the abusive language. Bodycam captures him using offensive language Not only were the homophobic slurs clearly audible, but Mr Rios was also heard telling officers that they would regret picking on me because you dont know who ... I am. The lawmaker is also heard making anti-immigration remarks: How many of your ... friends and family members have been ... brutalized and terrorised by ... migrants? Forum News Service first reported on Mr Rios remarks. While being driven in the backseat of the police car, Mr Rios noted the officers accent and asked where he was from. When the officer said he was from England, Mr Rios responded saying: Your country is being taken over by f***ing migrants and refugees. North Dakota state Rep Nico Rios, a Republican, was arrested for a DUI (Williston State Police Dept) Youre arresting me for driving home and people are coming to your country and rape your women. And Im the f***ing bad guy? He is then heard calling the officer a little b***h and motherf***er. Following the incident, North Dakota Republican Party Chairwoman Sandi Sanford told The AP: We are deeply troubled by Rep Rios dangerous decision to drive while intoxicated and his remarks to law enforcement officers. His behaviour does not represent the values of the NDGOP. The states Democratic Party chair labelled Mr Rios remarks as reprehensible. The state lawmaker is slated for a 5 February pretrial conference in municipal court. The Independent has reached out to the Williston Police Department. Republican senators who voted to acquit former President Trump during his second trial after the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol largely say they dont regret their votes years later, as Trump looks like hell be the partys standard-bearer again in 2024. One Republican senator who frequently criticizes Trumps conduct but nevertheless voted to acquit Trump of inciting insurrection said they would have voted the same way if given a second chance after knowing the outcome. The way I look at it is the standard is high because youre undermining the will of the American people, the senator said of Trumps post-Jan. 6 impeachment trial. If you cant meet that threshold, its inappropriate to convict for the purposes for keeping out of office. A second Republican senator often critical of Trump who voted to acquit and requested anonymity to look back in history to reconsider that choice said it was apparent at the time that whatever Republican voted to convict Trump would face a political backlash. The senator said that even if Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) at the time had wanted to rid his party of Trump, it could have cost him his leadership position if he voted to convict. I dont think so, the senator said when asked whether McConnell would have voted differently had he known that Trump would come back to dominate the 2024 GOP presidential primary. I think he would have made the calculated decision that he would not have been able to be leader of the caucus after that. He would have been deciding to be a senior committeeman for the next six years, the senator speculated of his long-time colleague from Kentucky. Former Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) said in a recent interview that he believes many Republicans on Capitol Hill would have voted differently on impeachment and barring Trump from future office if they had known he would resurrect himself politically to win a third nomination for president. I think there are a lot of people in Congress, good friends of mine, who would take [their] vote back if they could because I think a lot of these members of Congress like on the second impeachment they thought Trump was dead. They thought after Jan. 6 he wasnt going to have a comeback, he was dead, he said. But GOP senators who spoke with The Hill didnt lend credence to Ryans arguments, either on or off the record. GOP senators who did vote to impeach Trump say they dont regret their decision. I have no regrets, said Sen. Lisa Murkowski (Alaska), who was one of seven Republican senators who voted to convict Trump on the charge of inciting insurrection in 2021. Her thoughts align with Ryans in that Murkowski suspects some of her GOP colleagues do have regrets about their vote. She marveled at Trumps comeback, noting that many Republicans thought Trump was finished politically after the awful spectacle of Jan. 6, 2021. I think theyre looking at this and [think,] Its like a zombie coming back from the dead. He was political roadkill. Two impeachments and now these indictments four indictments and youre telling me hes the heir apparent? But Murkowski said none of her colleagues who voted to acquit Trump is willing to admit making a mistake, even in private. Nobodys saying it out loud. But, again, I certainly have no regrets, she said, noting that Ryan, the former Speaker, is a smart guy and he was around a lot of people who kind of walked the plank for Donald Trump. The party would be in a lot better shape if he were not the prospective nominee and right now thats the way it looks. Maybe Nikki Haley can do a miracle, Murkowski said, referring to the former South Carolina governor who is narrowing Trumps lead in New Hampshire ahead of its primary contest. Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah), who voted to convict and remove Trump from office after his first and second impeachment trials, chuckled about Ryans claim that many Republicans wish they had a do-over on their impeachment vote. I love Paul, he has a source of information I dont. Im not going to confirm or deny. I dont have any question about my vote. No one has come to me and said, I wish I had a different vote, he said. Instead, Romney said colleagues have told him they respect someone who votes their conscience. I wish everybody would have voted [as] I did on almost everything, including impeachment, he said. Theres no question the Republican Party would be better off without Donald Trump. Were a populist party now which is fueled by resentment and anger, and thats a dead-end street. McConnell told colleagues a week after the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol that he was open to convicting Trump. I have not made a final decision on how I will vote and I intend to listen to the legal arguments when they are presented to the Senate after the House voted 232-197 to impeach Trump. In the end, he voted to acquit, though he gave a scathing floor address about Trump, and their relationship has never been friendly since Trump left the White House. McConnell in the Feb. 13 address said there was no question that Trump was practically and morally responsible for the attack on the Capitol. The first GOP senator who spoke to The Hill about the vote to acquit acknowledged harboring serious concerns about Trumps influence on the Republican Party but insisted it would have been inappropriate to take the question of Trumps return to power out of voters hands. A problem with todays world is people want the result that they want and the process is irrelevant and thats a problem because the process is what defends our freedoms and liberties, the senator said. But the lawmaker acknowledged there was widespread discussion among GOP senators at the time of Trumps second impeachment trial about the political benefit of banning Trump from federal office forever. That pitch was made at the time of the vote: We got to keep this guy from serving again, the senator recalled. Are there people who would be wishing this would be different? Sure. Flash forward to December 2023, and there are many Senate Republicans, including members of the leadership, who hold concerns about Trumps viability as a general election candidate and his impact on Senate races, given his track record of alienating moderate Republican and college-educated women voters. With Trump crushing the rest of the Republican presidential primary field, Republican senators acknowledge he is likely to win the nomination but many of them think the party would have a better chance of defeating President Biden with another nominee, such as Haley, who polls better than Trump in a matchup against Biden. Trump created new political headaches for GOP leaders in Washington this month when he declared that immigrants are poisoning the blood of our country and approvingly quoted Russian President Vladimir Putins claim that the American political system is rotten. McConnell and Senate Minority Whip John Thune (R-S.D.) slapped down Trumps comments about immigrants and were silent after the Colorado Supreme Court barred him from the 2024 ballot for supporting insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021. McConnell said after the 2022 midterm election that the GOP brand turned off centrists and moderate Republicans who looked at us and concluded: Too much chaos, too much negativity. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), a member of the Senate GOP leadership team, said in May that Trumps time has passed him by and Republicans need a candidate who can actually win. The two other Republican senators still in Congress who voted to convict Trump and bar him from ever running again for president Sens. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) said they stand by their votes. Asked if the party would be better without Trump, Cassidy said: What basically youre asking me is did I think he should be impeached and I did. That speaks for itself. Collins said she heard about Ryans comments but didnt read what he said exactly. I made my decision based on the evidence presented at the trial and that was the only basis for it. Ive not heard anyone second guess his or her decision on this, she said. I have a lot of respect for Paul Ryan. In 2016, I wrote him in for president. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Former Vice President Al Gore on Sunday argued grassroots pressure is a critical element in curbing climate change in the coming year. It sounds dire, but it is dire, Gore said Sunday during CNNs State of the Union special episode, A Climate Warning. But again, the good news is we can reclaim control of our destiny if we summon up the political will and the courage and the moral courage to do it, Gore said. Quoting Jean-Claude Juncker, the former president of the European Commission, Gore said, We all know what to do, we just dont know how to be reelected if we do it. Well, this is why grassroots pressure from people who understand how high the stakes are is the crucial element, he continued. Gore, a longtime climate activist and former U.S. senator from Tennessee, ran unsuccessfully for the White House as the Democratic nominee in 2000. He later founded the Climate Reality Project, a nonprofit organization that is working to end the climate crisis, in 2005. Gore on Sunday said people are rising up and demanding action, pointing to a recent CNN poll that found 73 percent of U.S. adults said the federal government should develop its climate policies with the intention of slashing the countrys warming pollution in half by the end of the decade. We just have to break the political power that the fossil fuel industry exerted with its fixers and its lobbyists and its bags of money and its revolving-door colleagues, Gore said. Discussing record deadly heat waves, catastrophic floods, devastating wildfires and powerful storms, CNN anchor Jake Tapper asked Gore what he believes 2024 will look like. Heres the good news if we stop adding to the overburden of these greenhouse gas pollutants in the sky, if we reach what they call true net zero and stop adding to the heat-trapping capacity up there, the temperatures will stop going up right away, Gore said. Gore added these goals can be achieved if the greed and political power of big fossil fuel polluters can be overcome. Its time for people at the grassroots level in every country to speak up, Gore said. We need to break through this blockade that the fossil fuel industry and the big petrostates have been using to block this process. Gore argued the United Nations Conference of Parties (COP) process also needs be reformed with regards to its need for a unanimous consensus. If the president at COP decides that they dont see any objections, then he declares theres a consensus, and thats why its so important that that person whos in charge of the process not have a direct conflict of interest, Gore said. We have to make a decision to get past fossil fuels and start accelerating the shift over to renewable energy and efficiency. Gore earlier this month spoke out against the decision to make Sultan Ahmed al-Jaber, CEO of the United Arb Emiratess national oil and gas company, the host of the COP28 climate summit held earlier this month. They are abusing the publics trust by naming the CEO of one of the largest and least responsible oil companies in the world as head of the COP, Gore told Reuters in an interview at the conference in Dubai. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) on Sunday said he would not support funding toward a future Palestinian state that would be run in part by either the militant group Hamas or the Palestinian Authority after Israels war with Hamas ends. Heres what I want the world to know: If Hamas is still standing when this is over, we have failed as a world community, Graham said on ABC Newss This Week. I would not invest 15 cents in a future Palestine if Hamas is still standing. And I wouldnt invest 15 cents into the Palestinian Authority. Regarding a new Palestine, [President Mahmoud Abbass] Palestinian Authority is dead to me, he said, adding that the the Palestinian Authority (PA) is corrupt in the eyes of its own people. Adding that the destruction of Hamas is nonnegotiable, Graham said one would be insane to invest in the Palestinian people if Hamas is still standing. I will not send one dime of American aid if Hamas is still standing. If you put the PA in charge of the Gaza Strip and West Bank, no money coming from me, he continued. The U.S. has expressed support for the reformation of the PA to allow it to take over Gaza once fighting between Israel and Hamas ends. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minster Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to block any attempt to install the PA in Gaza in a postwar setting. Graham has been a vocal supporter of Israels right to defend itself against Hamas following the militant groups Oct. 7 deadly incursion into Israel that killed about 1,200 people. Israels retaliatory campaign in Gaza has included airstrikes, bombings and ramped-up ground attacks that have left more than 20,000 people dead, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Asked if he is concerned about whether Israel is doing enough to mitigate civilian casualties, Graham said, Well, youve got to remember Hamas wants to up the casualties of their own people. Theyre using the Palestinian people as human shields. So I blame the death of all these Palestinians on Hamas, but Israel is trying to mitigate casualties, Graham said, adding more humanitarian aid is needed for Gaza as long as it doesnt go into the hands of Hamas. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Puds the Guide Dogs mother has given birth to a litter of nine puppies, which will be trained to become guide dogs themselves A Guide Dogs mother has given birth to a litter of nine puppies just in time for Christmas. Puds, a four-year-old golden retriever, delivered five girls and four boys at home in Northamptonshire on 7 December. When the puppies reach 14 months old, they will train to become qualified guide dogs in 2025 to help visually-impaired people. Janine Dixon, head of breeding operations at Guide Dogs, said the pups had been named "the puddings" for now. She added: "It's fitting that Puds has had her babies in time for Christmas. "There are now nine more future guide dogs in the world, which is a lovely thing to celebrate at this time of year." The new puppies inherited their colouring from their father, German shepherd Shadow Thanks to their father, a German shepherd named Shadow, the puppies have distinctive black fur in contrast to their mother's sandy brown coat, with one young puppy sporting a white tail tip. The litter will stay with their mother at home and be cared for by a Guide Dogs volunteer for eight weeks, before they travel to individual puppy raisers all over the UK in February. They will stay with raisers for a further 12 months before they undertake training on what it takes to become a guide dog. The process to fully train the puppies as guide dogs will begin when they are 14 months' old The puppy raisers will take the dogs on trains and buses and in restaurants and shops so they become accustomed to remaining calm and confident in a variety of situations. Ms Dixon said: "At Guide Dogs, we wouldn't be able to do our work without help from volunteer Breeding Dog Holders, who look after fantastic mums like Puds and help give these very important puppies the very best start in life." Follow East of England news on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a story? Email eastofenglandnews@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp 0800 169 1830 HMS Trent, an offshore patrol vessel, will take part in exercises off the coast of Guyana The UK is preparing to send a warship to Guyana in a show of diplomatic and military support for the former British colony, the BBC has learned. It comes after neighbouring Venezuela renewed its claim for a disputed part of Guyanese territory that is rich in oil and minerals. The Ministry of Defence confirmed HMS Trent would take part in joint exercises after Christmas. Guyana, a Commonwealth member, is South America's only English-speaking nation. HMS Trent - an offshore patrol vessel - had been deployed to the Caribbean to search for drug smugglers but was re-tasked after Venezuela's government threatened to annex the Essequibo region of Guyana earlier this month. This raised fears that Venezuela might invade and spark the first interstate war in South America since the Falklands Conflict in 1982. Venezuela has long claimed ownership of Essequibo, a 61,000 square mile region which comprises about two-thirds of Guyana. Its hills and jungles are rich in gold, diamonds and bauxite, while huge oil deposits have been found off its coast. Map of contested region of Essequibo While Guyana's economy is growing fast, Venezuela's is suffering. Nicolas Maduro, the president of Venezuela, staged a referendum on 3 December to assert popular support for his country's claim to Essequibo. The result was widely challenged and disputed but he nonetheless published new maps and legislation showing Essequibo as part of Venezuela, named a new governor and offered identity cards to those living in the sparsely populated region. He has also ordered the state oil company to issue extraction licences. Mr Maduro has subsequently met Guyana's President, Irfaan Ali, and agreed not to use force, but he has maintained his territorial claim and both sides are still at odds over how the border dispute could be settled legally. This week the Lloyd's insurance market in London added Guyana to its list of riskiest shipping zones. A Ministry of Defence spokesperson told the BBC: "HMS Trent will visit regional ally and Commonwealth partner Guyana later this month as part of a series of engagements in the region during her Atlantic Patrol Task deployment." HMS Trent has a crew of 65, a top speed of 24 knots and a range of 5,000 nautical miles. It is armed with 30mm cannon and a contingent of Royal Marines. It can also deploy Merlin helicopters and unmanned aircraft. HMS Trent left its home port of Gibraltar in early December and is currently alongside in Bridgetown, Barbados for Christmas. The warship is expected to anchor off the capital of Guyana, Georgetown, and conduct visits, joint activities and training with the country's navy and other allies. It cannot go alongside because the port is too shallow. The vessel is mainly used for tackling piracy and smuggling, protecting fisheries, counterterrorism, providing humanitarian aid, and search and rescue operations, but the Royal Navy says it is also designed for border patrols and defence diplomacy. The decision to send HMS Trent to Guyana is part of a growing UK effort to show international diplomatic support for Guyana. Irfaan Ali, President of Guyana (left), and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro have agreed not to use force but tensions remain This week the Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron said the UK would "continue to work with partners in the region to ensure the territorial integrity of Guyana is upheld and prevent escalation". David Rutley, the Foreign Office Minister for the Americas, visited Georgetown on 18 December, the first G7 representative to do so since Venezuela renewed its claim. He promised Guyana the UK's "unequivocal backing" and welcomed Venezuela's promise to avoid using force. Mr Rutley continued: "The border issue has been settled for over 120 years. Sovereign borders must be respected wherever they are in the world. "The UK will continue to work with partners in the region, as well as through international bodies, to ensure the territorial integrity of Guyana is upheld." Venezuela's Foreign Minister, Yvan Gil, criticised the visit, accusing the UK of destabilising the region. In a post on X - formerly Twitter - he said: "The former invading and enslaving empire, which illegally occupied the territory of Guayana Esequiba and acted in a skilful and sneaky manner against the interests of Venezuela, insists on intervening in a territorial controversy that they themselves generated." Venezuela disputes the border which was established under an international agreement in 1899. Guyana was formerly known as British Guiana before it secured its independence in 1966. Statement: Weve had more Americans die of fentanyl than (in) the Iraq, Afghanistan and Vietnam wars combined. Haley ATKINSON, N.H. Addressing a conference room full of New Hampshire voters, Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley shared a grave statistic about the synthetic opioid fentanyl. "Weve had more Americans die of fentanyl than (in) the Iraq, Afghanistan and Vietnam wars combined," the former South Carolina governor said Dec. 14 at the Atkinson Resort and Country Club. Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid. It is used legally in pharmaceuticals, but most deaths are connected to its illegal manufacture and distribution. Small amounts can be lethal. The opioid factored in nearly 400 New Hampshire deaths in 2022, numbers from New Hampshires chief medical examiner show. The states high rate of opioid-related deaths has been a leading public health concern for several years, just as national overdose deaths have also climbed. Federal data shows Haleys math is accurate when measuring national fentanyl deaths against U.S. military deaths. About 127,000 Americans died of drug overdoses involving a synthetic opioid other than methadone (primarily fentanyl) in 2020 and 2021 alone, compared with 65,278 U.S. military deaths in Iraq, Afghanistan and Vietnam. Although public officials have long compared drug deaths with war fatalities, U.S. health officials approach addiction issues as public health matters and typically compare opioid deaths with deaths from other public health causes. Military and drug overdose deaths Military data from the Defense Departments Defense Casualty Analysis System shows that 65,278 people died during the three conflicts when counting hostile battles and other nonhostile, in-theater situations. These figures include deaths from accidents, illness, injury and self-inflicted causes. In 2021 alone, the National Center for Health Statistics reported more than 106,000 drug overdose deaths. Of those, 70,601 involved synthetic opioids other than methadone. Fentanyl overdoses are not specifically separated, but the agencys reports say that the deaths in this category are primarily because of fentanyl.That was up from 2020, when 56,516 people died from drug overdoses involving synthetic opioids other than methadone. With just a few years' worth of data, it is clear that the fentanyl death toll surpasses the wartime death toll Haley specified. We have seen this war death comparison before This is not the first time we have seen war deaths used to illustrate a public health issues direness. Politicians and TV commentators have used military conflicts to illustrate the toll of gun violence, and more recently President Joe Biden used them to quantify deaths from COVID-19. Drugs-and-war parallels have been hard to avoid since 1971, when President Richard Nixon declared a "war" on illegal drugs. "Comparing deaths linked to public health crises to war deaths, and especially the Vietnam War, is a pretty common thing," said David Herzberg, a drug historian and professor at the University at Buffalo. "And on its face it is a reasonable strategy for conveying gravity," or seriousness of a crisis. Fentanyl has taken a deadly toll , especially on younger adults. A Washington Post analysis found that fentanyl overdoses are the leading cause of death for American adults ages 18 to 49. Drug overdose deaths are counted among the entire U.S. population of more than 330 million people; casualties of soldiers occur within a smaller population, so deaths will never surpass the number of people who serve in a given conflict. For Vietnam, that was about 2.7 million, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs.But experts such as David Luckey, a senior international and defense researcher at the Rand Corp., a global policy think tank, said this sort of comparison can "show the scope of this problem" and put the scale of the illicit fentanyl crisis in a perspective that people can understand. Comparing the fentanyl death toll to other public health crises such as heart attacks or car accidents, "would technically be more accurate," said Herzberg, "but might not get the idea across because the public may not know whether those other things are really big problems or not so they arent as useful as a benchmark." The CDC counts drug overdose deaths in the category of "accidents (unintentional injuries)." In 2021, heart disease, cancer and COVID-19 claimed more lives than those who died in accidents. The CDC reported that 695,547 died of heart disease, 605,213 of cancer and 416,893 of COVID-19. The overall death count for accidents was 224,935, of which opioid deaths made up a major portion. Fentanyl as a Chinese threat Haleys other comments hint at why shes invoking war numbers. She said fentanyl deaths are among many reasons she believes China is the United States leading national security threat. "China has been preparing for war with us for years," Haley said. China was the primary source of illicit fentanyl early in the U.S. opioid epidemic, we found. But when the Chinese government banned fentanyl production in 2019, producers switched tactics. A 2022 Congressional Research Service report found that Chinese traffickers no longer send fentanyl directly to the U.S. Instead, chemists send the materials to Mexican criminal organizations, which produce the fentanyl. Data shows that the vast majority of people sentenced for fentanyl trafficking are U.S. citizens. Our ruling Haley said, "Weve had more Americans die of fentanyl than (in) the Iraq, Afghanistan and Vietnam wars combined." Her numbers are right. About 127,000 Americans died of drug overdoses involving a synthetic opioid other than methadone (primarily fentanyl) in 2020 and 2021 compared with 65,278 U.S. military deaths in Iraq, Afghanistan and Vietnam. We rate this claim True. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: PolitiFact: Fentanyl deaths top those from 3 wars combined I divorced when my twin sons were three years old. I agreed to forgo access on Christmas Day as part of the custody arrangement. It's been 14 years since I last spent Christmas Day with my children. When my twin sons were three years old 14 years ago, I divorced their mother. With such young children, the divorce wasn't easy. The negotiations over a financial settlement and custody arrangements were long and draining. I'm Jewish and had never had much interest in Christmas, so in exchange for gaining access on other days, I agreed my sons could spend Christmas Day each year with their Christian mother. At the time, I thought it was a good deal for both of us. My first Christmas without them felt like a normal day The first Christmas I spent away from my children was in 2010, and it felt like any other day. One of my recently divorced friends was also Jewish, so we spent the day playing golf and drinking beer. It felt like a regular weekend day, and we agreed to do the same thing every year. However, by the next Christmas in 2011, he had found a new partner and spent the day with her family. Ash Jurberg and his twins celebrating Christmas before his divorce. Courtesy of Ash Jurberg Despite being invited to spend time with friends, I declined. All my friends were spending time with their children on the day, and I was by myself at home. I felt jealous and angry that I couldn't see my children and didn't want to see anybody. For the first time, I felt very alone on Christmas, and for the next couple of years, I worked on Christmas Day to keep myself busy. I distracted myself by undertaking mundane office tasks and drowned out the holiday that others were celebrating. A few years later, I found a way to enjoy Christmas again In 2014, on a business trip to the US, I met Cece. We dated long-distance for a while before she moved to Australia to be with me. Cece had grown up Catholic, and Christmas was her favorite time of the year. That year was the first time in a while I enjoyed Christmas. Once again, I had a Christmas tree in my home, and the festive spirit made me much happier. We celebrated Christmas with my sons on December 22, and the time was special. The holiday season felt real to me once more. Cecilia with Ash's sons during her first Christmas in Australia. December 2014. Courtesy of Ash Jurberg Now that I had a new long-term partner, we started developing traditions to make the holiday special even though we didn't spend Christmas Day with our kids. We would decorate our Christmas tree early, prepare special meals throughout December, and create family games and activities. We effectively made the entire first two weeks of December feel like Christmas Day in our home. I think they enjoy celebrating such an extended Christmas. A few days before Christmas, Cece and I fly to the United States to spend the holiday with her family. Every year, I have asked my ex-wife if the boys can come with us, but she has said no. I realize I agreed to let her have them for Christmas when we divorced, but I also wished she'd reconsider this part of our agreement for a few of their adolescent years; I feel like I've missed memories I can't get back. The author's sons with Cece and their dog decorating the Christmas tree in 2019. Courtesy of Ash Jurberg I am hoping Christmas 2024 will be the best one yet for us My sons turn 18 next year and officially become adults. This year, as always, I asked my ex-wife if I could spend Christmas with my children, but while she still declined, her response was slightly different. She reminded me that as they will be adults next year, my sons can decide for themselves what they want to do on Christmas Day. Now, I know what my Christmas wish for this year will be. I'll be thinking of next year and hoping my boys will want to spend the day with me for the first time in 15 years. Read the original article on Business Insider What was making news in our area during this week in years past? The History Museum offers these newspaper excerpts to give you an idea. Dec. 24, 1900: Several members of the common council of Niles arrived in the city this morning to inspect the street railway system. They were met at the Michigan Central railway station by General Manager J. McM. Smith, of the Indiana Railway company, and escorted to the companys power house. The South Bend Tribune Dec. 25, 1910: No newspaper Dec. 26, 1926: Interstate Stages, Inc., operators of the orange and black Oriole motor stages, have announced the inauguration of local service on its route from Detroit to South Bend and Chicago. Now that road M-23, the old Chicago turnpike, has been opened as a completely paved highway, the company announces that it will make all local stops along its route with the exception of that no tickets will be sold reading from Allen, Mich., to Ypsilanti, Mich., and vice versa. The South Bend Tribune Dec. 27, 1938: The South Bend News-Times announces this afternoon in a front page editorial that todays issue is the last. In that editorial headed 30 Joseph M. Stephenson, president and editor, says: In the newspaper profession 30 means the end. The News-Times will suspend publication with its last issue today. The South Bend Tribune Dec. 28, 1943: The current collection of waste paper in South Bend will be extended through Wednesday,John S. Buczkowski, salvage director of the civilian defense corps, announced today. The collection was planned primarily to gather the tons of paper and cardboard used in wrapping Christmas gifts. The South Bend Tribune Dec. 29, 1953: The sales of three houses and two auto garages at a public auction Monday afternoon netted the St. Joseph County Airport $2,190. The South Bend Tribune Dec. 30, 1963: The $600,000 Medical Arts Bldg., which will dominate the Mishawaka medical center, will be ready for occupancy on or about Jan. 15, it was announced today. The South Bend Tribune This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: 1938: Final Number of News-Times in South Bend Paddington station in London was deserted today as a result of engineering works High winds have led to warnings of road and rail disruption in parts of the UK on Christmas Eve. While Sunday has been unseasonably mild for many, forecasters also spoke of strong gusts in Scotland, parts of northern England and the Midlands. The AA warned of "lengthy" traffic jams, and told people to prepare for longer journeys. Met Office yellow weather warnings are in place for parts of the UK. Rail disruption is anticipated in some areas - due to weather-related cancellations as well as major engineering works at Paddington and King's Cross stations in London. A number of train operators were also expecting crew shortages due to sickness, which could lead to the cancellation of trains, National Rail said. Sunday morning saw a mild start to Christmas Eve, with the Met Office later declaring it the warmest 24 December since 1997. There had been speculation it could be the warmest day-before-Christmas ever. Although temperatures near Heathrow in west London reached 15.3C, the threshold was not quite met. The warmest 24 December on record was in 1931, when 15.5C was recorded in Aberdeen and Banff in Scotland. Despite unseasonably mild conditions, the unsettled weather could still disrupt any remaining pre-Christmas travel plans. A yellow weather warning for wind stretching down eastern England from the Scottish border to the Midlands is in place until 22:00 GMT. A separate wind warning covers most of Scotland until midnight. The Met Office has said people in those areas should expect travel disruption, damage to buildings and power cuts, while the rest of the country could see showers. Heavy rain is expected in northern and central Wales until early evening. The Severn Bridge in Gloucestershire was closed in both directions on Sunday afternoon due to strong winds. The Humber Bridge in East Yorkshire was also closed to high-sided vehicles. The RAC has advised motorists to travel before 11:00 or after 18:00 if possible to reduce the chances of being stuck in long queues. Edmund King, from the AA, said people should expect delays, and urged people to prepare supplies including food and jackets. "Check your tyre pressure, check your oil, check your windscreen washer fluid," he said. The expected rail disruption across the UK included: From Sunday, London's Paddington Station is closed for four days, while there will also be no long-distance train services from King's Cross West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway said they were expecting disruption due to "the combined impact of a surge in sickness absence, associated shortage of train crew and the impact of the recent storms across our network" ScotRail said weather-related disruption to some routes was expected until the end of Sunday Northern said it was operating reduced services across the north-west "due to traincrew unavailability", adding it was expecting "significant" disruption Chiltern Railways advised passengers to travel as early as possible and to anticipate some cancellations and alterations due to a "shortage of available train crew" The East Coast Main Line was expected to be disrupted between Newcastle and Edinburgh until 16:00 GMT due to damage to overhead electric wires There have already been travel delays this week, with strikes in France causing cancellations on the Eurostar and Storm Pia also leading to disruption. Meanwhile, an expected increase in the number of people shopping this Christmas has been recorded, with retail analysts MRI forecasting a 5% rise in shops across the UK. The figures were compared to the same time, up until 12:00, last Sunday. Retail parks and shopping centres have seen the most dramatic increase in shoppers - 21% and 17% respectively. MRI suggested this was due to people "making the most of large car parks and multiple stores in one location" while making their last purchases before Christmas Day. Banner saying 'Get in touch' Are you impacted by travel disruption this Christmas? Get in touch by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk. Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also get in touch in the following ways: If you are reading this page and can't see the form you will need to visit the mobile version of the BBC website to submit your question or comment or you can email us at HaveYourSay@bbc.co.uk. Please include your name, age and location with any submission. (CNN) A chemical tanker operating in the Indian Ocean was struck by an Iranian attack drone Saturday, a US Department of Defense official said, the seventh Iranian attack on commercial shipping since 2021. The motor vessel CHEM PLUTO, a Liberia-flagged, Japanese-owned, and Netherlands-operated chemical tanker was struck at approximately 10 a.m. local time (6 a.m. Greenwich Mean Time) today in the Indian Ocean, 200 nautical miles from the coast of India, by a one-way attack drone fired from Iran, the official said in a statement. A one-way attack drone is designed to impact its target rather than return to its origin. There were no casualties and a fire on board the tanker has been extinguished, the defense official said. No US Navy vessels were in the vicinity, the statement said, adding Naval Forces Central Command was communicating with the struck vessel. Indias coast guard said there were 20 Indian crew members, and one Vietnamese, on board at the time of the attack. However, it added that no casualties had been reported. It said it had dispatched a patrol vessel and a maritime surveillance aircraft after establishing communication with the vessel. After conducting damage assessment and repairs on its power generation systems, MV Chem Pluto had started making its way toward Mumbai while being escorted by the patrol vessel, the coast guard said. The ship left Saudi Arabia on December 19 and was expected to arrive in Indias southwestern port city of Mangalore on December 25. The strike in the Indian Ocean comes as Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have launched more than 100 attacks against about a dozen commercial and merchant ships transiting the Red Sea over the past four weeks, CNN previously reported. US Central Command reported more such incidents in a statement on social media Saturday. A crude oil tanker was hit by a one-way attack drone Saturday. There were no injuries, Central Command said. A separate chemical tanker operating in the southern Red Sea reported a near miss Saturday from a one-way drone, the command said. Also, two anti-ship ballistic missiles were fired into the southern Red Sea from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen but did not hit any vessels, the statement said, and the USS Laboon, a Navy destroyer, shot down four aerial drones that were heading toward it. While there have been recurring attacks originating from Yemen, Saturdays strike in the Indian Ocean involving a drone the US says originated from Iran may mark a new escalation in tensions. The US on Friday released newly declassified intelligence that suggests Iran has been deeply involved in planning the operations against commercial vessels in the Red Sea, National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson told CNN. The newly declassified intelligence suggests that Iranian support throughout the Gaza crisis has enabled the Houthis to launch attacks against Israel and maritime targets, though Iran has often deferred operational decision-making authority to the Houthis, Watson said. The US this week launched Operation Prosperity Guardian, a maritime coalition aimed at beefing up security in the southern Red Sea. More than 20 nations have signed on to the initiative so far, the Pentagon said Thursday. Many families will be buying their children new tablets or maybe their first cellphones this holiday season. The kids will love it, but there is growing concern among health experts on the impact that screens and online activity has on young, developing minds. Theres also a growing body of advice on how to encourage healthy use of electronics. The Hill spoke with child psychiatry expert Dr. Erin Belfort about the issue and rounded up guidance from across government and academia for a holiday guide to one of parents most vexing challenges. Heres what we know: Quantity and quality both matter The surgeon general this year issued an advisory on social media use and the risk it poses to youth mental health. The advisory noted studies linking prolonged social media use more than 3 hours a day to worsening mental health outcomes. And surveys suggest teens spend significantly more than that online, eight-and-a-half hours a day on average. Guidance from groups such as the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) has recommended limiting screen time to a set number of hours, especially for young children, but the quality of what theyre consuming during that time should also be considered. The American Academy of Pediatrics used to have a sort of magical number. It was like two hours a day of screen time, and I think they and all of us have realized that that number is a little bit arbitrary, said Belfort, who is chair of the AACAPs Media Committee. The emphasis has, I think, really shifted away from quantity and more about quality of screen time. When counseling families, Belfort says she advises parents to strongly consider what they feel is developmentally appropriate for their children. The AACAPs guidance on screen time recommends limiting what type of content children can view based on their age. For children less than 18 months old, the group recommends limiting their screen time to video chats with an adult. For children younger than 5 years old, the AACAP encourages an emphasis on education content over non-education screen time. Their first cellphone shouldnt be a surprise Nowadays, most children can expect to receive their first cellphone sometime in middle school or earlier. And while parents may feel pressured to give their children the same products their friends have, peer pressure shouldnt be a factor in making that decision. The kid needs to be able to have thoughtful, reasonable conversations about, you know, who owns the device. Who pays for it? Belfort said. Where is it allowed to be in the house and at what time? What is the child allowed to be doing on the phone? You know, all of those kinds of agreements really need to happen before the phone is purchased. In AACAP guidance published last month and co-written by Belfort, its recommended that parents consider a simpler device without access to the internet for their childs first cellphone, noting smartphone use in elementary schools has been linked to increased involvement in bullying and cyberbullying. The guidance further notes there is no evidence that waiting to get a phone is harmful to children. If your child cannot discuss the rules calmly and maturely, then they are probably not ready for their own cell phone, the guidance states. Yes, kids should occasionally put the phone down In 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a set of guidelines for healthy development among children and adolescents in regard to physical and sedentary activity. Evidence indicates that greater time spent in sedentary behavior, especially recreational screen time, is related to poorer health outcomes, the guidelines stated. For example, higher duration of screen time (including television viewing) is associated with poorer fitness and cardiometabolic health in children and adolescents. For children aged between 5 and 17 years old, the WHO recommends they engage in at least an hour of some type of physical activity of moderate- to vigorous-intensity daily. The WHO also recommends that children and adolescents limit their amount of recreational screen time, with the organization citing research indicating a possible link between screen time and poorer mental health outcomes, negative impacts on pro-social behavior and shorter durations of sleep. The group acknowledged, however, that the evidence is of low-certainty and there isnt currently enough information to provide a specific time limit on this type of sedentary behavior. Its not all bad Screen time and cellphone use have been observed to have some benefits as well. The advent of smartphones has been correlated with a reduction in risk behaviors among adolescents. Since the iPhone was released various kinds of risk behaviors among youth have actually declined, Belfort noted. So, kids are driving less, theyre less sexually active, overall less kind of substance use. Some of the kind of like bad things we worried about like teenage pregnancy, motor vehicle accidents, drunk driving some of those things have actually declined quite a lot. According to Belfort, the theory behind this phenomenon is that kids are simply devoting more of their time to online activities instead of risky behaviors that were more common in the past. However, she is quick to note that correlation is not causation. Apart from a possible link to reducing risky behaviors, being online provides kids an opportunity to connect with communities kids might not otherwise have access to. Theres some nice data for LGBTQ kids and for racial and ethnic minority kids that finding community, finding people who look like them and have shared or lived experiences is really a powerful source of community for kids who can otherwise feel isolated, Belfort said. Sins of the father (or mother) If parents are concerned by what their children are seeing online or how much time they spend glued to a screen, its important that they model the behavior they want to see. What I hear from kids a lot is, You know, my parents tell me to get off my phone, but theyre always on their own phone, even at the dinner table, Belfort said. So, I think all of us need to just reexamine our relationship with tech and social media. The American Academy of Pediatrics puts out an annual Family Media Plan guide that applies to all members of the family. The plan allows families to track how much time they spend online as well as establish what their media priorities are. The interactive plan also emphasizes screen-free times and screen-free zones, with tips and explanations that parents can use when establishing these boundaries. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Advent has crept in quietly this year in the Holy Land. It has been stripped away from the usual trappings of Christmas, which normally are impossible to resist either here in Jerusalem or anywhere else in the world. It might please the Advent purists if the reason for the somber mood were not the unutterably awful events from Oct. 7 in Israel and every day since in Gaza. In some traditions, the great Advent themes are death, judgment, heaven and hell. This has become too grim for some churches, but for us in Palestine, we feel we have actually been living in these themes for the past weeks. According to this Advent pattern, the joy of Christmas bursts into our contemplation of these Last Things and envelops them with the love and peace of the Incarnation. In the Holy Land, we are going to struggle to get to the joyous part. Read more: Opinion: Palestinian Christians are losing loved ones in Israel's bombing in Gaza. Where's the outcry from Western Christian communities? On any other Christmas this would not be a problem. To be in the Basilica of the Nativity in the Chapel of St. George for a service of lessons and carols on Christmas Eve is one of the most beautiful experiences imaginable. We gather together singing O Little Town of Bethlehem in that very place; normally, it is not difficult to feel the joy of that moment. When our voices raise, Sing through all Jerusalem: Christ is born in Bethlehem in our cathedral in the Holy City, we feel a tingle of Christmas excitement. But this year it is different. This year our land is grieving and in deep pain, and we are fearful for what the future holds. The daily bombing of Gaza and the terrible death toll of children, women and men has cast a very dark shadow. The atrocities of Oct. 7 at the Nova music festival and the nightmares that played out in Kibbutz Beeri leave a stain of deep pain on the Holy Land and its peoples. It is as if a gray pall hangs over the cities and towns of these lands that were once made holy for people of faith by the God-revealing events that took place in them throughout history. These events are not only Jesus birth, life, death and resurrection but also include the prophets who foretold and the patriarchs and matriarchs who created a foundation for the whole history of salvation, which culminated in Jesus birth in Bethlehem. Read more: Op-Ed: As a nonbeliever, I tried to teach my kids the real meaning of Christmas With our world tarnished by such suffering, how can we celebrate this year with the usual Christmas joy? The heads of the churches in Jerusalem rightly canceled the festivities and parties in which we usually indulge. Instead, we have tried to focus on the spiritual core of Advent and its attentive waiting for the promised Messiah, but we have been weeping and raging, and it has been hard to focus on hope when despair knocks at our door. But wait, we should revisit this familiar story of the babe born in a stable in the little town. Christmas categorically is not just for the children: new toys, Christmas lights, gut-busting meals and little lord Jesus asleep on the hay. This is actually a history-story that can bear the weight of the worlds grief and pain, as it can also bear the weight of whatever sadness in our personal lives we live with today. It can bear the weight because the story itself is soaked in trauma and framed by people and events every bit as fearful as our own. Read more: Opinion: Palestine deserves to be free. Israel deserves to exist. How do we give peace better PR? Herods most notorious act was to massacre the innocent children of Bethlehem to avoid a rival child growing up to displace him. The holy family fled as refugees to Egypt. Yes, this is a story with all the turmoil, pain and jeopardy that we have been feeling these past months. The story of the birth of the Messiah can contain our darkest feelings of fear, anger and sadness, because it is drenched in them too. It can bear the weight because Jesus, born in Bethlehem, is the presence of God in the midst of the realities of life and not some Disney fantasy of life as we might wish it could be. Jesus came as the prince of peace, in marked contrast to the Pax Romana established by Emperor Augustus. Jesus came as Immanuel, God with us in a world that believed that God was distant and detached from the muck and grime of everyday life. Our friend, Rev. Munther Isaac, a Lutheran pastor in Bethlehem, has powerfully proposed the idea that Jesus is born this Christmas not in a stable in Bethlehem, but among the wreckage of war in Gaza. God is under the rubble, he has proclaimed . Read more: Opinion: Here's what the mass violence in Gaza looks like to a scholar of genocide The Christmas story tells us that God is with us, our comfort and our strength whatever trials and tragedies befall us, contending with us against all that is evil. This is a message for the people of Gaza in the depths of their suffering. It is for the families and friends of the hostages in Israel. It is for the Palestinian villagers fearing for their safety and their livelihoods in the West Bank. It is for the victims of antisemitism and Islamophobia everywhere in the world. It is a warning to those who exercise their power to oppress others, and it is a warning to those whose violence causes death and suffering. The Christmas message of hope and peace defies all of those former things. It is down to each of us to discover how the message of Christmas will be lived out in our lives. Christmas joy may feel a long way off in the Holy Land, but even a distant murmur of it can make the difference our hearts crave. The Very Revd Canon Richard Sewell is dean of St. Georges College Jerusalem. This essay was adapted from a sermon that will be delivered on Dec. 25. 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. If there is indeed a multiverse where in every possible outcome happens, then in one of those universes Marv Murchins, one half of the "Wet Bandits" from "Home Alone," is serving as NASA administrator. As unlikely as that might seem, such a thing is sort of playing out in the current season of "For All Mankind." Actor Daniel Stern, who is perhaps best known for his role as Marv from the 1990 Christmas comedy film, has taken on the part of the space agency's chief in the Apple TV+ alternate space history series. "They called me up and said, 'Are you interested in playing Eli Hobson, the head of NASA?' and I put the phone down and laughed for about 20 minutes," said Stern in an interview with collectSPACE.com. "I then told my wife and she was like, "What are they drunk? You, as the head of NASA?" But then Stern read the script and began watching the show. He got hooked on its scope and how it merged the production quality of a very expensive film with the intimacy and character development of a long-running television series. He was particularly taken by the fun the writers were having crafting the show's alternate timeline, which began with the Soviets beating the Americans to landing humans on the moon in 1969. Related: 'For All Mankind' season 4 episode 6 review: Culmination of a storyline decades in the making a man in a dark suit stands in a gray-walled room. "I think of it as the butterfly effect," said Stern. "If with that one moon landing we missed our shot, they got it and the butterfly effect of that changed everything, as history is always formed by events." The more he thought about it, the idea of playing the head of NASA seemed like too good an opportunity to pass up. "I just have never been a part of anything like this. They made me get off my butt and actually go back to work and play Eli Hobson, and I am so glad I did," he said. Eli is nothing like Stern's "Home Alone" character, but that didn't stop some of Stern's castmates from having to suppress their reaction to seeing Marv standing opposite them. "Definitely, the first scene that we had together, I just let that live in the room," said Wrenn Schmidt, whose character, Margo Madison, was the previous NASA administrator. "For the first day I think it was maybe challenging, but he is such a lovely, warm guy, and so funny." "I thought he was an extraordinary part of our cast this season and I really loved watching his work," she said. Related: What was the space race? an older man shakes hands with a woman in front of a window. collectSPACE spoke with Stern about his performance on "For All Mankind," the inspiration for his character and how being on the show has shaped his thoughts about space exploration. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. collectSPACE (cS): We know there isn't much of a connection between "Home Alone" and "For All Mankind," but have any of your past roles been as part of a space exploration-themed film or show? Daniel Stern: I think there must have been a "Wonder Years" episode with the moon landing. That was right at that time [that the show was set]. So I probably did an episode, but I don't remember that. The only thing I did was a terrible, terrible film called 'Leviathan,' but it was underwater exploration. Although we had to wear suits with the big helmets and stuff like that, so I felt like I was on Mars. And I could have very well been on Mars with the performance I gave. cS: You are one of the few members of the "For All Mankind" cast, at least in the current season, who was alive for the moon landings. Did you follow the space program growing up? Stern: We watched the first one and our minds were blown, and then every time there was a launch, I watched it, but I didn't follow it. I do have another interest in it, in that one of my best friends from high school works for NASA. He's an interplanetary geologist who is studying the samples they get from Mars. And that is real. The capacity of what humans are capable of is all wrapped up in the space program to me. What's interesting on "For All Mankind" is that we get to see the technology that humans can create [is] off the charts, but we always bring our own crap with us, our humanity. Our primitive selves are fighting with each other, our tribalism, and that's what's so fascinating on the show is that dilemma of, We're brilliant enough to build a colony on the moon or in space and yet, we're arguing over whose sandwich that was. It's crazy to me, because it's all becoming real. Launching people on rockets has become more and more easy, and private industries are going up there. It's wild that we're unleashing these complicated humans on the universe. side-by-side headshots of two older men in suits. cS: Did the creators of "For All Mankind," Ron Moore, Matt Wolpert and Ben Nedivi, give you any guidance on who to base your performance on? In real life in 2003, the NASA administrator was Sean O'Keefe, who prior to taking the job was the Secretary of the Navy and the deputy director for the White House's office of management and budget. Stern: The one who they sort of planted in my head was Lee Iacocca, and he was a good key for me to the Hobson character because Lee Iacocca knew how to run a company. He knew how to be innovative, but also budget conscious. He turned GM around. He was, for those who don't remember him, the head of Chrysler and just turned that company around. He was also a media star. He wasn't just a bland corporate leader. He was an outspoken corporate leader and a political animal in a way. So Eli is an extension of Lee Iacocca, who is friends with the president [of the United States], and the president gets to pick the NASA director. I'm not playing Lee Iacocca specifically, but it was he who gave me a direction for the character. photo of an older man in a suit sitting down and wearing dark headphones. RELATED STORIES: 'For All Mankind' Season 4 hopes to get audiences excited about space 'For All Mankind' needs recruits for Mars in 4th season on Apple TV+ (video) New collectible pin buttons depict 'For All Mankind' space mission patches cS: Without giving anything away, but knowing what happens this season and the decade-long jump between seasons that has now become expected, would you like to serve another term and see Hobson return in Season 5? Stern: I don't really like acting all that much. I have so many other passions. I do bronze sculpture, I run a farm and I've got my grandkids. I love my life. But I like the show. It was so good, I had to be a part of it. So I would definitely sacrifice one more year of messing up my life to do it again, because there were such good people on the show. It has got a lot to say, it was a great part, so how can I say no to that? Click through to collectSPACE to watch a clip of Daniel Stern as NASA Administrator Eli Hobson in "For All Mankind," Season 4. The fourth season of "For All Mankind" made its global debut on Friday, Nov. 10, 2023 on Apple TV+, and is now streaming one new episode weekly every Friday through Jan. 12, 2024. Follow collectSPACE.com on Facebook and on Twitter at @collectSPACE. Copyright 2023 collectSPACE.com. All rights reserved. In early 2014, Lisa Bowling wasnt sure exactly how long her young son, Landon Childs, had to live, but she knew as she sat with him in the intensive care unit at Childrens Health Care of Atlanta that he would enjoy the company of a very special visitor. So, she called the man she knew as Santa Jack and asked him to come to the hospital. I let Jack know, Look, Landons in the hospital. I know youre not that far away, Bowling told the AJC. Ive been told its not going to be long. This wasnt the first time Bowling had painstakingly cared for a child dying from Metachromatic Leukodystrophy (MLD), a progressive disease that damages the central nervous system. She had buried her 4-year-old daughter, Leah, on Christmas Eve 2006 after her death from the affliction. Bowling hadnt even had time to grieve when Landon began to deteriorate. When Santa Jack arrived at the hospital, Landon was unable to communicate and had lost his sight, but he could still hear. The moment that Jack walked in and said something to Landon, Landons head turned toward the door (and he) had this grin on his face like, I know who you are, said Bowling. Landon died at home six months later at the age of 9. Santa Jack attended the funeral and presented the family with a copy of Steve Smallmans storybook, Santa is Coming to Georgia, inscribed with a special message from Santa. They tucked it into Landons casket. Jack and Trisha Senterfitt greet Park Springs residents children and grandchildren dressed as Santa and Mrs. Claus in Stone Mountain on Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2023. (Natrice Miller/ Natrice.miller@ajc.com) Making children feel better Long of hair and beard a snowy white aesthetic he maintains year-round Jack Senterfitt, 76, sat beside his wife, Trisha, 77, one recent morning at their new home at Park Springs Senior Living in Stone Mountain, where they recently relocated from Cherry Log. They spoke of a life devoted to service. For nearly two decades now, the Senterfitts have represented the ideals of Father Christmas and Mrs. Claus. After raising their children and carrying out prominent professional careers, they now spend much of their time in costume spreading holiday cheer in classrooms, photo shoots, parties and parades. Senterfitts jolly appearance frequently draws attention from young onlookers in public, along with inquiries like, Where are your reindeer? and Whats my street address? A career as a trial lawyer has helped him stay quick on his feet, so he relishes the interrogations. But whether hes bantering with kids in public or meeting with special needs youth like Landon, his goal is to boost childrens self-esteem. To me, this is all about helping the child feel better about themselves, he said. Katrina Kingsley, pre-K director for Gilmer County Schools, has worked with Senterfitt extensively as hes served special needs kids in North Georgia. He takes it very seriously, and he has a heart for it, Kingsley said. Its like a mission, a ministry for him, to be able to provide that for these children. Faith roots The Senterfitts met at Eckerd College (then Florida Presbyterian College) in St. Petersburg, Florida, and married the summer after graduation in 1968. Their lives have always been steeped in faith. Trisha, the daughter of a Presbyterian pastor, would later serve 14 years as an associate pastor at First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta. Jack was the son of a Baptist minister of education. Where I got the inspiration, ultimately, to do this Santa, a lot of it goes back to my dad, he said. He would shake your hand and ask your name, but he wouldnt let your hand go until he had repeated it two or three times so he would remember it. After a stint in the U.S. Army, Senterfitt completed his law degree at Vanderbilt in 1974, and the couple moved to Atlanta where he joined the law firm that would become Alston & Bird. There he was a civil trial lawyer and litigator working on business and personal injury cases. By the time he took early retirement in 2002, he was a partner with the firm. He fully retired from law five years later. Jack and Trisha Senterfitt greet Park Springs residents children and grandchildren dressed as Santa and Mrs. Claus in Stone Mountain on Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2023. (Natrice Miller/ Natrice.miller@ajc.com) A hard pivot Senterfitts first appearance as Santa was at a childrens home when he was still practicing law. Back then, he didnt have the facial hair to pull off the look, so he wore a fake beard, but it was a revelatory moment. It was just like the proverbial lightbulb going off, he recalled. This is the most incredible experience to look in the faces of these little children and see the wonder and the excitement and the hope and the belief, and its just so moving. It was a hard pivot from his days in the courtroom. Ive often joked that in all my time as a trial lawyer, there was usually somebody who was not happy with me, Senterfitt said. Now, its fun to be Santa Claus and make people smile. Things snowballed after Senterfitt appeared as Santa in a North Georgia Christmas parade, prompting Trisha to get involved after she witnessed how the children responded to him. They lit up, she said. When I picked up Jack, I said, Im going home. I can sew. I can make myself Mrs. Claus. She began accompanying Senterfitt to photo shoots, parades and classroom visits showing up to about half his appearances. At one point, Senterfitt was averaging around 60 gigs a year; he does fewer now. Some of those appearances pay a nominal fee, but hes done mostly charitable work from the beginning. Breaking barriers When Senterfitt began visiting students receiving support from Cherry Logs Craddock Center, a nonprofit that provides educational and cultural enrichment to kids in Southern Appalachia, the couple saw how Santa could be a bridge to reaching more children. He saw children who wouldnt have been able to afford the portraits with Santa, handmade wooden toys and books they received for free with his visits. The day he met a Hispanic boy in Ellijay struggling with a language barrier, things really took a turn. He sat on my knee and I said, What do you want for Christmas? And the only thing he could say in English was Trick or Treat. Senterfitt said. That just broke my heart, and I resolved that I was going to do something about it. His answer was a Spanish language immersion program in Honduras. Kingsley said childrens eyes light up when they realize Santa can speak Spanish with them. One-on-one sign language tutoring followed. Then he partnered with Gilmer County Schools on an annual Sensory Santa event where special needs students of all ages can visit with him in a low-stimulation environment. He is a very unselfish, giving, kind person, and he is just all about helping those children, said Kingsley. And then, there are families like Landons. Jack and Trisha Senterfitt greet Kendall Prince, 7, dressed as Santa and Mrs. Claus in Stone Mountain on Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2023. (Natrice Miller/ Natrice.miller@ajc.com) In 2010, Senterfitt joined Santa America, a national organization that brings Santa to the homes of special needs and terminally ill children, veterans and military families year-round. Serving with the organization has given him what he calls the sacred honor of serving children with afflictions from which there is no recovery. Hes now on the Santa America board and helps organize Santa training symposiums where participants work with experts in areas like autism and childhood trauma. Training as a hospice volunteer is required. Senterfitt admits that attempting to spark joy in families with a terminally ill child can take an emotional toll on him. There are times when I come out of those situations, and its very, very draining, he said. I think, Here is a child thats never going to be able to experience so many of the things that children do. Establishing a balance Although Senterfitt is available all year for visits through Santa America, the couples busy season ramps up in early November. At the beginning of each holiday season, Senterfitt goes to a professional hairdresser for an all-day beard and hair whitening session. Trishas regimen is simpler. I just put on a wig, she said, smiling. They wind things up each season just in time to celebrate with their own family. Their kids were skeptical early on about their parents late-in-life, year-round fervor for Christmas. There was even some laughter, Trisha said, but it stopped when they saw Senterfitts interactions with kids in public. When they saw us in action, they quit complaining because they saw what it meant, Trisha said. The motivation for me is not making money, Senterfitt said. I just try to have enough to cover my expenses, and I like to be able to have time with individual children. Those interactions translate into memories the Senterfitts carry with them forever. Through tears, Senterfitt relayed the words of the father of a terminally ill child he served a few years ago: I used to think that Santa always said, Ho, ho, ho, but now, I understand that what hes saying is, Hope, hope, hope. This story comes from our partners at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. For more on the news and events in metro-Atlanta and Georgia, visit AJC.com. AJC logo A Palestinian man carries the body of his grandson, killed in Israeli bombardment, Friday in Rafah in southern Gaza. (Fatima Shbair / Associated Press) The death toll in Gaza grows by the hour. International pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu steadily increases. And ordinary Israelis voice more and more frustration over the direction of the deadliest war yet against the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Yet as the year winds down, its unclear whether the combination of factors will force even a temporary hiatus in fighting that is exacting a vast human cost, eroding U.S. support around the world and threatening to influence American elections next fall. The death toll in Gaza, exacerbated by one of the most intensive bombing campaigns in the history of modern warfare, reached a bleak milestone Friday, surpassing 20,000. The United Nations has said about two-thirds of the Palestinians killed were women and children. Smoke rises after an explosion Saturday in Gaza, as seen from southern Israel. (Leo Correa / Associated Press) Israel launched its bloody campaign to eliminate Hamas after the militant group launched a cross-border attack Oct. 7 in which it killed at least 1,200 people, mainly civilians, and took about 240 hostages, many of whom remain captive in Gaza. In the latest show of resistance to U.S. calls to stem civilian casualties, Netanyahu told President Biden in a phone call Saturday that Israel would continue the war until all its objectives are met, the prime ministers office said. Netanyahu also sought to portray as a show of solidarity what was widely read as a rare public U.S. rebuke of Israel: the Biden administrations decision Friday not to veto a U.N. Security Council resolution that demanded more aid be allowed into Gaza. Read more: A new coronavirus variant may be behind California's COVID rise The prime ministers office said after the phone call that Netanyahu had expressed his appreciation for the U.S. stance on the resolution, which stopped short of demanding a cease-fire while calling for "unhindered" humanitarian aid for Gaza. Biden, in brief comments outside the White House, was more taciturn, saying he'd had a "private" conversation with the Israeli leader and did not request a cease-fire. The Security Council resolution passed after days of negotiations in which the U.S. fought to water down the language so that it did not contain a call for a cease-fire. Staunch backing of Israel by the Biden administration has softened slightly as urgent appeals for a cessation of hostilities have grown domestically, including among Biden's Democratic base 11 months ahead of a tight presidential election, and among numerous U.S. allies. Aid organizations welcomed Friday's U.N. resolution but said it fell woefully short of the needs. Hundreds of thousands of Gazans displaced by Israel's military onslaught are living without sufficient food or water, amid squalor and disease. Failure to demand a cease-fire, the International Rescue Committee said, is "unjustifiable." "We reiterate that the only way fully to protect Palestinian lives, enable a sufficient humanitarian response and offer the best chance of hostage release is to stop to the fighting," the IRC said, echoing numerous other groups. In the vote Friday, the U.S. reversed its opposition to a series of similar resolutions, agreeing to abstain. Before that vote, the U.S. had stood alone in vetoing measures that called for a cease-fire and did not condemn the Oct. 7 Hamas attack. The Biden administration, along with Israel, has argued that a cease-fire now, which would leave Hamas leadership in place, would allow the militant organization to regroup and rearm. Today, this council provided a glimmer of hope among a sea of unimaginable suffering, the U.S. ambassador to the U.N., Linda Thomas-Greenfield, said when the measure was approved Friday. Today, this council called for urgent steps to immediately allow safe, unhindered and expanded humanitarian access and to create the conditions for a sustainable cessation of hostilities. Other Security Council members were angry that the U.S. could not be persuaded to go further. The closest previous example of the U.S. not siding with Israel at the U.N. came in the waning days of the Obama administration, when then-U.N. ambassador Samantha Power cast a first-ever abstention allowing approval of a Security Council resolution declaring Jewish settlements in the West Bank illegal. Though that resolution was in keeping with international law and had been U.S. policy for decades, the action drew anger from the Israeli government and some Republicans, including incoming President Trump. Today, however, demands for even a temporary cease-fire have not been accepted. A month has elapsed since the start of the last temporary truce. That week-long pause in fighting saw more than 100 hostages who were seized inside Israel freed in exchange for about three times as many Palestinian prisoners. But with more than 100 hostages still held in Gaza, efforts to broker another swap have faltered; Hamas recently rejected an Israeli offer to again temporarily halt fighting if more hostages were released. Families of those held captive are pressing their cease-fire demands with greater desperation. On Saturday, a rainy, windy night in Tel Aviv, thousands of relatives and their supporters huddled under umbrellas, calling for the government to find a way to free their loved ones. We will not stop until everyone returns, said attendee Sivan Cohen Saban. All of them, all of them. For Israel, the hostage crisis remains an open wound. The accidental fatal shooting Dec. 15 by Israeli troops of three hostages inside Gaza set off an international uproar that has yet to die down. The Israeli military said the soldiers involved violated rules of engagement and would be disciplined. The three slain hostages, all in their 20s, had dramatically sought to signal their presence to Israeli troops, emerging shirtless and waving a makeshift flag. They had even managed to scrawl a message in Hebrew on the wall of a building, trying to alert the army to their presence. In what has become a grim recurring ritual, Israel continues to identify those killed in the Oct. 7 Hamas-led massacres or who have died since in captivity. The latest disclosed death was that of a 73-year-old dual citizen of Israel and the United States, Gadi Haggai. He was killed in the attack on his kibbutz in southern Israel, but militants took his body into Gaza and are still holding it, Israeli officials said Friday. On the Palestinian side, about 300 U.S. citizens, holders of green cards or their close relatives remain trapped inside Gaza, the State Department has said, and frantic relatives continue to press to get them out. Israels armed forces insist they are continuing to degrade Hamas militarily, but 11 weeks into the war, the oft-repeated goal of destroying the groups capabilities seems far away. Although the Israeli army has claimed to have killed a number of the groups senior commanders and has seized and razed at least one home belonging to Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar, he appears to remain at large and unscathed. In Israel, the conflict has created a political paradox: Surveys suggest most Israelis still support the war but do not trust Netanyahu as a wartime leader. Many harbor doubts about whether his stated aim of crushing Hamas is achievable or question whether he will prioritize bringing captives home. Meanwhile, warnings are growing louder that Israel may miss out on a chance to free the hostages through a deal with Hamas if it continues to ignore international pressure for either a temporary truce or a longer-term halt to the fighting. Its decision time, former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert wrote in an opinion piece last week in the Israeli newspaper Haaretz. A cease-fire with living hostages, or a forced cessation of hostilities with dead ones. Times staff writer King reported from Tel Aviv, and Wilkinson from Washington. Get the best of the Los Angeles Times politics coverage with the Essential Politics newsletter. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Yemens Houthi rebels fired two ballistic missiles at international shipping lanes in the southern Red Sea, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed on Saturday. CENTCOM said it received reports from two ships in the southern Red Sea that they were under attack, though no ships were hit by the missiles. The incidents come amid an uptick in attacks from the Houthis against Israeli-linked vessels in the Red Sea in a maritime campaign to stop Israeli airstrikes and ground attacks in Gaza amid Israels war with Hamas. The M/V Blaamanen, a Norwegian-flagged, owned and operated chemical and oil tanker reported a near miss from a drone while the M/V Saibaba, a Gabon-owned, Indian-flagged crude oil tanker, said it was hit with a drone. No injuries were reported in both incidents, CENTCOM saud. Iran threatens to close Mediterranean Sea citing US crimes in Gaza Recent Houthi attacks have hit or nearly missed ships that dont have clear ties to Israel. As a result, several shipping companies including BP, A.P. Moller-Maersk, MSC, Hapag-Llyod and CMA CGM have suspended operations in the Red Sea and rerouted their movement. The suspension of operations also impacted global oil prices, with pricing rising by more than 2 percent just hours after BP announced it would suspend operations. The White House on Friday accused Iran of close involvement with these attacks, claiming Tehrans clerical state provided drones, missiles and tactical intelligence to the Houthis, per Reuters. We know that Iran was deeply involved in planning the operations against commercial vessels in the Red Sea. This is consistent with Irans long-term materiel support and encouragement of the Houthis destabilizing actions in the region, White House national security spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said in a statement. Iran has denied involvement in attacks by the Houthis in the Red Sea, the news wire added. The White House last week said the U.S. may establish a naval task force to escort commercial ships in the Red Sea amid in the uptick in attacks. Separately on Saturday, Iran threatened that the Mediterranean Sea could be closed if the U.S. and Israel continue crimes in Gaza. Iran, which has long supported Hamas, accused the Israeli military and the U.S. a close Israeli ally of committing war crimes in Gaza. Iranian drone struck chemical tanker in Indian Ocean: Pentagon Over 20,000 Palestinians have died in Gaza since Israels war with Hamas began in early October, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The U.S. has expressed steadfast support of Israels right to defend itself against Hamass Oct. 7 attack that left an estimated 1,200 people dead in Israel, while advising Israel to take extra precautions to curb civilian deaths in Gaza. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. INDIANAPOLIS In 1868, three years after the Civil War ended, the 14th Amendment was enshrined in the United States Constitution. It was aimed at hundreds of thousands of officials of the Confederate states, who took up arms or publicly supported the rebellion. Section 3 of this amendment 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, 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." Column: Are fears about 2024 election nonsense? Or, after Jan. 6 riot, common sense? After state high courts rejected 14th Amendment arguments in Michigan and Minnesota, the Colorado Supreme Court issued a thunderclap on Tuesday, ruling that Republican presidential frontrunner Donald J. Trump cannot appear on that state's presidential primary ballot. It will likely to heard by the U.S. Supreme Court. Said the majority in the 4-3 ruling, President Trump did not merely incite the insurrection. Even when the siege on the Capitol was fully underway, he continued to support it. These actions constituted overt, voluntary, and direct participation in the insurrection. 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. Conservative commentator Jonathan V. Last, writing for The Bulwark, put why this decision was made in these succinct terms: Donald Trump falsely proclaimed that the presidential election was illegitimate. He attempted, through both legal and extra-legal means, to overturn the result of the election. Trumps maneuverings in both the Department of Justice and the Department of Defense were so dangerous that 10 former Secretaries of Defense penned an op-ed warning that it was not lawful to use the military in an election dispute. Trump then called thousands of people to Washington, assembled them into a crowd which he knew was armed, and personally directed them to march to the Capitol and 'take back' the country 'with strength.' Colorado Supreme Court Justice Richard L. Gabriel listens during a hearing in the court on Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023, in Denver. The oral arguments before the court were held after both sides appealed a ruling by a Denver district judge on whether to allow former President Donald Trump to be included on the state's general election ballot. Republican Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said after Trump was acquitted in his second impeachment trial, Theres no question none that President Trump is practically and morally responsible for provoking the events of the day. No question about it. We all were here. We saw what happened. It was a violent insurrection for the purpose of trying to prevent the peaceful transfer of power after a legitimately certified election, from one administration to the next." House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy said President Trumps conduct on Jan. 6 had been atrocious and totally wrong, saying he had "incited people" to attack the U.S. Capitol. But in their followup actions and words, McConnell said he would "absolutely" vote for Trump in 2024 if he wins the GOP nomination. McCarthy ended up in Mar-a-Lago two weeks after the insurrection, throwing him a political lifeline that has resulted in Trump's overwhelming frontrunner status for the nomination despite facing 91 criminal charges. The Colorado ruling brought a stern response from U.S. Sen. Mike Braun, whose Indiana gubernatorial campaign was endorsed by the former president. "With the Colorado Supreme Courts decision, the self-anointed defenders of democracy have removed their political enemy from the ballot, stripping Colorado voters of their right to vote for the candidate of their choice and joining radical AGs and Biden DOJ in interfering in the 2024 election," Braun said in a statement. American and Indiana courts routinely rule on the validity of candidacies and whether people can remain on the ballot for a variety of reasons. For instance, a Marion County judge ruled earlier this month that an Indiana law keeping Republican Senate candidate John Rust off the primary ballot was invalid. That case will be decided by the Indiana Supreme Court in 2024. Adam Serwer, writing in The Atlantic, observed, "There are a lot of practical reasons for opposing Trumps disqualification. One is that it removes the choice of rejecting Trump from the electorate, which might seem undemocratic, even if its done with constitutional provisions adopted by the peoples chosen representatives. Another is that it could damage the legitimacy of democracy itself, by appearing to confirm Trumps allegations that the political system is 'rigged' against him. Still another is that it could lead to unrest or political violence. In his 1796 farewell address, President George Washington warned of "cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men (who) will be enabled to subvert the power of the people, and to usurp for themselves the reins of government; destroying afterwards the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion." We have never witnessed or experienced the stress tests now facing our democracy. Americans are in for a volatile 11 months heading into the November 2024 election. Brian Howey is senior writer and columnist for Howey Politics Indiana/State Affairs. Find Howey on Facebook and X @hwypol. Brian Howey This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: The Colorado Supreme Court ruled Donald Trump cannot appear on ballot. In 1868, three years after the Civil War ended, the 14th Amendment was enshrined in the United States Constitution. It was aimed at hundreds of thousands of officials of the Confederate states, who took up arms or publicly supported the rebellion. Section 3 of this amendment 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, 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." After state high courts rejected 14th Amendment arguments in Michigan and Minnesota, the Colorado Supreme Court issued a thunderclap on Tuesday, ruling that Republican presidential frontrunner Donald J. Trump cannot appear on that state's presidential primary ballot. It will likely be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court. Said the majority in the 4-3 ruling, President Trump did not merely incite the insurrection. Even when the siege on the Capitol was fully underway, he continued to support it. These actions constituted overt, voluntary, and direct participation in the insurrection. 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. Conservative commentator Jonathan V. Last writing for The Bulwark, put why this decision was made in these succinct terms: Donald Trump falsely proclaimed that the presidential election was illegitimate. He attempted, through both legal and extra-legal means, to overturn the result of the election. Trumps maneuverings in both the Department of Justice and the Department of Defense were so dangerous that 10 former secretaries of Defense penned an op-ed warning that it was not lawful to use the military in an election dispute. Trump then called thousands of people to Washington, assembled them into a crowd which he knew was armed, and personally directed them to march to the Capitol and 'take back' the country 'with strength.' Supporters of US President Donald Trump protest inside the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, in Washington, DC. - Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the a 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification. (Photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP) (Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images) Republican Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said after Trump was acquitted in his second impeachment trial, Theres no question none that President Trump is practically and morally responsible for provoking the events of the day. No question about it. We all were here. We saw what happened. It was a violent insurrection for the purpose of trying to prevent the peaceful transfer of power after a legitimately certified election, from one administration to the next." House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy said President Trumps conduct on Jan. 6 had been atrocious and totally wrong, saying he had "incited people" to attack the U.S. Capitol. But in their followup actions and words, McConnell said he would "absolutely" vote for Trump in 2024 if he wins the GOP nomination. McCarthy ended up in Mar-a-Lago two weeks after the insurrection, throwing him a political lifeline that has resulted in Trump's overwhelming frontrunner status for the nomination despite facing 91 criminal charges. The Colorado ruling brought a stern response from U.S. Sen. Mike Braun, whose Indiana gubernatorial campaign was endorsed by the former president. "With the Colorado Supreme Courts decision, the self-anointed defenders of democracy have removed their political enemy from the ballot, stripping Colorado voters of their right to vote for the candidate of their choice and joining radical AGs and Biden DOJ in interfering in the 2024 election," Braun said in a statement. Former US President and 2024 presidential hopeful Donald Trump speaks during a campaign event in Waterloo, Iowa, on December 19, 2023. An appeals court in Colorado on December 19, 2023 ruled Donald Trump cannot appear on the state's presidential primary ballot because of his involvement in the attack on the Capitol in January 2021. American and Indiana courts routinely rule on the validity of candidacies and whether people can remain on the ballot for a variety of reasons. For instance, a Marion County judge ruled earlier this month that an Indiana law keeping Republican Senate candidate John Rust off the primary ballot was invalid. That case will be decided by the Indiana Supreme Court in 2024. Adam Serwer, writing in The Atlantic, observed, "There are a lot of practical reasons for opposing Trumps disqualification. One is that it removes the choice of rejecting Trump from the electorate, which might seem undemocratic, even if its done with constitutional provisions adopted by the peoples chosen representatives. Another is that it could damage the legitimacy of democracy itself, by appearing to confirm Trumps allegations that the political system is 'rigged' against him. Still another is that it could lead to unrest or political violence. In his 1796 farewell address, President George Washington warned of "cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men (who) will be enabled to subvert the power of the people, and to usurp for themselves the reins of government; destroying afterwards the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion." We have never witnessed or experienced the stress tests now facing our democracy. Americans are in for a volatile 11 months heading into the November 2024 election. Brian Howey is senior writer and columnist for Howey Politics Indiana/State Affairs. Find Howey on Facebook and X @hwypol. This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: Howey: Donald Trump and the insurrection fallout Humza Yousaf has paid tribute to volunteers and frontline workers in his first Christmas message as Scotland's first minister. Mr Yousaf acknowledged the "challenging year" many have faced with the cost of living crisis. He also spoke of "unimaginable horrors" in the Middle East and called for a ceasefire in Gaza. Opposition leaders also issued Christmas messages, paying tribute to emergency workers and volunteers. The first minister said Christmas was a time when people gather with loved ones, but that for many people living in Scotland it had come at the end of a difficult year. "As we come together over the festive period, the cost of living will be on many people's minds," he said. "There are also many people for whom this time of year is particularly difficult. The colleagues and neighbours experiencing loneliness, illness or grief are all around us. People suffering from homelessness, addiction or abuse." Mr Yousaf spent part of Christmas Eve with Dundee United's Community Trust, serving an early Christmas dinner in the city in an initiative aimed at tackling loneliness. The first minister joined volunteers serving an early Christmas dinner in Dundee In his message he spoke about the work of volunteers and others who spent their time caring for others. "So I am particularly grateful to those of you who are looking out for others - you are the warm volunteers at foodbanks and shelters," he said. "You're the gentle voices, staffing helplines, you're the health and emergency workers keeping us safe." He also thanked the armed forces, drivers, shop workers and engineers who continue working over the festive period. Addressing the war in the Middle East he said: "My prayer this Christmas is for peace and an immediate ceasefire in Gaza." Mr Yousaf's parents-in-law were caught up in the war, becoming trapped in Gaza while visiting relatives before finally making it safely back to Scotland last month. Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross said he looked forward to a "heart-warming" Christmas with his wife Krystle and their two sons, but added: "While many of us are lucky enough to spend the festive season with our family and friends, for others, Christmas time can be challenging and lonely. "To all of those who may be finding the holiday period particularly difficult here at home - and to all of those caught up in the tragic wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, or in conflicts across the globe - I send my thoughts and prayers." Douglas Ross said he was lucky to enjoy a family Christmas but for many it would be a lonely time He paid tribute to the "incredible" emergency staff who "sacrifice" their Christmas to protect others. Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar also paid tribute to volunteers and essential workers. He said: "I hope that we can look ahead to next year with hope and with optimism for a better future. "So to everyone who brings joy and laughter to our Christmases, thank you." Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said: "While politics takes a short break, I know that many in our hospitals, care homes, homeless services and more will be working today. "I want you to know that my party appreciates your work and we will do our best to fight your corner over the year ahead." Scottish Greens co-leader Lorna Slater praised the "spirit of hope" in the country despite the "difficult backdrop" with wars in Gaza and Ukraine. TAMPA, Fla. - A 20-year-old Apollo Beach man was arrested after speeding away from troopers on I-4 Friday night, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Troopers say they were monitoring traffic when they saw a Volkswagen sedan driving recklessly while going 119 mph around 11:46 P.M. According to officials, the posted speed limit was 70 mph and the car was headed west near milepost 35. READ: Man arrested after stealing car from Pasco County dealership, using sliding cover to conceal plate FHP says troopers tried to conduct a traffic stop, but the car sped up and fled from the troopers with its lights turned off. According to authorities, the car entered Hillsborough County and reached speeds above 130 mph. Officials say the Volkswagen exited off the highway at Martin Luther King Jr. and headed west. The car's tires disintegrated, and the driver was forced to stop at East Lake Avenue and North 34th Street, according to FHP. READ: Overwhelmed cat lady arrested after 309 animals seized from Polk County mobile home: Sheriff Judd According to authorities, John Dylan Butler surrendered without incident. Troopers say they found drug paraphernalia, 886 oxycodone pills, and a large amount of marijuana after the arrest. According to officials, Butler was taken to the Polk County Jail, and charged with fleeing & eluding, reckless driving, and several felony drug charges. (CNN) There has been no shortage of bleak climate news this year: unprecedented global heat fueled deadly extreme weather events, scientists issued dire warnings that next year may be worse still, and the worlds carbon pollution kept rising. But amid the gloom, there have also been signs of progress. Renewable energy records have been set, the world celebrated one of its greatest environmental wins and countries made a cautious but historic step towards a fossil fuel-free future. Here are five reasons to be hopeful. A surge in renewable energy As the need to rapidly wean off planet-heating fossil fuels becomes increasingly urgent, there have been some clean energy bright spots around the world. On Halloween, Portugal started a record-breaking streak. For more than six days straight, between October 31 to November 6, the nation of more than 10 million people relied solely on renewable energy sources setting an exciting example for the rest of the world. The year 2023 is on track to see the biggest increase in renewable energy capacity to date, according to the International Energy Agency. China, the worlds biggest climate polluter, has made lightning advances in renewables, with the country set to shatter its wind and solar target five years early. A report published in June found that Chinas solar capacity is now greater than the rest of the worlds nations combined, in a surge described by the reports author, Global Energy Monitor, as jaw-dropping. It cant be ignored, however, that China also ramped up its coal production this year, turning to the fossil fuel as devastating heat waves increased energy demand for air conditioning and cooling, and as persistent drought in the countrys south impacted hydroelectric supplies, which are reliant on sufficient rainfall. Hopes were raised that the countrys coal production will peak and come down soon, when China and the US in November announced they would resume cooperation on climate change, pledging a major ramp-up of renewable energy, specifically to replace fossil fuels. A climate deal that targets fossil fuels After more than two weeks of fraught negotiations, the COP28 climate summit in Dubai concluded in December with nearly 200 countries making an unprecedented commitment to move away from fossil fuels. While the agreement fell short of requiring the world to phase out coal, oil and gas which more than 100 countries had supported it did call on countries to contribute to a transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems. This marked the first time that all fossil fuels, the main drivers of the climate crisis, were targeted in a COP agreement. COP28 President Sultan Al Jaber, who presided over the negotiations, called the agreement historic, adding that the deal represented a paradigm shift that has the potential to redefine our economies. How impactful this deal ultimately is will depend on what countries do next to implement it. Many experts warned of loopholes that could leave the door open to a continued expansion of fossil fuels. But that a deal was struck at all on fossil fuels was widely welcomed seen as a breakthrough. We got people to do things they havent done before, US climate envoy John Kerry told CNNs Christiane Amanpour after the summit, describing it as a historic success. Plummeting deforestation in Brazil After years of soaring deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon, there was good progress this year in reducing forest destruction. The Amazon is the worlds biggest rainforest and its protection is seen as vital to curbing climate change. It acts a carbon sink that sucks in planet-heating pollution from the atmosphere. When forests or trees are destroyed, they emit greenhouse gases. Deforestation and land degradation is responsible for at least one-tenth of the worlds carbon pollution. Deforestation in Brazil fell by 22.3% in the 12 months through July, according to data from the national government, as President Luiz Ignacio Lula da Silva started to make progress on his pledge to rein in the rampant forest destruction that occurred under his predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro. Marcio Astrini, head of advocacy group Climate Observatory, described it as an impressive result that seals Brazils return to the climate agenda. Still, Brazils deforestation rate remained nearly twice that of its all-time low in 2012. Around 9,000 square kilometers of rainforest were destroyed in the period. Theres a long way to go to meet Lulas pledge to reach zero deforestation by 2030. The ozone layer is healing well The Earths ozone layer is on track to recover completely within decades, a UN-backed panel of experts announced in January, as ozone-depleting chemicals are phased out across the world. The ozone layer protects the planet from harmful ultraviolet rays, but since the 1980s, scientists have warned about a hole in this shield due to ozone-harming substances, including chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which were used widely in refrigerators, aerosols and solvents. International cooperation has helped stem the damage. A deal known as the Montreal Protocol, which came into force in 1989, began the phase-out of CFCs. The ozone layers subsequent recovery has been hailed as one of the worlds greatest environmental achievements. If global policies stay in place, the ozone layer is expected to recover to 1980 levels by 2040 for most of the world, the assessment found. For polar areas, the timeframe for recovery is longer: 2045 over the Arctic and 2066 over the Antarctic. A study published in November, however, cast some doubt on this progress. The paper, published by Nature Communications, found that a hole in the ozone layer over the Antarctic has not only remained large in area, but it has also become deeper throughout most of the Antarctic spring. But some scientists were skeptical of the studys findings, saying it relied on too short a time period to draw conclusions about the layers long-term health. Electric vehicle sales surge The popularity of electric vehicles has surged this year, with American sales at an all-time high. People in China and Europe are snapping up EVs in large numbers as well. Electric vehicles which are better for the planet than gas and diesel-powered cars when they run on renewable energy sources are key to decarbonizing road transport, which is responsible for around one-sixth of planet-heating pollution globally, according to the International Energy Agency. Americans purchased 1 million fully electric vehicles in 2023, an annual record, according to a report from Bloomberg New Energy Finance. Electric vehicles accounted for about 8% of all new vehicles sales in the US during the first half of 2023, according to the report. In China, EVs accounted for 19% of all vehicle sales, and worldwide, they made up 15% of new passenger vehicle sales. EV sales in Europe were up 47% in the first nine months of 2023, according to data from the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (EAMA). However, car dealers have warned that sales are dropping off as consumers wait for cheaper models, expected in two to three years time. This story was first published on CNN.com, "After a terrible year of climate news, here are 5 reasons to feel positive" Iceland has announced that it is joining the IT and mine clearance coalitions formed within the framework of the Contact Group on Defence of Ukraine (known as Ramstein). Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iceland on Saturday, 23 December, as reported by European Pravda Details: In addition to joining the two coalitions, Iceland has also announced an additional 340,000 of funding through NATO's Comprehensive Assistance Package to purchase medical supplies for Ukraine. "By joining the IT and demining coalitions and providing additional funding to the Comprehensive Assistance Package for Ukraine, we continue our non-lethal support to Ukraine as it fights Russia's unjust and illegal invasion," said Icelandic Foreign Minister Bjarni Benediktsson. The IT coalition at Ramstein was proposed by Estonia and Luxembourg, and it currently includes eight countries (in addition to the two mentioned above, these are Belgium, Denmark, Iceland, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania and Japan), while the UK and Italy have announced their intention to join. Lithuania has announced the creation of a coalition for mine clearance, but it has not yet been finalised. Its concept envisages both elements of humanitarian mine clearance of the liberated occupied territories and combat mine clearance on the line of contact with Russian troops. Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion, Iceland has been providing humanitarian, economic and security support to Ukraine, mainly through international organisations such as the UN, the World Bank, NATO and others. Background: Last month, Estonia, together with Iceland, donated another military field hospital to Ukraine. Support UP or become our patron! Police officers patrol the entrance to Cologne Cathedral on Christmas Day. Due to indications of a planned Islamist attack, the police have stepped up security measures. Roberto Pfeil/dpa Police in the German city of Cologne and Austrian capital Vienna have stepped up security measures following indications of possible attacks during the Christmas holidays. Security authorities said on Saturday they had received information about a possible attack plan by an Islamist group on Cologne Cathedral and a church in Vienna. The Austrian domestic intelligence service detained four people in an investigation into an Islamist network, according to the Interior Ministry on Sunday, Christmas Eve. The Directorate for State Security and Intelligence at the Austrian Interior Ministry said interrogations with the suspects were under way. Further details could not be given. No arrests have yet been made in connection with the alleged attack on Cologne Cathedral in the western state of North Rhine Westphalia, security sources told dpa on Sunday morning. Police officers checked visitors to the cathedral on Sunday, as reported by a dpa reporter. The police were also present in front of the cathedral with officers and around a dozen vehicles. According to the church, tourist visits were not possible on Sunday. Police officers searched the cathedral with sniffer dogs on Saturday evening. No explosives were found, dpa learned. The group in question may be connected to the Islamic State Khorasan Province terrorist group, dpa has learned. Cologne police spokesman Wolfgang Baldes said on Sunday: "We received a tip-off about a dangerous situation around Cologne Cathedral, possibly also for Cologne Cathedral, which related to New Year's Eve." He did not want to comment on who had given the tip-off. The police would not comment on the findings, even in view of further undercover investigations. The Cologne police made it clear that the increased security measures at the cathedral will continue for some time. "We now have to see how quickly we can actually verify this tip-off. It is certain that as long as a dangerous situation cannot be ruled out, we will of course continue these measures," said Baldes. Despite the precautionary measures, North Rhine Westphalia's Interior Minister Herbert Reul advised people not to refrain from attending church at Christmas for fear of an attack. "Our authorities are using all the information available to protect us in the best possible way. The measures in Cologne show this," Reul said. "My appeal: go to church, celebrate Christmas. Fear is the currency of terrorists. We must not add to their value." Meanwhile, France is also to increase security around churches for the Christmas period in case of possible attacks. Police officers and gendarmes would be visibly deployed outside religious sites to protect Christians during Christmas celebrations on Sunday evening and Monday morning, French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin wrote on the online platform X, formerly Twitter. Police cars stand in front of St. Stephen's Cathedral following indications of a possible attack plan by a terrorist group. According to the Austrian Ministry of the Interior, the Austrian Office for the Protection of the Constitution has arrested four people in an investigation into a terrorist network. Max Slovencik/APA/dpa U.S. President Joe Biden returns to the White House December 20, 2023 in Washington, DC. President Biden traveled to Milwaukee and gave remarks at the Wisconsin Black Chamber of Commerce earlier in the day. Credit - Drew Angerer-Getty Images Between 1936 and 2012, 11 out of 14 presidents seeking a second White House term were re-elected. This success rate convinced many that, as with other elected offices, incumbency offers distinct advantages for the presidency. But what if this conventional wisdom is now wrong? What if, in an era of profound distrust and ingrained political disaffection, incumbency has turned into disadvantage? And if so, can an incumbent somehow channel the discontent and still win? There are no snappy answers here, because the political moment we inhabit now is truly uncharted. The distinct combination of hyper-partisan polarization, widespread mistrust, and two extremely unpopular presidential frontrunners atop two very unpopular mainstream parties is unprecedented, and extremely dangerous. But to face it squarely and think productively about the future, we have to stop pretending the old theories of presidential elections still apply. The long-standing reasons political scientists gave for a presidential incumbency advantage included: 1) political inertia and status quo bias (most people will support an incumbent they voted for the last time); 2) experience campaigning; 3) the power to influence events (such as well-timed economic stimulus); 4) the stature of being a proven leader; 5) the ability to command media attention in a constant campaign environment; and 6) a united party with no bruising primary challenges. Today, these advantages seem less clear. Instead, growing disadvantages have supplanted them: Unrelenting media scrutiny; a bruising political environment; pervasive anti-politician bias; and above all, a spiraling hyper-partisan doom loop of animosity and demonization that imposes a harsh starting ceiling on any presidents approval. For much of the 20th century, presidents could benefit from incumbency because voters were more likely to judge presidents on their individual character, not only their partisan affiliation. Winning a presidential election relied on keeping some of that cross-partisan support, which was there for the taking. Presidential approval ratings went up and down based on real-world events. A foreign attack could unite the country behind a president, as it did on 9/11. A booming economy (even one juiced by short-term stimulus right before an election) could boost presidential approval. Beneath this variable support were media and partisan elites on both sides who sometimes withheld criticism, and at other times unleashed it. Both Bush 41 and Bush 43 earned sky-high approval at moments of foreign conflict because elite Democrats publicly rallied behind them. Both lost that support when partisans on both sides re-calculated. But this reservoir of potential cross-partisan support gave presidents some room to maneuver, even to influence events, and appeal to cross-pressured moderates. Today, the crucial swing voters are not the cross-pressured moderates of yore. They are the perpetually dissatisfied, and frequently disengaged. They all over the place ideologically, and most of all, frustrated with the system. They mostly come from the 28 percent of voters who now dislike both parties (up from six percent in 1994). Many still see differences between the parties. But Its harder and harder to motivate voters on negative partisanship alone. Yet, in an era of anger, campaigns continue to rely on demonization. Its a dangerous tool with spillover consequences. No wonder almost two-thirds of Americans (65 percent) now report feeling exhausted when they think about politics, more than half report feeling Angry, and only one in ten say they feel hopeful. No wonder, its been 20 years since a majority of Americans said they were at least somewhat satisfied With the Way Things Are Going in the U.S. And for most of the past two decades, that share has been between 20 and 30 percent. (In October, it was 19 percent). Politics is all apocalypse, all the time. In 2020, dissatisfied change voters contributed to the anti-MAGA majority. They wanted Trump out of office. So, they showed up for Biden. Now, who knows? In 2020, Biden could promise an end to the craziness of Trump, and a presidency of unity, healing, and normalcy. In 2024, he'll be just another unpopular incumbent, in a political environment still screaming for something different. The problem goes beyond the upcoming election. When perpetually dissatisfied voters hold the balance of power amidst hyper-partisan polarization, elections can become democracy roulette if there are not two dominant parties equally committed to the principles of liberal democracy (and right now, in America, there are not). Recent democratic breakdowns in Venezuela and Hungary, for example, follow this basic pattern: Voters only wanted change. They got authoritarianism instead. If Democrats want to win in November 2024, they will need to tap into the sour emotions out there, instead of just pretending all is grand. Younger and working-class voters are especially feeling forgotten. Democrats really, really need these voters. So maybe less Mission Accomplished, and more I Hear Your Frustration. And yes, maybe a fresh face, who can at least offer novelty and change, and who hasnt (yet) been beaten down by right-wing propaganda. Regrettably, the sole proven tactic is to run against Donald Trump as a supervillain hell-bent on destroying democracy. Its worked three elections running now (2018, 2020, 2022). Will it work again? The danger is when youve heard the same fire alarm enough times, some people tune it out. But the threat is still real, and getting worse. Trumps ambitions for a second administration are absolutely terrifying. But equally terrifying is that so many voters either dont believe it, are simply are tired of hearing it, or have somehow convinced themselves that Joe Biden is the even bigger risk. Overnight solutions to this collapse don't exist. But longer term, American democracy needs new ways to re-connect the dis-connected and dis-engaged. This means giving voters more meaningful connections to national politics. Practically, this requires better political parties. Not the two hollow, donor-driven parties that have alienated so many Americans and driven the two-party doom loop of hyper-partisan polarization. We need new parties. We need more parties. To make this all possible, we need not just organizing, but powerful institutional changes that create new opportunities for parties to form. My preferred reforms are fusion voting and proportional representation. But for the next 11 months, we need to understand one big thing. The old rules of presidential elections dont apply anymore. Americans are deeply frustrated. Few believe things are going well. The parties and candidates who can channel this better will win this time. Perhaps Democrats can do this. But unless they can turn that discontent into meaningful post-elections changes that help more Americans feel heard and connected, the dissatisfaction will only get worse. The radical responses will grow more extreme, and the next election may go the other way. Except, if this continues much longer, one day, there might not be another election. Contact us at letters@time.com. MUNSTER, Ind. - A man was found dead lying next to a car in a cul-de-sac in Munster, Indiana on Saturday morning. Police were called to the 1200 block of Tuckahoe Place at 8:30 a.m. after a person out walking their dog reported a suspicious subject. The witness told police they saw a body or a mannequin lying next to a parked car in the area. When the police arrived, they found a dead male. Munster police say there is no threat to the public and their investigation remains ongoing. An autopsy was scheduled by the Lake County Coroner's Office. Iowa leaders declined to participate in the 2024 federal EBT program that provides low-income families with funds to ensure children dont go hungry, half of which would be funded by the federal government. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds argued that by giving parents EBT cards directly the state government is unable to regulate what types of foods are purchased, allowing parents to buy food that is not necessarily nutritious. An EBT card does nothing to promote nutrition at a time when childhood obesity has become an epidemic, Reynolds said in a press release. No child should go hungry, least of all in Iowa, but the Summer EBT Program fails to address the barriers that exist to healthy and nutritional foods. Reynolds pointed to existing childhood nutrition programs in lieu of the millions of federal dollars the state turned down. Read it at Associated Press Read more at The Daily Beast. Iran appears to have struck a ship off the Indian coast with an unmanned aerial vehicle, a U.S. official told Fox News on Saturday. It comes as Houthi militants targeted multiple cargo ships on Saturday, as the group fired two anti-ship ballistic missiles into international shipping lanes located in the Southern Red Sea, according to U.S. Central Command. No ships were impacted by the ballistic missiles, officials said. The USS Laboon shot down four unmanned aerial drones on Saturday which originated from areas that the Houthis control in Yemen. YEMEN HOUTHI LEADER WARNS 'ANY AMERICAN TARGETING OF OUR COUNTRY WILL BE TARGETED BY US' Cargo ships are seen at Israel's Haifa commercial shipping port in the Mediterranean Sea on December 13, 2023. In solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, Yemen's Houthis are warning that they will target cargo vessels sailing through the Red Sea if they are heading for Israeli ports, regardless of their nationality. U.S. Naval Forces Central Command also received reports from two ships in the Southern Red Sea on Saturday at 8 p.m. that they were under attack. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Norwegian-flagged M/V Blaamanen, a chemical/oil tanker, reported that there was a near miss by a Houthi one-way attack drone, adding that no one was injured. WHO ARE THE HOUTHI REBELS ATTACKING COMMERCIAL SHIPS IN THE MIDDLE EAST? FILE PHOTO: Houthi military helicopter flies over the Galaxy Leader cargo ship in the Red Sea in this photo released November 20, 2023. Houthi Military Media/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY/File Photo The second ship, Gabon-owned, Indian-flagged M/V Saibaba, which carried crude oil, reported it was hit by a one-way attack drone. No injuries were reported, and the USS Laboon responded to the attacks. The SKS Doyles crude oil tanker moves along the Suez Canal towards Ismailia in Suez, Egypt, on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023. A steep decline in the number of tankers entering a vital Red Sea conduit suggests that attacks on ships in the area are further disrupting a key artery of global trade. The incidents mark the 14th and 15th attacks by Houthi Militants on commercial ships since Oct. 17. Original article source: Iran appears to have struck ship off Indian coast with UAV: US Official This is a locator map for the Persian Gulf and its surrounding countries. (AP Photo) DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) Iran summoned Russia's charge daffaires after Moscow and Arab countries released a joint statement earlier this week challenging Irans claim to disputed islands in the Persian Gulf, state media reported Sunday. Iran's official IRNA news agency said the Russian envoy was summoned on Saturday and handed a note to deliver to Moscow in which Tehran protested the statement the 6th Arab-Russian Cooperation Forum issued in Morocco that called for a peaceful solution to resolve the conflict between Iran and the United Arab Emirates over the islands. Earlier on Saturday, Irans foreign minister Hossein Amirabdollahian told his Russian counterpart over the phone that "respecting countries sovereignty and integrity is among basic principles in the ties between nations, IRNA said in a separate report. This marked the second time this year that Iran has called for a Russian envoy in protest over comments on the disputed islands. Tehran summoned the Russian ambassador in July over a similar statement. The diplomatic spat is a rare occurrence between the two countries that have deepened their ties since Moscow invaded Ukraine, with Iran supplying Russia with killer drones that have been used to devastating effect there. Both countries have also been strong backers of President Bashar Assad in Syrias civil war. In 2022, Iran summoned Chinas envoy over a similar joint statement with Arab nations. Iran took control of the three islands of Abu Musa, the Greater Tunb and the Lesser Tunb after British forces withdrew in 1971. It considers them an inseparable part of its territory. The UAE also claims the three islands and has long pressed for a negotiated solution. The three islands dominate the approach to the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway through which about one-fifth of the worlds oil supply passes. Iran says the islands have been part of Persian states from antiquity up until they were occupied by the British in the early 20th century. It also says an agreement reached with Sharjah, one of the UAEs seven emirates, gives it the right to administer Abu Musa and station troops there. There is no such agreement on the other two islands. The UAE says they belonged to the emirate of Ras al-Khaimah until Iran seized them by force days before the Emirati federation was formed. An Iranian drone struck a chemical tanker in the Indian Ocean on Saturday, according to the Pentagon, marking the latest escalation of tensions and risks to shipping routes in the wake of Israels war with militant group Hamas. The motor vessel CHEM PLUTO, a Liberia-flagged, Japanese-owned, and Netherlands-operated chemical tanker was struck at approximately 10 a.m. local time (6 a.m. GMT) today in the Indian Ocean, 200 nautical miles from the coast of India, by a one-way attack drone fired from Iran, a Pentagon spokesperson confirmed to The Hill. The Pentagon said this was the seventh Iranian attack on commercial shipping since 2021. No casualties were reported. A fire broke out aboard the tanker and has since been extinguished, the spokesperson said. No U.S. Navy vessels were in the vicinity, while U.S. Naval Forces Central Command remain in communication with the U.S. vessel on its way towards India. The attack follows Irans threat earlier Saturday that the Mediterranean Sea could be closed if the U.S. and Israel continue crimes in Gaza. Iran, which has long supported Hamas, accused the Israeli military and the U.S. a close Israeli ally of committing war crimes in Gaza. Over 20,000 Palestinians have died in Gaza since early October in the wake of Israels retaliatory campaign against Hamas, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The U.S. has expressed steadfast support of Israels right to defend itself against Hamass Oct. 7 attack that left an estimated 1,200 people dead in Israel. This support, however, has prompted an uptick in attacks against U.S. and coalition forces in the Middle East by whats believed to be Iranian-backed militants. U.S. officials previously told The Hill they believe Iran is looking to force a withdrawal of the U.S. military from the region. The threat marks the latest risk to shipping lanes, following the escalated tensions in the Red Sea, where Yemen Houthi rebels attacked several vessels. Houthi rebels claimed the attacks, several of which were against Israeli-backed vessels, are in hopes of curbing Israeli airstrikes and ground attacks in Gaza. A series of shipping companies suspended operations in the Red Sea earlier this month in the wake of such attacks, impacting their shipping routes and global oil prices. While the U.S. reiterates its support of Israel, the Biden administration in recent weeks has upped calls on Israel to actively try to protect civilian lives and as the country attempts to eliminate the threat of Hamas, which has ruled Gaza since 2007. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Palestinians inspect a destroyed building belonging to the Abu Al-Awf family after an Israeli air strike on Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. Two people were killed inside. Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa Israel has rejected reports of atrocities committed by Israeli soldiers at a hospital in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli army, the IDF, had nothing to do with bodies discovered at the Kamal Adwan hospital in Jabalia in the north of the Gaza Strip, it said in a statement on Sunday. A video had been circulated on social media in which a red bulldozer allegedly buries people underneath it at a hospital. However, this video dates back to 2013 and has nothing to do with the current deployment of Israeli soldiers in Jabalia, the IDF said. It was not possible to independently verify the information. A week ago, the news channel Al Jazeera reported that Israel's army had used a bulldozer to destroy the tents of displaced people in the courtyard of the hospital, killing around 20 people in the process. On Saturday, the US broadcaster CNN cited patients and doctors as saying that Israeli soldiers had used a bulldozer to uncover the bodies of victims who had already been buried and pushed them together. They had also shot several doctors even though they had already checked them for terrorist activities and let a military dog bite into a man in a wheelchair, according to the CNN report. The army rejected the accusations and claimed it was doing everything possible to avoid harming innocent bystanders. The hospital had been used by Hamas for terrorist activities and was located near one of its headquarters, the IDF said. The war began after Hamas fighters and other militant groups committed the worst massacre in Israeli history on October 7 in border communities close to Gaza, killing more than 1,200 people and abducting some 240 more into the coastal area. Israel responded by pounding Gaza with airstrikes and launched a ground offensive into the densely populated sealed off strip in late October. More than 20,000 people, mostly civilians, are said to have been killed there so far and tens of thousands more have been injured. Palestinians inspect a destroyed building belonging to the Abu Al-Awf family after an Israeli air strike on Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. Two people were killed inside. Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa Palestinian men who were arrested during the Israel Defense Forces ground operation in the north of Gaza receive medical treatment after their release at Al-Najjar Hospital in the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa Damages are seen after an Israeli airstrike on the centre of Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip. Mohammad Abu Elsebah/dpa Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the Gaza war has come at a "very heavy price" for his side. The military says more than a dozen soldiers have been killed in the territory since Friday, bringing the total of the ground assault to 154. Saturday was one of its deadliest days - but the Israeli PM there was "no choice" but to keep fighting. Meanwhile, Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry says 70 people were killed in a strike on a refugee camp on Sunday. More than 20,000 people have been killed - mostly women and children, and 54,000 injured in Gaza since 7 October, the ministry says. Remarking on the latest Israeli troop deaths, Mr Netanyahu said: "This is a difficult morning, after a very difficult day of fighting in Gaza." But he said his forces would continue with "full force until the end", reiterating his goals of eliminating Hamas and ensuring the safe return of hostages held in Gaza. "Let it be clear: this will be a long war," the Israeli prime minister added. The military's 154th death was announced later that day: tank commander Maj Aryeh Rein. In a separate statement, the military said it had killed more than 8,000 Palestinian fighters during its campaign to date - in remarks quoted by the Reuters news agency. The Israeli operation began after Hamas fighters crossed from Gaza into southern Israel on 7 October, killing 1,200 people and taking about 240 hostages. Israel insists that it takes steps to avoid civilian casualties, and blames Hamas for embedding itself in densely-populated areas. US President Joe Biden - a key ally of Mr Netanyahu - emphasised the "critical need" to protect civilian lives during a call with the Israeli prime minister on Saturday, the White House said. Mr Biden told reporters that he had not asked for a ceasefire in the call. Both men believe such a move would benefit Hamas. On Friday, the UN Security Council approved a resolution demanding large-scale aid deliveries to Gaza - but this, too, stopped short of calling for a ceasefire between the two warring sides. Talks held in Egypt earlier this week designed to secure a fresh truce between Israel and Hamas have so far failed to deliver results. A Palestinian official familiar with the ceasefire negotiations told the BBC that Egypt presented a new three-stage plan that would begin with a two-week humanitarian truce - which could be extended - during which Hamas would release 40 hostages and Israel would release 120 Palestinian prisoners. This stage would be followed by the formation of an independent body to deal with humanitarian relief and reconstruction, as well as a comprehensive ceasefire and an exchange of prisoners. The Israeli military has kept up its bombing campaign in Gaza - ordering civilians to flee. The UN said the latest evacuation order affected 150,000 people in the middle of the territory. On Saturday, Israel said 700 Palestinian militants had been arrested during its ground offensive to date. It also said one of its fighter jets had killed Hassah Atrash, a man it accused of smuggling weapons into Gaza to arm Hamas. There has been no confirmation from Hamas. The Israeli military has said it has almost full operational control of the north of the Gaza Strip, and is stepping up operations elsewhere. Rockets fired at Israel by Hamas from the Gaza strip were intercepted by Iron Dome anti-missile system, as seen from Ashkelon A spokesman has said troops are entering new Hamas strongholds in southern areas. Briefing his cabinet on Sunday, Mr Netanyahu denied suggestions the US president had persuaded him against further expanding his military operation. The Wall Street Journal had reported that Mr Netanyahu had been talked out of attacking Hamas's ally in Lebanon, the Hezbollah group. A government spokesperson told the BBC "the situation in the north... is intolerable" and that Israel was "trying to deter Hezbollah from dragging us into a war". "We will continue making the necessary preparations to repel this threat from the northern border," he added. Bethlehem, West Bank (CNN) Church bells echo through the labyrinth-like streets of Bethlehem. With Christmas approaching, the city in the Israeli-occupied West Bank should be teeming with visitors. But this year, it is almost deserted. Local leaders made the decision last month to scale back festivities in solidarity with the Palestinian population, as heavy fighting raged between Israel and Hamas in the devastated Gaza Strip. More than 20,000 Palestinians have been killed during Israels air and ground offensive, according to the Hamas-controlled Ministry of Health in Gaza and nearly 85% of the strips total population has been displaced. The war was sparked by Hamas terror attack on October 7 on southern Israel in which at least 1,200 people were killed and more than 240 others taken hostage. Many here have ties to Gaza through loved ones and friends, and a sense of misery has fallen upon the city revered by Christians as the birthplace of Jesus Christ. Decorations that once adorned neighborhoods have been removed. The parades and religious celebrations have been canceled. In the city center, the traditional enormous Christmas tree of Manger Square is conspicuously absent. Traveling into Bethlehem, about eight kilometers south of Jerusalem, isnt ordinarily an easy journey. The Israeli-built West Bank barrier restricts movement, as do the various checkpoints leading in and out of the city. Its only got worse since Hamas brazen attack. Since October 7, Israel has restricted movement in Bethlehem and other Palestinian towns in the West Bank, with military checkpoints allowing access in and out, impacting Palestinians trying to get to work. The occupied territory has also experienced a surge in violence, with at least 300 Palestinians killed in Israeli attacks, according to the Palestinian health ministry. My son asked me why theres no Christmas tree this year, I dont know how to explain it, Ali Thabet tells CNN. He and his family live in Al Shawawra, a Palestinian village near Bethlehem, and visit each Christmas because our relationship with our Christian brothers is a strong relationship He and his family live in Bethlehem and visit each Christmas because our relationship with our Christian brothers is a strong relationship. He explains: We join them in their celebrations, and they also join us in our celebrations. But this years holiday season is very bad. Walking down the cobble-stone streets, the impact of the conflict is evident. Businesses were banking on a busy festive period after suffering through the hardships and travel restrictions of the coronavirus pandemic. But without the usual crowds of tourists and the faithful, many of the hotels, shops and restaurants have shuttered. Bethlehems economy depends on pilgrims and tourism, explains third-generation shop owner Rony Tabash, who stands outside his store waiting for customers who will never arrive. Souvenirs and intricately carved olive wood carvings of the nativity scene sit on shelves gathering dust. Tabashs store is one of the handful to remain open, out of a wish to support the skilled artisans that delicately make his merchandise. Tabash brings his father with him to the shop each day to get him out of the house. His grandfather opened the store back in 1927 and this place, along with the square and its famous church, have become part of our heart. Weve never seen Christmas like this, he continues. Since three months, honestly, we dont have one sale. I dont want to keep my father at home. I dont want to give up hope. Even the Church of the Nativity which became the first World Heritage site in the Palestinian territories in 2012 is largely empty. In a normal year, queues of hundreds would snake around the car park outside with pilgrims patiently waiting to enter its grotto, considered since the 2nd Century to be the exact location of Christs birth. A 14-pointed silver star set into the marble floor marks the precise spot where Jesus is said to have been born. In the 4th Century, Emperor Constantine founded a church on the site, which was destroyed in the year 529, only to be replaced by larger structures, which form the basis of the church today. Inside, it would usually be standing room only. But this year, the fighting in Gaza has changed everything. Now, you can practically hear a pin drop. I have never seen it like this, says Father Spiridon Sammour, a Greek Orthodox priest at the Church of the Nativity. Christmas is joy, love and peace. We have no peace. We have no joy, he says solemnly. It is out of our hands, and we pray for the leaders who will make the decisions [all] over the world to God to help them, give them his light to make peace here and all over the world. CNNs Kareem El Damanhoury, Eyad Kourdi and Sugam Pokharel contributed to this report. An Israeli soldier prays near the Israeli Gaza border, amid continuing battles between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Ilia Yefimovich/dpa The Israeli army has expanded its ground operation in the Gaza Strip, it announced late on Saturday. Israeli army spokesman Daniel Hagari said troops were involved in "complex battles in densely populated areas" and that they were advancing into further strongholds of the Palestinian militant organization Hamas. So far, Israeli ground forces had destroyed or confiscated around 30,000 explosive devices, including anti-tank missiles and rockets in the possession of Hamas, the spokesman said. The Israeli military had announced earlier that it had killed a high-ranking Hamas official who was responsible for the militant group's weapons supply. The soldiers were continuing to fight in densely populated areas such as Khan Younis and were tracking down "terrorist infrastructure", particularly in underground tunnels, the army spokesman said. Technical forces had therefore been significantly reinforced. The capacities of the division fighting there would be further expanded in the coming days, he said, noting that the destruction of the tunnels was time-consuming. A network of tunnels stretches for many kilometres underneath the Gaza Strip, in which, according to Israel, Hamas members are hiding and holding hostages abducted from Israel. In order to withstand Israeli aerial bombings, some tunnels extend dozens of metres underground. Hamas also uses the tunnels to emerge above ground and attack from behind. Many of the tunnels are booby-trapped to kill Israeli soldiers who enter them. The war began after Hamas fighters and other militant groups committed the worst massacre in Israeli history on October 7 in border communities close to Gaza, killing more than 1,200 people, most of them civilians, and abducting some 240 more into the coastal area. Israel responded by pounding Gaza with airstrikes and launched a ground offensive into the densely populated sealed off strip in late October. More than 20,000 people are said to have been killed there so far. During a temporary pause in fighting, 105 hostages were freed in exchange for some 240 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. Israel estimates that 129 hostages are still in Gaza. In view of the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the sealed-off Gaza Strip, Israel has come under increasing international pressure in recent weeks. Palestinians inspect a destroyed building belonging to the Abu Al-Awf family after an Israeli air strike on Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. Two people were killed inside. Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa The Israeli military has expanded its ground offensive in the Gaza Strip, as leaders of Islamist Palestinian militant groups visited Cairo to hold talks about the course of the war in Gaza. "Let's be very clear: this will be a long war," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday. Officials from the Palestinian militant faction Islamic Jihad, including leader Ziad al-Nakhalah, arrived in Egypt on Sunday to discuss the "current situation" in Gaza, Egyptian state-affiliated al-Qahera News reported. Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh visited Egypt on Wednesday. Islamic Jihad is an ally of the Hamas movement and took part in the October 7 attack on Israel that included brutal massacres of civilians. The group has also said that it has abducted hostages from Israel into the Gaza Strip. In 2014, the United States designated al-Nakhalah a terrorist. Egypt reportedly floated a three-phase peace initiative in talks earlier week in Cairo between Egyptian officials and a Hamas team, Saudi-owned Asharq News reported online, citing sources close to the talks. Netanyahu on Sunday reiterated that Israel would however continue its fight until Hamas was destroyed, all hostages freed and Israel can never again be endangered from the Gaza Strip. He described "a difficult morning" after 14 Israeli soldiers were killed in battles with Hamas militants in Gaza Since the Hamas attacks on October 7, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have lost at least 486 soldiers in total, around a third of them since the start of Israel's ground offensive in Gaza on October 27. IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari said late on Saturday that soldiers were continuing to fight in densely populated areas such as Khan Younis and were tracking down "terrorist infrastructure," particularly in underground tunnels. According to the Hamas-controlled Health Ministry in Gaza, a total of 20,258 people have been killed in the Gaza Strip since the beginning of the conflict and 53,688 injured, mainly civilians. The deaths and destruction in Gaza has overshadowed traditional Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem. A sombre Christmas Eve procession departed Jerusalem for Bethlehem in the Israeli-occupied West Bank on Sunday, with few of the usual decorations or festivities. The United Nations estimates that around 50,000 pregnant women are currently living in the besieged and war-torn Gaza Strip. There are more than 180 births every day, the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) said on Sunday. The agency said that doctors and midwives are doing everything possible to provide care for newborn babies and high-risk pregnant women at the seven remaining operational UNRWA health centres. The agency operated 22 health centres at the beginning of the war. Conditions for civilians in the Gaza Strip have become dire, with very limited supplies and people forced to camp in makeshift tents in the open. The weather has turned increasingly bad, while Israeli strikes continue. According to the UN, more than 1.9 million people in the Gaza Strip - or about 85% of the population - are now internally displaced. Many of them have sought shelter in overcrowded UNRWA facilities. "The decimation of the Gaza health system is a tragedy," said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO). "And we persist in calling for a ceasefire now," Ghebreyesus added. Filippo Grandi, the UN's high commissioner for refugees, also reiterated his demand for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. "For aid to reach people in need, hostages to be released, more displacement to be avoided and above all the devastating loss of lives to stop a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza is the only way forward," Grandi wrote on Sunday. The war began after Hamas fighters and other militant groups committed the worst massacre in Israeli history on October 7 in border communities close to Gaza, killing more than 1,200 people, most of them civilians, and abducting some 240 more into the coastal area. Israel on Sunday rejected reports of atrocities committed by IDF soldiers at a hospital in the Gaza Strip, and said it found explosive belts adapted for children in a Hamas weapons cache in Gaza. dpa is unable to independently confirm the information. Palestinians inspect a destroyed building belonging to the Abu Al-Awf family after an Israeli air strike on Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. Two people were killed inside. Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa Palestinians inspect a destroyed building belonging to the Abu Al-Awf family after an Israeli air strike on Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. Two people were killed inside. Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed reports that the United States had convinced Israel not to expand its military activity during a weekly cabinet meeting on Sunday. "I have seen false publications claiming that the U.S. prevented and is preventing us from operational operations in the region," Netanyahu said, without elaborating on the reports. "This is not true. Israel is a sovereign state. Our decisions in the war are based on our operational considerations, and I will not elaborate on that." The Wall Street Journal on Saturday reported that Netanyahu was persuaded by U.S. President Joe Biden not to attack the militant Hezbollah group in Lebanon out of concerns it would launch an attack on Israel, similar to the Oct. 7 rampage by Hamas in Gaza on Israel's southern communities. Netanyahu insisted on Sunday that Israel's actions are "not dictated by external pressures." "The decision on how to use our forces is an independent decision of the IDF and no-one else," Netanyahu said. (Reporting by Emily Rose; Editing by Hugh Lawson) Claims of signals from Russian President Vladimir Putin that he is interested in a ceasefire are more aimed at delaying and preventing further Western military aid for Ukraine. Source: Institute for the Study of War (ISW) Details: According to military analysts, Putin is not seriously interested in ending the war in any other way than a complete Russian victory. The ISW has observed similar efforts by the Kremlin to mislead Western politicians into forcing Ukraine to negotiate with Russia in the winter of 2022-2023. This was done to effectively redirect Western attention to hypothetical negotiations instead of providing Ukraine with sufficient weapons before its spring-summer counteroffensive. The Kremlin is likely to use covert channels to achieve this effect amid debates over further military assistance to Ukraine. Background: Russian President Vladimir Putin has been sending signals through intermediaries since at least September that he was ready to agree to a ceasefire in the war of aggression against Ukraine, which would include freezing hostilities on the current contact line. Support UP or become our patron! The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) claims that Russian naval infantry units have confirmed they are using prohibited chemical weapons in the village of Krynky, located 30 kilometers northeast of Kherson, the ISW said in their latest assessment on Dec. 23. According to the ISW, Russia's 810th Naval Infantry Brigade seemingly confirmed on Telegram that it intentionally uses chemical weapons against Ukrainian forces, in direct violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention, of which Russia is a party to. The marine unit detailed its "radical change in tactics," confirming it is dropping K-51 grenades from drones onto Ukrainian positions to smoke Ukrainian soldiers out of their position, exposing them to fire from various arms. K-51 aerosol grenades are filled with the Riot Control Agent gas CS (2-chlorobenzalmalononitrile), a tear gas used for crowd control. Riot Control Agents are prohibited from being used in modern warfare under the Chemical Weapons Convention. The Infantry Brigade posted a video of it dropping what appears to be prohibited K-51 presumably in Krynky, and the ISW had previously observed Russian forces using K-51 grenades against Ukrainian positions in Donetsk Oblast in November 2022. Ukraine has documented Russia's persistent use of chemical weapons since the beginning of full-scale invasion. This past August, Russian troops fired two artillery barrages with munitions containing a chemical substance onto Ukrainian troops. And in May, Ukraine's Border Service claimed that the Russian military had fired munitions with irritant aerosols and chemical grenades near Avdiivka, Donetsk Oblast. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. 26- year-old DTrevious Sharron Epps has been has sentenced to five years in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Epps pleaded guilty on August 22, 2023. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< According to court documents, Epps sold narcotics to different confidential informants both in Duval and Nassau Counties during September and October of 2022. On October 13, 2022, Epps was arrested by the Florida Highway Patrol while he was on his way to sell methamphetamine. He possessed at least 148 grams of methamphetamine, 19 grams of fentanyl, and 24 grams of cocaine, and three firearms. As part of his guilty plea, Epps agreed to forfeit the firearms seized by law enforcement. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office, and the Florida Highway Patrol. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Cannizzaro. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. Gendarmes patrol at the Vatry airport, eastern France, Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023 in Vatry, eastern France. About 300 Indian citizens heading to Central America were sequestered in a French airport for a third day Saturday because of an investigation into suspected human trafficking, authorities said. The 15 crew members of the Legend Airlines charter flight en route from United Arab Emirates to Nicaragua were questioned and released, according to a lawyer for the small Romania-based airline. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena) PARIS (AP) A charter plane sequestered while carrying 303 Indians to Nicaragua was authorized Sunday to leave the French airport where it has been grounded for four days for a human trafficking investigation. A lawyer for the airline said the plane would take many of the stranded passengers back to India on Monday. Local authorities were working through Christmas Eve on formalities to allow some passengers to leave the small Vatry Airport in Champagne country, regional prosecutor Annick Browne told The Associated Press. All of the passengers, including a 21-month-old child, had been stuck in the airport terminal since Thursday. Two passengers were detained as part of a special French investigation into suspected human trafficking by an organized criminal group. Several others requested asylum in France, according to the local administration. Prosecutors said 11 passengers were unaccompanied minors who were put under special administrative care. The Legend Airlines A340 plane stopped Thursday for refueling in Vatry en route from Fujairah airport in United Arab Emirates for Managua, Nicaragua, and was grounded by police based on an anonymous tip that it could be carrying trafficking victims. The airport was requisitioned by police for days, and then turned into a makeshift courtroom Sunday as judges, lawyers and translators filled the terminal to carry out emergency hearings to determine whether to keep the Indians sequestered any longer. The hearings were halted midway because of a dispute over the procedure used to block the Indians in the airport, and a decision on next steps was expected overnight, the prosecutor said Sunday. The seizure order for the airliner was lifted Sunday morning, a decision that makes it possible to contemplate the passengers in the waiting area being rerouted, according to a statement from the Marne administration. The French Civil Aviation Authority then set about trying to get the necessary permissions for the plane to take off once again, which should be in place no later than Monday morning, according to the prefecture. Legend Airlines lawyer Liliana Bakayoko told AP that the company hoped the plane could head to Mumbai, India, on Monday with as many passengers as possible.'' She estimated around 280 passengers should be able to leave. The prosecutor and regional administration could not confirm an exact figure. Local officials, medics and volunteers installed cots and ensured regular meals and showers for those held in the airport. But lawyers at Sunday's hearings protested authorities' overall handling of the strange situation. I'm surprised at how things unfolded in the waiting area. People should have been informed of their rights, and clearly that was not the case,'' Francois Procureur, the head of the Chalons-en-Champagne Bar Association, told BFM television. He called the mass, hasty airport hearings unprecedented.'' Foreigners can be held up to four days in a transit zone for police investigations in France, after which a special judge must rule on whether to extend that for eight days. Prosecutors wouldnt comment on what kind of trafficking was alleged, or whether the passengers' ultimate destination was the U.S., which has seen a surge in Indians crossing the Mexico-U.S. border this year. The 15 crew members were questioned and released Saturday, Bakayoko said. She said the airline denied any role in possible human trafficking. A partner company that chartered the plane was responsible for verifying identification documents of each passenger and communicated their passport information to the airline 48 hours before the flight, Bakayoko said. The U.S. government has designated Nicaragua as one of several countries deemed as failing to meet minimum standards for eliminating human trafficking. Nicaragua has also been used as a migratory springboard for people fleeing poverty or conflict because of relaxed or visa-free entry requirements for some countries. Sometimes charter flights are used for the journey. Indian citizens were arrested 41,770 times entering the U.S. illegally from Mexico in the U.S. governments budget year that ended Sept. 30, more than double from 18,308 the previous year. ___ Morton reported from London. Associated Press journalist Jeffrey Schaeffer in Paris contributed to this report. Annetta Russell, left, and Taylor Russell advocated for a new public alert when Oklahoma adults go missing. The alert is named after their son and brother, Kasey Russell, who went missing in 2016. Oklahoma police are starting to send out a new type of alert when people go missing. Kasey Alerts, which started this fall, are meant to help investigators find adults who are missing and may be in danger. Here's what to know about the new alerts and how police hope they can make a difference. What does a Kasey Alert mean? Kasey Alerts are issued by police when an adult goes missing under suspicious circumstance, or if investigators believe the missing adult may be in danger. The alerts can be sent statewide or in specific areas where the person was last seen. Lawmakers passed Kasey Alerts into law in May, and the first alerts started in November. asey Russell was 29 when he went missing in June 2016. His remains were found six years later. Oklahoma lawmakers passed a law creating a missing adult alert system named after him. Who are Kasey Alerts named after? The new notification system is named after Kasey Russell, a Tahlequah man and Cherokee Nation citizen who vanished in 2016. Russell, 29, had been traveling with his girlfriend and was last seen in Seminole. His mother struggled to enlist police in the search for Russell. His remains were ultimately found last year near where he was last scene. Russell's mother told The Oklahoman earlier this year that she hoped the alerts could make a difference for other Oklahoma families. "Kasey was always helping everybody that needed help, Annetta Russell said. He was a very caring person. He would really be honored given the fact that I wasnt able to get help, but other people will. More: A Cherokee man vanished without a trace. Oklahoma could create alert system in his name When do police issue Kasey Alerts in Oklahoma? Under the new law passed this year, law enforcement agencies can send Kasey Alerts any time an adult between the ages of 18-64 goes missing if investigators believe the person may be at risk. Alerts already existed for children (Amber Alerts) and older adults (Silver Alerts). Advocates recommend telling police as much as possible about your loved one's disappearance, especially any concerning circumstances or signs of unusual behavior, so investigators can determine whether to send a Kasey Alert. Annetta Russell, Kasey's mother, poses for a portrait Wednesday, March 15, 2023. Kasey Russell went missing after a fight with his girlfriend, but law enforcement didn't look for him. It wasn't until years later that his body was discovered. Now his family and their supporters hope Oklahoma will set up an alert system to help missing adults like Kasey. They see it as an important way to respond to the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous people. How do Kasey Alerts address the MMIP crisis? Kasey Alerts can be sent out for any missing adult at risk in Oklahoma. But if a tribal citizen goes missing, the alerts must include additional information about how to contact tribal law enforcement agencies about the case. The extra step was designed to cut through questions about jurisdiction that can stall investigations, which is what happened when Kasey Russell went missing. Supporters hope the alerts can be one step in ending the larger crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous people. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: What is a Kasey Alert? When are they sent? Behind Oklahoma's new alert Christmas is banned in North Korea, but that is not stopping a group of activists from sending messages of hope, faith and freedom to the people suffering under the dictatorship of Kim Jong Un. Flash drives celebrating the holiday, and including Bible readings, were launched into the Yellow Sea in bottles so that the currents will carry them to the shores of the North Korean peninsula. "We should be doing everything we can to get information into North Korea by land, by sea and by air," says Suzanne Scholte, chair of the Washington, D.C.-based North Korean Freedom Coalition which sponsored the messages. The operation is part of the group's "Operation Truth," which Scholte says, "is modeled after the Berlin Airlift, to get critical help to the starving people of North Korea." The group has conducted 17 launches of the bottles. Each bottle also contains enough rice to feed a family of four for a week, as well as a Bible on a flash drive and a U.S. $1 bill. Among those launching the messages were nine North Korean escapees who want to bring freedom to their homeland. NORTH KOREA REPORTEDLY PERSECUTES CHRISTIANS MORE THAN ANY OTHER COUNTRY AROUND THE WORLD: STUDY The Washington, D.C.-based North Korean Freedom Coalition group has conducted 17 launches of bottles. Each one contains enough rice to feed a family of four for a week, as well as a Bible on a flash drive and a U.S. $1 bill. Scholte's Christmas message that is included in the bottles says in part, "Christmas, which is celebrated all over the world on December 25th, marks the day when Jesus was born...Many of your ancestors also believed in Jesus. IN fact, in 1907, in Pyongyang, there were so many Christians who believed in Jesus that Pyongyang became known as a Holy City. But when Kim II Sung came to power, he wanted North Koreans to worship him as a god, and not the one true God. So, he killed many Christian leaders, sent others to political prison camps, or banished them. He did all he could to kill the followers of Jesus Christ..." READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP The flash drives also contain North Korean music, changing the lyrics from worshiping Kim Jong Un to worshiping God. They also play K-Pop songs, the Books of Matthew and Mark, as well as recorded messages from several members of Congress touting freedom for the North Korean people. Among those who recorded messages were Senators Jim Risch and Tim Kaine, as well as Congressmen Michael McCaul and Gregory Meeks. MAN WHO FLED NORTH KOREA FOR AMERICA RETURNS TO FEED STARVING CITIZENS: 'GOD CALLED ME' Flash drives celebrating the holiday, including Bible readings, were launched into the Yellow Sea in bottles so that the currents could carry them to the shores of the North Korean peninsula. The North Korean Freedom Coalition started the outreach in 2022. It also has sent 600 shortwave radios with ear buds into the kingdom. During the summer, they started a program for Americans to order items that could be delivered to North Korea. Scholte said that an increasing number of North Koreans are learning about the outside world because of the efforts of her group. "We must communicate to the people in power in Pyongyang that they have friends and allies in Korea and America, who have only one desire for them: to share with the benefits of a free people, to give them a life of home instead of despair," she said. "Those in leadership positions in the DPRK regime wake up in the morning with only two choices in their lives: being slaves devoted to Kim Jong Un or death and their families' deaths. That is why so many began escaping -not just for food, but for freedom, for a better life." KIM JONG UN WEEPS AS HE CALLS ON NORTH KOREAN WOMEN TO HAVE MORE CHILDREN TO STEM BIRTH RATE DECLINE Suzanne Scholte's Christmas message that is included in the bottles says in part, "Christmas, which is celebrated all over the world on December 25th, marks the day when Jesus was born...Many of your ancestors also believed in Jesus." Scholte's group and the Defense Forum Foundation also help operate Free North Korea Radio, a station that broadcasts news and information into North Korea. Its director, Kim Song Min, escaped in 1997, and despite attempts by the dictatorship to jam its programming, the station has broadcast on shortwave and on the internet. "I would like to express my gratitude to the Americans for standing with us to help us reach the people of North Korea with the truth about America and South Korea," he said. "North Koreans are brainwashed from childhood to hate Americans as their enemy and believe that America occupies South Korea, making them live in misery while North Korea prospers as a paradise under the Kim dictatorship." 'CHRISTMAS SERMON' BY AUTHOR C.S. LEWIS WARNED OF A WORLD THAT NO LONGER KNEW RIGHT FROM WRONG There is another message that the activists are delivering to the North Korean people, one bottle at a time. Scholte said that message is what Americans cherish. "The benefits of a free people, a life of hope instead of despair." Another message that activists are delivering to North Koreans are what Americans cherish, "the benefits of a free people, a life of hope instead of despair." Fox News' Emily Robertson contributed to this report. Original article source: Kim Jong UN bans Christmas, but activists send gifts of Bibles, food and messages of hope The King greets well-wishers as he arrives at Sandringham - Geoff Robinson/Splash News The King and Queen greeted members of the public as they attended the Christmas Eve church service at Sandringham in Norfolk. The King, wearing a long tweed coat, waved at well-wishers as he walked towards St Mary Magdalene Church. He and the Queen, who was dressed in a long black wool coat with a black hat, smiled warmly at the assembled crowds. Princess Anne, dressed in a red coat and hat, and Sir Tim Laurence, her husband, joined the couple for the service. The royals will attend a special service at the church on Christmas Day, and will spend that day and new year at Sandringham House. The King and Queen walk by the church at Sandringham - Joe Giddens/PA King Charles and Queen Camilla at Sandringham with Princess Anne and Tim Lawrence - Geoff Robinson It is thought the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children will join the King and Queen on the Norfolk estate over the Christmas period. Queen Camillas children Tom Parker Bowles, 48, and his sister Laura Lopes, 45, have been invited for Christmas at Sandringham for what is thought to be the first time. The Royal family continue their festive traditions throughout the period, laying out presents on a table on Christmas Eve and then exchanging them during teatime. Sandringham was the late Queen Elizabeth IIs favourite retreat at Christmas. The estate, covering 20,000 acres, was originally bought for Edward VII and Alexandra of Denmark just prior to their marriage. Those who gather at the church to greet the royals often give them Christmas cards and gifts. Last year, one well-wisher gave Prince Louis a feathered Santa toy. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. A Los Angeles County hospital is searching for the family of a hit-and-run victim found earlier this week. On Dec. 21, the woman was struck by a vehicle at the intersection of San Pedro and 88th Streets in South L.A. at around 6:30 p.m. She is currently hospitalized at the Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in Torrance where she remains intubated and sedated. No personal belongings were found on the woman to help identify her, hospital staff said. She is described as a Hispanic woman around 20 to 30 years old. She stands 5 feet 3 inches tall and weighs 122 pounds. She has brown eyes and black hair. An unidentified female patient at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in Torrance was found on Dec. 21, 2023. (Harbor-UCLA Medical Center) She has a scar on the right side of her chest, staff said. Anyone who may recognize her or has information that could identify her is asked to call the hospital at 424-306-6990. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. It's been a year since residents of the Latitude Five25 apartments on the Near East Side were forced out of their apartments, and four months since a judge cleared the way for a settlement that included $1.5 million for those tenants. A judge may be approving that settlement soon, and the money distributed. But tenants haven't seen any money yet. "It's been horrible," said Angela Kanode, who had lived at Latitude Five25 for two years. Kanode said lawyers working on behalf of tenants haven't updated them on what's going on. "Everything I've learned has been through the news," she said. Since May, Kanode, 48, has lived at the SkyView Townhomes, a former public housing complex on the South Side that has been privatized. She said her rent is $992 a month, she's dealing with medical issues, and has applied for rental assistance. "I'll be glad when it's all over," she said of the wait. Another former Latitude Five25 tenant also wonders when his money is coming. "We have a legal (right) to be compensated for the things we have been (through) in the past year," Martin Holloman wrote in an email to The Dispatch. What's holding up Latitude settlement? Melissa Benson, managing attorney for the Legal Aid Society of Columbus, which has been representing former tenants, said on Friday that her group filed a request to the Franklin County Municipal Court environmental judge to sign the settlement. "The paperwork is there for them to approve. The judge is considering it," she said. In August, a U.S. bankruptcy court judge in New Jersey dismissed a bankruptcy claim from the owners of Latitude Five 25, New Jersey-based Paxe Latitude, that cleared the way for a receiver to fix the property and the $1.5 million settlement for former tenants. Franklin County Environmental Judge Stephanie Mingo also ordered more than $4.3 million in contempt fines in February against the owners. 'These are bad actors' "My heart goes out to them over the past year," Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein said of the displaced tenants. "Its been a long process. It hasn't helped that the previous owners ran to bankruptcy court in New Jersey and delayed things." Klein said that his office is investigating whether to pursue the owners for personal liability through a civil suit. "These are bad actors," he said. The two 15-story towers at 525 Sawyer Blvd. were evacuated on Christmas Day 2022 over heating problems and burst pipes. That displaced 154 households. The buildings also had problems with nonworking elevators, asbestos and other code issues. Lument Finance Trust, the financial institution that held the mortgage of the apartments, agreed to the $1.5 million settltment the amount Paxe Latitude and attorneys for the tenants worked out. Steve Tigges, Lument's attorney, said in August that insurance proceeds will be used to pay tenants. Where have Latitude tenants landed? After the Christmas Day evacuation, many tenants went to hotels and emergency shelters. In June, 16 people were still living in hotels. No one remains in a hotel now. The receiver for the property is New Perspective Asset Management. Dana Milligan, who owns the company, said former tenants are not allowed in the towers to retrieve items from their apartments. The company has retrieved and given some items back to tenants, she said, but some furniture pieces and other large items remain because elevators in the towers are not working. "We can't get heavy things down the steps," Milligan said. She said she hopes that once the property is sold the new owners will fix the elevators and tenants will be able to get those items then. "I dont think Im going to make everyone happy because its such a disaster," Milligan said. "Compassionately, we wanted to make sure to get them something by Christmas." mferench@dispatch.com @MarkFerenchik This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Former Latitude Five25 residents struggle while waiting for settlement Lawmakers are condemning a recent defacement of a Hindu temple in Newark, Calif., that local authorities are looking into as a possible hate crime. Authorities are investigating the vandalizing of the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Hindu Temple with graffiti as a possible hate crime, according to a report from The Mercury News. The defacing of the temple was found Friday morning. I unequivocally condemn this attack on Swaminarayan Mandir Hindu Temple in California. Hatred in all forms cannot be tolerated, Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) said in a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, on Saturday. Those responsible must be held accountable. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.) joined Lee in condemning the defacing in a post as well. The defacing of the Swaminarayan temple in Newark, CA is despicable, and I strongly condemn it, Krishnamoorthi said in his X post. Im glad the community is rallying to the support of the mandir. We must stand united against bigotry in all its ugly forms. Those who did this vandalism must be held accountable. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) also said he condemned the defacing of the temple, which he said is in his district. Freedom to worship is at the heart of American democracy, Khanna said in a post on X. Those who committed this act of vandalism must be held accountable. As the founder of the Congressional Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, and Jain Caucus, I express my profound condemnation of the disgraceful act of vandalism committed against the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Newark, California, Rep. Shri Thanedar (D-Mich.) said in a statement posted to X. This desecration, marked by anti-India graffiti, strikes at the very essence of our diverse and inclusive society. The Newark Police Department said that the temples defacement seems to be targeted, according to The Mercury News. Any acts or threats of violence, property damage, harassment, intimidation, or other crimes motivated by hate or bias are considered very serious and given very high priority, the Newark Police Department said in a news release, according to The Mercury News. Officers are investigating, collecting evidence, and reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses in order to establish the chain of events and bring those responsible to justice. The Hill has reached out to the Newark Police Department. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. HOUSTON - The suspect killed in an officer-involved shooting in League City was suspected of an aggravated robbery in Houston, officials say. Around 3:14 p.m. League City officers were notified after a Flock camera detected a stolen Toyota Camry from the Houston area nearby. League City Public Information Officer Jose Ortega said the officers located the vehicle unoccupied in the parking lot of Walmart on 1701 FM 646 Road around 3:32 p.m. SUGGESTED: I-45 North Freeway crash: 1 dead after car fire, 4-year-old taken to hospital: HCSO The car was confirmed stolen at gunpoint by Houston police. Law enforcement says the victim of the robbery gave a description of the suspect in the robbery. League City officers waited in the area to see if the suspect would return to the Toyota. Around 4:01 p.m., officers say they approached the man seen walking towards the car and soon after, reported shots were fired. According to reports from League City authorities, the suspect raised a handgun at the officers, and they fired at the man, hitting him in the chest. The suspect was detained and officers began life-saving measures of CPR, but he was pronounced dead at 4:13 p.m. by League City EMS. FOX 26 Houston is now on the FOX LOCAL app available through Apple TV, Amazon FireTV, Roku, Google Android TV, and Vizio! A handgun was recovered from the scene, Ortega stated. No officers have been reported injured. Galveston County Sheriff's Office is conducting the investigation. As is policy, the officer will be placed on paid leave and receive counseling during the investigation. DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza At least 68 people were killed in Gaza on Sunday in one of the deadliest strikes of the war, while Israels leaders acknowledged the very heavy price after 15 soldiers were killed in combat over the weekend. Associated Press journalists at a nearby hospital watched frantic Palestinians carry the dead, including a baby, and wounded following the strike on the Maghazi refugee camp east of Deir al-Balah. One bloodied young girl looked stunned while her body was checked for broken bones. The 68 fatalities include at least 12 women and seven children, according to early hospital figures. Earlier, the Health Ministry in Gaza gave the death toll as 70. The Israeli military had no immediate comment. We were all targeted, said Ahmad Turokmani, who lost several family members including his daughter and grandson. There is no safe place in Gaza anyway. As Christmas Eve fell, smoke rose over the besieged territory, while in the West Bank Bethlehem was hushed, its holiday celebrations called off. In neighboring Egypt, tentative efforts continued on a deal for another exchange of hostages for Palestinians held by Israel. The mounting death toll among Israeli troops 154 since the ground offensive began could erode public support for the war, which was sparked when Hamas-led militants stormed communities in southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 and taking 240 hostage. The war has devastated parts of Gaza, killed roughly 20,400 Palestinians and displaced almost all of the territorys 2.3 million people. The Health Ministry in Gaza said 166 people were killed in the coastal enclave over the past day. Israelis still largely stand behind the countrys stated goals of crushing Hamas governing and military capabilities and releasing the remaining 129 captives. Thats despite rising international pressure against Israels offensive, and the soaring death toll and unprecedented suffering among Palestinians. The war exacts a very heavy price from us, but we have no choice but to continue fighting, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said. In a nationally televised speech, Israeli President Isaac Herzog appealed for the country to remain united. This moment is a test. We will not break nor blink, he said. There has been widespread anger against his government, which many criticize for failing to protect civilians on Oct. 7 and promoting policies that allowed Hamas to gain strength over the years. Netanyahu has avoided accepting responsibility for the military and policy failures. Over time, the public will find it hard to ignore the heavy price paid, as well as the suspicion that the aims that were loudly heralded are still far from being attained, and that Hamas is showing no signs of capitulating in the near future, wrote Amos Harel, military affairs commentator for the Haaretz newspaper. The Israeli military said it had completed the dismantling of Hamas underground headquarters in northern Gaza, part of an operation to take down the vast tunnel network and kill off top commanders that Israeli leaders have said could take months. Efforts toward negotiations continued. The head of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Ziyad al-Nakhalah, arrived in Egypt for talks. The militant group, which also took part in the Oct. 7 attack, said it was prepared to consider releasing hostages only after fighting ends. Hamas top leader Ismail Haniyeh traveled to Cairo for talks days earlier. Israels offensive has been one of the most devastating military campaigns in recent history. More than two-thirds of the 20,000 Palestinians killed have been women and children, according to the Health Ministry in Gaza, which does not differentiate between civilians and combatants. Elsewhere, the Palestinian Red Crescent said a 13-year-old boy was shot and killed in an Israeli drone attack while inside al-Amal Hospital in Khan Younis, a part of Gaza where Israels military believes Hamas leaders are hiding. An Israeli strike overnight hit a house in a refugee camp west of the city of Rafah, on Gazas border with Egypt. At least two men were killed, according to Associated Press journalists in the hospital where the bodies were taken. At least two people were killed and six others wounded when a missile stuck a building in the Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza. And Palestinians reported heavy Israeli bombardment and gunfire in Jabaliya, an area north of Gaza City that Israel had claimed to control. Hamas military arm said its fighters shelled Israeli troops in Jabaliya and Jabaliya refugee camp. Israel faces international criticism for the civilian death toll but it blames Hamas, citing the militants use of crowded residential areas and tunnels. Israel has launched thousands of airstrikes since Oct. 7. It says it has killed thousands of Hamas militants, without presenting evidence. Israel also faces allegations of mistreating Palestinian men and teenage boys detained in homes, shelters, hospitals and elsewhere during the offensive. It has denied abuse allegations and said those without links to militants are quickly released. Speaking to the AP from a hospital bed in Rafah after his release, Khamis al-Burdainy of Gaza City said Israeli forces detained him after tanks and bulldozers partly destroyed his home. He said men were handcuffed and blindfolded. We didnt sleep. We didnt get food and water, he said, crying and covering his face. Another released detainee, Mohammed Salem, from the Gaza City neighborhood of Shijaiyah, said Israeli troops beat them. We were humiliated, he said. A female soldier would come and beat an old man, aged 72 years old. The United Nations Security Council has passed a watered-down resolution calling for the speedy delivery of humanitarian aid for hungry and desperate Palestinians and the release of all the hostages, but not for a cease-fire. But it was not immediately clear how and when deliveries of food, medical supplies and other aid, far below the daily average of 500 before the war, would accelerate. Trucks enter through two crossings Rafah, and Kerem Shalom on the border with Israel. Wael Abu Omar, a spokesman for the Palestinian Crossings Authority, said 93 aid trucks entered Gaza through Rafah on Saturday. The head of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, reiterated U.N. calls for a humanitarian cease-fire, adding on social media that the decimation of the Gaza health system is a tragedy. Amid concerns about a wider regional conflict, the U.S. Central Command said a patrol ship in the Red Sea on Saturday shot down four drones launched from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, a while two Houthi anti-ship ballistic missiles were fired into international shipping lanes. The Iran-backed Houthis say their attacks are aimed at Israel-linked ships in an effort to stop the Israeli offensive in Gaza. Christmastime is a season of joy and merriment for Americans across the country. However, everyone has their own Grinch waiting to put a damper on their holiday. Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., has a unique one following him this holiday season after his historic ouster from the speakership in October. KEVIN MCCARTHY TAKES PARTING SWIPE AT MATT GAETZ IN FINAL INTERVIEW AS CONGRESSMAN: HISTORY WILL JUDGE HIM Kevin McCarthy was ousted from the House speakership in October. McCarthy had a rough go as House speaker. After the lackluster 2022 midterm elections didn't yield the impactful majority Republicans were trying to manifest, McCarthy had to fight tooth and nail with 15 ballots to take the gavel from an apprehensive GOP conference. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP McCarthy's tenure behind the gavel was further complicated by a four-seat majority that only got smaller as the year marched on. The slim majority required the now-former speaker to wheel and deal to get GOP priorities across the finish line but deal-brokering in Washington comes with its pitfalls. Different wings of the GOP wanted different things on a variety of issues, including government funding. McCarthy's speakership was blown up by Florida GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz after the House passed a continuing resolution to fund the government. McCarthy's speakership was blown up by Florida GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz, who dropped a privileged resolution to remove the now-former speaker after the House passed a continuing resolution to fund the government. Seven other Republicans joined Gaetz on the move, leveraging the slim GOP majority in the House with Democrats in the chamber joining them to oust McCarthy from his job. The move sparked a near-month-long fight to replace McCarthy that saw three top Republicans rejected from the job and culminated with the historic mid-Congress election of Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La. The former speaker announced after his ousting that he would be resigning from Congress. McCarthy tended his resignation from Congress on Dec. 20, with his official last day in office being set for Dec. 31. His resignation further slims the GOP's House majority, especially in the wake of disgraced New York GOP former Rep. George Santos' removal from Congress. However, the former speaker is not going quietly into the night. McCarthy has taken parting shots at Gaetz as he's headed for the exit door, telling Fox News' Brian Kilmeade this month that history will not look back fondly on the Florida man's move. "History will judge him," McCarthy said. "And history will judge all of us." McCarthy's resignation further slims the GOP's House majority, especially in the wake of disgraced New York GOP former Rep. George Santos' removal from Congress. Kilmeade asked McCarthy about the "very real math problem" that comes with his departure. "Gaetz is never a serious person," McCarthy responded. "I mean, when you think about what has transpired, and you talk about someone being selfish, this is all about an ethics complaint that he had with Congress before, that he looked at just himself, that he doesn't want it to come forward for America to know." "But it's going to come forward," Kilmeade said. "Yeah, it's more serious than Santos" McCarthy replied. "I think they'll see I'm Irish and Italian. I like a good fight," he said, referencing the time it took to land the speakership. "But then they took down Steve Scalise. They took down Jim Jordan. They took down Tom Emmer. I mean, these are the best players on the field." "But this is your party," Kilmeade said. "Yeah, but the challenge is, it was eight people and every single Democrat. Eight Republicans joined the Democrats to create this mess. That's part of things that people have to look at to be able to change." Fox News Digital's Taylor Penley contributed reporting. Original article source: The least Merry Christmas? Kevin McCarthys rough 2023 A recent news story reads like dystopian fiction: growing numbers of elders on fixed incomes forced from their homes by rent increases they cant meet. What then? Do they live in their cars, or give up privacy and autonomy in exchange for a shelter bed? Do they huddle in doorways with whatever rain-soaked possessions havent been confiscated in a police sweep? Do they die of exposure, of despair? Do you care? Many landlords apparently dont. Alison Slow Loris Its easy to dismiss unhoused people as lowlifes. But the biggest cause of homelessness, in Bremerton as across America, is not shiftlessness. Over half of unhoused Americans work full-time. Its not the fentanyl crisis, nor the severe shortage of mental health and drug treatment facilities, although those factors contribute. It is the bizarre, unsustainable gap between low incomes and buying power, especially in housing. The cost of the least expensive rental is out of whack with low to medium wages, or fixed incomes such as Social Security. Housing has become a popular investment, beginning in the 2009 recession, increasing during the pandemic. Acquisitions of low to moderately-priced rental property are followed by big rent increases, reducing the supply of affordable housing, and inevitably putting many residents out on the street. Weve seen this locally when Hurst & Son, known for its 55% rent increases in mobile home parks in Yakima and Aberdeen, purchased Pinewood Park in Bremerton. Related: 'It makes me cry': Kitsap mobile home park tenants face significant rent increases Theres no law against investors squeezing the maximum profit out of formerly affordable housing. But there should be. What if local governments took steps to reverse the trend of the supply of affordable housing drying up, such as setting limits on rent increases? Unfortunately, due to a 40-year-old ban enacted under pressure from the real estate lobby, no city in Washington state may enact laws controlling residential rents. A recent attempt to reverse this law just failed in the Legislature due to guess who the real estate lobby. RCW 35.21.830 was passed in an era that enshrined greed as a moral duty to oneself. Its considered normal business practice to strip the maximum possible profit from every enterprise without regard for the well-being of employees or customers, the society, or the very earth we inhabit. When this credo is applied to residential rents by landlords who justify creating homelessness as a reasonable return on their investment, we all suffer the consequences. It's time to stop this profiteering. I call upon Washingtons lawmakers to recognize the direct correlation between rampant price-gouging and homelessness. That law needs to come off the books ASAP, and then Bremerton and the rest of Kitsap County should enact ordinances drastically limiting rent increases, especially by new owners, thus making housing a less desirable corporate investment. We must also stop catering to companies building new housing. They will build here anyway, because theres nowhere else in reach of Seattle/King County for expansion. Lets stop courting them with tax giveaways and deals that absolve them of responsibility for the strain on infrastructure created by dumping several hundred residents and their cars on us. Instead, make them pay for the expenses these new developments create, and furthermore require that a percentage of all new units be genuinely affordable, and Section 8-eligible. Expecting corporations to regulate themselves is naive. Capitalism does not recognize any responsibility beyond getting the highest possible return on investment. It's up to the rest of us to limit what crimes against human decency a business may commit in pursuit of that goal. Instead of throwing up our hands in helpless despair, let's begin to reverse this crisis. Contact Governor Inslee (https://governor.wa.gov/) and your state representatives and Senator (https://leg.wa.gov/LIC/pages/hotline.aspx#:~:text=Do%20you%20want%20to%20send,6388).) to urge the repeal of RCW 35.21.830, the ban on rent control laws. Its time to recognize housing as a basic human right. Alison Slow Loris is a writer and small business owner in Bremerton. This article originally appeared on Kitsap Sun: State law must change to allow communities to control housing costs The National Theatre Festival returned for the first time since 2008 (Mahmud Turkia) Dressed all in white, a man pretends to aim a slingshot towards another who, running away, tries to dodge the imaginary rock flung towards him. "Hassituha" (You Felt It), a mostly silent play from eastern Libya, symbolises both the country's divisions between west and east, and the rebirth of Libya's National Theatre Festival, which staged a comeback this week in Tripoli after a 15-year hiatus. When it last took place in 2008, the festival was to be held again in four years. Before that could happen, a NATO-backed uprising led to the overthrow and killing of longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi in 2011. With a myriad of militias subsequently vying for power, more than a decade of stop-start conflict followed before a period of relative stability. Taking to stages in the capital Tripoli and Misrata, about 190 kilometres (120 miles) to the east, performers came from 11 cities around Libya -- a country split between a United Nations-supported government in the west and a rival administration backed by military strongman Khalifa Haftar in the east. "Hassituha", performed at Tripoli's Scouts Theatre by a group who travelled from Marj in eastern Libya, was well received by an audience of more than 1,000 people. "Some of them burst into tears" over the actors' performances, Muhammad al-Khaitouni, a spectator, said after seeing the play. He said the actors "mostly used gestures and other non-verbal expressions, but they quickly conveyed the meaning to us". Accompanying his father and two brothers, Khaled al-Muwadhaf, 14, said the actors demonstrated the suffering brought by the chaos, poverty, and political corruption that has gripped the North African nation despite its oil wealth. Ali al-Qadiri, who directed the play, said he believed the show was a success because it touched on the circumstances of ordinary Libyans, including a "lack of opportunities, and the economic stagnation that most cities in Libya suffer from". - 'Uniting Libyans' - Anwar Alteer, director of this year's festival, told AFP, "we want to rekindle the flame and celebrate great artistic figures that the public must not be deprived of". More than 60 playwrights and performers took part in the festival, alongside dozens of directors and authors. Like "Hassituha", other performances touched on the painful aftermath of Kadhafi's fall and the chaos that ensued. Salwa al-Maqsabi, a Libyan actress who came from the eastern city of Benghazi to perform in Tripoli, said arts and theatre were a means of overcoming divisions among Libyans. "I am happy to be present in this sweet gathering," she said. "Theatre unites and does not divide, and it will succeed where politicians have failed." "Ajyal" (Generations), a theatrical group from Derna, said they were optimistic about reviving the country's theatre despite the many challenges Libyans face. On September 10-11 a flash flood in Derna swept entire neighbourhoods into the sea, leaving thousands dead or missing and more than 40,000 displaced. On top of the country's other challenges Derna still faces the task of rebuilding after the disaster. But Milad al-Hasadi, head of Derna's National Theatre, expressed hope for Libya's future. "Today we are here burdened, it is true, with wounds, pain and loss, but we are optimistic for our country and its artists who succeeded in reviving the national theatre", said Hasadi. "The conflict in Libya has isolated theatre from artists, and today we need to encourage and support every Libyan theatre, because their role is great in rejecting division, uniting Libyans, and sowing smiles and hope in our lives," Hasadi added. The Tripoli-based government funded the festival's return, and members attended the opening. Abdel Basset Buganda, undersecretary of the Libyan culture ministry, told AFP that Libya's theatre had gained lasting momentum. "The Libyan artist has always sought to communicate with the public, but the interruption was caused by the neglect and political strife that harmed the arts, especially theatre," said Buganda. "Today, we are united with all Libyan artists to overcome this strife." nd/bou/dcp/it/leg A picture shows the site of the missing Banksy artwork, a set of drones stencilled onto a 'Stop' traffic sign (HENRY NICHOLLS) Police in London said on Sunday that officers had arrested a second man on suspicion of theft and criminal damage, after a Banksy artwork was removed from a south London street corner within hours of appearing. A man in his 20s arrested on Saturday over the incident the previous day has been released on bail until a date in mid-March pending further inquiries, the British capital's Metropolitan Police Service added. The Banksy installation, a traffic stop sign covered with three aircraft resembling military drones, emerged at an intersection in the Peckham neighbourhood on Friday morning. Less than an hour after the elusive street artist confirmed it was his latest work -- posting a photo of it on social media -- witnesses filmed it being removed by a man with bolt cutters, with the help of another man. Images and video posted on social media showed one of the pair running off with the sign under his arm. The London police force initially said it had not been informed of an alleged crime. But Southwark Council, which is responsible for local services -- including street signage -- said late Friday that it wanted the sign back and had reported the incident to officers. By Saturday evening, Metropolitan Police said a man had been arrested, with news of the second apprehension following Sunday. The force asked anyone who witnessed the removal or "who may have information about the incident or the whereabouts of the sign" to call police. Meanwhile in a statement Friday, councillor Jasmine Ali, deputy leader of Southwark Council, hit out at the unauthorised removal. "It should not have been removed and we'd like it back so everyone in the community can enjoy Banksy's brilliant work," she said. "We have reported the removal of our sign to the police to help get it back." jj/giv David Cameron has warned that Britain will not tolerate the escalation of Irans malign activities on the world stage. The former prime minister described Hamas, the Houthis and Hezbollah as proxies for Iran and said they are contributing to an extremely high level of danger and insecurity around the world. Lord Cameron, who was made a peer in order to become Rishi Sunaks foreign secretary last month, said Iran must be sent a clear message escalation will not be tolerated. Foreign secretary Lord David Cameron has made two visits to the Middle East since returning to government (PA) And he promised that Britain would work with allies to develop a strong set of deterrent measures against Tehran. After a trip to France, Italy, Jordan and Egypt, Lord Cameron told the Telegraph: Iran is a thoroughly malign influence in the region and in the world theres no doubt about that. Youve got the Houthis, youve got Hezbollah, youve got the Iranian-backed militias in Iraq that have actually been attacking British and American bases, troops. And, of course, Hamas. So youve got all of these proxies, and I think its incredibly important that, first of all, Iran receives an incredibly clear message that this escalation will not be tolerated. Second of all, we need to work with our allies to develop a really strong set of deterrent measures against Iran, and its important that we do that. The level of danger and insecurity in the world is at an extremely high level compared with previous years and decades, and the Iran threat is a part of that picture. It comes as Iranian-backed Houthi soldiers have stepped up attacks on commercial shipping vessels in the Red Sea in recent weeks. The Houthi rebels are understood to be targeting ships using the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, with the pro-Hamas group seeking to disrupt ships set for Israel. Last week, oil giant BP became the latest major firm to pause shipping through the Red Sea over the attacks. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, supreme leader of Iran (AP) Lord Cameron summoned Irans most senior diplomat in the UK to the foreign office on Friday to make clear these threats will not be tolerated. It comes amid growing concern in government at Irans increasing aggression on the world stage. Grant Shapps also sounded the alarm over the deteriorating situation in the Gulf, with Houthis attacking commercial ships in the Red Sea. The defence secretary said the UK would not allow the critical maritime route to become a no-go area. In an interview with The Sunday Times, Mr Shapps said: We are committed to protecting British interests [in the Gulf] vessels sailing under a UK flag, or with British sailors or carrying goods destined for our shores. We have seen the disruption the terrorist attacks have caused with major operators, including Maersk and BP, avoiding the region. We cant allow any maritime area to become a no-go area, particularly such a vital route. But wider than that, we need to promote a safer world. The spate of illegal attacks represent a direct threat to international commerce and maritime security. He added that the rules-based world order means Britain must be committed to repelling the attacks and protecting global trade. From left: Longtime friends Bernie Cantu, Oscar Rodriguez, and Alex Coy pose together for a picture following lunch together on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023 at Pancake Joes in San Antonio, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Oscar Rodriguez passes a bottle of hot sauce to Bernie Cantu, 69, while at lunch on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023 at his home on the West Side in San Antonio, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Bernie Cantu, 69, catches up with friend Oscar Rodriguez on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023 at Pancake Joes in San Antonio, Texas. Cantu and Rodriguez both were involved in student government at Holy Cross High School and have remained friends. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Bernie Cantu, 69, shares a laugh with longtime friend Oscar Rodriguez on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023 at Pancake Joes in San Antonio, Texas. Cantu and Rodriguez both were involved in student government at Holy Cross High School and have remained friends. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Grimmacing, Bernie Cantu, 69, goes over a sidewalk ledge in his wheelchair with the help of longtime friend Alex Coy on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023 in San Antonio, Texas. The sidewalk had very few ramps and navigating was a challenge. After both growing up in San Antonio, Cantu went to University of Notre Dame and Coy attended Pennsylvania State University and became friends in college when they had an internship together. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Bernie Cantu, 69, looks around to his longtime friends Oscar Rodriguez, left, and Alex Coy, right, as the trio meet up to go to lunch at Pancake Joes on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023 in San Antonio, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Sitting in the passenger seat, Bernie Cantu, 69, waits for his friend Alex Coy, left, to wheel his chair over as they go to lunch on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023 in San Antonio, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Bernie Cantu, 69, reaches for the car door handle to get himself into a friends car to go to lunch on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023 outside his home on the West Side in San Antonio, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Bernie Cantu, 69, makes his way carefully down his front ramp on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023 at his home on the West Side in San Antonio, Texas. Cantu, a longtime West Side resident, stays active keeping up with friends, being active in his parish and has used a wheelchair for much of his life. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Photos of Bernie Cantus family hang on the wall as seen on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023 at his home on the West Side in San Antonio, Texas. A young Cantu is pictured in the top right and bottom right photos. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Bernie Cantu, 69, picks up a water bottle from the counter in the kitchen he recently refinished on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023 at his home on the West Side in San Antonio, Texas. Cantu cared for his mother for the last few years of her life and now lives in the home. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Bernie Cantu, 69, poses on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023 at his home on the West Side in San Antonio, Texas. Cantu, a longtime West Side resident, stays active keeping up with friends, being active in his parish and has used a wheelchair for much of his life. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Bernie Cantu, 69, poses on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023 at his home on the West Side in San Antonio, Texas. Cantu, a longtime West Side resident, stays active keeping up with friends, being active in his parish and has used a wheelchair for much of his life. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News My mother used a phrase in Spanish to describe people so likable, so congenial and charming, that they were easy to love at first sight. Se da a querer, shed say. The Mexican dicho serves to describe a host of San Antonians, self-assigned helpers and volunteers, heroes who come to the rescue without anyone knowing they did. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But on this Christmas morning, the phrase best serves to tell you about Bernie Cantu, a 69-year-old San Antonian who lives on the West Side. People come knocking at his door for all sorts of reasons, but mostly to spend time with him. Some friends call him St. Bernardino, his given name, for his devotion to the Catholic Church and his strong familial ties to it. Others joke hes a Guadalupano, a member of a society devoted to the brown-skinned Marian figure. In spirit, he may be, but his devotion was largely to one Guadalupe, his late mother who was born on Our Lady of Guadalupes feast day and named for her. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Bernie is a man of faith. He serves on the parish council of Christ the King Catholic Church and this year received the Archdiocese of San Antonios Lumen Gentium Award, given to a member of each parish who has demonstrated by his or her life and service a devotion to Jesus Christ and the churchs mission. His birth Bernie has outlived all expectations. He was born with spina bifida, a condition in which the spine and spinal cord dont form properly. I was disabled at birth, he says, describing a tumor on his spine that at 6 months of age was removed. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Bernie managed to walk with aluminum braces and crutches until third grade. As he grew and became heavier, however, the braces began to dig into his skin. He graduated to wheels. Theyve taken him everywhere college, cruises to Alaska, Mexico City and elsewhere. In Colorado mountain snow, he skied in a canoe. As a boy, he boarded public buses with his best friend Louis Escareno, who lived next door. They headed downtown to see what was happening and to the airport to watch takeoffs and landings. Theyve remained friends. Hes one of the people Bernie credits, alongside his parents and family, with helping him throughout his life. He lives on that gratitude. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Up until now, Bernie has refused a motorized wheelchair, preferring to wheel himself, accounting for his upper-body strength. An immigrants journey Bernie is an immigrant. His father came to San Antonio from Monterrey first, initially as part of the federal bracero work program. His mother and siblings arrived in the early 1960s, a year before he did. Bernie stayed behind with his grandmother. Immigration authorities, worried about the spread of polio, held up the childs paperwork. Advertisement Article continues below this ad His father, meanwhile, held down several jobs to support the family, working as a maintenance man for the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word. By night, he worked at a liquor store and the famed Lermas Nite Club. Bernie, the oldest of six, says his parents always treated him like they did their other children, disciplining him when he got in trouble. He got in his fair share of it. But his parents were softies, he says. I dont want to make them bigger than they were, but they most helped him become independent and adventurous. I thank them, he says, for not coddling him for his disability and never holding him back from doing anything he set his mind to do. Thats why, as a teen, Bernie learned to drive a car equipped with hand controls. He still drives. Hell be 70 in April. At 6, he started school in San Antonio not knowing a word in English. None of his teachers spoke Spanish. So his father wrote notes that helped Bernie communicate. One said, I need to go to the restroom. Bernie went to a school for disabled children from fourth to eighth grade. It failed him intellectually. In ninth grade, he applied to Holy Cross High School, then a Catholic school exclusively for boys. The monthly $40 tuition bill was challenging. But he thrived there. During his junior and senior years, he worked for a federally funded youth jobs program in the schools office. His earnings helped pay for tuition. Bernie thanks the Brothers of the Holy Cross for many of his successes, but it was his classmates who elected him senior class president. South Bend, Ind. Under the tutelage of the Holy Cross brothers, Bernie applied to the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Ind., and won an academic scholarship along with other aid. He arrived in a state hed never visited and a campus he didnt know. In Yiddish, thats chutzpah. Bernie still possesses lots of it. For all its glory, Notre Dame didnt offer the accommodations he needed. The Americans with Disabilities Act was years away from passage. So, when Bernie needed to get in and out of buildings that presented stairs, no elevators nor ramps, he waited patiently outside for a fellow student who didnt have to exert much effort to get him and his wheelchair inside. That compounded his gratitude. Eventually, the school constructed some ramps for him. I know Bernies smile and demeanor, so I imagine que se dio a querer in South Bend. His roommate, randomly assigned, was a source of constant help. They ended up rooming together all four years and remain friends, though Bernie admits that lately hes spoken to his college friend only through his wife. He becomes serious when saying he plans to pick up the phone and call him soon. The citys first Amigo Retired in 2011, Bernie worked for the Texas Attorney Generals Offices division of child support and then the city of San Antonio in various departments. He oversaw the first iteration of the citys Amigos Ambassador Services, which helps tourists find their bearings downtown. Bernie knows that part of the city well. He's lived in the Casino Building for years, long before living downtown was cool. He worked with the late, great Judy Babbitt, director of the citys Disability Access Office, to make the citys streets and sidewalks more accessible for those with disabilities. When his beloved mother became ill, it was Bernie who quit working and moved into the family home to care for her. He was with her until her last day in 2014. He still lives in that house, alone. 2023 was a challenging year, not that he complains. He developed several life-threatening infections stemming from prolonged sitting and lying on his back. The other day, he sounded joyful in saying that one of the most difficult-to-heal wounds was almost closed. Friends and family members have wondered if its time for Bernie to move into an independent living or skilled nursing facility. He isnt having it, at least not yet. Those whove known him the longest have never heard Bernie say anything close to poor me. He doesnt like asking for help. Last week, he was wheeling himself around his kitchen and wrapping Christmas presents. He went to lunch with a couple of old friends. He grudgingly agreed to this interview, then to being photographed. He just doesnt think hes altogether that special, that hes done nothing extraordinary to merit attention. But this is what everyone who knows him knows: that weve learned a lot from Bernie about the boundless possibilities of the human spirit, as one friend put it. Weve seen in him how a dogged determination to live can propel someone far beyond expectations. KSWB This year, Ukrainian Parliament passed legislation to celebrate Christmas on Dec. 25. Im personally very happy about this, said Mira Rubin, the President of House of Ukraine, and founder and president of Shield of Freedom. Shield of Freedom is a non-profit Rubin recently created to help frontline Ukrainian soldiers with survival gear. Most of Ukraine will now celebrate Christmas on Dec. 25; the latest move in an attempt to distance themselves from the traditions of the Russian Orthodox Church, which celebrates the holiday on Jan. 7. As funding for Ukraine runs out, U.S. leaders still hope to support the war effort Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed the change into law back in July. I think this is time for the world to see that even from a religious perspective, we are different, we are ourselves, we have our own. We dont need to be celebrating Christmas with Russia, Rubin said. However the change is not new to many in Ukraine. Rubin said Ukrainian Christians are mostly divided into Catholic and Orthodox Catholic. Orthodox would follow the Julian Calendar, celebrating Christmas on Jan. 7. Senate adjourns until 2024 without deal on Ukraine, border security Rubin said Ukrainian Catholics would follow the Gregorian Calendar, and celebrate the holiday on Dec. 25. Rubin said the merger has been long coming before the war. Rubin explained, and having Christmas at the same time just really made sense in showing, especially to Moscow, that we are closer to the West. With Ukraine aid in peril, Zelenskyy meets with Biden and pleads his case on Capitol Hill However, entering the holidays, Rubin said its bittersweet because more U.S. aid to Ukraine hangs in the balance. Its tough, but people are resilient, Ukrainians are resilient, we are even more determined than ever to win this war. We are confident the victory will come, Rubin said. The House of Ukraine is holding a Christmas Campaign to collect money, toys and winter gear for families in Ukraine. Click here to donate and learn more. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego. This year marked the 50th anniversary of Fortean Times, a journal of paranormal phenomena loved by believers and sceptics alike. In the latest edition, Simon Young, the resident fairy expert, notes that in past centuries Christmas was regarded as a thin time when the line between this and the other world faded away, almost into nothing. Beasts were especially sensitive to it: bees buzzed differently, birds sang all day and night, and farm animals were observed to kneel as if in veneration of the Lord. Farmers in the southwest were careful not to tie up their cattle too tightly lest they throttle themselves So great was the compulsion to get on their knees! Today, this passion for religion is rare among human Britons. Church attendance is minimal; less than half the population believe in the almighty; and Paul Scriven, a Lib Dem peer, recently submitted a bill to disestablish the Church of England. While Lefties complain that the established churches are out of touch especially on sexuality conservatives moan that they are interminably woke, driving away their natural constituencies by prioritising social activism over faith. Complaints about the blending of politics and religion are, I suspect, a symptom of a bigger problem: the loss of confidence in metaphysics. Very few clerics dont believe in life after death. Many of them, however, assume that the public cant cope with the idea, that were turned off by God talk so its better to root religion in material questions, to tie theological concepts to more graspable political positions. A typical device at this time of year is to emphasise Mary as a single mother, the Holy Family as refugees, and giving birth in a stable as a sign of commitment to the poor which Christians are called upon to emulate. This is a legitimate and laudable reading of the Christmas story, but clothing the poor and feeding the hungry is not the only dimension of the Christian faith. An Orthodox friend recently gifted me a copy of The Way of a Pilgrim, an extraordinary 19th century work about a man who wanders Russia trying to save his soul through incessant prayer. He longs to escape people; he yearns for silence. The less the Pilgrim eats, the more his mind focuses on God and the fewer things he owns, the fewer the distractions from the business of salvation. Contemplation trumps social engagement. The Way of the Pilgrim is faith not as a statement on materialism what can we do about inequality? but a complete rejection of all material concern, allying its hero to those saints who sat on poles in the desert or lived off bread, salt and water. There was a tension in the early church between believing that Jesuss return was imminent (in which case why bother about sustenance at all?) and working out what we do while we wait, which required tending to society. The Christian is simultaneously invited to gaze up expectantly and to look around themselves compassionately, to love both God and man. In the 19th century, our perspective was pulled down gravitationally by Darwin and Marx. Technology has made awe much harder to experience. And our present-day narcissism, with its emphasis upon feelings and self-actualisation, renders the transcendence of ego the shedding of self a very hard sell. Yet a religion which tries to flatter a shallow generation by offering a church that mimics their values offers no contrast, let alone an antidote, to their shallowness and so becomes irrelevant. A couple of weeks ago, I visited the Reichstag in Berlin and was shown around its hideous chapel, covered in modern art so abstract that guides have to advise the children not to climb on it. Our host proudly demonstrated how the room can be adapted to suit different faiths by pointing to a wooden cross that lay face down on the altar. She picked it up: now is Christian, ja? She put it down. Now is not. You understand? By being open to all, which is a democratic instinct, the Reichstag chapel means nothing to anyone in particular. This is what modern faith must not become: a vacuum into which the individual enters no rules, no demands, no judgment and finds zilch. An empty tomb. What is compelling about the Christmas story isnt its political subtext but its bold, fantastic claims that push rationality to its limits from the visitation of Gabriel to a virgin birth at Bethlehem, complete with holy stars and choirs of angels. Reject cynicism! Suspend disbelief! Even today, even after these decades of secularism, magic seems possible on December 25 which is why Santa delivers his presents and the BBC broadcasts ghost stories. Incidentally, the animals frequently depicted at the nativity ox and ass are not mentioned in the biblical account at all, but were added later as tradition developed. A manger is a place where animals come for food; Jesus is the bread of life, the non-physical nourishment that we need to consume to be saved (more important, in fact, that actual bread). Hence St Augustine interpreted the popular imagery of the ox and ass as a metaphor for humanity encountering the Lord and gaining awareness of who he is and what he means for them. In some religious images they do indeed bow their heads. In others, they tenderly warm the precious infant with their breath. Merry 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. In this photo provided by the Ocala Police Department, a cruiser sits parked following a fatal shooting at Paddock Mall in Ocala, Fla., located about 80 miles northwest of Orlando, Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. (Jeff Walczak/Ocala Police Department via AP) ORG XMIT: NYSB602 OCALA, Fla. A man died in a shooting at a shopping mall in central Florida two days before Christmas in which the victim was apparently targeted for the attack, police said. Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken told reporters Saturday evening that the man was killed after he was shot multiple times in a common area at Paddock Mall in Ocala, located about 80 miles northwest of Orlando. A woman was shot in the leg, police said. The suspect fled the scene and left behind the firearm, Balken said. Police arrived at the mall around 3:40 p.m. after a call of multiple shots being fired at the mall. Officers immediately made entry into the mall (and) ultimately discovered that this was not what we would consider an active shooter, Balken told reporters. Florida mall shooting: One man killed, one woman shot in the leg at Paddock Mall in Ocala; shooter at large Multiple people injured due to fallout from shooting Several other mall patrons also suffered injuries during the shooting, with one person having chest pain and another reporting a broken arm, police said. An email inquiry was sent to the malls owner, WPG. The mall has dozens of stores, including J.C. Penney and Foot Locker. Calvin and Diana Amos, who were shopping in the J.C. Penney store, told the Ocala Star-Banner that they evacuated the store quickly once they figured out what was going on. They described themselves as scared and apprehensive. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Florida mall shooting: 1 dead, 1 injured at Paddock Mall in Ocala Phoenix police arrested a man in the fatal stabbing of 32-year-old Kyle Richardson. Around 7:15 p.m. Saturday, police responded to a stabbing near 11th Avenue and Jackson Street, south of Jefferson Street. When they arrived, police found Richardson suffering from a critical stab wound. Richardson was taken to a hospital and was pronounced dead by medical staff. Police said 36-year-old Edward Loper was identified as the suspect during the initial investigation. While investigators were on scene, Loper was spotted walking in the area. He was later detained and booked into jail on suspicion of second-degree murder. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix police arrest man in fatal stabbing of Kyle Richardson A man needed hospital treatment after five masked intruders attacked him at his home in Paisley. Police said five assailants wearing masks and dark clothing beat the 22-year-old with a blunt weapon after entering his flat in Morar Drive. The injured man was taken to the Royal Alexandra Hospital after the attack at about 00:30 on Sunday but was released after treatment. Police are asking anyone with information to contact them. Det Con James Campbell said: "Our investigation is ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding this attack, and to identify and trace the men responsible. "The suspects wore face masks with blue or black clothing." A man was found dead in a Kansas City homeless camp early Sunday morning after suffering gunshot wounds, police said. Officers were dispatched shortly after midnight to a wooded area in Columbus Park near First and Holmes streets. They found a man suffering from bodily trauma later determined to be a shooting. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Police did not have a suspect and the motive remains unknown. They added they have no reason to believe there is an immediate risk to the public. The citys level of violence 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. Police were searching Sunday for a man wanted in connection with a shooting that killed a man and wounded a woman at a mall in Ocala, Florida. Albert J. Shell Jr., 39, is wanted on charges of premeditated first-degree murder and attempted premeditated first-degree murder, police said. Police said they believe the gunman targeted David Nathaniel Barron, 40, who was found dead Saturday afternoon in a common area at the Paddock Mall in Ocala, about 77 miles north of Orlando. The woman was being treated at a hospital for a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to her leg, police said at a news conference. She is expected to make a full recovery, they said. The gunman is believed to have run away undetected and was still at large, police said. He was wearing a black hoodie and black pants, as well as a black mask partly covering his face, said police, who said they recovered a gun they believe he used. They did not give details about it. Police said Sunday they had obtained a search warrant for Shell. They are offering a $5,000 reward to anyone who provides information that leads to his arrest. Police said there were some ancillary injuries, including one person who was being treated for a broken arm and others who were being treated for chest pain. Image: The Paddock Mall (Alan Youngblood / For the Star-Banner/USA Today Network via Reuters) Its the worst. The worst thing we can imagine right now at this time of the year. ... Somebody has suffered a loss in their family, Police Chief Michael Balken said at a news conference. Its a horrible time of year for this to happen ever, but it is especially sad during the holidays. Police got a call about an active shooter situation with multiple shots fired at the mall at 3:40 p.m. Saturday, prompting them to respond with a heavy police presence to eliminate the threat, the police department said. When officers arrived, they determined that there was no active shooter but that there had been a shooting, police said. Syriah Williams said she was shopping with her mother at a Bath & Body Works store when the shooting unfolded. She said she heard a shot, a pause and then three more shots before chaos erupted. The employees opened the back storage area and told everyone to run. The hallway led to a back exit, Williams said. Police are investigating with the Marion County Sheriffs Office. They asked anyone who was at the mall and may have witnessed the shooting to contact them with information. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com A LaGrange man who was being robbed shot and killed one of his assailants on Wednesday night, according to LaGrange police. Officers said the altercation happened on Garfield Street at around 7 p.m. Police said Jonathan Daniel and Antonio Stephens attempted to rob a man named Jesse Houston at gunpoint. During the incident, Daniel pointed his gun at Houston, attempting to rob him, when Houston fired his own gun, killing Daniel. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: Stephens was arrested and charged with felony murder, police said. Police are continuing to investigate this incident. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the LaGrange Police Department at (706) 883-2603 or Detective Prichard at (706) 883-2628. Information can also be reported anonymously to Troup County Crime Stoppers at (706) 812-1000 and tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: Rescuers freed a man trapped from the waist down in a cliffside crevice after a 19-hour effort. YouTube/SanDiegoFireRescue Rescuers freed a man from a cliffside crevice in San Diego on Friday. The man said he had been trapped there for days before passersby noticed him. The rescue operation took 19 hours. After a grueling 19-hour operation on a San Diego cliffside, rescuers successfully extricated a man who was trapped from the waist down inside a crevice. The San Diego Fire Department said in a statement that rescuers were first alerted to the trapped man on Thursday at 3:40 p.m., after two passersby heard noises and called 911. The man told rescuers he had been stuck in the hole for "a couple of days." The fire department said the crevice's diameter was only approximately 12 to 18 inches in diameter, "which caused extreme difficulty in getting him out." Adding to the difficulty was the rising tide overnight, which delayed the rescuers' efforts to drill and dig around the man. The statement said a team from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department that specializes in cave rescues joined the efforts on Friday morning, and began splitting the rocks and removing them from around his legs. The fire department said rescuers never left his side throughout the operation, and kept him hydrated with an IV of fluids and Gatorade. "He was talking to rescuers most of the time but there were occasions during the night when he was briefly unconscious," the statement said. The man was ultimately freed from the hole on Friday morning around 11 a.m., and was airlifted to street level, and transported by ambulance to a local hospital. The man's identity and condition weren't immediately clear. The fire department said the man "more than likely suffered injuries from being pinned by heavy rocks and debris for nearly 20 hours." The department added that it was unclear how the man ended up trapped in the crevice. Read the original article on Business Insider WASHINGTON (DC News Now) A man was hit and killed by a car on Friday night in Northeast, D.C. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said that at about 10:05 p.m., DC Fire and EMS responded to an alley in the 1100 block of 5th St., N.E. for the report of an unconscious person. In the alleyway, they found a man suffering from trauma he died there. MPDs investigation revealed the man fell to the ground in the alley. Then, a vehicle entered the alleyway and unknowingly hit the man while he was on the ground. The driver has been cooperating with detectives. Study: Potomac Yard entertainment district would generate 30,000 jobs Though his cause of death was multiple blunt force injuries, the medical examiner has ruled his death an accident, MPD stated in a press release on Sunday. The victim was identified as 34-year-old Samuel Thornton, of Northeast, D.C. Anyone with information is asked to call MPD at (202) 727-9099 or text the departments tip line at 50411. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. (Left to right) AJ Ortiz, 9, Jackie Ortiz, 4, and their grandfather Oscar Medrano enjoy a meal together at the 31st Annual HEB Feast of Sharing at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023 in San Antonio. About 1500 volunteers helped to serve about 14,000 meals. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Santa Clause, left, gives Josephine Castillo, 4, right a hug at the 31st Annual HEB Feast of Sharing at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023 in San Antonio. About 1500 volunteers helped to serve about 14,000 meals and there were several activities for kids such as crafts, face painting, and writing letters to Santa Clause. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News A volunteer serves meals at the 31st Annual HEB Feast of Sharing at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023 in San Antonio. About 1500 volunteers helped to serve about 14,000 meals. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Volunteers serve meals at the 31st Annual HEB Feast of Sharing at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023 in San Antonio. About 1500 volunteers helped to serve about 14,000 meals. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Volunteers Cooper Harris, 11, left, and Eric Rodriguez, 12, right, serve meals at the 31st Annual HEB Feast of Sharing at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023 in San Antonio. About 1500 volunteers helped to serve about 14,000 meals. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Annalisa Ivey, 6, left, sits on Santa Clauses lap at the the 31st Annual HEB Feast of Sharing at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023 in San Antonio. About 1500 volunteers helped to serve about 14,000 meals and there were several activities for kids such as crafts, face painting, and writing letters to Santa Clause. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News San Antonio is reportedly the Grinchiest city in the nation, but the H-E-B Feast of Sharing makes a good case for the Alamo Citys generosity when it comes to spreading cheer during the holidays. H-E-B hosts the series of Thanksgiving and Christmas meals in 33 cities in Texas and Mexico, reaching hundreds of thousands of people during the holiday season. Event organizers and volunteers work just as hard as Santa Claus, if not more, preparing and serving the holiday meals. Advertisement Article continues below this ad ALSO READ: Rosita Valley Elementary principal greets students from the roof as Elf on the Shelf Modern data suggests that Santa has about 110,000 elves to help him, but H-E-B estimates more than 375,000 volunteers helped bring holiday cheer to this years various holiday events. About 1,500 of those helpers dished out meals in San Antonio on Saturday. All told, the Feast of Sharing served about 14,000 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center Saturday. Organizers estimate they served more than 340,000 meals this year during Thanksgiving and Christmas across more than 30 cities. In addition to serving meals at the Convention Center, volunteers also delivered meals to 4,500 seniors in San Antonio in partnership with Meals on Wheels. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Even after being offered a bed in a city-run shelter multiple times since getting to Chicago from Ecuador in September, Jeancarlos Bosquez refused to take it. Instead, the 25-year-old and his friends, two migrants from Venezuela, got a tent big enough for all three of them, fortified it with wood sticks, wrapped it in a tarp to protect it from the rain and cold, and put carpet on the ground. They also added a microwave and a small fridge, making it their home outside of the Deering District (9th) police station. Most mornings they would get up early and make coffee on a small electric stove they connected to an outlet outside the station. And other times, they would cook lunch and dinner on an old grill. Estabamos bien ahi. We were doing fine there, Bosquez said on a recent December morning. If it wasnt for the cold, we wouldnt mind living there all the time, he said. But the cold hit, and the city stepped up its efforts to get migrants into shelters, fueled by advocates calls for more dignified treatment of migrants. But many migrants like Bosquez, who had created a community outside some of the stations, and even in parks, felt displaced and unheard. They wanted to stay. Some migrants have left city shelters despite the cold, returning to police stations or spaces where they know that the tent community infrastructure remains. Many say that conditions inside shelters are dire and dangerous and that they prefer to brave the cold, noting rules that do not provide them a viable way out of shelters, as well as tension among the thousands of migrants, and bad food. Experts say that once winter weather subsides and and a city policy capping shelter stays at 60 days takes full effect, migrants will resort to creating those types of spaces commonly known as settlements as they have in other Latin American countries. When Bosquez was told by volunteers that he needed to dismantle the tent, he was angry. Instead of hopping on the bus to a shelter, he and his friends resorted to the Near West District (12th) police station, where a small tent city has been established on an adjacent piece of land. They found an abandoned makeshift house and quickly rebuilt it. The house was erected as a perfect square with wood, wrapped in boards, pieces of carpet, docks of blankets, and tarps. A piece of clear plastic served as a window and layers of heavy blankets made up the door of the house right next to the police station at 1412 S. Blue Island Ave. Just two days later, Bosquez said, they were forced out into a shelter. We had no other option, he said. But he and his friends dont anticipate staying there very long, he said, hoping that warmer weather comes soon or that he and his friends can find an apartment. He prefers to live in a settlement. More than a dozen other migrants, mostly single males, stayed in the micro tent city next to the station. The settlements, known as asentamientos in Spanish, are a way of life for many migrants, who often set up micro-communities in vacant land, building houses out of materials they find in the garbage, living off the little money that they make and creating their own economy mostly based on making and selling traditional food, cutting hair, doing nails, braiding hair and even tattooing. A way of life During the summer, life outside some of the police stations across the city was vibrant. The sound of sweet Latin melodies intertwined outside the Deering station with chatter in Spanish, laughs and sometimes the cry of a child. Many of the children played, running from one end to the other. A man swept the whole area, picking up the garbage throughout the station. The group had created a makeshift kitchen on the corner of the station, behind a row of port-a-potties. There, some of the women took turns making food. Most times, they made arepas, a traditional Venezuelan dish, to share with their fellow migrants. They would sometimes get the ingredients from people who stopped by to donate them or they would gather money among themselves or buy them. Pruebela! Try it, a woman told one of the volunteers as they talked about getting their kids enrolled in school. Next to them, a man had set up a space to cut hair. A young boy approached him and sat on the table. He hadnt gotten a haircut since we left, his mother laughed. The man said he was a barber back home, in Venezuela, and he was making money by offering his compatriots haircuts for a minimal price. We dont mind it here, the mother said. People come here to help us, they give us food, clothes, and everything that we need. Throughout the summer, many of the people that were sent to shelters, would return to the Deering station during the day to leave their children while they worked, to find food, or to be in the community, said Gabriela Castillo from the Brighton Park Neighborhood Council, which helped to address the needs of the migrants at that station. Its a way of life that has been normalized by the Venezuelan community in Colombia over the last decade, said Brayan Lozano, a migrant from Colombia who served as a human rights advocate and community organizer in his native country. Before coming to Chicago, Lozano worked for about five years at a Venezuelan settlement in Barranquilla, Colombia, under the AmeriCares Foundation, a global nonprofit organization focused on health and development for individuals affected by poverty, disaster or crisis. When he arrived in Chicago in May, Lozano quickly became an essential member of the mutual aid groups that have stepped in to help the migrants arriving at police stations since he understands the culture and can recognize their needs and limitations. He has served as a consultant to city leaders, advising on how to deal with the crisis, he said. He identified the pattern when several migrants in the Central District (1st) station would purposely leave when city buses showed up to pick them up to transport them to a shelter. For many, the shelters most now in empty warehouses or other buildings are not hotel rooms, as they expected, Lozano said, so they are resorting to what they deem as more comfortable for them and what they are used to culturally. The trend is rooted in the socialist political and socioeconomic policies in Venezuela, Lozano said. Many grew up in a community that has handed them what officials believe they need whether it be enough or not, but its always been given to them, he said. Para muchos, es un circulo vicioso. For many, it is like a vicious cycle, he said. They want to change their life, get ahead, but simply dont understand how to do that because they dont have that knowledge. He said migrants in Chicago must receive help to feel empowered to work and get ahead and fewer of the handouts that can make them feel too comfortable where they are. He said that the 60-day limit in shelters will encourage some to find a way out, identify resources, and find a job and permanent place to live, but it will inevitably push some to the streets, where they may fall into what Chicago identifies as homelessness. Anyone living in an unsheltered setting or in a shelter is considered homeless by the city and counted in the citys annual Homeless Point-in-time Count, according to Mary May, the spokesperson of the Chicagos Office of Emergency Management & Communications. According to May, the city and mutual aid volunteers have focused their engagement on people in the tent locations outside police stations, but as migrants have been moved out of the stations, some of the focus will shift to homeless-outreach teams. We cant force anyone to enter a shelter. However, we have made multiple attempts to single individuals and families to enter shelters not only to get out the cold but tor receive the benefits, May said. The Chicago Coalition for the Homeless has not yet taken into account different living conditions of migrants, said Sam Paler-Ponce, the interim associate director of policy. Paler said they intend to release a comprehensive report in the new year, estimating the total number of people experiencing all forms of homelessness. The most recent report, however, shows a 37% increase in homeless individuals in the Chicago area. While some choose to live in the streets, others say they are being forced out of the shelters due to what they say are strict rules, maltreatment by staff members and poor conditions in city-run housing. Alfredo Puma, 37, told the Tribune a week ago he was living in a tent in a park outside the Albany Park District (17th) police station because he wasnt allowed inside the city-run shelter with his family. His wife and five children were moved to a shelter at 3034 W. Foster Ave. after his daughter was quarantined at a different shelter for chickenpox. 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, according to city data. Pumas family is from Ecuador. They fled their home country for political reasons, Puma said. He used to run a vibrant business. Puma said he was confused and angry that he couldnt stay at the shelter. Instead of going to a shelter for singles across town, Puma made the decision to stay in a tent outside. There is a small encampment of other migrants who have made similar decisions. Theyve strung a tarp over a camp stove and settled on the wood chips of a playground near the police station in Albany Park. Its terribly cold. I want to go to the shelter. It shouldnt be like that, he said. But at least here, Im close to my family. I love my family. His wife, Maria Gevara, 33, said being from Ecuador, she and her children feel like outsiders at the shelter. They miss their father. I dont like their way of life. No me gusta la forma de vivir ahi, she said about the Venezuelans she now cohabitates with. For now, the family has had to adjust to a life where their dad lives away from them. On Dec. 13, the mother and father gathered some food from Pumas encampment and got on a bus to pick up their kids from schools near the shelter. Some advocates and volunteers worry about the well-being of the children when parents chose to stay in encampments or spend the day with them begging for money or looking for work in the cold weather. Erika Villegas, who had been leading mutual aid efforts in far South Side stations since May, said she had to persuade some migrant parents to go into the shelter, explaining to them the danger they could face living in a tent. If theyre an adult, they can go ahead and do that, but you cannot if you have children, Villegas said. The encampment next to the Near West police station is still vibrant, though quieter because of the cold. Most people only return to sleep, spending their days working elsewhere. Bosquez and his friends had to leave, but more migrants decided to stay. On a recent Friday afternoon, the group turned on a grill and used an old pot to make eggs for some children who had come with their mother from the shelter in Pilsen. Their mother, who did not want to be named because she feared retaliation from staff members, said she frequents the encampment because she feels more comfortable there. We can make food here and I feel safer, she said. Her children ran around wearing large jackets while some of the men cooked eggs and prepared steaks to grill. As he prepared to cook the meat, Bryan Figueroa, from Venezuela, said that he went into a shelter for a day and immediately left. There are fights, robberies and sickness inside the shelters, he said. Theyre also not allowed to cut hair, make food or do nails to keep their economy going. Esta horrible ahi, Figueroa said. Thats a place for complacent people, we need the flexibility to work and move forward. Most have made a living out of construction jobs, waiting at hardware stores. Figueroa said that he needs a warm place to live but is not willing to go into city-run shelter. Instead, he planned on staying at the encampment until he could raise enough money to rent a place for the winter. That may change if it snows, he said, laughing. Chicago Tribune reporter Nell Salzman contributed. larodriguez@chicagotribune.com CHICAGO Even after being offered a bed in a city-run shelter multiple times since getting to Chicago from Ecuador in September, Jeancarlos Bosquez refused to take it. Instead, the 25-year-old and his friends, two migrants from Venezuela, got a tent big enough for all three of them, fortified it with wood sticks, wrapped it in a tarp to protect it from the rain and cold, and put carpet on the ground. They also added a microwave and a small fridge, making it their home outside of the Deering District (9th) police station. Most mornings they would get up early and make coffee on a small electric stove they connected to an outlet outside the station. And other times, they would cook lunch and dinner on an old grill. Estabamos bien ahi. We were doing fine there, Bosquez said on a recent December morning. If it wasnt for the cold, we wouldnt mind living there all the time, he said. Then the cold hit, and the city stepped up its efforts to get migrants into shelters, fueled by advocates calls for more dignified treatment of migrants. But many migrants like Bosquez, who had created a community outside some of the stations, and even in parks, felt displaced and unheard. They wanted to stay. Some migrants have left city shelters despite the cold, returning to police stations or spaces where they know that the tent community infrastructure remains. Many say that conditions inside shelters are dire and dangerous and that they prefer to brave the cold, noting rules that do not provide them a viable way out of shelters, as well as tension among the thousands of migrants, and bad food. Experts say that once winter weather subsides and and a city policy capping shelter stays at 60 days takes full effect, migrants will resort to creating those types of spaces commonly known as settlements as they have in other Latin American countries. When Bosquez was told by volunteers that he needed to dismantle the tent, he was angry. Instead of hopping on the bus to a shelter, he and his friends resorted to the Near West District (12th) police station, where a small tent city has been established on an adjacent piece of land. They found an abandoned makeshift house and quickly rebuilt it. The house was erected as a perfect square with wood, wrapped in boards, pieces of carpet, docks of blankets and tarps. A piece of clear plastic served as a window and layers of heavy blankets made up the door of the house right next to the police station at 1412 S. Blue Island Ave. Just two days later, Bosquez said, they were forced out into a shelter. We had no other option, he said. But he and his friends dont anticipate staying there very long, he said, hoping that warmer weather comes soon or that he and his friends can find an apartment. He prefers to live in a settlement. More than a dozen other migrants, mostly single males, stayed in the micro tent city next to the station. The settlements, known as asentamientos in Spanish, are a way of life for many migrants, who often set up micro-communities in vacant land, building houses out of materials they find in the garbage, living off the little money that they make and creating their own economy mostly based on making and selling traditional food, cutting hair, doing nails, braiding hair and even tattooing. A way of life During the summer, life outside some of the police stations across the city was vibrant. The sound of sweet Latin melodies intertwined outside the Deering station with chatter in Spanish, laughs and sometimes the cry of a child. Many of the children played, running from one end to the other. A man swept the whole area, picking up the garbage throughout the station. The group had created a makeshift kitchen on the corner of the station, behind a row of port-a-potties. There, some of the women took turns making food. Most times, they made arepas, a traditional Venezuelan dish, to share with their fellow migrants. They would sometimes get the ingredients from people who stopped by to donate them or they would gather money among themselves or buy them. Pruebela! Try it, a woman told one of the volunteers as they talked about getting their kids enrolled in school. Next to them, a man had set up a space to cut hair. A young boy approached him and sat on the table. He hadnt gotten a haircut since we left, his mother laughed. The man said he was a barber back home, in Venezuela, and he was making money by offering his compatriots haircuts for a minimal price. We dont mind it here, the mother said. People come here to help us, they give us food, clothes and everything that we need. Throughout the summer, many of the people that were sent to shelters would return to the Deering station during the day to leave their children while they worked, to find food or to be in the community, said Gabriela Castillo from the Brighton Park Neighborhood Council, which helped to address the needs of the migrants at that station. Its a way of life that has been normalized by the Venezuelan community in Colombia over the last decade, said Brayan Lozano, a migrant from Colombia who served as a human rights advocate and community organizer in his native country. Before coming to Chicago, Lozano worked for about five years at a Venezuelan settlement in Barranquilla, Colombia, under the AmeriCares Foundation, a global nonprofit organization focused on health and development for individuals affected by poverty, disaster or crisis. When he arrived in Chicago in May, Lozano quickly became an essential member of the mutual aid groups that have stepped in to help the migrants arriving at police stations since he understands the culture and can recognize their needs and limitations. He has served as a consultant to city leaders, advising on how to deal with the crisis, he said. He identified the pattern when several migrants in the Central District (1st) station would purposely leave when city buses showed up to pick them up to transport them to a shelter. For many, the shelters most now in empty warehouses or other buildings are not hotel rooms, as they expected, Lozano said, so they are resorting to what they deem as more comfortable for them and what they are used to culturally. The trend is rooted in the socialist political and socioeconomic policies in Venezuela, Lozano said. Many grew up in a community that has handed them what officials believe they need whether it be enough or not, but its always been given to them, he said. Para muchos, es un circulo vicioso. For many, it is like a vicious cycle, he said. They want to change their life, get ahead, but simply dont understand how to do that because they dont have that knowledge. He said migrants in Chicago must receive help to feel empowered to work and get ahead and fewer of the handouts that can make them feel too comfortable where they are. He said that the 60-day limit in shelters will encourage some to find a way out, identify resources, and find a job and permanent place to live, but it will inevitably push some to the streets, where they may fall into what Chicago identifies as homelessness. Anyone living in an unsheltered setting or in a shelter is considered homeless by the city and counted in the citys annual Homeless Point-in-time Count, according to Mary May, the spokesperson of the Chicagos Office of Emergency Management & Communications. According to May, the city and mutual aid volunteers have focused their engagement on people in the tent locations outside police stations, but as migrants have been moved out of the stations, some of the focus will shift to homeless-outreach teams. We cant force anyone to enter a shelter. However, we have made multiple attempts to single individuals and families to enter shelters not only to get out the cold but to receive the benefits, May said. The Chicago Coalition for the Homeless has not yet taken into account different living conditions of migrants, said Sam Paler-Ponce, the interim associate director of policy. Paler said they intend to release a comprehensive report in the new year, estimating the total number of people experiencing all forms of homelessness. The most recent report, however, shows a 37% increase in homeless individuals in the Chicago area. While some choose to live in the streets, others say they are being forced out of the shelters due to what they say are strict rules, maltreatment by staff members and poor conditions in city-run housing. Alfredo Puma, 37, told the Chicago Tribune a week ago he was living in a tent in a park outside the Albany Park District (17th) police station because he wasnt allowed inside the city-run shelter with his family. His wife and five children were moved to a shelter at 3034 W. Foster Ave. after his daughter was quarantined at a different shelter for chickenpox. 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, according to city data. Pumas family is from Ecuador. They fled their home country for political reasons, Puma said. He used to run a vibrant business. Puma said he was confused and angry that he couldnt stay at the shelter. Instead of going to a shelter for singles across town, Puma made the decision to stay in a tent outside. There is a small encampment of other migrants who have made similar decisions. Theyve strung a tarp over a camp stove and settled on the wood chips of a playground near the police station in Albany Park. Its terribly cold. I want to go to the shelter. It shouldnt be like that, he said. But at least here, Im close to my family. I love my family. His wife, Maria Gevara, 33, said being from Ecuador, she and her children feel like outsiders at the shelter. They miss their father. I dont like their way of life. No me gusta la forma de vivir ahi, she said about the Venezuelans she now cohabitates with. For now, the family has had to adjust to a life where their dad lives away from them. On Dec. 13, the mother and father gathered some food from Pumas encampment and got on a bus to pick up their kids from schools near the shelter. Some advocates and volunteers worry about the well-being of the children when parents chose to stay in encampments or spend the day with them begging for money or looking for work in the cold weather. Erika Villegas, who had been leading mutual aid efforts in far South Side stations since May, said she had to persuade some migrant parents to go into the shelter, explaining to them the danger they could face living in a tent. If theyre an adult, they can go ahead and do that, but you cannot if you have children, Villegas said. The encampment next to the Near West police station is still vibrant, though quieter because of the cold. Most people only return to sleep, spending their days working elsewhere. Bosquez and his friends had to leave, but more migrants decided to stay. On a recent Friday afternoon, the group turned on a grill and used an old pot to make eggs for some children who had come with their mother from the shelter in Pilsen. Their mother, who did not want to be named because she feared retaliation from staff members, said she frequents the encampment because she feels more comfortable there. We can make food here and I feel safer, she said. Her children ran around wearing large jackets while some of the men cooked eggs and prepared steaks to grill. As he prepared to cook the meat, Bryan Figueroa, from Venezuela, said that he went into a shelter for a day and immediately left. There are fights, robberies and sickness inside the shelters, he said. Theyre also not allowed to cut hair, make food or do nails to keep their economy going. Esta horrible ahi, Figueroa said. Thats a place for complacent people. We need the flexibility to work and move forward. Most have made a living out of construction jobs, waiting at hardware stores. Figueroa said that he needs a warm place to live but is not willing to go into city-run shelter. Instead, he planned on staying at the encampment until he could raise enough money to rent a place for the winter. That may change if it snows, he said, laughing. _____ (Chicago Tribune reporter Nell Salzman contributed.) _____ Josh and Karissa Whisner, in their Newark home with children Jake and Everly, discuss coping with grief following the loss of their middle daughter, Maci, who had hypoplastic left heart syndrome Once upon a time, a community fell in love with a girl whose heart was broken. She was never supposed to live; when she was 1 day old, doctors sent her home on hospice. But instead of dying, the girl grew stronger. In fact, by the time Maci Whisner was 10 days old, she was traveling to Boston for the first of several open-heart surgeries she would undergo in her short lifetime. Afterward, Maci returned home with her older brother, Jake; father, Josh; and mother, Karissa, who had been documenting her daughters journey with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and Mowat-Wilson syndrome from the time her daughter was in utero. Meanwhile, Macis community grew. With each victory and setback Karissa posted on Macis Facebook page, Macis Mended Heart, supporters from not just their home in Licking County but around the world chimed in with their support and prayers. The family couldnt take a trip to the grocery store without being recognized by a Maci fan, and they didnt mind one bit they knew their young starlet could bring a smile to any face and were happy to share her contagious joy. During the five years Maci Whisner smiled at the world, she impacted untold lives in her community and beyond. It could only follow, then, that on Sept. 19, 2021, when Maci left, the community felt the blow. I've kind of referred to Maci, when I write about her, as, our Maci. And I think in a way, she kind of became the community's little one, too, said Karissa recently from the familys Newark living room, bedecked with Christmas and Maci touches in every corner: A stocking embroidered with her name; a candle lit in her memory; a digital photo frame scrolling with images of Maci laughing and playing. The reason we were able to get treatment (in Boston) is because of the community and all the help that we had. There's no way we could have done it on our own. So I feel like from the beginning, she kind of became the community's little girl, too. And it just continues to show their love for her. This season, that love has shown up in the form of piles of Amazon boxes that would rival the storehouses of the Jolly Old Elf himself. At last count just three days after the family posted a wishlist for toys they plan to donate to Nationwide Childrens Hospital, where Maci spent time in care and where Karissa is now a nurse more than 1,000 hair bows had been sent, along with hundreds of toys and other gifts now stacked neatly in Macis old bedroom, meticulously inventoried by Josh. The family has collected toys to donate every year since Maci's passing, including that first Christmas, just three months after they buried her. Someone told me early on in the grieving journey that grief would be all the love that you have for her that has no place to go, Karissa said. And they said, Even though it won't be the same at all, take that love you have for her and give it to somebody. Do something with it. And that's what we've tried to do. Even in the early stages of their grief, when they would be out with Macis siblings Jake, now 10, and Everly, now 5 and see a toy that Maci might like, theyd buy it to donate to another child. The process was helpful and healing, Karissa said, and also allowed them to continue the conversation about Maci. She remains one of their familys favorite topics, whether its setting her a place at the dinner table or sharing a memory from a family trip. When someone misses Maci and wishes she were around, the Maci candle on the kitchen counter gets lit something that happens just about every day. Josh Whisner holds Maci's signature pink glasses, which are now on display in her bedroom. And while she may not be physically present, she is very much a presence in the Whisner home and in the community, where the family continues to run into Maci fans at every grocery store trip. That's such a blessing that we have that so many people still say Maci's name. So many people still talk about Maci. That's a huge comfort to me huge, Karissa said. I know that has helped me so much, to just so casually hear her name from anyone and everyone. We go out to the store, and people will say, Oh, you're Macis mom! Interactions such as those are invaluable, the Whisners said, and serve as a reminder that Macis legacy carries on. At Joshs workplace, co-workers began joining him in wearing red every Friday for congenital heart defect awareness. Its just one way a community shows support; and it may seem small to them, but to Josh it means the world. These people have no idea how much that means to us. And there's no way for us to really thank them, he said. The Whisners intend to keep the conversation going, and Karissa continues to update the Macis Mended Heart page, which has opened the door for conversations with other parents walking through seasons of grief or difficulty with medical diagnoses. And while theyre still on their own journey through grief, finding different ways of coping and working through, they encourage others walking this road to find outlets for their feelings and to not hesitate to reach out and ask for help. And also, to share the love. Try to find the joy, try to find the hope and the love and try to take that love and give it to somebody this holiday season. I think it truly helps. I really do, Karissa said. I think it gets easier. It's still hard. And I think it'll be hard forever, but it does get easier. This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Maci Whisner's family continues her legacy, using grief to help others A Massachusetts man has been charged after a state police cruiser was struck on Interstate 93 in New Hampshire late Saturday night, state police said. Melvin Ruiz Chaperon, 38, of Chelsea, Massachusetts, was summonsed to appear at Concord District Court for driving without a valid license, state police said. At approximately 11:19 p.m. Saturday, the cruiser of Trooper Zavala was struck by a motorist as he was roadside with another motor vehicle crash, state police said. Zavala, who was outside of his cruiser when the crash occurred, was uninjured, state police said. Chaperon was taken by ambulance to a local hospital with minor injuries. At the time of the crash, troopers were responding to multiple motor vehicle crashes on I-93 north in Canterbury due to icy road conditions. I-93 north in Canterbury was shut down for approximately an hour and a half due to this crash, multiple other crashes and impassable road conditions, state police said. The New Hampshire State Police were assisted on scene by Canterbury Fire Department, New Hampshire Department of Transportation, New England Truck Center-Concord and Matt Browns Truck Repair. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Juana Dominguez hands out information about Medi-Cal along Main Street in Los Angeles. The government program is gearing up for an expansion to serve eligible people of all ages regardless of their immigration status. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) As parents hustled to pick up their kids from a school in South Los Angeles, Juana Dominguez greeted one after another with the same question in Spanish: "Do you have Medi-Cal?" "Dont be afraid to get it," she urged mothers pushing strollers in the afternoon sun. She paused to chat up street vendors hawking raspados and hot dogs, encouraging them as well, as she handed out fliers. Many already knew Dominguez from the brightly painted Paloma Market nearby, where she can regularly be found selling tacos at a table out front. On this stretch of Main Street, she also dishes out health information through a program that turns vendors into "community messengers." Dominguez is on a mission to make sure her neighbors know that "papers or no papers, youre going to get help from Medi-Cal." That's because in January, the state will open its Medicaid program to anyone whose income is low enough to qualify, no matter their immigration status. Its the culmination of a steady expansion of the California health insurance program, which has already grown to include children, young adults and seniors regardless of their legal status. As of last year, the uninsured rate among immigrants in California without U.S. citizenship was estimated to be 21% lower than in 36 other states, according to a KFF analysis of data from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey. Next year, California will extend Medi-Cal benefits to the last remaining group of undocumented people those ages 26 to 49 in what is expected to be its biggest expansion of coverage since key provisions in the Affordable Care Act were implemented in 2014. State officials have estimated that more than 700,000 people will be eligible to gain "full scope" coverage for the first time, helping them access important services such as preventative care and treatment for chronic conditions. Juana Dominguez hands out information about Medi-Cal in South Los Angeles. The government health insurance program gears up for an upcoming expansion to serve eligible people of all ages regardless of immigration status. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) Dominguez wants people to be aware of the opportunity, and to make use of their new coverage. In California, people who lack valid visas, green cards or U.S. citizenship have been less likely than other immigrants to go to the doctor, with 29% saying they had never gotten or tried to get medical care in the U.S., a KFF/L.A. Times survey this year found. Fear is rampant in the community, Dominguez said, as people worry that signing up for or using such benefits could jeopardize their chances of getting a green card or citizenship. Under the "public charge" rule, people can be blocked from legal status if they are likely to become "primarily dependent" on government aid. Medi-Cal benefits do not factor into those decisions except in cases involving long-term stays in mental health or nursing institutions, advocates said. As Dominguez made her rounds on Main Street, she repeatedly reassured people: "It's not a public charge for the government." Read more: Receiving food stamps won't kill your green card chances. How 'public charge' works Dozens of vendors such as Dominguez have been talking up Medi-Cal as part of an unusual program that mobilizes street vendors around public health issues that are important to them. The program, run by the community health network AltaMed in partnership with the nonprofit Inclusive Action for the City, launched nearly two years ago and provides vendors a quarterly stipend for their efforts. The street vendors "identified that their community members are undocumented people who have been historically excluded from all healthcare systems," said Rosa Vazquez, manager for community mobilizing for the AltaMed Institute for Health Equity. Their biggest goal has been ensuring the people they reach get information "so that they can make the best choices for their own health." This year, that "has meant a particular focus on Medi-Cal expansion," Vazquez said. Rosa Vazquez, right, talks with Aurora Alejo, left, and Juana Dominguez during a training for street vendors by the AltaMed Institute for Health Equity. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) In November, the vendors gathered at a Boyle Heights office to learn about the state effort. Vazquez laid out details about income limits for the program, what it would cover, and how people could apply. In the KFF/L.A. Times survey, more than a third of California immigrants who are probably undocumented those who said they did not have valid visas, green cards or citizenship said they steered clear of public programs that help pay for food, housing or healthcare because they didn't want to draw attention to their own immigration status or that of a family member. The survey also found that 70% were unsure if using such programs could decrease their chances of getting a green card, while another 16% believed that it would. Under the Trump administration, a new rule added Medicaid to the list of assistance programs that could factor into public charge determinations. The rule was challenged in court and President Biden officially removed it shortly after taking office, but apprehension has remained. Sarah Dar, a policy director with the California Immigrant Policy Center, said that "especially under the previous presidential administration, there was a message being sent to these communities that you're not deserving of public benefits and you shouldn't access services." For the Medi-Cal program to "all of a sudden be available to people, it's going to take really trusted messengers to reach these folks," she said during a November webinar hosted by the UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute and the California Endowment. In Fresno, those trusted messengers could include Centro La Familia Advocacy Services, a nonprofit founded more than half a century ago to help immigrants apply for government programs that had forms only in English. The nonprofit will be extending its hours on Saturdays to accommodate farmworkers, who often can't make it to their centers during the week, as well as sharing information on Spanish-language Univision and heading directly to the fields to meet workers. "It is still difficult" for many immigrants who lack the literacy skills to navigate Medi-Cal paperwork, even when translated into Spanish, said its executive director, Margarita Rocha. Read more: Immigrant Dreams: Our landmark poll surveys the lives of one-sixth of the nation TODEC Legal Center, an immigrant advocacy organization, provides similar outreach in the Inland Empire. Farmworkers there "don't come to government institutions for aid because of the fear," said Luz Gallegos, the group's executive director. "We have to go to them." Gallegos said TODEC has been trying to raise awareness about Medi-Cal for years, starting with the first expansion that covered children regardless of immigration status. It has recruited farmworkers who signed up for coverage for themselves or their kids to encourage others to apply. Now these volunteers show off their Medi-Cal cards and share stories about how they benefited from the program. The group has also brought Riverside and San Bernardino county officials out to work sites to register farmworkers for Medi-Cal, with its own volunteers on hand to help establish trust. And in Mendocino County, workers at Anderson Valley Health Center in Boonville have been heading out to local vineyards, asking companies to tuck informational fliers alongside pay stubs, and phoning uninsured patients to let them know about the upcoming expansion. "This group is probably the hardest" to reach compared with those who have gotten Medi-Cal so far, said Chloe Guazzone, executive director of the health center. As patients, "they dont tend to come to us unless theres an urgent issue because theyre uninsured," she said, "so finding them in the first place" can be difficult. In Los Angeles, Dominguez said she was motivated to bring information to her community by the death of her friend Angel Vasquez, a kindly jokester who lived near Paloma Market. When Vasquez got COVID-19 the first winter of the pandemic, he held off on calling for an ambulance, Dominguez said. She says she believes he was worried about the cost. His son, also named Angel Vasquez, said family members in Guatemala told the man to go to the hospital, but Vasquez initially insisted it was just a fever. "He went to the hospital very late I think too late," his son said. Juana Dominguez hands out information about Medi-Cal along Main Street in South Los Angeles. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) Vasquez died in May 2021 at the age of 55, his son said. Dominguez was haunted by the thought that if he had gone to the hospital sooner, her friend might have lived. "My kids miss him a lot," she said. As she finished up her rounds on Main Street, she paused to point out where Vasquez had once lived. When she had the opportunity to reach out to neighbors about Medi-Cal, "I thought, 'Juana, your community needs this information.' ... This gives me the drive to persist with it." California officials have estimated that more than 700,000 people will be able to transition from "restricted scope" to "full scope" Medi-Cal next year. Being in "restricted scope," which helps reimburse hospitals for emergency care, means "they're in the system, we know who they are ... we know that they're income-eligible for Medi-Cal," said Anthony Wright, executive director of the healthcare consumer advocacy group Health Access California. "It is an incredibly useful way to automatically enroll" people who will now gain coverage for a range of care needed beyond the emergency room, Wright said. "We're really glad the state has taken efforts to try to do this as automatically and seamlessly as possible." Read more: Tens of thousands of L.A. County residents could soon lose Medi-Cal coverage. Here's why California's Department of Health Care Services said it's unknown how many people who aren't already in the "restricted scope" program will be newly eligible for Medi-Cal. The state has budgeted $1.4 billion for the expansion this fiscal year and $3.4 billion annually when it is fully implemented. Researchers at UC Berkeley and UCLA estimate that among Californians under the age of 65, the Medi-Cal expansion will reduce the uninsured rate among immigrants without legal status from 58.4% to 27.8%. Despite that sharp reduction, it would still remain far higher than the estimated uninsured rate of 7% for all Californians in that age group. Experts said hundreds of thousands of immigrants will remain uninsured because they make too much money to qualify for Medi-Cal, but don't have affordable coverage through their employers. Wright said people in that situation can buy health insurance on their own, "but then the question is, is it accessible? Is it affordable? Is it administratively easy?" Those without legal status will remain ineligible for financial assistance to buy health coverage through Covered California, the state marketplace for insurance coverage. He and other advocates are now pushing the state to come up with an option to help them as well. 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. An unknown attacker threw a training grenade at BBC News Russian Service journalists holding a party at a bar in central Riga on the evening of Dec. 23, according to independent Russian news outlet Novaya Gazeta, citing a witness report. The BBC News Russian Service relocated from Moscow to the Latvian capital after the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, along with other international bureaus such as Deutsche Welle and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. The BBC Russian News Service has not yet officially reported on the attack. The Kyiv Independent has reached out for comment. The attack reportedly occurred after 11 p.m. when the BBC journalists were among the few people left in the bar. A witness told Novaya Gazeta that a man reportedly opened the front door and threw a training grenade into the room, stunning those inside. No casualties were reported, and the police came to the scene, according to Novaya Gazeta. The man then fled in a black BMW, and the journalists were able to note the car's license plate number. "The journalists believe that the attack is related to their professional activities," Novaya Gazeta said. The Latvian Police released a statement on Dec. 24 that two people had been detained in connection with the case, but that "the motive was a personal conflict in this bar." "There is no indication that the incident was related to the presence of journalists there," according to the police. Russia passed sweeping censorship laws in March 2022 that essentially criminalized any criticism of the invasion or contradiction of Russian propaganda. Russian dictator Vladimir Putin then signed amendments to the Russian Criminal Code in March 2023 that introduced harsher punishments for "discrediting participants" of Moscow's all-out war against Ukraine. Read also: Bild: Russia may attempt to attack Europe next winter, European intelligence source says Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. FREMONT - Zoe Harmon struggled through the Ohio Sobriety Treatment and Reducing Trauma (START) program, but there was one thing that kept her determined to push through her 2-year-old son, Silas. Harmon is the first person in Sandusky County to complete the START program, and her success was recognized during a ceremony at the Sandusky County Children Services office on Dec. 15. Amongst the hugs, praise and congratulations was the most important reward of all. Harmon regained full custody of her son. Zoe Harmon celebrated her successful completion of the Ohio START program on Dec. 15. Children Services led initiative to use START Ohio START is a children services-led initiative that utilizes an intensive team approach to help parents regain custody of children they lost due to substance abuse issues. When they complete the program, they gain legal custody of their child, and we close the case, said Meagan Myers, the investigation supervisor and START supervisor for Sandusky County Children Services. From beginning to end, the START program requires a lot of intense work. It was a struggle. It was hard, Harmon said. I had to maintain 10 different meetings every week Beacon, Childrens Services, Great Lakes, NA and AA, all while working. The hardest part was working and not seeing my son. Zoe Harmon holds her two-year-old son, Silas Harmon, on Dec. 15, the first day of the rest of their life. On that day, Harmon regained permanent custody of Silas. Harmons addiction journey began when she first started experimenting with drugs at a young age. Harmon relapsed after son was born I went to prison, came home, got pregnant, and, three months after he was born, I relapsed, she said. I signed my son over to my dad, and then I fought to get him back. Harmon successfully battled her way to graduation day and full-time motherhood. It took a lot of patience. There were lots of mouth swabs and lots of drug tests, but my son kept me going, she said. I feel good. I achieved the last goal I set eight months ago when I got sober. The success of Ohio START is an all-encompassing approach to treatment that brings together a team of support. Harmons team included Myers, a caseworker and a family peer mentor, and the team worked in connection with a local behavioral health provider. Zoe Harmon had a tremendous amount of support as she worked through the Ohio START program. Shown here are a few of her supporters. From left are Investigation Supervisor and START Supervisor for Sandusky County Children Services, Meagan Myers; Family Peer Mentor, Rachel Mitchell; Harmon; and Caseworker Alicia Mulligan. START is 'a different approach to substance use cases' Myers called START a different approach to substance use cases. The team meets with the client more often than a traditional childrens services case. Its a more intense approach, Myers said. Its unique because we employ a family peer mentor who has experience with child welfare. Myers said the START program is a huge collaborative effort. We work closely with the provider, and the provider gives updates weekly. Thats different than normal cases, where we get monthly updates, Myers said. The caseworker talks to the person nearly every day. Harmon had a lot of supporters The most important person on the team was Harmon, who was empowered by her supporters to actively take her life back. Our slogan is, Nothing about me without me, Myers said. Several community leaders attended Harmons START celebration, including Beacon Behavioral Health Center Executive Director, Melissa Tester; Legends Recovery Center Executive Director, Nate Kehlmeier; and Sandusky County Commissioners Charles Schwochow, Russ Zimmerman and Scott Miller. Tester said Harmon is full of spit and fire. Zoe Harmon was once a client at Legends Recovery Center in Green Springs. Today, she is an employee who helps other people beginning their recovery journey. With her are, from left, Legends Recovery Center Executive Director, Nate Kehlmeier; Harmon; Director of Operations Cory Delgado; and Legends HR Director Kelly Edwards. I think youre going to do extremely well, Tester said. Kehlmeier saw a glimmer of that fire even in the earliest days of Harmons recovery. When Zoe came to Legends, she was beat up, but she had a little spark in her, Kehlmeier said. Today, Harmon is employed at Legends and is helping others successfully maneuver through recovery. Thats the way it works. People get sober, and they help other people get sober, Kehlmeier said. Harmons Family Peer Mentor, Rachel Mitchell, saw that spark of life as well. I knew from day one, this is where you would be. You were so determined, Mitchell told Harmon at the ceremony. You are proof we do recovery. Contact correspondent Sheri Trusty at sheritrusty4@gmail.com. This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: Meet Your Neighbor: Zoe Harmon is first Sandusky County START graduate NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) The Nashville community was shattered on March 27 after an armed intruder shot through a glass door and entered The Covenant School in Green Hills, leading to six deaths. Seen on surveillance video, 28-year-old Audrey Hale combed the hallways. Moments later, the first 911 calls came in. My children are in the building, maam, the caller said frantically. I understand, sir. Weve got the officers on their way out there, okay, the dispatcher responded. Why Covenant School shooters complete writings havent been released After the Metro Nashville Police Department arrived, officers skillfully searched the school. Within minutes, they took down the shooter. Officers Rex Engelbert and Michael Collazo led the charge. Their body camera video was released shortly after the shooting, showcasing their courageous work. Outside the school, students were ushered to safety. Strangers even pulled over to stop traffic. As soon as I jumped out of the car and stuck my arms out, people to the left and in front of me were jumping out, said a man who stopped traffic. We just heard gunshots right before that. Melissa Joan Hart helped Nashville kids flee to safety amid school shooting Parents rushed to campus and a reunification center that was established to find their children, but three didnt make it. Nine-year-old students Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and William Kinney were all killed in the shooting. Substitute teacher Cynthia Peak; custodian Mike Hill; and Dr. Katherine Koonce, head of The Covenant School, also died in the rampage. My thoughts and prayers go out the families. When we send our kids to school or to any place of safety, we expect them to live, learn, have fun, and come back from that days experience, said Metro Police Chief John Drake on the day of the shooting. We dont anticipate things like this. Following the devastating incident, a memorial formed outside the school. Even First Lady Jill Biden came to pay her respects and attend a citywide vigil. Nashville has had its worst day. Our heart is broken; our city united as we mourn together, said former Nashville Mayor John Cooper at the vigil. When words just cant carry the weight of what is in our hearts, we must reach out to each other. Multiple polls show support for mild gun reform; TN General Assembly remains mostly unmoved Mourning then turned to calls for action. The shooter in this situation reportedly had two assault weapons and a pistol, two AK 47s, so I call on Congress again to pass my assault weapons ban. Its about time that we begin to make some more progress, said President Joe Biden. My children were in school less than a mile down the road. Ladies and gentlemen, this can happen anywhere. It happened here today, and unless we take action, its going to happen again, said state Rep. John Ray Clemmons (D-Nashville) on the House floor. I didnt have one person ask me for thoughts and prayers today. They asked me for courage to come down here and do something, state Rep. Bo Mitchell (D- Nashville) added. Three days after the shooting, protesters descended upon the State Capitol, calling for gun reform. Gov. Bill Lee called a special session on public safety in August. Covenant parents made their presence known at the session, but they were outraged when no new gun laws were passed. Gov. Bill Lees approval rate remains low for second consecutive year Our state has done nothing to make you safer or to prevent this from happening again and again and again and again, said Covenant mother Mary Joyce. Questions remain about the motives of the shooter on that tragic day. Writings made by Hale were found by police, and the possibility of their release has brought about a legal fight. While some argue the so-called manifesto is public record, several Covenant family members have filed petitions asking for the writings to be kept private. Their efforts were upended when conservative radio host Steven Crowder posted some of the writings on social media after they were leaked to him by an unknown source. You are a viper: Covenant parents respond after radio host leaks shooters alleged writings You have now allowed this woman who terrorized our family with bullets to be able to now terrorize us with words from the grave, Covenant father Brent Leatherwood said. Metro police conducted an investigation into who shared the writings in the first place, but Drake said the department has exhausted all available investigative avenues to identify the person who leaked photographs containing three pages of writings from the Covenant School shooter. Despite the leak, there was a victory for the families in November. The Tennessee Court of Appeals ruled they will be allowed to share their opinions when the case goes back before a Nashville judge for a final ruling on the writings release. Their fight at the state legislature isnt over either. RELATED | Covenant School Mass Shooting Continuing Coverage Weve literally lived through hell, and were here, and were still united in it, and were going to keep showing up every January for regular session after, and were gonna do that until we get change, Covenant mother Sarah Shoop Neumann said. Look at these faces. Youre gonna see these faces again and again and again, added Covenant mother Melissa Alexander. Joyce, Shoop Neumann, and Alexander helped form the non-profit organization, Covenant Families for Brighter Tomorrows, which pushes for enhanced school security and mental health support, as well as its related action fund that advocates for legislative changes at the state and federal level. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. CHICAGO - Update (7 p.m., Saturday): A migrant has died from his injuries after being shot in front of the facility in Gage Park, according to city officials. The shooting victim, a 28-year-old man, was not staying at the Gage Park facility but was the "intended target" of the shooting, Ald. Raymond Lopez said on social media. The man was shot in the head and taken to Mt. Sinai Hospital, where he died from his injuries. At last check, no arrests have been made in connection with the shooting. I have been informed the shooting earlier was of a migrant who has succumbed to his wounds. He was not a current resident of the Gage Park facility but definitely the intended target. @Chicago_Police is working to ascertain the specifics of this homicide. https://t.co/89HQ7Rj28c Ald. Raymond Lopez (@RaymondALopez) December 24, 2023 Original: A shooting in front of the migrant facility in Gage Park has left a man in critical condition, according to police. The incident happened at 12:44 p.m. Saturday in the 2400 block of W. 55th Street. A 28-year-old man was on the sidewalk when the suspect pulled up in a vehicle, pulled a gun and shot him in the head, police say. Ald. Raymond Lopez confirmed on social media that the shooting happened in front of the migrant facility. Roughly an hour ago there was a shooting in front of the Gage Park Migrant facility. I am waiting for additional information from @Chicago_Police & will update accordingly. https://t.co/nEepeA3pgr Ald. Raymond Lopez (@RaymondALopez) December 23, 2023 The man was taken to Mt. Sinai Hospital and at last check, is still in critical condition. Authorities are still looking for the suspect and the investigation is ongoing. CHICAGO While parishioners prepared the basement space of Ss. Genevieve and Stanislaus Bishop & Martyr Parish for families and their loved ones, people were lining up outside the parish hall commiserating with one another. While one child played with his remote controlled car, others sat on the floor patiently waiting to be let into the Belmont-Cragin church decorated with red, white, and green tables, photo area complete with winterland backdrop, and pinata. Close to 300 people were expected to partake in the provided holiday festivities, including a holiday meal, carnival games, presents and sweets and for the children all free because of donations by church donors. This is our first Christmas event, said Barbara Maldonado, a parishioner leading the outreach event. We have a migrant ministry in the church, so we help them. But weve seen the moms crying, and we want to make them smile, so we wanted to do something different something more than donated clothes and home goods. So today were going to do a little party. Maldonado expected to see people coming from the neighborhood and further afield since she routinely invites migrants she sees in communities to the parish for assistance. The parish has a ministry that caters specifically to migrants and has been aiding them for months, according to the Archdiocese of Chicago. Nancy Chiluisa is one of those who has been helped. Having been in the United States since the summer and receiving aid from church staff and Maldonado a mere 30 days in the country, she was in attendance Saturday to help out, do her part, she said. The mother of five lives a block away from the church. Chiluisas 10-year-old son is currently taking catechism classes at the parish. Im blessed and happy to be in this country to be able to help my children to move forward, said the Ecuador native through a translator. I have gotten clothes and shoes and things, but my main goal is to help people. Any time I get things, I bring them to the church to give to other people in need. Nancy Hernandez, Maldonados mother, was on site to help with the event. The 71-year-old was among the dozens of volunteers who gave a standing ovation to the families entering the doors. Excited to play games with the youth on hand, she recalled getting socks instead of Barbies when she was coming up. She moved to the Chicago area with family from Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. Im happy to be here, Hernandez said. She said her family celebrated Thanksgiving at her home with Chiluisas family. We dont care where she came from, were all brothers and sisters, Hernandez said. She was crying, it was the first Thanksgiving she had and it was the most beautiful Thanksgiving we had. Chiluisa considers Maldonado and her family, her family as well. Leaving behind the death threats her and her family endured in their home country, Chiluisa is looking forward to education for her children, expressing themselves freely without retribution. She said her son has shown interest in the U.S. military. Chiluisa said the U.S. allowing her children to serve is a goal of hers. Rosemary Onesto, a parishioner since she was 5-years-old, said youth could expect not just necessities like clothes at the event, but toys that were donated too. Its a way to welcome people, she said about the holiday celebration. You can feel the spirit. You never know the effect of doing something like this. Thats the beauty of it. You do something to make their day, but it effects them probably the rest of their life and the volunteers are effected too. Maldonado said as parishioners, the church is going to keep working for migrants. She said shes already planning a day strictly for children. Dubisay Gonzalez came to the event with her niece and cousin. A native of Venezuela, shes expecting a baby girl on Jan. 10. A cousin of hers assists at the parish and routinely tells her about church events like this one. After she delivers, shes looking forward to becoming a regular parishioner. My Christmas is shaping up very good, she said. There are some differences in the traditions, but were all enjoying it together. One person is dead and three were hospitalized after four separate car accidents around San Antonio. FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images One person is dead and three are in critical condition following four separate vehicle accidents in San Antonio between Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning. Police said a 23-year-old male pedestrian was hit and killed by an unknown vehicle just before midnight Sunday in the 2500 block of Interstate 10 East. The vehicle fled the scene. If the suspect is found, police said they will be charged with failure to stop and render aid resulting in death. Advertisement Article continues below this ad On the Northwest Side, a 21-year-old male passenger in a Hyundai Tucson was transported to the hospital in critical condition after their vehicle was struck by a Dodge Ram truck around 3 p.m. Saturday. Police said a witness told officers that the driver of the Ram was heard accelerating shortly before crossing the double yellow lines into westbound traffic, striking the Hyundai. The vehicles stopped near the intersection of Grissom Road and Misty Way. ALSO READ: Man shot in shoulder by police during domestic violence incident on West Side EMS also transported the driver and passenger inside the Ram. At last check, the 21-year-old was the only person in critical condition, police said. On the East Side, police said a 20-year-old man crossing the street with his mother was hit by a vehicle in the 1100 block of S WW White Road around 8 p.m. Saturday. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Police said the two were not using a crosswalk at the time. The vehicle fled and continued to travel down S WW White Road. The man was taken to the hospital with life-threatening conditions. On the South Side, police said a 33-year-old man was hospitalized in critical condition after he was struck by a drunken driver Sunday around 3:30 a.m. near the intersection of VFW Boulevard and Roosevelt Avenue. Police said the 33-year-old was driving a grey Ford pickup and was struck by a driver in a blue Ford pickup who ran a red light. He was taken to University Hospital in critical condition. The driver of the blue Ford pickup fled the scene but was later located by police and placed under arrest. They will be charged with failing to stop and render aid resulting in serious bodily injury and intoxication assault, police said. Eagle Pass, Texas By 6:30 a.m., there were scores of migrants, including parents carrying young children and babies, between a seemingly endless line of razor wire and the Rio Grande, pleading with Texas National Guardsmen to grant them safe passage into the U.S. "Please, let us through," a woman in the river clamored in Spanish. "Let us pass," another migrant yelled. "There are kids in the water," a man said. After wading across the Rio Grande near Eagle Pass, migrants attempt to get past the razor wire set up by Texas state officials. / Credit: Camilo Montoya-Galvez The migrants' pleas, and the cries of children, quickly drowned out instructions from the guardsmen armed with rifles. Pointing their flashlights towards the river, the guardsmen told the migrants in their broken Spanish to turn back. "Crossing here is illegal," a guardsman noted. "It's not safe," another visibly distressed National Guard member said as she watched migrants attempt to get through the wire. A young man screamed when he appeared to cut himself on the wire. A mother was told by other migrants to calm down as she watched her son's clothing become tangled with the wire. Instructed to only intervene in extraordinary cases, such as life-or-death situations, the Texas National Guard soldiers could do little but watch. Despite their struggles, the migrants gradually made their way through the concertina wire on that Wednesday morning. The Guardsmen, who are not authorized to enforce federal immigration law, directed them to walk along a dirt road to be processed by Border Patrol agents, who were nowhere to be seen. The migrants lined up and started walking. The day before, this reporter witnessed a similar scene. Dozens of migrants, including young children, crawled into the U.S. through a small breach in the concertina wire. While some women cried, a mother helped pull other migrants, including a boy, underneath the wire. At the same spot, a man pushed his young son through the wire before handing his daughter, a toddler, to her brother. As the daughter cried, the boy helped his father get past the wire. A migrant father holds his young daughter after getting through coils of razor wire near Eagle Pass, Texas. His son looks towards the Rio Grande. / Credit: Camilo Montoya-Galvez The migrants changed after entering the U.S., leaving behind wet pants and shirts along the dirt road, which was littered with countless heaps of abandoned clothes and trash. "I never thought something like this could happen" These dire scenes have become a daily occurrence near the Texas border town of Eagle Pass, now the busiest sector for illegal crossings alongside the remote Tucson sector in Arizona, where smugglers have been cutting parts of the border wall to let migrants into the U.S. Undeterred by the razor wire assembled by Texas state officials, stretches of federal border wall and Biden administration policies designed to reduce illegal entries, migrants have been crossing the U.S.-Mexico border in unprecedented numbers in recent days. In just five days last week, Border Patrol processed nearly 50,000 migrants who entered the U.S. illegally, with daily apprehensions surpassing 10,000 thrice, up from the 6,400 average last month, according to federal data obtained by CBS News. Roughly 1,500 additional migrants are being processed each day at official border crossings under a Biden program powered by a phone app. The record level of unauthorized crossings has strained federal and local resources in communities across the U.S. from small towns like Eagle Pass, Jacumba Hot Springs, California, and Lukeville, Arizona to large cities, such as Denver, Chicago and New York. It has also upended the politics of immigration, putting Democrats on the defensive ahead of the 2024 election. A group of migrants wait in the middle of the Rio Grande near Eagle Pass, looking at a U.S. border fortified by coils of concertina wire and Texas National Guard troops. / Credit: Camilo Montoya-Galvez To convince Republicans to back more aid to Ukraine, the White House and Senate Democrats are currently entertaining drastic limits on asylum and an expansion of detention beds and deportations. While the negotiations in Congress are ongoing, lawmakers have signaled they want to reach a deal in the next few weeks. In Border Patrol's Del Rio sector, which includes Eagle Pass, the agency has processed as many as 4,000 migrants in 24 hours in recent days, a record high for the area, internal data show. "Illegal border crossings have always happened," said Eagle Pass fire chief Manuel Mello, who started as a local firefighter in the 1990s. "Groups of 10, 12 that was a large group. But now you see 3,000 and 4,000 in one day. I never thought something like this could happen." "It's been terrible for my baby" Border Patrol agents in Eagle Pass set up a makeshift outdoor holding area this month to supervise migrants until they could be transported to processing facilities. In just days, thousands of migrant men, women and children slept in this staging area in between two international bridges, braving temperatures that fell below 50 degrees overnight. In the early morning hours, mothers and fathers wrapped their children in Mylar blankets distributed by Border Patrol, while hundreds of adult men waited restlessly on the other side of orange construction fencing that separated them from families with minors. Other migrants lined up to use the porta-potties brought by Border Patrol. In an aerial view, thousands of immigrants, most wearing thermal blankets, await processing at a U.S. Border Patrol transit center on December 19, 2023 in Eagle Pass, Texas. / Credit: John Moore / Getty Images Officials and volunteers distributed water and some food, including baby formula served in plastic bottles. But the migrants faced indefinite waits. As Border Patrol vans and buses transported some of the migrants away from the staging area, other vehicles brought new arrivals who had just crossed the Rio Grande. With a Mylar blanket wrapped around her back, Andrea Diaz, a migrant from Colombia, said she and her family had slept in the outdoor triage area for two nights, and had no idea when they would be processed. "It's been terrible for my baby. I'm very worried. She has cried a lot," Diaz said in Spanish, as she waited in line to get her 4-month-old daughter baby formula. "The cold at dawn is very penetrating," Jorge Villa, Diaz's husband, interjected while holding the baby in his arms. Diaz said her family left their hometown of Usme, near Colombia's capital of Bogota, because her teenage son was threatened by guerilla fighters. The family said they had relatives in Chicago willing to help them settle there. Asked if traveling to the U.S. was going to be worth it, given the experiences her family had endured so far, Diaz said, "God willing, given all this effort. "We sold almost everything we had in Colombia to make this journey," Diaz said. Andy Court and Annabelle Hanflig contributed reporting. Laura Lynch, Dixie Chicks founding member, dies in Texas car crash Young People's Chorus of NYC performs "The Twelve Days of Christmas" The James Webb Space Telescope's remarkable gifts FOX RIVER GROVE, Ill. - A bus full of migrants was dropped off in Fox River Grove overnight after being told they had arrived in Chicago. The group of 38 migrants, who were transported from Texas, were taken to a Fox River Grove Metra station just after midnight on Saturday, officials say. The migrants were told they had arrived in Chicago before they got off of the bus. Police helped provide the migrants with access to a warming shelter for the night. At 7 a.m., arrangements were then made for the migrants to obtain Metra train tickets to continue to Chicago. "The Village will continue to coordinate with McHenry County EMA regarding the potential for future migrant transports to FRG," officials said in a statement. "FRG is not the only collar county municipality grappling with such situations. Several other communities have encountered similar challenges, highlighting the need for a coordinated regional approach to ensure the safety and well-being of migrants and residents alike." Village officials say they're working to ensure the safety of any migrants that arrive and will help them get to Chicago, where more resources are available. This comes on the heels of a similar incident in Kankakee County, where a busload of migrants was dropped off at a gas station on Friday, also under the impression that they had arrived in Chicago. RELATED: Bus of migrants dropped off at Kankakee County gas station, driver told them they were in Chicago Law enforcement arranged transportation for the migrants to make their way to Midway Airport through a local bus company. The City of Chicago recently announced harsher penalties for bus drivers who drop off migrants to various suburbs without any notification of their arrival. Some of these penalties include fines and impoundment. While South Florida slept on any given night this fall, so many birds migrated overhead that they were regularly visible on weather radar. More than half of Americas birds make the journey to Latin America and the Caribbean and back each year, everything from tiny hummingbirds to globetrotting shorebirds, powerful peregrine falcons to jewel-colored warblers and orioles. Florida funnels this river of North American birds each fall, and watching their passage is one of our states greatest natural spectacles. A painted bunting along with a host of migratory song birds including a northern parula, a blue headed vireo, a flycatcher and gnatcatchers were seen flitting through the foliage at Lakes Park in February last year. It is only natural to think of the birds that we see in our backyards and communities as our birds, but in reality, they are only on loan to us. Many of these species spend their lives in motion, moving like tides back and forth across the hemisphere every year. A common yellowthroat warbler flits through the foliage at Bird Rookery Swamp in Collier County on Dec. 12. Warblers and small songbirds are migrating through Southwest Florida. Unfortunately, this annual spectacle is dimming North Americas bird population has declined by 3 billion since 1970. Thats more than a quarter of all birds lost in less than a lifetime, most of them migratory species that journey thousands of miles each year. Julie Wraithmell Their global migration is made possible by a connected chain of habitats that act as stepping stones from their breeding to their wintering grounds stepping stones that these birds have depended on for thousands of years. But like any chain, its only as strong as its weakest link. Ensuring the future of this spectacle and these species requires that each link is protected. The good news is that we have tools to better protect these species and begin reversing their losses, if we act internationally, across their full migratory ranges. In a time when agreement is scarce in the nations Capitol, the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act (NMBCA) program is a rare instance where both major parties have worked together since 2002 to provide funding and partnerships for conserving more than 350 species of birds especially in sites where birds stop and spend the winter in Latin America and the Caribbean. The program, which is up for renewal, is one of the smartest ecological investments we can make. Since 2000, more than 700 of these projects covering more than 5 million acres of habitat have helped birds in 43 countries. But each year, the program receives far more applications than it has resources, leaving many important projects left unfunded. NMBCA projects in Latin America tend to be modest investments with outsized benefits that become catalysts, further attracting international matching investments. For every $1 provided by the U.S. government, $5 is spent on conservation, totaling more than $346 million in partnership funding. Saving birds isnt just a pretty idea, it also strengthens our economy. A recent Fish and Wildlife Service survey found that more than 96 million people in the United States participated in birdwatching in 2022 and consumer spending on bird feeding, birdwatching equipment and travel creates more than $100 billion in economic output every year. Without healthy bird populations, this economic engine falters. Healthy bird populations are also critical to our ecosystems. We all rely on birds to control pests, disperse seeds, pollinate fruit and flowers and perform other critical functions that make the natural world work. Peoples quality of life and prosperity depend upon the health of our environment. Better conditions for birds deliver improved conditions for people, too. Legislation to renew support for these programs has been introduced in Congress by a bipartisan team of legislators, including Miami Republican U.S. Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar. In addition to strengthening funding for the program to meet current interest and demand, the Migratory Birds of the Americas Conservation Enhancements Act would make critical improvements to boost the effectiveness of every dollar spent and increase access of the grant program to smaller organizations. Supporting this legislation does more than just protect the birds that so many of us, including 2 million Audubon members in the United States, have come to love. From the Arctic to the Amazon, what threatens birds threatens all of us. Congress should reauthorize and enhance this program to meet this moment. To continue to enjoy birds at home, we must protect them hemispherically, so that our birds return again each spring. Julie Wraithmell is the executive director of Audubon Florida. This opinion piece was originally published by the Miami Herald and distributed by The Invading Sea website (www.theinvadingsea.com). The site posts news and commentary on climate change and other environmental issues affecting Florida. This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Our migratory birds are vanishing In the Christmas season, Iowans are greeted in holiday cards and familiar carols with wishes for peace on Earth, a sentiment common across the worlds major religions. But this Christmas, that hope feels more distant and elusive than ever. War, persecution, violence and human rights violations have displaced over 110 million people around the globe, the most since World War II, according to the UNHCR, the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees. This editorial is publishing in the print Des Moines Register on Christmas Eve. Our editorial board felt this was a time to set aside our usual policy-driven arguments and instead make a heartfelt plea to fellow Iowans: In this time of great need, lets do all we can, individually and collectively, to welcome vulnerable people who have journeyed here from around the world. Lets meet this moment with compassion and moral clarity, as Gov. Robert Ray did nearly a half-century ago when he led Iowans in welcoming refugees from Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia when few others wanted them. Ukrainian students in Warsaw, Poland, use their smartphones on June 7 at a school run by the Unbreakable Ukraine foundation as they prepare for Ukraine's state final examinations, which are needed to enter a university. Russian forces have destroyed 262 educational institutions in Ukraine and damaged another 3,019, according to government figures. The effects of war and relocation are compounding educational setbacks for young refugees, leaders say. As of June, the Russia-Ukraine war has displaced over 5 million Ukrainians within their country and scattered over 6.3 million Ukrainians into other countries. Israels military response to the horrific Hamas attack on its citizens and ongoing captivity of hostages has resulted in displacement of up to 1.9 million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, over 85% of the population, according to a Dec. 18 update from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees. About a quarter million Israelis remain displaced, at risk from rocket fire, according to reporting by Jewish Insider. Millions of other refugees remain displaced by long-running conflicts. By late 2022, after 12 years of conflict, the number of displaced Syrians had reached 13.5 million, more than half the countrys population, and Syrians accounted for almost 1 in 5 refugees globally 6.5 million people living in 131 countries, UNHCR reports. South Sudanese refugees totaled 2.3 million by the end of 2022, according to UNHCR. And nearly 1 million people from El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras, many fleeing increased violence from organized criminal groups, were internally displaced or sought asylum in other countries in the Americas. Such widespread suffering is sad and dismaying. But what can Iowans do? A lot, actually. Refugees from Syria wait in front of Salerno's railway station in southern Italy on Oct. 23, where they were brought after being rescued from the sea some 30 miles off Libya. Many end up in legal limbo for years, cut off from any government aid. How Iowa agencies are stepping up to help The handful of agencies in Iowa that are authorized by the State Department to resettle refugees have ramped up their capacity in the past few years to help more people, from countries including Afghanistan, Burma, Syria, Guatemala, Haiti, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, South Sudan, Eritrea and Ethiopia. Lutheran Services in Iowa resettled 252 refugees in the Des Moines area in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2022, and 267 more in the year ending Sept. 30. More are on the way. The agency is projected to resettle 350 arrivals by next September. Plus, it expects to resettle 250 people in Sioux City and 150 in Waterloo by September. Catholic Charities Refugee Services of Des Moines resettled 231 people since July 1 and expects 200 more to arrive by June 30. Smaller agencies are doing their part, too. In 2023, Mary Treglia House in Sioux City resettled 60 people and is authorized to receive 100 in 2024. The International Rescue Committee in Iowa announced in October that it expects to receive over 400 refugees this year, welcoming arrivals in Des Moines and expanding services into Marshalltown and Iowa City. The other major player in Iowa is the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants Des Moines field office; the Catherine McAuley Center in Cedar Rapids is an affiliate. Laura Thako, family services manager of Lutheran Services in Iowa, credits all the Iowa agencies with working hard to expand capacity, collaborating with the state Bureau of Refugee Services, school districts, public health departments and many other groups. She noted that Lutheran Services in Iowa quit resettling refugees in 2010 amid financial difficulties tied to low State Department reimbursement rates. Leaders restarted the resettlement program in 2021, and she said staffers are proud to once again be working with new Iowans eager for a fresh start, often after waiting decades for the chance to come to America. Afghan refugees settle in a camp near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in Torkham, Afghanistan, on Nov. 3. In early December, Pakistans top court began a hearing on a petition seeking to halt the deportation of Afghan refugees. Meanwhile, a province in the country's southwest set targets for police to arrest and deport hundreds of thousands of Afghans it says have been in the country illegally. How can the local, state and federal government help? OK, here's a dash of policy argument three sensible suggestions we heard from refugee advocates. At the federal level: Our divided Congress needs to overcome its partisan budget impasse to allow funding for resettling Ukrainian refugees. Lutheran Services in Iowa served 52 Ukrainians in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30 but has had to turn away individuals from services since then, Thako said. At the state level: Federal funding for refugees basic needs such as rent, food and clothing ends after just 90 days. The Legislature should pass House File 286, which would appropriate $10 million that could pay for a variety of expenses to help families get on their feet, such as rent, utility bills, transportation or English language instruction. Bobbi Jo Smith, director of development and marketing for Catholic Charities, said 52% of the eligible adults resettled by Catholic Charities are employed and contributing to the economy by the end of 90 days. That number climbs higher in following weeks if families can access services such as child care and transportation. At the local level: The Des Moines City Council must take into account the transportation needs of refugees as it weighs a new funding model or deep cuts to the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authoritys bus routes. Refugees rely on buses to get to their new jobs as well as classes, appointments and other needs. Sudanese refugees gather outside a field hospital in Acre, Chad, on Aug. 15. Fighting between Sudans military and a paramilitary group forced up to 300,000 people to flee their homes in a province that had been a safe haven for families displaced by conflict, the United Nations said. What can individuals do? Again, a lot. A good way to get started: Go to the Refugee Alliance of Central Iowa website, which on its home page offers direct links to the resettlement agency websites and in many cases goes directly to their donation pages. The alliance website's About section also features a list of over 30 partner community-based organizations that serve and empower specific communities. Look there if youre interested in helping a particular refugee community, from the Afghan Community of Iowa to the Iowa Nepalese Association. You can give: Money. Cash donations allow agencies the greatest flexibility to direct money where its needed most. Gently used household goods. If its needed to set up a household, refugees need it: Dishes, silverware, mixing bowls, bedding and towels. A staffer at the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants Des Moines office said the agency was out of pots and pans and could use bath towels and fitted sheets for twin, full or queen beds, blankets and comforters. At Lutheran Services in Iowa, the biggest need right now is for new, unused pillows and for bus tokens, to help people get to work, school and medical appointments. Catholic Charities cites ongoing needs for baby diapers, wipes and formula. New items. Catholic Charities, among others, maintains an Amazon Wish List, where you can buy specific items that clients need. Your time. Volunteers are needed to help set up apartments, provide rides, help with child care and train newcomers how to use the bus. Catholic Charities last year started a new Connect program that kicks in after the 90-day resettlement period and pairs volunteer families with refugee families to help them acclimate to life in Iowa. Some have gone on a picnic together or taken in an Iowa Cubs game. Newly arrived Somali refugees wait outside a United Nations processing center at Dadaab refugee camp, one of the world's largest, in northern Kenya on July 13. Thousands of people have fled Somalia to escape drought and extremism but find little to eat when they arrive at the Dadaab camp. And by rising to the occasion, Iowa will benefit The Iowans who came as refugees from Southeast Asia in the 1970s and Bosnia in the 1990s are our friends and neighbors. Theyve raised their children and grandchildren here. They and their descendants are business owners, teachers, doctors, engineers and community leaders. Our slow-growing state, where the population increase has lagged the national surge for more than a century, benefits from their presence. New Iowans are a really important part of the population of Iowa for our economy and to contribute to the overall cultural tapestry of our community, said Stephanie Moris, director of the Refugee Alliance of Central Iowa. A lot of the people have been waiting 10, 20 even 30 years and often are so grateful to come here and be part of our community. With peace on Earth hard to find, lets make Iowa a haven of welcome for these new Americans. Carol Hunter, on behalf of the Register editorial board This editorial is the opinion of the Des Moines Register's editorial board: Carol Hunter, executive editor; Lucas Grundmeier, opinion editor; and Richard Doak and Rox Laird, editorial board members. Want more opinions? Read other perspectives with our free newsletter, follow us on Facebook or visit us at DesMoinesRegister.com/opinion. Respond to any opinion by submitting a Letter to the Editor at DesMoinesRegister.com/letters. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: The world's awash in refugees. Iowa can offer a haven. A bill on the mobilization of conscripts will be registered in the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraines parliament, in the "coming days," Defense Minister Rustem Umerov told Ukrainian media outlet Suspilne in a Dec. 24 interview. Umerov said the bill would change the approaches to mobilization in Ukraine to make sure that society does not see conscription as "punishment." "We are preparing a mobilization blueprint should be understandable to the public. We are discussing it with the military, the Cabinet of Ministers, and the Verkhovna Rada," Umerov told Suspilne. The new mobilization plan is about joining the military to serve the country, training conscripts, rotation, and finishing military service, he said. President Volodymyr Zelensky said in November that he had instructed Commander-in-Chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi and Umerov to present a new mobilization plan. On Dec. 19, Zelensky said Ukraines military leadership had proposed mobilizing 450,000-500,000 additional conscripts. "This is a serious number. I said I need more arguments to support this direction," Zelensky said during a press conference. Umerov told Suspilne that, if society wants Ukraine to return to the borders of 1991, it is necessary to understand how occupied territories will be liberated. He added that the mechanism of mobilization and demobilization required adjustment in this context. "If we seek society's support, we must explain how and whom we want to invite to serve, what will happen to that person when they are discharged. To address this, we are preparing a draft law," Umerov said. He also said that the term "demobilization" would not be used until the end of the war, but there would be military leaves for soldiers. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Military proposes to mobilize 450,000-500,000 new soldiers, Zelensky says Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. With her children involved in activities and her husband hunting in another county, a Mississippi woman had an unusual opportunity to hunt by herself. It ended with the biggest buck of her hunting career, a massive 16-point, and one that other hunters had been trying to harvest for years. I still feel humbled and in awe, said Cameron Whitehead of Winston County. My husband and the other guys in the camp have gotten trail pics for the last three years. Nobody was able to shoot him. Ive only seen one deer that came close to this size and that was 16, 17 years ago. On Dec. 10, Whitehead got to her stand about 3 p.m. and it wasnt a very active afternoon. No deer in sight It was quiet, Whitehead said. I heard a bunch of footsteps around me, but it was quiet and I hadnt seen anything. A couple of hours passed and no deer came into sight, but Whitehead said she wasnt bored. Im just chilling, Whitehead said. I enjoy being in the outdoors so much. I was just relaxed. Whitehead said the times the buck was caught on camera in that area, he typically came through around 5:30 p.m., but by 5 oclock, she already had her rifle in a window and ready to help avoid any last-minute mishaps. Im notorious for making human mistakes like banging the side of the shooting house and making noise or a chair creaking, Whitehead said. That turned out to be a wise move because not only did the buck show up early, he caught her by surprise. Huge buck steps into view I never heard him at all, Whitehead said. When I looked out the window, all I saw was a big body like a cow and antlers like a moose. Only 65 yards away, the sight of the giant buck rattled her nerves. I was just trying my best to keep my composure because I was very excited, Whitehead said. With a buck like that standing only 65 yards away, Whitehead said she wasted no time in pulling the trigger. When I saw that, I figured it was bigger than 10 points, so I went ahead and shot, Whitehead said. I wasnt taking a chance on him making another step. Despite being nervous, Whitehead was confident in her shot. I immediately called my husband and said, I got him. I got him. I got him, she said. Massive buck recovered Her husband, Mitch, headed in her direction. He told her to stay in the stand until he got there and he also called dog handler Bart Chancellor of Louisville and asked him to bring his tracking dog, Smoke. In her excitement, the wait was just too much for Whitehead. I waited 20, 30 minutes, maybe, Whitehead said. Thats all I could stand. Whitehead went to where the buck was standing when she shot and only found a small amount of blood and hair. She was a little concerned at first. Then the tracking dog arrived and although it was a long track, the deer was recovered. Hunter describes experience as surreal The bucks main beams measure 24 5/8 inches and 22 1/8 inches. His bases measure 5 3/8 inches and 5 5/8 inches. The spread measures 18 inches and the gross green score is 186. Even though Whitehead had seen pictures of him for years, she was still in disbelief when she put her hands on him. I cried, Whitehead said. I could not believe that was what I had killed. It was surreal. Its the biggest thing Ive seen in Mississippi. When we got this deer home to clean it, it was like a community celebration. Ive never experienced anything like this before. Im still in shock and just humbled. Sandu, a 51-year-old former World Bank economist, is leading polls for the presidential vote to be held by late 2024 (JORGE GUERRERO) Moldovan President Maia Sandu on Sunday said she would seek a second term next year as she looks to steer the former Soviet republic to EU membership. European Union leaders agreed earlier this month to open formal membership negotiations with Moldova and neighbouring Ukraine. Sandu has said this opened a "new page" for the country of 2.6 million people that borders Ukraine and EU member Romania. "We still have important steps to take and I promise to continue if you give me your confidence for a new term in 2024," she said in a post on Facebook. She also asked parliament to "initiate the organisation of a referendum (on EU membership) next autumn, in which the voice of the citizens would be decisive". Sandu, a 51-year-old former World Bank economist, is leading polls for the presidential vote to be held by late next year. A poll earlier this month put her support at some 30 percent, ahead of Russia-friendly ex-president Igor Dodon at 24 percent. Sandu defeated Dodon at the end of 2020 to become president. Moldova's current pro-EU government has condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine and alleged that Moscow was behind a plot to try and overthrow it. str-jza/imm By Alexander Tanas CHISINAU (Reuters) -Moldova's pro-European President Maia Sandu said on Sunday she intended to run for a second presidential term in late 2024 and called on parliament to begin preparations for a referendum on the country's drive to join the European Union. The country's most prominent opposition figure, Socialist pro-Russian former President Igor Dodon, denounced both her intention to seek re-election and the call for a referendum. "We still have important steps to take and I pledge to continue, if you will give me your trust for a new term," Sandu said in a statement published on the presidential website. She asked the parliament, controlled by her allies in the Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), to start work on a referendum on the European orientation of Moldova, an ex-Soviet state lying between Ukraine and EU member Romania. "Our future is in the European family and we need to say clearly - the whole country - which path we choose for Moldova. I call on parliament to initiate a referendum next autumn, in which the voice of the citizens will be decisive," Sandu said. Sandu has denounced Russia's invasion of Ukraine and accused Moscow of plotting a coup to oust her. The Kremlin says she is fomenting Russophobia. A former World Bank economist, Sandu has made EU membership the cornerstone of her programme since defeating Dodon in a landslide election in December 2020. An EU summit earlier this month gave the go-ahead to start membership talks with both Moldova and Ukraine. Dodon, writing on his Facebook page, said pro-European policies were no guarantee of victory for Sandu. "People are not as naive as they were in 2020," Dodon wrote. "Today they associate Sandu not with progress and the law but with poverty, arrogance and anti-democratic violence." Presidential elections are due to be held in November-December 2024, with the exact date to be determined by parliament. Last May, tens of thousands of people poured into an open air meeting in Chisinau's central square to back Sandu's drive to move towards the European mainstream. Current polls give her PAS between 30 to 45 percent of the vote compared to 28 to 38 percent for Dodon's Socialists and eight to 15 percent for the Chance party of fugitive business magnate Ilan Shor, sentenced to 15 years in prison on fraud charges earlier this year. In municipal elections last month, seen as a barometer of her pro-European policies, PAS candidates won control of about one-third of local councils, a result seen as positive by her allies. (Reporting by Alexander Tanas, Writing by Pavel Polityuk and Ron Popeski; Editing by Kirsten Donovan and Nick Zieminski) After years of headlines and watchdog reports condemning shoddy living conditions for service members and families, a consensus appears to be developing between Army senior leaders, housing executives and even lawmakers that something drastic must occur to fix the services barracks and family housing for good. Army Secretary Christine Wormuth has repeatedly called for a generational investment in the services housing and barracks stock that goes beyond the constraints of the regular budgeting process, in which every investment comes at the cost of another priority. What were going to need eventually is a generational investment in housing, she told reporters Oct. 27 after touring family homes at Fort Eisenhower, Georgia. The Army has the largest inventory of barracks and housing of any of the services and we cant [renovate or replace] all of that as quickly as I would like inside of the Armys budget. Army secretary tours Fort Eisenhower homes after Senate probe, audits After members of Congress repeatedly inquired about what the price tag might be to fund housing renovations and replacements in one fell swoop, the Army developed a barracks strategy that, if approved and funded, officials believe can improve or replace nearly all of its decrepit unaccompanied housing by 2030. But some critics are concerned that the service might struggle to take care of its new and repaired buildings even if such an investment were to occur. The Army systematically underfunded barracks maintenance during much of the War on Terror era in order to fund other priorities. Additionally, the privatized housing companies the service partners with to administer on-base family housing are concerned that stakeholders may not have the information or plans they need to put a so-called blank check to efficient use, if Congress were to write one. Army has a draft plan to fix its barracks by 2030, but will it happen? Philip Rizzo, the chief executive officer of Liberty Military Housing, told Army Times in November that the housing companies arent certain what the true demand is for on-base communities because soldiers housing allowance rates dont always match well with the local economys prevailing housing prices. Rizzo, whose company oversees homes at Joint Base Lewis-McChord and other major installations, said investment in infrastructure for on-base neighborhoods would go a long way, but it would be difficult to determine how many homes would serve military installations needs. And homes that go unfilled still incur maintenance and infrastructure costs over time. Youve got to pay families enough money to make a choice thats right for them, Rizzo said. Then well see about elasticity of demand. I think we have false demand signals in some locations because of a lack of [affordable] housing. Missouri education and social services officials have not yet made a decision on whether to participate in a federal food assistance program next summer, weighing their ability to execute it after years of administrative challenges and delays. Participating in the program, called Summer EBT, would provide approximately $51.5 million in food benefits to 429,000 Missouri children next summer. States have until Jan. 1 to notify the federal government of their intent to participate, and must submit a plan by Feb. 15. The state is evaluating federal guidelines and assessing Missouris ability to implement the [Summer EBT] program in 2024, said Mallory McGowin, spokesperson for the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the agency that administers the benefits. At least 20 other states have already notified the government of their intent to opt in to Summer EBT. The program provides $40 in food benefits for each month the child is on summer break, loaded onto a card that can be used like a debit card to purchase groceries. Students who are eligible for free or reduced lunch during the school year are eligible for Summer EBT. We know how important this program is for kids and families, said Crystal FitzSimons, director of School and Out-of-School Time Programs at the D.C.-based Food Research & Action Center. And we know what a huge impact it would make on reducing summer hunger, and easing the pressure on families household food budget. So we are really hopeful that Missouri and other states come onto the program. In a letter to Gov. Mike Parson sent Wednesday afternoon, a coalition of Missouri advocacy groups including Empower Missouri urged the governor to direct the education and social services agencies to operate the program. Missouris Department of Social Services or Department of Elementary and Secondary Education must act soon to meet this deadline, the letter said. It is vital that Missouri leverage this opportunity to keep summer hunger at bay in 2024 and beyond. Missouri officials are weighing considerations including: technology solutions and the timeline in which a system would be in production and complete, along with the level of staffing assigned to EBT implementation and administrative funding, McGowin said. The Summer EBT program was approved and made permanent by Congress last year. A similar, temporary program called Pandemic EBT provided various benefits during the pandemic, including over the summers. The temporary pandemic-era food programs were beset with administrative issues in Missouri that made dispersing benefits difficult particularly because it required a new data collection portal to collect and share eligible students information with two agencies in the state. The benefits designed to cover food costs during the summer of 2022 did not start going out until June 2023, and Missouri declined to participate in the summer 2023 program because of those issues foregoing at least $40 million in aid. The state is still troubleshooting benefits from summer 2022, McGowin said primarily cases in which the department did not have the students correct address. Around 348,000 school children received the summer 2022 benefits, which is more than 100,000 short of the number predicted to have been eligible a discrepancy McGowin has previously attributed to instances such as students graduating or moving and no longer qualifying. More: With zero fanfare, anonymous donor wipes out $119K in SPS student lunch debt Summer 2022 Pandemic EBT also included children under age six, which the permanent program will not. Those benefits were dispersed in September 2023, McGowin said. In July, McGowin pledged that going forward the state would focus on implementing the system changes necessary to facilitate participation in Summer EBT programs in future years, but said to participate, the states data collection systems need to be addressed well in advance. FitzSimons said some states are in a better place coming out of pandemic EBT. Others I think didnt really set up the long-term systems to build off of, she said.And Missouri did not participate in 2023. So I think they do need to do some work, probably, in setting up more permanent systems. She added that putting in the effort now to create the system for this summer would ensure there is less food insecurity over the summer in Missouri, that kids are able to return to school in the fall well nourished and ready to learn, she said and create a framework for years to come. States are also facing the broader challenges of implementing a program with new guidance from the federal government and securing the funding to do so. The federal government will pay for the benefits but split the administrative cost 50/50 with the state. There is no budget request in the education departments current fiscal year 2025 budget request for Summer EBT. McGowin said a request would be added during the legislative appropriations process if a decision to implement the program is made. This story was first published at www.missouriindependent.com. This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Deadline nears for Missouri to opt in to federal summer food program The San Antonio Police Department releases footage of two officer-involved that occurred on Nov. 27 and Nov. 28. mbbirdy/Getty Images The San Antonio Police Department has released video footage of two officer-involved shootings that occurred on back-to-back days in November. The first incident occurred shortly before 1 a.m. Nov. 27 in the 4400 block of West Commerce as officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop. Steven Allen Lopez, 45, was a passenger in the vehicle. As it slowed down, Lopez jumped out of the passenger side and ran toward a nearby parking lot, police said. One officer chased him immediately on foot, while the other officer drove toward Lopez before quickly getting out to run after him, according to a police news release. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The video shows Lopez running from both officers. At one point, he turns and points a gun toward the officers. One of the officers is heard yelling out when he sees the weapon. Thats when both officers fired several rounds at him, striking him. Lopez was pronounced dead at the scene. A loaded gun was found near his body. The two officers were identified as Joshua Barbosa and Jonathan Delgado. Both have completed four years of service. At the time of the incident, both officers were placed on administrative duty while the department conducted a criminal and administrative investigation. No one else was injured during the incident. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The second incident occurred the next day, on Nov. 28, shortly after 7:30 p.m. near Somerset and Interstate 35. Officers were watching David Trevino, 47, who was listed as a wanted suspect by SAPD. Police saw Trevino exiting a building and entering the passenger side of a vehicle. They followed him and attempted to conduct a traffic stop, the news release states. The vehicle stopped by the side of the road, and Trevino crawled out of the passenger side while holding a gun. The video shows Trevino running across the road toward a field as officers yelled at him to drop his weapon. Trevino then fired his gun, striking an officers body armor. Several officers are seen returning fire at Trevino, striking him. He was transported to a local hospital. Trevino is facing charges for unlawful carry of a weapon/felony conviction, drug possession, evading arrest/detention and aggravated assault against a peace officer. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The District Attorneys Office is reviewing both incidents. The following cities ranked among the top 10 most "unsafe" places in the U.S. during the holidays, according to new research from Vivint, a smart-home security company. Researchers combined "property crime data, Google search trends and other security factors" to rank the 50 largest cities in the country in order by crime risk. Those factors include data from the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS), Google Trends searches related to holiday security, security features for Airbnb listings, registered Neighborhood Watch groups and National Insurance Crime Bureau statistics, according to Vivint. Here are the top 10, with the highest "risk scores" representing the most risky places, according to Vivint: TOP TRIAL VERDICTS OF 2023, FROM MURDER TO MEDICAL ABUSE Risk score of 62.49 READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP St. Louis received a risk score of 62.49. Risk score of 62.46 Risk score of 60.20 CRIME STUDY SHOWS TEENS 3 TIMES MORE LIKELY TO BE KILLED NOW THAN 3 DECADES AGO Risk score of 62.46 Denver received a risk score of 62.46. Risk score of 59.34 Risk score of 58.64 TOP HERO COP MOMENTS OF 2023 SHOW OFFICERS' BRAVE RESPONSES TO SHOOTINGS, ACCIDENTS, OTHER TRAGEDIES Risk score of 58.56 Risk score of 58.05 Atlanta received a risk score of 58.05. Risk score of 57.20 HERO TEXAS TEEN DROVE FRIENDS TO SAFETY AFTER BEING SHOT IN HEART DURING ROAD-RAGE INCIDENT Risk score of 56.95 The top 10 most "unsafe" cities during the holidays in the U.S., according to Vivint. "Among the 182 U.S. cities we analyzed, St. Louis, MO; Salt Lake City, UT; and Denver, CO, topped the list of the riskiest cities for crime during the holiday season. Focusing on the specific risk factors contributing to these rankings shows that different cities present unique security challenges," the Vivint report states. The highest number of NIBRS reports per 100,000 people were recorded in St. Louis, Salt Lake City and Denver, according to the study. Internet data shows that Newark, Delaware, and Rutland, Vermont, had the most online searches related to holiday crime, Vivint found. Among individual safety metrics, Tacoma, Washington, ranked No. 1 for most crimes reported during the holidays per 100,000 people; Newark, Delaware, ranked No. 1 for Google searches related to holiday security; and Rockville, Maryland, ranked No. 1 for having the largest percentage of Airbnb properties without security cameras. Among individual safety metrics, Tacoma, Washington, ranked No. 1 for most crimes reported during the holidays per 100,000 people; Newark, Delaware, ranked No. 1 for Google searches related to holiday security; and Rockville, Maryland, ranked No. 1 for having the largest percentage of Airbnb properties without security cameras. Riverside, California, and St. Louis had the most vehicle thefts per 100,000 people based on available data. St. Louis recorded a 50% increase in vehicle thefts this year compared to 2022. Little Rock, Arkansas, and North Charleston, South Carolina, have the fewest neighborhood watch groups. The 10 cities that ranked last for holiday crime risk include Shreveport, Louisiana; Gulfport, Mississippi; Kansas City, Kansas; Oakland, California; North Las Vegas, Nevada; Santa Ana, California; Montgomery, Alabama; Glendale, Arizona; Henderson, Nevada; and Jacksonville, Florida. The Vivint study noted that two in five U.S. homeowners have experienced property crime at least once during the last two holiday seasons, and nearly 50% of Americans who reported crimes during the last two holiday seasons disclosed losses or damages of more than $100. Signs that a house may be unoccupied and therefore a target for theft include lights that are off, piling packages and an empty driveway, the report states. Original article source: These are the most 'unsafe' cities during the holiday season, research shows We loved her. It started with a phone call from my younger brother. I know you and Doug have wanted a daughter. Diana just delivered a baby girl, and she is giving her up for adoption. If youre interested, Ill give you Dianas phone number. Diana was my brothers ex-wife with whom he shared two beautiful children who were a treasured part of our family. Opinion He was right. Doug and I wanted a daughter. The year was 1974. Our boys were five and three. The timing was perfect. Dianas baby was a ready-made answer to our dilemma: Should we try one more time? This seemed like the perfect solution. I called Diana. She had already relinquished the tiny newborn to an agency, but Diana knew us well and was immediately responsive to our proposal that we adopt her baby. We drove from our home in Prunedale to San Jose later that same afternoon. We brought Shannon home. I contacted Andy Church, an attorney for whom I had worked a few years earlier. Adoption proceedings were initiated. During the ensuing months, we were scrutinized by the county, and, after multiple impromptu home visits, we were approved as a fitting home for the baby girl in our care. Shannon settled in. She teethed, she smiled, she giggled at her older brothers, she ate cereal. She blossomed. Our family was complete. She was born in February. She would be all ours in August. We began to plan a celebration. Then came the phone call. Not from Diana. She had receded from our consciousness never inquired about the baby, was just happy that her problem had been solved amicably for all concerned. On the phone was the man to whom Diana had been married when Shannon was conceived. We had never met him, and his name was never mentioned as an interested party. Diana had, in fact, confided to us from the first that he was not the father of our baby. The man on the phone asked how Shannon was doing. Smiling, I answered happily that she was a joyful, healthy, contented baby who had wriggled herself effortlessly into our hearts. After a long pause, the man on the phone cleared his throat and, without preamble, said, I want my daughter. What? Out of nowhere? Lose our girl? No. Please no. I felt a stab of abject fear. Could this happen? In shock, choking back sobs, I called our attorney. A meeting was set up with a juvenile court judge presiding in our attorneys chambers. Andy never said it was hopeless. Ever a good friend, he did everything he could. But Shannons father had appeared two weeks before the adoption would have been final. Before the judge, evidence was presented by the social workers who had monitored us, our home, our sons and every detail of Shannons well-being during those months in which we became that sweet complication called a family. Their recommendation was, The interests of the child are best served by her remaining with the only family she has ever known, the home where she has been welcomed, nourished, loved, protected and provided for since four days after her birth. That did not matter. Nothing mattered. Not a mothers breaking heart. Not tears freely flowing. Because the man to whom Diana had been married insisted on his parental rights, the judge said there was no legal precedent except to honor this mans demand for his daughter. Later that day, I handed the only daughter I would ever have to an attorney I had never met and watched as a car I did not recognize disappeared around the bend in the road. She was my baby. How could she live without me? I was her mother. How would I live without her? I was standing on the front porch of my home which was, until that very moment, Shannons home. A part of me had been brutally ripped out. I stood there, eviscerated, bleeding profusely and in exquisite pain that no one could see or hear. We lost so much that day. Not just our baby. We lost the essence of all the dreams and hopes and rites of passage. Her first steps. Her first day of school. Her love for the two older brothers who adored her. Her part in the youth group Christmas pageant. Shopping for her prom dress. The friends who would gather at our house for slumber parties and all-nighters before exams. Then too, there were her dresses. What does one do with 22 adorable little dresses she will never wear? We had already lost her; it was hard to let them go, too. Eventually, I did give them away. But I kept one. Just one. As a little reminder. She wore that one. And she was beautiful. Each Christmas, a tiny pair of baby shoes, stored among the baubles and glittering decorations, finds its special place on the tree. Little pink memories. Honoring the pain of loss? Perhaps. But more than that, honoring the capacity of a mothers heart to remember love, despite loss. Was the pain less because she was not our real daughter? Once, I might have wondered that myself. But I learned the answer. Desperately wishing that I had no reason to know. Bunny Stevens lives in Modesto, her hometown, and has served on The Modesto Bee Community Advisory Board. She is the opening courtesy clerk at the Safeway supermarket on McHenry Avenue and an ordained minister in the Universal Life Church. She has also been known to represent the Easter Bunny and Santas Elf for children of all ages. Reach her at BunnyinModesto@gmail.com Clement Clarke Moores 1823 poem Account of a Visit from St. Nicholas redefined Christmas in America. As historian Steven Nissenbaum explains in The Battle for Christmas, Moores secular St. Nick weakened the holidays religious associations, transforming it into a familial celebration that culminated in Santa Claus toy deliveries on Christmas Eve. Nineteenth-century writers, journalists and artists were quick to fill in details about Santa that Moores poem left out: a toy workshop, a home at the North Pole and a naughty-or-nice list. They also decided that Santa Claus wasnt a bachelor; he was married to Mrs. Claus. Yet scholars tend to overlook the evolution of Santa Claus spouse. Youll see brief references to a handful of late-19th-century Mrs. Claus poems especially Katharine Lee Bates 1888 Goody Santa Claus on a Sleigh Ride. But as I discovered when I began work on a class about Christmas in literature, the writers who created Mrs. Claus were not just interested in filling in the blanks of Santas personal life. The poems and stories about Mrs. Claus that appeared in newspapers and popular periodicals spoke to womens central role in the Christmas holiday. The character also provided a canvas to explore contemporary debates about gender and politics. The hardest-working woman in the North Pole Christmas in 19th-century America depended on womens time and labor: Women prepared family celebrations, organized community and church events and worked in industries that fed seasonal demand for cards, toys and clothing. This work was both essential and, at times, exhausting: As the century drew to a close, the Ladies Home Journal urged its readers not to tire themselves out preparing for Christmas. Many literary depictions of Mrs. Claus paid tribute to the long hours, practical know-how and managerial skills that womens holiday preparations required. Sara Conants 1875 short story Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, which appeared in an 1875 issue of Western Rural: Weekly Journal for the Farm & Fireside, celebrated these efforts by describing Mrs. Claus working alongside women across America as they cooked, cleaned and sewed. In Ada Sheltons 1885 story In Santa Claus Land, Santa acknowledged his debt to Mrs. Claus: Without her hard work, he could never get through the Christmas season. But on Christmas Eve, Mrs. Claus hit the North Poles glass ceiling. For Conant, Mrs. Claus was as indispensible as Santa, an equal partner in the joint work of preparing for holiday festivities. Still, in most Mrs. Claus literature, Santa traveled the world filling stockings while Mrs. Claus stayed home to await his return. In 1884s Mrs. Santa Claus Asserts Herself, Sarah J. Burkes tearful Mrs. Claus, ignored by Santa and his fans, is left to cower alone clasping the fingers shed worked to the bone as Santa speeds off on his sleigh. A few writers did, however, reward Mrs. Claus hard work with a sleigh ride of her own. Georgia Greys 1874 short story Mrs. Santa Clauss Ride allows Mrs. Claus to venture out alone, but only after Santa adamantly not a womans rights man makes her promise to remain unseen. To avoid questioning Santas authority or the belief that women belonged at home, the anonymous author of the 1880 tale Mrs. Santa Clauss Christmas-Eve manufactures an emergency: Santa has taken off without some dolls, so Mrs. Claus must saddle Blitzen and deliver them. Mrs. Claus on the naughty list Other writers were less willing to allow Mrs. Claus to step outside the home. Negative representations of her Christmas Eve travels reflected backlash against womens demands for independence and the vote. The majority of Mrs. Claus writing took place after the Civil War, alongside state and national efforts to grant voting rights to women. Publications geared toward women didnt necessarily advocate for more rights and political power. In 1871, the popular womans magazine Godeys Ladys Book published an anti-suffrage petition addressed to Congress and signed by a number of prominent women, with Godeys female editor, Sarah Hale, encouraging readers to collect additional signatures. Like Georgia Greys Santa, the petition argued that womens place was in the home, not in public. Charles S. Dickinsons Mrs. Santa Clauss Adventure, which appeared in the Dec. 1, 1871, issue of Woods Household Magazine, offered a cautionary tale for disobedient wives. Refusing to believe that some children were too naughty to visit, Mrs. Claus trades places with Santa on Christmas Eve. But when she attempts to climb down chimneys to deliver gifts, she is attacked by hateful imps that embody childrens naughty words and deeds. Depicting Mrs. Claus advocacy for children as unrealistic and naive, Dickinson echoes anti-suffrage arguments that emphasized the dangers awaiting women who abandoned the home. M.B. Hortons A New Departure took its title from the National Woman Suffrage Associations failed strategy to register women voters. The 1879 story published, like the anti-suffrage petition, in Godeys Ladys Book discredits womens rights activists through its negative portrayal of Mrs. Claus, called Mrs. St. Nicholas in this telling. Jealous of Santas fame, Mrs. St. Nick tries to deliver gifts in his place, but her plot to usurp Santas role as gift-giver fails when Santa tricks her into delivering a sack of worthless, embarrassing goods. Mrs. Claus seems an unlikely target of anti-suffrage propaganda, but her association with the ultimate domestic holiday made the idea of an independent Mrs. Claus especially shocking. Goody Santa Claus takes the reins Nineteenth-century writing about Mrs. Claus focused primarily on her work ethic and whether that work would ever allow her a share of Santas Christmas limelight. But scholar and suffragist Katharine Lee Bates, best known as the author of America the Beautiful, took a different tack: She gave Mrs. Claus a voice and personality of her own. Drawing upon elements of previous Mrs. Claus literature, Bates Goody Santa Claus on A Sleigh Ride creates an outspoken Mrs. Claus who loves her work and her husband and is not about to be left behind when Santa makes his deliveries. Like Burkes despondent Mrs. Claus, Bates Claus whose title, Goody, stands in for Mrs. begins her monologue with a question: Why does Santa get all the glory while she has nothing but work? Goody Santa Claus on a Sleigh-Ride first appeared in the childrens periodical Wide Awake. While the illustrations cast Mrs. Claus as affectionate, grandmotherly and nonthreatening, Bates text reveals the powerhouse behind Goodys meek exterior. Katharine Lee Bates Goody Claus was both affectionate and outspoken. Falmouth Historical Society Most Mrs. Claus literature highlights her domesticity, but Bates Goody is equally adept at housework and outdoor chores. As Santa snacks on Christmas treats and relaxes by the fire, Goody tends Christmas trees, an orchard and toy-growing plants; she also raises livestock and takes on the risky-sounding task of chasing thunder to fashion fire-crackers with the lightning. Although Santa allows Goody to ride beside him, her North Pole work resume isnt enough to convince him that she has enough brain to fill a stocking, and he fears that seeing her climb a chimney would give his nerves a shock. Left alone on the rooftop while Santa does his work, Mrs. Claus is on the outside looking in as she peers through the skylight. [Over 140,000 readers rely on The Conversations newsletters to understand the world. Sign up today.] But the holes in a poor childs Christmas stocking stop Santa in his tracks: Sewing was Mrs. Claus department. Seizing her chance to shine, Goody mends the sock, proving the value of womens work and breaking Santas rules about chimney-climbing and stocking-filling in the process. The themes and plots of 19th-century Mrs. Claus writing including stealth sleigh rides reappear in Mrs. Claus narratives to this day, and for good reason. Katharine Bates thunder-chasing, bonnet-wearing, sweet-talking Goody and the many Mrs. Clauses who came before her still speak to every woman who has ever dreamed of a little rest, a little recognition and a seat in the sleigh. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world.If you found it interesting, you could subscribe to our weekly newsletter. It was written by: Maura Ives, Texas A&M University. Read more: Maura Ives does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. One man died and multiple people have been injured in a shooting in a Florida mall Saturday, according to local authorities. Police received a call about a shooting at the Paddock Mall in Ocala, Fla., at around 3:40 p.m., according to a Facebook post from the Ocala Police Department (OPD). One adult male was found deceased in a common area by police and another woman sustained a gunshot wound and was taken to the hospital and is being treated for non-life threatening injuries. There is no longer an active shooting situation, the Facebook post read. There are multiple people injured. The suspect is believed to have fled. The mall is being evacuated at this time. Please avoid the area as police investigate. OPD is responding to an active shooting situation that occurred at the Paddock Mall, the post continued. There is a heavy police presence on scene and we will provide more information as it becomes available. Please avoid the area at this time. Ocala is a city in central Florida estimated by the U.S. Census Bureau to have a population of over 65,000 people. We will continue to update with more information as we have it, Rep. Kat Cammacks (R-Fla.) office posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. Please pray for those injured and the men and women of our law enforcement who will work overtime until this individual is found. In a press conference on the shooting, Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken said police believe the shooting at the mall was a targeted act of violence. Balken also said that police know the shooter is a Black male who was wearing a black hoodie, black pants and a black mask that was partially covering his face. He said police were searching for the man. Updated at 10:12pm. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. WASHINGTON In addition to articles already covered by Native News Online, here is a roundup of other news released from Washington, D.C. that impacts Indian Country recently. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs Leaders Provide Legislative Update With the close of 2023 at hand, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), vice chairman of the Committee, provided an update on the Committee's busy year. During 2023, 11 total Indian Affairs bills passed the U.S. Senate out of 21 that passed the Committee. Senate passage of H.R. 1722, the Grand Ronde Reservation Act, and H.R. 2839, a bill to amend the Siletz Reservation Act to address the hunting, fishing, trapping, and animal gathering rights of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, and for other purposes, are set to become law, and the following bills, which head to the House for further consideration: These bills are an important part of the Committees work to address historical injustices and uphold the federal governments trust and treaty obligations, Schatz said. I look forward to getting these and other Senate-passed Indian Affairs bills across the finish line. From settling Indian land claims and restoring homelands to supporting self-governance and access to housing, the Committee has advanced important tribal priorities this session,Murkowski said. I thank Chairman Schatz and my colleagues for their work on these measures and I look forward to continuing our work together next year. The five Indian Affairs bills join six others passed by the Senate this session, including two that became law: FY 2024 Indian Housing Block Grant Formula Interim Funding Requests in the GEMS Accepted Until Jan. 5th HUD's Office of Native American Programs (ONAP) is now accepting Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) Formula interim funding requests through GEMS up to January 5, 2024. This deadline ensures that awards will be processed prior to the January 19, 2023, expiration of the Continuing Resolution (CR) under which HUD is currently operating. Interim funding requests should be submitted in GEMS. Please refer to the GEMS Grantee Guide for specific instructions on completing and submitting the request. This guide and other GEMS resources can be found at the GEMS webpage. Interim funding is an advance on IHBG formula funds while under a Continuing Resolution. Recipients with insufficient IHBG funds can seek a partial allocation to sustain housing operations until Congress approves the federal budget for Fiscal Year 2024. Approval for interim funding is contingent upon compliance with and approval of your FY 2024 Indian Housing Plan, as well as a low balance in LOCCS. For further details, consult PIH Notice 2021-28 (Provision of Interim Funding to Indian Housing Block Grant Recipients). Department of Energy Releases Home Energy Rebate Programs Guide The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of State and Community Energy Programs (SCEP) is offering a grant of up to $225 million for Tribal governments and Alaska Native entities. The funding is designated for Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates, providing eligible households with up to $14,000 for upgrades focused on energy efficiency and home electrification. For information on program guidelines, please visit the link below. About the Author: "Native News Online is one of the most-read publications covering Indian Country and the news that matters to American Indians, Alaska Natives and other Indigenous people. Reach out to us at editor@nativenewsonline.net. " Contact: news@nativenewsonline.net The Navy, Venezuela and $50m: Who is Fat Leonard, the fugitive behind historic military corruption case? When Venezuela agreed to release 10 Americans as part of Joe Bidens latest international prisoner swap, there was also another high-profile name included in the deal. Infamous fugitive Fat Leonard was included in the swap and handed over to US officials in return for alleged money launderer Alex Saab, an ally of Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro. Now 15 months after fleeing to the South American country to avoid sentencing in the US, Leonard Glenn Francis is behind bars in Miami. Here is everything we know about Fat Leonard: Leonard Glenn Francis, 59, is a Malaysian citizen who escaped US custody last year, just days before he was set to be sentenced for the biggest military corruption case in American history. Francis was the owner of Singapore-based Glenn Defense Marine Asia, a company that had $250m in US defence contracts to service and resupply US Navy ships across the region. This undated photo provided by the US Marshals Service shows Leonard Francis. (AP) He earned his nickname from US sailors as he weighed around 500 pounds before gastric bypass surgery saw him slim down to around 350 pounds. Bribing Navy officers with champagne and cigars Francis told investigators that for more than 20 years he entertained Navy officers and luxurious restaurants in cities across Asia, including Bangkok, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur and Sydney. Prosecutors say that in return, Navy officials did not intervene as he overcharged the Navy for fuel, water, sewage services and ship repairs. In total, US taxpayers were defrauded out of around $50m. Court papers state that Francis bribed officers with prostitutes, with at least 10 Navy sailors leaking him information about the movements of ships in the region. NCIS investigation and arrest Naval investigators began to probe Francis in 2010, with the businessman having bribed an investigator to leak him information. In September 2013, he was lured to San Diego, California, to a fake meeting with Navy contracting officials where he was arrested at the citys Marriott Marquis hotel. Francis pleaded guilty to fraud, bribery and conspiracy in January 2015 and admitted to defrauding the Navy of $35m. The Justice Department says that the figure was around $50m. Pedestrians walk near a poster asking for the freedom of Colombian businessman and Venezuelan special envoy Alex Saab, in Caracas, Venezuela, 9 September 2021. (AP) He agreed to cooperate with prosecutors and provide evidence against 600 members of the Navy. More than 30 individuals have pleaded guilty to crimes in federal court, while the Navy has court-martialed five sailors, and disciplined seven admirals. Skips the US and flees to Venezuela In 2018, Francis convinced a court that he was terminally ill with kidney cancer and was released to home detention. While awaiting sentencing in 2022, he cut off a GPS transmitter fitted to his ankle and crossed the Mexican border. He then flew from Mexico to Cuba, but when officials refused to let him stay in the country he moved on to Venezuela. After 16 days on the run, he was arrested by Venezuelan officials at the international airport in Caracas. He was imprisoned and applied for asylum in Venezuela and Russia on humanitarian grounds. Returned to the US and now facing justice According to The Washington Post, Francis believed that he was set to be given his freedom by Venezuela. Instead, he was flown on a jet from Caracas to the island of Canouan in the Caribbean where he and the other 10 American prisoners were handed over to US officials. Francis was then transported to Miami, where he was locked up in federal prison, according to the Bureau of Prisons. He is expected to be taken back to San Diego where he will be sentenced to nine years behind bars. Family of Israeli soldier Staff Sgt. Birhanu Kassie mourn over his grave during his funeral at Mt. Herzl military cemetery - OHAD ZWIGENBERG/AP Israel is paying a heavy price for its war on Gaza, Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday, as the toll of soldiers killed in fighting with Hamas mounted. This is a difficult morning, after a very difficult day of fighting in Gaza, he said after the army announced that 14 soldiers had been killed in the Palestinian territory since Friday. The Israeli prime minister vowed to continue the war, which has now claimed the lives of more than 150 Israeli troops, as well as over 20,000 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. This war is exacting a high price from us, but we have no choice other than to continue to fight, Mr Netanyahu said as he opened the cabinet meeting. All the government and the people of Israel send our sympathies to the families of the heroes who fell in the war for our home, he said. Benjamin Netanyahu made his comments as he opened a cabinet meeting at the Kirya military base in Tel Aviv, Israel - OHAD ZWIGENBERG/SHUTTERSTOCK Funerals were held on Sunday for some of the fallen Israeli soldiers. Fourteen were killed this weekend alone, marking some of the bloodiest days of the conflict for both Israeli soldiers and Palestinian civilians. Amid widespread condemnation of the high civilian death toll in Gaza, Israel is coming under increasing pressure from its allies, including the US, to reduce the intensity of its operations in Gaza and move the war into a new phase. Investigations released by The New York Times and CNN over the weekend found that Israel has been dropping hundreds of 2,000-pound bombs on the densely packed Gaza Strip. Use of the weapons, which are more than four times the weight of the heaviest bombs dropped by the US-led coalition during the Battle of Mosul against ISIS, are partly to blame for the soaring civilian death toll, experts said. Israeli soldiers carry the flag-draped casket of Staff Sgt. Birhanu Kassie during his funeral - OHAD ZWIGENBERG/AP Family and friends mourn during the funeral of IDF soldier Major Shai Termin killed in a battle in the Gaza Strip - AMIR LEVY/GETTY IMAGES Referring to a phone call on Saturday with Joe Biden, the US president, Mr Netanyahu said: I told Biden we will fight until there is total victory, however long it takes. The US understands this. The call came as it emerged that Mr Biden reportedly stopped Israel from carrying out a pre-emptive strike on Hezbollah in Lebanon just four days after the Oct 7 attacks. The US persuaded Israel to call off the strike even as its warplanes were in the air on their way to strike Hezbollah targets, the Wall Street Journal reported. Mr Netanyahu denied the US had intervened to stop its strike, however. There have been reports that the US has prevented, and is preventing, us from carrying out operations in the region. This is not true. Israel is a sovereign country, Mr Netanyahu said on Sunday. Our decisions on the war are based on our operational considerations, and not external pressures. A high death toll of Israeli soldiers will likely test public support for the war inside Israel, where anger is already mounting again against embattled Mr Netanyahu. 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. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described "a difficult morning" on Sunday after 14 Israeli soldiers were killed in recent days during fighting in the Gaza Strip. "Our hearts go out to the families and our sympathy goes out to the young lives that were torn from the prime of their lives," Netanyahu said. "Let's be very clear: this will be a long war," Netanyahu said. The soldiers were killed during clashes with Hamas militants on Friday and Saturday. Since the Hamas attacks on October 7, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have lost at least 486 soldiers in total, around a third of them since the start of Israel's ground offensive in Gaza on October 27. According to the Hamas-controlled Health Ministry in Gaza, a total of 20,258 people have been killed in the Gaza Strip since the beginning of the conflict and 53,688 injured, mainly civilians. Netanyahu on Sunday reiterated that Israel would continue its fight until Hamas was destroyed, all hostages freed and Israel can never again be endangered from the Gaza Strip. The Israeli leader said he made that point in a telephone call on Saturday with US President Joe Biden, and said that Biden expressed understanding. Netanyahu also denied reports that the United States had pressured Israel to take different action in the war were untrue. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gives remarks ahead of the Government meeting at the Kirya. Amos Ben-Gershom/GPO/dpa Tourists at the Acropolis in Greece in July 2023. picture alliance/Getty Images Tourists can take exclusive guided tours of Greece's Acropolis starting in April 2024. An official from Greece's Ministry of Culture told AP that one tour will cost 5,000 ($5,500 USD). This August, Greece limited the number of tourists visiting the Acropolis per day to 20,000. Greece will offer exclusive guided tours of the famed Acropolis, but it'll cost thousands of dollars. The Associated Press reported on Saturday that Greece will start offering the tours on April 1, 2024. Per the outlet, the perk will allow a maximum of four tour groups with up to five people each. Each group will cost 5,000, or approximately $5,500 USD. The guided tours will be scheduled outside regular business hours from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. or 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. to help accommodate the demand from history-loving visitors, according to AP. Tourists on the propylaea of the Acropolis in Athens in June 2023. LOUISA GOULIAMAKI/AFP via Getty Images "We decided to implement (the measure) ... because there is demand, people have been asking for it," Nikoletta Divari-Valako, head of the ministry's cultural resources development, told AP. "It won't harm the archaeological site, indeed it will contribute to its better promotion, and the revenues will be reinvested in cultural projects and monuments." Representatives from Greece's Ministry of Culture did not immediately respond to Business Insider's request for comment. The Acropolis is a popular tourist spot in Athens that draws tens of thousands of visitors a day. Its citadel houses several historic artifacts and sites, including the Parthenon. In August, Greek officials announced that they would limit the number of tourists to 20,000 after overtourism hit Europe this summer. People at the Acropolis in Greece. Milos Bicanski/Getty Images At the time, Greece's culture minister, Lina Mendoni, told a local radio station that they implemented the cap to prevent damage. There have been a number of incidents this year of badly behaved tourists in Europe, including Greece. In September, a tourist was arrested at the Acropolis after police said he tried to steal pieces of ancient marble. Read the original article on Business Insider Three Ukrainian children have been rescued from Russian-occupied territory by Save Ukraine, a Ukrainian humanitarian NGO, the organizations head, Mykola Kuleba, reported on Dec. 24. "In this way, we have completed the 14th rescue mission, during which we saved 14 children, seven of whom are children deprived of parental care," Kuleba wrote on Facebook. This time, the NGO rescued an eight-year-old boy, Yelysei, who lived with his grandmother in an occupied part of Kherson Oblast. When the boys grandmother died, "Russian occupation authorities immediately placed the child in an orphanage," Kuleba said. Save Ukraine has helped Yelyseis mother, who was sick at that time and lived in Odesa, get proper medical assistance and rescue her child. Read also: It was hell. Mother speaks of rescuing her child from Russian captivity "The woman had to undergo lengthy interrogations by the FSB (Russia's Federal Security Service), engage in interviews, and overcome (other) obstacles. Fortunately, she managed to retrieve her son from the orphanage," Kuleba wrote. Along with Yelysei, Save Ukraine managed to return two 18-year-old brothers, Andrii and Mykhailo. According to Kuleba, the brothers are orphans raised in a foster family in the occupied territory. Ukrainian NGO Save Ukraine returned three more children from Russian-occupied territory on Dec. 24. (Mykola Kuleba, head of Save Ukraine/Facebook) "Upon reaching adulthood, the boys realized that the occupation authorities would soon conscript them to fight against their own people. In Ukraine, both were listed as missing persons," he wrote. "Now, all three of them are safe. The children are awaiting recovery and a return to normal life." As of late December, Ukraine has identified over 19,500 children who have been deported or forcibly displaced by Russia since the start of the full-scale invasion. Less than 400 of them have been returned to Ukraine, according to the national database. Save Ukraine says it has brought back 226 children. In March, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Maria Lvova-Belova and Russian dictator Vladimir Putin over their role in the forced deportation of Ukrainian children. Read also: Explainer: What we know about Russias deportation of Ukrainian children Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. A great horned owl blinks as it watches a Houston Chronicle photojournalist Thursday, June 22, 2023, at the Wildlife Center of Texas in Houston. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer It has been a record year for the Houston SPCAs Wildlife Center of Texas: The wildlife rehabilitation center has welcomed over 14,000 animals into its care this season, breaking its previous mark well before the start of December. One of the main reasons why, according to administration manager Brooke Yahney and executive director Sharon Schmalz, is the heightened awareness about the center and its mission that started during the COVID-19 pandemic. The fact that people found so many animals during the pandemic really increased peoples awareness of us and our programs and what we do, Yahney said in November. Theyve kept bringing animals if they find more, or they told their friends and neighbors about our programs, and that has really kept the intakes coming in. Advertisement Article continues below this ad As of Dec. 12, the center had welcomed 14,151 ill, orphaned or injured animals. Founded 16 years ago, the Wildlife Center is one of the countrys largest animal rehabilitation centers and part of the nonprofit Houston SPCA. Staffers, along with volunteers, help nurse animals back to health so they can return to the wild. During its first year, Schmalz said the center took in around 2,000 animals. How long an animal stays in the care of the Wildlife Center is dependent on the animal, the species and the reason for entering the rehabilitation center. However, volunteers and staffers limit their time spent with the animals as much as possible so they dont become habituated. (The SPCA does not have an estimate on how many different species have entered its care in 2023, but the 2022 species count was 253 animals.) We never turn away a wild animal in need, a native wild animal in need, Schmalz said. We take them in. We just bring in more volunteers if we need more help. Advertisement Article continues below this ad She noted the center helped a significant number of squirrels and birds impacted by this years heat and drought. The city is also on a migratory bird path, which leads to many additions to their center in the winter months. And the expansion of the metropolitan area into previously undeveloped areas means the opportunities for locals to interact with animals are greater. NEW YORK A five-star general of the Nine Trey Bloods street gang with ties to the Lucchese crime family has been indicted by a federal grand jury for attempting to get on a private plane to the U.K. with 12 kilos of cocaine, more than 500 pounds of marijuana, 1,000 THC cartridges and fake IDs, according to court filings. Edwin Spears, 49, known as Money, was arrested Nov. 16 at Teterboro Airport in New Jersey along with Leonardo Petrosillo, 45, and two women identified as Individual-1 and Individual-2 after a search of the Liverpool-bound private plane yielded the cache of drugs in twelve large luggage bags and a cardboard box, according to FBI agent Steven Olewnicks affidavit. Individual-1, described as an adult exotic dancer from Maryland in court documents, was paid to take an Uber from her home state to Teterboro to catch the flight and say some of the luggage was hers. Individual-2 is a friend of the dancers, according to court documents. Spears girlfriend was also present but not arrested. Petrosillo, 45, had three fake New Jersey licenses and two phony Social Security Administration cards on him when he was arrested. The licenses all had the same photo of Petrosillo but with the names of two other people, and the Social Security cards had those two names on them, said prosecutors. When arrested, Spears claimed all the drugs were his, but federal prosecutors charged both him and Petrosillo with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and conspiracy to export controlled substances, citing surveillance video from a hotel near Teterboro showing the two men pushing a cart loaded with luggage from vehicles to the hotel. The luggage is consistent with the luggage in which [U.S. Customs and Border Protection] discovered the narcotics mere hours later, read a court document. As an initial matter, the proof of the defendants guilt is overwhelming, read a memo from federal prosecutors that argued Spears and Petrosillo be remanded during trial. [T]he defendants were caught red-handed in a chartered private plane to the United Kingdom with significant amounts of controlled substances. Spears has both historical and ongoing ties with members of La Cosa Nostra, said prosecutors. He was busted in 2007 while serving time in East Jersey State Prison for taking part in a scheme with a corrections officer and Lucchese family members to smuggle drugs and cellphones into the prison, according to the New Jersey Attorney Generals office. The Nine Trey Bloods gang is perhaps best known for being featured in colorful Brooklyn rapper Tekashi 6ix9ines videos before one of their members kidnapped the performer, who went on to testify against them in 2019. The court initially set bail conditions for Spears that included being released on a $500,000 bond with a Florida property said to be owned by his sister put up as collateral. However, prosecutors discovered Spears sister is not the sole owner, but a member of a trust that owns the property, and Florida law prohibits the property to be used as collateral. Spears and Petrosillo remain jailed at Metropolitan Detention Center in Brookyn, according to Bureau of Prisons records. If convicted, they face a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison, said prosecutors. Lawyers for the two men did not immediately return messages to the Daily News. Pro-Palestinian protestors took to the streets on Super Saturday en masse, protesting on the day before Christmas Eve, which is often a time shoppers try to pick up last-minute gifts before the holidays. The Shut it Down for Palestine movement, made up of pro-Palestinian groups, had plans to organize actions to boycott, disrupt, and rally at commercial centers on Dec. 23, according to the website of the ANSWER Coalition activist group. The genocidal Israeli assault on Gaza is continuing with incredible cruelty, the activist groups website read. This Christmas, occupation forces are sniping Christians sheltering in their besieged churches in Gaza and Christians in Bethlehem have declared that their celebrations are canceled. People everywhere must continue to declare that there can be no Christmas as usual during a genocide! Posts on social media appeared to show large pro-Palestinian protests in cities like New York City, Chicago, London, Los Angeles and Toronto. In one clip, protesters in New York City appeared to be chanting, While youre shopping, bombs are dropping. Health officials in Gaza said that over 20,000 people have been killed in the territory during the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas Friday. The war, which began Oct. 7 with an attack by Hamas on Israel that killed 1,200 Israelis, is about to come up on the three-month mark. On Friday, The United Nations (U.N.) Security Council passed a resolution stepping up aid to Gaza that also called for the quick release of hostages currently held by Hamas. Despite thirteen countries voting for the resolution, the U.S. and Russia abstained. Colleagues, today this council made clear that addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza needs to remain at the forefront of our agenda, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield said following the vote. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Its a game we all like to play. Visiting friends over the festive season and, while theyre looking the other way, having a sneaky peak at their Christmas cards. As they fetch you a drink you turn over the ones on the piano and have a look at others on the windowsill. Its always a pain when someone hangs them on string in curling loops across the room because there you are trying to have a peak and the whole thing collapses just as your pal returns to the room. But dont be embarrassed. Putting out Christmas cards is a proud display of connectivity. Its a heated game of Top Trumps. Yes, there are cards from friends, family and business associates. But what piques our interest when we look at those of our friends are the cards from the famous. They get points for those from politicians and the most senior or most ghastly the better (think of the big score if you had cards from Rishi Sunak AND Keir Starmer). Theres serious value in cards from famous actors and, of course, assured victory with one from the King and Queen. But this year, I have to admit, Im not doing well. Our cards are looking both thin on the ground and the Kings must be lost in the post. So if you find yourself mooching about my house and having a gander Id simply plead: please dont judge me on them. Because, as I write, the best I can offer is a London nightclub I never visit, a soon-to-be-ex member of Parliament and the producers of Bullseye. So whats the reason? Well, I blame the economy, the Royal Mail and card businesses. Because Im sure were not the only family to see fewer cards this year. For the first time in decades Ive not sent a single card: no friend or relative will get a photo of our kiddies plopping onto the doormat. I could plead lack of time, but cost is a major factor. The printing and envelopes are 1.65 a card and a first class stamp is 1.25. And forget the idea of sending them second class at 75p because we all know the Royal Mail shares the same brand values as GWR (Great Western Railway): youve no idea of when the destination will come and its not surprising if its after Christmas. (And I write these words literally sitting on the floor in the vestibule of a train from Taunton to London because GWR either forgot or in a wave of vindictive masochism decided not to put on three additional carriages.) So assuming we would send out 100 cards, which we would happily sign and seal with a glass of wine while watching the Strictly final, thats almost 300. Which is quite pricey for that simple, traditional expression of warmth and friendship, of reminding people that while you havent seen them in a while you havent forgotten them. Theres a free option though, you might point out, a simple and easy way to communicate with hundreds of your contacts, with receipt both guaranteed and instantaneous. But if you think a digital card is any kind of substitute for the real thing I weep for you. Businesses can just about get away with it. And, just a few seconds ago I received one from Miele. So if you have sent me a digital Christmas card and think it carries with it some kind of Yuletide value then know that in the panoply of friendship youre up there with my tumble dryer. The Christmas card is yet another victim of the digital revolution, in which instant and often vain communication (holiday selfies replacing postcards and WhatsApp messages replacing letters), mean that unless theres some next-generation rebellion (and one can but hope) the story of our lives will just disappear into the ether, or rather the Cloud But we still feel a tinge of guilt at our lack of effort and the decision to invest in DukesHill ham, Booja-Booja chocolate and fancy cheese straws, rather than those cherished cards. My lack of received cards also means Ill have to invest in tags next year as I cut out the fronts of the previous years Christmas cards as substitutes. Still, at least were spared those massive family round-ups that people used to dispatch. Theres only so much news I need to know about a distant relatives trek barefoot from Notting Hill to Stow-on-the-Wold to save the rhino horn. But I do miss one card, from a large family in the States. Each year the family would gather for a photo and its both sweet and a little intriguing to see whos growing up fast and whos missing: banished from the family or fallen from their perch. 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. Father Christmas is currently flying around the globe to deliver presents to children around the world. Every year Norad the North American Aerospace Defense Command tracks Santas journey as he travels the planet in his sleigh. The tradition began in 1955 when a child mistakenly rang a Colorado military command asking to speak to Father Christmas after a local newspaper ran an advert by a department store containing a misprinted phone number. Air Force Commander Harry Shoup, who was manning the phones that Christmas Eve, quickly realised the mistake and assured the child that he was in fact Santa Claus. As more calls came in that night, Commander Shoup assigned a duty officer to continue answering the phone, birthing a tradition that passed over to Norad when it was formed in 1958. Every year since, the agency which ordinarily defends and monitors the skies over North America has fielded childrens questions about the red-and-white-clad chimney intruder and his unrivalled delivery schedule. Stick with us as we follow his route around the world. Key Points Norad tracking begins How do Norad track Santa? We are pausing our live coverage Merry Christmas! 11:20 , Tara Cobham We are now pausing our live coverage. You can follow The Independents homepage for all the latest updates. In the meantime, we wish you a very merry Christmas! Santa finishes epic journey having delivered almost eight million gifts 10:55 , Tara Cobham Santa has finished his epic journey around the world, having delivered almost eight million gifts. He stopped off at every home to drop 7,883,693,263 presents over the course of Christmas Eve. A father filming his little girl as she opens up one of her Christmas presents (Getty Images) Father Christmas heads home to North Pole 10:10 , Tara Cobham Father Christmas is heading to his home of the North Pole. He has just stopped in Midway Atoll, US Minor Outlying Islands. Santa Claus stands in front of the North Pole post office (Anchorage Daily News) For those waking up in the UK 09:22 , Tara Cobham People will be waking up across the UK to stockings filled with presents at the ends of their beds. Santa has stopped off at every house in the country throughout the night of Christmas Eve and he continues to do so over in the US. People will be waking up across the UK to stockings filled with presents at the ends of their beds (PA Archive) Call Norad to find out where Santa is as they continue to track him 09:18 , Tara Cobham Norad continues to track Santa on his magical journey around the globe. People can call its call centre volunteers on 1-877-Hi-NORAD to ask where he is. As long as #Santa is still on his magical journey, we are still tracking here at the call center. Call 1-877-Hi-NORAD and ask where Santa is!! Thank you volunteers for helping make this possible. #NORADTracksSanta #NTS23 #WeHaveTheWatch pic.twitter.com/PVCL1Xfz90 NORAD Tracks Santa (@NoradSanta) December 25, 2023 Santa is making his way through the United States 08:33 , Tara Cobham Santa is making his way through the United States. He is currently flying through Alaska, having just made a stop in Juneau and heading towards Fairbanks. People reflected in a mirror at a restaurant on Christmas Eve in the US this year (REUTERS) A glimpse inside Norad's Santa tracker 08:00 , Namita Singh Where is Santa? 07:00 , Namita Singh Santa Claus and his eight tiny reindeer can be seen live during their annual trek from the North Pole using Norads live Santa tracker. You can also track when he will be in your area, using Facebook and X. How did the Santa tracking tradition begin? 06:00 , Namita Singh In 1955, Air Force Colonel Harry Shoup the commander on duty at the Norads predecessor, the Continental Air Defense Command fielded a call from a child who dialed a misprinted telephone number in a newspaper department store ad, thinking she was calling Santa. A fast-thinking Shoup quickly told his caller he was Santa, and as more calls came in, he assigned a duty officer to keep answering. And the Santa-tracking tradition began. Norad expects some 1,100 volunteers to help answer calls this year in a dedicated operations center at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs, ranging from command staff to people around the world.Its a bit of a bucket list item for some folks, says Mathias, calling the operations center definitely the most festive place to be on December 24th. The operations center is open Christmas Eve until midnight. Anyone can call 1-877 HI-NORAD (1-877-446-6723) to talk directly to Norad staff members who will provide updates on Santas exact location. Santa is on his way 05:00 , Namita Singh President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden participated in Norad Santa tracking calls on Sunday evening with children and families across the country, said the White House in a statement. A post from Jill Biden on the social media platform now known as X showed a picture of her and the president, sitting on a couch with a Christmas tree behind them, and said that Norad had confirmed the good news: Santa is on his way! The military is tracking Santa with the same technology we use every single day to keep North America safe, said US Air Force Colonel Elizabeth Mathias, Norads chief spokesperson. Were able to follow the light from Rudolphs red nose. Ms Mathias says that while Norad has a good intelligence assessment of his sleighs capabilities, Santa does not file a flight plan and may have some high-tech secrets up his red sleeve this year to help guide his travels maybe even artificial intelligence.I dont know yet if hes using AI, said Ms Mathias. Ill be curious to see if our assessment of his flight this year shows us some advanced capabilities. Santa departs from Bangkok after delivering gifts to 2 billion children 04:00 , Namita Singh As children around the world eagerly await Santas arrival on Christmas, the military is closely tracking his every move. Armed with radar, sensors, aircraft and Christmas spirit, the North American Aerospace Defense Command in Colorado is reporting on the movements of Santas sleigh since his takeoff from the North Pole for parts of the globe where Christmas comes first. Once again it is sharing those details so kids can follow along. By late Christmas Eve in Thailand, late morning Sunday in the eastern US, the tracker reported that Santa had departed Bangkok and moved on to Burma, Tibet, China and Russia, distributing nearly 2 billion gifts so far in his travels. Santa makes a round of England 01:30 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain Santa made it to England as midnight struck. How much does Santas sleigh weigh? (Too many mince pies) 00:30 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain Fun fact: Did you know that Santa's sleigh weighs approximately 75,000 gd (gumdrops) at takeoff!?#NORADTracksSanta #NORAD #TheMoreYouKnow NORAD Tracks Santa (@NoradSanta) December 25, 2023 Santa heading for England Sunday 24 December 2023 23:44 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain Santa is now in the UK as he just left Cardiff and is on his way now to Durham. On the nice list in Italy? Sunday 24 December 2023 23:03 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain Santa is heading for Brescia, Italy! Be on the lookout! NORAD Tracks Santa (@NoradSanta) December 24, 2023 Santa arrives in Hallstatt Sunday 24 December 2023 22:19 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain The charming town of Hallstatt in Austria will be sprinkled with some extra magic as Santa touches down in time to deliver Christmas gifts. (Getty Images/iStockphoto) Santa is in Europe Sunday 24 December 2023 21:57 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain Santa is well and truly in Europe as he delivers presents to Copenhagen. You know what means- the man in red will soon touch down to UK. Stay tuned! (Norad Tracker) Whats Santas progress? Sunday 24 December 2023 21:04 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain Over 3,407,301,279 presents now delivered as Santas reindeers race to complete the Christmas mission before the big day. Santa glides over Athens in latest stop Sunday 24 December 2023 20:20 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain Sleighbells are ringing over Athens #NORADTracksSanta https://t.co/1OZguqLhXv NORAD Tracks Santa (@NoradSanta) December 24, 2023 Turkey and Greece graced with Santas sleigh Sunday 24 December 2023 19:52 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain Antalya in Turkey is Santas next stop on the long list. The next stop after that will be Santorini- hopefully Santa and his reindeers dont crash into any blue domes! (Getty Images/iStockphoto) (Getty Images/iStockphoto) Santa delivers presents to Kyiv in Ukraine Sunday 24 December 2023 19:15 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain Santa is now delivering presents to Kyiv in Ukraine, where Christmas will be celebrated for the first time on 25 December, after the countrys president Volodymr Zelensky chose to break from the tradition of following the Julian calendar. (Reuters) All the chimneys Santa has squeezed through so far... Sunday 24 December 2023 18:44 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain The night is still young but Santa has been working hard this Christmas Eve. Here are all the places he has delivered presents to: (Norad Santa) A balmy 13C in Bangladesh for Father Christmas Sunday 24 December 2023 18:14 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain Next stop on Santa's whistle Christmas Eve global tour is Bangladesh where he will find temperatures of 19C pic.twitter.com/c0QTRbzt44 Met Office (@metoffice) December 24, 2023 Santa flies over the Arabian Peninsula Sunday 24 December 2023 18:08 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain #NORADTracksSanta is following the heat signature from Rudolph's nose to Dubai as Santa flies over the Arabian Peninsula.https://t.co/UVuyzrCgDr NORAD Tracks Santa (@NoradSanta) December 24, 2023 Santa heading to Russia Sunday 24 December 2023 17:26 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain The man of the moment was last seen in Karsakpay, Kazakhstan and will be touching down in Chelyabinsk, Russia in 2 minutes. Over 2.1 million presents have so far been delivered... and counting! Santa soars towards Sri lanka Sunday 24 December 2023 16:57 , Lydia Patrick Santa and his reindeer crew are about to land in Colombo. The sleigh is heading towards the vibrant Sri Lankan capital which lies on the countrys west coast. Sri Lanka US Port Project (Provided) Father Christmas arrives in Nepal Sunday 24 December 2023 16:46 , Lydia Patrick Santas next stop on his worldwide tour is Nepal. He made a brief stop in Dhaka, Bangladesh before heading to Kolkata, India. Now he is about to land in Kathmandu, where Santa is sure to fly over some incredible temples. A boy sways on a swing traditionally called the 'Dashain Ping' on the occasion of the Nepali Hindu festival 'Dashain' (AFP via Getty Images) Santa touches down in Mongolia Sunday 24 December 2023 16:21 , Lydia Patrick Santa has been all over South East Asian and his next stop is Mongolia. He is set to land in the capital Ulaanbaatar- the coldest capital city in the world. Interesting fact- there are almost as many horses as people in Mongolia, according to a Czech humanitarian aid charity. Jingle all the neigh! YE Top Photos Climate Change 2023 (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) Watch - Inside Santa tracking HQ Sunday 24 December 2023 16:11 , Lydia Patrick Santa on way to Vietnam Sunday 24 December 2023 16:06 , Lydia Patrick After millions of succesful deliveries around Asia, Santa has zipped over to Hanoi. Hanoi is a cultural mixing pot of Southeast Asian, Chinese and French influences. Santa makes speedy stop in Vietnamese capital (Getty Images) Last seen in Malaysia, next stop Thailand Sunday 24 December 2023 15:51 , Tara Cobham Santa was last spotted in Terengganu, Malaysia. His next stop is Hat Yai in Thailand. Santas next stop is Thailand (Getty Images) Father Christmas heads to Christmas Island Sunday 24 December 2023 15:29 , Tara Cobham Father Christmas is heading to his namesake island. He has just left Geraldton, Australia and is now making his way to The Settlement, Christmas Island. Sleigh moves from Indonesia onwards to Australia Sunday 24 December 2023 15:17 , Tara Cobham Santas sleigh has made a stop in Indonesia and is now moving onwards to Australia. It is 11.15pm in Broome, the first place to receive presents in the country. View of Great Northern Highway 1, along the Great Sandy Desert near Broome, Western Australia (Getty/iStock) Santa makes his way through China Sunday 24 December 2023 15:03 , Tara Cobham Santa is currently making his way through China to drop off his gifts. He was last seen in Kunming and is now heading for Haikou. It is around 11pm local time there. Santa is currently making his way through China to drop off his gifts (PA Archive) How did Norads Santa tracking mission begin? Sunday 24 December 2023 15:00 , Lydia Patrick In a search for answers, inquisitive children have been making calls to the North American Aerospace Defence Command (Norad) to establish the exact whereabouts of St Nicholas and his reindeer-led sleigh for close to 70 years. The tradition began in 1955, when a child mistakenly rang a Colorado military command asking to speak to Father Christmas after a local newspaper ran an advert by a department store containing a misprinted phone number. Air Force Commander Harry Shoup, who was manning the phones that Christmas Eve, quickly realised the mistake and assured the child that he was in fact Santa Claus. As more calls came in that night, Commander Shoup assigned a duty officer to continue answering the phone, birthing a tradition that passed over to Norad when it was formed in 1958. Every year since, the agency which defends and monitors the skies over North America has fielded childrens questions about the red-and-white-clad chimney intruder and his unrivalled delivery schedule. Santa is on his way around the globe (Norad) Sleigh arrives in Phillipines Sunday 24 December 2023 14:50 , Lydia Patrick Its 10.43pm local time and Santa is swiftly making his way across Asia. He is now hurtling towards towards the capital of Manila after a present drop in Davao City. In this video grab taken from a video released by the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) through the Chinese embassy in Manila on October 23, 2023 shows a collision between Chinese Coast Guard ship (R) and Philippines resupply boat (L) during a resupply mission in Second Thomas Shoal (Chinese Coast Guard /AFP via Get) Watch - Follow Santa and his reindeer around the globe Sunday 24 December 2023 14:45 , Lydia Patrick Santa arrives in Taiwan Sunday 24 December 2023 14:41 , Lydia Patrick Father Christmas is currently dropping gifts in the capital of Taiwan, Taipei. Taipei is a global city in the North of the country known for its tall skyscrapers and bustling night time market. Taiwan Asia Typhoon (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) Next stop - China Sunday 24 December 2023 14:32 , Lydia Patrick So far Santa has gifted children across Russia, Australia, Japan, South Korea and he now is flying towards China. Now Santa and his reindeer are visiting the iconic Great Wall in the capital of Beijing. Great Wall of China damaged (Youyu Public Security Bureau) Santa heads to South Korea Sunday 24 December 2023 14:25 , Lydia Patrick The sleigh has soared over Japan and is now hurtling towards South Korea. Santa has just left Jeju City, on Jejudo Island and is now heading towards Daejon, Visitors enjoy a snowy landscape after a recent snowfall of 20 centimeters in Mount Deokyu National Park in Muju, North Jeolla Province, South Korea (EPA) Santa to land in Tokyo Sunday 24 December 2023 14:12 , Lydia Patrick After a whirlwind tour of Northern Japan, Santa is now heading to the bustling southern capital - Tokyo. The southern metropolis is home to 13.96 million people, meaning Santa has a lot of presents to drop. Aerial view of Tokyo cityscape with Fuji mountain in Japan. (iStock) Santa reaches mainland Japan Sunday 24 December 2023 14:05 , Lydia Patrick Santa is fast approaching Sapporo, a city in northeastern Japan. Due to its mountains, Sapporo is a skiing hotspot and is famous for its beer. Drink responsibly Santa! Japan G7 Climate (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) Santa flying towards Japanese island Sunday 24 December 2023 14:01 , Lydia Patrick Santa is about to touch down in the island of Iwo Jima, Japan. Known for a very bloody World War II battle, the islands georgraphy is equally volatile since it is volcanic. In this photo provided by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, steam billows from the waters off Ioto island, Ogasawara town in the Pacific Ocean, southern Tokyo (AP) Santa arrives in Asia Sunday 24 December 2023 13:55 , Lydia Patrick Santa and his sleigh are zooming towards East Timor, another beautiful Island nation. Interestingly, Timor derives from the Indonesian word Timur, which means East, so the full place name means East East. Santa still down under Sunday 24 December 2023 13:45 , Lydia Patrick Santa is making his way across Australia and his next stop is Alice Springs. Alice Springs is a remote town in central Australia, with a desert landscape which is known as the capital of the outback. An Aboriginal freehold land site is marked in the MacDonnell Ranges, outside of Alice Springs, Australia, September 15, 2023 (Reuters) Santa stops in Sydney Sunday 24 December 2023 13:34 , Lydia Patrick Mr Claus is now making is way to arguablt the most famous city- in Australia. Sydney is famous for its opera house, beautiful beaches and idyllic harbour backdrop. The city is currently coping with flash floods- Rudolph could get very wet. New Year's Eve fireworks light up the sky over the Sydney Opera House (L) and Harbour Bridge during the fireworks display in Sydney on January 1, 2023. (AFP via Getty Images) Santa goes down under Sunday 24 December 2023 13:30 , Lydia Patrick Good day Santa! The sleigh is flying towards Australia and will touch down in Rockhampton after a quick stop in Queenstown. Rockhampton lies in eastern Australia in Queensland. The city is renowned for its good cattle and hosts a beef week every three years. Fingers crossed Santa gets time to stop for a steak. One of the most renowned events on the Rockhampton regional events calendar, Beef Australia is a week-long event held once every three years (Provided) Santa arrives in Kimbe, Papau New Guinea Sunday 24 December 2023 13:20 , Lydia Patrick Everyones favourite delivery man is now heading to Papau New Guinea. Kimbe is a bustling town and the capital of the province West New Britain. Due to its tropical rainforest environment, Kimbe is prone to heavy rainfall all year round. Lets hope Santa remembered his umbrella! Papau New Guinea (Provided) Norads live tracker back Sunday 24 December 2023 13:15 , Lydia Patrick After some technical issues, Norads live tracker is back in business. Next stop - Papau New Guinea. The North American Aerospace Defense Command is celebrating its annual tradition of providing updates on the location of Santa Claus for the 68th year. Photo courtesy of NORAD Tracks Santa/Facebook Dec. 24 (UPI) -- The North American Aerospace Defense Command is celebrating its annual tradition of providing updates on the location of Santa Claus for the 68th year. NORAD, which is responsible for airspace security over the United States and Canada, began the tradition of a Santa-tracking hotline in 1955 when a young child trying to call Santa accidentally dialed an unlisted phone number, reaching a U.S. Air Force colonel instead. In the 68 years since, the festive tradition has morphed into a website, complete with 3D graphics of Papa Noel and his reindeer helpers. Tracking is also available on mobile apps. Each year, the NORAD Tracks Santa website receives several million unique visitors from more than 200 countries and territories around the world. But the hotline remains in place. Volunteers typically answer more than 130,000 calls from children across the globe. This year, the call center has been set up in a new location in Hangar 123 at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado. The mission operated out of Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station until 2006. "Being in Hangar 123 roots the program squarely in the operational context that it came from," said NTS program manager 1st Lt. Sean Carter in a statement. "Over the years, this particular program has experienced several different iterations, sometimes leaning more into the festivities of the holiday season, other times celebrating the whimsy. Ultimately, tracking Santa is a military operation, and having Hangar 123 as the new home to the call center couldn't be more appropriate." In 2021, NORAD was still limiting the number of volunteers because of the coronavirus pandemic. But the new location appears to indicate an increase again in the number of volunteers helping track Santa. Officials said Hangar 123 was one of two potential locations for the new call center and was selected because of the amount of space inside and available parking for volunteers and staff. This year, tracking began around 4 a.m. EST. As of the time of publication, he was last seen over Nagasaki, Japan, and making his way to Okinawa with more than a billion gifts delivered. The website also offers several games, Christmas music and merchandise for sale to celebrate the annual tradition. A North Dakota lawmaker told authorities theyd regret picking on him during a verbally abusive, homophobic, racially abusive and discriminatory tirade aimed at officers who were arresting him for drunken driving, according to a police report and bodycam footage. Republican state Rep. Nico Rios confrontation with police occurred on Dec. 15 as he was driving home from a holiday party. He was pulled over in Williston after authorities said he failed to stay in his own lane. Bodycam footage shows Rios, a first-term official who won his seat in 2022, initially trying to hand officers his business card before they request his license and registration. The exchange quickly escalates from there, with the pol hurling profanities and threats as he struggles to complete a field sobriety test, the clip shows. According to a police report obtained by The Bismarck Tribune, the lawmaker was unable to maintain his balance during the test, and misstepped when asked to walk heel-to-toe. Rios then goes on to refuse a breathlyzer test and ultimately lands in handcuffs. Upon learning hes going to jail, the lawmaker calls one officer a fing f-t, bodycam video shows. Rios rant continues once hes in the back of Officer Alexander Welchs police cruiser. When asked if he wanted the two phones found in his truck, he answered affirmatively, telling Welch he wanted them to call North Dakota State Attorney General Drew Wrigley so he could tell him he was being mistreated. Rios repeatedly used profanity throughout the drive to the jail and at one point asked that officers turn off their bodycams. He also made several comments about Welch being born in England and about people born outside America becoming law enforcement officers. Youre arresting me for driving home, and people are coming to your country and raping your women, as you know, he said, claiming refugees are taking over England. And Im the fing bad guy? Rios added: Youre ruining my life so you can fing make a paycheck, before slinging another series of homophobic slurs at the officer. Rios was charged with DUI and refusing to provide a chemical test. After he was released from custody, he posted a statement on X, expressing his sorrow and regret to the people of his district, telling them he made a mistake. He issued a second mea culpa on Friday, after video of his arrest started going viral online. Inebriated or not my actions and words to law enforcement that night were absolutely unacceptable, he wrote. Just two cop doing their jobs keeping the community safe when they ran into me on a night I decided to act like a dummie. They did nothing to deserve any sort of disrespect. I owe it to myself, my district, and everyone and I vow to make sure this never happens again. Bacone College that has a student body of 65 percent Native Americans will suspend its Spring 2024 semester because of financial difficulties. To assist students to avoid an interruption in their educational journeys, Northeastern State University (NSU), located in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, is offering a seamless transfer of credits for Bacone College students. This collaborative effort, rooted in the rich heritage of both institutions, underscores their unwavering commitment to student success and the sustainable development of their diverse communities. Never miss Indian Countrys biggest stories and breaking news. Click here to sign up to get our reporting sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Northeastern is proud to be able to work with our partners at Bacone College to welcome these students into the RiverHawk family during this difficult time, NSU President Rodney Hanley said. Our commitment to their success began the moment we were made aware of the situation. We are determined that these students will not only achieve their education dreams but also flourish while doing so. Dr. Rebecca Truelove, Vice President of Academic Affairs for Bacone College, acknowledged the regrettable decision to suspend classes and emphasized Bacone's focus on restructuring and rebuilding. She expressed gratitude for Northeastern State University's support during the enrollment process. To help with the process, NSU officials are eliminating barriers in the admission process, including waiving application fees. The NSU advising team is actively engaging with Bacone students through Zoom meetings to identify and secure classes within their academic sequence. I am thankful that through this partnership Northeastern can provide a seamless option for students to stay on track to achieve their educational goalsclose to home and with an institution that knows firsthand the sacrifices they and their families have made to get to this point, Dr. Carla Swearingen, NSU Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, said. Renowned for its leadership in American Indian education since 1851, NSU offers Native students a supportive environment that honors their cultural heritage. Bacone transfers can benefit from a range of resources and programs offered by the NSU Center for Tribal Studies, over 80 student organizations, and the opportunity to apply for various scholarships. About the Author: "Native News Online is one of the most-read publications covering Indian Country and the news that matters to American Indians, Alaska Natives and other Indigenous people. Reach out to us at editor@nativenewsonline.net. " Contact: news@nativenewsonline.net Each day, more than 140 people die by suicide in the United States, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. ALSO READ: Charlottes Hidden Crisis: County-by-County mental health resource guide Advocates and organizations across the country are working daily with the hopes of bringing that number down to zero. Here in Charlotte, Fonda Bryant is taking to parking decks, where she puts signs with numbers to resources and a message that says You Are Not Alone. Three years ago, a 16-year-old girl took her own life by jumping off the Green City Parking Deck on East 6th Street in Uptown Charlotte. Bryant said she knows the pain of those who contemplate taking their own lives feel; more than 25 years ago, she attempted to jump off of the same parking deck. This tragedy inspired Bryant to start making her suicide prevention signs more visible throughout the deck and to begin calling on local and city leaders for change. Since replacing the signs, there have been no more attempts at the parking deck. When you are fighting it yourself, you feel like you are by yourself; you feel like no one understands, no one cares, Bryant said. I want people to realize they are not alone; you are not alone; there is help out here. Bryant plans to work with ten other parking decks to put up her signs; she hopes to add them to all city-owned decks in the future (WATCH BELOW: Cabarrus Co. hosts first 5K aimed at spreading awareness about suicide) New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) on Friday vetoed a bill that would have expanded opportunities for people with criminal convictions to challenge the judgments they received in their cases. The bill was championed by Democrats in the state Legislature and fiercely opposed by Republicans. Many critics argued the bill would have overwhelmed the justice system and lead to numerous challenges by people who were actually guilty. Hochul said the bills sweeping expansion of eligibility for post-conviction relief would up-end the judicial system and create an unjustifiable risk of flooding the courts with frivolous claims, Hochul wrote in her veto letter Saturday, per The Associated Press (AP). Under New York state law, people who pleaded guilty to a crime are generally barred from challenging those convictions by claiming theyre innocent unless there is new DNA evidence. This bill would have allowed for more types of evidence, including evidence that the person was coerced into pleading guilty. The District Attorneys Association of the State of New York said in June, when the bill was first passed, that the bill would give a greater pathway to unwarranted appeals by people who are guilty. The bill would overwhelm the criminal justice system, at a time when the next straw might be the one that breaks its back, the association said in a statement at the time. It would be an entirely unnecessary fix for something that is not broken. New York State Senator Zellnor Myrie (D), who sponsored the bill, said he is considering reintroducing the bill in the next legislative session to give innocent people a fair chance to reverse a terrible wrong, the AP reported. The Associated Press contributed reporting. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Police identified the murder suspect one day after a targeted shooting at a mall in Ocala, Florida, left one person dead and another injured. An arrest warrant has been issued for Albert J Shell Jr, 39. He is wanted for premeditated first-degree murder and attempted premeditated first-degree murder. However, he is still at large police asked the public for information that could lead to an arrest. They are offering a $5,000 reward, an increase from earlier on Saturday when they offered $3,000 for information on the suspect. The shooter opened fire around 3.40pm on Saturday at Paddock Mall. Ocala Police posted three photos of a person of interest hours after the incident, showing a Black male wearing all black, with white sneakers and a red cap. At a press conference on Saturday evening, police said they believed the fatal shooting was a targeted act and that the man who died was the intended target. After opening fire, authorities said the suspect fled the mall being undetected. If you call OPD and tell us where he is and your information leads to his arrest, we will pay you $5,000! Call 352-656-6137. Please, do not call that number for any other matter. https://t.co/xDMPxPqvEX Ocala Police (@ocalapd) December 24, 2023 While the manhunt for the suspect continues, police identified the victim killed as 40-year-old David Nathaniel Barron, 40. We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and we are committed to bringing the perpetrator to justice, officials wrote. This is a person of interest in the deadly Paddock Mall shooting. If you recognize this person, please call 352-369-7000 or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers of Marion County by calling 352-368-STOP (7867) or **TIPS. Tips can also be submitted to https://t.co/TZBhTyKhkL. pic.twitter.com/c1x2qW5dCH Ocala Police (@ocalapd) December 24, 2023 It is still unclear if and how the victim and the suspect knew one another. The shooting left another woman with a gunshot wound to her leg. The unnamed victim was taken to the hospital for treatment for non-life-threatening injuries, police wrote. This shooting was the worst thing we can imagine this time of the year, an officer said during the press conference. Authorities also asked for those at the mall who may have witnessed the tragedy to provide information. Police said they received reports of an active shooter around 3.40pm on Saturday after shoppers heard multiple shots fired. By 4.20pm, officials announced that the shooting was no longer active. As of Sunday morning, the search for the suspect was ongoing. Ocala Police also issued a warning to the person who apparently took the suspects red hat from the crime scene, noting that the hat could contain DNA evidence. We urge you to do the right thing and come forward immediately, police wrote on Sunday afternoon. Authorities added that if this person doesnt return the hat within the next few hours, we will release your picture on our social media and to the news media outlets, and you will be arrested with a felony charge of tampering with evidence. A selection of tamales from Tellez Tamales & Barbacoa is seen. As Christmas draws near, San Antonio residents are talking about what makes a good tamal. Brenda Tellez Editor's note: In honor of National Tamal Day 2023, here's another look at the Christmas staple, from December. One of the biggest holiday traditions in San Antonio is Christmas tamales. While some families go all out for their tamalada, some don't have the time to make their own. Several San Antonio residents and Texans took to the city's Restaurants Facebook page to ask what makes a good tamal as they look to purchase their bundles of masa and meat. Advertisement Article continues below this ad It was on the mind of Rick Boyd, from Northeast Texas, who asked in a post on Wednesday. "I've eaten hundreds in my life and never had one that I thought 'Wow, that's worth eating a second one.'" Boyd continued that the only times he's wanted a second one, they were covered in some kind of sauce and that he's "never seen a place that spends as much energy talking about where to buy something so mediocre." New San Antonio resident Sharon Waters wrote in a post on Thursday that the ones she's tried, including from H-E-B, were dry and "incredibly bland." You might also like: Open on Christmas Day: San Antonio restaurants serving meals on the holiday But other San Antonians had guidelines for what makes a tamal good, rushing to defend the traditional food. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "Where you come from they are probably subpar," Diana Infante-De Leon responded to Boyd's Facebook post. "Tamales are a cultural form of art steeped in tradition and truly a labor of love." Infante-De Leon recommended starting the "delicious journey" at Delia's, a local San Antonio institution, and sampling pork, chicken, bean and bean-and-cheese tamales from the restaurant. Others said truly great tamales had to be made at home, including "by somebody's great grandma who doesn't speak English." "The best tamales are made by Mexicans who are from Mexico," Alejandra Padilla commented. "Something about that true Mexican touch makes them so good." The real factor that makes a good tamal, Roxy Na wrote, is that tamales have to be "fluffy and moist" from the corn masa, and the filling has to be savory, whether it's made from chicken or pork, or another variety like rajas, bean-and-cheese, jalapeno-and-cheese, or even sweet fillings like strawberry or pineapple. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "The meat should be well-spiced and seasoned," Cathi Brandon responded to Waters' post. "There must be a good fat content, as those lean roast tamales can be nasty, otherwise the (tamal) is dry." Some even said the true art of tamales is the fact that they're made during tamaladas on Christmas, surrounded by loved ones and friends. "Good tamales, not mediocre ones, just make us feel good, physically and - dare I say - spiritually," Rene Sosa wrote. "So the time we spend talking about where to buy tamales is not wasted energy," adding that tamaladas are about making good tamales as much as spending time with family. The San Antonio Restaurants Facebook page spent much of the last few days discussing tamales, with a poll conducted on Wednesday by Facebook user Vanessa Lazano on which San Antonio restaurant had the best tamales. Advertisement Article continues below this ad With 17 poll options, including 12 added by other San Antonio Facebook users, Delia's came in first with 31 percent of the vote. Other top vote recipients were Tellez Tamales and Tamale Boy, each with 18 percent, and Ruben's, with seven percent. H-E-B and homemade tamales, each added by other users, both received 4 percent of the vote. More than 180 people voted in the poll. OCALA, Fla. - The Ocala Police Department has issued an arrest warrant for a man accused of shooting and killing one person while injuring another inside the Paddock Mall Saturday afternoon. Police issued an arrest warrant for Albert Shell Jr, 39, who is wanted for premeditated first-degree murder and attempted premeditated first-degree murder, according to a Twitter post. PLEASE SHARE! PADDOCK MALL MURDER SUSPECT: OPD has an arrest warrant for Albert J. Shell Jr., 39, for premeditated first-degree murder and attempted premeditated first-degree murder. pic.twitter.com/4HwajUHYjZ Ocala Police (@ocalapd) December 24, 2023 The shooting inside the Paddock Mall resulted in a man being killed and a woman being injured and sent last-minute shoppers scrambling Saturday afternoon. The mall said Sunday morning in social media posts that it would remain closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Police responded to the mall Saturday afternoon following 911 calls reporting multiple shots fired inside the mall. Officers found 40-year-old David Nathaniel Barron dead inside the mall, and a woman who was shot in the leg. That woman was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, police said. Police are also searching for the person who took the shooter's red hat. The hat may have valuable DNA evidence. Ocala police said if the hat is not returned in the next few hours, the person's picture will be released on social media and they will be arrested. PLEASE SHARE! TO THE PERSON WHO TOOK THE RED HAT FROM THE PADDOCK MALL SHOOTING: pic.twitter.com/wGpmXlRDTK Ocala Police (@ocalapd) December 24, 2023 At a Saturday press conference, Ocala police said Shell, the suspected shooter, ran away from the mall after the shooting. If you call OPD and tell us where he is and your information leads to his arrest, we will pay you $5,000! Call 352-656-6137. Please, do not call that number for any other matter. https://t.co/xDMPxPqvEX Ocala Police (@ocalapd) December 24, 2023 Police released a series of surveillance images of Shell who was wearing a red hat, black hoodie, and black pants. Anyone with information on Shell's whereabouts is asked to call 352-656-6137. "We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and we are committed to bringing the perpetrator to justice," police said. Paddock Mall to remain closed Sunday morning, the mall posted on its Facebook page that it would be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. According to an online schedule, the mall was scheduled to be open Sunday from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m., and was already scheduled to be closed on Dec. 25. "We are deeply saddened by this tragedy. Our thoughts are with all those involved. The safety of our guests, retailers and employees is our top priority. We are working closely with the Ocala Police Department as they investigate this incident. For more information, please contact the Ocala Police Department directly at (352) 369-7000 ." A spokesperson for wpg, the owner of Paddock Mall said. The mall is located about 90 minutes north of Orlando, Florida. Jozsefne Szedlak has been ringing the church bells for 60 years (FERENC ISZA) Following in the footsteps of her family's past five generations, Jozsefne Szedlak, or Aunty Ilonka as she is widely known, leaves her home to the nearby bell tower at least twice a day. As one of the few remaining bell ringers in Hungary, she has taken on the responsibility of tolling the bells at the Catholic church in Tereny, a village of 350 residents around 60 kilometres (40 miles) north of Budapest. The heaviest bell there weighs around 450 kilogrammes (1,000 pounds). "As long as my hands and feet can handle it, there won't be an automatic system," says the 80-year-old grandmother of three. "Because people say, and it's true, that bells die when they are automated, so a bell working by the press of a button does not chime the same." "The bell summons the living, mourns the dead and breaks the storms." Around Europe, bell ringers have become increasingly rare as motorisation has progressed steadily since the 20th century, said Ferenc Bajko, a campanologist who studies the history of church bells. "In Hungary, usually Protestant churches have them, where the bells are only used on Sundays. It is really unique to have someone manually ring the bells several times every day," he told AFP. Aunty Ilonka is a "great blessing", says Tereny mayor Andrasne Brozso. Television crews and curious tourists regularly visit the village to meet her and even Hungarian President Katalin Novak visited her last June. Usually Aunty Ilonka just uses one hand to chime a bell at noon or in the evening, saying a silent prayer to count the time. But on important Christian holidays like Christmas, she has to manually chime all three bells of the medieval church. So she sits down on a stool and uses both her hands and right foot to simultaneously toll them -- Not an easy feat, given their weight. "There is no need to go to the gym," she says with a hearty laugh. Aunty Ilonka is also an active part of the local community. Mayor Brozso notes that she helps preserve the regional Paloc heritage by carrying out all ecclesial duties, being part of the folk choir, and keeping a collection of antiques in a traditional peasant house. In colourful Paloc clothing, she proudly shows visitors around her informal museum with traditional furniture, tools and dresses, some dating back to the 19th century. She says she has always been fascinated by old things and proud to carry on with a family tradition started by her great-great-great-grandfather. "I've been ringing bells for 60 years, but only about 10 years by myself, because before that I was just helping out my grandparents and parents," she says. ros/jza/js/ach The Ojai City Council unanimously approved a multi-site housing project last week as part of a settlement agreement with a developer. In a special meeting on Monday, the council approved Cottages Among the Flowers on Aliso Street, the Mallory Way Bungalows on Mallory Way, Montgomery Affordable Housing on Montgomery Street and another project on 510 E. Ojai Avenue. The project will include some affordable units. The developer, Jeffrey Becker of Ojai Bungalows LP, sued the city in November for taking too much time to hold a hearing on the proposed housing. The lawsuit, filed in Ventura County Superior Court, demanded hearings for two of the properties. Although council members approved the agreement on Monday, the two sides were still working out final details, said Interim City Manager Carl Alameda on Thursday. The city attorneys office is making final revisions to properly capture all of the points, Alameda said via email. Of the four sites, Cottages Among the Flowers and Mallory Way Bungalows currently house tenants. Montgomery Affordable Housing and the Ojai Avenue sites are vacant. The developer originally planned to demolish 18 of 25 bungalows, but now will save all of them. This isnt our dream agreement," said Councilmember Rachel Lang before voting yes. "This isnt the developers dream agreement. But it protects every single person who lives in the cottages and the bungalows." The quick settlement came ahead of a Jan. 1 amendment to state law that will allow more density for affordable housing projects. The change would allow the developer to build more units on the Mallory property and allow buildings up to three or four stories, said Sunny Soltani, an attorney hired by the city to help with the settlement. Council members began the meeting with a closed session to discuss the potential agreement. During public comment, many of the 20 speakers said they didnt have time to properly review the settlement. Im really angry that you sat in that room for an hour then you come out and you drop this big plan on us that we have no way to be able to interpret it and youre set to vote on it tonight, said resident Anita Cramm. Within the four properties, plans call for 98 total units with 31 of them affordable. Of the 31, seven are for very low-income residents, six are for low-income and 18 are for moderate-income residents, staff said. Residents currently living in the 25 units at Mallory Way can choose to stay with tenant protections, City Attorney Matthew Summers said. If they leave, the units will become market rate, he said. The Ojai Avenue property was not included in a prior development proposal while another property, the former site of World University at 107 N. Ventura St., was. Alameda said the developer withdrew World University from the site and is exploring other options for the property. The council first approved the project in October 2022, but subsequent dissent derailed it. A successful referendum launched by opponents days after it was approved demanded the project go to city voters for a decision. In January, the council put the project on the March 2024 ballot. In October this year, council members took the apartment project off the ballot and at the developer's request rescinded the development agreement for the then 67-unit proposal. Beth Collins, attorney for the Ojai Bungalows/Greenhawk LLC project, had written a letter to the city over the summer saying high election costs as well as litigation from local nonprofit Simply Ojai would make it hard to continue with the project. The letter claimed the development was being "actively blocked" by the current city council. Sabrina Venskus, an attorney for Simply Ojai, said at Monday's meeting her clients wanted more time to review the settlement agreement. The group filed its lawsuit seeking to overturn project approvals in late 2022. That suit had been on hold ahead of the referendum's outcome. Separately, at a special meeting held Wednesday, the council considered a resolution calling for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war. Some attendees disrupted the meeting with yelling, prompting several council members to briefly leave the room. The members returned without voting on the resolution. Mayor Betsy Stix read a statement saying the council was mortified by the death and destruction. Adopting the resolution that night, however, wouldn't end the violence, she said, but would "perpetuate more divisiveness and hatred in our community." Wes Woods II covers West County for the Ventura County Star. Reach him at wesley.woodsii@vcstar.com, 805-437-0262 or @JournoWes. This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Ojai City Council approves multi-site housing project Support for victims and survivors of domestic violence is available 24/7: 1-800-897-LINK (5465). If you or someone else is in immediate danger, or in an emergency, please call 911 immediately. PAYSON, Utah (ABC4) One man is dead and another seriously injured after a domestic violence incident in Payson Friday night, according to Payson Police. On Dec. 22, just before midnight, police responded to the area of 500 North 600 East to a domestic violence incident in progress. Upon arrival, officers found one man deceased in the basement of the home with multiple lacerations to his head, according to a release. Several axes, swords, drugs seized in Salt Lake City bust Officers also found another man who had been assaulted at the home. That individual was reportedly in serious condition. Like the first victim, he also had multiple lacerations to his head in addition to his shoulder, according to police, and was taken to Mountain View Hospital. Police said a third male was located in the upper portion of the home. That individual was identified as the suspect and taken into custody. Through the preliminary investigation, police determined that the suspect attacked both men, killing one and seriously hurting the other. There are no outstanding suspects and no threat to the community at this time, police said. The investigation into this incident is ongoing. The names of those involved will not be released at this time. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now ABC4 Daily News The suspect was booked into Utah County Jail on charges of aggravated murder and attempted murder. Our hearts go out to the victims family who lost their loved one and all those affected during this senseless act of violence, Payson Police stated in the release. No further information is currently available. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. Ukraine will only join NATO after the war as a reunited and fully liberated nation, presidential advisor Mykhailo Podolyak told state-owned news channel UATV on Dec. 23. He dismissed any idea involving freezing the contact lines and allowing only the Kyiv-controlled parts of Ukraine to join the Alliance, stating that this would ultimately lead to a NATO war against Russia as sooner or later Moscow would resume its attempts to seize the rest of the country. All these proposed theoretical models are detached from reality, he explained. Today we don't have a concrete proposal - to join NATO, let's say, in the foreseeable future, in a year or two. There is a proposal to join NATO after winning the war with Russia. But during the war, no one will make you such a proposal. This is obvious." Read also: Four scenarios for Ukraine's future in NATO Kyiv currently has "certain agreements" with NATO, a "military package" and advisory assistance from the alliance. The armed forces continue to "synchronize" with NATO standards. There are "very specific" political agreements, which are now being "formalized" legally. The position of NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg clearly states that Ukraine will become an integral part of NATO, but only if Ukraine ends this war with fairly. Therefore, Ukraine should have all the available means, including the help of the Alliance, to effectively defend its territory and de-occupy it. Former NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen believes that Ukraine could join the alliance but that "collective self-defense" would not be extended to the Russian-occupied territories, The Guardian reported on Nov. 11. This would mean that Ukraine could declare Article 5 in response to an attack on the territory it currently controls only, and not occupied areas. At the 2024 NATO summit in Washington, Rasmussen commented that the alliance should invite Ukraine to become a full member even if the war with Russia is still ongoing. On Dec.19, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called any mention of partial NATO accession "nonsense," noting that Kyiv has not yet been invited to join, and the option of partial participation "has not been discussed with any of the partners. 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 Editors note: Ken Dorph is a consultant who lives in Sag Harbor, New York. The views expressed in this commentary are his own. Read more opinion at CNN. Last year, I was invited to be Santa at the Sag Harbor Cinema, the renovated art deco movie theater in the quaint whaling town of Sag Harbor, New York. For more than 30 years, I have been a resident of this small village; I have found that Sag Harbors whaling DNA and its feisty, independent character have suited me. From Betty Friedan to John Steinbeck, this small place has hosted an array of artists, intellectuals and independent thinkers. Ken Dorph - Family Photo I loved being Santa and was told that I was a natural. I adored chatting with the little ones, and I fully inhabited the role. I always told them that Santa could tell that they were a very good girl or boy. I tried to be Santa for everyone. When the local rabbis young daughter was shepherded over to me by the elves, I told her that Santa loved everyone. We had a delightful chat. The eyes of Guatemalan parents widened when I spoke Spanish. The little ones however didnt skip a beat: Claro, Santa speaks Spanish. Didnt you see Miracle on 34th Street? The local paper did a wonderful interview with me as Santa, with reporters asking silly questions, such as whether Santa had ever run into Krampus and what Santas favorite cookies were. The Sag Harbor Chamber of Commerce later hired me to be their St. Nick as well. The Chamber Santa Claus flies into the Village, ringing the bell on the firetruck before meeting kids at the windmill. The original Saint Nicholas, who bequeathed his name to our Santa Claus via the Dutch Sinterklaas, lived in present day Turkey. In Western cultures, our own Santa took that seed and mingled it with Nordic traditions, including the concept of Yule. In the 1930s, Swedish-born artist Haddon Sundblom used his very Scandinavian face as the model for the famed Coca Cola ads, cementing the look. Of course, nowadays Santa could be Black, transgender, or Chinese, but that image is still the one that stares back at kids from their books. Santa is special, a kindly grandfatherly magician who answers kids dreams. Thats why I have so loved inhabiting this character. But the spirit of Santa speaks to me for other reasons having to do with my own journey of cross cultural discovery and outreach. For decades, I have been in an unusual position. On one hand, I am emotionally attached to Jewish culture and deeply sympathetic to the desire for a Jewish state. I grew up in a housing project in Brooklyn that was overwhelmingly Ashkenazi Jewish. I was a Shabbos goy and knew neighbors who had tattoos from the camps. I went to Stuyvesant High School, and then to the State University of New York at Binghamton, both of which had sizable Jewish student populations. Jewish culture was and, in many ways, remains one with which I feel an emotional connection. Then at 19, I went to Morocco. The trip was part of a junior year abroad that changed my life. I ended up spending years in the Arab world, first as a student then as a professional. I am fluent in Arabic and have worked throughout the Middle East, including being part of repair teams in nations broken by American weapons, including Iraq, Yemen, Syria, the Palestinian territories and Libya. In the Middle East, I developed deep and abiding ties with the people from the Arab world. And given my experience in the region, I am often asked to talk about it. After the horrific Hamas attack and the devastating Israeli response, several friends and neighbors asked what I thought. On October 28th, I gave a talk at a local church in Sag Harbor entitled, Palestine / Israel: What Gives? to a full house. The reaction was overwhelmingly positive. About a month later, I was invited to attend a lecture at the local synagogue this time as an audience member on the topic of Answering the Tough Questions about Israel. Given the intriguing title, I perceived the invitation as an olive branch. I thought, perhaps narcissistically, that I was specifically invited for my unique Middle East expertise. I could not have been more wrong. The talk seemed intended to offer instruction on how to deflect tough questions challenging the government of Benjamin Netanyahu and its violence against the Palestinians, rather than inform. I confronted the speaker to counter what I considered inaccuracies in the presentation and when it was over, I shared how disappointing I found it. The talk was unhelpful and sounded to my ears like a propaganda session. I pointed out that it did not remotely address the tough questions needed to help bring about peace in the region. The presentation seemed a missed opportunity to have real discussion, at a time when thousands of Palestinians were being killed by American weapons. Several days later, I received an email from Sag Harbors Chamber of Commerce informing me that I was to hand in my fur-trimmed red suit, wide black belt and jingles: I was deemed to be too outspoken to be Santa. I was devastated. Not only was I sad for losing the chance to ride in the Village on the firetruck in all my jolly glory, but I felt thwacked in my bowlful of jelly for speaking out in another life, as another character. [Editors note: The Executive Committee of the Sag Harbor Chamber of Commerce said in a statement that Dorph was asked to step aside after he posted an official-looking Chamber social media post showing himself in the role of Santa without the approval of the group, and because of his recent actions in public forums. The Chamber pointed to its long history of hosting a very simple meet-the-Santa, inherently free of any controversy through Santas anonymity.] A journalist friend contacted the New York Times, and a reporter contacted me. After some agonizing this is a small town, after all I decided that I had to share what happened. The newspaper published the story, which was picked up globally. Im happy to say that, since the story came out, I have been invited to be Santa Claus all over the United States and beyond. Unsurprisingly, this controversy has amplified the debate about how and whether we can talk about Israel and the Palestinian people without castigation. I fervently hope that the ill will it has stirred locally will transform into good will. I am a firm believer, from my work in my consulting practice the business run by my non-Santa self that the more open and informed discussions we have, the more likely we are to reach the best solutions. I hope that even holds true for the allegedly intractable Middle East. The tragic relationship between Israelis and Palestinians is not a hurricane or earthquake. It is a human-made problem, and it can have human-made solutions. Indeed, we humans are the only ones who can solve it. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) If theres one thing that a lot of Oregonians can agree on, its that the state is home to countless restaurants serving up tasty dishes and drinks. In 2023, Oregons dining scene was dominated by openings, re-openings, closings, rankings and TV appearances. Undulatus Asperatus: Rare Oregon coastal clouds explained The following stories were Oregons top 10 food stories of the year. Guy Fieri has promoted many food joints in his 47 seasons of Diners, Drives-Ins and Dives, but in April, the restaurateur and television host excited Central Oregon residents with his visit to two local businesses. The mayor of FlavorTown stopped by Big Skis Pierogis in Bend, as well as Redmond pizza spot Grace and Hammer. Found in the former Lovejoys Tea Room space, the Emperor Georgiou Tea Room puts a unique twist on afternoon high tea. Back in August, the owners of the new spot spoke to KOIN anchor Jenny Hansson about their Star-Trek-themed establishment offering teas, sandwiches, scones and more. After a pandemic-caused closure, staple Portland restaurant Besaws reopened its doors to customers at the top of 2023. Besaws, which first debuted in 1903, is now serving brunch classics like French toast, chicken and waffles, and eggs benedicts. Earlier this year, Yelp attempted to settle the multistate debates on who offers the best barbecue. Although many Oregonians would still argue about who deserves the title, the online review platform determined that Matts BBQ took the top spot. The Mississippi Avenue food cart has near-perfect ratings for its ribs, pulled pork and brisket. Lake Oswego named the safest small town in Oregon With help from Yelp data, Entrepreneur magazine compiled a list of Americans favorite independently-owned-and-operated businesses. Latin-Mexican fusion restaurant Xalisco Latin Cuisine, found in Redmond, was Oregons only entry. You guessed it: Yelp also had something to do with a list of the top 100 Burgers in America. Just before National Burger Day in late May, the platform highlighted Deschutes Brewery Public House in Portland and Mr. Bento Burger in Hillsboro. Heres where the great (barbecue) debate continues. While Matts BBQ was deemed Oregons best barbecue spot by reviewers, Food Network dubbed Podnahs Pit BBQ as the best in the state. The restaurant on Killingsworth Street serves Central-Texas-style dishes including Frito pies, smoked hot links and potato salad. Just a few months ago, Yelp was back at it again with a list of the best cheeseburgers in each state. Oregons top pick was Five Stars Family Burger. The restaurant offers 100% oak charcoal BBQ burgers to customers in Cornelius. Kens Artisan Pizza is no stranger when it comes to awards and acknowledgments. Italian group 50 Top Pizza included the Southeast Portland restaurant in its ranking of the best pizza joints in the U.S. and in the world. Travel publication Trips To Discover added on to Kens accolades this February, when it was once again featured as a top-ranking pizzeria. Washington Android users could receive payout in Google Play Store anti-trust suit Frequent travelers cast their votes in Tripadvisors 2023 Travelers Choice Awards, which highlights the top resorts, restaurants, hotels and more nationwide. In this years Everybody Eats category, Newport eatery Georgies was regarded as one of the best casual dining spots. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. Laura Lynch, one of the founding members of the country band now known as The Chicks, has died after a head-on collision in Hudspeth County, Texas, police said. She was 65. Lynch was driving a pick-up truck at around 5:45 p.m. Friday, Dec. 22, when it was struck head-on by a vehicle trying to pass another on a two-way undivided highway, the Texas Department of Public Safety said. Lynch, who authorities said was not wearing a seatbelt, was pronounced dead at the scene. The other driver was taken to an El Paso hospital with non-life threatening injuries after the vehicle caught fire, police said. The Chicks, which since 1998 has consisted of Natalie Maines, Martie Maguire and Emily Strayer, shared a tribute to Lynch in the wake of her death. The band posted a throwback video of the original line-up performing, when it included Lynch on bass. "We hold a special place in our hearts for the time we spent playing music, laughing and traveling together. Laura was a bright lighther infectious energy and humor gave a spark to the early days of our band," the caption of the tribute read. The post credited Laura as "instrumental in the early success of the band." "Laura had a gift for design, a love of all things Texas and was instrumental in the early success of the band. Her undeniable talents helped propel us beyond busking on street corners to stages all across Texas and the mid-West," the post read. "Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones at this sad time." Lynch was one of the original members of the band then called the Dixie Chicks, founded by sisters Maguire and Strayer in 1989. The original line-up consisted of Maguire, a renowned fiddle player, Strayer on a variety of instruments, Robin Lynn Macy on guitar and sharing vocals with Lynch, who also played upright bass. Lynch moved into the lead vocalist spot in the 1992 after Macy left the group. The band's most famous iteration didn't occur until a few years later, when Maines replaced Lynch. In 1998, the band released their hit record Wide Open Spaces. The group went on to make headlines and stir controversy when Maines told a crowd she was ashamed to be from the same state as President George W. Bush before Americas invasion of Iraq. Lynch gave an interview in 2003 about her experience as a Chick, shared by the Plainview Herald of Texas. She declined to share why she left the group, but confirmed she was replaced. At the time, Lynch said she had no regrets about missing the group's rise to fame, according to the article. It was worth it, Lynch added. Id get anemic all over again to do it. The band changed its name from The Dixie Chicks to simply The Chicks in 2020 shortly before the release of "Gaslighter," their first album after a 14-year hiatus. This article was originally published on TODAY.com A same-sex church nativity scene featuring two mothers of Baby Jesus sparked anger among conservative Catholics and politicians in Italy who called the display dangerous, as well as shameful and blasphemous. Nativity scenes are popular in the largely Catholic country, but in recent years they have been increasingly mired in culture wars as its society becomes more secular and multi-cultural. The priest at the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, in Capocastello di Mercogliano, a hamlet in the province of Avellino about one hours drive east of Naples, defended the unique depiction of the birth of Jesus instead of the conventional Mary and Joseph figurines. A nativity scene featuring two mothers of the Baby Jesus instead of the conventional Mary and Joseph figurines went on display in a church in southern Italy, sparking fury among arch-conservative Catholics and politicians https://t.co/u1Wvlm1OXH pic.twitter.com/V7Xs4SRKDJ Reuters (@Reuters) December 23, 2023 I wanted to show with this scene that families are no longer just the traditional ones, Father Vitaliano Della Sala told Reuters. In our parishes we see more and more children from the new types of families that exist and are part of our society, children of separated and divorced people, gay couples, single people, young mothers. Father Della Sala, known in Italy for sympathising with LGBT and left-wing causes, says his attitude is in line with that of Pope Francis, who this week, in a landmark ruling, allowed priests to bless same-sex couples. But senator Maurizio Gasparri of the co-ruling Forza Italia party said the LGBT creche offends all those who always had respect and devotion for the Holy Family. The Pro-Vita & Famiglia (Pro-Life and Family) group called it dangerous, as well as shameful and blasphemous. Pro-Vita, which launched an online petition calling on the bishop of Avellino to intervene, said the nativity scene contradicted the Churchs teachings on the family and legitimised same-sex parenting and surrogacy. The petition has so far attracted more than 21,000 signatories. Having children through surrogacy is illegal in Italy, and parliament is discussing a government-sponsored law that would also criminalise couples who resort to the practice by going abroad. This week, a senator from Prime Minister Giorgia Melonis Brothers of Italy party proposed another bill that would prevent school directors from halting Catholic-themed activities such as Christmas plays or the making of nativity scenes. Additional reporting by agencies A story about a Christmas tractor convoy was among our most read this week in Oxfordshire. A variety of local issues featured on the BBC News website, BBC Radio Oxford and South Today. We have picked five stories to keep you up to date. Christmas tractor convoy supports hospice A convoy of illuminated agricultural vehicles weaved its way through the countryside to raise money for a hospice. The annual RC Baker Tractor Run saw 100 decorated tractors take part as crowds turned out to watch them drive through local villages. The event, which has been running annually since 2016, raises money for the Katharine House Hospice in Adderbury. Organisers said at least 17,000 had been raised this year. Sam Ryder plays surprise gigs at shopping centres Sam Ryder played surprise gigs at shopping centres in an ultimately unsuccessful bid to push his Christmas single to number one in the charts. The Eurovision star treated excited shoppers to live shows at the Westgate in Oxford and outside The Oracle in Reading. His team handed out leaflets with QR codes with which to download his festive song You're Christmas To Me, which was released only on Amazon Music. Campaigners call for public inquiry into reservoir Campaigners have called for a new public inquiry into plans for a large reservoir. Thames Water wants to build the 4.5sqmile (7sqkm) site near Abingdon. But the Group Against Reservoir Development (GARD) and the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) Oxfordshire want Secretary of State Steve Barclay to step in. Thames Water said the project would help meet water demands. 'Incredible' contrast between university and school outcomes Oxford is known for its university, but a charity CEO has said poverty is affecting primary school children in the county It is "incredible" that a third of Oxfordshire's children are not meeting basic standards of education despite the success of the county's universities, the chief executive of a charity has said. Oxfordshire Community Foundation released a report compiling data on a number of social issues in the county. It found one in nine children were living in poverty, something its chief executive, Zoe Sprigings, said was closely linked to education outcomes. Junior doctors strike causes hospital disruption Junior doctors at the John Radcliffe Hospital are taking industrial action Junior doctors from Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) have been on strike because of a pay dispute. The action started on Wednesday for three days, with senior doctors drafted in to provide cover. Andrew Molodynski, chair of the British Medical Association regional consultants committee, said junior doctors had seen "massive pay erosion over the last 15 years". OUH said it had rescheduled some appointments. Follow BBC South on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Send your story ideas to south.newsonline@bbc.co.uk. Texas, center, is awash in cloud cover on Saturday, as a low pressure system in the Southern Plains was pulling in moisture-rich air from the Gulf of Mexico. NOAA/National Weather Service Showers that began earlier this weekend will continue to produce nearly an inch of rainfall in parts of the Houston metro area on Sunday, potentially causing excessive runoff in low-lying areas or areas with poor drainage, the National Weather Service has warned. But Santa Claus also comes bearing a weather gift this Christmas Eve: He arrives with a cold front overnight that will sweep away the storms by Christmas morning, forecasters said. A low pressure system in the middle and upper levels of the atmosphere was traversing the Southern Plains during the weekend. The system was pulling warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico into Southeast Texas, setting the stage for storms ahead of the Christmas cold front. Advertisement Article continues below this ad These elevated rain chances will continue into Sunday as the main upper low drags a strong cold front across the state, the weather service said in its forecast bulletin Saturday. While there are some concerns regarding how worked over the air mass will be from (Saturdays) rains/storms, short-range models have been consistent with additional rounds of showers/possible thunderstorms for Southeast Texas with the front itself through Sunday afternoon. Forecasters said they expect clearing skies over the Houston metro area by late Sunday afternoon through the evening, from west to east, with the passage of the cold front. Texas is awash in cloud cover on Saturday, as a low pressure system in the Southern Plains was pulling in moisture-rich air from the Gulf of Mexico. NOAA/National Weather Service FLOOD TRACKER: Get real-time flood updates and live weather radar and storm surge info Advertisement Article continues below this ad Sundays forecast for Houston calls for showers producing a half-inch to three-quarters of an inch of rain with southeast winds of 5 to 15 mph, including gusts as strong as 20 mph. Temperatures, even under overcast skies, could reach 70 degrees. Thats about six degrees warmer than normal for Christmas Eve in Houston, but not the citys warmest Dec. 24. Houston reached 82 degrees on Christmas Eve in 1955, according to weather service records. At night, rain chances disappear before 9 p.m., and the balmy southerly winds turn chillier after midnight with the arrival of the cold front and northwest winds. Overnight low temperatures will drop into the low 50s. Here is a look at the cold front's position at midnight on Christmas Eve. The front will be through the middle of Texas, on its way toward Houston by Sunday. Pivotal Whats the forecast for Christmas Day? The cold front will not only sweep out the rain, but it also should help reset temperatures to be more winterlike. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Overnight lows are forecast to average around freezing for our northern counties to the mid/upper 30s near I-10, upper 30s to low 40s in the city of Houston metro, and low/mid 40s near the coast, weather service meteorologist Cameron Self wrote in his forecast Saturday. Houstons forecast for Monday calls for mostly sunny skies with afternoon temperatures reaching only 59 degrees, which is about five degrees cooler than normal for Dec. 25. The citys coldest Christmas Day was in 1983, when the low was 11 degrees and the high was only 28. The cool air will feel even chillier with blustery northwest winds at 10 to 15 mph and gusts as strong as 20 mph. Skies become mostly cloudy at night as temperatures sink to as low as 40. Palestinian men who were arrested during the Israel Defense Forces ground operation in the north of Gaza receive medical treatment after their release at Al-Najjar Hospital in the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa Palestinians in the Gaza Strip who have been detained and taken to Israel for questioning have strongly criticized Israel's procedures and interrogation methods. One resident of the Gaza Strip, who wanted to be identified only as Brahim, told dpa he had been tortured during the four weeks of his detention. When asked, the Israeli army said it was temporarily detaining and interrogating people suspected of involvement in terrorist activities in combat zones in the Gaza Strip. Those not involved were then released. The military rejected accusations of mistreatment, stating: "The detainees are treated in accordance with international law." Brahim, who comes from Beit Lahia, disagrees. He said that on the way to Israel, he and dozens of other people from his neighbourhood were blindfolded and their hands were tied. The Palestinians also had to lower their heads on the journey in a military lorry. "We didn't know whether we would be killed or what the army would do to us," he said, adding that he was very worried about his wife and children. He said that he and other prisoners had to undress time and again. In response to the allegations, the army said: "It is often necessary for terror suspects to hand over their clothes so that they can be searched and to ensure they are not concealing explosive vests or other weapons." The clothing is not immediately returned to the detainees, due to a suspicion that knives could be hidden inside. "If possible, the detainees will get their clothes back," the army said. The Israeli officials, who interrogated Brahim in Arabic, asked him hundreds of questions about Hamas, its leaders, activities and the tunnels in the Gaza Strip, he continued. "I was subjected to various types of physical and psychological torture in the interrogation room," he said, adding that he protested his innocence. He said he was sometimes accused of lying and was often beaten. After several weeks, the Israeli army brought Brahim back to the Gaza Strip. On the return journey, he said soldiers beat him and threatened to kill him soon. None of Brahim's statements could be independently verified. A 39-year-old woman from the city of Gaza also claimed to have been abused in captivity in Israel. "Men and women from the Israeli army beat me all over my body," Hind, who did not want to give her surname, told dpa. She said she was questioned by Israeli forces about her neighbours. "They know very well that I am not politically active, but they deliberately humiliated me and all the other detainees," she said. During her three weeks in Israeli detention, she said detainees complained about not having access to food, water and toilets. This information could not be independently verified either. The Israeli army announced on Saturday that it had so far detained more than 700 members of terrorist organizations from the Gaza Strip. Footage of Palestinian prisoners in the Gaza Strip dressed only in their underwear had recently triggered concerns about Israel's arrest procedures and raised questions about possible rights violations or degrading treatment. The war began after Hamas fighters and other militant groups committed the worst massacre in Israeli history on October 7 in border communities close to Gaza, killing more than 1,200 people, most of them civilians, and abducting some 240 more into the coastal area. Palestinian men who were arrested during the Israel Defense Forces ground operation in the north of Gaza receive medical treatment after their release at Al-Najjar Hospital in the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa A Palestinian man, released after detention by Israeli forces in Gaza, awaits treatment at al-Najjar hospital in Rafah (SAID KHATIB) Palestinians held by the Israeli army in the Gaza Strip had suffered torture, two freed detainees and a medic said Sunday, a charged denied by the military. The two men were among hundreds detained by Israeli forces over alleged links with armed group Hamas during Israel's ongoing ground offensive in the besieged Hamas-run territory. Israel vowed to defeat Hamas after a deadly attack by militants on October 7, launching a relentless military campaign in Gaza. About 20 men released from Israeli custody "have bruises and marks of blows on their bodies", Marwan al-Hams, hospital director in the southern city of Rafah, told AFP. Hams said the freed Palestinians were admitted to Al-Najjar hospital upon their release. The Israeli army rejected the claims, saying detainees are "treated in accordance with international law". "While detained, the suspects are given sufficient food and water and treated according to protocol," the army told AFP in a statement. Nayef Ali, 22, said he was detained in Gaza City's eastern Zaitun suburb and later taken to an Israeli detention facility, and showed cuts on his wrists and other parts of his body. "They (Israeli troops) tied our hands behind our backs for two days," he said. "We were not allowed to eat or drink, neither were we allowed to use the toilet," he added. "There were only beatings and beatings." Ali said the detainees were put in an area along the border with Israel where it was "freezing cold". "They threw cold water on us before transferring us to a prison, where it was again torture and beatings." Khamis al-Bardini, 55, also alleged torture by Israeli soldiers, saying they poured "cold water on our heads through the night" along with "beatings during the day". In recent weeks, the army has faced international criticism after viral footage of detainees stripped down to their underwear and blindfolded with their hands tied behind the backs. The army has said it was investigating the deaths of "terrorists in military detention centres" after Israeli media reported that several detainees had died in custody. str/ezz/jd/ac/ami Police are investigating after a couple dropped off their children then vanished days before Christmas. Marquisha Williams and Trent Ivy were reported missing by family members in St. Louis, Missouri, according to KTVI. Williams dropped off one of her four children to her mother, Norvette Chavis, on the morning of Dec. 20 and hasnt been seen or heard from since, Chavis told the news outlet. Chavis said when Williams was dropping the child off, Chavis noticed Ivy was sitting in Williams 2020 Jeep Compass. Williams and Ivy share four children together but are no longer in a relationship, KMOV reported. The two dropped two of their children off at school, one at a daycare and one at Chavis home. She normally calls and checks on them all day, but she didnt. When I picked the kids up from school, I asked my grandson, Have you talked to your mom today? I called her. I texted her, and she didnt call me back. The first thing he said was, Do you think shes hurt?, Chavis told KTVI. On Dec. 22, Ivy was arrested in Racine, Wisconsin, on charges of using a dangerous weapon, resisting an officer, and fleeing from an officer in a vehicle, according to KSDK. Chavis told KMOV that detectives said a license plate camera located the two in Chicago and then Wisconsin. Officials found the vehicle but not Williams, she said. She said their family has called hospitals and checked inmate locators but hasnt been able to find Williams. A search party went out the morning of Dec. 24 to try and find Williams, according to a Facebook post. Search continues for man who vanished kayaking with friends off Florida, rescuers say Man kidnaps woman again, ties her to cars gear shift and drives out of state, feds say Man went missing in 2013 while driving for cigarettes. Now his car is found, cops say PENNSYLVANIA - They put their lives on the line every day to protect their partner and community, and now these four-legged officers are getting the protection they deserve! Eleven police dogs serving with the Pennsylvania State Police Department have been outfitted with bullet and stab protective vests donated by the non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. and sponsored by the Survival Armor Incentive Program. K9s Ivan, Rom, Suny, Natascha, Evan, Dexter, Nemo, Rocco, Jack, Gnash, and Molly all received "potentially lifesaving body armor," each embroidered with "Gifted by Vested Interest in K9s and Survival Armor." Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 5,350 vests worth $6.9 million to K9s in all 50 states. The program is open to U.S. dogs that are at least 20 months old and actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. Pennsylvania State Police say its K9 department currently has 25 total canines, which have been utilized over 2,200 times this year for various searches. A chemical tanker operating in the Indian Ocean was struck by an Iranian attack drone Saturday, a US Department of Defense official said, the seventh Iranian attack on commercial shipping since 2021. The motor vessel CHEM PLUTO, a Liberia-flagged, Japanese-owned, and Netherlands-operated chemical tanker was struck at approximately 10 a.m. local time (6 a.m. Greenwich Mean Time) today in the Indian Ocean, 200 nautical miles from the coast of India, by a one-way attack drone fired from Iran, the official said in a statement. A one-way attack drone is designed to impact its target rather than return to its origin. There were no casualties and a fire on board the tanker has been extinguished, the defense official said. No US Navy vessels were in the vicinity, the statement said, adding Naval Forces Central Command was communicating with the struck vessel. Indias coast guard said there were 20 Indian crew members, and one Vietnamese, on board at the time of the attack. However, it added that no casualties had been reported. It said it had dispatched a patrol vessel and a maritime surveillance aircraft after establishing communication with the vessel. After conducting damage assessment and repairs on its power generation systems, MV Chem Pluto had started making its way toward Mumbai while being escorted by the patrol vessel, the coast guard said. The ship left Saudi Arabia on December 19 and was expected to arrive in Indias southwestern port city of Mangalore on December 25. The strike in the Indian Ocean comes as Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have launched more than 100 attacks against about a dozen commercial and merchant ships transiting the Red Sea over the past four weeks, CNN previously reported. US Central Command reported more such incidents in a statement on social media Saturday. A crude oil tanker was hit by a one-way attack drone Saturday. There were no injuries, Central Command said. A separate chemical tanker operating in the southern Red Sea reported a near miss Saturday from a one-way drone, the command said. Also, two anti-ship ballistic missiles were fired into the southern Red Sea from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen but did not hit any vessels, the statement said, and the USS Laboon, a Navy destroyer, shot down four aerial drones that were heading toward it. While there have been recurring attacks originating from Yemen, Saturdays strike in the Indian Ocean involving a drone the US says originated from Iran may mark a new escalation in tensions. The US on Friday released newly declassified intelligence that suggests Iran has been deeply involved in planning the operations against commercial vessels in the Red Sea, National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson told CNN. The newly declassified intelligence suggests that Iranian support throughout the Gaza crisis has enabled the Houthis to launch attacks against Israel and maritime targets, though Iran has often deferred operational decision-making authority to the Houthis, Watson said. The US this week launched Operation Prosperity Guardian, a maritime coalition aimed at beefing up security in the southern Red Sea. More than 20 nations have signed on to the initiative so far, the Pentagon said Thursday. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com (Reuters) - A drone launched from Iran struck a chemical tanker in the Indian ocean early on Saturday, the U.S. Department of Defense said. "The motor vessel CHEM PLUTO, a Liberia-flagged, Japanese-owned, and Netherlands-operated chemical tanker was struck at approximately 10 a.m. local time (6 a.m. GMT) today in the Indian Ocean, 200 nautical miles from the coast of India, by a one-way attack drone fired from Iran," a Pentagon spokesperson told Reuters. The incident highlights escalating regional tensions and new risk to shipping lanes after the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel. The Iranian government, as well as its allied militant forces in Yemen, have publicly criticized the Israeli government's military operation in Gaza. Thousands of Palestinian citizens have been killed in the ongoing conflict, according to aid monitors. The Pentagon statement said this was the "seventh Iranian attack on commercial shipping since 2021. There were no casualties as a result of the attack and a brief fire on board the tanker was extinguished. The incident took place only 200 nautical miles from the coast of India. A spokesperson for the Iranian delegation at the United Nations did not immediately respond to a request for comment. (Reporting by Christopher Bing; Editing by Daniel Wallis) The other day, Redditor u/sir_nams asked, What is an item you spent way too much money on but have no regrets buying? and people shared the expensive purchases they made that were worth the investment. Here are some of the most fascinating responses: Westend61 / Getty Images "My house. I pay a lot as my mortgage, but every time I come into the house, the immense peace I feel is just under the roof." u/Not-The-Delulu Ems-forster-productions / Getty Images "I get a weekly meal box. It's $89 for six meals, but I hate to cook; all I have to do is microwave them, and they taste good. I was sucked into the six-weeks promotional price, but I really like them and continued." u/the-dog-walker Westend61 / Getty Images "Investing in more expensive clothing that doesnt fall apart in a year." u/rainbowlettuce76 Simon Potter / Getty Images "My new Tempur-Pedic king bed. By god, was it expensive, but Ive never slept better!" u/Expensive-System-762 "We upgraded to a king, which is adjustable, and I've had fewer no sleep/bad sleep nights than ever. And yes, it was expensive but worth every cent." u/coffee-jnky Ratchat / Getty Images / iStockphoto "A Toto toilet with a Toto washlet (electric bidet)." u/Mr_Auric_Goldfinger Richlegg / Getty Images "Invisalign. Cost? Expensive. Having straight teeth for the first time in my life in my 40s? Priceless." u/Disraeli_Ears Matteo Colombo / Getty Images "My recent trip to Japan. I've been wanting to go since I was at school (I'm 40 now), and after saving for most of my adult life, I finally managed to go. I've never spent that much money on anything. Even though I'd been dreaming about it and building it up in my head my whole life, it still far exceeded my expectations. Absolutely no regrets." u/-Satsujinn- Oscar Wong / Getty Images "My dog. She's almost 7, and since then, she's either wearing my money, chewing my money, or eating my money. Don't regret it one bit." u/PsychologicalSense41 Reza Estakhrian / Getty Images "My monitor. I couldn't afford to get a new monitor when I upgraded my PC. I went through a rough patch and am finally out of it; I'm now moving from 60Hz to 244Hz (don't worry, my PC can handle it), but go me!" u/waifukali Coldsnowstorm / Getty Images "I bought a pair of New Balance shoes for $240. They are the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn and owned. My wife is getting sick of the weird noises and constant 'Man, these shoes are comfortable!' whenever I wear them. No regrets." u/StressSad6439 Ray Kachatorian / Getty Images "One time, I decided not to go to a party because after 9 p.m., there was a $10 cover, and I wasnt gonna be able to make it before then. While walking back to my apartment, I noticed an art opening. I went in and fell in love with the artists work. I bought a $500 painting on the spot. This was a huge amount of money for me at the time, the most I had ever spent on one single thing." "And avoiding the $10 cover thing was my normal MO. Not sure what came over me, but I still love the painting. No idea what the artists name is." u/OKsurewhynotyep Fatcamera / Getty Images "My kids therapist. Shes the head of the practice and came highly, highly recommended. And she costs a goddamn arm and a leg. However, my kid is thriving. Do I wish she was less expensive? Of course! Would I dream of switching her out for someone new? Not on your life." u/strangled_spaghetti Hagephoto / Getty Images "Not an item, but a trip to Alaska this summer. I never sat down and added everything up, but I probably spent about $3,000 on a 10-day trip (solo). But it was an incredible trip worth every dollar." u/rob_s_458 Alan Schein Photography / Getty Images "My car. Yes, it was used, and yes, maintenance is freakishly expensive, but Ive cheaped out on cars MY WHOLE LIFE, and I wanted a convertible Beetle since I was a teen. I love my little red car." u/Lazyassbummer Westend61 / Getty Images "My matching kettle and toaster. They were just over $200 each, and I dont care. I love them, and I use them every day." u/Flimsy_Situation_506 Byakkaya / Getty Images "Hair transplant surgery. 10/10 recommend." u/FahQBuddy1Love Brizmaker / Getty Images "My countertop dishwasher. I have a studio apartment with no dishwasher included, and the $400 was well spent on it to not have to hand wash dishes all the time." u/TopperMadeline Ling Jin / Getty Images "A La Marzocco Linea Micra espresso machine. I make the best espresso drinks Ive ever had in my own kitchen." u/bloomingtonrail Helen89 / Getty Images "My Canada Goose coat I bought eight years ago. I live in NYC and have to walk everywhere. I'm still warm even in single-digit temps with a wind chill factor in the negatives and it still looks brand new and stylish. Investing in good shoes and coats is a must." u/fuzzy_zoo Image(s) By Sara Lynn Paige / Getty Images "My cat. He ran away for a few weeks and couldnt find home. I spent nearly $200 in cages to trap him and then spent nearly $300 for a vet checkup after to make sure he was okay. Hes my baby, though, so I didnt care in the long run." u/RatChains Wachiwit / Getty Images "I have a hard time getting myself moving. I work a desk job from 95 and am just not motivated after work. I've tried a bunch of different options, but I have ADHD, and none of them gave me dopamine, so I didnt want to do them. So, I bought a whole Nintendo Switch just for the Ring Fit game. It works amazingly, and I feel a lot better knowing I'm getting some movement into my day." "It was super expensive, but the gaming aspect keeps my brain interested." u/djwolf409 Larry Crain / Getty Images / iStockphoto "My RV. Cost a stupid amount of money, makes zero financial sense, and I love it. I show dogs and was so sick of sleepy hotels and crappy, overpriced Airbnbs. Now, the dogs and I go, we feel at home, and I sleep so well." u/ViCalZip Fg Trade Latin / Getty Images "My set of cooking pots. I was making a whopping $5 an hour, and they were very expensive, but I just knew that these pans would be with me forever. It's been 45 years, and they were definitely worth the investment." u/INobodyisme Prostock-studio / Getty Images / iStockphoto "Dental care. Currently about $10K into fixing all the dental issues Ive had for almost 20 years with a couple grand to go, and I dont have a single regret about it." u/JVance95 Hill Street Studios / Getty Images "High-quality hand tools. Buy your Craftsman, Rigid, Proto, Channellock, and Klein tools, and you won't have to buy it again unless you lose them. Almost all of the nicer, expensive tools have lifetime warranties as well." "I've taken two tools in over my 15-year span of pipefitting to get replaced. Both times they asked no questions, grabbed the tool off the shelf, and handed it to me without so much as a signature. Buy high-quality tools; it's worth it every time." u/Kyle-Is-My-Name Hispanolistic / Getty Images "Last week, I spent about $400 on bedding (new oversized duvet, cover, quilt, and sheets). I love all of them so much, and the duvet cover is especially gorgeous. Paired with the new mattress we just got today after exchanging our last one, everything is so damn fluffy and luxurious. I don't know how I'm going to get out of bed tomorrow." u/whoamiwhatamid0ing Cincinnati police are investigating three overnight shootings that claimed the lives of two people and left another two wounded within a six-hour span. Two shootings occurred in Over-the-Rhine, with the first happening on Saturday night and the second only a few hours later early Sunday morning. First responders arrived at the 1700 block of Republic Street at around 9 p.m. Saturday and found Shawntase Beavers, 34, suffering from a gunshot wound. Life-saving measures were attempted on Beavers, but he ultimately died from his injuries. Around 1:30 a.m. Sunday, police responded and found one person had been shot inside Clutch OTR and another across the street from the bar, Enquirer media partner Fox19 reported. Both have injuries not considered life-threatening. A third investigation is underway for a Sunday shooting at 2:56 a.m. in Millvale. Evelyn Jackson, 33, was shot on Millvale Court and taken to the hospital where she died of her injuries, police said. No suspect information has been released. Anyone with information about the shootings is asked to call homicide detectives at 513-342-3542. Enquirer media partner Fox19 contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati police investigate three shootings overnight (BCN) Santa Cruz officers arrested a former band staff member on Thursday for allegedly sexually assaulting a juvenile over two decades ago, according to police. Santa Cruz police said a former student and member of the Santa Cruz High Band told the schools officials recently that a part-time band staff member, identified as Ronald Salinas, allegedly molested the former student at his residence on the West Side back in 2001. Pedestrian hit-and-run, OPD investigates School officials reported the accusation to Santa Cruz police, who executed an arrest and search warrant for Salinas on Thursday. Detectives learned that Salinas, who is no longer employed by the school, left his post a few months before the alleged crime. He was booked into the county jail on his arrest warrant for suspected sexual assault on a juvenile. Those with relevant information regarding this case or other cases involving Salinas are asked to contact the Santa Cruz Police Department Investigations Division at (831) 420-5820. Copyright 2023 Bay City News, Inc. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. Police investigating deadly shooting in Fall River Police are investigating a deadly shooting that occurred in Fall River Saturday night. Officers responded to Bank Street around 5:18 p.m. for a report of shots fired, according to the Bristol County District Attorneys office. Responding officers found a 44-year-old Fall River man suffering from a gunshot wound on a porch. Medical personnel pronounced him dead at the scene Another victim who had a minor injury on their hand was found nearby and was transported to Charlton Memorial Hospital. Several individuals are currently being interviewed in regards to this incident and the investigation remains extremely active at this time, the Bristol County DAs office said in a statement. The deceased victim was not identified so that the family could be notified. Anyone with information related to the shooting is asked to contact Major Crimes Division at 508-324-2796. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW By Park Han-sol As we bid farewell to 2023, the Year of the Black Rabbit in the Chinese zodiac, artist Kang Yeh-sine populates her canvas with bunnies and other creatures in her exhibition, Timeless, at The Trinity Gallery in central Seoul. In the 16 new works on display, Kang melds her personal experiences with warm, painterly language to convey a universal sense of nostalgia. While preparing for this exhibit, the artist summoned the waning memories of her childhood spent with her grandmother in a house in the countryside. During her recent visit to the now-abandoned, dilapidated residence, her eyes fell upon the dusty items scattered throughout the vicinity empty earthenware with cracks, rusty handcarts and faded rubber basins. Thats when she remembered that as a child, she used to give names to every animal and object around her rabbits, geese, cats, squirrels, maru (traditional Korean wooden podium) and even the toilet. Back then, every morning, I would wake up and spend the whole day creating new friends, greeting them one by one. But for years, I had forgotten those times as if they never existed, Kang wrote in the artists note. I had abandoned my little world. After gradually recalling each name from memory, she sought to eternalize these long-neglected creatures once again in her own imagined, comforting universe through her paintings. Timeless runs through Jan. 26, 2024 at The Trinity Gallery. DALLAS - Dallas police are investigating whether street racing caused a crash that critically injured a driver Friday night. The wreck happened just after 7 p.m., near Remond Drive and Fort Worth Avenue. Police said at least two vehicles were traveling at a high rate of speed south on Fort Worth Avenue, when one of the drivers lost control and hit another vehicle, before slamming into a business near N. Hampton Road. That caused the driver of a pick-up truck to crash into a utility pole. One of the drivers was taken to a local hospital with critical injuries. The other driver had minor injuries. Power crews started working on replacing that pole overnight and restoring power to the area. Police said charges are pending the outcome of their investigation, but did not release any further details. Hours after the crash, just after midnight, police said officers were still on scene investigating, when a vehicle that was driven by 51-year-old Samuel Cooks crashed into a police vehicle that had its emergency lights on. Two officers were in the vehicle at the time. They were treated at a local hospital and released. Cooks was taken into custody and charged with DWI. Police in Florida have issued an arrest warrant for a man wanted in connection with a Christmas weekend shooting inside an Ocala mall that left one man dead and another injured on Saturday. Authorities issued the warrant for 39-year-old Albert J. Shell Jr. for premeditated first-degree murder and attempted premeditated first-degree murder, the Ocala Police Department announced Sunday on Facebook. Shell remained at large as of Sunday evening, according to authorities. Police have offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to his arrest. Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken on Saturday said police believe the shooting was a targeted act of violence. One man identified as 40-year-old David Nathaniel Barron was found dead from gunshot wounds in a common area inside the mall, police said, while a woman wounded in the leg is expected to survive. The suspect fled the mall on foot after the shooting, police said Saturday, and Balken described him as a Black man wearing black pants, a hoodie and a black mask. The incident unfolded at the Paddock Mall just two days before Christmas, on a day analysts expected to be second only to Black Friday thanks to consumers doing their last-minute shopping further underscoring how pervasive gun violence has become in America as it seeps into nearly every venue of day-to-day life. Indeed, as of Sunday morning, more than 42,000 people have died from guns in 2023, according to the Gun Violence Archive. More than 18,400 of them were the result of a homicide. An Ocala Police Department vehicle is seen outside the Paddock Mall on Saturday. - Alan Youngblood for the Star-Ban//USA Today Network/Reuters Early Sunday, police released several images of a person of interest in the case, asking members of the public if they could identify the individual, who was shown wearing dark clothes, white sneakers and a red hat. Balken acknowledged there were a lot of people inside the mall at the time of the shooting, which means theres a lot of witnesses that could potentially help us bring this case to a successful resolution. The Ocala Police Department has asked that anyone with footage of the shooting contact police to share it with detectives. Police initially received a call around 3:40 p.m. about multiple shots fired, Balken said Saturday at a news conference. They responded with a heavy presence after that initial call described the incident as an active shooter scenario. Officers immediately made entry into the mall and ultimately discovered this was not an active shooter situation, Balken said. Police encountered the victims and recovered the gun they believe was used in the shooting, Balken said. Syriah Williams was shopping with her mother at the mall when the shooting happened, the 18-year-old told CNN. We heard one shot then a pause then 3 other shots rang out and chaos erupted, she said in a message, adding mall employees opened the back storage area and instructed everyone to run. Washington Prime Group, Paddock Malls corporate owner, told CNN Sunday the mall will be closed on Sunday and Monday. The Ocala Police Department previously said the parking lot had reopened for people to retrieve their vehicles. CNNs Dakin Andone contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Polish farmers have suspended their blockade at the Medyka-Shehyni border crossing for the Christmas period, Ukraine's State Border Service announced on Dec. 24. Polish Agriculture Minister Czeslaw Siekierski and Deputy Agriculture Minister Michal Kolodziejczak met the farmers for talks on Dec. 23. The Polish Agriculture Ministry then announced that the farmers had agreed to suspend their protest over the Christmas period. Truckers continue to block three other border crossings. "After the New Year, we will sit down at the table to work out the expected solutions together," Kolodziejczak said on X. Polish truckers began blocking border crossing points with Ukraine in early November in protest of the EU's liberalization of transit rules for their Ukrainian counterparts, claiming that the influx of Ukrainian drivers harmed their livelihoods. Ukrainian officials and industry representatives deny the accusations. The blockade has left thousands of Ukrainian truckers stranded in long lines in freezing temperatures. Over 4,000 trucks were waiting in line to enter Ukraine from Poland on Dec. 23, according to Border Guard Service spokesman Andrii Demchenko. Ukrainian and Polish officials sought possible solutions to the protests during the visit by Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski to Kyiv on Dec. 22. According to Sikorski, the final details of an agreement between Poland and Ukraine are being worked out, which could unblock the border. Polish Deputy Infrastructure Minister Pawel Gancarz came to Kyiv with Sikorski for talks on the issue. Gancarz said in Kyiv that he hopes "the problem will be solved before Christmas," Polish media outlet Wiadomosci reported. Read also: Anger and disappointment in endless lines of Ukrainian trucks at Polish border Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Poland's new Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski has urged Western allies to further develop plans for long-term military production amid Russia's onslaught of aggression in Europe, the Polish Foreign Minister said in an interview with The Guardian on Dec. 23. As Russia continues its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Minister Sikorski emphasized the need for European nations to prioritize offering long-term contracts to arms companies, or fund manufacturing themselves to match Russia's wartime economic mobilization, warning that industrial capacities ultimately decide wars. "As the West, we are 20 times richer than Russia, but if Russia puts its economy on a wartime footing and we continue on a peacetime basis, they can outproduce us, Sikorski warned. Sikorski's comments come as the foreign minister returns from his first trip to Kyiv since being appointed to his new role on Dec. 13. Sikorski met with President Volodymyr Zelensky in a bilateral meeting on Dec. 22, hoping to turn "a new page in our relations" with its European neighbor. Sikorski met with Zelensky at a time when the Ukrainians fear that Western support is waning, with major funding packages from both the EU and U.S. being held up. Pentagon officials have previously warned that U.S. funds to replenish arms and equipment sent to Ukraine will run out on Dec. 30. The Ukrainians are tired, but they are the only people who are entitled to be tired by this war. We in this West are either inconvenienced or bored, but we dont have the right to be tired, because we are not making any sacrifices, Sikorski said. "If Putin conquers Ukraine, all our other issues will become microscopic by comparison." Against the backdrop of ongoing threats from Russia, including saber-rattling the use of nuclear weapons, Poland's national security agency has estimated that NATO could face an attack from Russia within 36 months. Polish officials have previously suggested that Russia might target a NATO alliance member in Eastern Europe, including countries such as Poland, Estonia, Romania, and Lithuania. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Netherlands to prepare 18 F-16s for delivery to Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. (Bloomberg) -- Polands President Andrzej Duda will veto the new governments spending plan, which includes a 30% pay increase for teachers, in protest against the shakeup of public broadcasters. Most Read from Bloomberg The decision, announced by the president on social platform X on Saturday, marks an escalation of tensions between the new administration of Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Duda, an ally of former ruling nationalists, which lost power in the Oct. 15 parliamentary election. It signals the new government may struggle to keep the president on side as it seeks to reverse contested changes in courts and free up almost 60 billion ($66.1 billion) in European Union aid, which was blocked over rule-of-law concerns. Read more: Polish President Slams Tusks Media Shakeup as Anarchy Duda said his veto was triggered by a plan to spend 3 billion zloty ($762 million) from the 2024 budget on public broadcasters following changes, which he said amount to a gross violation of the Constitution. The government this week reshuffled managements at public media outlets that led to some channels going off air, sparking protests from former ruling party. The veto will deepen the standoff over state television, which Tusk denounced as a mouthpiece of the Law & Justice party and vowed to quickly overhaul after the election. The premier described presidents veto as shameful. Duda said that after Christmas he will present his own spending bill to parliament, which will include pay increases for teachers but not the public media subsidy. --With assistance from Natalia Ojewska. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Pope Francis on Sunday kicked off global Christmas celebrations with a call for peace, as Israel's war on Hamas and Russia's invasion of Ukraine cast a shadow over one of the world's favourite holidays. Children around the globe meanwhile tracked Santa, his reindeer and their present-laden sleigh with the help of www.noradsanta.org, a 3-D interactive website run annually by a joint US-Canadian military monitoring agency. And revellers the world over donned Santa's red caps for a shot of holiday cheer in all sorts of leisure activities -- a city race in Spopje, a surfing session in Florida, a jog in the woods on the outskirts of Paris, a dip in the sea near the port of Dover, and a dip with a drink in hand in Lake Geneva. At the Vatican, the pope struck a somber tone. "Tonight, our hearts are in Bethlehem, where the Prince of Peace is once more rejected by the futile logic of war, by the clash of arms that even today prevents him from finding room in the world," the pope said, adding that Jesus "does not eliminate injustice from above by a show of force, but from below, by a show of love". Earlier in the day, the pontiff had said: "We are close to our brothers and sisters who are suffering from war -- we are thinking of Palestine, of Israel, of Ukraine". - 'Hard to celebrate' - Bethlehem, the biblical city in the occupied West Bank where Christians believe Jesus Christ was born in a manger more than 2000 years ago, effectively cancelled the annual Christmas celebrations that normally draw thousands of tourists. The town did away with its giant Christmas tree, marching bands and flamboyant nativity scene this year, settling for just a few festive lights. In the centre of town, a huge Palestinian flag had been unfolded with a banner declaring that "The bells of Bethlehem ring for a ceasefire in Gaza". "A lot of people are dying for this land," said Nicole Najjar, an 18-year-old student. "It's really hard to celebrate while our people are dying." The Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, Pierbattista Pizzaballa, arrived Sunday at the Church of the Nativity, clad in the traditional black and white keffiyeh. "Our heart goes to Gaza, to all people in Gaza but a special attention to our Christian community in Gaza who is suffering," he said. "We are here to pray and to ask not only for a ceasefire, a ceasefire is not enough, we have to stop these hostilities and to turn the page because violence generates only violence." The Hamas attack on October 7 left around 1,140 people dead in Israel, most of them civilians, according to an AFP tally based on the latest official Israeli figures. The Palestinian militants also abducted around 250 people, 129 of whom Israel says remain in Gaza. Israel's relentless riposte has combined a sustained bombardment and ground invasion of Gaza, where 20,424 people have been killed, mostly women and children, according to the latest toll from the territory's health ministry. - New Christmas day - Ukraine, invaded by Russia nearly two years ago, is celebrating Christmas on December 25 for the first time, jettisoning the traditional Orthodox date of January 7, which is feted in Russia, as a snub to Moscow. "All Ukrainians are together. We all celebrate Christmas together. On the same date, as one big family, as one nation, as one united country," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in a Christmas message released Sunday evening. In the southern Black Sea port of Odesa, churchgoers prayed and lit candles as priests in gold vestments held Christmas Eve service in the Cathedral of the Nativity, decorated with fir trees and a nativity scene. "We believe that we really should celebrate Christmas with the whole world, far away, far away from Moscow. For me that's the new message now," said one smiling parishioner, Olena, whose son is a medic on the front line. The date change -- moving away from the Gregorian calendar favoured by the Orthodox Church -- is part of moves since the invasion to remove traces of the Russian and Soviet empires. Priests and even entire parishes have switched to the new Orthodox Church of Ukraine, which is growing fast and taking over several Russia-linked church buildings in moves backed by the government. - Syria's prayers - There was little sign of Christmas cheer in Syria's cities, where main churches have limited celebrations to prayers in solidarity with Palestinians suffering war in Gaza. "In Palestine, the birthplace of Jesus Christ, people are suffering," the Syriac Catholic Archbishop of Aleppo, Mor Dionysius Antoine Shahda, told AFP. As well as the Catholic Church, the leaders of three of Syria's major churches -- the Greek Orthodox, Syriac Orthodox and Melkite Greek Catholic patriarchs -- also cancelled Christmas festivities, limiting celebrations to religious ceremonies. burs/jj/yad PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Whether youre hoping to celebrate Christmas in a restaurant or opt out of the holiday on your couch, you wont be alone in wanting someone else to prepare your dinner on Dec. 25. While plenty of businesses will be closed in observance of the holiday, a few keep their doors and their kitchens open. PPS teacher absences continue to rise as added week continues Continue reading to find last-minute options for dining in or takeout. Location: 525 SW Morrison St, Portland, OR 97204 Found in The Nines hotel, Urban Farmer is offering a $77 pre-fixe dinner for adults and a $40 dinner for children under 12. The meal includes sweet potato rolls and sides for the table, several options for the first and second course, and a la carte desserts. Reservations are required. Location: 1465 NE Prescott St., Suite F, Portland, OR 97211 South American restaurant Cereus will serve its holiday menu from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Christmas day. Diners can order Peruvian-style ceviche, mushroom and pesto arepas, arroz con leche and more. Location: 545 SW Taylor St, Portland, OR 97204 Nestled in The Duniway hotel, Mayrose will offer its own three-course prix fixe menu at $25 for children and $60 for adults from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Menu items include garlic scallops, seafood paella and eggnog ice cream. Cherished Gresham eatery Sunny Hans closing after 3 decades Location: 2304 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97214 Newly-opened brunch and barbecue spot Patio is keeping its doors open on both Christmas and New Years Day. The restaurant serves everything from fresh oysters to fettuccine carbonara to poke bowls. Location: 3724 NE Broadway, Portland, OR 97232 Chinese food on Christmas day is a common tradition for those who dont celebrate the holiday, and Shandong Chinese is a hot spot every year. Some of the restaurants most popular dishes are the pot stickers, tan tan noodles and pork-belly-fried rice. Location: 500 NW 21st Ave, Portland, OR 97209 Another favorite Chinese joint, Kung Pow! s typically open on the holiday. The Pearl District eatery serves entrees like Mongolian beef, Singapore noodles and southern-style fried rice. TriMets first fare increase in 10 years will go into effect on New Years Day Location: 2314 NE Broadway, Portland, OR 97232 This Northeast Portland dive bar will be open from 5 p.m. to 1 p.m. Rose & Thistles food menu features classic bar food like wings, quesadillas and burgers. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. Christmas came early for a Powerball player in Steuben County. The New York Lottery announced a third-prize-winning ticket was sold in the Village of Wayland for Saturday's drawing. The ticket, worth $50,000, was sold at a 7-Eleven store located at 26 E. Naples St. in Wayland. Four other third-prize tickets were sold across the state in Forest Hills, Jackson Heights, Liberty and Staten Island, according to the New York Lottery. Each third-prize ticket was worth $50,000. Saturday's winning numbers were 09, 14, 17, 18 and 53. The Powerball was 06 and the Power Play was 3X. More: Powerball winning numbers for Dec. 23 drawing; Jackpot now at $620 million In addition to the grand prize, Powerball offers eight other ways to win based on the number of matched balls in the non-jackpot tiers. The non-jackpot prizes offered range from $4 to $1 million. By paying an additional $1, you can choose to participate in "Powerplay" that increases non-jackpot winnings by two, three, four, five or 10 times. Saturday's Powerball jackpot was worth an estimated $620 million. The top prize will now carry over to Monday night's Christmas drawing. This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: Third prize winning Powerball ticket sold in Wayland, Steuben County With the already nerve-wracking 2024 presidential elections approaching, a concerning report reveals attempts by Cuba to undermine our democratic process by targeting Florida-based and national political candidates who dislike the islands repressive government. A recent report from the U.S. intelligence community reveals that Cuba attempted to influence the U.S. 2022 midterm elections. Few details of the interference uncovered or the damage done were revealed, but it was enough to warrant concern. Of course, the midterms were probably a practice run. If Cuba tried it two years ago, theyll likely try again in 2024 when with a high-stakes presidential election on the line. Meddling in 2016 While other foreign adversaries, such as Russia and China have also pulled off similar shenanigans, specifically during the 2016 presidential elections, the United States should be ready to thwart this intrusion from an enemy just 90 miles away. The report, released by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, revealed the Cuban government built relationships with sympathetic media outlets. It then used them to spread derogatory content about politicians who oppose the communist regime. The declassified portion of the intelligence assessment does not say how effective Havanas influence campaign was on Floridas elections, nor does it name specific individuals who were targeted. But it is safe to say that Cuba would like to target Florida resident and presidential candidate Donald Trump, a staunch anti-communist candidate who rolled back Obama era-concessions meant to thaw relations between the two countries. Cuba would not like to see Trump reelected. And It doesnt take a genius to figure out that Cuba would also likely be targeting Cuban-American members of Congress, many of who reside in South Florida, along with other local politicos known for their criticism of the island government. Needless to say, this is an unacceptable effort by a foreign power to sway American voters and elections, and it must be addressed. Alleged spy The elections-interference report came two weeks after the arrest of a once highly placed analyst assigned to the U.S. Interest Section in Havana. He allegedly was working for the Cubans. Victor Manuel Rocha, 73, living among us in Miami, had been a long-time U.S. diplomat now said to be passing information to the Cubans. He is awaiting a January court date. All this is further proof that Cuba indeed belongs on the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism, which Cuba has bitterly refuted. White House officials were mum on whether the United States plans any retaliatory response to Cubas election meddling. Still, Florida politicians, the likely targets, said the Biden administration should do more to respond to a threat they view as pernicious and ongoing. The Biden administration must immediately condemn these actions, make clear they will not be tolerated and expel Cuban diplomats from U.S. soil, Republican Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida told McClatchy. Continued failure to treat Cuba like the tyrannical spying regime that it is only emboldens it. The senator is right. On Wednesday, U.S. Rep. Carlos Gimenez said during a press conference in Doral that he believes he and fellow Republicans Reps. Maria Elvira Salazar and Mario Diaz-Balart were targeted, though he said he had not been told that directly by U.S. intelligence officials. They redacted a whole bunch from the report, but you can infer from what you can read who exactly it was they were talking about, he said. Diaz-Balart called it a wake-up call and said the United States must take a stand now: Now is the time to impose tough consequences, including tighter sanctions, on the malevolent dictatorship that seeks to damage our democracy. The Biden administration and the rest of us must affirm that the integrity of our elections is not up for debate. Six European Union countries have not yet joined the declaration on security guarantees for Ukraine adopted by the leaders of the Group of Seven at the NATO Summit in Vilnius, and Kyiv is working to engage them. Source: Andrii Sybiha, Deputy Head of the Office of the President, in a national joint 24/7 newscast, quoted by Ukrinform news agency; European Pravda Details: As Sybiha said, out of the 27 EU member states, only six have not yet joined the G7 joint declaration: Austria, Croatia, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Hungary. However, Ukraine is now actively working with them. Among other things, during the visit of Radosaw Sikorski, the newly appointed Polish Foreign Minister, the issue of Warsaw joining the "security guarantees" was raised in Ukraine. "It will be the subject of our further consultations," Sybiha said, adding that during meetings with Sikorski, the Ukrainian side informed him of its expectations and heard the Polish side's replies. In general, as the deputy head of the Office of the President informed, 31 states have already joined the Group of Seven declaration, 10 of which joined on the first day and another 20 within the first month after the declaration was signed. "Bilateral negotiations have now begun with all of these states, and some of them have already held two rounds of negotiations and even drafted specific documents. Another 15 states have expressed their intention to start consultations with Ukraine on the conclusion of these bilateral agreements," Sybiha added. Reminder: At the NATO summit in Vilnius, the countries of the Group of Seven agreed on a framework document on security guarantees for Ukraine. Specific bilateral agreements with states that agree to provide security commitments will be signed later. Earlier, Dmytro Kuleba, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, revealed that he kept receiving signals from the EU that there were no problems in the negotiations on the bilateral agreement about the security guarantees between the EU and Ukraine as a continuation of the G7 declaration. Support UP or become our patron! By Yi Whan-woo Finance Minister nominee Choi Sang-mok faces a possible hurdle in winning parliamentary endorsement for the post, according to sources, Sunday, after the government pushed ahead last week to ease the capital gains tax rule in favor of wealthy stock investors. The Ministry of Economy and Finance submitted a draft guideline to the Cabinet on revising the capital gains tax threshold from 1 billion won to 5 billion won ($3.83 million) for shareholders who own a corresponding value of stocks in a single company. The loosened 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. According to the sources, Choi, formerly President Yoon Suk Yeols senior secretary for economic affairs, was believed to be behind the threshold hike. The measure was taken in the name of Yoons market-driven economic vision, to prevent the year-end selling spree by major shareholders and a subsequent fall in the stock market. The measure is hailed by the targeted stock investors. But the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) finds the measure lopsided for the haves and is considering refusing to confirm Chois nomination as finance minister, the sources said. Choi was nominated on Dec. 4, and had a confirmation hearing before the DPK-dominated National Assembly, Dec. 19. The sources said that the DPK was especially displeased with Choi not consulting with the party in advance, although the rule on the capital gains tax threshold is stipulated on a presidential enactment decree and is thus not subject to parliamentary endorsement. The opposition possibly wanted Choi to take a gesture on the government-parliament cooperation as the next finance minister, and may take a retaliatory action by refusing his confirmation, a source said. Prince Andrew is said to be totally tormented at the prospect of his relationship with the paedophile Jeffrey Epstein coming under further scrutiny after a judge ordered the release of secret case files. US Judge Loretta Preska ruled on Monday 18 December that documents relating to more than 170 people who were either associates, friends or victims of disgraced financier Epstein should be made public. They include 40 documents of evidence from Johanna Sjoberg, who has claimed the Duke of York touched her breast while sitting on a couch inside the US billionaires Manhattan apartment in 2001. Andrew has always strongly denied the allegations against him. Prince Andrews connection with Jeffrey Epstein is set to come under further scrutiny (PA) But the Mail on Sunday reports that the royal is bracing himself for the scandal over his links to Epstein to reignite in the New Year. An unnamed source told the newspaper: He is beside himself with this latest development and everyone close to him is concerned for his mental well-being. He is at a loss, totally tormented. He is facing his second Christmas without his mother and now the New Year is going to start with his name being dragged through the mud all over again. Epstein had ties to many famous names, leading to intrigue as to who else will be mentioned in the files (New York State Sex Offender Registry) Buckingham Palace previously said all allegations made against the duke are categorically untrue. The Duke is set to spend Christmas in Sandringham with his brother King Charles, alongside other royals. The documents are part of a 2015 US defamation case by Virginia Giuffre against Ghislaine Maxwell, the British socialite who supplied Epstein with underage girls. Ms Giuffre appeared in an infamous photograph when she was younger, alongside Andrew and Maxwell. The individuals who are set to be named in the documents were given 14 days to appeal against the judge's decision. The order took effect on 1 January 2024, meaning the documents could be unsealed anytime after this date. Ms Giuffre settled her civil claim against Maxwell, but representatives of the media have since argued documents that were sealed as part of the case should be made public. Judge Preska ordered some individuals should be named because they had already given interviews to the media including Ms Sjoberg. Andrew stepped down from public life after the furore over his friendship with Epstein and paid millions to settle a civil sexual assault case to Ms Giuffre, a woman he claimed never to have met. Virginia Giuffre (centre), who was trafficked by Epstein, accused Andrew (left) of sexually assaulting her when she was 17 (PA) The duke was cast out of the working monarchy and no longer uses his HRH style after Ms Giuffre, who was trafficked by Epstein, accused him of sexually assaulting her when she was 17. Andrew has denied the claims. It came after British journalist Emily Maitlis grilled the duke about his friendship with convicted sex offender Epstein as well as his relationship with Ms Giuffre. In the infamous 2019 interview, Andrew denied Ms Giuffres claims and said an alleged encounter with her in 2001 could not have happened as he spent the day with his daughter, Princess Beatrice, taking her to Pizza Express in Woking for a party. But his responses were widely criticised, with many viewers accusing him of being unsympathetic towards Epsteins victims, while others said he showed a lack of remorse. Andrew speaking about his links to Epstein in a now infamous interview with Emily Maitlis (PA) In January 2022, ahead of his legal settlement, his mother the Queen stripped Andrew of all of his honorary military roles, including Colonel of the Grenadier Guards. The duke has largely stayed out of the spotlight since stepping down from public duties. In the summer, he was seen at the coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla, at which he held no formal role. The dukes biography on the royal familys website states: Prior to stepping back from public life, The Duke of York undertook a wide range of public work, with a strong economic and business focus. Epstein was found dead in his cell at a federal jail in Manhattan in August 2019 while he awaited trial on sex trafficking charges. The death was ruled a suicide. In 2021, Maxwell was found guilty of five sex-trafficking-related counts (Getty) Maxwell has been imprisoned since July 2020, despite numerous attempts from her defence counsel to have her released on bail. She was sentenced to 20 years in prison at the federal court in the Southern District of New York in June last year. The socialite indicated her desire to appeal shortly after her conviction, with her lawyers claiming victims had faded, distorted and motivated memories. Her appeal is currently scheduled to be heard in November next year. Prince Harrys attacks on the press are paranoid and misguided and he is unhealthily obsessed with the way he is portrayed, the BBCs royal correspondent has said. Nicholas Witchell, who is retiring after 48 years at the corporation, said the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are overly sensitive, and as public figures who make use of the media should be more prepared to take the knocks with the positive moments. The 70-year-old, who has been covering the Royal family for the BBC for the last 25 years, said it was a huge loss when the Sussexes left their duties and moved to America. He said that if they had been prepared to try harder and if the Duchess had perhaps just been less impatient, less inclined to see well-meaning people as being in some way against her the couple could have achieved a great deal. But he dismissed their suggestion that the Buckingham Palace machine was against them from the start. Their team including Australian Samantha Cohen as private secretary and Americans Jason Knauf and Sara Latham as communications secretaries bent over backwards to accommodate them and to be in sympathy with her, Witchell told the Sunday Times. Not one of them was the archetypal Buckingham Palace courtier and if anyone was going to carry it off, that team would have done so. Meghan is clearly a very intelligent, articulate, ambitious woman, and you would have thought she would have appreciated the fact that these people were working so hard to make it work. He said the Palace should have tried harder but there was a clash of cultures and the Duke was psychologically not suited to the role. On occasion, the Duke of Sussex has been treated badly by the media, Witchell added, but his ongoing legal battles with newspaper groups are misjudged, misguided, a touch paranoid. The focus of the Duke and Duchess has become so narrow and is so suffused with this sense of paranoia that they are failing to recognise the bigger picture, the opportunities that they have, he added, saying: Theyre obsessed he is certainly obsessed with the way the media portrays him. Unhealthily so. Witchell will spend Christmas Day in New Broadcasting House reporting on the Kings message and the royal gathering at Sandringham for the last time. Nicholas Witchell said the focus of the Duke and Duchess had become so narrow - Piroschka van de Wouw/Reuters His career has seen him rub some members of the household up the wrong way. King Charles, at the time the Prince of Wales, was caught on microphone in 2005, when he thought the tapes had stopped rolling, saying that he cant bear that man and he is so awful. Witchell, though taken aback, admitted that were not there to be liked. He believes the comment was related to a piece he had written comparing a holiday aboard a friends yacht that the then-Prince had taken with Camilla Parker Bowles, his wife-to-be, with holidays taken by Edward VIII and his mistress, Wallis Simpson. The future King was very cross and did not talk to him for a number of years, but they have since buried the hatchet, he revealed. During his quarter of the century in the role, the appetite for tabloid-style reporting on the royal family has changed and he has had to fight against moving into the soap opera end of it, he said. He added that they could not ignore the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, however tedious. He blames the worst single moment of his 48-year TV career when he dried up in front of a live audience while reporting the birth of the Duke and Duchesss son Archie in May 2019 on the fact that maybe subconsciously I just wasnt that interested in the couple. He officially retires in the spring, but has said he will not be spending his retirement watching The Crown, which he gave up on after series two because the storylines became too sensationalist. I thought the distortion of the facts was beyond what is acceptable, he said, adding that seeing Prince Philip blamed for the death of his sister was just unacceptable and the final straw. The late Duke of Edinburgh was still alive when the storyline aired. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. Rep. Mary Peltola (Photo/File) The Alaskan congressional delegation is praising the signing of an executive order by President Joe Biden on Friday morning that empowers the United States to combat predatory foreign trawlers, particularly in the Bering Sea and North Pacific regions. Rep. Mary Peltola (D-AK) celebrated a pro-fish decision she brought to national attention to support fishermen in Alaska. The order builds upon existing U.S. sanctions against Russia by closing a loophole to prevent seafood harvested in Russian waters or by Russia-flagged vessels processed in third countries, such as China, from entering the US market. Never miss Indian Countrys biggest stories and breaking news. Click here to sign up to get our reporting sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. "Thank you to our Alaskan fishermen, the Alaska delegation, and countless Alaskans who have worked tirelessly to educate the Administration on this issue," Rep. Peltola said. "I cannot stress enough the importance of safeguarding our North Pacific Ocean and ensuring the economic well-being of Alaskan fishermen. We must not turn a blind eye to the alarming threat that unregulated foreign trawlers pose to our local fishermen and marine ecosystems. Today, we have achieved a major milestone in pro-fish policymaking, equipping us with the necessary tools to fiercely protect our interests and promote sustainable fishing practices. I was proud to work with my Alaska delegation partners and the Administration to implement this crucial policy change that will protect Alaskan fishermen and cut off one of Putins revenue sources for his bloody war in Ukraine. Russian vessels that operate in the Bering Sea and North Pacific regions are a significant problem for Alaskan fishermen. These largely unregulated vessels circumvent U.S. sanctions applied after the Russian invasion of Ukraine by reprocessing their fish in China. Recent reporting from the Outlaw Ocean Project has shown that this processing often occurs using forced labor by Uyghur ethnic minorities in China. This seafood is then exported to America at artificially low prices, undercutting Alaskan fishermen. The new Executive Order will also amend E.O. 14068 to further ensure that Russia is not able to skirt certain import bans by exporting goods indirectly via third countries to the United States, specifically in regards to certain diamonds mined in Russia and seafood harvested in Russian waters or by Russia-flagged vessels that are later substantially transformed in third countries. The expanded prohibitions will be active once the appropriate departments issue determinations naming covered goods. About the Author: "Native News Online is one of the most-read publications covering Indian Country and the news that matters to American Indians, Alaska Natives and other Indigenous people. Reach out to us at editor@nativenewsonline.net. " Contact: news@nativenewsonline.net Russian forces attacked the front-line villages of Ocheretyne and Niu-York in Donetsk Oblast with guided bombs, injuring three civilians and damaging houses, the Prosecutor Generals Office reported on Dec. 24. A 62-year-old man got a mine blast injury while driving his car in Ocheretyne, a village some 12 kilometers northwest of Avdiivka, the area of the heaviest fighting. A 64-year-old woman and her 68-year-old husband got shrapnel wounds as a Russian round landed in their backyard in Niu-York, a village 20 kilometers north of Avdiivka. Donetsk Oblast is experiencing the most severe battles of Russias war. Both Ocheretyne and Niu-York, located close to the front line, are frequent targets of Russian attacks. The Prosecutor Generals Office didnt specify the type of guided bombs Russian forces used in the attacks on the front'-line villages. Russia uses KAB smart bombs, ranging from the KAB-250 and KAB-500 to KAB-1500, which can be laser-guided or satellite-guided. Following the attacks, Ukraine's Prosecutor Generals Office launched an investigation into violation of the laws and customs of war. The acting regional governor, Ihor Moroz, reported on Dec. 24 that 1,796 civilians have been killed and 4,411 injured in the embattled region since Russia unleashed its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The number excludes civilian casualties in Russian-occupied areas, including the cities of Mariupol and Volnovakha, as it is currently impossible to determine the exact number of victims. Read also: In Avdiivka, Ukrainians hold Russians off for nearly 10 years (PHOTOS) Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Idaho prosecutors have requested the trial of murder suspect Bryan Kohberger charged with killing four college students begin next summer, to avoid coinciding with dates when local high school and college classes are in session. In a new court filing the Latah County Prosecuting Attorney's Office asked the judge to schedule a jury trial to run for about six weeks, including the sentencing phase, during the summer of 2024. The document, filed Thursday in Idaho district court, explicitly sought trial dates outside of the regular academic calendar and said that "Moscow High School is directly adjacent to the courthouse premises and already the significantly increased amount of media and other vehicles related to this case has strained available parking as well as safety and convenience for pedestrians, including students." Prosecutors also suggested in the filing that a summer trial would likely mean more availability of local accommodations, since "it is not infrequent for area lodging to become unavailable due to university-related activities such as sporting events, graduation, etc." when universities are in session. They asked the judge to set a daily trial schedule running from 8:30 a.m. to around 3 p.m. to allow jurors time to manage their personal affairs during what is expected to be a relatively lengthy commitment. Bryan Koberger listens during a hearing to overturn his grand jury indictment on October 26, 2023, in Moscow, Idaho. / Credit: Kai Eiselein / Getty Images Kohberger's trial was originally scheduled to start in October, but he waived his right to a speedy trial in August, which indefinitely delayed the proceedings. He is charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of felony burglary in connection with the gruesome, deadly stabbings of four University of Idaho students Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin at the women's off-campus rental home in Moscow last November. At the time of the killings, Kohberger was a graduate student at Washington State University, which is about 15 minutes from Moscow by car. The 28-year-old was arrested last December at his family's home in Pennsylvania, after finishing his first semester as a Ph.D. candidate in criminology. He was later extradited to Idaho and is being held there while awaiting trial. He has denied any involvement in the murders, and a judge entered a not-guilty plea on Kohberger's behalf earlier this year. Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson previously said he plans to seek the death penalty. Attorneys asked the judge in Thursday's filing to schedule a hearing to establish deadlines for both the prosecution and Kohberger's defense team to file any outstanding documents necessary to meet their proposed start date for his trial. That would mean attorneys on both sides complete discovery, witness lists, jury instructions, and so on, and sort out any pre-trial motions including a motion related to the death penalty so the trial could proceed. The prosecution also requested that Kohberger's defense be denied any additional chances to file an alibi notice, and "asks that the court not reopen this issue." Two deadlines have already passed for the defense to do so, the prosecutors said, and "the defendant has already been afforded this opportunity." Public defenders representing Kohberger objected in a court filing in August to the state's initial motion to compel him to provide an alibi for the night of the students' murders. In that document, his attorneys said Kohberger took a drive by himself that night and "has long had a habit of going for drives alone," often at night. Investigators believe the students were killed at some point between 4 a.m. and 4:25 a.m. on the morning of Nov. 13, 2022, according to the probable cause affidavit for Kohberger's arrest. Timeline showing the night of the Idaho college murders. / Credit: Moscow Police Department "Mr. Kohberger is not claiming to be at a specific location at a specific time; at this time there is not a specific witness to say precisely where Mr. Kohberger was at each moment of the hours between late night November 12, 2022 and early morning November 13, 2022," the defense wrote in their August filing. In October, the judge in Kohberger's case rejected a motion filed by his defense team to toss out the grand jury indictment against him. The defense had argued for its dismissal because there was an "error in jury instructions," and said the burden of proof being presented to a jury as "probable cause," rather than "beyond a reasonable doubt," was not the standard in Idaho. The judge said probable cause was the standard of proof for a grand jury to indict in the rejection. Laura Lynch, Dixie Chicks founding member, dies in Texas car crash Young People's Chorus of NYC performs "The Twelve Days of Christmas" The James Webb Space Telescope's remarkable gifts (PORTLAND TRIBUNE) You cant miss the giant mushroom mural at Psanctum Thrift store at 4033 S.E. Milwaukie Ave, Apt A. The red and white amanita muscaria, which is practically the Oregon state plant (OK, fungus) at this point, beckons psychonauts (mind explorers) into the 3,000-square-foot space as well as the usual people who want to ditch an ugly lamp, some books or their thin clothes. These days, there is some overlap, according to the owners. Eden Woodruff and Tom Hatsis were already well known in Portlands psychedelic community, for their educational nonprofit Psanctum, which holds conferences and teach-ins about psychedelics. Hatsis has been trusted to archive all 34 boxes of Timothy Learys papers, and Woodruff has long been a vintage clothing seller online. Psanctum Thrift, which operates with one paid staff member, Jilly Bean, is a natural progression. They founded it to raise money for people who cannot afford ketamine and psilocybin therapies. Oregon Ballet Theatre on Nutcracker, whats ahead for 2024 The store has all the usual stuff, plus some: kitchenware; sneakers and hiking boots galore; fabulous dresses, long and flowing, short and tight; a brightly colored rail that looks like Burning Man cosplay; basic Portland plaid and fleece in alternative brands; lots of mesh, lace, fur, velvet and suede; random camping gear; books. And if there isnt a psychedelic side to the Harry Potter brand, there will be soon, as Potter merch is finding its way to Psanctum, probably because of demographics. A lot of the initial donations came from our community members, Hatsis told Pamplin Media, referring the artists space The Haven, within the JaJa complex at 819 S.E. Taylor St. Weve connected with a lot of people in the neighborhood, and gotten a really nice warm reception from them. Ive appreciated people going out of their way to bring us stuff because they want to support us, when its easier to go somewhere else, Hatsis said. Read more at PortlandTribune.com The Portland Tribune and its parent company Pamplin Media Group are KOIN 6 News media partners For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. "Pseudo-legitimate" travel agencies are emerging in Senegal and offering migrants a "complete package" to get to the United States' southern border, where millions have tried to get into the U.S. illegally, officials said this week. A Customs and Border Protection (CBP) official told Fox News that the agencies are emerging in cities like Dakar, Senegal's capital, and offer free travel to Europe to Senegalese nationals. Those agencies offer visa-free travel to Europe, which then allows them to move from there to the Western Hemisphere, where they can travel to the U.S. and either try to get in at a port of entry using the CBP One app where 1,600 are let in each day or enter illegally between ports of entry in hope of being released into the U.S. with a court date in the distant future. MIGRANT CRISIS INCREASING STRAIN ON BORDER OFFICIALS, IMMIGRATION COURTS WITH MASSIVE NUMBERS In an aerial view, thousands of immigrants, most wearing thermal blankets, await processing at a U.S. Border Patrol transit center on December 19, 2023, in Eagle Pass, Texas. "They sell complete packages to connect them to a smuggling organization that will then facilitate their movement up to the border," the official said. CBP said it is working with partners throughout the hemisphere and across the globe to make sure they are encouraging peoples ability to access protections, while also taking action to prevent those seeking to exploit different travel mechanisms. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP The Senegalese travel agencies offer a glimpse of the global nature of the migrant crisis and how migrants from across the globe are being pulled to the U.S.-Mexico border. Beyond countries in the Western Hemisphere, U.S authorities have encountered migrants from over 150 countries coming to the border hoping to be processed and released into the interior. Meanwhile, the traffic at the border is not slowing down. On Friday CBP announced that there were 242,418 migrant encounters at the southern border in November, including migrant encounters at ports of entry and illegal immigrant encounters by Border Patrol between ports of entry. That is the highest November on record and the third-highest month of the crisis so far. NOVEMBER SAW NEARLY QUARTER OF A MILLION MIGRANT ENCOUNTERS AMID NEW BORDER SURGE Announcing the November numbers, acting CBP Commissioner Troy Miller said that the agency is facing a "serious challenge" and that it and federal partners need more resources from Congress as requested in the supplemental funding request. Meanwhile, new data released this week from the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse (TRAC) at Syracuse University showed that the immigration court backlog now stands at over three million. Sources have also told Fox News that Border Patrol has released more than 386,000 illegal immigrants into the U.S. with Notices to Appear since October. MIGRANT ENCOUNTERS AT BORDER SOAR PAST THE 200K MARK IN DECEMBER, WITH OVER A WEEK STILL TO GO Republicans have criticized the administration for releasing migrants into the interior and have called for greater restrictions on asylum and the use of humanitarian parole by the administration. The administration has said it is dealing with a hemisphere-wide crisis and needs more funding and comprehensive immigration reform to reduce backlogs and fix a "broken" system. There are ongoing negotiations in Washington about the Biden administrations request for supplemental funding including $14 billion for border funding. But Republicans have demanded more asylum restrictions, something that some Democrats have called on the Biden administration to reject. While there had been hope of securing a deal before the end of the year, lawmakers have said this week that there wont be a deal until January at the earliest. Fox News' Griff Jenkins contributed to this report. Original article source: Pseudeo-legitimate travel agencies in Senegal offering complete packages to get migrants to US border HANFORD, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) Two men are wanted by authorities after a woman reported that someone stole her purse from her front seat as she loaded her vehicle, Hanford police say. Just before 8:00 a.m. on December 19th, officers were called to the area of Grangeville Boulevard and 10th Avenue for a report of a grand theft. They say they learned that a woman was loading personal belongings by herself into the front passenger seat of her vehicle. Investigators say she told them that as she was walking around the back of her truck to get into the drivers seat, another vehicle pulled up and parked in the stall next to her. That vehicle is described as a white, four-door sedan that resembled a Chevy Cruze, and didnt have license plates. Detectives report before she was able to get to the drivers side of her vehicle a man got out of the white car and opened the passenger door of her vehicle, taking all her belongings including her purse and jewelry. He then got back into the white vehicle and left. Detectives say he was later caught on video surveillance with another man in a local store making several purchases with her bank cards. Hanford police ask if anyone has information on this case, or can identify the suspects, to please contact Detective Kayla Smith at (559) 585-2535. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com. Putin signals readiness to freeze the war to distract the West from helping Ukraine Reports indicating Russian dictator Vladimir Putins interest in ending the war are in fact a ploy to impede and disrupt further military aid to Ukraine from Western allies, the U.S.-based think tank Institute for the Study of War (ISW) wrote on Dec. 23. Putin is only interested in ending the war if it results in a complete victory for Russia, stressed the ISW. Analysts pointed to past Kremlin attempts to mislead Western policymakers and pressure them into urging Ukraine to resume negotiations with Russia in the winter of 2022-2023. Read also: Immediate ceasefire in Ukraine would play into Russias hands, Washington says This suggests Russias aim to divert attention to hypothetical negotiations rather than allowing Ukraine to accumulate sufficient material resources and weaponry before the anticipated spring-summer counteroffensive. ISW suggests the Kremlin is likely employing covert channels to achieve a similar effect amid Western debates on further military aid to Ukraine. The New York Times (NYT) reported on Dec. 23, citing former and current high-ranking Russian, American, and other officials, that Putin uses covert channels and intermediaries to express interest in a ceasefire, despite recent public statements to the contrary. NYT reported that Western officials have received signals since September 2023 indicating Putins interest in a ceasefire and freezing the front. The publication cautioned that messages through covert channels might not reflect the true desire to engage in negotiations. Read also: Ukraine rejects Chinese calls for immediate ceasefire NYT journalists presented several theories for Putins hints at a desire to end the war, including upcoming presidential elections in Russia in March 2024, the desire to keep options open for resolving the conflict, taking advantage of the expected decrease in Western support for Ukraine, and diversion due to the war in Israel and Hamas. However, ISW analysts are convinced that all these motives represent only temporary reasons why Putin may seek a ceasefire, providing time for Russia to prepare for renewed aggression against Ukraine. In its report, NYT mentioned that Putins private hints at a desire to declare victory and move on contradict his public rhetoric. In recent speeches, he asserted Russias maximalist goals of denazification and demilitarization of Ukraine, claiming they remain unchanged. Read also: Erdogan calls on Putin to announce unilateral ceasefire in Ukraine Analysts noted that neither NYT nor its sources provided any grounds to believe that Putins communications through covert channels reflect his intentions more than his public statements. From the NYT material, it is also unclear whether Putin is interested in a ceasefire for a temporary pause or the definitive conclusion of the war. Russia is ready (for negotiations), but exclusively to achieve its own goals, Putins spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, said in a comment to NYT. 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 Shared concern CA Senate GOP urge Newsom to act fast on $68 billion deficit, (sacbee.com, Dec. 18) As a longtime California resident, its not just Senate Republicans calling on Gov. Gavin Newsom to address the $68 billion budget deficit, its all of us! Its crucial to stress the need for the thoughtful and responsible allocation of resources. While recognizing the urgency of swift action, citizens must advocate for a careful examination of budgetary decisions. Instead of opting for a broad spending freeze, the legislature should take a nuanced approach by reevaluating funding for trivial and frivolous projects like the $1.2B Capitol Annex Project. While the state is in deficit, the Legislature can easily continue to use their already built Swing Space. Redirecting resources from potentially less essential initiatives can protect crucial social safety nets currently facing significant cutbacks and/or freezes. This strategic reallocation not only tackles immediate fiscal concerns, it also highlights our dedication to prioritizing the well-being of fellow Californians not just our public servants. Karen Jacques Sacramento Food safety California lawmakers pass ban on toxic food chemicals, (sacbee.com, Sept. 12) We assume our grocery aisles are stacked with foods safe to eat, but some might actually contain harmful chemicals, as revealed by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment. Assembly Bill 418, passed on October 7, brought to light Food and Drug Administration-approved additives including brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben and red dye No. 3 that are linked to Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and cancer. This raises questions about the FDAs approval process for food additives. Red dye No. 3 was banned in cosmetics in 1990, but is still used in food. AB 418 underscores the FDAs responsibility to ensure safe food standards while California utilizes its influential role in catalyzing broader regulatory shifts. Matthew McDonald Elk Grove Opinion Obscene raise Sacramento city manager, whose pay was highest in state last year, gets new raise, (sacbee.com, Dec. 14) The raise awarded to Sacramento City Manager Howard Chan is obscene, especially given that his base salary before this raise was already obscene. Clearly, he knows how to work the system by demanding vacation time that he will cash out before years end. Bridget Whitted Folsom Shameful behavior Sacramento city manager, whose pay was highest in state last year, gets new raise, (sacbee.com, Dec. 14) The Sacramento City Councils special meeting immediately following a four-hour regular meeting, in which it approved pay raises for city officials, smacks of the lack of transparency and outright arrogance that has caused so many citizens to lose trust in government. Shame on the council for even trying to do something this shady. What happens next? It is time for citizens to send a clear message that this behavior is totally unacceptable. This needs to be fully investigated by an independent body. While the citizens of Sacramento are struggling to make ends meet, city council members meet privately to give themselves pay raises. Talk about shameful! In the meantime, remember that democracy dies in darkness. Support your local independent press bringing these issues to light. Charles Robuck Newscastle Usage in the interim Sacramento centers zero emissions effort needs $140 million, (sacbee.com, Dec. 12) While waiting for $140 million to suddenly appear, the city should take note of the fact that this former home of the California Youth Authoritys storied Northern Reception Center and Clinic is a totally excellent site for a temporary safe-ground camping and tiny home parking lot, with public transportation nearby. Thousands of youth wards were housed, fed, educated and rehabilitated on that ground. And it will be years before any research park dreams come true. Paul G Mattiuzzi Sacramento Protect Molok Luyuk Yolo County tribe pushes Biden to protect CA Molok Luyuk, (sacbee.com, April 30) Molok Luyuk, at the border of Colusa and Lake counties, contains rich cultural heritage, diverse wildlife, rare plants and recreational activities. This week, representatives from the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service came to Woodland to hear from community members. I was one of over 75 people who urged them to protect these public lands by adding them to the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument. We heard support from Tribal leaders, elected officials, scientists, recreationists and young people. I love our winding roads and rolling hills. But as the director of a conservation organization, I know that these hills are more than that they hold over 30 species of rare plants, thousands of years of history and cultural significance to the Patwin, Pomo, Wappo and Miwok people, as well as rare and valuable educational and recreational opportunities. I am grateful to BLM and USFS for coming to listen to our community. I urge President Joe Biden to expand the monument to permanently protect Molok Luyuk. Sandra Schubert Woodland Concern for crabs CA Dungeness crab fishing season delayed in some areas, (sacbee.com, Oct. 28) The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has delayed the start of commercial crab season out of concern for whales and turtles getting entangled in trapping gear. But in extending our compassion to other living beings, we should eliminate the start of crab season out of concern for crabs. These fascinating aquatic animals endure tremendous suffering when exploited for food. Crabs are intelligent and complex. They learn from their mistakes and retain information. They work together to gather food for their families, and they will even help their neighbors fight off intruders. Crabs also feel physical pain. Heartless cruelty is allowing other animals to suffer. Every crab is a me, not meat. Scott Miller The PETA Foundation The United States has expressed serious concern over North Korea showing signs of starting the operation of a new light-water nuclear reactor in a possible attempt to produce nuclear weapons fuel. International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi said Thursday that the agency has detected more signs of the North commissioning the light-water reactor (LWR) at the North's main Yongbyon nuclear complex, such as warm water being discharged from it. The North's "commissioning of a new light-water nuclear power plant raises serious concerns, including safety," the U.S. Mission to the United Nations in Vienna said in a statement. "The DPRK's unlawful nuclear and ballistic missile programs continue to pose a grave threat to international peace and security." Without the IAEA's monitoring and assistance, "significant risks extend to the DPRK, the region, and the global nuclear industry," the mission said, referring to the North by the acronym of its official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. The IAEA chief said the discharge of warm water from the light-water reactor is "indicative the reactor has reached criticality," adding that the "LWR, like any nuclear reactor, can produce plutonium in its irradiated fuel, which can be separated during reprocessing." "So this is a cause for concern," he said. Grossi also said the further development of the North's nuclear program, including the construction and operation of the LWR, is a violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions and urged Pyongyang to fully comply with its obligations under the resolutions. (Yonhap) SAN DIEGO (KSWB) Visitors to the San Diego Zoo are in for a real treat as they now have a chance to view the rarest insect in the world. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliances entomology team and Australias Melbourne Zoo have been working together for over a decade to help sustain populations of the critically endangered Lord Howe Island stick insect. San Diego Zoo Safari Park works to protect heart of 51-year-old gorilla For the first time in North America, you can now view the rare insects in a specialized habitat at the zoos Wildlife Explorers Basecamp, the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance announced this week. The Lord Howe Island stick insect breeding program at the San Diego Zoo works to help sustain populations of the rarest insect in the world. Previously thought to be extinct on the Lord Howe Island Group a cluster of volcanic islands in the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand and rediscovered in 2001, two pairs were taken to the Melbourne Zoo for breeding to help save the species. San Diego Zoo welcomes baby De Brazzas Monkey, a first in 26 years Since 2012, the two zoos have been working together to save the species. Also known as tree lobsters, the Lord Howe Island stick insect is a large, flightless, nocturnal insect that can grow up to 6 inches in length. Lord Howe Island stick insects (San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance) Lord Howe Island stick insects (San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance) Get in the holiday spirit at San Diego Zoos Jungle Bells event for the whole family The temperature and humidity in their habitat is closely controlled, while UV-transmissible skylights allow access to natural photoperiod cues. San Diego Zoo horticulturists have even traveled to Australia to gather plants and seeds for the insects that were otherwise unavailable in North America. Lord Howe Island Stick Insects are listed as Critically Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, and Critically Endangered under Australias Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act. Thanksgiving rescue: Baby sea lion saved from highway The species is threatened by invasive plants and non-native predators, including rats. The Lord Howe Island Board and residents have also been working for decades to bring the population back in that area. They even began rat eradication efforts in 2019, which helped bring back many other rare, presumed extinct plants and animals. Watch: Orcas spotted off the coast of San Diego The Lord Howe Island Stick Insects can be found at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Explorers Basecamp in the Tree Hollow area of Spineless Marvels, Level 1. The San Diego Zoo has many animals to visit, things to do, and even offers 24/7 viewing of some animals from their wildlife live cameras online. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego. KANSAS CITY, Mo A four-year-old girl was taken from her father without his knowledge in Raytown Saturday evening. Around 9 p.m. police issued an Endangered Person Advisory for four-year-old Unique Locke after she was taken from a residence on Ralston Avenue. Body found in Clay County park was victim of a homicide Shes described as an almost three-feet tall black girl, weighing 35 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. Raytown Police Department says that the non-custodial biological mother took Locke from the custodial biological father without his knowledge. The mother is 41-year-old Terrika Evans. Her photo can be seen below, and shes described by police as a black woman standing 5-feet-2 inches, 140 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. Police believe that Evans took her child to California and theyve put an order of protection in place. There are past incidenets where Evans took Locke to Anaheim, California. Download the FOX4 News app to stay updated on the go. Sign up for FOX4 email alerts to have breaking news sent to your inbox. Find todays top stories on fox4kc.com for Kansas City and all of Kansas and Missouri. Anyone with any information related to Locke or Evans and their wherabouts should immediately dial 911 to contact the nearest law enforcement agency or call the RPD at 816-737-6020. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. BELLEVUE, Washington Republicans keep thinking they can win Washington state. Dave Reichert thinks this time is real. Five years after leaving politics, the former representative is running for the states open gubernatorial seat in 2024 and is seen as the partys frontrunner heading into the new year. Republicans have insisted they could be competitive in the state, despite its overall blue tilt, but have lost recent high-profile elections here. Now-President Joe Biden carried the state by 19 points in 2020. But both Democrats and Republicans in the state believe this race could be competitive because of Reichert. When they say we cant win in Washington state we can, Reichert said in an interview in a spartan campaign office here last month. You can if youre the right candidate at the right time. Reichert carries significant name ID in the states most populous areas, both from his time in Congress and as sheriff of King County home of both Seattle and Bellevue, a major outpost for some of the worlds largest tech companies. He was from the moderate wing of the party while in D.C. and may be tougher to paint as a MAGA diehard. And Reichert argues that the states struggles with crime and homelessness a particular crisis in King County and general lingering pessimism about the economy creates an opening. Reicherts candidacy will test the potency of tough-on-crime policies in blue states and the degree to which voters will punish even well-known Republicans for sharing a ballot with former President Donald Trump, the partys all-but-assured presidential nominee. A victory would be massive for Washington Republicans, who have little power in the Pacific Northwest state. There hasnt been a GOP governor in nearly 40 years, and there is no statewide elected Republican currently serving. (The last Republican to win statewide quit her job in 2021 to take a role in the Biden administration.) The GOPs legislative minorities have further eroded since Trump took office. And a much-ballyhooed challenge to Democratic Sen. Patty Murray last year ended in a blowout. Democrats are worried Reichert poses a real threat. A November poll from the Northwest Progressive Institute showed the race between Reichert and Attorney General Bob Ferguson, the leading Democrat, as a jump ball. That woke everyone up, state Democratic Party Chair Shasti Conrad said. Even among the political class, I would say there was some complacency. Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee opted to not seek a historic fourth term, setting off a scramble earlier this year when he said he wasnt running. When that happened, my phone just started ringing off the hook, Reichert said. The timing was right, the support was there. I felt called to do this, I felt motivated to do this, I felt an obligation. Part of his appeal to voters is his long public profile in the state. As sheriff of King County, Reichert helped catch the Green River killer, the infamous serial killer, in the early 2000s. He ran for Congress in 2004 and won that and the next six subsequent elections, even as voters in his district regularly voted for Democrats higher on the ticket. He was often ranked as among the most bipartisan members of the House and sometimes bucked his party, like voting to repeal Dont Ask, Dont Tell in the military. After he opted to not run for another term in 2018, Democrats flipped the seat in that years blue wave. They havent lost it since. My name ID in King County is near 65 percent, and in Seattle proper its about the same, he said. But its not just recognizing the name. People feel this connection to me in a personal way because of my experience, especially in the sheriffs office, but also in Congress. Reichert said his campaign will focus on a triumvirate of issues: A broken criminal justice system, the economy and homelessness in the state. Reichert says the state is such an extreme outlier he said Washington had the lowest per capita number of law enforcement in the nation that those issues would resonate even though similar platforms have failed Republicans in other high-profile governor races in recent years. Its been, Reichert said, "years of wandering in the wilderness. The same government for years, and nothing has changed, he said. Were fed up, and we want change. Governor races have been the last bastion of ticket-splitting across the country. But politics have become so polarized along national lines that it could suck away any crossover appeal Reichert might have. Reichert will have to contend with a pair of dynamics that have sunk Republican gubernatorial candidates over the last two years: Trump and abortion. Democrats have signaled they would hammer Reichert over his self-described pro-life stance and plan on yoking him to the former president he could be sharing a ballot line with. Some of what the poll showed me is that people have forgotten who Reichert is, and we have to continue to remind them of who he is, what he stands for, said Conrad, the Democratic Party chair. He is a Republican in Trumps America. Reichert has downplayed abortion since launching his bid, calling it settled law in Washington. (The procedure has been legal in the state since 1970.) And he said the campaign will be decided on local politics, not the presidential race: Our message is I dont care who the president is. Were going to be able to work with anyone. He declined to endorse anyone in the presidential primary, and when asked whether hed support the eventual Republican nominee, he said thats a decision Im going to make when the time comes. Reichert and Ferguson whose campaign did not make him available for an interview still need to emerge from the all-party primary before turning toward a general election face-off. There is another notable Republican in the contest Semi Bird, a recalled school board member who has some support from the MAGA wing of the party as is Democratic state Sen. Mark Mullet, who has clashed with Inslee and party leadership over taxes. But Reichert and Ferguson are the frontrunners and widely expected to proceed to the general. Reichert has raised over $1.2 million since launching his bid. Ferguson aided by a war chest from past statewide runs and the backing of a consolidated Democratic Party has reported bringing in far more: $5.6 million. Republicans have made a run at Pacific Northwest governorships recently. In the midterms, both parties pushed resources into an open-seat race in Oregon, where a viable third-party candidate lowered the percentage needed to win. But after months of spending, Democrat Tina Kotek won by 3.5 points. Reichert says hes confident this time is different. Weve tried to remember the last time when a Republican had a 2 percent advantage early on in a campaign. I dont know if that has happened before, he said. It is especially encouraging, and also unusual, which I think highlights the excitement around this campaign. CORRECTION: The length of time since Washington has had a Republican governor was incorrectly stated. Former Vice President Al Gore expressed optimism that humanity can still repair the damage to the environment that is causing global warming. The good news is we can reclaim control of our destiny, Gore, who has long warned of the dangers of climate change, said on State of the Union in an interview that aired Sunday. We have the ability to do this, Gore said, adding: And its not impractical, citing solar power, wind power and electric vehicles. "We can do this, he told host Jake Tapper, if we just overcome the greed and political power of the big fossil fuel polluters who have been trying to control this process. It's time for people at the grassroots level in every country to speak up, and the good news is, thats happening too. Sundays episode of State of the Union focused on 2023 as a year of record-setting temperatures and natural disasters. Gore made it clear that humans still have to choose the right course and follow it to fix the planet or face grave consequences. If we don't take action, there could be as many as one billion climate refugees crossing international borders in the next several decades, he said. Well, a few million has contributed to this wave of populist authoritarianism and dictatorships and so forth. What would one billion do? We can't do this. We could lose our capacity for self-governance. Yes, as to be expected, the Daily Eagle published Friday, December 24, 1915, did wish all its friends and readers a Merry Christmas on page one. On page three at least 10 churches were inviting folks to special programs and services, including a Christmas morning service in the German language at the Emanuel Lutheran Church, then located at 129 E. Chestnut St. Christmas greeting appearing in the Daily Eagle on Dec. 24, 1915. Turkey Surprise However, also across the very top of page one was an unexpected announcement: A nine pound turkey breaks hundred dollar plate glass window at Schleichers Grocery. Previous ads had announced that Schleichers Grocery was selling both dressed and live poultry at 121 S. Columbus. Readers learned Mr. Schleicher had sold the turkey to George Larimer and tied its feet...when he went to pick it up it made a straight fly for the front window and knocked a hole in the glass big enough to push a baby cart through. The 90 X 100 window replacement cost $100, but was fortunately insured. Slice of Cake Surprise Also catching the readers eye in the Dec. 24 Daily Eagle was this article: A slice of the Wilson-Galt wedding cake received by a young wife in the Thimmes Apartments. The young wife mentioned was the daughter-in-law of George A. Stirling, Sr. What made this piece of cake so special? The Wilson referred to was widower President Woodrow Wilson who had married the widow Edith Boling Galt in Washington, D.C. on Dec. 18, 1915. George Arthur Stirling, Sr., who had worked at the Boys Industrial School at Lancaster for about 28 years, was by 1915 the superintendent of the National Training School for Boys in Washington, D.C. He [Stirling] is well thought of at the National Capital and has placed the institution of which he is the head on a high basis. Apparently, Stirling had attended the wedding and asked for an extra piece of cake to send to his daughter-in-law in Lancaster. The Dec. 24th article had concluded with this: The stern father-in-law directed her to eat it but she will not comply and will keep it as a souvenir. Movie Surprise The Hippodrome Theatre, 161 W. Main St., was showing Paramount Pictures exclusively in 1915. The Daily Eagle advertised that on Dec. 23, 24, and 25 they were featuring Still Waters starring the dainty, diminutive screen star Marguerite Clark. It was a combination of pastoral romance, rural comedy and thrilling drama, written especially for Clark by the well-known novelist Edith Barnard Delano. Coincidently, L. D. (Dow) Proctor, son of Mrs. Anna Proctor Woody on S. Broad St., was an advance agent for one of the largest circuses traveling the eastern states, and was in Lancaster during December 1915. In an interview with the Daily Eagle he stated, during the past season, the famous Marguerite Clarke, popular feature actress, had her palatial private car attached to his circus train, and in connection with the circus people, their menagerie, etc., produced the great production, Still Waters now being shown at the Hippodrome in this city. It was stated that no doubt Proctor would take advantage of being able to see the film on the screen in Lancaster, after having had the opportunity to see it being filmed. Marguerite Clark was the star of "Still Waters," a movie showing in Lancaster Dec. 24, 1915. Lancaster native L. D. Proctor had traveled with her as the film was produced. Ad from Daily Eagle Dec. 23, 1915. Cheap Dinner Surprise Lastly, on Christmas Day in 1915 at The Park Restaurant on the square, customers could purchase their Christmas dinner for 50 cents (!) from 5:00 7:00 p.m. They offered a large dinner with English Plum Pudding, and dessert choices of pie, brick ice cream or cake. Readers may contact Harvey at joycelancastereg@gmail.com This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Remember When: 1915 Christmas Eve newspaper Full of surprises! Relatives of Palestinians who died in Israeli attacks, mourn as they receive the dead bodies from the morgue of Al-Aqsa Hospital for burial. Naaman Omar/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa Egypt has drawn up a phased deal to halt fighting between Israel and Hamas and release more hostages held by the Palestinian Islamist group, a regional TV network said on Sunday. The three-phase initiative was floated at talks held earlier this week in Cairo between Egyptian officials and a Hamas team, Saudi-owned Asharq News reported online, citing sources close to the talks. The first phase reportedly includes a truce of at least two weeks during which Hamas would release 40 Israeli hostages - women and children as well as elderly people who are ill, the sources added. In return, Israel would release 120 Palestinians of the same categories from its prisons, along with a cessation of hostilities and the flow of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip. The second phase proposes Palestinian talks sponsored by Egypt to end intra-Palestinian division and create a Palestinian technocratic government to run Gaza and the West Bank, according to the report. The third and final stage reportedly envisages a full ceasefire and a comprehensive deal to release all Israeli military being held by Hamas and other Palestinian factions, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in Israel. The third phase also includes an Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, while allowing displaced Gazans to return to their former residences in the enclave. The proposal will be discussed by the Hamas political bureau in Qatar, the broadcaster said. So far, there has been no comment from Egypt, or Hamas, which is categorized as a terrorist group by Israel, the European Union and the United States. Earlier this week, a Hamas delegation led by its chief Ismail Haniyeh visited Cairo for talks with Egyptian officials, the group said. Last month, Qatar and Egypt helped broker a temporary truce agreed by Israel and Hamas that also facilitated hostage-for-prisoner swaps. Egypt, the first Arab country to sign a peace treaty with Israel in 1979, had mediated in previous conflicts between Palestinians and Israel. People worldwide grappled with heat waves this summer, but a new study has found that changing global temperatures may also be suffocating certain amphibians, creating an alarming outlook for more than 2,800 species. Whats happening? The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) discovered about 41% of 8,011 surveyed amphibian species are at risk and that climate change effects are an ongoing or future threat to 846 threatened amphibians (30%). Amphibians have moist skin, and they breathe through it. Some species use a certain percentage of their lungs and another percentage of their skin for gas exchange, or vice versa. If the climate is too dry, this affects their breathing, Ibere Farina Machado, one of the articles authors, told conservation news portal Mongabay. The study, published by Nature in October, said that notable concentrations of threatened species occur in the Atlantic Forest biome of southern Brazil, among others. The IUCN reported that about 16% of the 1,164 species are threatened in Brazil, which is home to the most diverse amphibian population globally. Amphibians are unable to move very far to escape the increased frequency and intensity of extreme heat, forest fires, drought, and hurricanes, said Jennifer Luedtke Swandby, the coordinator of the Red List Authority of the IUCN Amphibian Specialist Group. Why are amphibians important? Like seabirds and bees, amphibians can help measure the health of our ecosystem, and biodiversity is vital to keeping it in balance. The warming world is losing many more species than human beings, and they serve as a warning to us, said Machado, who is the coordinator of the IUCN Species Survival Commissions Assessment of Amphibians in Brazil, as reported by Mongabay. A decrease in amphibians could also mean an increase in pests like mosquitoes, which are eaten by amphibians and can carry a variety of diseases dangerous to humans, including malaria, Zika, and dengue. A study published by the United Nations has already cautioned that rising global temps seem to be increasing the range of mosquitoes, highlighting how the interconnected nature of our planet can create a domino effect that threatens public health. What can I do to help the amphibians? The overheating of our planet linked to an increase in extreme weather events is primarily caused by human activities, and the use of dirty energy is the key contributing factor. A study by the U.N. found that more than three-quarters of heat-trapping pollution comes from dirty energy sources like oil, gas, and coal. Investing in clean energy alternatives is vital, and some communities even have programs that make the transition to solar panels more affordable in the short term while saving residents money on electric bills in the long term. If that is not an option for your situation, unplugging energy vampires like TVs when they arent in use could eliminate hundreds of pounds of carbon pollution each year. Join our free newsletter for cool news and cool tips that make it easy to help yourself while helping the planet. All the residents of 19 villages in the northern Sumy Oblast had to be evacuated due to their proximity to the Russian border and constant attacks, the regional administration told Suspilne, a Ukrainian media outlet, on Dec. 24. Sumy Oblast borders Russias Bryansk, Kursk, and Belgorod oblasts. The region has been subjected to frequent Russian attacks since the Russian troops were forced to withdraw from northern Ukraine after the Battle of Kyiv in spring 2022. The evacuated villages are located within a 5-kilometer range of the Russian border. The regional administration didnt specify the number of people evacuated from the 19 villages. This is not the end of the campaign to evacuate civilians from the areas subject to Russian attacks in Sumy Oblast in northern Ukraine. The local authorities started the evacuation from the 5-kilometer range of the Russian border in mid-July. The authorities said they aimed to relocate 12,689 people, including 712 children. A total of 115 settlements in the oblast were subject to evacuation. As of early December, 3,679 people, including 679 children, have been evacuated in Sumy Oblast. The Northern Command of Ukraines military reported on Dec. 24 that Russian forces had carried out 19 over-the-border attacks against Sumy Oblast in one day, using multiple rocket launchers, artillery, and mortars. Neither casualties nor destruction have been reported. Residents in the region's vulnerable border settlements experience multiple attacks per day. Earlier, at least 18 settlements in Sumy Oblast have been abandoned by residents due to attacks, according to the local authorities. It's not clear if they are counted among the evacuated settlements. Read also: Most of 2,500 foreign components Ukraine found in Russian weapons come from US (GRAPHS) Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Men are more likely to cut back on their alcohol consumption in order to improve their health - Justin Tallis/AFP Sales of non-alcoholic drinks have surged as Christmas party hosts seek to cater for health-conscious guests who want to avoid hangovers. The sale of drinks with low or no alcoholic content over the past week is up 46 per cent compared with the same period last year, data from Waitrose revealed. Non-alcoholic spirits a key ingredient in festive mocktails have proved particularly popular, with sales up 85 per cent. One in five people said they were buying drinks that are zero-alcohol and low-alcohol (a maximum of 1.2 per cent by volume) for guests when entertaining, a survey of 2,000 adults by the supermarket found. Of those who are choosing to drink less, nearly half said it was to improve their health, with men more likely than women to say this was their reason for cutting back. Others are choosing zero alcohol alternatives because they need to drive. But the alternatives are not completely replacing traditional Christmas drinks, with research from retail analysts Kantar finding that 99 per cent of those buying low or no alcohol options also buy the alcoholic versions. The study suggests people aren't giving up on alcohol altogether - Gilaxia/Getty Rob Hobson, a nutritionist and author of Unprocess Your Life, said a wider variety of options meant that even those working in high-pressure industries including finance were choosing to drink less alcohol. He said: The trend for lads getting wasted, especially in the younger generation, feels a bit old-fashioned now. Because theyve got more access to it [low or no alcoholic drinks], theyre willing to explore it a bit more. Younger people are less likely to enjoy a drink, with 35 per cent of those under the age of 35 saying they would be moderating their drinking, according to the supermarket survey. Mr Hobson said that people no longer wanted to go to work with a hangover, and had become more health conscious. Pierpaolo Petrassi, a wine and beer expert from the supermarket said: For a long time in Europe theres been no stigma attached to no or low-alcoholic drinks its thought to be just as grown up, just as interesting, just as appealing as an alcoholic drink. But now, as people become more health-conscious, were finally coming round to this idea. More men are considering giving up drinking or reducing their alcohol intake over the festive period as they become more health conscious, experts said. Dr Ben Carvosso, a nutritionist, said: Ive seen more and more men reducing their alcohol intake and opting for low or alcohol-free alternatives. Mental health and wellness are a big concern and choosing low or alcohol free options promotes both. Despite the non-alcoholic drinks trend, one in three men say they feel uncomfortable ordering them in pubs Some of the best-selling no or low alcoholic brands have seen record sales this year, including Heinekens 0.0, while sales of Guinness 0.0 have more than doubled. Martin Preston, founder of private addiction clinic Delamere, said it was becoming more socially acceptable not to drink. If we look at the younger generation, there is a much better awareness and education about health and lifestyle. I dont think there is the glamour that there perhaps was 20 years ago around the drinking culture, he said. Mr Preston, who has been sober for nearly 20 years, said that for drinkers who are dependent on alcohol he wouldnt recommend low and no alcohol options, especially at Christmas. He said: I have to be quite rigorous and vigilant around my sobriety. I wouldnt risk liquor chocolate, I wouldnt go anywhere near zero or low alcohols. Having a clear, non-negotiable boundary is really necessary. One in three men still feel uncomfortable ordering an alcohol-free beverage in the pub, a report from low-alcohol brand Lucky Saint found in June. Luke Boase, founder of the beer company, said: Lucky Saint is on draught in over 1,000 pubs across the UK. The pint is deeply entrenched in our socialising culture. So having an alcohol-free pint helps those not drinking to feel part of the occasion. 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 Prime Minister and his Cabinet have repeatedly said the UK continues to stand with Ukraine - HOLLIE ADAMS/POOL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Rishi Sunaks Government must announce urgently how much military aid will be given to Ukraine next year, four former Tory defence secretaries have said. The Government pledged 2.3 billion in 2022 and again in 2023 but has still not announced how much will be given for 2024. Sir Michael Fallon, Ben Wallace, Liam Fox and Sir Gavin Williamson all called for at least another 2.3 billion to be promised, with some urging ministers to go even higher. One former minister described the failure to announce the funding so far as dithering and all expressed concerns it was holding back Ukraines war efforts. Earlier this month, the USs Ukraine aid package was blocked by Republicans in the Senate while the European Unions support was vetoed by Viktor Orban, the Hungarian prime minister. Meanwhile, Vladimir Putin this month predicted Western support will end sooner or later. At his annual press conference, held this year on Dec 14, the Russian president said: They have been trying to maintain their manufacturing capability but they have actually been importing things for free, freeloading. But it will come to an end sooner or later. Sir Michael said: We promised to help as long as it takes, so we must keep our word. Ukraine is being out-shelled by Russia every day; they desperately need our support. Mr Wallace said: Ukraine could be entering its darkest hour. Now is not the time for Britain to be dithering. Britain is at risk of throwing away its leadership in supporting Ukraine for no apparent reason. We need to demonstrate long-term commitment. The best thing we could do is not only give 2.5 billion next year but another 2.5 billion the year after that. Five billion over two years would send a message to Moscow that we will be sticking by Ukraine before, during and after the rigged Russian elections [due in 2024]. Dr Fox said: It would be helpful for everyone to know what Britains contribution will be, especially when the EU is about to make its decision. The Ukrainian government would want to know. We have regarded that [2.3 billion a year] as a reasonable contribution for the UK to make. Unless theres a good reason not to, why, when all other things remain equal, would we want to reduce our aid? Sir Gavin said: This is a conflict thats been going on since 2014. Its a battle that the Ukrainians are fighting not just on behalf of themselves but actually on behalf of every free and democratic nation. It is absolutely right that we come forward to give them certainty and confidence on the type of backing that we provide for their struggle against Putin. The question that we have to ask is what is sufficient for them to do the job? Ukraine is needing greater resources, certainly not less. At a very minimum we need to give them what weve given them in the past but ideally more. Britain has increased its military assistance to Ukraine at various stages since Russias invasion on February 24 2022. Among the items that have been given are M270 multiple-launch rocket systems, drones, anti-tank weapons, Challenger II tanks, AS-90 self-propelled guns, armoured vehicles and pieces of kit. The Prime Minister and his Cabinet ministers have said repeatedly that the UK continues to stand with Kyiv and that military assistance will continue beyond current commitments. War fatigue Government insiders have indicated an announcement on the 2024 figure is likely to be made at least by the Budget, which is expected to be held in March. But that is much later than when the commitment for 2023 was announced, which came in September 2022 when Liz Truss, the prime minister at the time, confirmed another 2.3 billion was coming. With the war approaching its two-year mark, there has been much discussion about whether the West is at risk of so-called war fatigue when it comes to its support for Kyiv. In early December, Republicans in the US Senate voted unanimously to block an emergency spending bill to provide $110.5 billion in funds for Ukraine, Israel and other security needs. The senators are pushing for improved US border security commitments in the package. Earlier in the year, Republicans in the House of Representatives also held up Ukraine aid spending. Delays in new commitments have also been seen in the EU, with Mr Orban blocking 50 billion in EU aid for Ukraine earlier in the month. During talks on Dec 15, Mr Orban tweeted: Summary of the nightshift: veto for the extra money to Ukraine. The other 26 national leaders in the EU supported passing the aid package. On the lack of a 2024 Ukraine aid announcement, a Ministry of Defence source said: The government is aware of the importance of maintaining military support for Ukraine and we are committed to standing with Ukraine and the Ukrainian people for the long term. British military support has been crucial in helping Ukrainians defend their homeland and that will continue when the 2024 military aid budget is announced in due time. 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. Pyongyang aims to seek disarmament talks after US presidential election: experts By Jung Min-ho North Korea appears to have started operating a new light-water reactor at its main nuclear facility in Yongbyon in a move obviously aimed at expanding its capacity to produce fuel for nuclear bombs. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, a global nuclear watchdog, there have been increased levels of activity at and near the reactor such as a strong discharge of warm water in what appears to be the regimes latest violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions. Speaking to The Korea Times on Sunday, analysts said establishing another such reactor was likely part of North Koreas stated plan to exponentially increase the number of its nuclear warheads. They also said Pyongyang is expected to focus on that task for at least a year until it feels it has accumulated enough of them for a potential disarmament negotiation with a possibly new U.S. president after its election in November. After a fruitless Hanoi summit with the United States, North Korea seems to have changed its policy goal to seek a nuclear disarmament deal. That means the more nuclear warheads it has, the more bargaining power it gets, ahead of its possible negotiation with the U.S., said Cho Han-bum, a researcher at the Korea Institute for National Unification (KINU), a state-funded think tank. So it is reasonable to think that it will likely stick to that plan and try to use its full capacity to produce as many as possible. Buried in low-lying hills about 100 kilometers north of Pyongyang, Yongbyon is home to the Norths five-megawatt nuclear reactor designed to extract plutonium a key ingredient for atomic bombs. The construction of its second reactor began more than a decade ago. It is known to have a bigger capacity than the first, meaning that it could expedite the speed of producing more such weapons. North Korea is thought to have already amassed dozens of nuclear warheads. Two scholars at the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses, a state-funded think tank, said the regime has so far built 80 to 90 nuclear warheads in their joint analysis published in January. That number could double within several years, according to Kim Jin-ha, another researcher at the KINU. The worst-case scenario could unfold for South Korea if the U.S. decides to reach a nuclear disarmament negotiation with North Korea under a new president, the analyst said. That means North Korea would be able to keep some of its nuclear weapons with a de facto U.S. recognition while the South has no such weapons. Meanwhile, North Korea has also been stepping up efforts to develop the delivery means of its nuclear weapons, with the apparent aim of undermining Washington's security protection guarantees to South Korea. Just a week ago, Pyongyang launched a solid-fuel Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missile its most advanced weapon built to threaten the U.S. homeland with nuclear attack. In a message sent on Saturday (local time) to Yonhap, a South Korean news agency, the U.S. Mission to the U.N. in Vienna expressed concerns over the operation signs of the new North Korean reactor. Asked about the possibility of North Korea conducting its first nuclear weapons test since 2017, analysts said the likelihood isnt high, given that it has little technical need for another test. But they said the possibility should not be ruled out. If North Korea decides to conduct another test, it will likely do so in the coming weeks as it will mark the 40th birthday of its leader Kim Jong-un in January. If the past is any guide, U.S. elections were not a significant factor for North Korea to determine its six previous test dates, Cheong Seong-chang, an analyst at the Sejong Institute, a think tank, said. Yurii Ihnat, spokesman for Ukraine's Air Force, has reported that the Russians had reduced the number of air strikes after losing three of their Su-34 strike fighters in Ukraines south. Source: Ihnat during national joint 24/7 newscast Quote from Ihnat: "The enemy is now trying to do as much reconnaissance as possible to gather information in the southern areas where the Russian fighters had been shot down. They are obviously trying to identify the assets that sent those warplanes on their 'eternal flight' [i.e. destroyed], as they say. The enemy is engaging much fewer aerial weapons, especially guided bomb units, particularly on the Kherson front." Details: Ihnat stated that such cases of the downing of Russian aircraft could be repeated. Quote from Ihnat: "The enemy realises that our systems, including the long-range ones provided by our partners, can be deployed to other areas, not just where the Russian Su-34s were downed. We can undertake such operations on different fronts; the issue is getting more of these systems. We are looking forward to the assistance that has already been announced, including the supply of additional Patriot, Iris-T systems, etc." Background: On 22 December, Ukrainian defenders shot down three Russian Su-34 fighter-bombers on the southern front. Support UP or become our patron! Russian forces attacked eight communities along the Sumy Oblast border on Dec. 23, firing 20 times over the course of the day, the Sumy Oblast military administration reported. The communities of Yunakivka, Krasnopillia, Bilopillia, Shalyhyne, Znob-Novhorodske, Novoslobidske, Velyka Pysarivka, and Khotin came under fire. The Russian military targeted different communities with mortar, artillery, drone, and rocket attacks, while also dropping 24 mines onto a settlement. The administration recorded 94 explosions throughout the day. The village of Novoslobidske experienced the most intense attacks with 22 explosions recorded in the area. The community is located just 20 kilometers west of the Ukraine-Russia border. Shelling is a daily occurrence for the communities near Ukraine's northeastern border with Russia. Residents in the region's vulnerable border settlements experience multiple attacks per day. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Netherlands to prepare 18 F-16s for delivery to Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russian attacks in Kherson Oblast killed four civilians and injured nine others over the past day, Governor Oleksandr Prokudin said on Dec. 24. The region was attacked 88 times over the past day, with targets including medical facilities, residential areas, and educational institutions. One of those injured is a child, Prokudin said. Prokudin had reported on Dec. 23 that a Russian drone attack killed a 69-year-old in the village of Stanislav. Early on Dec. 24, he said that a couple in their 80s had been killed after a Russian artillery shell hit a residential building. The body of a dead man was discovered in central Kherson after rubble was cleared, whose identity is being established, Prokudin said. An attack on the evening of Dec. 23 caused fires to break out in Kherson, which Prokudin said was due to a gas line being hit. Russia regularly attacks Kherson from the east of the Dnipro, after Ukrainian forces liberated the city in November 2022. Read also: Under deadly attacks, Kherson fights to keep life going 1 year after liberation Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Igor Strelkov (Girkin), a Russian terrorist and former FSB officer, was nominated by an initiative group to run for president of Russia, but the notary meant to certify the procedures did not show up. Source: Meduza with reference to the Ostorozhno, novosti Telegram channel Details: According to the channel, 556 people spoke in favour of Strelkov's nomination (with the necessary minimum being 500 signatures). At the same time, protocols in support of Strelkov were signed without a notary to certify the signatures. Quote: "Well do everything tomorrow, today it didnt work out with the notary, but tomorrow we will notarise it. Today, unfortunately, we couldnt," said Strelkov's wife Miroslava Reginskaya. Four notaries with whom the initiative group had an agreement to issue signatures declined to take part in the meeting, the organisers of Strelkov's campaign headquarters said, as reported by the SOTAvision project. Representatives of the initiative group also offered to send the missing documents via Telegram. The Ostorozhno, novosti Telegram channel notes that representatives of the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation "did not show their presence [at the meeting] in any way it is unlikely that they will be able to accept such documents". Background: Igor Strelkov (Girkin) has been detained since July for public calls to extremism. The formal reason for the case was two posts in Strelkov's Telegram channel regarding occupied Crimea and payments to servicemen deployed on the Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine. On 14 December, the Moscow City Court began its consideration of the Strelkov case. In mid-November, Strelkov asked his associates to start a campaign to nominate him as a presidential candidate. In early December, Girkin said he is afraid of repeating the fate of Yevgeny Prigozhin, the former leader of the Wagner Group, who was supposedly killed in a plane crash. Support UP or become our patron! As the Czech Republic grieves for those killed in its worst-ever mass shooting, the country is desperately searching for answers over the gunmans motive for such a horrific act. Armed with as many as seven weapons, history student David Kozak, 24, opened fire on his peers and classmates at Charles University in central Prague on 21 December, killing at least 14 and injuring dozens of others. With no links to extremist ideology or terror organisations, it appears that a deep and morbid fascination with previous school shootings had been the lone gunmans inspiration. History student David Kozak, 24, opened fire on his peers and classmates at Charles University in central Prague on 21 December, killing at least 14 and injuring dozens of others (Czech Police) Authorities are probing a series of violent, Russian-language messages allegedly posted on Kozaks Telegram, including one that indicates inspiration for the attack may have been drawn from two previous mass shootings in Russia one occurring this month at a school in Bryansk near the Ukraine border, and the second in 2021 in Kazan, the capital of the Russian region of Tatarstan. I was very inspired by Alina very much, a message shared on 10 December said, just three days after a 14-year-old Russian schoolgirl, Alina Afanaskina, opened fire on her classmates. Afanaskina entered her secondary school in the Bryansk region armed with her fathers shotgun and a knife hidden in her clothes on 7 December. After entering a biology classroom, she opened fire, killing one of her fellow students and injuring another four, before then killing herself. Investigators work at the scene of a shooting by Alina Afanaskina in a classroom of a school in Bryansk, Russia, in December (Russian Investigative Committee) It has been reported in Russian media that her twin sister was in the classroom at the time, and that Alina had been bullied and struggled with her classmates. Afanaskinas actions seemed to have captured Kozaks imagination to the extent that he described them as his last straw. He allegedly wrote on Telegram: I always wanted to kill, I thought I would become a maniac in the future. Then, when Ilnaz did the shooting, I realized that it was much more profitable to do mass rather than serial murders. I sat.. Waited.. Dreamed.. Wanted.. But Alina became the last straw. It was as if she had come to my aid from heaven just in time. Also referenced in this social media post is Ilnaz Galyaviev, a 19-year-old shooter who entered his former school in Tatarstan, in the western part of Russia, in May 2021, killing nine people and injuring another 23. Ambulances and police cars and a truck are parked at a school after a shooting by Ilnaz Galyaviev in Kazan, Russia, in May 2021 (Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) In a chilling post hours before he carried out the fatal attack, Galyaviev posted a photo on Telegram of himself in a facemask with the word God in Russian written on it, with the caption: Today I will kill a huge amount of biowaste and shoot myself. Upon arriving, he shot a security guard who managed to raise the panic alarm, before marching through the corridors killing two teachers and seven students. After failing to open locked doors, he set off an improvised explosive device before eventually running out of ammunition and he was arrested. He has since been sentenced to life imprisonment in a special regime colony after pleading guilty to the murder of two or more persons. Mourners lay tributes at Prague university after at least 14 killed in mass shooting (PA) One of Kozaks alleged final Telegram messages read: Let me introduce myself. Im David. I want to commit a school shooting and maybe suicide. His motives for this weeks attack are not yet known, but police were reportedly already searching for him at the time of the incident. Kozaks murder campaign is now thought to have started last week, after a 32-year-old father and his baby daughter were found dead in the national park forest of Klanovicky, 15 miles from Prague. With little CCTV and clues available, Kozak had appeared on the list of suspects but had not yet been interviewed by the police. We lacked only a few days to prevent the tragic event [in Prague], said Ales Strach, the head of the Prague homicide department. People, one wrapped in a thermal blanket, walk near the building of Philosophical Faculty of Charles University in downtown Prague, Czech Republic, on Thursday (AP) At 12.26pm on Thursday, police received information that Kozak was suicidal and was not answering his phone, before his fathers body was found in Hostoun. After realising he was due to deliver a lecture at 2pm at a site near the Old Town Square, officers announced a national search and evacuated the building. However, Kozak travelled to the Faculty of Arts in Jan Palach Square where he opened fire on students and teachers, with several forced to hide on window ledges and barricade themselves in classrooms. After realising he was surrounded by armed police, he inflicted devastating injuries upon himself and was pronounced dead. A national day of mourning has been announced while schools and institutions across Prague have ramped up security, in the wake of hate comments being published online. The National Police of Ukraine has reported that the Russians attacked Ukrainian civilians when they were queuing up for bread in Chernihiv Oblast. Source: National Police Details: The Russian army attacked civilians with a drone on 23 December as bread was being distributed in one of the border villages in the Novhorod-Siverskyi district. At that time, civilians were collecting bread in the centre of the village, and the occupiers attacked them with a drone. Reports indicate that people were not injured. The shrapnel hit a car carrying the bread. The police are urging people to evacuate to safer districts farther inland. Investigators have opened a case under the article "Violation of laws and crimes of war". Support UP or become our patron! Russian troops struck the frontline settlements of Ocheretyne and New-York (Donetsk Oblast) on 24 December, injuring three civilians. Source: Donetsk Oblast Prosecutor's Office on Facebook 24 , AFTERMATH OF A RUSSIAN ATTACK ON DONETSK OBLAST ON DECEMBER 24. PHOTO: PROSECUTORS OFFICE Quote: "Today, on 24 December 2023, the Russian army targeted villages with no military infrastructure. According to preliminary data, the invaders used guided bombs against civilians. During the airstrike on a residential area of the town of Ocheretyne, Pokrovsk district, a 62-year-old man who was driving a car along one of the streets received a hip wound and a mine-explosive injury. Two more civilians suffered bodily injuries as a result of the enemy attack on the towns of New-York and Toretsk. The victims are a 68-year-old man and his 64-year-old wife, who were out in front of their house when a projectile hit near them. The couple were able to reach the neighbours, who called an ambulance to the scene. The victims received shrapnel wounds." Details: The prosecutors office added that the explosions also damaged and destroyed residential buildings, fences and outbuildings. Support UP or become our patron! A total of 81 combat engagements were recorded on the Ukrainian frontlines on Dec. 23, with Russians launching the majority of attacks 40 assaults launched specifically at the Avdiivka direction, the General Staff reported in a daily combat summary on Dec. 24. Other reported combat engagements: On the Kupyansk direction, Ukrainian defenders repelled 17 enemy attacks near Synkivka in Kharkiv Oblast, where the enemy unsuccessfully tried to breach the defense of the Ukrainian army. On the Lyman direction, the invaders did not conduct offensive assault actions. On the Bakhmut direction, Ukrainian soldiers repelled 11 enemy attacks near the settlements of Bohdanivka, Ivanivske, Klyshchiivka, and Andriivka in Donetsk Oblast. Read also: Video compilation of Russian fiasco at Avdiyivkas meat grinder On the Avdiivka direction, Ukrainian defenders continue to hold back the enemy, which continues attempts to encircle Avdiivka. Defense forces repelled 25 enemy attacks east of Novobakhmutivka, Stepove, Avdiivka, as well as 15 attacks near Severne, Pervomaiske, and Nevelske in Donetsk Oblast. On the Mariupol direction, Defense forces continue to restrain the enemy in the areas of Maryinka and Novomykhailivka in Donetsk Oblast, where Ukrainian defenders repelled four attacks. On the Shakhtarsk direction, the invaders did not conduct offensive assault actions. On the Zaporizhzhya direction, the Armed Forces repelled all enemy attacks in the areas of Robotyne and northwest of Verbone in Zaporizhzhya Oblast. On the Kherson direction, Ukrainian soldiers continue operations to expand their bridgehead over the Dnipro River. Russian forces are taking significant losses in their attempts to unseat Ukrainian positions, but have not been successful. In total, Ukrainian forces saw off 17 Russian assault attempts. Ukrainian forces continue active operations to inflict losses on the occupying forces in personnel and equipment, exhausting the enemy along the entire front line, noted the General Staff. Read also: Ukraine Air Force comments of destruction of 3 Russian Su-34 fighters, gives their approximate cost At the same time, Russian forces continue to shell civilian objects with artillery, MLRS, and aviation. Over the past day, the enemy launched 11 missile strikes and 34 airstrikes, carrying out 62 artillery shelling on the positions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and populated areas. During the day, Ukrainian aviation struck 18 areas of concentration of personnel, weaponry, and military equipment of Russians, as well as five anti-aircraft missile systems. Additionally, air defense destroyed two enemy reconnaissance UAVs. Units of the missile forces of the Ukrainian military hit six areas of concentration of enemy personnel, weaponry, and military equipment, two artillery units, three ammunition depots, and a Russian command post. 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 Editors note: At 12:30 a.m. on Dec. 24, Sacramento Police Department reported that the missing teen was found safe. (FOX40.COM) Sacramento Police are seeking the publics help in finding 14-year-old Terrelle Stewart, who is deemed at-risk due to his age. Stewart is described as a male with black hair and brown eyes. He is also listed at 5 feet and 3 inches with a thin build. He was last seen wearing a white jacket over a brown or green shirt, and blue pants ripped above the knee. Police added that he is known to frequent the area around Rosa Parks Park. Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Sacramento Police Department at 916-808-5471. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40. Police say they have located an at-risk south Sacramento teen who went missing Saturday. The 14-year-old was considered at risk due to his age, police said in a news release about 7 p.m.; by 1 a.m. Sunday, police said the boy was found and considered safe. Actor Lee Sun-kyun of the Oscar-winning "Parasite" returned home early Sunday morning after 19 hours of police questioning over his alleged drug use. "I feel like it is a bit too late, but I've finished the questioning by the police about the blackmail case," the actor said, emerging from the office. "I hope the police wisely determine which statements are more reliable between mine and the blackmailers.'" On the drug use suspicions, the 48-year-old actor reiterated his previous comments that he "honestly" answered related questions, without elaborating. Lee arrived at an office of the Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency in Incheon, about 30 kilometers west of Seoul, on Saturday morning with his lawyer. A police investigation cannot take place from 9 p.m. till 6 a.m. to safeguard human rights, but the police said they received consent from the actor for an overnight investigation. Lee is suspected of using marijuana and other illegal drugs at the home of a hostess working at a high-end bar in Seoul's Gangnam district on multiple occasions since early this year. He was previously questioned twice, on Oct. 28 and Nov. 4, on the same case. The overnight questioning of Lee will be the last, the police said. In October, Lee filed a complaint against two people, including the hostess, for blackmailing him after news reports surfaced about his alleged drug use. The hostess was arrested last month, and the police are said to have sought an arrest warrant for the other person. The actor claimed he was tricked by the hostess into taking the drugs, and that he did not know what he was taking. Lee tested negative in both the brief reagent test conducted during police investigations and the elaborate drug test by the National Forensic Service last month. (Yonhap) The Sacramento County Sheriffs Office says it was located an elderly man who went missing Saturday from his home in North Highlands. In a Sunday evening update, the Sheriffs Office said the man was located safe and sound. No other information was provided. Some Pittsburghers spent part of their Christmas Eve helping the Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Division prepare and deliver meals for those in need in Allegheny County. These volunteers helped package and deliver more than 1,000 warm holiday meals to isolated older adults throughout Allegheny County and people at the Salvation Armys emergency shelter for families experiencing homelessness. The Salvation Army says this delivery to vulnerable community members isnt possible without the help of volunteers and corporate partners. Other Salvation Army service centers across Pennsylvania also distributed food and held community meals throughout the holiday season. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: 2 teens killed in single-vehicle crash near North Park, police say 11 Investigates Exclusive: More than 100 police officers leave Pittsburgh force 2 relatives dead in Green Tree murder-suicide VIDEO:2 teens killed in single-vehicle crash near North Park, police say DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts In the days leading up to Christmas Eve, when he will take his yearly flight around the world, Santa Claus met with Channel 11 at the PPG Place ice rink to share a little bit about himself and his love for Pittsburgh. Santa said he has been coming down to the city before his big night because he likes to try to build Christmas spirit. Its just wonderful. I get a great feeling here and so for the past, oh Id say about 11 years or so, Ive been coming down here before Christmas, Santa said. The big red man said he has been on the job for hundreds of years. While he now flies around the world with magical reindeer he says his beginnings were much humbler. I started out with just a horse and a sleigh, said Santa. Ive just kind of put it together as Ive gone. 1752 years really kind of gets you in the mood, Santa said. Since his days with the horse, Santa has come a long way. He says he now runs everything on magic and Pittsburgh is a place where he can find a lot of it, making it one of his favorite stops in the world. Everything operates on magic and Christmas spirit is very important. Kindness is a big part of Christmas spirit so usually when I get into Pittsburgh on Christmas Eve, I am flying high, said Santa. With all of the nice features Santa appreciates about the city, there are unfortunately also some people in the city who are on the naughty list. When Channel 11 asked him who was on it he gave a hearty chuckle and decided not to share where he would be delivering coal. Ho ho ho, well I dont discuss the naughty list, Santa said. I think the thing about Pittsburgh is that everybody wants to do their best. I think everybody has a good heart. Santa says he is very excited to visit the children in Pittsburgh. He said they are some of his favorite in the world because of their authentic excitement, love and kindness but says if they want him to stop by they will need to be in bed when he gets there. Bedtimes are very important to my operation, Santa said. Im not saying go right to sleep. You might want to listen for, maybe a little jingle bell, maybe some paws on the roof -you could do that - but go to bed. Just close your eyes because I do not come if you are not in bed with your eyes closed and if I think you might get out of bed the gig is up. Santa says if you go to bed and you have been nice this year he might have something special on his sleigh for you and your family. Theres a lot of Black and Yellow that gets in my bag when I come down to Pittsburgh, Santa said. Santa will be taking off Sunday night so be sure to have stockings and cookies prepared for his arrival. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: 2 teens killed in single-vehicle crash near North Park, police say Police trying to find Pittsburgh man accused of stabbing woman in Carnegie 2 relatives dead in Green Tree murder-suicide VIDEO: Exclusive: Jim Rogers was wanted by police before tasing, family declined certain medical treatments DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts Courts in the UK and Pakistan are involved in a complex legal tussle to decide what should happen to the siblings of Sara Sharif. Sara, 10, was found dead at her home in Woking, Surrey, in August. Her father, stepmother and uncle deny her murder. The overlapping cases will decide where the siblings should ultimately live, after they were taken to Pakistan. They can now be reported after restrictions were lifted following an application by media organisations. Since Sara Sharif was found dead there have been a series of hearings in the Family Division of the High Court in London. In those hearings Sara's siblings were made wards of court, and the court ordered that they should be returned to the UK. That led to Surrey County Council making an application to the High Court in Lahore in Pakistan to secure the children's return to Britain. The court processes in Pakistan and London are ongoing, and at the moment the children remain in Pakistan. There had been a restriction on reporting that there is a legal process ongoing in London, but that has now been lifted following an application by the BBC, journalists Louise Tickle and Hannah Summers, and PA Media. Childcare home Sara Sharif's father Urfan Sharif, her stepmother Beinash Batool and her uncle Faisal Malik all left the UK for Pakistan with her five siblings the day before she was found dead on 10 August. The location of the three adults and five children was a mystery for five weeks. Then Pakistan police raided the house of the children's grandfather, Muhammad Sharif, and found the children. Muhammad Sharif told the BBC they had been staying there since the day they arrived in the country, looked after by their family. A day after their discovery, a court ordered that the children be sent to live in a childcare home in Pakistan. Their grandfather began fighting to gain full custody of the children through Pakistan's courts. The three adults who were not with the children flew back to the UK several days later and were arrested. They were charged with murder and causing or allowing the death of a child. All three have pleaded not guilty. Interim custody On 19 October, Surrey Country Council asked the High Court in Lahore to allow them to bring the children, aged between one and 13, back to Surrey. The court room in Lahore was packed with standing room only as multiple cases including criminal charges were heard. The judge requested that all five children attend the case. They were initially kept in a back room until their case was heard. After speaking to all parties in his chamber, the judge gave interim custody to the grandfather of the children. The case has been heard several times in Pakistan since October and for now the children remain with Muhammad Sharif. The case to decide their permanent custody is still pending. Shawn Bartelt, president of the Sarasota County League of Women Voters, cautions voters not to skip the Aug. 20 primary because some nonpartisan local races including the Sarasota County School Board will be decided then. The Sarasota County League of Women Voters promises a robust election-year calendar, with a range of in-person events and candidate forums in 2024. "We're doing a lot more in-person events rather than Zoom events," League President Shawn Bartelt said. "We're planning to have even more events educating voters about what's happening in our communities." While the schedule is still being finalized, Bartelt said plans already include informational forums on topics of interest in the region. "It's about the local elections going into 2024," she said. "Just making sure voters are aware that they know everything about the candidates who are running, and what their positions are on different things, so that they can cast an educated vote." Several events are already on the books. At 6 p.m. Jan. 24 at Gulf Gate Library, Lourdes Ramirez, who is fighting to keep large hotels from being built on Siesta Key, will speak about challenging local government and how citizens can prepare to protect their neighborhoods. Other events on the League calendar include: Feb. 21, 5-6 p.m. online. A discussion of the national popular vote movement with Daniel Leshansky of Floridians for National Popular Vote. The National Popular Vote bill would guarantee the presidency to the candidate who receives the most popular votes in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The ZOOM registration link: us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYlduysrz4rGdfvSLXkavz8xkEHEfkf7eb7 Feb. 28, 1:30 p.m. at Shannon Staub North Port Library: Access to Voting for people who are homeless and/or disabled. Candidate forums will be announced later this year, after filing deadlines. The League is also reminding citizens who wish to vote by mail in 2024 they must submit a request to their Supervisor of Elections office for a mail-in ballot. Voters now must submit a request every two-year election cycle. The first opportunity to vote in 2024 will be the presidential preference primary on March 19, open to voters registered as party members. The voter registration deadline for the presidential preference primary is Feb. 20. Early voting begins Saturday, March 9. Florida is in the ninth block of presidential primaries, behind a slate that includes 15 states on March 5. The state and local primary election is set for Tuesday, Aug. 20. The deadline to register is Monday, July 22. The general election, where voters will select the next president as well as cast ballots in host of local and state races, is Tuesday, Nov. 5. The deadline for registering to vote in the general election is Monday, Oct. 7. The League is cautioning voters not to skip the Aug. 20 primary because some nonpartisan local races including the Sarasota County School Board will be decided then. In a nonpartisan race, all registered voters, even those not affiliated as Republican or Democrat, can cast their vote either in person or by mail. According to figures provided by the county Supervisor of Elections office, 26% of all registered voters in Sarasota County lists themselves as "other." "I think a lot of voters feel you'll have the opportunity again to vote in the November election for the final two candidates," said Bartelt. "What they don't realize is that the August primary is the final election for the Sarasota County School Board. It would only go to November if there's a runoff because there's multiple candidates." By the numbers March 19, 2024 Presidential Preference Primary Election (Voter registration deadline: Feb. 20. Deadline to request a vote-by-ballot be mailed: 7 p.m. on March 7.) Aug. 20, 2024 Primary Election (Registration deadline: July 22) Nov. 5, 2024 General Election (Registration deadline: Oct. 7) Vote by Mail Vote-by-mail ballot requests are valid for all elections through the end of the calendar year of the next regularly scheduled general election. Vote-by-mail requests made before Nov. 8, 2022, have expired. For more information. visit the Supervisor of Elections office website at sarasotavotes.gov or the League of Women Voters at lwvsrq.org. Jim DeLa is a reporter for the Community News Collaborative. Reach him at jdela@cncfl.org. This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Sarasota County League of Women Voters plans extensive info campaign After working for ten years in law enforcement as a sheriffs deputy, Josette Ortega took a big risk. The single mother of two boys, ready for a change and the opportunity to be more present for her children, went back to school and studied education. Going back to school with the young kids, Ortega said, it was difficult. But she persisted and is grateful she did. Like her mother and two younger sisters, she began teaching. Ortega taught elementary school in New Bedford, Massachusetts, where she grew up, and she has never looked back. I absolutely love it, she said. It was my gift to teach. Now a veteran educator of almost 20 years, the 2024 Sarasota County Schools Innovation Teacher of the Year has taught all levels of elementary school, first in New Bedford and then in Orange County, Florida, where she has family. Three years ago, drawn to Sarasota to be closer to her first grandchild, she found a job at Dreamers Academy. Dreamers Academy is a dual-language K 5 Spanish immersion public charter school. Its model is, by its very nature, innovative, with students learning across subjects in both English and Spanish. Students will study math using English terms one day and the next day will use Spanish. For Ortega, the school has been a wonderful fit. She loves celebrating Hispanic culture and is proud to be a Latina teacher, modeling the profession to her Hispanic students, reflecting their experiences at the front of the classroom, and showing a pathway they can pursue. She also thrives on the unique challenge of teaching concepts in two languages. She loves seeing how quickly her students learn a new language and the new worlds it opens as they do. But even before starting at Dreamers Academy, Ortega, instinctually, was an innovative teacher. However, for her, innovation isnt just about using the latest technology or the newest strategies. Ortega believes innovative teaching is about being flexible, being able to pivot, and especially being in tune with her students and their unique experiences. As Ortega said, Its really making the connection with the student. You have to look at all the outer layers of a student. What is their home life? What is happening with them? Why are they tired? She gets to know her students well and then adapts to best meet their needs. I roll with the flow, Ortega said. What worked yesterday might not work today So I get creative. And she has fun. Her classroom, decorated with a nautical theme, a nod to her time in New Bedford, is always full of life. As Ortega said, Im very dramatic. Everything I do is with songs, very theatrical. At the heart of her work is always an effort to reach her students and best meet their unique needs. While she was teaching in Orlando, it was this approach that earned her the nickname child whisperer. A student on the verge of expulsion was placed into Ortegas class, and she was told it was his last stop. Josette Ortega, Sarasota County's Innovation Teacher of the Year. Believing in the potential of all her students, she set to work finding ways to engage him. Ortega would come prepared with extra copies of worksheets when he began to tear them up in class. She would feed him more math work when she realized how he was drawn to it, and he became more invested. In this way, she built him up. She kept open lines of communication with the boys parents. She became a second mom. While the boy had to repeat the grade, he wasnt expelled, and today he is in seventh grade, thriving. Of this experience, at the urging of her mentor and cousin Dr. Bernadette Towns, a professor at Bakersfield College, Ortega has written a book called You Got This. It is meant to serve as a manual for teachers, with strategies for educators to reach kids, especially those experiencing unique challenges, and keep them engaged. In addition to writing, Ortega has collaborated with Dr. Towns to bring a systematic approach to instruction at Dreamers Academyto help highly effective teachers articulate their craft, what to them is so natural they dont always realize they are doing something special. For Ortega, though she came to it later, after witnessing firsthand for ten years what happens when young people miss out on an education and the opportunities to build caring relationships with trusting adults, teaching has always felt natural. Im a magnet for kids, she said. It is her innate desire to advocate for them, to value and encourage them, that keeps her learning and adapting and trying innovative approaches. As she said, I come here every day to change lives. About the Education Foundation of Sarasota County The Education Foundation sponsors the Ignite Education Teacher of the Year Award Celebration in partnership with Sarasota County Schools. For 35 years, the Education Foundation of Sarasota County (EdFoundationSRQ.org) has supported students and teachers because education transforms lives. As a champion for life readiness, the Education Foundation provides personalized, comprehensive resources and relationships so that students can find their purpose and progress intentionally through their K 12 schooling. Its mission is to enhance the potential of students, promote excellence in teaching, and inspire innovation in education, guided by strategic philanthropy. This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Sarasota Teacher of the Year: An innovative 'child whisperer' The giant lacewing, long thought to be extinct in eastern North America, was recently confirmed rediscovered years after one was found outside a Walmart in Fayetteville, Arkansas, in 2012, The New York Times reported. The paper called the Jurassic Era creature a dragonfly-like predator and noted it took eight years for the collector to realize what it was. Michael Skvarla, head of the Insect Identification Laboratory at Penn State University, pulled out the specimen during a Zoom class early in the COVID-19 pandemic. He and the students quickly realized it was not an antlion. It didnt have clubbed antennae like it should, Skvarla told the Times. It didnt have lots of cross-veins in the wing like it should. So the immediate question was: What is this thing? It marked the first time the insect had been found in Arkansas and the first time it was documented in eastern North America since the 1950s, according to a 2022 study. Skvarla and co-author J. Ray Fisher speculated that the insect could have disappeared with growing light pollution, too little fire smoke (which historical records suggest they like) and the introduction of non-native predators to the region, the Times reported. Fisher and others, in return trips to the Walmart and a surrounding forest, have not found more giant lacewings, according to the Times. But the disappearing act is not new. Skvarla said giant lacewings arent spotted for years or sometimes decades in their western U.S. habitat. One was identified in Chile in 1924, 65 years after the only other known example of that type was collected, the Times stated. Its a familiar story. In New Zealand, the takahe was thought to be extinct for 50 years before it was rediscovered in 1948. There are now about 500 of the colorful birds. Another fantastical creature, Attenboroughs long-beaked echidna, was recently observed for the first time in more than 60 years. The fortuitous sighting of the egg-laying, hedgehog-like mammal with the snout of an anteater happened in Indonesia. In Australia, there is an effort to find more Victorian grassland earless dragons after the lizard was glimpsed for the first time in more than 50 years. As for the giant lacewing? This discovery suggests there may be relictual populations of this large, charismatic insect yet to be discovered, Skvarla and Fisher wrote. Join our free newsletter for cool news and cool tips that make it easy to help yourself while helping the planet. The Coast Guard is continuing its search for a man who went missing while kayaking near the St. Augustine Inlet in Florida. Family and friends on social media have identified the man as Eiffel Gilyana. Gilyana was kayaking with two other people when they lost sight of him around 10 a.m. Dec. 23, according to a Facebook post from the Jax Fire Dragons boat team. They found his kayak broken in half but could not find him. Eiffel Gilyanas kayak is seen floating upside down after he went missing. Gilyana worked with the U.S. military in Iraq from 2003 to 2009, according to Action News JAX. Cutter Tarpon boat crews searched for Gilyana throughout the night and U.S. Coast Guard crews and partner agencies continued searching the morning of Dec. 24, according to a Facebook post by the Coast Guard. Gilyana was last seen wearing black pants with no life jacket or shirt, according to the Coast Guard. Anyone with information is asked to call U.S. Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville at 904-714-7561. The St. Augustine Inlet is about 40 miles southeast of Jacksonville. Beloved baseball player found dead after kayak capsizes while duck hunting, AL cops say 21-year-old kayaker missing during massive snowfall after capsizing in Colorado lake 24-year-old duck hunter drowns trying to get bird from lake, Oklahoma officials say As a retiree living alone in Mesa, Carl Clement, 66, starts to worry when his bills pile up. He does the best he can, he said. But he needed extra support to make the first Thanksgiving dinner hosted at his home special. Without the holiday food box he received from United Food Bank, Clement said he would not have been able to create the meal that brought his family together. "It's almost like it brought me to tears," Clement said. "I feel grateful for the people that donate this stuff. And then just having family and friends there that are grateful for everything provided as well." United Food Bank works year-round to ensure people have nutritious food. The organization received support from The Arizona Republic's 2022-23 Season for Sharing campaign to feed thousands of food-insecure children. The Mesa nonprofit received $10,000 toward its KIDS L.I.F.E. program. Readers of The Arizona Republic raised more than $1.6 million for 158 Arizona nonprofits during the 2022-23 Season for Sharing campaign. Several of these nonprofits are helping nourish Arizonans during the holiday season and beyond, including: AZCEND received $10,000 to provide 10,000 food boxes to hungry children, adults and families in Chandler. Flagstaff Family Food Center received $7,500 to support the distribution of 8 million pounds of food in rural communities across northern Arizona. Tempe Community Action Agency received $10,000 to reduce food insecurity among 750 vulnerable older adults by providing 70,000 nutritious meals at senior centers and delivering them to homes. Midwest Food Bank in Gilbert received $7,500 to give more than 12,500 food packs to low-income students experiencing food insecurity. Valley View Community Food Bank With both arthritis and high blood pressure, it's difficult for Irene Infante to hold a job. Infante said her condition worsened when her oldest son, 31, died two years ago. She takes three different heart medications, she said. Infante's disability checks help cover her bills and care for her children at home. But before a friend recommended the Valley View Food Bank's monthly food box program, managing expenses was a day-to-day struggle, Infante said. "If I did have to pay a bill, I'd have to pull it from their food," Infante said. The Sun City food bank received $10,000 to help people like Infante be supplied with food every month. Valley View also hosts a Christmas toy drive to "not only feed people but give them a good holiday," said Amy Tekulve, the food bank's marketing director. The holidays have not been the same for Infante's family since her son died, she said. But Valley View's toy drive has helped keep the Christmas spirit alive for her 13-year-old twins, she said. Volunteers at Valley View Community Food Bank help to assemble food boxes for families on Dec. 18, 2023, in Sun City. Kitchen on the Street Sabrina Valdez and her four children lived in a shelter for several months this year after escaping domestic violence. The nonprofit Kitchen on the Street helped them move into their own place more quickly, she said. Thanks to the partnership between Washington Elementary School District and Kitchen on the Street, three of Valdez's kids came home from school with snacks and fresh food for the weekend. Although Valdez was able to keep her employment as a social worker, she does not have a car. That means she did not have an easy way to pick up food assistance boxes, she said. "I would have stayed in the situation (shelter) much longer than I needed to be because I would have spent my resources trying to feed us," Valdez said. "They allowed me to save and save more." Kitchen on the Street received $7,500 from Season for Sharing to provide more than 15,000 meals to children dealing with food insecurity. Amanda Quine, a Washington Elementary School District social worker, said these meals are "monumental" in helping students and their families get by when school is not in session. "It's just one less thing that parents have to worry about," Quine said. Foundation for Senior Living Terri Cass was thriving at age 85. She lived independently, volunteered and cooked for herself. That lasted until around a year ago, she said, when she fell and broke several bones. As a result, Cass left behind the life she built in New Jersey to live with her son and daughter-in-law in Peoria. Cass said she loves spending time with her family but would have had a more difficult time adjusting to life in Arizona without the warm welcome she received from Foundation for Senior Living. She visits the foundation's Peoria Senior Center twice weekly to eat lunch in the dining hall, do crafts and play bingo with friends. "I can be joyous and kind and generous to everybody because I'm blessed," Cass said. "There's always something to do; there's always something to look forward to." Foundation for Senior Living in Phoenix received $11,250 from Season for Sharing to help provide 700 low-income seniors in Wickenburg and Peoria with hot meals. Donate to Season for Sharing Since 1993, because of readers like you, The Arizona Republic's Season for Sharing campaign has raised and given away more than $73 million to Arizona nonprofits. Please help The Republic continue supporting our neighbors in need. Where does the money go? When you give to Season for Sharing, you're contributing to nonprofits that help teachers and students, aid older Arizonans, and support struggling children and families. The Republic pays all administrative costs, so 100% of donations go back to the community. Ways to give Fill out the secure online form at sharing.azcentral.com. Text "SHARING" to 91-999 and click on the link in the text message. Go online at facebook.com/seasonforsharing and look for the featured "DONATE HERE" post. Clip the coupon on Page 4A of The Arizona Republic, fill it out and mail it to P.O. Box 29250, Phoenix, AZ 85038-9250. Scan the QR code with your smartphone camera, and click on the link to donate. Scan the QR code with your smartphone camera and click on the link to donate to Season for Sharing. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Season for Sharing: Nonprofit food banks help Arizonans all year PJ Kelly rubs the therapy dog's thick, white fur as he breezes through "Piglet Comes Home," the book he'd picked to read that day. The 8-year-old has always loved stories and enjoys finding new books at Barnes & Noble, but he had little confidence in his reading skills. His mother said he used to open a book, see all the words, and get intimidated. But on that November afternoon in the programming room at the Brownsburg Public Library, with Cooper lounging next to him on a blanket, PJ got through the pages with more confidence than he did a year ago, when he started with the Paws to Read program, his mother Shannon Gaughan-Kelly said. PJ Kelly, 8, reads to Paws and Think therapy dog Cooper and handler Sid Zachary on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023, after meeting IndyStar for an interview at Brownsburg Public Library. Paws and Think is a program where children can practice their reading in front of therapy dogs, which creates a more welcoming, less intimidating environment. The idea behind the program is simple: Children can improve their literacy, comprehension and communication skills by practicing their reading in front of the world's least judgmental listeners: dogs. Even the simple act of petting a dog while reading, like what PJ did that day, helps reduce kids' anxiety, Gaughan-Kelly said. "Ultimately, we want them to learn to read. There's a vicious cycle with a struggling reader: If they don't like it, they don't do it. If they don't do it, they don't get better," said Gaughan-Kelly, who's also a program coordinator for Paws & Think, Inc., an Indianapolis nonprofit that administers the program. Give now: Make a difference in the lives of Hoosier youth with a gift to Season for Sharing Once a reluctant reader, PJ is now more excited about reading, she said. "When I say, 'You want to go to the library and read to the dog?' he says, 'Oh yeah!' And he goes on to find a book to read," Gaughan-Kelly said. PJ said he likes reading to a dog. He also likes that Cooper is "fuzzy." PJ Kelly, 8, reads to Paws and Think therapy dog Cooper on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023, after meeting IndyStar for an interview at Brownsburg Public Library. Paws and Think is a program where children can practice their reading in front of therapy dogs, which creates a more welcoming, less intimidating environment. Paws to Read is one several programs by Paws & Think, whose mission is to make the community a better place "one wagging tail at a time," said Ashleigh Coster, the organization's executive director. And they achieve this by allowing human and canine help and heal each other through the intrinsic bond they share. The organization relies on an army of human and canine volunteers. Coster said 150 owners or handlers, along with their trained pooches, volunteer their time to "extend a helping paw" to those who could use a dog's companionship to get through a tough time in their lives and, in PJ's case, to overcome his reluctance to read. Season for Sharing: From homework to job skills, Saint Florian Center helps at-risk kids They go to schools and libraries in Indianapolis and many of the surrounding suburbs to help children become better readers. They go to hospitals and nursing homes to brighten patients' days and help them forget about their pain. They visit colleges and universities during exam seasons to help students forget about their stress. "Our volunteers are an invaluable part of our organization," Coster said. "Their dedication and commitment allow us to extend our reach into the heart of the community," Coster said. One of those volunteer therapy teams is Cooper, a 4-year-old English cream golden retriever, and his handler, Sid Zachary. PJ Kelly, 8, reads to Paws and Think therapy dog Cooper and handler Sid Zachary on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023, after meeting IndyStar for an interview at Brownsburg Public Library. Paws and Think is a program where children can practice their reading in front of therapy dogs, which creates a more welcoming, less intimidating environment. Zachary and his wife, Deb, retired six years ago. He was a home builder and she was a nurse, and they both wanted to give back to the community. So instead of traveling, Sid Zachary said they got Cooper and trained him to become a therapy dog. Sid Zachary became a registered handler with Paws and Think, and Deb Zachary is his "escort." That means when they're visiting hospitals, Deb Zachary gets permission from patients and introduces the therapy team. Gayle Hutchens founded Paws and Think in 2001 after her husband was diagnosed with a serious illness. The nurse, teacher and entrepreneur was looking for an endeavor that involved "kids, animals or healing," according to the nonprofit's website. Season for Sharing: Outreach Indiana provides haven for Indy's homeless teens, young adults The nonprofit also has a weeklong program that helps change the lives of shelter dogs and at-risk youth by pairing them together. Volunteers help high-school and middle-school students or youths at juvenile detention centers train shelter dogs, and at the end of the program, the dogs are marketed for adoption. "It's dual purpose," Coster said. "The shelter dogs are learning some of their basic commands ... Young people are building self-esteem, resiliency and leadership skill, all the great life lessons, while really, the shelter dogs are learning the same thing." PJ Kelly, 8, reads to Paws and Think therapy dog Cooper on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023, after meeting IndyStar for an interview at Brownsburg Public Library. Paws and Think is a program where children can practice their reading in front of therapy dogs, which creates a more welcoming, less intimidating environment. Hutchens died in 2011. But her creation has continued to help thousands of Hoosiers in Central Indiana, many of whom are children. "We're able to bring our therapy dogs and youth canine teams into some of the hardest challenges that an individual maybe dealing with," Coster said. "If we can just play a small part in making their day a little bit brighter, or their week or their month ... to bring a smile on someone's worst days." What is your organization's mission? "Our mission is to improve lives through the power of the human-dog connection. We believe that dogs have a unique ability to bring comfort, joy, and healing to people from all walks of life," Coster said. How many people do you serve? Since 2013, the nonprofit's youth-canine program has saved more than 375 shelter dogs and impacted the lives of 715 at-risk and incarcerated youths, according to Paws and Think's community impact report. Last year alone, the organization's programs have touched more than 65,000 lives, and its volunteers have donated more than 6,500 hours of service. What is your organizations No. 1 need? Paws and Think is a small nonprofit that relies heavily on volunteers, and it's always recruiting people to get involved. How can people get involved? Visit pawsandthink.org to apply to volunteer or to make donations. Make a difference with IndyStar: Support Season for Sharing The shared mission of IndyStars Our Children initiative and annual Season for Sharing campaign is to harness the power of journalism to make a difference in the lives of Central Indiana youth. We invite you to join us by making a financial contribution. The Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust will match donations dollar-for-dollar, up to $25,000. All charitable donations are tax-deductible. Funds raised during this years campaign will be distributed in early 2024 to organizations serving primarily Marion County youth and families. Go to indystar.com/ocdonate to give online. If you prefer to send a check, please mail to: Central Indiana Community Foundation, Attn: Our Children, 615 N. Alabama St., Suite 300, Indianapolis, IN 46204. You also can donate by texting SHARING to 80888. About Paws & Think Phone: 317-520-2729 Website: pawsandthink.org Contact IndyStar reporter Kristine Phillips at (317) 444-3026 or at kphillips@indystar.com. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Season for Sharing: Paws & Think reading program helps Indianapolis kids Jeong Myeong-seok, the leader of a controversial religious organization, the Jesus Morning Star (JMS), has lodged an appeal against a recent ruling over sexual offenses. Jeong appealed to the Daejeon District Court on Friday to reconsider the ruling handed down that day that ordered the 78-year-old to be put behind bars for 23 years for sexual assault and molestation. He was convicted of raping and sexually assaulting two female followers of foreign nationality and a Korean female follower between February 2018 and September 2021. In the previous court hearing, prosecutors demanded an imprisonment of 30 years for Jeong. The prosecution has not filed an appeal. Jeong, who refers to himself as the Messiah, or the second coming of Jesus, was released in 2018 after serving 10 years in prison for raping a number of female followers and embezzling funds from JMS. (Yonhap) FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) Christians around the world were striving on Christmas Eve to put aside the worries and fears of an unsettled, war-torn world as they prepared to celebrate the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. Before leading Sunday Mass at St. Patricks Cathedral in New York City, Cardinal Timothy Dolan reminded congregants to keep war-torn parts of the Middle East in their Christmas prayers. As we anticipate Christmas, our hearts always go to the holy land, he said, referring to parts of Israel and the Palestinian territories. The holy land is under a cloud, the holy land is suffering, the holy land is filled with violence and hatred and retribution. And this dulls and threatens to suffocate the joy of Christmas. Believers in Syria gathered in a country still suffering from the aftermath of a long civil war and suffocating economic blockade. Despite festive lights and Christmas decorations adorning houses and shopfronts in the capital Damascus, events in Gaza and ongoing battles in parts of the country have left the holiday atmosphere subdued. In Yabroud, a city north of Damascus, worshippers gathered in the St. Constantine and Helen Cathedral to enjoy Christmas carols sung by the Joy Choir from Damascus. Everyone should try, with what the Lord has given them, to spread joy in order to help end this sorrow, said Fadi Homsi, a member of the choir. Prosperous, mostly secular Europe marked the holiday in historic cathedrals and brightly lit holiday markets, with an undertone of tension spread by the war in Gaza and by one even closer to home in neighboring Ukraine. Wages that haven't yet caught up with inflation dampened the mood during the pre-holiday shopping and dining season. Sightseeing-only visits were barred at Germany's landmark cathedral in Cologne and Christmas Eve worshippers faced security checks to get into midnight Mass there Sunday as police responded to indications of a potential attack. Still, officials urged people not to shy away from holiday celebrations out of fear. Auxiliary Bishop Rolf Steinhaeuser greeted people attending services with a relaxed smile and an expression of thanks for police security efforts, a day after police descended on the cathedral and searched it with sniffer dogs. With several dozen officers on duty outside, he said it was "probably the most secure church service in all of Germany. In Austria, police said they also were stepping up security around Vienna's churches and Christmas markets, apparently responding to the same intelligence about a potential threat. They did not give further information, but the dpa news agency reported without citing a source that the threat was from an Islamic extremist group. Colognes towering cathedral, whose twin spires rise 157 meters (515 feet) high, is a major tourist destination visited by some 6 million people a year. It is home to the Shrine of the Three Kings, a gold- and silver-decorated casket said to contain the relics of the wise men described in the New Testament as paying homage to the newborn Jesus. The European Unions home affairs commissioner, Ylva Johansson, warned Dec. 5 that Europe faces a huge risk of terrorist attacks over the Christmas holidays due to fallout from the war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Johansson provided no details about any police or security information that might have led to her warning. Ukraine is preparing to officially mark Christmas as a state holiday on Dec. 25 for the first time after moving the date in line with countries in Western Europe. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed legislation in July moving the holiday to Dec. 25 from Jan. 7, when it is observed by the Russian Orthodox Church and also by one of Ukraines two competing Orthodox churches. Some Eastern Orthodox churches continue to use the ancient Julian calendar, under which Christmas falls 13 days later. A note attached to the law said its goal was to abandon Russian heritage and cited the desire of all Ukrainians to live their lives with their own traditions, holidays. The nights before Christmas are the longest of the year. However, the day has already begun to lengthen and the light has begun to prevail. The light grows stronger. Darkness will eventually lose. Evil will be defeated, Zelenskyy said in a video address Sunday. In Pakistans eastern Punjab province, Christians whose homes were destroyed or damaged by a Muslim mob in August celebrated against a background of fear in the city of Jaranwala. Christians fled their homes to escape the attackers, returning to scenes of destruction. Jaranwala resident Ratan Bhatti said Christmas wont be like it used to be. Every house used to be illuminated, decorated with stars, he said. People are still in fear and grief. Our biggest church was burnt. It is difficult to forget that day. The rampage was one of the most destructive attacks on Christians in Pakistans history and drew nationwide condemnation. The minority, who are among Pakistans poorest, face an increasingly intolerant atmosphere in the Muslim-majority nation where radical religious and sectarian groups have become more prominent. Local priest Khalid Mukhtar said people in Jaranwala had yet to emerge from their trauma. We are yet to see the traditional spirit of Christmas. We are trying to motivate people to celebrate the festival with traditional fervor." "We are determined to celebrate it, Mukhtar added. ___ Shaheen reported from Yabroud, Syria and Bhatti reported from Jaranwala, Pakistan. Associated Press writers Katie Marie Davies in London and Hannah Schoenbaum in Salt Lake City contributed to this report. Just before 4 p.m. Saturday, law officers rushed to the Paddock Mall, 3100 SW College Road, Ocala, in response to a shooting call. The mall was evacuated and law enforcement investigated. Hours later, police reported that one man had been killed in what appeared to be a targeted shooting. A woman also was shot in the leg. Here are some photos and video from the scene. This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Paddock Mall shooting: Photos and video as people evacuate and police investigate The star of Netflixs Selling Sunset Jason Oppenheim is being sued for fraud and breach of contract after coming across profoundly disturbing revelations in a $5m mansion he purchased. Advertising tycoon Philip Berardi sued Mr Oppenheim, his real estate company Oppenheim Group, and others after he discovered a series of issues with the six-bathroom, three-bedroom home he purchased, resulting in him spending $1.7m in repairs, the Daily Mail reported. The reality TV star is accused of fraud and concealment and of making intentional misrepresentations when he sold the advertising mogul the home. The Netflix series focuses on the glamorous yet competitive Los Angeles real estate market. The lawsuit accused the 46-year-old of being fully aware of the houses problems. Mr Berardi, the president and CEO of Regency Outdoor Advertising, wrote in the filings that started noticing the problems after two massive storms not long after he moved into the mansion. The suit says, according to the outlet, that water leaked from all of the bedrooms ceilings during the first storm. As the leaks were being repaired, the second storm continued to cause damage and even revealed another leakage source in the master bedroom. On top of this, there was mold under plywood decks above the master bedroom as a direct result of the defective conditions of the property. Strangely, it seemed like efforts were made to curb the water damage, based on some objects found throughout the house. Daily Mail reported that when the master bedroom ceiling was opened up, a large bowl overflowing with water was found. An approximately five-foot gutter with a cap at the end was also discovered in the ceiling of the master bedroom, which was apparently installed to capture water from the leaking defective deck situated above the master bedroom, the filing stated. The suit also mentioned blue painters tape that adhered rags under the hot water tank to collect water to conceal the leak in the tank that had been previously noted in an inspection report and made part of a request for repairs. Ultimately, the water damage led to termite infestations and severe dry-rot damage to the deck. Considering these profoundly disturbing revelations, it is evident the propertys condition at the time of purchase was not accurately disclosed, the suit claims, adding that it left Mr Berardi in severe state of distress, financial burden and uncertainty regarding the safety of this significant purchase. Defendants committed these acts and engaged in misconduct knowingly, intentionally and willfully, the filing states, accusing them of acting in reckless disregard of the probability that their actions and conduct would cause severe and mental distress. Mr Berardis attorney told the outlet: When you buy a home from someone, and especially when there are licensed and reputable brokers involved, you expect full disclosure of any major issues with the home. In fact, California law requires it. Mr Oppenheims team said in a statement to The Independent : Mr Berardi has included Mr Oppenheim as a named party to this litigation without providing one piece of evidence of wrongdoing by Mr Oppenheim. This can only be construed as a strategic effort to use negative publicity to force a settlement. The statement continued, It is amusing to note that Mr Berardi purchased the property for $5 million in February 2023, allegedly discovered $1.7 million in undisclosed damages, and then relisted the house for sale at a price of $7.5 million a few months later. While our judicial system allows anyone to file a lawsuit for any reason, it is unfortunate that some choose to do so in a manner that is disingenuous, meritless, and lacking basic factual foundations. Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) claimed Sunday that the Biden administration was sending mixed messages to Israel and criticized the administrations approach to Iranian aggression. Since the Oct. 7 attack on Israel by Hamas, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization, President Biden has been a steadfast supporter of Israel, even amid some blowback from Democratic allies. While the Biden administration has largely resisted pressure to join calls for a cease-fire as Israel continues its retaliatory ground attack in Gaza, Biden has strongly urged Israel to take caution to reduce civilian casualties and has called for increased humanitarian aid to enter Gaza. From a diplomatic standpoint, weve been sending mixed messages to Israel. You know, we talk about cease-fires. We talk about sending humanitarian aid into Gaza, Hagerty said in an interview on Fox News Sunday. These mixed messages and the fact that weve allowed Iran to enrich itself and repopulate Hamas and Hezbollah and the Houthis with the weapons that they need, have created this situation, he said, referring to Irans increased aggression in the region. On the recent development that Yemens Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, fired two ballistic missiles at international shipping lanes in the southern Red Sea, Hagerty criticized the way the White House has responded. Theyre not taking a consistent response. So of course, its not appropriate. Thats why Iran feels emboldened. What weve seen is two aircraft carrier strike groups into the region. Thats a massive show of military force. But weve been highly inconsistent in terms of the way we deal with Iran from an economic standpoint, and from a diplomatic standpoint, he said, claiming the Biden administration wants to appease the Iranian regime. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley posted his classic holiday tweet featuring his ancient vacuum. On Christmas Eve, Mr Grassley wrote, It is Christmas. No surprise u kno what I have to do. The Iowa Republican continued, Just like when Im at Windsor Heights DQ If u dont celebrate the meaning of Christmas remember cleanliness is second to Godliness. The post included a red and white Hoover Concept Two vacuum which the internet suggests came out in 1987. Mr Grassleys u know what seems to refer to his penchant for posting photos of the vacuum on most holidays. It is Christmas. No surprise u kno what I have to do Just like when Im at Windsor Heights DQ If u dont celebrate the meaning of Christmas remember cleanliness is second to Godliness pic.twitter.com/9ARLUxj82V Chuck Grassley (@ChuckGrassley) December 23, 2023 He refers to the vacuum as faithful Beth in a number of previous holiday posts. On Thanksgiving in 2022, Mr Grassley posted a photo of the household appliance and wrote, Thanksgiving has arrived. Getting started early. Got faithful Beth out. He continued, [Have] to take easy w faithful Beth. Been informed its too old to get repairs. With a little care I expect faithful Beth to clean Grassley home for a few more years. Similarly, he made another post last Easter in which he disclosed a hypothetical conversation between him and his vacuum: Grassley to Beth: Sunday we [have] our Easter family gathering are u ready to roll? Grassley to Beth: Sunday we hv our Easter family gathering are u ready to roll ? Beth to GRASSLEY ready 10/4 Beth is my old faithful vacuum cleaner pic.twitter.com/qMLDARLFOn Chuck Grassley (@ChuckGrassley) April 16, 2022 Beth to GRASSLEY: ready 10/4, he continued. In August, he whipped out faithful Beth for a special occasion. Usually this is only a Easter thxgiving + Christmas photo. But Grassley family reunion is this weekend So BY POPULAR DEMAND IM SHOWING FAITHFUL BETH AGAIN, the senator wrote. Tepic is one of seven opposition politicians to have started a hunger strike (Andrej ISAKOVIC) Looking frail but determined, Serbian opposition leader Marinika Tepic fixes her makeshift bed -- a leather sofa inside a parliament building, where she has been on hunger strike since Monday. The 49-year-old is protesting what she says was "electoral fraud" during parliamentary and local elections held in Serbia on December 17, and is demanding the results be annulled. She is not alone. Tepic is one of seven members of the main opposition camp, united under the banner "Serbia Against Violence", to have gone on hunger strike over the results. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic's party said it secured a commanding victory during the ballot. But a team of international observers -- including representatives from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) -- denounced several "irregularities", including "vote buying" and "ballot box stuffing". Since Saturday, Tepic has been receiving intravenous liquids daily, but refuses to eat food. "They (the doctors) are trying to maintain this condition as long as possible, because I have no intention to give up until fake elections are annulled, until they admit to electoral fraud, and until the will of the people is defended," Tepic told AFP in an interview. "This simply needs to be done in order to alert both domestic and international audiences," she added. Several Western countries have expressed concern over the reported irregularities. Germany labelled the reported allegations "unacceptable" for a country hoping to join the European Union. The United States called on Belgrade to address the "concerns" of the election monitors, while the EU said Serbia's "electoral process requires tangible improvement and further reform". On Saturday, Serbian prosecutors asked the police to probe allegations of fraud. Serbian police said on Sunday that a total of 344 complaints had been lodged on election day -- less than during the last vote -- and that prosecutors had found elements of "criminal acts" in 18 cases. - Electoral migrants - International observers have underlined allegations of "voters living abroad being organised and bussed by the ruling party to cast the ballots for local elections in Belgrade". Tepic has accused Vucic of overseeing the scheme. "I think that (Serbia) is the only country in the world with a phenomenon of electoral migrants," Tepic said. Vucic denied the accusations -- in particular addressing the issue of voters who came from neighbouring Bosnia to vote. "We will defend the electoral will of the people and there is no doubt about that," he said. The president also urged the opposition MPs to find other ways to protest. "I would like to ask all those who are on hunger strike not to continue it ... They can organise protests every day. I'm used to protests," Vucic said during a televised address to the nation on Sunday. Evoking a former head of his party, Tomislav Nikolic, who went on a hunger strike in 2011 demanding parliamentary elections, Vucic said his former party colleague had "achieved nothing but endangering his health". Tepic however said she was determined to continue. "Its been a while since I listened to what Aleksandar Vucic says, or at least took it seriously. Because when he opens his mouth, he breaks the law, deceives, lies, buys time and manipulates. And that is how we live for the past 10 years," she said. Tepic says she is very much aware of the consequences of her actions. "I try not to think about that (death). I dont see this as a sacrifice. I see this as a fight, and a way that keeps me alive," he said. "When they ask me if Im under stress no. Id feel more stressed if I did not do this." mbs/yad/jj Seven dive groups have been given approval for Guernsey's St Peter Port Harbour Christmas Day dive. The festive tradition gives divers the opportunity to search the seabed for fresh scallops, old artefacts and other finds. Prior permission from the harbour master and fewer scheduled boat movements on Christmas Day makes diving in the area possible. There are set to be 28 people involved in the activity throughout the morning. A 3rd Century Gallo Roman shipwreck known as Asterix was discovered by local diver Richard Keen in the harbour entrance on 25 December 1982. Other Christmas Day dives have led to the discovery of like antique bottles and cups. All divers are required to have a surface marker buoy and be accompanied by a support vessel with marine VHF Radio monitoring Guernsey VTS (channel 12) at all times. Jerome Davis, head of port operations, said: "Christmas Day is the only day on which diving by organised groups can be carried out safely in the designated harbour areas. "I would like to thank our staff who will be providing cover for the hyperbaric chamber at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital should the need be required." Follow BBC Guernsey on Twitter and Facebook. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk. Here are this weeks letters to the editor of the Sheboygan Press. See our letters policy below for details about how to share your views. Opposing the DAs appeal to the feticide decision Sheboygan County District Attorney Joel Urmanski I am writing to let you know that the opposition to Sheboygan County District Attorney Joel Urmanskis appeal to the feticide decision is absolutely coming from inside Sheboygan County. I live and vote here, and my bodily autonomy is not up for debate. It is not the DAs job to police womens bodies. His voicemail has been full for weeks of the constituents speaking their minds. I doubt his actual job of prosecuting criminals is being done if no one can reach him. This is not a legal issue, but a health care issue. I will not go quietly back to the 1950s and I am not alone! Dana M. Traas Howards Grove Read more letters: Click here for more letters to the editor of the Sheboygan Press Stand up and support Meagan Wolfe I am in full support of Meagan Wolfe, chief election official of Wisconsin, for the following reasons: She is a steadfast, bipartisan supporter of voting rights: She was unanimously appointed by the six-member bi-partisan Wisconsin Elections Commission in 2018 to become Wisconsins chief election official. Shes worked in Wisconsin elections since 2011 and has helped improve voting access and election cybersecurity. She sent absentee ballots to nursing homes during the pandemic to protect older voters from COVID. She ran an accessible, free and fair election in 2020 and 2022 in compliance with Wisconsin law: She simply followed the law and refused to allow Wisconsin elections to become interrupted by partisan obstruction. Meagan stands up for elections for every Wisconsinite - Republican, independent or Democrat. She followed the law to run elections for every Wisconsin voter. In the face of death threats and harassment, she has shown incredible bravery, refusing to step down and cower to political pressure in order to protect our elections. In these times with democracy itself in peril, we need dedicated leaders like Meagan Wolfe and recognize the invaluable work she does to protect the integrity of our elections. I encourage every Wisconsin resident to stand up and support Meagan Wolfe and democracy. Geralyn Leannah Sheboygan A poem for those who drive after too much Christmas cheer For those who celebrate a little too much Christmas cheer, I have a little poem I would like you to hear. You chose that night to go to the bar. You chose after to drive your car. For that offered ride you could not wait. And now you are a ward of the state. Remember, only you are responsible for your actions. Robert R. Ries Sheboygan Our letters policy Letters to the editor are published in the order in which they are received and letter-writers are limited to having one letter published per month. Letters can be emailed to news@sheboyganpress.com and Editor Brandon Reid at breid@gannett.com. Letters must meet specific guidelines, including being no more than 250 words and be from local authors or on topics of local interest. All submissions must include the name of the person who wrote the letter, their city of residence and a contact phone number. Letters are edited as needed for style, grammar, length, fairness, accuracy and libel. This article originally appeared on Sheboygan Press: Sheboygan letters on feticide ruling, fair elections and drunk driving KANSAS CITY, Mo. A man was shot and killed in downtown Kansas City soon after the clock officially turned to Christmas Eve. Just after 12:00 a.m. Sunday morning, Kansas City police were called to a reported shooting near the River Market District. Police arrived at a homeless camp around the Holmes Street and Guinotte Avenue intersection and looked around until they found a man injured. When EMS got there, he was pronounced dead. Body found in Clay County park was victim of a homicide Officials say it was later determined at the scene that gunshots killed the victim. KCPD is still investigating this homicide and has no one in custody in connection to the shooting. Anyone with information is asked to call homicide detectives at 816-234-5043. Or if you wish to remain anonymous, you can call the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. MONROE COUNTY, Ala. (WKRG) Multiple law enforcement agencies are assisting Monroeville Police Department with an incident that started off as an alleged hostage situation at a home in the Eastwood Estates neighborhood. Baldwin County Sheriff, Hoss Mack, told News 5 their office is on scene. Sheriff Mack says the person fired shots at Monroeville officers and has barricaded themself. This is a developing story. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5. The number of passengers traveling via Incheon International Airport has rebounded to 77.9 percent of the pre-pandemic level this year, data showed Sunday. A total of 49.97 million travelers flew via the airport, west of Seoul, during the first 11 months of 2023, which represents 77.9 percent of the 64.17 million passengers during the same period of 2019, according to the data compiled by the transport ministry. Around 56 million air passengers are expected to use the airport by the end of this year, or a recovery of 78.6 percent of the corresponding 2019 level, and Incheon International Airport forecast a full-scale recovery next year. Of the major regional airports in Korea, which included the Incheon airport, Cheongju International Airport in North Chungcheong Province logged the highest recovery rate of 89.3 percent with 420,618 travelers during the January-November period. The volume of passengers traveling via Gimpo International Airport in western Seoul came to 2.88 million this year as of November, or 73.9 percent of the 2019 level, the data showed. "The Gimpo airport is more dependent on travelers from China, and the China-bound routes have not been fully recovered," a Korea Airport official said. "The level is expected to rise to around 75 percent by year-end." (Yonhap) Traditional ice cream carts and their elderly vendors are a familiar sight in Singapore. The $1.10 treats are often sandwiched between rainbow-colored bread and are especially popular among tourists. But strict regulations around street hawking put the future of the industry in question. Squatting on the ground in front of a bicycle parked along an empty alley in Singapore , an elderly man carefully hammers a block of dry ice into smaller pieces. "It stings, but I'm quite used to it," the man, who prefers to be known only by his last name, Liang, told me in Mandarin Chinese. Most hawkers collect their ice cream and dry ice from wholesale distributors around the country. Lester Ledesma for Business Insider It's a windy, overcast Friday morning and Liang, who is in his 70s, is getting ready for work. Soon, he'll load his cooler with ice cream from the wholesale distributor next door before selling the treat to passersby in the sweltering equator heat for about 1.50 Singapore dollars, or the equivalent of $1.10, with only the shade of his bike's umbrella to keep him cool. Liang, who is in his 70s, is one of remaining traditional ice cream sellers in Singapore. Lester Ledesma for Business Insider Liang is one of Singapore's remaining traditional ice cream sellers and part of a bygone era. Up until the '60s, Singapore was teeming with street hawkers, selling everything from shaved ice desserts to pork rib soup. Now, only about 150 of them are working on the streets today, largely due to strict regulations in the city-state. Unlike America's ice cream trucks, these hawkers in Singapore run their business on bikes some of which aren't even motorized. The vehicles come attached with a cooler to store blocks of ice cream in an abundance of flavors, from the traditional (chocolate, vanilla) to the less common (corn or even the polarizing fruit, durian). In Singapore, these traditional ice creams are often served with a slice of bread, with wafer biscuits, or in a cup. Lester Ledesma for Business Insider Orders can be served in a cup, between two thin wafer biscuits, or, perhaps most recognizably, wrapped in a slice of rainbow-colored bread. These days, licenses are difficult to obtain For many Singaporeans, these traditional ice creams are an affordable, nostalgic treat. Buying one from one of Singapore's "ice cream uncles" is almost a right of passage. A queue forms in front of a traditional ice cream cart along Orchard Road, Singapore's main shopping street. Lester Ledesma for Business Insider But it's not easy being a traditional ice cream seller in Singapore, where street hawking is strictly regulated by the Singapore Food Agency, or SFA. "In 1994, street hawkers were licensed in a one-time exercise to control their numbers and no more licenses were issued after that," the SFA told me in a statement. "However, in the early 2000s, the Street Hawking Scheme was reopened as a means to temporarily help those who are needy tide over their financial difficulties." These licenses are valid for one year but are non-transferable, the SFA added. Older hawkers have a license that allows them to sell anywhere in Singapore, while newer hawkers like Liang can only sell ice cream in the area where he lives. Lester Ledesma for Business Insider "The older generation hawkers were previously issued with islandwide licenses, which enabled them to ply their trade anywhere in Singapore, such as in tourist belts like Orchard Road," Kenneth Goh, the third-generation owner of Chip Guan Heng, an ice cream distributor, told me over email However, the newer hawkers tend to be issued with localized licenses specific to the region where they reside, Goh added. Some ice cream uncles have a bell that they ring to catch the attention of people passing by. Lester Ledesma for Business Insider In 2019, Channel News Asia reported that there were only 13 street hawkers left who were permitted to sell ice cream on any "public land," per the SFA. This includes about seven sellers on Orchard Road. "The Street Hawking Scheme is intended to provide temporary assistance for the unemployed and is not a permanent solution for anyone trying to make a living," the SFA said. Today, if anyone approaches the SFA for a street hawking license, the SFA would connect them to the Social Service Office to see if they require financial or employment assistance. The SFA did not respond to additional queries about the difference in license types, if new licenses are still being issued today, and whether or not it has plans to ensure the continuity of Singapore's ice cream hawking scene. The SFA also did not share the cost of these licenses, although an old article published by local paper Today in 2014 reported that the licenses under the renewed Street Hawking Scheme cost S$120 a year. 'It's just the way it is' One 80-year-old seller named Tan Ah Hock told me he has been selling ice cream since 1967. He's set up on the city's popular shopping street Orchard Road most days of the week from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. "If I can finish selling early, I'll leave early," Tan said. Last week, a colleague told me she saw him still set up and selling to a line of customers past 10:30 p.m. Orchard Road ice cream uncles have a slight edge over sellers in the neighborhoods, thanks to the constant footfall along the shopping street. Lester Ledesma for Business Insider The minimum retirement age in Singapore is 63 years old. But Liang, Tan, and many other traditional ice cream sellers in the country find themselves working well into their golden years. The job is physically demanding: The old ice cream sellers carry heavy boxes and spend most of their 10-hour shifts on their feet. In addition to the ice cream cart, the ice cream hawkers often also use big cooler boxes for additional storage. Lester Ledesma for Business Insider There's also barely any time for a break, especially for those on Orchard Road. Such was the case for an 82-year-old seller, who prefers to be known by his last name Wang, when I visited him on a Wednesday afternoon. His cart is located in front of Wisma Atria, a long-standing mall on the street. Barely 10 minutes after his giant red umbrella came on a signal that he's open for business a line formed in front of his cart. I watched quietly beside him as he sliced through a giant block of chocolate chip ice cream. Wang slicing Cookies and Cream-flavored ice cream into smaller blocks. Lester Ledesma for Business Insider "It's getting harder to cut these frozen ice cream blocks. My wife is coming to help me later, she's got more strength," Wang told me. "I'm already old." Nostalgia and tourism could save the industry, but is it too little, too late? Chan Yong Leng, another Orchard Road ice cream seller who has been in the business since the '60s, thinks the industry will die out in a few years. Chan has been selling ice cream since the '60s. Lester Ledesma for Business Insider "It's tough doing this business," Chan, 78, told me. "Business is better if there are tourists." Indeed, I noticed most people buying traditional ice creams on Orchard Road were tourists. Social media appears to be a major driver in the industry. A Filipino couple on their first visit to Singapore told me they learned about the ice cream uncles through TikTok and wanted to try it out for themselves. The traditional ice creams are especially popular among tourists, although locals also think of them as an integral part of the country's heritage. Lester Ledesma for Business Insider And for many Singaporeans , these traditional ice cream sellers are an important part of the local heritage. "I'll try to buy ice cream and support them when I can," Darren Tan, a 26-year-old local, told me. "It'll be sad if there are no more ice cream seller uncles in the future. There are not many places in Singapore where you can find such affordable and nostalgic ice cream." Over the past decade, Goh has also witnessed a steady decline in the number of ice cream hawkers in the country. "It would be very sad if we are no longer able to hear the familiar sound of the ice cream bells ringing in our estate in the near future," he added. Wafer biscuits are stored in tin cans that are tied to the ice cream cart. Lester Ledesma for Business Insider When I asked Chan, nearing 80, if he ever considers retirement, he told me he plans to continue selling ice cream for a few more years. "Things may be different now, but in the past, people would look down on you if you told them you sold ice cream," Chan said. "I don't feel any particular way about the industry dying out, it's just the way it is." Read the original article on Business Insider Police in Slovakia say they have arrested a man who had threatened to carry out a massacre similar to Thursday's mass shooting in Prague. They say a 64-year-old was held in the northern city of Zilina after he called emergency services claiming he intended to do "what happened in Prague". He now faces prosecution for spreading general alarm, which carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison. On Thursday a student opened fire at a Prague university, killing 15 people. Czech police have also made a number of arrests since the shooting. Slovakian police say the man detained there called emergency services the same evening to say he wanted to acquire a gun to carry out a similar massacre. Police released video showing officers armed with automatic weapons breaking down his apartment door shortly afterwards and arresting him. In the Czech Republic, another man was arrested after threatening to kill the surviving members of the gunman's family. Police said they had recovered a legally-held weapon at his home in the Vysocina region southeast of Prague. On Friday night officers were called to a village in the western Plzen region after a man threatened to shoot his neighbours. He was arrested, but found to be drunk and unarmed. There have been several more security incidents, amid a general sense of public unease since the killings. An armed response unit was sent to Prague's busy IP Pavlova intersection on Friday evening after reports of a man holding a grenade. Pyrotechnic experts called to the scene said the weapon was an imitation. Two men - described by the media as foreigners - were arrested. Tram and road traffic was temporarily halted, and metro trains did not stop at the station until police gave the all-clear. On Saturday evening, meanwhile, Prague Airport's Terminal 2 was briefly evacuated after an "English-speaking man" called police to say there were five bombs planted at the airport. Flights were not affected and the terminal was reopened after being swept for explosives. Most Czechs celebrate Christmas on 24 December. This year's festivities are taking place immediately after a day of national mourning for Thursday's victims. President Petr Pavel urged people to think of those who had lost loved ones. "Let us respect their pain and not leave them to suffer it alone," he said in a statement. "Our solidarity, help, but also tact and consideration will give them the strength to gradually cope with this situation." Slovakian police have arrested a man suspected of planning to carry out a copycat killing inspired by the mass shooting in Prague last week. A 64-year-old man from Zilina, near the Czech border, was held after he called the emergency services and said he will do what happened in Prague, police said. He faces prosecution for spreading general alarm, carrying a maximum penalty of two years in prison. The threat came a day after the Czech Republic observed a day of national mourning to mark the deadliest massacre in its modern history. Fourteen students were killed when a gunman opened fire at Charles University, with 24 others injured. The gunman is also suspected of killing his father and another two victims, a 32-year-old man and his two-month-old daughter, in Klanovice. One survivor of the attack said shootings are spreading like a disease in Europe. The Danish student told CNN: You see this happen in Denmark, Serbia, and now here. This is incredibly frightening. The Czech Republic has relatively liberal gun laws by European standards, with almost one million weapons owned legally. Czech police are on high alert and have made a number of arrests since the shooting, with one man detained after calling the emergency services on the same evening to say he wanted to acquire a gun to carry out a similar massacre. Video released by police shortly afterwards showed armed officers breaking down the mans door and arresting him. Another arrest was made after a man threatened to kill the surviving members of the Prague gunmans family, with police reporting the recovery of a legally-held weapon in the Vysocina region, south-east of the Czech capital. 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. Maree Todd the SNP minister for mental wellbeing said the new budget meant record numbers of staff would provide more services to more people than ever before - Ken Jack/Getty Images A freeze on government funding for mental health in Scotland has been criticised by campaigners in the wake of the SNPs controversial budget. More than a dozen charities and groups that make up the Scottish Mental Health Partnership (SMHP) have voiced concern after financial support from Holyrood was held at 290.2 million, the same as in the previous two years. A statement agreed by the SMHP, whose members include charities such as the Samaritans and the Scottish Association for Mental Health, as well as the British Psychological Society and the Royal College of General Practitoners, said it is extremely disappointed there has been no increase in funding. It added: With an ambitious mental health and wellbeing strategy now agreed, SMHP was anticipating new investment to deliver moves towards prevention and community base supports. Lee Knifton, the SMHP chairman, said it represented a large cut in real terms and was a missed opportunity for mental health. There is no indication that the Scottish Government will meet its own target of increasing mental health spend to 10 per cent of the NHS budget, no increase to the mental health directorate budget for the second successive year, meaning a large cut in real terms, and no new investment for preventative work, said Mr Knifton. We are keen to begin working with Government to deliver on the new strategy but had expected to see mental health as a priority for new investment. Instead, we see further cuts to a system that is already overstretched. Maree Todd, the SNP minister for mental wellbeing said the Scottish executive is providing 14.2 billion for NHS boards to support services, providing an uplift exceeding block grant consequentials from the UK Government. It means that resource funding for health and social care has more than doubled since 2006-07. In the face of UK Government austerity, this includes an increase of almost 550 million (4.3 per cent) for NHS front-line boards a real-term increase of almost 3 per cent. More than 1.3 billion will support mental health services, with 290.2 million direct investment more than doubled since 2020/21 enabling record numbers of staff to provide more varied support and services to a larger number of people than ever before. 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. Socorro, EP Police asking for help in solving hit-and-run that killed officers mother EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) The Socorro and El Paso Police departments are asking for the publics help in finding two vehicles that may be connected to a fatal traffic crash last weekend that killed the mother of a Socorro police officer. The crash happened at around 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16 along Interstate 10 East near UTEP. Police identified an SUV in a photo as a vehicle of interest. This vehicle may have front-end damage and is believed to be either a Jeep Laredo or a similar model, according to a post on the City of Socorros X account. Police also want to locate a second vehicle that they have a photo of; they believe the occupants of that vehicle may have witnessed the crash. Perla Vasquez, of Clint, was killed in what has been called a hit-and-run crash. Socorro Officer Saul Sigala Jr. and his brother Donovan Sigala both suffered severe injuries in the crash. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers of El Paso at (915) 566-8477 (TIPS). You will remain anonymous. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Pierbattista Pizzaballa arrives for Christmas Eve celebrations at the Church of the Nativity in the biblical city of Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank on December 24, 2023 (HAZEM BADER) A pall of gloom descended over Bethlehem on Christmas Eve as the Gaza war weighed heavily on the biblical city in the occupied West Bank and the usual crowds of pilgrims stayed away. The traditional giant Christmas tree, marching bands and flamboyant nativity scene were all absent in the city celebrated as the birthplace of Jesus Christ. While there were few festive lights, a huge Palestinian flag was unfolded in the centre of town and a banner declared that "The bells of Bethlehem ring for a ceasefire in Gaza". Bethlehem usually throngs with pilgrims and tourists at this time of year. But many residents have fled and few visitors have come since the start of the Israel-Hamas war on October 7. The bloody conflict was sparked when the Palestinian militants launched a deadly cross border attack on southern Israel, triggering a massive Israeli retaliation. Palestinian Christians showed little appetite for celebration, with official events largely cancelled by the municipality. Many in the community were unable to come to terms with the death and displacement of hundreds of thousands of their fellow Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. "A lot of people are dying for this land," said Nicole Najjar, an 18-year-old student. "It's really hard to celebrate while our people are dying." Usually a huge Christmas tree is put up at Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity, believed by Christians to be built on the spot where Christ was born. This year there is an art installation expressing solidarity with Gazans: grey statues of Mary and Joseph placed in a pile of rubble. On the building next door hung a large banner that read: "Stop the genocide, stop the displacement, lift the blockade" on Gaza. - 'Sorrow, loss' - The Hamas attack on October 7 left around 1,140 people dead in Israel, most of them civilians, according to an AFP tally based on the latest official Israeli figures. The Palestinian militants also abducted around 250 people, 129 of whom Israel says remain in Gaza. Vowing to destroy Hamas, Israel launched a relentless bombardment and ground invasion of Gaza, where 20,424 people have been killed, mostly women and children, according to the latest toll from the territory's health ministry. "This year is different," said Mervat Murra, 50, a fashion designer in Bethlehem. "It is marked by sadness, sorrow, destruction, deprivation and loss." A marching band, which usually comes with loud bagpipes and tambourines, was absent this year. "Our message every year for Christmas is a message of peace and love but this year it is message of sadness, grief and anger -- a message as a response to what is happening in the Gaza Strip," said Bethlehem's Mayor Hanna Hanania. "The deaf international community must hear our voice." Speaking as he arrived at the Church of the Nativity, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Pierbattista Pizzaballa, said: "We are here to pray and to ask not only for a ceasefire, a ceasefire is not enough. "We have to stop theses hostilities and to turn the page because violence generates only violence." Wearing a black and white keffiyeh, he called for unity among Palestinians of all faiths. - 'We cry' - Church leaders in Jerusalem and the Bethlehem city council took the decision last month to forego "any unnecessarily festive" Christmas celebrations, in solidarity with Gazans. The West Bank itself has also seen escalating violence since the start of the war, with more than 300 Palestinians killed by Israeli forces or settlers, local health officials say. "We have no taste for celebrations" during the war, said Mitri Raheb, a pastor from the Gaza Strip. He added that in the West Bank, too, every day "we cry for young people killed by the Israelis". The West Bank has been occupied by Israel since the 1967 Arab-Israeli War. "All we want for Christmas right now is a ceasefire, a sustainable ceasefire to stop this atrocity," said Raheb. "Bethlehem gave Jesus to the world and it's high time for the world to give Bethlehem and Gaza peace." cgo/ac/jd/dcp/fz A mystery donation of rare Air Jordans left at an Oregon homeless shelter earlier this year led to more than $50,000 in auction proceeds returning to the organization. It all started in April, when a pair of gold shoes were anonymously dropped down a donation chute at the Burnside shelter of the Portland Rescue Mission, Erin Holcomb, the organizations director of staff ministry, told CNN. James Free, a formerly homeless man who is part of the organizations long-term shelter program, found the shoes. The unique-looking kicks were set aside since they appeared to be in perfect condition, Holcomb said. A quick Google search revealed the shoes looked just like a pair of gold Air Jordans worn by director Spike Lee during the 2019 Academy Awards when he won his first Oscar, according to Holcomb. So we thought, Wow, what amazing replicas, Holcomb said. In my head, I thought, Maybe we can sell them on eBay for $100 as replicas. Holcomb decided to take them to a local sneaker shop, where she discovered the shoes were part of just a handful of pairs made in collaboration with Lee for the director and his inner circle. They were never released to the public, Sothebys confirmed to CNN. I was absolutely shocked because I wouldnt have ever in a million years imagined that those would have ended up in our donations bin. But obviously I was thrilled and amazed, Holcomb said. James Free is pictured holding a pair of of gold Nike Air Jordan 3 sneakers at the Portland Rescue Mission. - Aaron Ankrom/Portland Rescue Mission/AP The shop owner offered to buy the sneakers right then, but Holcomb said shed think it over. She soon realized at least one pair of the other specially made shoes was previously auctioned by Sothebys. She then reached out to the global auction house, who told her they thought the shoes were perfect for a sneaker auction at the end of the year. They offered to waive their sellers fee, Holcomb said, allowing all profits to benefit the organization. She reached out to the designer, Tinker Hatfield, who agreed to donate an unpublished design concept board used in his collaboration with Lee, as well as a replacement box for the shoes. Hatfield, a Portland local, even went to the Mission to autograph the memorabilia one day before Holcomb flew out to Manhattan to turn in the shoes in person. An auction date was set, and Sothebys estimated the shoes would sell for between $15,000 and $20,000. In a statement to CNN, Sothebys explained what made the pair of shoes so special despite not having been worn by Lee. With its limited production and unique design, coupled with Tinkers signature on the box and the design proof, these sneakers are a true collectors item, Eric LiBassi, a specialist in Sothebys Streetwear and Modern Collectibles Department in New York, said in the statement. This pair is one of very few pairs made. They were reportedly reserved for Spike and a few others on his team, LiBassi said. Spike and Tinker worked to produce a colorway to commemorate his Oscar nomination for the film, BlacKkKlansman. A colorway is a designers term for a color combination. On December 18, more than a month after Holcomb turned in the shoes, the auction went live and the Rescue Mission held a watch party. The shoes sold for $50,800. Spike Lee accepts the award for best adapted screenplay for "BlacKkKlansman" at the Oscars on February 24, 2019, in Los Angeles. - Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP There was tons of clapping cheering, hugging. People were just really thrilled and it was high fives, just a fun moment of seeing this amazing story come to a really beautiful conclusion, Holcomb said. Its remarkable how this whole thing came about, I am just fortunate to be a part of this, Free said in a video posted on the Missions Facebook page after the auction closed. This is going to take care of so many people in so many different ways, so thank you so much for this opportunity. Where the shoes came from and who bought them remain a mystery one for which the Portland Rescue Missions staff said they are truly grateful. Whoever it was that purchased them, I think really created a beautiful ending to an amazing story and were so thankful, thankful to the person who gave them, whoever they were. They were willing to take the risk of entrusting us with these shoes, Holcomb said. The proceeds from the auction will go back to the Burnside shelter where the shoes were found, Holcomb said. It expands our ability to do meals, and overnight shelter and the critical services we provide there. We can get a lot of meals out of this donation, which is huge, Holcomb said. This is our busiest time of year, and we have a lot of demand (for) our services right now. The organization gets more than 130,000 pounds of clothing donated every year, which all goes out to people in need the gold Air Jordan shoes being a rare exception Holcomb said. We could not keep our doors open without so many people who give in smaller but critical ways to allow us to continue to serve people here, she said. These shoes contribute to that, but the bigger story, in my mind, is truly the generosity of our community. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Ukrainian servicemen board a boat on the shore of Dnieper River near Kherson, Ukraine, Sunday Oct. 15, 2023. Several dozen U.S. citizens have reportedly died fighting for Ukraine since Russia's 2022 invasion of the embattled country. A Springfield man and U.S. Marine veteran 21-year-old Ethan Hertweck appears to be the latest American to have lost his life in a gun battle on Eastern European soil. Hertweck died Dec. 8, according to his parents, Springfield residents whose son was scheduled to fly back to the U.S. this week in time for Christmas. In their grief, they know that he died for what he believed was a noble cause. "Ethan dedicated his life to saving lives and aiding civilians all across Ukraine, believing that 'all that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing,' the family wrote in a social media post. Hertweck, who was raised and spent much of his life in California before his family moved to Missouri, left Springfield for Ukraine earlier this year. United Kingdom citizen and fellow volunteer fighter in Ukraine, Macer Gifford, told his 146,000 followers on X (formerly Twitter) that Hertweck was a combat medic in the 131st Reconnaissance Battalion and wanted to be back on the frontlines. "Ethan died a true American and Ukrainian hero," Gifford said in a post with a photo of he and Hertweck in Ukraine. "He was hit by enemy fire as he dragged a wounded friend. There is no greater love." The news service Reuters reported last week that Russian forces unleashed a massive new offensive in Avdiivka, the city where Hertweck died, as part of their campaign to secure control of the eastern Donbas region. Describing Hertweck as a U.S. mercenary, dozens of apparent Russian social media accounts took glee in the man's death, including the official X account of the Russian Embassy in South Africa. "After he was identified by Russian monitoring resources, he appeared in the chatroom where he mocked Russian soldiers," the embassy posted. "5 days ago he was eliminated in battles of Avdeevka." Hertweck's family in Springfield, including his father John Hertweck, who has worked for Greene County and Springfield Public Schools, plan to make the trip to Ukraine to escort his remains back to the U.S. More: Gypsy Blanchard's release from prison looms as Nicholas Godejohn fights for new trial The Hertweck family, which said it has found peace through faith and the support of family, friends, and their church, has set up PayPal fundraiser page similar to GoFundMe. As of Saturday evening, afternoon, the page had raised almost $8,000. "Their entire family will be traveling to Ukraine to attend his funeral there and meet the many men & women he served with and impacted throughout Ukraine and will be escorting him home to the states." This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Springfield man, former Marine, dies fighting in Ukraine A Spirit Airlines staff member placed an unaccompanied minor on an incorrect flight this week, the airline confirmed in a Sunday statement. The child departed Thursday from Philadelphia and was supposed to arrive in Fort Myers, Fla. Instead, the child landed in Orlando, about a three-hour drive away. According to local news television station WINK, the child was a 6-year-old boy, Casper, traveling to meet his grandmother, Maria Ramos. It was Caspers first time flying, Ramos told the news station. They told me, No, hes not on this flight. He missed his flight. I said, No, he could not miss his flight because I have the check-in tag, Ramos told the local news station. I ran inside the plane to the flight attendant, and I asked her, Wheres my grandson? He was handed over to you at Philadelphia? She said, No, I had no kids with me. Ramos told the station that her grandson then called her to let her know he landed in Orlando. I want them to call me. Let me know how my grandson ended up in Orlando. How did that happen? Did they get him off the plane? The flight attendant after mom handed him with paperwork did she let him go by himself? He jumped in the wrong plane by himself? Ramos said to the station. The airline has since apologized and said it is conducting an internal investigation into what happened. On Dec. 21, an unaccompanied child traveling from Philadelphia (PHL) to Fort Myers (RSW) was incorrectly boarded on a flight to Orlando (MCO). The child was always under the care and supervision of a Spirit Team Member, and as soon as we discovered the error, we took immediate steps to communicate with the family and reconnect them, the statement read. We take the safety and responsibility of transporting all of our Guests seriously and are conducting an internal investigation. We apologize to the family for this experience. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Police in Sri Lanka say they have arrested almost 15,000 people during a week-long drive against drug traffickers across the country. They say the operation led to the seizure of almost 440kg of various types of narcotics, including heroin. Local media showed footage of officers using sniffer dogs to search homes in Colombo and other places. Rights activists said the raids were illegal as they were conducted without search warrants. A police spokesman told the BBC that warrants were not always required to check for drugs. Officials say that a total of 13,666 suspects were arrested during the operation and that 1,097 addicts have been sent to a military-run rehabilitation centre. Vehicles and property belonging to alleged criminals were also seized. Activists have said the raids targeted underprivileged neighbourhoods. According to experts, traffickers are using Sri Lanka as a hub, and the drugs passing through the country - including heroin, hashish and cannabis - are creating serious problems. Officials say the searches have been paused for Christmas but will resume next week. Sri Lanka's biggest drug haul by weight was in December 2016, when police seized 800kg of cocaine. President Yoon Suk Yeol's approval rating inched up from the previous week to 38.8 percent, a poll showed Sunday. The rating rose by 0.8 percentage point from a week earlier, while the negative assessment fell by 0.9 percentage point to 58.2 percent, according to the survey conducted by RnSearch and commissioned by broadcaster CBS on 1,020 people aged 18 and over from Wednesday to Friday. The negative assessment of Yoon was higher than the positive assessment in all age groups, except for respondents over 70, the survey also showed. The approval ratings of the two major rival parties moved in opposite directions. Support for the ruling People Power Party (PPP) was 38.1 percent, up 3.5 percentage points, while that of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) fell 0.6 percentage point to 45.7 percent. The proportion of people who do not support any party came to 12.2 percent. Meanwhile, former Justice Minister Han Dong-hoon, designated to be the ruling party's interim leader, was cited as the most suitable person for the position with 34.3 percent of support, followed by Construction Minister Won Hee-ryong with 9 percent, according to the survey. The survey has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points, with a credibility rate of 95 percent. (Yonhap) Around the Christmas season, it is common to see a display of the Nativity scene: a small manger with the baby Jesus and his family, shepherds, the three wise men believed to have visited Jesus after his birth and several barnyard animals. One might ask, what are the origins of this tradition? Biblical description The earliest biblical descriptions, the Gospel of Matthew and the Gospel of Luke, written between A.D. 80 and 100, offer details of Jesus birth, including that he was born in Bethlehem during the reign of King Herod. The Gospel of Luke says that when the shepherds went to Bethlehem, they found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. Matthew tells the story of the three wise men, or Magi, who fell down in worship and offered gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. But as my research on the relationship between the New Testament and the development of popular Christian traditions shows, the earliest biblical descriptions do not mention the presence of any animals. Animals first start to appear in religious texts around the seventh century. A series of early Christian stories that informed popular religious devotion, including whats known as the Infancy Gospel of Matthew, attempted to fill in the gap between Christs infancy and the beginning of his public ministry. This text was the first to mention the presence of animals at Jesus birth. It described how the most blessed Mary went forth out of the cave and entering a stable, placed the child in the stall, and the ox and the ass adored Him. This description, subsequently cited in several medieval Christian texts, created the Christmas story popular today. Start of Nativity scenes But the Nativity scene now recreated in town squares and churches worldwide was originally conceived by St. Francis of Assisi. Much of what scholars know about Francis comes from Life of St. Francis, written by the 13th-century theologian and philosopher St. Bonaventure. Francis was born into a merchant family in the Umbrian town of Assisi, in modern-day Italy, around 1181. But Francis rejected his family wealth early in his life and cast off his garments in the public square. In 1209, he founded the mendicant order of the Franciscans, a religious group that dedicated themselves to works of charity. Today, Franciscans minister by serving the material and spiritual needs of the poor and socially marginalized. According to Bonaventure, Francis in 1223 sought permission from Pope Honorious III to do something for the kindling of devotion to the birth of Christ. As part of his preparations, Francis made ready a manger, and bade hay, together with an ox and an ass, in the small Italian town of Greccio. One witness, among the crowd that gathered for this event, reported that Francis included a carved doll which cried tears of joy and seemed to be awakened from sleep when the blessed Father Francis embraced Him in both arms. This miracle of the crying doll moved all who were present, Bonaventure writes. But Francis made another miracle happen, too: The hay that the child lay in healed sick animals and protected people from disease. Nativity imagery in art The Nativity story continued to expand within Christian devotional culture well after Francis death. In 1291, Pope Nicholas IV, the first Franciscan pope, ordered that a permanent Nativity scene be erected at Santa Maria Maggiore, the largest church dedicated to the Virgin Mary in Rome. Nativity imagery dominated Renaissance art. This first living Nativity scene which was famously depicted by Italian Renaissance painter Giotto di Bondone in the Arena Chapel of Padua, Italy ushered in a new tradition of staging the birth of Christ. In the tondo, a circular painting of the Adoration of the Magi by 15th-century painters Fra Angelico and Filippo Lippi, not only are there sheep, a donkey, a cow and an ox, there is even a colorful peacock that peers over the top of the manger to catch a glimpse of Jesus. Political turn of Nativity scenes After the birth of Jesus, King Herod, feeling as though his power was threatened by Jesus, ordered the execution of all boys under two years old. Jesus, Mary and Joseph were forced to flee to Egypt. In an acknowledgment that Jesus, Mary and Joseph were refugees themselves, in recent years, some churches have used their Nativity scenes as a form of political activism to comment on the need for immigrant justice. Specifically, these protest nativities have criticized President Donald Trumps 2018 executive order on family separation at the U.S.-Mexico border. For example, in 2018, a church in Dedham, Massachusetts, placed baby Jesus, representing immigrant children, in a cage. This year, at Claremont United Methodist Church in California, Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus have all been placed in separate barbed-wire cages in their outdoor Nativity scene. These displays, which call attention to the plight of immigrants and asylum seekers, bring the Christian tradition into the 21st century. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world.The Conversation has a variety of fascinating free newsletters. It was written by: Vanessa Corcoran, Georgetown University. Read more: Vanessa Corcoran does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. ST. LOUIS The 1946 Christmas classic Its a Wonderful Life has two St. Louis connections. Two people in the movie were from St. Louis: Frank Faylen, who played Ernie Bishop, a taxi driver, and Mary Treen, who played Cousin Tilly at the bank. Both originally hail from the St. Louis area. The St. Louis Connection Frank Faylen was born on December 8, 1905, in St. Louis, and he was raised in the theatrical world because his family included him in their shows. Faylen initially attended St. Josephs Preparatory College in Kirkwood, Missouri, but later felt drawn back to the theater. Faylens role in the film is that of George Baileys close friend, named Ernie Bishop, who serves as his chauffeur and taxi driver. He is often seen driving George around Bedford Falls. Mary Treen was born on March 27, 1907, in St. Louis. Born Mary Louise Summers, she faced early adversity with the loss of her father during infancy. Later in life, she made a significant move to California. She played Cousin Tilly in Its a Wonderful Life. Cousin Tillys role in the film is that of a character mentioned in passing during a scene where George and Mary are on their honeymoon. What is Its a Wonderful Life? The movie is about a man named George Bailey (played by James Stewart) who aspired to leave his childhood town of Bedford Falls, New York, and explore the world. He grew up wanting to travel, and all his friends knew that he wanted to go to college and explore exotic places. He had been saving money since high school to tour the world. Instead, he ends up staying behind and taking care of his fathers business after his father dies. George ends up building a life in Bedford Falls with a childhood sweetheart, Mary Hatch, who always loved him. What do you want, Mary? You want the moon? Just say the word, and Ill throw a lasso around it and pull it down, says George Bailey from Its a Wonderful Life. The issue arises when Georges Uncle Billy loses the $8,000 he was supposed to deposit, which ends up in the hands of the towns meanest and richest man, Henry Potter. Now George is hysterical because his fathers business could be shut down, and George could be in trouble for embezzlement. George then becomes mean to his family, begs Potter for money to help, gets dismissed, and fights with his childs teacher. Thats when George decides to take his own life, but Georges guardian angel, named Clarence Odbody, has a different plan. The story then unfolds as if George was not born, and George must learn from his mistakes and realize that everyone is put on this earth for a reason. Strange, isnt it? Each mans life touches so many other lives. And when he isnt around, he leaves an awful hole, doesnt he? asks Angel Clarence Odbody from Its a Wonderful Life. The ending In a moment of despair, Georges friends and the community of Bedford Falls rally together to help him. They learn about Georges predicament and come to his house to offer support. The scene is a testament to the impact George has had on the lives of those around him. People from all walks of life arrive, contributing whatever money they can spare to help George overcome the financial crisis. This is when we get one of the films most known quotes: Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings. Zuzu Bailey, George Baileys daughter from Its a Wonderful Life. The moral of the story The moral of Its a Wonderful Life is centered around the idea that every individuals life has inherent value and that one person can make a significant impact on the lives of others. The film encourages viewers to appreciate the importance of human connections, kindness, and the ripple effect of their actions. It illustrates how ones contributions, no matter how small, can have far-reaching consequences, emphasizing the value of selflessness, compassion, and community. Ultimately, Its a Wonderful Life conveys the message that life is precious and that individuals can find purpose and fulfillment by positively influencing the world around them. You see, George, you really had a wonderful life. Dont you see what a mistake it would be to throw it away? asks Angel Clarence Odbody from Its a Wonderful Life. The film has become a family tradition Its a Wonderful Life is often associated with the holiday season, making it a part of many families annual traditions. Its warm and hopeful message aligns with the spirit of the holidays. The film explores universal themes such as family, sacrifice, love, and the impact of individual actions on the lives of others. These themes resonate with people across different cultures and generations. The central message of the filmthat every persons life has value and that small acts of kindness can have a profound impactis timeless and continues to resonate with viewers. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. Nancy Hawk of Brewster helps her granddaughter Ava Hawk, 11, of Massillon as she learns to skate at Wampler Park in Massillon. Sheriff accepting applications for Citizens' Academy CANTON The Stark County Sheriff's Office is accepting applications for the Citizens' Academy set to begin Feb. 20. The Citizens Academy is a 12-week course, conducted every Tuesday. The program offers sessions designed to provide community members with a deeper understanding of the Sheriffs Office functions. The course includes firearms safety training, crime lab and jail tours, K9 demonstrations, insights into the judicial system, and a closer look at community engagement efforts. Most of these classes will be at the Stark County Sheriffs Office Law Enforcement Training Center in Massillon. To be eligible, applicants must be at least 18 years old, have no felony convictions, consent to a background check, possess a valid Ohio driver's license, and reside or work in Stark County. To apply online, visit www.sheriff.starkcountyohio.gov. Navigate to "Community Engagement and then select "Citizens Academy to access and download the application form. Completed printed applications can also be mailed or delivered to the Stark County Sheriffs Office at 4500 Atlantic Blvd. NE, Canton, Ohio 44705 by Feb. 6. For more information about the Citizens Academy, contact the director of community engagement at 330-430-3889. STEM program at library branch Thursday CANTON The Stark County District Librarys DeHoff Memorial Branch will host the 45-minute program Ignite Curiosity with STEM at 3 and 5 p.m. Thursday for children and teens. Participants will help solve problems using science, technology, engineering and math. Registration is required; call the library at 330-452-9014, email dehoff@starklibrary.org, or visit the shortened link http://tinyurl.com/bdhyc937. Harlem Globetrotters coming to Canton Memorial Civic Center CANTON The Harlem Globetrotters will bring their 2024 World Tour to the Memorial Civic Center, 1101 Market Ave. N, at 7 p.m. Jan. 3. For more information, call the Civic Center at 330-489-3090. Buy tickets at ticketmaster.com. Nancy Hawk of Brewster takes a picture of her granddaughter Ava Hawk, 11, of Massillon as she learns to skate at Wampler Park in Massillon. ABCD elects new officers for 2024-25 CANTON ABCD has elected the following people to its Board of Directors for 2024-25: Chairman: Tomier Davenport, adult career and tech education at Canton City Schools, and pastor of True Light Christian Ministries. Vice-Chairwoman: LaToya Dickens-Jones, certified registered nurse practitioner and adjunct faculty instructor at Aultman School of Nursing. Secretary: Yvonne Parks, president of the Lelia Green Alliance of Black School Educators. Treasurer: John Ramos, III, equipment sales manager at Wadsworth Solutions. Will Dent serves as the president and CEO of the corporation. ABCD is a nonprofit operating programs in community economic development, energy conservation, housing development and transportation. The group is involved in the Crystal Park Revitalization project which includes the former Rotunda Bank Branch to become the agencys headquarters, and the OJays Plaza, which will include a vehicle storage and training center, and 24 units of elderly housing with commercial space housing the OJays Museum. Astronomy program at library Jan. 3 CANTON The Stark County District Librarys Main Branch, 715 Market Ave. N, will host the program Guide to the Night Sky at 11 a.m. Jan. 3. Gary Kader, director of the Burrell Memorial Observatory, will teach attendees how to read the language of the sky. Star maps will be provided for attendees. Belden Village Bridal Show seeks local exhibitors JACKSON TWP. The 27th annual Belden Village Bridal Show will be held Jan. 20 and 21 inside the Belden Village Mall. The show will provide area couples with information on how to create their perfect wedding experience. Brides and grooms can win prizes, play the Honeymoon Hunt, and sign up for the chance to be a contestant in the Price is Right Game Show and the Nearly Newlywed Game. Fashion shows each day feature bridal gowns, tuxedos and bridesmaid dresses. The expo will include local vendors sharing wedding planning information including formal attire, photographers, rental services, bakeries, DJ services, reception venues, salon and spas, caterers, travel agencies, and beauty consultants. Any local business interested in participating can call 234-347-0097 or email dayna@eventdaymarketing.com for more information. Bailey Hoffner, 11, of Massillon uses the side wall to hold her up as she learns to skate at Wampler Park in Massillon. Massillon library plans movie showing, Noon Year's Eve Party MASSILLON The Massillon Public Library, 208 Lincoln Way E, will have a free showing of the movie The Flash at 4 p.m. Wednesday in the Teen Lounge for teens in grades 7 through 12. Popcorn and beverages will be provided. No registration is required. The library will have a Noon Year's Eve Party from 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturday in the main auditorium. Celebrate New Year's Eve early with stories, crafts and dancing, followed by a balloon drop over the rotunda at noon. Stark County Fair attendees donate 7,700 pounds of food The Stark County Fair, collecting 7,700 pounds of food, won second place in its region in the Fight Hunger, Stock the Trailer, a statewide food drive contest sponsored by Farm Credit Mid-America and Rural 1st. The fair was awarded $3,500, in addition to the $500 donation it received for participating. Winners were determined by calculating the total weight of all donations at participating fairs throughout five regions in Ohio. Attendees at 64 county fairs raised more than 228,000 pounds of food to benefit more than 65 food banks. This article originally appeared on The Repository: Stark County roundup: News from around the Canton region You dont need to have a pocket edition of The Sibley Guide to Birds to access immediate information about our overhead neighbors. Last month, New Hampshire Audubon debuted its new State of the Birds interactive website, a central repository of all things Granite State birds: species groups, breeding habitats, migration cycles, ongoing threats, and protective actions humans can take. New Hampshire Audubon recently debuted its State of the Birds website, where the public can look up information about the status of the Granite States birds, challenges they face, and actions to protect them. Users will discover there are 29 species of waterfowl that spend time in New Hampshire, with the highest concentrations along major river valleys and the coast. The American kestrel is the only declining breeder among the states birds of prey, and forest-dwelling raptors like the northern goshawk require relatively large tracts of unbroken habitat. And only two of New Hampshires 18 aerial insectivores are increasing in number the willow and alder flycatchers. The main reason its valuable to get this out there is people love birds, even if theyre not birders, said Pamela Hunt, senior biologist for avian conservation at New Hampshire Audubon. A lot of people care. Audubon gets phone calls all the time, Hunt said, from everyday people concerned with activity, or lack thereof, at their backyard feeders. Where are the birds? they ask, among other probing questions that pop into their heads as they watch the daily gaggle for nuts and seeds. It just shows you people have this connection to these critters, she said. And if they really want to do something to help birds, there are things they can do. Hunt said her organization released a State of the Birds report about 10 years ago, and at the time, they printed hundreds of copies. A decade later, Hunt said it was obvious print is no longer the best medium to reach people, so with some funding and a website developer, they created the digital platform. It went live in November. The website shows both success stories and causes for concern, Hunt said, as many of the states bird species are increasing as are decreasing, but the increases arent happening as fast as the decreases. There has definitely been a net loss of birds, she said. National research echoes the same. The U.S. and Canada have lost 3 billion breeding birds since 1970 a loss of 1 in 4 birds, according to research published in Science in 2019. The 2022 national State of the Birds report found population losses in nearly all habitats, and identified 70 tipping point species that have lost half or more of their breeding population since 1970 and are on track to lose another half or more in the next 50 years. New Hampshire Public Radio recently reported that the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension helpline has been inundated with calls from people wondering why theyre seeing fewer birds right now. The answer, experts say, is likely a combination of migration, climate change, and a mast year, the latter meaning oak trees are producing a lot more acorns than usual, and in turn, birds may not be seeking out backyard feeders as often. The website details how species such as the bank swallow, rusty blackbird, meadowlark, and towhee are seeing steep declines, as well as half of New Hampshires shorebird species, including killdeer, spotted sandpiper, purple sandpiper, whimbrel, and lesser yellowlegs. Birds that migrate farther tend to be seeing larger declines, Hunt said, because they are exposed to more risks over an extended range. Migration in itself is a dangerous endeavor each year. On the other side of the coin, bald eagles have made a victorious comeback in the state. Forty years ago, the number of nesting pairs was down in the single digits in New Hampshire, and today, its up over 100. Peregrine falcons have experienced a similar rebound thanks to conservation efforts. In other positive news, the ruby-throated hummingbird, Carolina wren, chipping sparrow, and Canada goose are all increasing in the state. Among the fascinating information people can learn about various habitats and species groups, Hunt said, perhaps the most critical aspect of the website is the education of threats and ongoing challenges things humans play a direct hand in. I can talk about threats until the cows come home, she said. Cats and window and building collisions are two that Hunt often steps on her soapbox for. She said cats kill 2 billion birds in the U.S. per year. While some cats are true outdoor cats, there are plenty that dont need to be let outside, Hunt argued. If half the cats in the country became pure indoor cats and we stopped having these feral cat colonies, that would make a dent in that threat, she said. Another half billion birds die each year from flying into buildings. In just one October night, more than 1,000 migrating birds died after crashing into a single building in Chicago, for example. Hunt said people can put things on the outside of their windows that break up the reflection, and they should locate bird feeders and birdbaths less than 2 feet from any window so that birds cannot build up enough momentum to be injured if they do hit the window. The American Bird Conservancy maintains a database for products and solutions to reduce glass collisions. People should also reduce unnecessary lights at night time because they can disorient birds. Some cities, including Boston, have lights out programs where they encourage residents and businesses to go dark during peak migration times. This story was originally published by the New Hampshire Bulletin This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: The State of the Birds in New Hampshire at your fingertips A North Dakota state lawmaker made homophobic and discriminatory remarks toward a police officer while being placed under arrest on DUI charges earlier this month, authorities said. On December 15, Republican Representative Nico Rios was arrested and issued a citation for a DUI, DUI refusal and an open container, according to a report from the Williston Police Department. Rios was pulled over by police around 11:30 p.m. after his vehicle failed to stay in its lane, the police report said. Officers conducted a Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus test, Walk and Turn test, and One-Leg-Stand test where Rios showed slurred speech and issue constructing sentences during the investigation, the police report said. In the report, one of the police officers wrote throughout testing Rios became verbally abusive, homophobic, racially abusive and discriminatory, toward him. Rios was placed under arrest after refusing to submit a screening test, the report said. Inebriated or not, my actions and words to law enforcement that night were absolutely unacceptable, Rep. Rios said in a statement to CNN. Just two cop(s) doing their jobs keeping the community safe when they ran into me on a night I decided to act like a dummie. They did nothing to deserve any sort of disrespect. I owe it to myself, my district, and everyone and I vow to make sure this never happens again. Body camera video released from the night of the incident shows Rios make the remarks during his arrest and throughout the commute to the jail. Rios called one of the officers a homophobic slur during the traffic stop and later made a point to bring up an officers nationality from the back of the police vehicle. When the state representative inquired about his accent, the officer told Rios he is originally from England, which Rios then claimed England is being taken over by migrants. Youre arresting me for driving home while people come into your country and rape your women? And Im the bad guy? Rios can be heard saying on the footage, among other comments. The state lawmaker also threatened to call state Attorney General Drew Wrigley while sitting in the back of the police cruiser. CNN has reached out to the AGs office for comment. Moving forward after this night I feel like I have to emphasize my complete and total commitment to supporting Law Enforcement, Rios said in his statement. I messed up big time and I am truly sorry. Rios next court date is set for January 4, according to the police report. Information about Rios case is not listed in the North Dakota Courts online database and CNN did not receive a response to our inquiry about the status of his case over the weekend. CNN reached out to the North Dakota Republican Party for comment Sunday but did not receive a response. CNNs Raja Razek contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Steel City Beauties offered some holiday help to people in Pittsburgh during their annual toy and coat giveaway. The non-profit organization gave hot meals and gifts to people on Penn Avenue on Saturday afternoon. Steel City Beauties founder, Michelle Gilmore, said she hopes the event can get people into the holiday spirit. It makes me feel really good because I lost my mom a few years ago. I lost a lot of my holiday spirit, so this year meant a lot to me and the response from people that needed stuff meant a whole lot, said Gilmore. This was the 5th year the giveaway was held. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: 2 teens killed in single-vehicle crash near North Park, police say Police trying to find Pittsburgh man accused of stabbing woman in Carnegie 2 relatives dead in Green Tree murder-suicide VIDEO: Exclusive: Jim Rogers was wanted by police before tasing, family declined certain medical treatments DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts BRANDON, Miss. Last month, The New York Times and the Mississippi Center for Investigative Reporting at Mississippi Today investigated a series of allegations that for nearly two decades, Rankin County sheriffs deputies tortured people suspected of drug use to extract information and confessions. Reporters examined hundreds of pages of court records and sheriffs office reports and interviewed more than 50 people who say they witnessed or experienced these events. What emerged was a pattern of violence that was neither confined to a small group of deputies nor hidden from department leaders. Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey declined to comment on specific allegations against his deputies, but in a brief phone interview in November, he told reporters, I have 240 employees. Theres no way I can be with them each and every day. The department also announced that it had updated its internal policies and that deputies would receive training on federal civil rights laws. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times These are portraits of some of the cases the investigation uncovered: Christopher Hillhouse, 19 October 2009, Pearl, Mississippi Rankin County deputies arranged for a confidential informant to give marked money to Christopher Hillhouse to purchase drugs, according to department records. Hillhouse told reporters that he knew the informant was trying to set him up, so he spent the money at Dollar General and a gas station stores deputies watched Hillhouse enter while tailing him, according to an incident report by Brett McAlpin, an investigator with the sheriffs department. Later, deputies confronted Hillhouse at his familys home. He and his mother said the deputies entered their house without permission or showing a warrant. Department officials told reporters they could not find a copy of a search warrant. Deputies demanded to know where the money was, the family said, before placing Hillhouse in handcuffs, punching him in the stomach and knocking his tooth out with a flashlight. Hillhouse said he was put in a van where a deputy continued to beat him for nearly half an hour. He was never prosecuted for a crime. Dustin Hale, 17 November 2010, Florence, Mississippi Dustin Hale was at a friends house when he got into a fight that spilled out into the yard. Rankin County deputies arrived and handcuffed the teenager and then began searching for a gun deputies believed he had stashed. When Hale failed to present a weapon, the deputies shocked him with their Tasers and beat him, according to Hale and his girlfriend at the time. Hale was taken to an interrogation room at the jail where deputies placed a cardboard crown from Burger King on his head to humiliate him and shocked him until he urinated on himself, according to Hales former girlfriend, who said she witnessed the incident while waiting to be booked. Hale was charged with disorderly conduct, failure to comply and possession of alcohol. He was fined $507. Gary Frith, 37 September 2012, unknown location Gary Frith drove off when Rankin County deputies tried to pull him over, according to department records. Eventually, he stopped his vehicle and, according to a lawsuit he filed, exited with his hands over his head, showing no resistance. Deputies describe no violence from Frith in their reports. Frith said deputies beat and stomped on him until he was bloodied. He was then taken to a squad car where one deputy choked and repeatedly hit him and another told him to leave the county or they would murder him, according to Friths lawsuit. A sheriffs office incident report provides no explanation for the large bandage over Friths eyebrow in his jail mug shot. Frith pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine and was sentenced to eight years in prison. Ronald Shinstock, 41, and John Burrell, 40 March 2015, Brandon, Mississippi Deputies raided Ronald Shinstocks home after a confidential informant set him up, according to court records. Deputies held Shinstocks wife, their children and their friends at gunpoint while searching the house without presenting a search warrant, Shinstock and witnesses said. Department officials told reporters they could not find a copy of a warrant. Deputies took Shinstock and John Burrell, his friend, outside, where Burrell said a deputy hit him until his ears bled while demanding he tell them where the drugs were. Shinstock said deputies slapped him, made him strip naked and threatened to hit his groin with a flashlight. Burrell pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance and contributing to the delinquency of a minor and was fined $7,541. Shinstock was convicted of selling methamphetamine. He appealed his case to the Mississippi Supreme Court, arguing deputies violated his Fourth Amendment rights when they raided his home without a warrant. The court denied his appeal because he failed to introduce the issue in his original criminal trial. He is currently imprisoned, facing a 40-year sentence because the sale occurred less than 1,500 feet from a church. Samuel Carter, 64, and Christopher Holloway, 26 June 2016, Pelahatchie, Mississippi In reports, deputies said they were responding to a drug overdose at the home of Samuel Carter, an Army veteran, when they found drugs in plain sight. The reports mentioned no use of force during the arrest. Carter and other witnesses said that no one had overdosed in the home and deputies forced their way inside without permission or presenting a search warrant. Department officials told reporters they could not find a copy of a warrant. Christopher Holloway, a Black man who was visiting the home, said deputies taunted him with racial slurs and began scouring the house for drugs. Holloway said he was handcuffed, beaten and repeatedly shocked in the groin and chest with a Taser until he defecated from fear and exhaustion. Taser logs indicate that James Rayborn, a deputy who was present at the arrest, according to department records, triggered his Taser six times for 20 seconds during the arrest. Rayborn did not respond to multiple requests for comment. Holloway said deputies demanded to know where the drugs were and threatened to throw him into the pool while handcuffed. Carter said he was shocked with a Taser and beaten in a separate room. He was charged with possession of a controlled substance but avoided prison time by agreeing to attend rehabilitation. Holloway was not prosecuted but served about eight months for violating parole. Garry Curro, 64; Jerry Manning, 39; James Elbert Lynch, 26; and Adam Cody Porter, 27 June 2018, Pearl Rankin County deputies arranged for a confidential informant to buy drugs in the home of Jerry Manning, according to department records. Deputies then burst into his trailer without presenting a search warrant, witnesses said. When one of Mannings guests, Garry Curro, 64, stepped into the living room, deputies threw him to the ground and handcuffed him, Curro said, before beating him and repeatedly shocking him with a Taser. Taser logs indicate that Deputies James Rayborn, Luke Stickman and Cody Grogan, who were present at the arrest, according to department records, fired their Tasers a total of 14 times for 27 seconds. None of the deputies responded to multiple requests for comment. Curro said that when he told the deputies he had received back surgery, one of them stuck a foot into the middle of his back, grabbed him by the neck and yanked his head backward. In his incident report, McAlpin does not mention the deputies use of force during the arrests. Manning said deputies placed his legs under his bed and knocked out the bedposts, pinning him to the floor while they shocked him repeatedly in the genitals and the head. Deputies then wrapped a pair of bluejeans around his face and punched him repeatedly before dragging him into the kitchen, Manning said, where they then used a blowtorch to melt the handle of a metal nutcracker onto his bare thigh. One deputy drew a swastika on his forehead, Manning said, which was visible in his mug shot. Deputies leaned Manning against a chair and strapped a belt around his neck, he said. Then, one deputy stood on the chair and pulled the belt up, allowing him to hang by his own body weight until he thought he would die, Manning said. Adam Cody Porter said deputies handcuffed him in another room and asked him where the drugs were. When he said he did not know, they threw him into a glass mirror, kicked him on his sides and used his pocketknife to shred his pants to ribbons, Porter said. James Elbert Lynch said he was asleep when deputies grabbed him by his hair, dragged him into the living room and stomped on his face when he asked to see a warrant. Lynch said that when he told a deputy he did not know where any drugs were, the deputy dragged a blowtorch across the bottoms of his feet. Curro pleaded guilty to possession of drug paraphernalia and was fined $250. Manning said he entered a drug counseling program to avoid charges. Porter was not charged. Charges against Lynch were dropped. Robert Wayne Jones, 34, and Jeffrey Tyler Mote, 26 June 2018, Pearl While trying to set up Robert Wayne Jones and Jeffrey Tyler Mote in a drug sale, deputies intercepted the men in a trailer park driveway, according to department records. The deputies then beat them and shocked them with Tasers, Jones said, demanding to know where their drugs were. He said deputies then drove them to a wooded area and beat them again before throwing Jones into a water-filled ditch and firing a Taser at his chest, above his heart. Jones said a deputy believed he had swallowed drugs to hide them, so he shoved a stick down Jones throat and twisted it until he vomited blood. In their official report, deputies did not mention using force against the men. A mug shot later taken at the jail shows Jones face swollen and covered in mud. While in jail, Jones told his story to a fellow inmate who described the account to reporters. Mote was convicted of possession of marijuana in a motor vehicle and possession of paraphernalia and was fined $855. Jones was not charged. Fredrick Trimble, 38 July 2018, Flowood, Mississippi Deputies arrested Fredrick Trimble during a sting initiated by a confidential informant, according to department records. Trimble, who said he thought the informant was trying to rob him, fled in his car and struck a pedestrian. The deputies caught Trimble, beat him and shocked him with their Tasers multiple times in the groin and torso while he was handcuffed, Trimble said. He said one of the deputies put a gun in his mouth, threatened to kill him and then pistol-whipped him. In their reports, deputies wrote that Trimble had attacked them. He was charged with assault and fleeing police officers and was sentenced to 25 years in prison. Jeremy Travis Paige, 41 August 2018, Pearl Rankin County deputies arrested Jeremy Travis Paige after getting a confidential informant to try to set him up in a drug sale, according to department records. Paige said that after he tried to flee in his car, deputies beat him unconscious in the street. In their reports, deputies wrote that he resisted arrest and tried to kick them. When Paige came to, he had been handcuffed, and deputies were dragging him into his home, Paige said. He was then brutally beaten for nearly an hour, until his eyes were swollen shut and his tooth fell out, he and a witness said. Paige also said deputies waterboarded him, burned him with a cigarette and shocked him with a Taser. Department Taser logs indicate that at least one deputy at the scene fired a Taser. Paiges booking photo, taken at the Rankin County jail, shows his battered face after the encounter. According to Paige, deputies hid evidence of the violence by using Tasers that were not issued by the department and removing blood-soaked bed linens from the house. After Paige was arrested, his roommate came home and took pictures of the mattress stripped bare and blood spattered on the wall. Paige, who was sentenced to five years on drug charges, filed a lawsuit, which was dismissed after he missed court deadlines. Mitchell Hobson, 38, and Roy Clell Rick Loveday, 47 October 2018, Brandon Rick Loveday said he woke up when deputies barged into his trailer home seeking drugs. Loveday, who was a deputy in Hinds County at the time, said deputies dragged him half-naked into his kitchen, where they poured spices on him, smashed a chocolate cake into his face and jabbed his buttocks threateningly with a flashlight before beating him. Mitchell Hobson, a guest in Lovedays home, said deputies tortured him for more than an hour, waterboarding him, beating his bare feet with batons, shocking him with Tasers, choking him with a lamp cable, sticking a Taser into his mouth and punching him in the face and body while demanding he lead them to a drug stash. Andrea Dettore, another guest in Lovedays home, said she witnessed Lovedays beating and heard Hobson being beaten in the other room. Loveday said he also heard Hobson being beaten. The confidential informant who set the men up told reporters that Loveday spoke to him in court a few days later about being beaten by the deputies. Loveday said deputies stole guns and other items from his home. He was charged with possession of paraphernalia. Hobson was charged with selling methamphetamine. All charges were set aside or dropped. Carvis Johnson, 34 February 2019, Flowood Rankin County deputies pulled over Carvis Johnson after a confidential informant bought drugs from him, according to department records. Johnson claimed in a federal lawsuit that after he was handcuffed, Deputy Jamie Perry placed a gun in his mouth and threatened to kill him if he did not say where his drugs were located. Johnson said deputies beat him when he told them he had no drugs and said if he brought drugs into Rankin County, he would be killed. Johnsons lawsuit states that deputies threw him into a truck bed and took turns beating his back and buttocks with a crowbar. (In an interview, Johnson clarified that they used a car jack handle). McAlpin wrote in his incident report that Johnson tried to obtain or conceal a gun, but he made no mention of violence during the arrest. Johnsons booking photo shows his face swollen and bandaged. Johnson pleaded guilty to selling methamphetamine with a firearm and was sentenced to 16 years in prison. His lawsuit was resolved in a settlement for $2,000. Maurice Porter, 28 March 2019, Florence Deputies stopped Maurice Porter in his car because they suspected him of selling drugs and driving without a license, according to McAlpins incident report. Porter said that he ran when a deputy referred to him using a racial slur and threatened to shock him in his groin with a Taser. After tackling him, the deputies shocked him, punched him and kicked him, Porter said. A confidential informant who said he witnessed the arrest told reporters that Porter was brutally beaten. The deputies took Porter back to their vehicles but refused to let him stand, Porter said, hurling racial slurs at him as they dragged him by his hair and his shoulders. When they got him to the car, Porter said, McAlpin slammed a nightstick into his legs, repeatedly knocking him to the ground. The deputies shoved him into a squad car, where he vomited, Porter said. When Porters mother, Catherine, arrived, deputies would not let her speak to her son and told her they were going to search her house, Maurice Porter and his mother said. His mother said she did not grant deputies permission to search her home; department officials told reporters they could not find a copy of a search warrant. During the search, deputies took two guns and then took a security camera and the memory device that stored video footage, she said. Maurice Porter was charged with resisting arrest and possession of marijuana and paraphernalia. He was fined more than $1,000 and spent five months in jail. Joshua Rushing, 32 January 2020, Pearl Rankin County deputies arranged a controlled drug sale between a confidential informant and Joshua Rushing, according to department records. In his report, Investigator Christian Dedmon wrote that Rushing rammed a patrol vehicle with his car and then ran from deputies and fought with them as they subdued him. Dedmon wrote that he shocked Rushing with his Taser and punched him until other deputies helped place him in handcuffs. Rushing and his girlfriend, Nicole Brock, who witnessed the arrest, denied these claims. Rushing said he was pulling over when the deputies rammed his vehicle, and they began to shock him with their Tasers while he was still in the drivers seat. He said he was in handcuffs when Dedmon placed a pistol in his mouth and radioed that an armed man was fleeing. Dedmon then pistol-whipped him in the head, Rushing said. His mug shot shows a large bleeding wound on his forehead, where Rushing said he was struck. Dedmon, who pleaded guilty this summer to federal and state charges related to the torture of three men, did not respond to multiple messages seeking comment left with his attorney. Before taking him to jail, deputies placed him in the bed of their truck and drove to a nearby service road, Rushing said, where they told him he had made a mistake coming to their county and shocked him repeatedly with a Taser. Taser logs from the sheriffs department show that Dedmon triggered his Taser six times for a total of 19 seconds during the arrest. After being taken to jail, Rushing described the encounter to another inmate, who confirmed his account. Rushing said he complained to the department, detailing the abuse; a lawyer for the department declined to provide copies, claiming they were personnel records. Rushing spent eight months in jail, but charges stemming from the incident were eventually dropped. Brock was charged with disorderly conduct and failure to comply and was fined $697. Dwayne Kaiser, 59 February 2020, Pearl Dwayne Kaiser was set up by a confidential informant in a $100 methamphetamine deal, according to department records. Rankin County deputies then raided Kaisers home without presenting a search warrant, Kaiser said. Department officials told reporters they could not find a copy of a search warrant. Deputies brought Kaiser into his bedroom, he said, where they demanded to know where the $100 was and punched him repeatedly. Kaiser said that one deputy shocked him in the leg with his Taser, which is supported by department Taser logs. No use of force is mentioned in the deputies reports. Deputies then punched him until he told them where to find the money, Kaiser said. Kaiser pleaded guilty to selling methamphetamine and was sentenced to 10 years in prison and said he was released after three years. Barry Tatum Yawn, 40 June 2022, Florence When Rankin County deputies came to investigate a fight between Barry Tatum Yawn and his son, they shocked him with their Tasers numerous times, Yawn said. Then, they held him upside down by his legs, slammed his head into the floor and punched him until his jaw broke, he said. Department Taser logs indicate that several deputies fired their Tasers seven times during the time of the incident. At the urging of a fire department medic, deputies took him to a hospital, Yawn said. Medical records show that doctors treated him for head injuries and a broken jaw, which the records say occurred during the fight between Yawn and his son. The medical records also state that doctors had to remove Taser prongs from Yawns shoulder. There is no mention of Taser use or any use of force in the deputies reports. Yawn was not arrested or charged in the incident. Robert Grozier, 39, and Andrea Dettore, 49 January 2023, Florence Dedmon set up a drug deal between Robert Grozier and a confidential informant at the home of Andrea Dettore, department records show. According to Grozier, deputies stormed the property and forced a gun so far down his throat that he started to vomit and then shocked him with their Tasers until he falsely confessed to buying drugs. Dettore said she could hear Grozier grunting as if he were being hurt behind the closed bedroom door. Grozier and Dettore said that a deputy found a sex toy in the home and shoved it into Groziers mouth while threatening to shock him if he spat it out. Deputies found topless pictures of Dettore on Groziers phone and showed them to each other, making lewd comments, Grozier and Dettore said. Grozier pleaded guilty to possession of marijuana and was fined $250. Dettore pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct and failure to comply and was fined $500. c.2023 The New York Times Company Before we begin the new week in earnest, we're taking a look back at the week that was, and the stories that led the news with Taunton Daily Gazette readers. Top stories this past week included: Another look ahead at this sports season. These are 12 Greater Taunton girls basketball players to keep up with this winter. The latest Greater Taunton real estate report, featuring an expanded cape in Raynham that sold for $675,000. Built in 1850, the Main Street home has had numerous updates, including a chef-worthy kitchen, two fireplaced living rooms, a cozy dining nook, and a large screened-in porch. Check out this property, as well as other recent top-sellers. These were the Top 5 stories of the past week, according to Gazette readers: Part of Whittenton Mills in Taunton collapses in storm This past week, a storm pummeled the region with strong winds and heavy rain, and downed trees and powerlines. Those weren't the only things downed: A significant wing of Whittenton Mills Complex at 437 Whittenton St. collapsed early Monday afternoon, Deputy Fire Chief Matthew Arruda said. A significant wing from the old Whittenton Mills Complex, located at 437 Whittenton St. in Taunton, was reported to have collapsed during the high-wind storm on December 18, 2023. Here's what we know. Storm pummels region: Part of Whittenton Mills in Taunton collapses in storm Taunton man says priest abused him as child at Lake Sabbatia; settlement reached A Taunton man who says he survived childhood sexual abuse by a former Taunton priest came forward publicly for the first time after years of anonymity and litigation to recount his trauma and discuss the settlement he recently reached with the Diocese of Fall River. I dont want a child going through 40 years of spiritual turmoil and hell, feeling ashamed to seek out the help they need, Daniel Lewis of Taunton said Wednesday. From left, Claude LeBoeuf, Daniel Lewis of Taunton and Road to Recovery co-founder and President Robert Hoatson attend a press conference Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023, near the former St. Paul's Church in Taunton where Lewis came forward publicly for the first time to talk about his allegations of childhood sexual abuse by a priest, the Rev. Edward J. Byington, in Taunton decades ago. LeBoeuf came forward years ago with allegations of sexual abuse occurring in 1960 at a church in Attleboro by the Rev. James Porter, who pled guilty in 1993 to molesting 28 children throughout the 1960s and 1970s. This is his story. 'Spiritual turmoil and hell': Taunton man says priest abused him as child at Lake Sabbatia Raynham hotel will be shelter for homeless people and migrants Raynham Selectmen said the states Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities will soon be placing homeless and migrant families in one of the hotels in Raynham. The state department of housing, as it has done with many hotels and hotel chains across the Commonwealth, has entered into a contract with Homes2 Suites, which is owned by Hilton, to operate as a shelter to handle the continued overflow of people in need. Families housed at hotel: Raynham hotel will be shelter for homeless and migrants. Impact on schools? What should happen to Taunton's Hopewell Elementary School? Officials weigh options School officials are trying to decide if it is too expensive to renovate and bring the 109-year-old Hopewell Elementary School up to code to continue to hold school or community activities at the Monroe Street building. Hopewell Elementary School Gazette Reporter Ed Baker has the story, here. Officials weigh options: What should happen to Taunton's Hopewell Elementary School? Artist Phill Bourque bringing Weir Village mural back to life The Weir History Comes Alive mural on West Water Street, painted in 1999 by late local artist John Barradas, is getting a refresh. Phill Bourque, a Los Angeles-based artist who grew up in Taunton, has been painting a new mural based on Barradass original mural sketch. Taunton-born artist Phill Bourque is seen here in front of mural art he painted for Horror Vibes Coffee in North Hollywood, California. Check it out. 'Its pretty ambitious': Artist Phill Bourque bringing Weir Village mural back to life Herald News/Taunton Daily Gazette copy editor and digital producer Kristina Fontes can be reached at kfontes@heraldnews.com. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Herald News and Taunton Daily Gazette today. This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Taunton Gazette Top 5: Storm causes partial collapse at Whittenton Mills BBB logo Some consumers have recently been getting text messages stating that a major delivery carrier needs them to "update delivery preferences" on a package by clicking a link. The problem? The text is a scam and clicking the link results in the theft of personal information. Most consumers love the convenience of making purchases online and having them shipped straight to their doorstep. But with millions of packages delivered each year, con artists and thieves have developed many ways to steal from shoppers. Fortunately, there are also many ways to protect yourself from their shady tactics. Popular delivery scams Delivery scams and theft are particularly prevalent during the holidays when more packages are shipped, but they can happen year-round. Scammers are hoping shoppers are busy or distracted and will act without thinking. The first scams to look out for are phishing texts or emails that pose as official notices from delivery companies. These either contain a "tracking link," a message that the shipper is having difficulty delivering a package to you, or, most recently, a link to update delivery preferences. Clicking the link either takes you to a form that asks for personally identifying information or to a site that downloads malware onto your computer. Another delivery scam involves fake "missed delivery" tags. Scammers place a note on your door that claims they are having challenges delivering a package to you. They ask you to call a phone number to reschedule your delivery, but it is a ruse to get your personal information. A different delivery scam involves a text stating something like, "The USPS package has arrived at the warehouse and cannot be delivered due to incomplete address information. Please confirm your addressing the link. https://realmastm.com (Please reply to 1, then exit the SMS, open the SMS activation link again, or copy the link to Safari browser and open it) The US Postal team wishes you a wonderful day." Another issue shoppers face is package theft. Many consumers have had their packages stolen before they arrive home from work. Thieves snatch packages from doorsteps or apartment or condo lobbies. Criminals even follow delivery and postal trucks and grab the parcels once the truck leaves. How to avoid delivery scams 1. Take precautions to ensure a safe delivery. If you have a valuable or fragile item delivered to your home, purchase shipping insurance. Always get tracking numbers for your purchases and check the shipping progress periodically. 2. Beware of texts, calls, or emails about a missed delivery. Legitimate delivery services usually leave a "missed delivery" notice on your door. Examine the form carefully to make sure it is authentic, and only then follow their instructions. Keep track of what you have ordered to better understand what is coming and when. Do not click on links; go directly to the delivery carrier's website or log in and use the retailer's tracking tools. 3. Request a signature. This feature may come with a price tag, but it may be worth the extra fee. Requesting a signature means that a delivery service will not be able to drop a package on your doorstep unless someone is there to sign for it. 4. Do not leave packages sitting on your doorstep; they are particularly vulnerable to theft. To ensure safe delivery, have your package delivered to your workplace or a trusted neighbor who will be home to accept delivery. Some delivery companies have lockers where your packages are secured until you pick them up using a one-time code. 5. Open your delivery upon receipt to check for damage or signs of tampering. Contact the seller immediately if you believe something is wrong with the shipment or it is not what you ordered. Also, review the seller's return policy for damaged or unwanted items. FOR MORE INFORMATION Visit BBB's holiday HQ at BBB.org/Holiday for more holiday-related tips and information. Visit BBB.org/AvoidScams to learn more about avoiding scams, and if you have been the victim of a delivery scam, please report it at BBB.org/ScamTracker. Your report can help others avoid falling victim to similar scams. FOR BBB INFORMATION Visit BBB.org or call us at 330-454-9401 to look up a business, file a complaint, write a customer review, read tips, find our events, follow us on social media, and more! This article originally appeared on The Alliance Review: Straight Talk: Five ways to avoid delivery scams Taraji Fultz, of Laurelville, goes through some of the items in the gift bag she gave Don Dodd, 88 of Chillicothe, as she and other students from Zane Trace Middle School gave gifts and sang Christmas carols for the residents of Signature HealthCARE of Chillicothe on December 20, 2023, in Chillicothe, Ohio. CHILLICOTHE Recently students from the Zane Trace Middle School have been bringing in gifts for seniors in the community. After collecting piles of gifts the students were ready to hand them out and spread some holiday cheer. See the kickoff: Zane Trace students spreading cheer and gifts to nursing home residents Student and community members helped collect gifts including over 200 socks, 50 crossword puzzle books, 200 body washes, snacks and decorations. Each adult also had a wish list that students could buy from to give more specific gifts. Teacher Dennis Foreman said this has been the best Gift an Elder fundraiser to date. While passing out their personalized gifts students were able to chat with the recipients, even those who could not leave their rooms. One student, Bailey Hammond, said she had been looking forward to presenting her gift and getting to spread cheer. She said the feeling of giving back was "amazing." After passing around gifts students gathered together to sing a variety of holiday tunes. Some residents even had fun joining in during the performance. Cleo Butcher, of Chillicothe and a resident, listens as students from Zane Trace Middle School sing Christmas carols for the residents at Signature HealthCARE of Chillicothe on December 20, 2023, in Chillicothe, Ohio. Resident Michelle Bailey said the Christmas party helped make her day "so much brighter." She said that the students who spread cheer throughout the halls were providing a blessing to the elders, something everyone could use this time of year. Shelby Reeves is a reporter for the Chillicothe Gazette. You can email her at SReeves@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @Shelby_Reeves_ This article originally appeared on Chillicothe Gazette: Zane Trace students give back and perform for local elders By John Alderman Linton I joined the pre-medical program at Yonsei University in March 1980, a chaotic time on the campus marked by frequent protests. After barely passing my second year of pre-med, I advanced to Yonseis medical school, but my studies were extremely demanding. Yonsei was the first Korean school Id ever gone to. And while I was a fluent speaker of Korean, Id never had to wrestle with the written form of the language. As a result, it was very hard to learn anatomical terms and keep up with my biochemistry class, with its focus on rote memorization. Putting my nose to the grindstone, I applied myself diligently in my first year at medical school, but I ended up having to repeat the year. Other students were whispering about how that Westerner had failed the exams. The whole experience was humiliating and psychologically draining. However, I was determined not to be discouraged by the setback, and I returned to the classroom to repeat the first year of medical school. After the lecture began, I was surprised to find quite a few familiar faces in the seats around me. At least 30 of the 180 students in that first year had been held back, just like me. After our first day of lectures, we gathered at a pub near the school to swap stories about our failure the previous year, which kindled lasting friendships. One reason Ive enjoyed such strong support during my 32 years at Severance is that Ive maintained connections not only with those who were admitted with me and graduated with me but also with those who had to repeat a year with me. The second year of medical school brought clinical coursework along with the basic science coursework, which was a relief for me. Since many of these courses focused on conceptual understanding, rather than simple memorization, my studies grew easier. Then in my fourth year, I confronted my biggest obstacle yet: the Korean medical licensing exam. The test itself wasnt so difficult, but the medical names written in Chinese characters felt as daunting as Mount Everest. I devoted three months to memorizing the Chinese character names. Then on the day of the exam, my Korean reading speed was so slow I had to rush through the questions without enough time to recheck my answers. Luckily, I passed the exam, feeling as joyful as if ten Christmases had come all at once. But the basic science component of the U.S. medical licensing examination was scheduled to be administered just ten days later. I spent those few days cramming as much as I could, but I came in just one point shy of a passing grade. So in 1987, I moved to the States to better prepare for the exam. My financial difficulties made it hard to focus on my studies, and I eventually enrolled in a Kaplan test prep school where I listened to recorded lectures to prepare me for the basic science exam. That was the toughest time in my life I was so broke I sometimes had to make do with a sandwich for lunch. Three months later, I sat for the exam at the ferry terminal in New York as one of 3,000 foreign medical graduates. Only 4% passed, just 120 of those 3,000 test takers. After that, I applied and interviewed at a huge number of medical residency programs. Finally, I landed a position at a program with only five positions available for 3,000 applicants. Once I was in my residency, my financial situation stabilized and life in the U.S. gradually improved, although I did spend four years in the high-crime neighborhood of Harlem. Back then, none of the U.S. medical school graduates in my program knew or cared where Korea was, nor were they aware that Yonsei University was a respectable medical school. They treated me like Id graduated from some fly-by-night school in Central or South America. Faced with their snobbery and prejudice, I pushed myself even harder but felt helpless to change their attitudes. But then it came time for our in-service exam. A few days after the exam, the program director scrawled my name on the chalkboard. Id gotten the top score on the evaluations. I froze in shock the moment I saw my name up there on the chalkboard. This was the guy, youll recall, who had to redo his first year of medical school at Yonsei University in Korea! My first-place performance shocked all the graduates of U.S. medical schools, and I didnt have to deal with any snobbery or prejudice from that day forward. I stepped into the bathroom as tears filled my eyes. From that point forward, I held my head up high, confident that I could hold my own against any graduates of U.S. schools. I may have flunked my first-year exams in Korea, but Id outperformed the Americans at my residency. The tenacious effort Im describing here is the source of Koreas strength. When Koreans without any particular qualifications immigrate to the United States, more than 80 percent buy a new car within the year, and more than 80 percent are homeowners within five something that Americans often struggle to do in 30 years. Thats because Koreans have an amazing capacity for working hard work on a level that immigrants from other countries cant match. Im always amazed by the Korean people, as well as exceedingly grateful for the education I received at Severance and from my professors. Given the unmatched excellence of the Korean nation, the question remains why do Koreans underestimate themselves so much. Human society has undergone greater changes over the past 50 years than at any time in history. And during those same years, Korea has risen up from the ashes of war to join the ranks of the worlds most advanced nations. Along with great achievements in national development, Korea has greatly contributed to the development of humanity as a whole. Thats something Koreans should take pride in. Its reason for us to square our shoulders, stand up straight and speak assertively. Its reason for us to be leaders, not followers. Whenever I deliver a lecture, I remind Koreans to set aside their defeatist attitude and remember the excellence of the Korean people. Its time we stopped selling ourselves short. John Alderman Linton, an American-Korean whose Korean name is Ihn Yo-han, is a director at Yonsei University Severance Hospital International Health Care Center. CHICAGO - A Wood Dale man was accused of driving under the influence when he crashed his car in Schiller Park, killing his stepdaughter. Juan Moxthe, 45, was charged in connection to a fatal car crash that happened on Dec. 17 at 2:15 a.m. near O'Hare Airport. Chicago police responded to a single car crash at 12107 Irving Park Road and when they arrived, ambulances and fire trucks were already at the scene. Prosecutors say Moxthe was driving with his wife, his stepdaughter Jaylene Escamilla and her husband when he lost control of the vehicle, striking a guard rail, causing the car to flip. Escamilla was pronounced dead at the scene, while Moxthe was immediately transported to an area hospital for medical attention. Prosecutors say Moxthes BAC was 0.12 approximately two hours after the crash. He was released from the hospital on Friday and immediately transported to the DuPage County Jail. Moxthe appeared in court on Saturday where a judge denied his pre-trial release. He was charged with one count of aggravated DUI causing death. His next court appearance was scheduled for Jan. 8. A proposal to update Barnstable Countys Joint Base Cape Cod Master Plan to include broader intentions of developing unused or underutilized land for housing and other municipal needs was adopted Wednesday morning by the Barnstable County Board of Regional Commissioners. Mark Forest, chair of the Board of Regional Commissioners, said the base has undergone significant changes over recent decades in terms of scaling back operations and witnessing the removal of certain installments such as the 102nd Fighter Wing. He said the National Guard is finding ways to shrink their footprint and be more operationally efficient as well. We seem to be at a critical juncture in terms of where the base and the facility is at, and this might be a very good time to start thinking about a more comprehensive approach to master planning, Forest said. Barnstable County Commissioner Mark Forest The master plan, last updated in 1998, is a long-range planning mechanism tailored for Joint Base Cape Cod, Forest said, to help guide future investments and optimize infrastructure such as wastewater and potential housing both on and off the base to service the municipalities on the Upper Cape and the military community. Its been quite some time since the last master plan was done and a lot has changed at the installation, Forest said, adding comprehensive planning and investment is necessary for the bases future. I'm a strong supporter of the installation and I've been very concerned about the long-term viability of the base. Joint Base Cape Cod officials were not able to comment, a spokesman said. Relationships between Joint Base Cape Cod and Upper Cape towns Central to the plan is the relationship between the towns bordering the base and the military, Forest said. The military has partnerships and arrangements in a variety of areas with the surrounding towns, he said. Joint Base Cape Cod sits on land owned by the state and covers nearly 22,000 acres, or about 30 square miles, and comprises four military commands, bases and stations including the U.S. Army Guard (Camp Edwards), the U.S. Air Force (Space Force) the Air National Guard (Otis Air National Guard Base) and the U.S. Coast Guard (Air Station Cape Cod). The base is part of the towns of Bourne, Sandwich and Mashpee, and it borders the town of Falmouth. 'Long-term viability' of Joint Base Cape Cod The base has undergone a process called Base Realignment and Closure, or BRAC, a congressionally authorized process that oversees the reorganization and divestment of certain military installations. The bases that are closed are the ones that are underutilized, poorly utilized and are not well managed, in the sense that they're not able to manage costs effectively or efficiently, Forest said. That was one of the reasons why the fighter jets were relocated from the base. During the last round of BRAC, Forest said, the 102nd Fighter Wing was moved to a different military base because it was considered too expensive to be stationed at Joint Base Cape Cod. The proposal to update the master plan will undergo a process of collaboration over the coming months with Cape towns, the Massachusetts Development Finance Agency and base officials, Forest said, all to spur future investment in the base a key strategy to hedge against further base closure. I honestly believe that if we are to succeed in saving the installation from a future BRAC, we need to update the master plan, Forest said. We need to basically help sort of share costs or reduce the burden financially on the military. Walker Armstrong reports on all things Cape and Islands, primarily focusing on courts, transportation and the Joint Base Cape Cod military base. Contact him at WArmstrong@capecodonline.com. Follow him on Twitter: @jd__walker. The Cape Cod Times mobile app gets you to the heart of the matter fast. Whether breaking news, sports, entertainment or weather get succinct, personalized coverage along with award-winning videos, captivating photography, and interactive user features. Download the app. This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: New plan to save Joint Base Cape Cod may focus on housing, unused land The Syrian capital has a lone Christmas market this year, as churches cancel most festivities in solidarity with Gaza (LOUAI BESHARA) Christmas cheer has deserted the streets of Syria's cities, where the main churches have limited celebrations to prayers in solidarity with Palestinians suffering war in Gaza. "In Palestine, the birthplace of Jesus Christ, people are suffering," the Syriac Catholic Archbishop of Aleppo, Mor Dionysius Antoine Shahda, told AFP. The northern Syrian city's central district of Azizia is usually home to a bustling festive market and a huge Christmas tree, while its streets are adorned with lights and trinkets. But this year, the main square is almost empty and there are no Christmas decorations in sight. "In Syria we cancelled all official celebrations and receptions in our churches in solidarity with the victims of the bombing on Gaza" by Israeli forces, Shahda said. The Syriac Catholic Church was not alone, with the leaders of three of Syria's major churches -- the Greek Orthodox, Syriac Orthodox and Melkite Greek Catholic patriarchs -- announcing they were cancelling Christmas festivities and limiting celebrations to religious ceremonies. "Given the current circumstances, especially in Gaza, the patriarchs apologise for not receiving Christmas and New Year greetings," the trio said in a joint statement, adding they were limiting ceremonies to "prayers". The health ministry in the Hamas-ruled Palestinian territory says more than 20,000 people have been killed in the Gaza Strip since Israel launched its massive air and ground offensive, in response to a deadly attack on southern Israel on October 7. Most of the dead in Gaza are women and children, officials say. The Hamas attack killed about 1,140 people in Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures. Many Gazans have been displaced by the violence and forced into crowded shelters or tents, often struggling to find food, fuel, water and medical care. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees has said the ongoing Israeli military campaign left no safe place anywhere across the narrow territory. - 'No opportunity for joy' - Before Syria's civil war erupted in 2011, it was home to more than 1.2 million Christians, though huge numbers have fled since. The conflict had dampened Christmas celebrations, but festivities picked up in recent years as the main front lines froze and government forces retook control of large swathes of the country. Still, gloom now prevails in the streets of the capital Damascus. Festivities are limited to a lone market, while the Greek Orthodox Mariamite Cathedral in Damascus has put up modest decorations and a small tree in its courtyard. Damascus resident Rachel Haddad, 66, said she had been glued to her phone for more than two months, reading news of the devastation in Gaza, and did not have the heart to put up a Christmas tree. "This year was very sad. It began with the earthquake and ended with the Gaza war," Haddad said, referring to the February 6 tremor that ripped through southern Turkey and Syria, killing at least 55,000 people. "There was no opportunity for joy," she said, also blaming Syria's economic woes. The country's economy has been battered by war, with recurrent fuel shortages and long, daily power cuts a fact of life. "If there is no electricity, how will you see the decorations and lights anyway?" Haddad asked. mam/aya/dcp/ami/leg Taiwan has established a foundation together with the Union of Polish Metropolises to help Ukrainian refugees in Poland and donated US$1 million. Source: Taiwan's Foreign Ministry; Ukrinform Details: The funds will be used to improve living conditions for refugees in Poland, improve education for Ukrainian children and young people, and prepare for the future return of refugees to Ukraine after the war. Polish cities interested in receiving grants should apply to the Association giving details of specific projects for Ukrainian refugees, which will then be considered and approved by the selection committee. At the signing ceremony, the Taiwanese representative noted that the establishment of the foundation demonstrates Taiwan's strong commitment to and concern for Ukraine. According to the Taiwanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the island has donated over US$40 million and about 600 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Ukraine since February last year. Support UP or become our patron! Taiwan, together with the Alliance of Polish Metropolises, has established a $1 million fund to support Ukrainian refugees in Poland, the Taiwanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Dec. 23. Taiwan's Ambassador to Poland Wu Shangnian announced the signing of the memorandum establishing the fund alongside Bialystok Mayor Tadeusz Truskolaski, the chairman of the Alliance of Polish Metropolises - an organization representing 12 cities in Poland and one-fifth of the country's population. The allocated funds will aim to enhance living conditions for Ukraine refugees living in Poland, improve education opportunities for Ukrainian children and youth, and facilitate the preparation for the eventual return of refugees to Ukraine. Polish cities seeking the subsidy will have to submit applications for specific projects geared towards supporting Ukrainian refugees. These proposals will undergo review and approval by a designated selection committee. Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Taiwan has provided over $40 million in aid funding and nearly 600 tons of humanitarian aid to Ukraine. According to statistics compiled by the United Nation's High Commissioner for Refugees, Poland has received nearly one million refugees fleeing Russia's war in Ukraine. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Netherlands to prepare 18 F-16s for delivery to Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. TAIPEI (Reuters) - Taiwan's defence ministry said on Sunday that over the previous 24 hours it had detected eight Chinese fighter jets crossing over the median line of the Taiwan Strait, as well as one Chinese balloon. Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory, has repeatedly complained of Chinese military activity around the island over the past four years. China has been stepping up its missions near Taiwan as the Jan. 13 presidential and parliamentary elections on the island approach. Taiwan's defence ministry said the Chinese J-10, J-11 and J-16 fighter jets had crossed the median line at points to the north and centre of the strait. The median line once served as an unofficial barrier between the two sides, but Chinese planes now regularly fly over it. Taiwan sent its own forces to monitor, the ministry said. The ministry also reported another Chinese balloon in the strait, the latest in a spate of what Taiwan says are most likely for monitoring the weather, driven by prevailing winds at this time of year. It said the balloon was spotted after crossing the median line late on Saturday morning 97 nautical miles (180 km) northwest of the northern Taiwanese port city of Keelung at altitude of approximately 20,000 feet (6,100 metres). The balloon headed east and disappeared around one hour later, the ministry added. The potential for China to use balloons for spying became a global issue in February when the United States shot down what it said was a Chinese surveillance balloon. China said the balloon was a civilian craft that accidentally drifted astray. (Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Jamie Freed) Donald Trump, left, and Vladimir Putin at a presidential summit in Helsinki in 2018. Both are to run for office again in 2024 - PABLO MARTINEZ MONSIVAIS/AP 2024 is set to be the biggest ever year for democracy around the world, with more than 1.5 billion people expected to head to the polls to vote in national elections. Presidential or parliamentary elections will take place next year in the United States, Russia, India, Ukraine, Pakistan, Indonesia, Mexico and Taiwan, plus a smattering of smaller states. The UK and European Union will both also hold elections to their respective parliaments. The elections come at a time of international turmoil, with wars raging in Gaza, Ukraine and elsewhere in what Joe Biden, the US president, has called an inflection point in history. The votes will also be among the first in which sophisticated generative AI will have an impact. It has the power to spread disinformation and undermine public confidence in the democratic process. The estimate of 1.5 billion potential voters globally is based on previous turnout figures. It could be higher but even this number exceeds the size of the English-speaking world, and the entire population of India the worlds most populous country. Here are some of the most significant votes taking place and how they could affect world affairs: The United States The US election could produce the second-ever president to serve two non-consecutive terms, as Donald Trump seeks re-election in the race against Joe Biden. The first to achieve this was Grover Cleveland in the 1880s. Mr Trump has yet to secure the Republican nomination but his campaign team predicts he could have wound up the primary race just two months after it begins on Jan 15, with the former president racking up the support of around 60 per cent of GOP voters in national opinion polls. Other candidates, including Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley, appear to have failed to impress the partys electorate ahead of the Republican primaries. The USs disproportionate influence on world affairs is likely to play a major role in each of the general election campaigns, with both Mr Biden and the various Republican contenders holding radically different views on foreign wars and the rising influence of China. The last election, in 2020, saw the highest voter turnout of the 21st century, with around two thirds of eligible voters choosing to head to the polls. Mr Bidens narrow victory and his opponents subsequent attempts to deny the result have cast a long shadow over next years race and produced a variety of legal proceedings against Mr Trump that will run concurrently with the campaign. Man exits a voting booth in Novosibirsk, Russia, where Vladimir Putin is to seek re-election in 2024 - VLADIMIR NIKOLAYEV/AFP Russia and Ukraine Both Russia and Ukraine, who are locked in a conflict that will soon reach its second birthday, will hold presidential elections in 2024. Vladimir Putin, will seek a fourth term as Russias president in March. Although the Russian system had previously prevented one person from serving more than two terms in the role, a change to the countrys constitution in 2020 has allowed Putin to run again. He won 77 per cent of the popular vote in 2018, in an election result that was treated with strong scepticism by the international community. The Kremlins last budget saw Russia spend 6 per cent of its GDP on defence more than on social security as the war in Ukraine dominates Mr Putins political agenda. Across the front lines, Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraines president, will also probably seek re-election next year in a ballot that will be perceived as a referendum on his performance during the war which, by then, would have entered its third year. Mr Zelensky has spent the past year touring Western capitals in an attempt to persuade leaders to continue their support of Kyivs war effort but he faces some domestic reaction after the autumn offensive to push the Russian invaders back failed to live up to expectations. The Ukrainian constitution dictates that another election must take place on March 31, although the country has enacted martial law, suspending that requirement. Last month, Mr Zelensky said now is not the right time for elections and requested martial law to be extended until mid-February. There has been speculation that Valerii Zaluzhnyi, the popular head of the Ukrainian armed forces, could run against Mr Zelensky when an election is called. Supporters of Narendra Modi, India's prime minister, in Kolkata, - HINDUSTAN TIMES/HINDUSTAN TIMES India and Pakistan With almost one billion people eligible to vote next year, Indias election is the largest in the world and will see Narendra Modi seek a second term as the countrys prime minister when representatives are elected for the Lok Sabha, the Indian parliaments lower chamber. The latest polls show that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), the group of parties which Mr Modi leads as head of the BJP, is expected to maintain control of the government. Despite Mr Modis high domestic poll ratings, India has seen an erosion of its democratic institutions under his premiership and a lurch towards the prime ministers brand of Hindu nationalism. The election is likely to feature fierce debate about Indias role on the world stage, taking place less than 12 months after the country hosted this years G20 summit, and amid controversy over killings alleged to have been ordered by the Indian security services in the US and Canada. Neighbouring Pakistan and Bangladesh will also hold elections. In Pakistan, former premier Imran Khan intends to run again from prison, where he is currently appealing a corruption conviction. Bangladesh enters its election period at a moment of political turmoil, after the governing Awami League launched a crackdown on opposition parties in an attempt to hold on to power. Taiwan Taiwan will hold the first major election of 2024 on Jan 13. Although it is small compared to other states voting next year with only around 14 million people expected to cast a ballot the results could have global ramifications. The latest polls show that the two main presidential candidates, William Lai and Hou Yu-ih, have around the same level of public support. Mr Lais Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) was once odds-on for victory to the delight in Washington since the US approves of its separatist approach to mainland China. However, Mr Hous Kuomintang (KMT) has made gains in recent months, with the support of a Chinese government eager to bring Taiwan closer into its political orbit. With tensions simmering in the South China Sea, whoever wins will end up facing down Xi Jinping, who has reportedly told his generals to be ready to invade the island by 2027. A polling station in Southwark, London, during the 2019 general election Europe There will be Continent-wide elections for the European Parliament in June, where Manfred Webers centre-right European Peoples Party is projected to remain the largest grouping. There has been controversy over the introduction of a new system for electing the next president of the European Commission, with Ursula von der Leyens future in doubt if the EU decides to apply its Spitzenkandidat system that sees the leader of the largest party become president. There are also several national votes planned in smaller European countries in 2024, with parliamentary votes in Portugal, Lithuania and Slovakia, a federal election in Belgium and presidential elections in Finland, Slovakia, Iceland and Croatia. 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. Albus, a black labrador, and Spencer, a golden retriever, have now settled into their rural Carmarthenshire home - GUIDE DOGS Two former guide dogs have been saved from a life of quarantine by Telegraph readers who adopted them after this newspaper revealed their plight. Albus and Spencer tested positive for the incurable Brucella canis bacterial infection in April and were put into isolation to prevent it spreading. Brucella canis is zoonotic and can spread to humans in rare cases, with two such instances in the last year. The risk is extremely low as it is only spread via reproductive fluids and it can be treated with antibiotics in humans. However, there is no cure for the disease in dogs and the recommended course of action to stop transmission is euthanasia. Albus, an 18-month-old black labrador, and Spencer, a soon-to-be three-year-old golden retriever, were facing euthanasia or a life of quarantine, the Telegraph reported in September. But Dr Tim Davies, who recently retired as chief vet at Guide Dogs, the charity, suspected their results were false positives, caused by infection of a harmless bacteria with similar-shaped antibodies. Albus, the black lab, loves human interaction - Guide Dogs Dr Davies instigated a scheme to rehome the dogs in a plan dubbed the Scottish Island fosterer scenario which laid out specific criteria for any adoptive home plenty of green space and dog-savvy owners, and without any other pets, children, elderly people or immunocompromised individuals. The charity was inundated with offers of help from Telegraph readers as far afield as the US following publication. Nick, who lives in rural Carmarthenshire with his wife Victoria, saw their story as he read the Sunday Telegraph on his Kindle. Dr Davies mentioned that they were looking for someone to adopt the dogs and he outlined this sort of dream farm, he said. I showed it to Victoria and said that it seems like theyre talking about us. So that is how it started. Their 150-acre home is free from other dogs, with no public access to the land which offers Albus and Spencer unlimited freedom to frolic in the rolling Welsh hills. An initial exchange of emails preceded three months of discussions, visits and assessments, ensuring the couple knew the implications of adopting two potentially infected dogs. Less than three months after reading about Albus and Spencer, Nick and Victoria drove to Membury Services on the M4, between the Guide Dogs isolation ward in Reading and Wales, to meet their new pets for the first time. Both dogs as good as gold They both bounced in the back of the car, and they literally havent put a foot wrong there. Theyre as good as gold, Victoria said. The dogs have settled in well and are already making the most of their newfound freedom with multiple walks a day, their own room in the barn to sleep and access to the home and hearts of Victoria and Nick. They get plenty of opportunities to run around in the open field here and watching them tearing around together is quite entertaining. Theyre very fond of one another, Victoria said. Albus sort of follows along and lets Spencer, who is slightly more independent at three years old, take the lead. Spencer, the golden retriever, is described as a real people watcher - Guide Dogs Looking after the pair requires only minimal differences to any other pet. Were acting as if these dogs have got it, and I think thats a sensible way to do it, said Nick. Theyre not going to be sleeping in our bed, put it that way, Victoria added. Theyve got their own sleeping arrangement down in the barn, they are allowed in the house they are at our feet right at the moment but we feed and water them outside. But other than that, it is just being a bit more aware of personal hygiene. Obviously dont feed them a handful of treats and then shovel a handful of treats in your own mouth. You just have to be aware of your hand washing. Its not going to make an awful lot of difference to us, we dont have elderly or young children in the house really and we will just tell visitors to wash their hands after fussing the dogs. Other than that I am supremely confident that we will live with it and it will not be a problem. I dont have any concerns really. Nick added: Guide Dogs couldnt have been more thankful that weve done what weve done and as far as were concerned, weve got two beautiful healthy dogs and they are so well behaved. Brucella canis is on the rise in British dogs as a result of infection being imported from animals in Eastern Europe, where it is endemic. Guide Dogs now screens all its potential stud dogs, but with an estimated false positive rate of around two per cent, the charity is looking for more willing and suitable adopters in case there are more cases. Happy ending for Albus and Spencer Dr Helen Whiteside, assistant director of breeding, puppy raising and science at Guide Dogs, said: Brucella canis has been a concerning challenge for Guide Dogs in 2023 so it is great that we are finishing the year with a happy ending for Albus and Spencer. Although the dogs have received the very best care from our dedicated teams, everyone is delighted that they will be spending Christmas together in their new home in Wales. They required a specific type of home and we are incredibly grateful to the Telegraph for raising awareness of their situation and to the readers who got in touch to offer them the space and care they need. She added that it was distressing to have two seemingly healthy dogs, with no direct connection to the disease, test positive. Whilst the tests are not 100 per cent accurate, it is imperative that we respond responsibly to the results, she said. With the scale of our testing it is likely that we may have future positive results that we dont have confidence in. We would welcome interest from other possible rural fosterers living in remote surroundings without other dogs, young children, elderly relatives or contact with immunocompromised people to offer a home to dogs in a similar position to Albus and Spencer. If you are interested in finding out more about long-term fostering, or fostering in general at Guide Dogs, please email Guide Dogs at: information@guidedogs.org.uk Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. Tewkesbury Abbey's Christmas crib aims to highlight the suffering of children in war zones An abbey has broken from its traditional Christmas crib scene to highlight the suffering of children in Gaza and Israel. Bricks signifying rubble have been placed inside and around the crib at Tewkesbury Abbey. Rev Canon Nick Davies, vicar of Tewkesbury, said: "It seemed right to remember those affected by the conflict as we pray for peace this Christmas. "I hope it will move people and get them to stop and think." Vicar of Tewkesbury, Rev Canon Nick Davies, said he hoped the scene would make visitors stop and think The team at Tewkesbury Abbey were inspired to display the rubble crib after seeing an image of a church in Bethlehem which had created a similar scene with a baby doll representing Jesus lying amid a pile of stones. Mr Davies said thousands of visitors passed through Tewkesbury Abbey every Christmas and there would be an opportunity for people to make donations to the British Red Cross. Thousands of people visit Tewkesbury Abbey over the Christmas period "We've got rubble around the crib and we've got rubble in the crib making that bed where you would usually expect to see straw," he said. "That may seem a little bit of a shocking scene in some ways but for me the real shock is that there are children going to bed tonight in war zones, in bomb sites, in fear of missiles, and longing for peace. "That's what we wanted to try and remind people of here. We've all seen those scenes on TV and we want to try to bring that reality home to people here." This year marks the 800th anniversary of Saint Francis' original nativity scene. In Gaza, the Hamas-run health ministry says more than 20,000 people have been killed and 54,000 injured since the war began. Most of the dead are women and children, Hamas says. Israel says it takes steps to avoid civilian casualties, and blames Hamas for embedding itself in densely-populated areas. The Israeli operation began after Hamas fighters crossed from Gaza into southern Israel on 7 October, killing 1,200 people and taking about 240 hostages. Follow BBC West on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to: bristol@bbc.co.uk One of the units of a thermal power plant (TPP) in Donetsk Oblast has experienced an emergency shutdown due to hostilities, and a 330kV line belonging to Ukrenergo, a Ukrainian national power company, has been damaged. Source: Ukraines Energy Ministry on Telegram Details: A large-scale attack on a thermal power plant in Donetsk Oblast injured five employees. All of them were taken to hospital. "The bombardment damaged the power grid equipment and the plant itself. The staff had to shut down one of the TPP's units. Civilian consumers were disconnected from the power supply," the energy ministry reported. Besides, a 330 kV overhead line belonging to Ukrenergo was disconnected in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast due to significant damage to the wires. Fighting is ongoing in the area. Background: Five power engineers were injured in a Russian attack on a thermal power plant in the frontline area. On 20 December, the Russians once again attacked one of DTEK's thermal power plants in a frontline area [DTEK is the largest private investor in Ukraine's energy industry ed.]. No casualties were reported. Support UP or become our patron! By Robert Neff In 1927, Miss Jeannette Oldfather, an American missionary from Iowa, wrote, Christmas in Korea is a happy affair [although] there are few gifts for the children. She was especially concerned for the children on Ganghwa and the smaller islands surrounding it where the children have never seen dolls. However, she was determined to change that with, of course, Santa Claus help. Of course, none of the children actually saw Santa that year. He was far too busy to put up with the bureaucratic paperwork that was required to visit the islands, so, instead, he sent Miss Oldfather. According to her, to get to Ganghwa Island and some of the nearby smaller islands from Jemulpo (modern Incheon), she was forced to take a coastal steamer part of the way, then a motorboat and finally an open Korean sailboat. The trip was not as tedious as the paperwork was: [In] addition to the regular information as to name, birthplace and business, which the government requires when we buy our tickets [to the island], the man asked me to write my name in Japanese (which I cant do), when they already had the Chinese characters of my name, which are also used in Japanese. Once she arrived at the islands dock, she had to walk five kilometers to the missions rest house in Ganghwa City. Instead of finding a warm, comfortable bed, she found a minor disaster: There I found that the bedding line had broken, dropping the bedding on the damp clay floor of one room, while in the other room, the clay floor [had] fallen in so that I could not heat the floor (by a style of flues underneath) and dry the bedding. That meant unpacking all my baggage roll, to get the bedding, and packing it again the next morning, but we, the baggage coolie, and I got off at six in the morning on our [20-kilometer] trip across [Ganghwa] Island. Yet, despite these initial hardships, she remained very positive and noted the islands scenery was beautiful during the winter. She also displayed a fair amount of patience something many people are short of during the holiday season. While waiting for a boat to take her to one of the smaller islands, she was besieged by a group of curious folks that kept coming and going to look at her and discussed and questioned her every move. In her letter, she acknowledged that she was a little tired from her long walk and found the boys to be a bit rude but for the most part, the little youngsters were dear, and the women friendly. Of course, her hair (which her Korean spectators announced to be yellow) and her white skin (she put question marks next to the white, so I am assuming she had a darker complexion) attracted the most attention. Amusingly, despite having been in Korea for only three years, she was able to understand some of the conversations she overheard about her: Wheres she going? Just look what all shes got there. Well, would you look at that fan! I wonder how old she is. How old are you? Oh, yes, these foreigners have all colors of hair. Aigo, whats she doing now? Do you suppose thats beer shes drinking? (My poor innocent tea how quickly I set them right!) Wow, the foreign men, they are horribly tall; one used to travel this district. O, will you take this youngster along with you and raise it as your own? My husbands dead. (Of course, I knew in spite of the clipped hair it was a girl. Not so would they talk of sons.) O, say do you eat (smoke) tobacco? (I am speechless for a moment.) Well, whats she eating now? Huh, of course its western bread. It isnt clear what the children on Ganghwa and the surrounding islands received, but we know the gifts Santa gave the children at the mission schools in Jemulpo. At a little ceremony in their kindergarten, the little kiddies in their best, looking like little flowers in the bright colors of the Korean costume, all excited and wiggly, taking peeks on the quiet, at the [Christmas] tree up in front, were presented with their gifts. Each little girl received a tiny celluloid doll and a yarn ball while the boys each received a nice plump cloth dog or rabbit, which they seemed to like, as it was made of red cloth. The following day the elementary students received their gifts from Santa. He presented the first grade girls with dolls, and a box of crayons and a pencil for the second graders, a notebook and a ruler for the third graders and for the fourth graders a handkerchief and a pencil. They were, for the most part, practical gifts to aid them with their schoolwork but Santa truly showed compassion and understanding with his gifts to the fifth graders. He presented them with a small bottle of hand lotion. Oldfather explained: At that age, when they must help with the cooking in an unheated dirt-floored kitchen, and often do the family washing, outside, in cold water, at some stream, even in midwinter, little hands become so chapped and bleeding a soothing lotion is much appreciated. The position of the sixth graders was also considered as they were soon to graduate [and] the dignity of their positions required [them to receive] a bit more than their younger peers. They were presented with a notebook, a pencil and a handkerchief. We do know that a couple of dolls, left over from the schools in Jemulpo, were sent to the islands where they were received with great joy. In her letter thanking one of Santas helpers in Iowa, she wrote: What they [] mean to the girls there you cannot imagine, unless you know the hardness, the poverty of their lives, and their home conditions. I know very little about Jeannette Oldfather, but this year, when I think about the jolly old fellow, it wont be Saint Nick who I am thinking about it will be Oldfather. I wish everyone a great holiday season. Stay warm and take care. I would like to thank Diane Nars for her invaluable assistance and friendship. Robert Neff has authored and co-authored several books, including "Letters from Joseon," "Korea Through Western Eyes" and "Brief Encounters." James Cleverly is facing calls to resign after joking about spiking his wife's drink just hours after announcing new plans to crack down on spiking. The home secretary told female guests at a Downing Street reception that a little bit of Rohypnol in her drink every night was not really illegal if its only a little bit. He also said the secret to a long marriage was ensuring your spouse was someone who is always mildly sedated so she can never realise there are better men out there, according to the Sunday Mirror. Cleverly has since apologised for the "ironic joke", made at a Downing Street reception, and said he made it "in what was always understood as a private conversation". However, the Fawcett Society has questioned how the public can "trust him to seriously address violence against women and girls" again. "Its sickening that James Cleverly, the senior minister in charge of keeping women safe, thinks that something as terrifying as drugging women is a laughing matter," the gender equality charity said. "No wonder women don't feel safe. We know that 'banter' is the excuse under which misogyny is allowed to thrive." The @JamesCleverly joke isnt funny because men do sedate their wives. This was in France, this year. But sure- complain that the jokes were meant to be private whilst pretending you care about women being sedated and raped https://t.co/mdi2OquiiE Jamie Klingler (@jamieklingler) December 24, 2023 Recommended reading Writing on X, formerly Twitter, anti-Brexit campaigner Gina Miller said that if prime minister Rishi Sunak does not sack Cleverly, he is "confirming the Tory Party as misogynistic", with "no interest" in addressing an "appalling" increase in violence against women. Palliative care doctor and writer Rachel Clarke added: "The actual Home Secretary, joking about date rape. Staggeringly awful." Sharing an article about a case in France about a man accused of drugging his wife every night, co-founder of the Reclaim These Streets campaign group, Jamie Klingler, said: "The @JamesCleverly joke isnt funny because men do sedate their wives. But sure - complain that the jokes were meant to be private whilst pretending you care about women being sedated and raped." Broadcaster and writer Jemma Forte added: "More stupid than anything. Shows the calibre of politician in this current administration. Whatever your flavour of politics, you know you wouldnt find a Blair, a Brown a Ken Clarke or a Vince Cable etc etc cracking bad taste gags." The home secretary met his wife Susie at university and the couple have two children. (Alamy) Given that Cleverly was appointed after Suella Braverman was sacked over her controversial comments about the Metropolitan Police's handling of pro-Palestine protests, members of the Tory party hoped the new home secretary would provide more stability. This is now in doubt, according to columnist and author James Ball, who said: "The entire purpose of moving James Cleverly to the Home Office was that he was supposed to be a safe pair of hands. Given that, its truly amazing how many stupid and self-inflicted news cycles hes managed to generate in the six weeks hes had the job." A doctor and advocate for victims of rape and addiction, who goes by the name "Dr Mike" on X, added: "The home secretary making a joke about date rape and spiking proves that he is the wrong person for the job. This should be career ending. Women deserve better from the man in charge of the police." James Cleverly made an 'ironic joke' Allies of Cleverly said his comments were made in a private setting but he recognises they were inappropriate. His spokesman said: In what was always understood as a private conversation, James, the home secretary tackling spiking, made what was clearly meant to be an ironic joke for which he apologises. Cleverly did not recall the exact wording he had used as it was a private "off-the-record" event, which took place on 18 December, according to the BBC. The prime minister, who is understood to have attended the reception, is yet to comment on Cleverly's remarks. Senior Labour figures have hit out at Cleverly, with shadow minister for domestic violence Alex Davies-Jones saying: It was a joke is the most tired excuse in the book and no-one is buying it. If the home secretary is serious about tackling spiking, and violence against women and girls, then that requires a full cultural change. The banter needs to stop and it has to start at the top. Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper suggested the comments suggest Cleverly doesn't "get how serious" violence against women and girls is. She added that victims will be "questioning if they can trust him to take this vile crime seriously". All week, I have emphasised the significance of addressing systemic and societal attitudes on drink #spiking and #VAWG in order to combat this heinous crime. This effort should extend from leadership! Shame on you! https://t.co/caq7jSilbP Sharon Gaffka (@SharonNJGaffka) December 24, 2023 What is the government doing to crack down on spiking? The Home Office has unveiled a package of measures to curb spiking, including research into self-testing kits, more training for door staff and better education for young people. It has also pledged intensified police action during key weeks of the year an approach that has proved successful in tackling other crimes, such as knife crime. Meanwhile the government will also seek to tweak the Criminal Justice Bill to make it clear, "without any doubt" that spiking is illegal. Separate guidance, set in law, will provide "a clear, unequivocal definition of what spiking is". Practical on-the-ground measures will include training hundreds more door staff to spot potential perpetrators and signs customers have been targeted, and research into spiking testing kits so bars, clubs and the police can detect if someones drink has been spiked in real-time. An online spiking tool will be provided to all police forces in the UK to make it easier for people to file anonymous reports, while new spiking guidance will provide resources for the public to learn about spiking and how to report it. The National Police Chiefs' Council has said it is very difficult to get a clear picture of how widespread spiking is, as it is hard to collect reliable data. According to a YouGov poll from November 2021, 11% of women and 6% of men said they had been spiked. A third of women and one in five men have been spiked or know someone who has. OKLAHOMA CITY, Ok (KFOR) Thousands of Oklahomans waited in line for a Christmas bundle of joy Sunday morning. Its part of the Red Andrews Christmas Dinner Foundation. Since 1947, members of the Red Andrews family have given back during Christmastime. What started as a small gathering in a house, turned into a large giveaway for the community over the years. Half of states will see a hotter-than-normal start to 2024. Will Oklahoma be spared? Its fundraising, tax donations, its contacting donors to get donations of toys and coats, its working with a lot of different organizations, said Mary Blankenship Pointer, the Secretary/Treasurer of the Red Andrews Christmas Dinner Foundation. Each car gets food for a Christmas dinner, new toys, and coats. Its very helpful at this time, you know how bad it is out there at this time. It means a lot, this helps with everything, said Eric Berg who received groceries and gifts. Organizers said preparations leading up to the giveaway take about 12 months and include donations from Ride Oklahoma Charities. This year, through donations we have a total of 33 bicycles and weve delivered over 2,000 toys this morning, said Skip Zabel, the President of Ride Oklahoma Charities. I thought he was going to die: Neighbor tries to help gunshot victim in Norman shooting It melts my heart. I mean, its wonderful. Its such a delight to see these kids getting Christmas every year, said Kevin Blake, the founder of Flag Poles Honoring Our Veterans. Thousands of Oklahomans are getting a Christmas miracle this year, but the one thousand volunteers also get a treat with live music from Frank Barry. I do some music for them and you know take away some of the quietness from them and give a little spirit, said Frank Barry, whos been volunteering for years with the event. As every car passes by, multiple toys are given out, and a family is gifted a Christmas wish. This is a blessing, theyre helping a lot of families out in this and theyre doing things for us that people dont get to have, said Ronny Holland who received groceries and gifts. In addition to food and toys, the American Red Cross gave out information on their program to help install smoke detectors. If you missed the giveaway and want to learn more on scheduling a smoke alarm installation, email ksokprep@redcross.org. To volunteer next year for the Red Andrews Christmas Dinner Foundation giveaway, go to their website. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. Migrants depart from Tapachula, Mexico, Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023. The caravan started the trek north through Mexico just days before U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrives in Mexico City to discuss new agreements to control the surge of migrants seeking entry into the United States. (AP Photo/Edgar Hernandez Clemente) TAPACHULA, Mexico (AP) A sprawling caravan of migrants from Central America, Venezuela, Cuba and other countries trekked through Mexico on Sunday, heading toward the U.S. border. The procession came just days before Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrives in Mexico City to hammer out new agreements to control the surge of migrants seeking entry into the United States. The caravan, estimated at around 6,000 people, many of them families with young children, is the largest in more than a year, a clear indication that joint efforts by the Biden administration and President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's government to deter migration are falling short. The Christmas Eve caravan departed from the city of Tapachula, near the country's southern border with Guatemala. Security forces looked on in what appeared to be a repeat of past tactics when authorities waited for the marchers to tire out and then offered them a form of temporary legal status that is used by many to continue their journey northward. We've been waiting here for three or four months without an answer, said Cristian Rivera, traveling alone, having left his wife and child in his native Honduras. Hopefully with this march there will be a change and we can get the permission we need to head north. Lopez Obrador in May agreed to take in migrants from countries such as Venezuela, Nicaragua and Cuba turned away by the U.S. for not following rules that provided new legal pathways to asylum and other forms of migration. But that deal, aimed at curbing a post-pandemic jump in migration, appears to be insufficient as the number of migrants once again surges, disrupting bilateral trade and stoking anti-migrant sentiment among conservative voters in the U.S. This month, as many as 10,000 migrants were arrested per day at the U.S. southwest border. Meanwhile, U.S. Customs and Border Protection had to suspend cross-border rail traffic in the Texas cities of Eagle Pass and El Paso as migrants were riding atop freight trains. Arrests for illegal crossing topped 2 million in each of the U.S. governments last two fiscal years, reflecting technological changes that have made it easier for migrants to leave home to escape poverty, natural disasters, political repression and organized crime. On Friday, Lopez Obrador said he was willing to work again with the U.S. to address concerns about migration. But he also urged the Biden administration to ease sanctions on leftist governments in Cuba and Venezuela where about 20% of 617,865 migrants encountered nationwide in October and November hail from and send more aid to developing countries in Latin America and beyond. That is what we are going to discuss, it is not just contention, Lopez Obrador said at a press briefing Friday following a phone conversation the day before with President Joe Biden to pave the way for the high level U.S. delegation. The U.S. delegation, which will meet the Mexican president on Wednesday, will also include Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and White House homeland security adviser Liz Sherwood-Randall. Mexico's ability to assist the U.S. may be limited, however. In December, the government halted a program to repatriate and transfer migrants inside Mexico due to a lack of funds. So far this year, Mexico has detected more than 680,000 migrants living illegally in the country, while the number of foreigners seeking asylum in the country has reached a record 137,000. Sunday's caravan was the largest since June 2022, when a similarly sized group departed as Biden hosted leaders in Los Angeles for the Summit of the Americas. Another march departed Mexico in October, coinciding with a summit organized by Lopez Obrador to discuss the migration crisis with regional leaders. A month later, 3,000 migrants blocked for more than 30 hours the main border crossing with Guatemala. ___ Associated Press writers Joshua Goodman in Miami and Maria Verza in Mexico City contributed to this report. ___ https://apnews.com/hub/migration Protests against Israel have become a regular occurence since October 7 (-) Protesters marched Sunday through Morocco's capital in support of Palestinians, calling for an end to the Israel-Hamas war which has killed thousands in the Gaza Strip. The crowd in Rabat of about 10,000 people denounced what protest leaders called a "war of extermination" as well as the normalisation of relations between Morocco and Israel. The protesters were called to the streets by a disparate group of organisations backing the Palestinian cause, including left-wingers and members the Islamist Justice and Charity movement. They marched along Mohammed V Avenue in the heart of the city, beneath banners declaring "stop the war of extermination in Gaza, stop normalisation". In 2020, Morocco joined a number of Arab countries in establishing diplomatic and trade relations with Israel under the US-brokered Abraham Accords. As part of the deal, Rabat received US recognition for its claim to sovereignty over the disputed territory of Western Sahara. On Mohammed V avenue, numerous protesters wielded banners condemning the "destruction of hospitals" in Gaza and Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. Posters called for "free Palestine" and to "save Gaza". The crowd chanted slogans lauding the "resistance of the Palestinian people" and directed particular fury at the United States for its support of Israel's war against Hamas. "When you bomb massively without distinction between military targets and civilians, including babies -- that is a genocide. We must call a spade a spade," said Jihane, a 27-year-old protester. The war in Gaza was sparked by the unprecedented October 7 attack by Hamas militants against southern Israel. The militants killed around 1,140 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally using Israeli figures. Hamas also took about 250 hostages, 129 of whom remain in Gaza according to Israel. Israel responded with a massive retaliatory air and ground offensive on the Gaza Strip, aimed at destroying Hamas. That campaign has killed more than 20,400 people, mostly women and children, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory. In Rabat, Hachimi Damni, a 62-year-old protester, said he had come to express his opposition to the bombing in Gaza and normalisation with Israel. Public expressions of opposition to the Abraham Accords had been rare before the war in Gaza. Yet it is now a regular feature of the multiple large protests that have swept Morocco since October 7, with demonstrators on Sunday chanting that normalisation had been "treason". The North African kingdom has officially denounced what it said was "the flagrant violations of the provisions of international law" by Israel in its war against Hamas, but has not given any indication that normalisation with Israel would be undone. isb/hme/dcp/ami BELGRADE (Reuters) -Thousands gathered in the centre of Belgrade in an anti-government protest on Sunday to demand the annulment of parliamentary and local elections a week ago that international observers said were unfair. The populist ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) won 46.72% of the votes in snap parliamentary elections last weekend, according to state election commission preliminary results. An international monitoring mission on Monday said the SNS gained an unfair advantage through media bias, the improper influence of President Aleksandar Vucic and voting irregularities such as vote buying. Vucic said the elections were fair. On Sunday, police fired pepper spray, a Reuters witness said, after a crowd tried to break into the Belgrade town hall where the local election commission is based. Some of the protesters climbed the building and broke windows. Some threw stones at windows, breaking glass. "Vucic thief," protesters chanted. In a statement, the interior ministry called on protesters to "refrain from breaking into the town hall." "By reacting calmly we are trying not to hurt protesters," Vucic said in his address in early evening. The centre-left opposition alliance Serbia Against Violence came second in the election with 23.56% of the vote, and the Socialist Party of Serbia third with 6.56%. Srdjan Milivojevic and Vladimir Obradovic of the Serbia Against Violence coalition tried to open the door of the town hall but were unable to enter, while the crowd shouted "get in, get in," and "no surrender." Around 10 p.m. (2100 GMT) the anti-riot police pushed protestors away from the town hall. Another member of Serbia Against Violence Marinika Tepic has been on hunger strike since the elections to demand they should be annulled. (Reporting by Ivana Sekularac; editing by Barbara Lewis) Suren Seetal, 36, was allegedly killed in murder-for-hire plot after he tried to collect more than $300k worth of debts (GoFundMe) Three men from Broward County, Florida were charged with four counts related to the alleged kidnapping and murder of a 36-year-old airplane mechanic who one of the suspects allegedly owed $315,000. On Monday, the US Attorneys Office for the Southern District of Florida announced that 24-year-old Avin Seetaram, 29-year-old Somjeet Christopher Singh and 18-year-old Gavin Hunter had been charged with murder for hire conspiracy, murder for hire, kidnapping conspiracy, kidnapping and obstruction of justice. The three men are accused of orchestrating and carrying out the violent kidnapping and murder of Suren Seetal. Seetal, who was first reported missing by his family on 4 November, was found deceased from an apparent gunshot wound in a wooded area on 21 November. According to the criminal complaint, an initial investigation by law enforcement found that Mr Singh owed Seetal approximately $315,000 and it had not been paid back. Seetals girlfriend told law enforcement that Seetal was trying to collect his debts. Seetal was last seen on 2 November while working at the airplane hanger at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport, according to a GoFundMe started by Seetals family. His family became concerned when he did not return home that night nor show up for work the following day. His cell phone went straight to voicemail when his family tried to contact him. Cell phone data obtained by law enforcement showed that Mr Seetaram, who knew Mr Singh and Seetal through working in the fireworks business, sent a photo to Seetal of a key in a drawer. After speaking on the phone, Seetal drove to the location where the key was an HVAC business that Mr Singh owns and operates and Mr Seetaram works at. The indictment alleges Mr Seetaram lured Seetal to the location using the photo where Mr Hunter was allegedly waiting with a firearm. Cell photo data tracking information showed Mr Seetarams phone pinged while travelling near the location where Seetals body was found. Law enforcement later obtained one of Seetals notebooks where he kept information about his firework business. Allegedly, Seetal indicated in the notebook that Mr Singh owed him $315,000. In a statement provided to The Independent, Mr Seetarams attorney, David Tarras, said: First and foremost, any case involving a loss of life is a tragedy. We extend our sincere condolences to the Seetal family. Its still very early, but I have been in regular communication with the Government since my clients arrest, and working diligently with the Government to understand the allegations and reach a just and expeditious resolution to this serious matter, Mr Tarras added. The Independent has reached out to attorneys for Mr Singh and Mr Hunter. Arraignments for the three are set to begin soon. Mr Seetaram will be arraigned on 28 December, Mr Hunter will be arraigned on 2 January, and Mr Singh will be arraigned on 3 January. If convicted, the charged in the federal indictment carry mandatory sentences of life in prison or the death penalty. Ukrainian author Yevheniia Zavalii started celebrating Christmas on Dec. 25 back in 2014, when the rejection of everything Russian began in her life. Undeterred by criticism from some people that she was breaking away from the traditions of her ancestors and the church, Zavalii stood by her decision. And this year, I believe most of my social circle will also finally adopt this tradition, she told the Kyiv Independent. Ukraines Orthodox Christians have long celebrated Christmas on Jan. 6-7. in accordance with the Julian calendar, but this year, the independent Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) approved a transition to the revised Julian calendar that came into effect on Sept. 1. This means that they will officially celebrate Christmas on Dec. 24-25 going forward, as the revised Julian calendar is closer to the Gregorian calendar, the latter of which is used by the majority of the world. The countrys Greek Catholics made the switch to the Gregorian calendar and will also celebrate in December this year. More than 70% of Ukrainians identify as Orthodox Christians, according to data collected by the Razumkov Center in 2022. By choosing to celebrate Christmas in December, they are making the step to further distance themselves from the Orthodox Christians of Russia, who celebrate in January. Our calendar, holiday, and church were stolen from us (in generations prior) by Russia, Zavalii explained. Now we are just reclaiming what is rightfully ours. Another form of independence The importance of Ukraine celebrating Christmas on a different day than Russia is more of a cultural matter than a religious one, according to Ukrainians who have made the switch. Following the full-scale invasion, efforts to promote Ukrainization have increased significantly, with the topic of Christmas playing a role in these discussions. Its important that we celebrate together with the civilized world and what values we emphasize, Zavalii said. Russia launches missile and drone attacks not only on major holidays; it happens all the time. We want to be with our loved ones and do good deeds. That's why we simply cannot celebrate Christmas on the same day as them. It's not right. Mykola, a servicemember of the Armed Forces of Ukraine who asked to only be identified by first name, told the Kyiv Independent that his family will also celebrate on Dec. 25 this year, although they had supported the idea of transitioning to the revised Julian calendar even before the start of the full-scale invasion. After February of 2022, there was no need to discuss it. I have an aunt who continues to follow the old calendar, but I think for her personally, its more related to her political views rather than religious ones, he said. We have almost entirely ceased communication since the beginning of the war. Some of the Ukrainians who are opposed to the calendar change as well as the changes of the religious order say that religion should be kept separate from politics. However, the majority of Ukrainians recognize that Russia has strategically used religion as one of its tools to incite division in its war against Ukraine. A survey conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology in December 2022 showed that 54% of Ukrainians believed the Russian-backed Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP) should be banned. The Razumkov Center and the Democratic Initiatives Foundation also found in a March 2023 survey that more than 50% of Ukrainians in nearly every region of the country believed to varying degrees that the UOC-MP played a significant role in promoting soft power narratives on Russias behalf. Despite the UOC-MPs claim of having denounced ties with Russia after the full-scale invasion, its church leaders have been sentenced by Ukrainian authorities for spying on behalf of Russia and have even blessed Russian soldiers during the occupation. When the Orthodox Church of Ukraine was officially granted autocephaly in 2019, other Eastern Orthodox Churches recognized it as the true independent church in Ukraine. This is something that earlier generations of religious leaders in Ukraine tried and ultimately failed to achieve. In the early 20th century, following the collapse of the Russian Empire, Ukrainians pushed for state and religious independence. When the Soviets came to power, widespread persecution campaigns hindered such efforts. The Soviet policy toward religion was generally hostile. However, there were periods during Soviet rule when party-approved interpretations of Christmas that steered the message of the holiday away from faith were permitted. Members of the Russian Orthodox Church who collaborated with the Soviet authorities continued some of their activities across the Soviet Union, allowing them to establish a stronghold over time. When Ukraine regained its independence in 1991, the UOC-MP was the most influential and widespread church operating in the country, and most Ukrainians celebrated Christmas in January, the same time as Orthodox Christians in Russia. The OCUs calendar transition contends with the stereotype that celebrating Christmas on Dec. 25 is exclusive to Catholics, a misinterpretation that Russian religious circles have pushed for years. Following the revised Julian calendar, Ukraine will join some other predominantly Orthodox Christian countries in celebrating on Dec. 25, including Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, and Cyprus. However, the OCU has stressed that no church parish should force its implementation this year. This means that Ukrainians are embracing new Christmas traditions this year at their own pace. Nearly 45% of Ukrainians have chosen to celebrate Christmas exclusively on Dec. 25 this year, according to a recent survey released by Deloitte. Thirty-two percent of Ukrainians plan to celebrate it on both Dec. 25 and Jan. 7, while 17% want to continue celebrating it exclusively on Jan. 7. Read also: Celebrating the Ukrainian way: The 12 dishes of Christmas 'The time is right for change' Amid the ongoing debates about when to celebrate Christmas, Ukrainians are navigating which holiday traditions to preserve and which new ones to introduce while also striving to maintain a sense of harmony within their families. Zavalii shared that she makes a habit of attending classical concerts or charity fairs, as well as baking ginger cookies or stollen, a German sweet bread, which she shares with her friends. Oksana Chmil and Andriy Tuzhykov, a couple in Chernivtsi, told the Kyiv Independent they started celebrating Christmas on Dec. 25 last year, but just like their parents and grandparents, theyll continue to prepare kutia, uzvar, and other traditional dishes for Christmas Eve, and go caroling on Christmas Day. For some families, celebrating Christmas on Dec. 25 is a matter of returning to old traditions. My mom told me that my grandmother remembered a time when Christmas was celebrated on Dec. 25. It changed after World War II, and for a while, they celebrated Christmas both ways, according to the old and the new calendars, Tuzhykov, whose family is from Chernivtsi, said. This year, we view Dec. 25 as our youthful Christmas, Chmil said. We see it as a more personal celebration for us and our friends who will also be celebrating on Dec. 25. But on this day, I plan to shower my family with greetings and carols so they can feel the Christmas spirit. In addition to inviting older family members over on Dec. 25 to make them feel welcomed, Chmil said she plans to visit them on Jan. 7 because it can be difficult for them to accept such changes. Her family, who hails from Rivne Oblast, only remembers celebrating Christmas on Jan. 7. But as she explained, the Russian Empire and later the Soviet Union were able to exert their influence over the region for a longer period than a region like Chernivtsi. Chernivtsi became part of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic in 1944, although the Red Army and the Russian Imperial Army attempted to occupy the city for periods of time during the chaos of both world wars. Prior to that, Chernivtsi residents had long lived under the rule of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and later the Kingdom of Romania. Rivne fell under the control of the Russian Empire in the late 18th century. It switched hands during the world wars but became part of the Soviet Union after World War II. Out of respect for my older relatives, I'll also visit them on Jan. 7, Chmil said. After all, they had the opportunity to pass on a festive atmosphere on the day they're accustomed to. Well have two Christmases this year. In other parts of the world, some of the Ukrainian diaspora also find themselves celebrating Christmas for the first time this year on Dec. 25. Growing up in downtown New Yorks East Village, which was historically dubbed the Ukrainian Village due to the prominent number of Ukrainian diaspora residing there, artist Sofika Zielyk said that for Ukrainians celebrating Christmas in January, it used to feel like their secret. The holiday season always started with Ukrainian children waking up on the morning of Dec. 19 to presents left under their pillows overnight by Saint Nicholas, typically some sweets or a small toy. Zielyks family would put up their Christmas tree on Dec. 23-24 and spend Dec. 25. decorating it. When they celebrated Christmas later on Jan. 6-7, it never involved Santa Claus or the commercial flair that characterized the celebrations of their non-Ukrainian neighbors. Christmas is a holy day, she explained. Its about celebrating the birth of Jesus and the whole family coming together. Our non-Ukrianian neighbors always wished us a Merry Ukrainian Christmas. I loved having what felt like this special holiday that belonged only to Ukrainians. Zielyks family continued to follow the old calendar until the OCU announced the transition to the revised Julian calendar. When her local parish made the decision to implement the changes this year, she and her family supported it. The January celebrations of past years will always have a special place in Zielyks heart, she said. But she believes the time is right for change, even if it requires an adjustment period. Apparently, nobody told our local grocery store about the switch, she laughed. They always had a large supply of sauerkraut handy in early January for making varenyky. This year, theyve already run out! Read also: Heres where to shop for Christmas gifts by Ukrainian brands Note from the author: Hi, this is Kate Tsurkan, sharing an important culture-related story from Ukraine. Due to Russias ongoing genocide, most stories about Ukrainian culture will, unfortunately, be related to war for years to come. But Ukrainian culture is finding ways to persevere and it's important to share these stories. If you liked reading this article, please consider continuing to support our reporting to see more like this. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. What a difference a year makes. At the dawn of 2023, former President Donald Trump was the only declared candidate in the race for the Republican nomination. But he was far from a sure thing. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, fresh off an overwhelming gubernatorial re-election less than two months earlier, was neck and neck with Trump in some of the early 2024 polls. WHERE THE REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATION RACE STANDS AS 2023 COMES TO A CLOSE Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign event Dec. 19, 2023, in Waterloo, Iowa. The former president was still facing criticism for contributing to the GOP's lackluster performance in the 2022 midterms. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP And Trump's 2024 presidential campaign launch at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, a couple of weeks after the midterms was panned by many pundits. RAISING THE STAKES: ARE TRUMP'S EXPECTATIONS IN IOWA TOO HIGH? But as 2023 comes to a close, Trump is the commanding frontrunner for the Republican nomination as he makes his third straight White House bid. Here are five moments that shaped the showdown for the Republican nomination. Trump was indicted by a grand jury in the New York City borough of Manhattan on charges related to an alleged illegal 2016 hush money payment. Trump made history as the first former or current president to be indicted for a crime. Trump was also indicted later in the year in three other cases, including charges he tried to overturn his 2020 presidential election loss. But those cases have not deterred his support among Republican voters. WHAT THE LATEST FOX NEWS POLLING IN THE PRESIDENTIAL RACE SHOWS Trump's legal controversies have had a rallying effect among Republicans, and his legal entanglements have sucked the oxygen out of the room for his nomination rivals. "Every time he's targeted by legal actions, it just improves his standing with the conservative base," longtime Republican strategist and communicator Ryan Williams said. DeSantis, in an interview that aired on the Christian Broadcasting Network a couple of days ago, argued that "I think for the primary, it distorted. Yeah, I think it distorted." "I would say if I could have one thing change, I wish Trump hadnt been indicted on any of this stuff," DeSantis emphasized. After months of testing the waters with trips to the crucial early voting states, DeSantis aimed to make waves with his campaign launch on Twitter Spaces with Elon Musk. But it didn't go as planned. X, then still called Twitter, couldn't handle the surge in traffic, the app repeatedly crashed and the event eventually started 20 minutes late. It was the first of many bad omens for DeSantis. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a 2024 Republican presidential candidate, speaks with the breakfast crowd at the Windmill Restaurant in Concord, N.H., Aug. 1, 2023. The Florida governor made headlines again for all the wrong reasons over the summer, with a series of campaign staff purges and resets and reports of the campaign burning through cash. There were more staff shakeups in autumn, this time at the DeSantis-aligned super PAC Never Back Down, which had taken over many of the traditional duties of a presidential campaign, including grassroots outreach. DeSantis for months was the clear No. 2 rival to Trump in the Republican nomination race. But in many metrics, Nikki Haley, the former ambassador to the United Nations and former South Carolina governor, had surpassed DeSantis for second place by the end of 2023. As he ran an incumbent-style campaign, Trump decided against sharing the debate stage with his GOP rivals. "The public knows who I am & what a successful Presidency I had," Trump wrote on his social media site ahead of the first debate in August. "I WILL THEREFORE NOT BE DOING THE DEBATES!" The former president ended up skipping all four candidate showdowns held this year while hosting competing events on the debate nights. Trump's absence didn't seem to hurt him. He emerged relatively unscathed by his rivals, and his lead over the rest of the field has only grown since the first debate was held. GOP presidential candidates onstage at FISERV Forum in Milwaukee Aug. 23, 2023 for the first Republican nomination debate. While the debates didn't affect Trump, they did help winnow the field of contenders, as nearly all the candidates who failed to qualify for the showdowns dropped out of race. A field of more than a dozen candidates in August was down to just five major contenders by December. As summer turned into autumn, speculation and buzz about Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin potentially making a late entry into the 2024 GOP nomination race was the talk of the party's donor class. As a first-time candidate from the partys business wing, Youngkin edged out former Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe in 2021 to become the first GOP candidate in a dozen years to win a gubernatorial election in the one-time swing state that had trended toward the Democrats the previous decade. Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin of Virginia rallies on behalf of GOP legislative candidates ahead of the state's closely watched elections in Norfolk, Va., Nov. 2, 2023 Youngkin became an instant Republican Party star, and pundits immediately viewed him as a potential GOP 2024 contender. But Youngkin dismissed the speculation, and he repeatedly said his only political mission was to win outright control of his state legislature in Virgnia's 2023 off-year elections. After investing plenty of political capital on behalf of Republican legislative candidates as he criss-crossed the state holding rallies, Youngkin became the face of his party's push to win total control of the state government in Richmond. But he failed in his mission, and the buzz about Youngkin parachuting into the White House race instantly dissipated. Haley enjoyed plenty of momentum in the polls this autumn, thanks in part to well-received performances in the first three Republican presidential primary debates. She leapfrogged DeSantis for second place in New Hampshire, which holds the first primary and votes second after Iowa. And she's in second place in her home state, another crucial early voting state that holds the first southern contest. But things accelerated for Haley soon after Thanksgiving. That's when she was endorsed by Americans for Prosperity (AFP) Action, the political wing of the influential and deep-pocketed fiscally conservative network founded by the billionaire Koch Brothers. AFP Action has pledged to spend tens of millions of dollars and mobilize its formidable grassroots operation to boost Haley and help push the Republican Party past Trump. Nikki Haley, a 2024 Republican presidential candidate, speaks with voters after headlining a town hall in Atkinson, N.H., Dec. 14, 2023 A couple of weeks later, Haley landed the much coveted endorsement of popular Republican Gov. Chris Sununu of New Hampshire, who spent three straight days teaming up with her on the campaign trail in the Granite State. The governors endorsement of Haley appeared to give her campaign an extra boost as well as a high-profile and energetic surrogate who has been tireless in touting her during national and local media appearances. It all seems to be clicking for Haley. She's soared in the latest polls in New Hampshire and is now within striking distance of Trump. And in Iowa, whose Jan. 15 caucuses lead off the GOP nominating calendar, she's pulled even with DeSantis. Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more at our Fox News Digital election hub. Original article source: These top 5 moments from the presidential campaign trail in 2023 defined the Republican primary race Unprecedented times in Congress abounded in 2023, from booting a speaker for the first time in history to near fist fights in the Capitol halls to senior lawmakers personal health issues becoming incredibly public. The House GOP had a particularly wild year. It wasnt just the ousting of a speaker; dont forget the expulsion of now-former Rep. George Santos from Congress the sixth member to ever earn that black mark. Democrats had their own fair share of memorable moments, too, including a certain congressman pulling the Cannon House Office Building fire alarm. As we reach the halfway point of the 118th Congress, its worth looking back at the most jaw-dropping and newsiest moments of the year on Capitol Hill. 10. Tuberville gets ripped by his own party Senators from the same party tend to stick together. But Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) had really pissed off his fellow Republicans. For months, Tuberville had been holding up hundreds of military nominations over the Pentagons abortion policy. Finally, a handful of Senate Republicans took to the floor and publicly lambasted his effort until nearly 4 a.m. Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) led the group on that November night, which included Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Todd Young (R-Ind.). They held the floor for hours, where they ripped Tubervilles blockade and brought up one nominee after another, only to have the Alabama Republican block each one. It was an extraordinary rebuke from his own party. Tuberville ultimately dropped the vast majority of his military holds earlier this month, despite no shift from the Biden administration, essentially throwing in the towel after 10 months of pressure. 9. Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, .... Boebert? A date night for Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) took an odd turn when she was asked to leave a Beetlejuice performance at Denvers Buell Theater after she allegedly engaged in inappropriate behavior with her then-boyfriend, Quinn Gallagher. Surveillance video shared by the AP purports to show Boebert vaping, singing, dancing and being fondled by her date while seated in the audience, which included families with children. The Denver Post reported that the couple was issued a warning at intermission before being escorted out. Boebert is seen on video giving staff the middle finger on her way out the door. Boebert said later that she and Gallagher are no longer dating because he is a Democrat. 8. Bowman pulls the fire alarm During a vote to avert a government shutdown in September, POLITICO reported that Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.) pulled a fire alarm in a House office building. The incident sent the Capitol campus into disarray during an already dramatic Saturday, as then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy pushed forward on a stopgap spending bill that would eventually help cost him the top job. Bowman later pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge for pulling the fire alarm and agreed to pay the maximum fine, though he denied doing it on purpose. He was also censured by his House colleagues for the incident after the House Ethics Committee said it would not launch an investigation. 7. MTG calls Boebert a little bitch Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) and Boeberts tense relationship reached an all-time low in June when Greene called Boebert a little bitch on the House floor. The incident came after Boebert introduced a measure to impeach President Joe Biden, which Greene claimed copied her own proposal to do just that. The public fallout underscored the long-building rift between the two conservative lawmakers, who were once allies, and highlighted the growing internal discord within the House GOP. Shortly after the incident, Greene was kicked out of the conservative House Freedom Caucus. Members suggested that her comment to Boebert played a role, though Greenes ties to McCarthy likely hurt her as well. 6. A violent day on the Hill Two physical fights, one in the House and one in the Senate, almost broke out on the same November day. A Senate HELP Committee hearing nearly devolved into a schoolyard brawl between Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) and Sean OBrien, the president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. The two had been feuding for months, and the clash escalated when Mullin referenced a social media post where OBrien challenged the Republican senator to a confrontation. One such post from OBrien read: Quit the tough guy act. ... Anyplace, Anytime cowboy. Mullin responded by telling OBrien, who was testifying as a witness, that they could throw down during the hearing. This is a time, this is a place to run your mouth. We can be two consenting adults, we can finish it here, Mullin said. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), the committee chair, had to intervene to stop the two from coming to blows. That same day, Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.), one of the eight House Republicans who voted to oust McCarthy from the speakership, accused the Californian of elbowing him in a Capitol hallway, calling it a clean shot to the kidneys. McCarthy denied the allegation, claiming it was just a tight hallway. 5. NSFW evidence at Hunter Biden Greene displayed what appeared to be nude images of Hunter Biden on a poster board during a July House Oversight Committee hearing focused on testimony from IRS whistleblowers and a federal investigation into the presidents son. The explicit images drew swift criticism from fellow lawmakers, who said it wasnt appropriate content for a congressional hearing. In response to the incident, Hunter Bidens legal team filed a complaint, arguing that Greenes actions not only breached the norms of congressional decorum but also violated his privacy and dignity. 4. McCarthys 15 rounds of chaos It took five days and 15 rounds of votes, but McCarthy finally, eventually and, wed later learn, temporarily secured the speakership. It was an intense and uncertain saga for the House as McCarthy tried to overcome stubborn conservative resistance. Tensions arguably reached a boiling point on the House floor during the 14th ballot, as Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) lunged at Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) and had to be physically restrained. McCarthy ultimately struck a deal with conservatives to attain the gavel, only to watch it all come crashing down nine months later, again at the hands of Gaetz and a few fellow hardliners. Earlier this month, the former speaker announced he would leave Congress at the end of the year. 3. McConnell freezes twice When Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell took the podium for his weekly press briefing back in July, something weird happened: He froze mid-sentence. Then it happened again a few weeks later, while the Kentucky Republican was speaking to local reporters in his home state. The moments triggered widespread speculation on whether McConnell was hiding a larger health issue, prompting calls for transparency about the senators well-being. McConnells office said he was just lightheaded and released a report from the Capitol physician that said the GOP leader was in good health. But questions about his political future remain, particularly after conservatives in the Senate challenged McConnells position as minority leader last year. The harsh spotlight on an aging Senate also fell on the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein this year. She will go down in history as a trailblazing California senator, but her final months on the Hill were characterized by concern about the 90-year-olds declining health and headlines suggesting public moments of confusion. 2. The Santos Circus going, going, gone George Santos very short tenure on Capitol Hill will go down in history but not for any good reasons. The New York Republican was eventually expelled from Congress after the House Ethics Committee released a report on his scandalous conduct, which included dishonest representations of his background and the misuse of campaign funds on OnlyFans, makeup, luxury bags and more. It was the first time the House expelled a member without a criminal conviction since the Civil War. Santos regularly went viral and he seemed to relish the attention for some of the strangest episodes. Remember when he was caught holding an anonymous baby during the speakers race? Meanwhile, he faces a litany of federal charges, including alleged wire fraud and money laundering, with a trial scheduled for next year. Hes pleaded not guilty. 1. McCarthys ouster and a headless House Kevin McCarthy tried to attain the speakership for years. Once he got it, he lasted nine months. For the first time ever, the House kicked out its chief in the middle of the session through a powerful procedural tool known as the motion to vacate. McCarthy had never truly won over his hard-right flank, and after he worked to avert a government shutdown, the coup came. Eight Republicans, led by Gaetz, and all Democrats voted to boot McCarthy in an unprecedented move that sent shockwaves through Washington. As House Republicans navigated the tumultuous process of finding McCarthys replacement, three prominent figures emerged as frontrunners: Reps. Steve Scalise (R-La.), Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) and Tom Emmer (R-Minn.). But none of them were able to get enough support to get the gavel. Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.) temporarily assumed the role of speaker pro tempore, but refused to steer the conference through anything but the gavel election without being elected to the speakership. After three agonizing weeks, the GOP ultimately picked the relatively unknown Louisiana Rep. Mike Johnson to lead them. The new speaker vowed to restore unity, but that promise hasnt panned out, as House conservatives have continued to engage in the same tactics they used under McCarthy, including tanking legislation on the floor and publicly criticizing their leader. As we head into the week, let's take a look at the news from this past week. A fire that broke out Wednesday afternoon in the city's near North End sent one to the hospital and displaced residents. According to New Bedford Fire Chief Kruger, the fire originated in the second-floor north apartment of 92-94 Ashley Blvd., with flames that began to stretch up to the third floor before firefighters were able to extinguish it. The state is looking for new proposals to redevelop the New Bedford State Pier, and it's offering developers a broad latitude to make their pitch. The eight-acre New Bedford State Pier site includes 1,600 linear feet of wharves and 76,000 square feet of primary warehouse structures. Keep up with high school sports with scores, game highlights, and player of the week voting at https://www.southcoasttoday.com/sports. Here are the most-read stories of the week on https://www.southcoasttoday.com: A deceased infant found along a Fort Taber walking path was male and had likely been dead for one to four weeks, according to the Bristol County District Attorney's Office. The official cause and manner of death of Baby Doe, who was found on Dec. 9, is still pending final autopsy results. Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III and investigators are asking anyone with further information about this case to come forward. Deceased infant: found in New Bedford was a boy, 1 to 4 weeks old Gerard Bourassa takes a call at Bourassa Hardware on Acushnet Avenue in New Bedford set to close in January after one hundred years of operation. Therese Bourassa Bernier said Bourassa True Value Hardware on Acushnet Avenue has been "open six days a week for as long as I can remember." The Bourassa family has been running the business in all that time, helping generations of North End residents fix or spruce up their homes, repaint, get new keys, or with any one of the hundreds of homeowner chores requiring a handy hardware store. Bourassa Hardware is closing its doors Jan. 13 for good. Closing after 100 years: New Bedford's Bourassa family hardware store on Acushnet Ave. A New Bedford DPI crewmember removes the tree which fell and damaged a vehicle on Emerson Street in New Bedford due to the high winds. All of Eastern Massachusetts was on warning for high winds Monday after the SouthCoast woke up to dark skies, rain and high winds that had begun knocking down trees and power lines in the early morning hours. New Bedford Fire Chief Scott Kruger said on Tuesday that firefighters had gone out on 64 total responses during and in the aftermath of the unexpectedly severe weather. Of those, 32 are categorized as directly "storm-related." According to New Bedford Public Information Officer Holly Huntoon, Monday's weather prompted the city to close the CoveWalk and HarborWalk walking paths and Fort Taber. Winslow Elementary School in the city's West End was dismissed at 11:20 a.m. due to a power outage, Huntoon said. The hurricane barrier was also closed. Storm watch: SouthCoast residents warned to avoid wooded areas during Monday's high winds Mey Tex, the owner, helps two customers with their order at the newly opened Mey Breakfast located at former Margarets location on Main Street in Fairhaven. The city welcomed a delicious wave of new culinary hotspots with the arrival of Mey Breakfast, Sixes & Sevens, Cast Seaside Bar and Bites, and several others in 2023. With a diverse range of flavors and dining experiences, these new restaurants are already making a delectable mark on the city's food scene. These owners have taken on the challenge of revamping previous locations and creating their own restaurants in various areas of New Bedford. With a goal not only to make a difference in the local food scene, but also to contribute to the city's economy. New Bedford food scene in 2023: Many new restaurants were added Matt Bassette, owner, has his arm bitten by a T-Rex at the newly opened The Horror Family store on S Sixth Street in downtown New Bedford. For as long as Matt Bessette can remember, horror has been an integral part of his life. His father used to tell him that you couldn't find a kid that loved Halloween more than Christmas. Now Bessette has his own store dedicated to the horror genre on 9 S. 6th St. His shop, named The Horror Family, is based on stores he researched such as Nightmare Toys in Los Angeles and Las Vegas. In his store, he provides a variety of horror-themed items, such as Funko Pops, NECA figures, plush cushions, tumblers, T-shirts, and posters. 'The place where October never ends': New horror-themed shop opens in downtown New Bedford All of these stories can be found in their entirety at SouthCoastToday.com. This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: This week's top stories according to our readers. POSCO, Korea's biggest steelmaker, said it fully normalized operations at its factory in Pohang early Sunday after its facilities were partially suspended in the wake of a fire. The fire started around 7 a.m. the previous day near a blast furnace at the steelworks in Pohang, 262 kilometers southeast of Seoul. No casualties were reported. It was put out after about two hours. The fire triggered a blackout that led to the temporary suspension of several mills. The company said there would be no major impact on production. (Yonhap) Richard Holden conceded that the Conservatives seem more interested in themselves rather than the country - YUI MOK/PA The Tories have been too inward-looking, the partys chairman has admitted amid bitter internal rows over migration and net zero. Richard Holden said repeated rebellions had made the Conservatives seem more interested in themselves rather than the country. But he insisted that, under his watch, the party is election ready, with Labour saying it is braced for Rishi Sunak to go to the polls in May. His remarks will be seen as a public warning to warring Tory MPs after the Prime Minister told them the party must unite or die. The Tories are riven by splits, with Mr Sunak suffering Commons mutinies over the Rwanda asylum plan and electric car mandates in recent weeks. He has been warned that he faces further rebellions over his plans to introduce a boiler tax and failure to ban conversion therapy. In an interview with Times Radio, Mr Holden admitted that being inward-looking is the weakness of the Conservative Party, adding: The biggest weakness is always that a party can look to itself rather than the country. The Tory chairman said Mr Sunak was the biggest strength the party possesses and insisted he was the right person to take the fight to Labour. Asked to mark the party from one to 10 on how unified it is, he added: Its definitely on the improving scale, so Id say about eight. Mr Holden added that despite the internal rows he was very proud to be part of a broad party from the centre to the Right of British politics. He was tight-lipped on the timing of the election, replying: Thats going to be the PMs call. All hes asked me to do is ensure the party is election ready. But he admitted that winning an historic fifth term would be an uphill struggle, adding: This is a massive job no political party in the UK has ever done this before. Earlier this month, a poll showed that Mr Sunaks personal popularity has sunk to its lowest point since he bedcame Prime Minister last year. Recent surveys show Labour on as much as 45 per cent of the public vote and the Tories languishing on less than 30 per cent. Pat McFadden, Labours election campaign coordinator, insisted that his partys sky-high ratings doesnt mean weve won anything. He said the Autumn Statement, which included an emergency National Insurance cut, suggested the Tories were keener on going in May to the electorate. 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. Its the day before Christmas Eve, also known as the busiest day for SEA International Airport this holiday season. Officials project 158,000 travelers in and out of the airport on Saturday, December 23rd. Oh man its been like an hour and some change. Weve been waiting almost 2 hours now just to drop off our bags, said traveler Adrian Perez. Thankfully, this wasnt the case all day for Perez and his friend, Samantha Fernandez. They were expecting a massive holiday rush. I was like okay, we should come 2 hours or 3 hours before even though its a domestic flight, said Fernandez. But like many others, they were met with smooth sailing on their way to the airport. We were like -- oh the rush is gonna be bad and then we came and were like, you know what? That wasnt so bad, Perez added. It was a similar situation for Grace Connelly, whos heading to Chicago. This was a completely different experience for her than the past two years, when shes flown out on Christmas Day. Last year we taxied around the runway for about 6 hours, I was late missing my connecting flight , I was stranded in Denver on Christmas Day, Connelly explained. The day after Christmas is also expected to be busy, with SEA projecting about 157,000 travelers. To ensure a smooth trip, arrive early to avoid delays. Click here for more tips to prepare for your trip to SEA International Airport. This article was originally published in The Conversation. When the Soviet Union launched Sputnik 1, the first artificial Earth satellite, on Oct. 4, 1957, it did more than spark fears about Americas ability to compete technologically. It also raised concerns that the U.S. had a shortage of Russian speakers capable of monitoring Soviet scientific and military activities. In 1958, the National Defense Education Act authorized funding to strengthen U.S. education in language instruction, in addition to math and science. More than six decades later, a new Modern Language Association report is raising concerns about Americas foreign language capabilities anew. The report shows that the study of languages other than English at the university level experienced an unprecedented drop of 16.6% between 2016 and 2021. Support The 74's year-end campaign. Make a tax-exempt donation now. The second-largest drop of 12.6% took place between 1970 and 1972. This decline continues a trend that began in 2009. Even though we live in an increasingly globalized world, the number of college students taking languages is rapidly falling. As a professor of Spanish and Portuguese who researches trends in language education, I know that having fewer U.S. college students who learn a foreign language creates greater risks for national security. Foreign language census Every few years since 1958, the MLA has conducted a census of enrollments in college-level language courses in the U.S. Their data shows that enrollments in languages other than English spiked after the National Defense Education Act became law. Between 1958 and 1970, these enrollments nearly tripled, from about 430,000 to almost 1.2 million. The bulk of students studied French, German or Spanish. However, enrollments in Russian doubled in the first three years alone jumping from roughly 16,000 in 1958 to over 32,700 in 1961. Enrollments in less commonly taught languages such as Chinese, Japanese and Arabic also rose steeply. After 1970, the enrollments in language study began to fall. Arabic was an exception. Although very few U.S. students studied Arabic to begin with just 364 in 1958, increasing to 1,324 in 1970 the 1973 oil crisis accelerated the trend, and enrollments passed 3,000 in 1977 before plateauing. Role of geopolitics College enrollments in Russian and Arabic courses illustrate how language study can be directly affected by and have implications for political events. Enrollments in Russian peaked at nearly 44,500 in 1990. However, the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 led to an immediate loss of interest in learning Russian. Enrollments dropped below 25,000 by 1995 and have continued to fall since. The latest MLA survey shows that between 2016 and 2021 alone, enrollments fell from 20,353 to 17,598 just over 1,500 more than in 1958. The low number of U.S. students learning Russian comes at a time when the current war between Russia and Ukraine, as well as Russias role as a top cyberthreat, makes knowledge of the language valuable to protecting national security. Enrollments in Arabic, in turn, were low in 1998 just 5,505 college students studied the language. Training and hiring speakers with professional-level Arabic proficiency was not a priority for the federal government at that time. As a result, the FBI had few translators who were proficient in Arabic, which caused significant delays in translating surveillance information in the run-up to the Sept. 11 attacks. A year after 9/11, college-level enrollments in Arabic almost doubled to over 10,500, and they peaked in 2009 at just under 35,000. Expansion takes time Overcoming foreign language shortfalls is easier said than done. Gaps cannot be filled overnight, as languages viewed as critical to national security require hundreds to thousands of hours of study to reach professional proficiency. And it also takes time for universities to expand their language offerings and staffing. Therefore, shortfalls have continued. In 2016, nearly a quarter of the State Departments overseas positions were held by people who did not meet the language proficiency requirements for their jobs. The numbers were even higher for positions requiring critical languages such as Arabic, Dari, Farsi and Urdu. These language gaps have hindered officers ability to protect embassies, manage emergency situations and more. Steep declines After peaking in 2009 at almost 1.7 million, college-level enrollments in languages other than English fell steeply. The new MLA report shows the decline has continued. By 2021, enrollments had fallen to under 1.2 million a drop of nearly 30%. Enrollments in almost all of the most commonly taught languages dropped significantly during this window. Arabic fell by almost 35%, Chinese/Mandarin by almost 25%, French by 37%, German by 44%, Japanese by 9% and Spanish by 32%. The only exceptions to this decline are enrollments in American Sign Language, which increased 17%, and Korean, which increased 128%. Korean in particular stands out, as its enrollments have increased steadily since 1974 and have been boosted recently by a global fascination with Korean pop culture. Overall, enrollments for 2021 are on par with those of 1998. And they are only slightly higher than those of 1970 even though more than twice as many students now attend college. In addition to the Great Recession, other factors have contributed to the downturn in college language enrollments. As of 2017, only about 20% of K-12 students study a foreign language, and only 11 states have foreign language requirements for high school graduation. Meanwhile, according to the Pew Research Center, just 36% of Americans believe that knowing a foreign language is very important for workers to be successful. In contrast, 85% believe that the ability to work with people from different backgrounds, training in writing and communication, and understanding how to use computers are each very important. National security initiatives In 2006, President George W. Bush launched the National Security Language Initiative to increase the number of speakers and teachers of critical languages. Since then, government agencies have developed additional language programs. The National Security Agencys STARTALK, for example, organizes summer programs to teach critical languages to students in kindergarten through college and provides resources and opportunities for teachers. The program served almost 70,000 students and 15,000 teachers between 2007 and 2021. The National Security Language Initiative for Youth, in turn, is run by the State Department and offers summer and academic-year programs for high school students. Over 8,000 students have participated since 2006. Despite the important role these programs play, the MLA report observes that college-level language enrollments continue to decline even at a time of growing need for knowledge of languages other than English in many industries. As history has shown us, these declines will likely have negative effects on national security, diplomacy and U.S. strategic interests. The Conversation This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. FILE - Former President Donald Trump listens as he speaks with reporters while in flight on his plane after a campaign rally at Waco Regional Airport, in Waco, Texas, March 25, 2023, while en route to West Palm Beach, Fla. The Supreme Court said Friday, Dec. 22, that it will not immediately take up a plea by special counsel Jack Smith to rule on whether former President Donald Trump can be prosecuted for his actions to overturn the 2020 election results. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File) Donald Trump on Saturday night urged a federal appeals court to dismiss special counsel Jack Smiths criminal case against him for seeking to subvert the 2020 election, contending that he is absolutely immune from the charges because they related to his official duties as president. In a 71-page opening brief filed with the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, Trumps attorneys said the prosecutions charges primarily focus on his efforts to lobby state and federal officials to reverse the election results, actions that they claim were within Trumps official responsibilities to ensure the 2020 election was conducted fairly. That argument has fared poorly in other federal courts that have considered it so far, as judges have distinguished between benign lobbying and the alleged criminal scheme to derail the transfer of power based on lies about election fraud. Smith, too, has argued that Trumps official duties could not possibly include efforts to disenfranchise millions of voters and pressure state officials using knowingly false allegations of election fraud. But Trumps attorneys insist all the steps he took to have himself declared the victor in the 2020 presidential contest amounted to acts he took on behalf of the nation rather than himself. Under our system of separated powers, the Judicial Branch cannot sit in judgment over a Presidents official acts, Missouri-based lawyer John Sauer and other members of the Trump legal team wrote. The indictment against President Trump is unlawful and unconstitutional. It must be dismissed. Trumps argument appears to be as much about prevailing in the appeals court as it is about a bid to slow down the case against him. His appeal has already forced an abrupt halt to the criminal proceedings in the District Court, throwing his March 4 trial date there into doubt. Smith has sought urgent consideration from the courts, contending that theres an intense public interest in resolving the case in 2024, although hes shied away from publicly discussing Trumps current campaign for the GOP presidential nomination. On Friday, the Supreme Court turned down Smiths plea for the justices to step into the case on an expedited basis, leaving the matter with the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, where Smith is similarly pleading for speed. Unlike at the high court, the three-judge appeals court panel assigned to the case appears to concur with Smiths claims of urgency, setting an extremely quick series of deadlines that culminate in oral arguments set for Jan. 9. If the judges George H.W. Bush appointee Karen LeCraft Henderson and Biden appointees J. Michelle Childs and Florence Pan rule in Smiths favor, the case could end up back before the justices next month. In his brief, Trump requests that if the panel rules against him, they delay returning the case to the District Court while he considers whether to seek review from the full appeals court bench or the Supreme Court, a process that could take up to three months. If Smith wins, he is sure to ask the panel to immediately implement its ruling. While Trumps brief claims the current case against him must be tossed out in its entirety, his lawyers contend former presidents can be prosecuted criminally for their official acts in one scenario never seen in U.S. history: when a president is impeached and convicted by the Senate. Before any single prosecutor can ask a court to sit in judgment of the Presidents conduct, Congress must have approved of it by impeaching and convicting the President. That did not happen here, and so President Trump has absolute immunity, Trumps attorneys wrote. Trumps brief draws heavily on discussions among the founders about the need to protect presidents official acts from review by the courts. That, they argued, has resulted in an unbroken history in which no president has ever been charged for conduct related to their official duties. Permitting the case against Trump to go forward, they argued, would lead to a cycle of recrimination and vengeance against future presidents. The former president commented on the case on Truth Social on Sunday, falling back on his usual assertion that the 2020 election was somehow stolen from him. "I was doing my duty as President to expose and further investigate a Rigged and Stolen Election. It was my obligation to do so, and the proof found is voluminous and irrefutable," he wrote. One obvious impediment to the Trump camps arguments is President Gerald Fords controversial pardon of former President Richard Nixon over Watergate. Since Nixon was never formally impeached or convicted, the pardon wouldnt have been necessary under Trumps theory. But Trumps attorneys claim the unusual act of clemency still buttresses their case. President Fords issuance of a prophylactic pardon to prevent a potentially bitter, protracted, divisive prosecution of a former President reinforces the political and constitutional tradition against prosecuting Presidents it does not undermine it, they wrote. Chutkan scheduled Trumps election-related federal trial for March 4, a date that increasingly looks in doubt the longer the immunity question lingers. If the appeals court rules in Trumps favor, the case would likely be thrown out. And if the judges rule for the government, a trial could proceed, but additional delays are likely since the losing side could ask for review by the full bench of the appeals court and then by the Supreme Court. Whenever Chutkan gets the case back, she will have to decide whether the original trial date is viable (it may have already passed), or whether a new date is necessary. Assuming Trump maintains his commanding edge in the GOP primary and becomes the GOP presidential nominee, the deeper into 2024 a trial goes, the more complicated it becomes as the general election draws nearer. Another potential complication: Trump is also slated to go on trial in Florida on May 20 on a second set of charges brought by Smith alleging that Trump refused to return a raft of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate after leaving office. But U.S. District Court Judge Aileen Cannon seems likely to delay the trials start date amid protracted consideration of discovery issues in the case. Cannons ultimate decision, not expected until March, could be a wild card if Chutkan needs to set a new trial date. Donald Trump has asked an appeals court in Washington DC to throw out charges that he sought to subvert the 2020 election, in the latest of a series of high-stakes legal maneuvers between the former presidents lawyers and the US department of justice. In a filing late on Saturday lawyers for Trump argued to the DC circuit court of appeals that he is legally cloaked from liability for actions he took while serving as president. Related: Supreme court declines to expedite decision on Trumps immunity claim in 2020 election case The move came a day after the US supreme court declined to expedite a request by the special counsel Jack Smith to consider the question of presidential immunity from prosecution. The latest filing is an incremental advance on the long-running legal duels between Trump and the special counsel, who may not now be able to bring the election interference complaint, one of four separate criminal cases against Trump, before a jury ahead of the next years election. If the election interference case is delayed, and Trump wins the election as current polls suggest he could, the former president could simply order all federal charges against him to be dropped. In Saturdays 55-page brief to the appeals court, Trumps lawyer D John Sauer argued in essence that under the US constitution one branch of government cannot assert judgment over another. Under our system of separated powers, the judicial branch cannot sit in judgment over a presidents official acts, Sauer wrote. That doctrine is not controversial, he added. The filing repeats what Trumps lawyers have consistently said: that he was acting in an official capacity to ensure election integrity, and therefore under immunity because presidents cannot be criminally prosecuted for official acts. Under the constitution, only the Senate can impeach and convict a president and that effort failed. In the filing, Sauer argued that executive immunity must exist because no president or former president has previously been charged with a crime. The unbroken tradition of not exercising the supposed formidable power of criminally prosecuting a president for official acts despite ample motive and opportunity to do so, over centuries implies that the power does not exist, he wrote. He also said that Tanya Chutkan, the judge due to hear case against Trump, was mistaken in her interpretation of limited presidential immunity when she wrote that Trump should still be subject to federal investigation, indictment, prosecution, conviction and punishment for any criminal acts undertaken while in office. The interplay of legislative, executive and judicial power now lie at the center of the 2024 election. Last week, Colorados supreme court ruled that Trump was ineligible to be on the ballot in that state because of his alleged actions to resist certification of the popular vote in 2020. But the implementation of the ruling was delayed until next month when the US supreme court may look at it. On Saturday evening, before heading to Camp David for the holiday break, Joe Biden said he cant think of one reason presidents should receive absolute immunity from prosecution, as the Republican frontrunner Donald Trump has claimed. Former President Trumps lawyers asked a federal appeals court to toss his 2020 election subversion case in Washington, D.C., just one day after the Supreme Court declined special counsel Jack Smiths request to take up Trumps argument that his actions are protected from criminal prosecution under presidential immunity. In a filing to the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals on Saturday night, Trumps attorneys reiterated their push for the appeals court to overturn a lower courts ruling that rejected the former presidents immunity claim. Trump introduced the argument in October, saying his actions leading up to and surrounding the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack are protected by presidential immunity. Federal Judge Tanya Chutkan ruled earlier this month that 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. The former president is facing four felony counts alleging he was involved in a conspiracy to defraud the U.S. and stood at the center of a campaign to block the certification of votes on Jan. 6. In the latest filing, Trumps lawyers once again argued Trumps conduct constitutes official acts to advocate for and defend the intensity of the federal election, in accord with his view it was tainted by fraud and irregularity. Arguing the indictment is unlawful and unconstitutional, Trumps lawyers said he must first be impeached and convicted by the Senate before he can be criminally prosecuted for his official acts as president. Before any single prosecutor can ask a court to sit in judgment of the Presidents conduct, Congress must have approved of it by impeaching and convicting the President. That did not happen here, and so President Trump has absolute immunity, Trumps lawyers wrote. The oral argument for the appeals case is slated for Jan. 9, according to court filings. The trial is scheduled for March. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Donald Trump claimed that he was merely doing his duty as president by alleging that the 2020 election was rigged and stolen, therefore believes he deserves immunity from prosecution. I wasnt campaigning, the Election was over. I was doing my duty as President to expose and further investigate a Rigged and Stolen Election. It was my obligation to do so, and the proof found is voluminous and irrefutable, the former president wrote in a Truth Social post Sunday morning. Therefore, among other reasons, of course I am entitled to IMMUNITY. ADDITIONALLY, I DID NOTHING WRONG. Stop the Witch Hunt NOW! Trumps comments echo assertions his lawyers made in a late-night filing on Saturday when asking a federal appeals court to toss out the indictment accusing him of trying to overturn the election. Trumps attorneys argument essentially boils down to one Richard Nixon made to David Frost: If the president does it, it isnt illegal. President Trump has absolute immunity from prosecution for his official acts as President, the lawyers wrote. The indictment alleges only official acts, so it must be dismissed. Trump has been indicted for his actions following the 2020 election, which his own officials at the time claimed was the most secure in U.S. history. Trump pressured local election officials to overturn results in their states, urged Vice President Mike Pence to stop the certification of electoral votes, and publicly pushed false claims of tampered votes, culminating in the attack on the Capitol on Jan. 6. In a late-night filing Saturday to the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, Trumps lawyers asked the judges to overturn a lower-courts ruling that Trump can be prosecuted for the actions he took while in office. Being president, District Judge Tanya Chutkan wrote in the ruling earlier this month, does not confer a lifelong get-out-of-jail-free pass. Trumps lawyers claim that his actions all reflect President Trumps efforts and duties, squarely as Chief Executive of the United States, to advocate for and defend the integrity of the federal election, in accord with his view that it was tainted by fraud and irregularity. Last week, special prosecutor Jack Smith asked the Supreme Court to make an expedited ruling before the D.C. Circuit could chime in, but the court denied his request on Friday. Smith has argued that it would be in the public interest to complete the case ahead of the 2024 election. The D.C. Circuit Court of three judges one George H.W. Bush appointee and two Biden appointees is scheduled to hear oral arguments in the case on Jan. 9. By insisting on appeals, Trump accomplishes two goals: He defends his own actions while also slow-walking the legal process, potentially pushing back his upcoming March 4 trial date. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone Republicans, including former president Donald Trump, have targeted the Justice Department, accusing the agency and its staff of weaponizing the justice system, as well as individual judges. This type of rhetoric has contributed to toxicity and an unprecedented rise in threats against public officials, said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. On a weekly basis sometimes more often I am getting reports about threats to public officials, threats to our prosecutors, threats to law enforcement agents who work in the Justice Department, threats to judges, Monaco said in an interview that aired Sunday on ABCs This Week. Just this week, we've had cases involving threats to kill FBI agents, a Supreme Court justice, and three presidential candidates, Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco tells @PierreTABC. That's just this week. https://t.co/mULcsdUrXR pic.twitter.com/Hpyc44TK9W This Week (@ThisWeekABC) December 24, 2023 Monaco added that in this past week alone, the department has seen cases involving threats to kill FBI agents, a Supreme Court justice and three presidential candidates. Thomas pointed out that Republicans in Congress have attacked the DOJ and its officials with their rhetoric. They have accused the department of giving favor to Hunter Biden, threatened to impeach Attorney General Merrick Garland and targeted FBI Director Christopher Wray. House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan even accused Wray of turning the FBI into an Orwellian Ministry of Truth for its relationship with social media companies. You have Republicans who will say that the Justice Department is full of political operatives who are working to help President Biden, hurt President Trump, and theyll even say that the FBI should be defunded. Whats your reaction to that kind of language, and what do you say on behalf of DOJ? It really bothers me when I hear those claims because it does a disservice to the men and women of the Justice Department, Monaco said. It contributes to the toxicity that youre speaking about What weve seen is an unprecedented rise in threats to public officials across the board law enforcement agents, prosecutors, judges, election officials. And we are seeing that and responding to it. Accusations that the DOJ has been politicized to target former Pres. Trump and others are a "disservice" to the agency's employees and contribute to the "toxicity" that has helped drive a recent spike in threats to officials, Deputy AG Lisa Monaco says. https://t.co/mULcsdUrXR pic.twitter.com/d9GQcrcWJ6 This Week (@ThisWeekABC) December 24, 2023 While Monaco did not name specific candidates or lawmakers, Thomas asked her, When people using words like poison the blood and calling DOJ officials thugs, is that helpful? making a clear reference to Trumps words on the campaign trail. Well, of course, its not helpful, Monaco responded. Monaco added that the types of threats the DOJ faces have changed over the years. Were in a unique moment where what were most worried about are individuals or small groups who are often radicalized online and who are motivated by and influenced by a range of ideologies from foreign terrorism and foreign terrorist organizations to domestic grievances, she said. And oftentimes what were seeing in the most lethal form is from racially or ethnically motivated ideologies. She added that since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel and Israels ongoing military campaign in Gaza, the FBI has seen a significant uptick in threats of violence and violence, particularly directed at the Jewish community and also at the Muslim and Arab American communities here in the United States. Monaco said that the bureau has received more than 1,800 reports of threats or other types of tips or leads that are somehow related to or have a nexus to the current conflict in Israel and Gaza. Thomas also asked Monaco specifically whether President Joe Biden has tried to use the power of the presidency to influence the investigation into his son or the investigation into Donald Trump, Monaco gave an unequivocal no. No, she said. And the attorney generals been exceptionally clear on this point. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone Donald Trump has taken his argument that he should be immune from prosecutionwhich was shot down by a federal judgeto an appeals court. In court papers filed Saturday night, the ex-president once again tried to derail special prosecutor Jack Smiths case that charges him with trying to overturn the 2020 election. The crux of his claim: Congress had to impeach and convict him before he could be charged criminally. District Judge Tanya Chutkan did not buy that logic, ruling this month that 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. Read it at The Hill Read more at The Daily Beast. (Bloomberg) -- Former President Donald Trump told a federal appeals panel on Saturday that he should be granted immunity from prosecution with regard to his efforts to overturn the 2020 election because he was acting within the bounds of his official duties when he took the actions. Most Read from Bloomberg Trump made his argument in a filing with the US Court of Appeals in Washington, which is expediting consideration of whether Trump should be immune to the charges brought by Special Counsel Jack Smith for the actions he took in 2020 that culminated in a deadly attack on the US Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. President Trump has absolute immunity from prosecution for his official acts as President, according to the 71-page filing. The indictment alleges only official acts, so it must be dismissed. The appeals panel has said it will hear arguments Jan. 9. The immunity question is playing out at the DC Circuit after the US Supreme Court on Friday refused to decide whether Trump has immunity for his efforts to overturn his election loss. Smith has asked the appeals panel to place the case on a fast track in an effort to avoid delaying a criminal trial against Trump set to start on March 4. A federal district judge previously ruled that Trump does not have presidential immunity from prosecution. The trial judge overseeing the case has put it on pause until the immunity issue is resolved. The decision by the appeals court will mark a watershed moment in the first-ever criminal prosecution of a former president, but likely wont be the last word, as the Supreme Court is expected to eventually rule on the matter after the appeals court issues its opinion. Trump and his lawyers have previously argued that he should be immune from prosecution because Smiths indictment concerns purely official acts and charging him would amount to double jeopardy because he already faced impeachment by the House of Representatives but wasnt convicted by the Senate. Under the Constitutions balanced, structural approach, a President may be prosecuted, but only if he is first impeached, tried, and convicted in the U.S. Senate, according to a Dec. 20 legal filing by Trumps team to the Supreme Court. They made the filing in opposition to Smiths request to expedite a decision. American history abounds with examples of Presidents who were accused by political opponents of committing crimes through their official acts, according to Trumps Dec. 20 filing. Yet no President was ever prosecuted, until this year. The unbroken tradition of not exercising the formidable power of criminally prosecuting a President for official acts despite ample motive and opportunity to do so, over centuries implies that the power does not exist. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. By Park Jae-hyuk HMMs two largest shareholders appear to have differing views on the selection of Harim Group as the preferred bidder to acquire the nations largest container shipping company, amid growing skepticism about the poultry processors plan to raise 6.4 trillion won ($5 billion) for the takeover, according to industry officials, Sunday. Last Tuesday, Oceans and Fisheries Minister nominee Kang Do-hyung told lawmakers in a confirmation hearing that he would thoroughly check Harims eligibility from scratch, once he takes office. The ministry supervises Korea Oceans Business Corp. (KOBC), HMMs second-largest shareholder with a 28.68 percent stake. There should be no winners curse, Kang said in response to concerns among lawmakers over Harims capability to manage HMM. The incumbent minister has also emphasized that the government wants a buyer that can enable HMMs sustainable growth. In contrast, Kang Seog-hoon, chairman of the Korea Development Bank (KDB), which is HMMs largest shareholder with a 29.2 percent stake, told a local news outlet last Thursday that the deal will be closed without problems. Their different stances sparked speculation that KDB wants even more examples of itself reconstructing cash-strapped companies, while the oceans ministry fears the role of KOBC as being ambiguous, although KOBC explained that its work related to the HMM account is only a small proportion of its entire business. The ministry is also said to have expressed concerns over possible consequences of Harims takeover of HMM on the Korean shipping industry, but failed to convince KDB and the Financial Services Commission, both of which make their decisions from a financial perspective. Before the procedure began earlier this year for HMMs privatization, the ministry apparently had a lukewarm attitude toward the state-run banks attempts to look for the shipping firms new owner. When KDB decided to liquidate Hanjin Shipping in 2017, the oceans ministry also failed to convince the bank to save the company for the Korean shipping industrys competitiveness, a government source familiar with this issue said on condition of anonymity. There was also a rumor that the KDB chairmans close relations with President Yoon Suk Yeol expedited HMMs privatization. The KDB chairman served as the presidents economic adviser during his election campaign. Amid the lingering concerns, Harim dismissed worries about its plan to raise money for the acquisition. However, unionized workers of HMM are still protesting the deal, claiming that Harim is just aiming at the shipping firms cashable assets worth 10 trillion won. HMM is Koreas only shipping company that can compete with global firms, so the sellers and the government must reconsider the sale procedure from scratch, the HMM union said. Russian troops launched an attack against the village of Pidserednie near Kupiansk at around 2:40 a.m. on Dec. 24, Kharkiv Oblast Governor Oleh Syniehubov reported. The attack injured two local men aged 34 and 65. They were hospitalized with shrapnel wounds, the governor said. According to the Prosecutor Generals Office, the attack damaged residential houses and some locals' cars. The village was shelled with Smerch multiple launch rocket systems and artillery, reads the report. The aftermath of the Russian attack on Kharkiv Oblast on Dec. 24 (Prosecutor Generals Office/Telegram) Over the past day, Russian troops attacked 20 settlements in Kharkiv Oblast with mortars and artillery, Syniehubov said. Ukrainian forces repelled 17 Russian attacks near the village of Synkivka in the Kupiansk district, according to him. On Dec. 19, President Volodymyr Zelensky said the most powerful defenses had been constructed in Kharkiv Oblast. Read also: Ukraine finally moves to fortify front line, but could it be too little too late? Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) Columbus police are investigating a fatal crash where two juveniles were killed Saturday night on the west side of the Ohio State University campus. CPD said that at 11:17 p.m., a Chevrolet with five occupants, including two juveniles, was driving north on Carmack Road approaching the West Lane Avenue intersection. The Chevrolet failed to stop at a red light and hit a Honda with two occupants that had entered the intersection from the east, per police. Man killed, two adults injured in Brewery District shooting The two juvenile passengers inside the Chevrolet were pronounced dead at the scene at 11:33 p.m. while the three others inside the vehicle went to local hospitals to recover from various injuries. The driver and passenger of the Honda were also taken to local hospitals to recover, per police. This embedded content is not available in your region. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. U.K. Defense Minister Grant Shapps has told the Sunday Times in a Dec. 24 interview that the West "cannot afford" to lose the war in Ukraine and that there would be "severe consequences" if Russian dictator Vladimir Putin wins. "If we allow Putin to win this war by dragging it out, and he somehow wins it by exhausting everybody else, then we will suffer the consequences. And the consequences would be incredibly severe for Europe, for Britain, for the world," Shapps said, as quoted by the media. "And the reason I say that is because we know what happens when dictators march across Europe. We know what happens when others look at a weakness or what they perceive to be a weakness, and that could have implications in the Indo-Pacific or elsewhere," he said. "So we can literally not afford not to win this war." Shapps, who previously served as the U.K. energy secretary, was appointed by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Aug. 31, replacing the outgoing Defense Minister Ben Wallace. According to the Sunday Times, Schapps said the "expenditure on defense across the West, including in the U.K., is insufficient to see off the threat of a resurgent Russia." The United Kingdom spent 2.3 billion British pounds (about $2.9 billion) on defense assistance to Ukraine last year and has committed the same amount in 2023. Shapps told the Sunday Times that providing support to Ukraine "isnt some kind of charity approach." "I know its often called gifting but its actually in our own bloody interests," he said. In September, Shapps traveled to Kyiv to meet President Volodymyr Zelensky. It was his second visit to Kyiv and his first in his new role as defense minister. In addition to meeting with Zelensky, Shapps also participated in talks with other Ukrainian officials, including his Ukrainian counterpart, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. Back then, he also emphasized that the support of the U.K. for Ukraine "remains unwavering." 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. FILE PHOTO: People march in support of a referendum over disputed territory, in Caracas LONDON (Reuters) -Britain will deploy a naval ship off Guyana later this month, its ministry of defence said on Sunday, as the South American nation faces a border dispute with neighbour Venezuela over the oil-rich Essequibo region. The deployment follows a visit by a British junior foreign minister to Guyana earlier this month, intended to offer the UK's support for the country, an ally and former British colony. Guyana and Venezuela agreed earlier this month to avoid any use of force and not to escalate tensions in the long-running dispute. Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino said in a social media post on Sunday that his country would remain "on alert following provocations that put at risk the peace and stability of the Caribbean and our America." The 160,000-square-km (62,000-square-mile) Essequibo region is generally recognised as part of Guyana, but in recent years Venezuela has revived its claim to the territory and to offshore areas after major oil and gas discoveries. Britain will deploy the Royal Navy patrol vessel HMS Trent, the ministry of defence said in a statement, without referring to Venezuela or the border dispute. "HMS Trent will visit regional ally and Commonwealth partner Guyana later this month as part of a series of engagements in the region during her Atlantic Patrol Task deployment," a spokesperson said. (Reporting by Sachin Ravikumar in LondonAdditional reporting by Vivian Sequera in CaracasEditing by Mark Potter and Matthew Lewis) TechCrunch Logistics has become the cornerstone of how so much works on earth -- we may order things online, but ultimately we need to get products and ourselves from A to B -- and some believe that logistics models will be even more important in the remote realms of space. D-Orbit, an Italian startup that provides an array of logistics services for companies operating satellites and other services in space, has raised 100 million ($110 million) in a Series C round of equity funding. The current investment is led by a strategic backer, Marubeni Corporation out of Japan's industrial sector, with Avantgarde (a regular investor in the space industry), CDP Venture Capital, Seraphim Space Investment Trust, United Ventures, Indaco Venture Partners, Neva SGR and Primo Ventures also participating. Soldiers prepare to mark Christmas outside Kupiansk, an area where Russian forces have made advances Many Ukrainian Orthodox Christians are preparing to celebrate Christmas on 25 December for the first time this year. Ukraine has traditionally used the Julian calendar, also used by Russia, where Christmas falls on 7 January. In a further shift from Russia, it is now marking Christmas according to the Western - or Gregorian - calendar, which it uses in everyday life. Orthodox believers attended a Christmas Eve service at St Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery in Kyiv Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky changed the law in July, saying it allowed Ukrainians to "abandon the Russian heritage" of celebrating Christmas in January. In a Christmas message issued on Sunday evening, Mr Zelensky said all Ukrainians were now together. "We all celebrate Christmas together. On the same date, as one big family, as one nation, as one united country." In the capital Kyiv, married couple Lesia Shestakova, a Catholic, and Oleksandr Shestakov, who is Orthodox, are celebrating Christmas together. Inside the Cathedral of St Alexander The pair - who until now marked Christmas twice, with their respective parents - attended the Sunday morning service at the city's Catholic cathedral (pictured above). "There is finally a day in Ukraine which my husband and I can spend together in the cathedral and thank God that we are together, alive and in good health," Lesia told Reuters news agency. The Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), a newly created independent church that held its first service in 2019, has also changed its Christmas date to 25 December. It formally broke away from the Russian Orthodox church over Moscow's annexation of Crimea in 2014 and its support for separatists in eastern Ukraine. People prayed and lit candles across the country on Sunday. In the western city of Lviv, which has been little damaged by the war, children in traditional costumes sang carols and took part in festive processions on the streets. Children in traditional Ukrainian clothes sing carols during the Christmas celebration in Lviv Ukrainians decorate a Christmas tree near the Independence Square in Kyiv, Ukraine Ukrainians decorate a Christmas tree near Independence Square in Kyiv In recent years many worshippers have joined the OCU but millions still follow the historically Russia-linked Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), and so will continue to celebrate Christmas on 7 January. The UOC says that in 2022 it split from Moscow because of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine although many people remain sceptical. And of course there are expected to be quite a few Ukrainians who will be celebrating twice - the more the merrier. All pictures are subject to copyright. The Save Ukraine team has managed to evacuate three more Ukrainian children from the temporarily Russian-occupied territories. Source: Mykola Kuleba, Founder of Save Ukraine Quote from Kuleba: "We've completed the 14th rescue mission, bringing back 14 children, including 7 children deprived of parental care (the team has liberated 226 children since the beginning of the war ed.) Eight-year-old Yelysei lived with his grandmother in the currently occupied part of Kherson Oblast at the beginning of the full-scale invasion, while his mother lived in Odesa. However, the grandmother died, and the occupying authorities immediately placed the child in an orphanage. The mother's health condition made it impossible for her to travel to take back her son, so her cousin went to do so. However, they [occupying authorities] refused to give the child to the woman or explain anything, even though she had all the necessary documents. We had to act fast, since if a child stays in Russia without parental care for six months, they are granted a special status so that they can be placed with a Russian family or choose an alternative way of placement. Therefore, our team did everything possible to ensure the mother received the necessary medical care and could take the child from the occupied territory." Details: Kuleba reported that the woman had to communicate with Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) to get her son back. Two 18-year-old brothers, Andrii and Mykhailo, have also arrived in Ukraine. Both of them are orphans who were brought up in a foster family in the currently occupied territory before the full-scale invasion. Support UP or become our patron! Heavy casualties suffered by both sides in the Ukraine war have ignited a race to replenish vehicles lost in combat and protect those that remain operational. With Ukraines supply of Western-donated vehicles beginning to dry up after its counter-offensive failed to produce a breakthrough, and with Russia losing hundreds of tanks in failed eastern assaults, engineers are using every means at their disposal to plug the gaps in their forces. In some cases, they have had to reach deep into storage facilities and scrap heaps, pulling out weapons systems and parts of vehicles that have not seen combat for decades and grafting them together to create entirely new vehicles. The Telegraph has analysed imagery and video from the Ukrainian front lines to identify several of these new creations, ranging from pick-up trucks fitted with helicopter rocket pods, to tanks with makeshift cages. They have been nicknamed Frankentanks. Technicals Russias generals have relied heavily on Soviet-era rocket artillery systems such as the BM-21 Grad to provide fire support for its ground forces, and BMP-1 armoured personnel carriers to act as infantry fighting vehicles. Such outdated vehicles, many sporting little more than steel plate as armour protection, have been easy pickings for Ukranian drone operators and troops armed with sophisticated Western anti-tank missiles. In an effort to replace its stocks of MRLS and infantry-fighting-vehicles, Russia has turned to up-gunning domestic vehicles. On the Zaporizhzhia front, soldiers of the 21st Guards Motor Rifle Division were filmed using a UAZ Patriot pick-up truck as a makeshift multiple rocket launch system (MRLS). The truck had been fitted with a UB-32 57mm rocket pod more commonly seen hanging from the wings of attack helicopters and fighter jets, and was filmed providing in-direct fire. Other UAZ trucks have been pictured with mounted Kornet anti-tank missiles, and another was shown with an improvised launcher for S-8 rockets also borrowed from aircraft, with a sighting system adapted from a mortar. But the Russians are not alone in modifying civilian vehicles into weapons of war. Near Bakhmut, Ukrainian troops converted a BMW 3-series into a mobile rocket launcher. A black model of the German four-door was filmed launching a salvo of missiles at enemy positions from the side of a muddy road. Ukraines 114th Territorial Defense Brigade said its men had fried enemies using Soviet-designed 122mm Grad rockets fired from the car. The Frankentanks While the Ukrainians can lean on their Western allies for tanks, or at least spare parts, the Russian forces have had to dig deep into their stocks of antiquated, Soviet-era equipment. With Russia now believed to have lost at least 2,400 tanks, including hundreds destroyed in attacks on the eastern town of Avdiivka, engineers have had to get creative. Many of their creations are centred around upgrading the MTLB armoured personnel carrier, which dates back to the 1950s, into an infantry-fighting vehicle role. In one example a soviet 2M-3 naval turret containing twin 25mm cannon was mounted to the rear of the hull. Footage of this vehicle in action shows it to be highly unstable when firing, calling into question its combat effectiveness. Another MTLB was fitted with a helicopter rocket pod and an 80mm mortar both totally exposed and unprotected. In another video, an MTLB with a pair of S-8 rocket pods fires a salvo of rockets. Images of several MTLBs with the same modifications being moved by train suggest that these are not always thrown together by individual crews, but are being produced in dedicated workshops away from the front. Ukraine has not shied away from the Frankentank either. Pictures surfaced of a machine dubbed the Terminator being constructed from parts of captured vehicles. Consisting of a T-62 hull modified with the turret and 60mm cannon of BMP-2, coated in reactive armour blocks for better protection against anti-tank missiles. Cage armour The proliferation of drones on the battlefield, both those modified to drop grenades and bombs from above and the so-called FPV drones that can hit targets with pinpoint accuracy, has forced both sides to find new ways to protect their tanks. Recently, the Ukrainains have been seen using detailed decoy vehicles, made of wood or even sometimes inflatable fakes, left out in the open to draw in enemy strikes away from real targets. Battlefield engineers have also experimented with cage and slat armour, which is intended to detonate drones and explosives away from the hulls of vehicles. This armour is typically little more than poles and wire mesh, but could be enough to prevent a drone from dropping a grenade into an open hatch and destroying the tank with a devastating secondary explosion. This type of protection is not new, however, and was first introduced by the Wehrmacht in the Second World War, when it typically appeared on the sides of vehicles to stop incoming rockets. On the battlefields of Ukraine, these cages are usually seen fitted above the top face of the turret, where a tanks armour is usually thinnest. In one extreme attempt to deter drone attacks, a Russian tank crew was seen with the cage armour fixed to poles welded to the hull, preventing the turret from fully rotating. While more closely associated with Russian tankers, Ukrainian troops have modified even their most advanced Western battle tanks with extra armour, such is the threat from Russias drones. Of the few pictures to emerge of Leopard 2 and Challenger 2 tanks on the ground during Ukraines summer offensive, several showed vehicles modified with extra slat armour and reactive armour blocks. The use of the armour, dubbed Cope Cages by external observers, has spread beyond the conflict in Ukraine. When Israeli tanks rolled into Gaza, they did so with cage armour designed to counter Hamas drones. 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. Catholic believer Lesia Shestakova and Orthodox believer Oleksandr Shestakov prepare to celebrate Christmas together at the same day for the first time on December 25, in Kyiv Catholic believer Lesia Shestakova and Orthodox believer Oleksandr Shestakov prepare to celebrate Christmas together at the same day for the first time on December 25, in Kyiv By Margaryta Chornokondratenko and Yurii Kovalenko KYIV (Reuters) - Ukrainian couple Lesia Shestakova, a Catholic, and Oleksandr Shestakov, an Orthodox believer, will for the first time celebrate Christmas together on Dec. 25. Ukraine, like Russia, officially observed Orthodox Christmas on Jan. 7 according to the Julian calendar until Kyiv passed a law earlier this year shifting the date to Dec. 25 in line with other Western European countries. It is part of a cultural shift that is erasing traces of Russian influence as Ukraine fends off Moscow's invasion launched nearly two years ago. Lesia, Oleksandr and two of their children used to celebrate Christmas twice: first with Lesia's parents in December and then with Oleksandrs parents in January. "There is finally a day in Ukraine which my husband and I can spend together in the cathedral and thank God that we are together, alive and in good health," Lesia told Reuters on Sunday as the pair attended the morning service at the Catholic Cathedral of St. Alexander in Kyiv. Lesia and Oleksandr agreed that distancing the country from Russian religious and cultural traditions will help strengthen Ukraine even more. "Everything Soviet-related - hammer and sickle, stars, idols and monuments to those like (former Soviet leader) Lenin are being destroyed. And now, on December 25, the country's rebirth will start, with new holidays," Oleksandr said. Moscow's February 2022 attack prompted many Ukrainians to reject Russian language and culture and other historical ties to Kyiv's former ruler. Lesia has already practised cooking the food that will be at the centre of the table on Christmas morning, including her grandmother's traditional recipes. (Editing by Kirsten Donovan) Stock photo: Ukrainska Pravda Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umierov has said that people who continue to adhere to "old practices" are being "driven out" of the ministry. Source: Umierov in an interview with Suspilne, in response to a question about procurement reform in the Ministry of Defence Quote: "There are a lot of questions, and a lot of problems too. We are driving out all these people with old practices. And youre going to hear about a lot of things were doing, youre going to hear a lot of accusations against us because were driving these people out." Details: Umierov said the ministry has set up a Procurement Policy Department to develop a procurement policy and launch separate agencies for lethal and non-lethal procurement. Now, Umierov noted, if Ukraine receives international technical assistance, it is clear how it comes in and who it is from. "We have also suggested that we would be very open to a certain extent, so that they could also review our direct contracts, which ones we have with which suppliers, for how much, and so on, so that they can help rebuild internal risk management, compliance and procedures. Unfortunately, procurement has constantly been politicised. There are a lot of old practices that dont correspond to the present day, and they need to change. In other words, we have done a lot, but its not enough. And the most risky thing is that the transition period isnt over yet," the minister said. Umierov also noted that the Defence Ministry has changed its staff, replacing all the deputy ministers apart from one who is responsible for the military side rather than procurement. "Weve done a reboot at the top level. And now its the responsibility of my new deputies to reboot the entire vertical. In other words, we have already done a horizontal reset. Now, in the coming weeks and months, their task will be to reboot these verticals. And they have already started to do so. I think they are doing it slowly. It should be fast, clear, and uncompromising," Umierov said. Background: It was reported on 21 December that starting from 1 April 2024, Ukraines Ministry of Defence would be procuring food for the military under new rules: based on a catalogue of 409 specified food items for professionally drawn-up menus, taking average prices into account, with separate tenders for delivery. On 22 December, it was disclosed that the head of one of the Ministry of Defense's Main Departments was arrested in Kyiv for his involvement in pocketing UAH 1.5 billion (US$39.6 million) intended to be used to buy artillery shells for the country's armed forces. His custody was remanded without bail by the court until 19 February 2024. Support UP or become our patron! Former TV journalist Yekaterina Duntsova was disqualified on Saturday as a candidate for Russia's next presidential election, preventing her from running against Vladimir Putin on a platform of opposition to the war in Ukraine. Members of the central electoral commission voted unanimously to reject her candidacy, citing "numerous violations" in the papers she had submitted in support of her bid. Putin's critics said the decision showed that no one with genuine opposition views would be allowed to stand against him next March in the first presidential election since the start of the 22-month war. They see it as a fake process with only one possible outcome. The Kremlin says Putin will win because he enjoys genuine support across society, with opinion poll ratings of around 80 percent. Duntsova, 40, said on Telegram she would challenge the decision in the Supreme Court, calling it unjustified and undemocratic. "With this political decision, we are deprived of the opportunity to have our own representative and express views that differ from the official aggressive discourse," she said. In a separate development, Russian news outlets said Boris Nadezhdin, an opposition politician who has been critical of Putin and the war, was put forward as a candidate on Saturday by the center-right Civic Initiative party. They said he planned to register with the electoral commission on Dec. 25. ' Everything ahead of you' The head of the electoral commission, Ella Pamfilova, offered words of consolation to Duntsova after her rejection. "You are a young woman, you have everything ahead of you. Any minus can always be turned into a plus. Any experience is still an experience," Pamfilova said. Screenshots posted by a telegram channel representing Duntsova showed documents with signatures that it said the commission had highlighted as inadmissible. Duntsova appealed to veteran liberal politician Grigory Yavlinsky to let her run as a representative of his Yabloko party rather than as an independent candidate, which would allow her to submit a new application. But Yavlinsky said in an interview on a YouTube channel that Yabloko was not planning to field a candidate and would not back Duntsova "because we don't know her." When Duntsova said last month that she wanted to stand, commentators had variously described her as crazy, brave, or part of a Kremlin-scripted plan to create the appearance of competition. "Any sane person taking this step would be afraid - but fear must not win," she told Reuters in an interview in November in which she called for the release of political prisoners and said Russians were "very tired" of the conflict in Ukraine. Belarus scenario Abbas Gallyamov, a former Kremlin speechwriter now labelled by the authorities as a "foreign agent", said Putin had not wanted to risk the same scenario as Alexander Lukashenko. The Belarusian leader clung to power in 2020 only with the help of what the opposition and Western governments said was large-scale ballot rigging to enable him to claim victory over opposition candidate Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya. "The Tsikhanouskaya effect is absolutely possible, and in the Kremlin they understand that," Gallyamov wrote on Telegram. Anastasia Burakova, a lawyer and rights activist also newly designated as a foreign agent, said the disqualification showed the authorities were determined that "not a single competitor who could cast a shadow on support for Putin and the war should be in the public field." With Putin, 71, in full control of the levers of power, supporters and opponents alike say he will cruise to a new six-year term which, if he completes it, would make him Russia's longest serving ruler since the 18th century - outlasting all Soviet rulers including Josef Stalin. His best-known opponent, Alexei Navalny, is serving prison sentences totaling more than 30 years and his supporters say they do not even know where he is, after they were told he had been moved from his previous penal colony earlier this month. Lawyers last had access to him on Dec. 6. One of the nominal opposition parties in parliament, the A Just Russia - For Truth party, said on Saturday it would support Putin at the election, state news agency RIA reported. Meanwhile the Communist Party, which has finished a distant second to Putin at every election since 2000, named 75-year-old Nikolai Kharitonov as its candidate. Kharitonov stood previously in 2004 and won 14 percent of the vote to Putin's 71 percent. TASS news agency quoted him as saying he would not find fault with the Kremlin leader. "He is responsible for his own cycle of work, why would I criticize him?" Kharitonov said. (Reuters) Besides using the Sea Baby unscrewed surface vessel (USV) in the Black Sea, Ukraines Security Service now also deploys another naval drone, the Mamai. Source: a television programme by 1+1 on the air of the national 24/7 newscast; press service of Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) to Ukrainska Pravda A Mamai USV. Photo: press service of the Security Service of Ukraine Details: As noted in the programme, the existence of SSUs Mamai USV was not known by any mass media in the world. As of today, Mamai is the fastest object in the Black Sea, as it can reach speeds of up to 110 kilometres per hour. At the same time, it was the Sea Baby USV that targeted the Crimean bridge on 17 July. Sea Baby. Photo: press service of Security Service of Ukraine Vasyl Maliuk, Head of the Security Service of Ukraine, said that it was the task set by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to cut the arteries of Russias logistics. "This is a completely legitimate goal for us," said Maliuk. In addition to being a kamikaze drone, Sea Baby is a modular platform that can hold different kinds of remote-controlled weapons. Sea Baby. Photo: press service of Security Service of Ukraine "This is not just a sea drone, this is a multi-purpose platform, which today is very, very successfully used, and not only in relation to the Crimean bridge," Maliuk said. "We have actually changed our philosophy, the very approach in naval operations. The production is located in Ukraine at one of the underground plants," he said. The press service of Security Service of Ukraine in a comment to Ukrainska Pravda recalled that in October 2022, they used naval drones to attack Russian ships in Sevastopol Bay. Then four military vessels were damaged, including the Admiral Makarov frigate. And this year, the services USVs hit the Samum and Pavel Derzhavin missile carriers, the SIG tanker, the Olenegorsky Gornyak landing ship, and also damaged the large rescue tug Nikolay Mura and the latest reconnaissance and hydrographic ship Vladimir Kozitsky. Support UP or become our patron! Ukrainian Ambassador to the United States Oksana Markarova says she believes there is still strong bipartisan support in Congress for an aid package for Kyiv and that shes hopeful lawmakers will reach a deal in January. When we talk to people on the Hill on both aisles and again, Ukraine has always valued the bipartisan support, strong bipartisan support that we had I believe that the support is there, Markarova said in an interview on The Sunday Show With Jonathan Capehart on MSNBC. And people on the Hill realize how important it is not only for Ukraine or Europe or the prosperity on which the success of democratic countries is built on, but also for the U.S. national interest, she continued. The Senate left Washington last week before they could broker a deal that would unlock aid to Ukraine and Israel by addressing the situation at the southern border. Now I just really hope that this package that includes not only us and Israel, but also the internal issues, that there will be a solution there acceptable for both parties and that it will not hold the support to Ukraine and again, lets all pray and hope that it will be as early as the beginning of January, Markarova said. In the interview, Markarova stressed Ukraines gratitude for the continued aid from the United States and said Ukraine has demonstrated its ability to win the war. She also stressed the need for democratic countries to remain united against the allied forces of Russia, Hamas, North Korea and Iran. In times when not only we have seen all the horrible war crimes in Ukraine, and again, this war is violating everything we all believe in. But we also have shown that Ukrainians can win this, and together with all of our friends and allies, especially with the U.S., but more than 50 countries that now are helping us, we can prove that democracies can defend themselves, Markarova said. We have liberated more than 50 percent of what Russia has taken since the beginning. We have shown how effective we can be in repelling this and defending the, not only the people of Ukraine, but also the ideals of democracy and freedom. So while Russia, Iran, North Korea, Hamas and others are helping each other and uniting, [we] people should unite too, she said. We should show that we can stay the course. So we are very grateful to all American people for the support that we have received. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Eighty-one combat clashes have occurred at the front line within the past 24 hours. Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Details: In total, the Russians launched 11 missile strikes and 34 airstrikes, as well as 62 attacks from multiple-launch rocket systems on positions of Ukrainian forces and settlements. Airstrikes were launched on the settlements of Leonivka and Chervonyi Khutir (Chernihiv Oblast), Synkivka (Kharkiv Oblast), Serebrianka Forest (Luhansk Oblast), and Heorhiivka and Novomykhailivka (Donetsk Oblast). About 100 settlements in Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson and Mykolaiv oblasts were attacked by the Russians from artillery. In the area of responsibility of the Pivnich (North) Operational Strategic Group on the Volyn and Polissia fronts, the operational situation remains unchanged. On the Siversk and Slobozhanshchyna fronts, the Russians are maintaining their military presence in border regions, conducting active sabotage actions to prevent the transfer of the Ukrainian forces to vulnerable fronts, increasing the density of minefields along the state border with Belgorod Oblast in Russia. In the area of responsibility of the Khortytsia Operational Strategic Group on the Kupiansk front, the Defence Forces of Ukraine repelled 17 Russian attacks near the settlement of Synkivka in Kharkiv Oblast, where the Russians are trying to breach the Ukrainian defences to no avail. On the Lyman front, the Russians did not conduct any assault operations. On the Bakhmut front, the Defence Forces repelled 11 Russian attacks near the settlements of Bohdanivka, Ivanivske, Klishchiivka and Andriivka in Donetsk Oblast. In the area of responsibility of the Tavriia Operational Strategic Group on the Avdiivka front, the Ukrainian forces are continuing to deter the Russians who keep trying to encircle the city of Avdiivka. The Defence Forces are holding the defence and causing significant losses to the Russians. The Defence Forces repelled 25 attacks of the Russians to the east of Novobakhmutivka, Stepove and Avdiivka and 15 attacks near Sievierne, Pervomaiske and Nevelske in Donetsk Oblast. On the Marinka front, the Defence Forces continued to deter the Russians near the settlements of Marinka and Novomykhailivka in Donetsk Oblast where they repelled four attacks. On the Shakhtarsk front the Russians did not conduct any assault actions. On the Zaporizhzhia front, the Defence Forces repelled all the Russian attacks near the settlement of Robotyne and to the northwest of Verbove in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. In the area of responsibility of the Odesa Operational Strategic Group, on the Kherson front, the Ukrainian forces continue to expand their bridgehead. Despite significant losses, the Russians keep trying to drive the Ukrainian units out of their positions. Within the last 24 hours, the Russians conducted 17 assault actions which were repelled, and then retreated. Meanwhile, the Defence Forces of Ukraine continue causing losses to the Russians in manpower and military equipment, exhausting them along the front line. Within the last 24 hours the aircraft of the Defence Forces launched attacks on 18 areas where Russian manpower, armament and military equipment were concentrated and five Russian anti-aircraft systems. Ukrainian air defence destroyed a Kh-59 air-to-surface missile and two reconnaissance UAVs belonging to the Russians. Ukrainian Rocket Forces and Artillery struck six clusters of Russian manpower, armament and military equipment, a radar station, two artillery systems, three ammunition storage points and a command post belonging to the Russians. Support UP or become our patron! Hanna, Andriy and their three daughters, who were born as Russian troops invaded in 2022 Ukrainian couple Hanna and Andriy Berezynets were delighted when they found out they were expecting triplets. But on the day the babies were due, war broke out and the little girls were born to the sound of Russian shells falling around them. Short presentational grey line When Hanna went for her first ultrasound scan, it showed a small dot - the baby she and Andriy had planned for so long. But on their next visit to the doctor they were told they were expecting twins. The third visit revealed she was actually pregnant with triplets. "We were afraid to see the doctor for the fourth appointment," Hanna jokes. But the couple were happy. "We really wanted children. God had heard us and gave us three at once," she tells the Ukrainecast podcast. Hanna went into a maternity hospital in Chernihiv on 23 February 2022 for a Caesarean section, which was scheduled for the next morning. Rumours about a Russian invasion had been spreading for a while but she did not believe them until early on 24 February when she got a message from her brother, who was studying at a military school. He told her that the war had started and he did not know where he was going to be sent. He urged her to leave Chernihiv. But she could not leave straight away. Her operation was planned for 09:00 and the hospital staff were preparing to deliver their first triplets in three years. Hanna could not believe the war had begun: "I thought it would happen somewhere far away, in a field, a forest, but not in our lives." Andriy arrived at the hospital at 06:00 carrying suitcases filled with clothes and other supplies and tried to calm her down. "He said that the main thing was to bring our children into this world," Hanna recalls. The babies were born just minutes apart: Emilia at 09:36, Olivia at 09:37 and at 09:38 it was Melania's turn. "I couldn't imagine they would be so beautiful," says Hannah. Under normal circumstances, Emilia, Melania and Olivia would have been kept in an incubator after they were born Ten minutes later, at 09:48, the Ukrainian state border service officially announced that Russian military vehicles had entered the Chernihiv region. The bomb shelter Chernihiv is in northern Ukraine on the border with Belarus - where Russian troops invaded from - and was immediately hit by shelling. Although Russia did not occupy the city, it was badly damaged. On the evening after she gave birth, recovering from surgery and barely able to get out of bed, Hanna was told to go down to a bomb shelter with her babies. "I was totally lost. I didn't understand how I would get there," she says. To reach it, she had to go outside, where the temperature was close to zero. The nurses wrapped the babies in warm blankets and carried them for her. There were about 100 people with newborns in the shelter and hospital staff delivered 20 babies down there, they later told Ukrainian media. Medical staff said they delivered 20 babies in the bomb shelter Although Hanna's daughters were healthy, they were premature. Normally, they would have been put in a special incubator, but there wasn't one in the shelter, so the nurses took it in turns to cuddle them under their clothes to keep them warm. "The girls were so defenceless. I was lying next to them and didn't know how to help them," Hanna says, her voice trembling. They were tiny - Emilia and Melania weighed just 3.5lb and 3lb (1.6kg and 1.4kg), but Olivia was even smaller. She was 2.5lb (1.1kg) and she needed to be moved to the intensive care unit if she was going to survive. Hanna and Andriy decided they couldn't send her there alone, so after a week in the bomb shelter the whole family moved up to the hospital's first floor. Olivia was in intensive care for about two weeks. "We stayed in the hospital's corridor with the other two girls and only went down to the basement when there were massive explosions," says Hanna. At one point, Hanna was sitting in a corridor with Emilia and Melania, when she suddenly saw a massive flash followed by pitch darkness and smoke. "I jumped up and grabbed my children, not knowing whether I was dead or alive," she says. Hanna with her three daughters Then she saw Andriy running towards her and they rushed to the intensive care room to see if Olivia had been hurt. They ran past shattered windows, blown-off doors and destroyed walls. But luckily Olivia's room had not been touched and she was safe. 'Hold on, I'm protecting you' Finally, on 20 March the family left the hospital and with the help of volunteers were evacuated to Kyiv. The journey, which would normally have taken two hours, took five as they had to take a roundabout route to avoid Russian troops. They later spent a few months in Slovakia before returning to their hometown. All that time, Hanna was desperate for her father Anatolii to meet his granddaughters. He was fighting in the Ukrainian army and his messages were a source of huge strength. "He kept saying: 'Hold on, I'm protecting you, I'm defending you. We will fight the Russians off,'" she recalls. Hanna's father, Anatolii, told her that Ukraine would "fight the Russians off" After Russian forces withdrew from the Chernihiv region in April 2022, Anatolii was sent to eastern Ukraine. The family hoped he would come home in time for the girls' first birthday, but he never made it. On 11 January 2023 he was killed on the front line near Terny village in Donetsk. He was 51 years old. "I keep thinking that the war will end and he will come home from the battlefield," says Hanna with tears in her eyes. "I can't believe that our whole family won't be together." She and Andriy compare the first year of their babies' lives to "a scary movie", but they say that thanks to the girls, there has also been a lot of love and happiness - "three times more". The triplets are growing well and are now walking Listen to the full story on BBC Ukrainecast Ukrainecast branding Christmas trees and decorations outside Saint Sophia's Cathedral this year in Kyiv (Anatolii STEPANOV) Many Ukrainians will on Monday celebrate Christmas Day on December 25 for the first time, after the government changed the date from the Orthodox Church observance of January 7 in a snub to Russia. Ukraine passed a law in July moving the celebration to December 25, the day when most of the Christian world marks Christmas. The law signed by President Volodymyr Zelensky noted that Ukrainians wanted to "live their own life with their own traditions and holidays". It allows them to "abandon the Russian heritage of imposing Christmas celebrations on January 7", it added. Christianity is the largest religion in Ukraine, with the Russian Orthodox Church dominating religious life until recently. Like the Russian Church, most eastern Christian churches use the Julian calendar, dating back to Roman times, rather than the Gregorian calendar used in everyday life. The date change is part of hastened moves since the invasion to remove traces of the Russian and Soviet empires, such as renaming streets and removing monuments. The Orthodox Church of Ukraine, a newly created independent church that held its first service in 2019, has also changed its Christmas date to December 25. It formally broke away from the Russian Orthodox Church over Moscow's annexation of Crimea in 2014 and its support for separatists in eastern Ukraine. The political rift has seen priests and even entire parishes swap from one church to another, with the new Orthodox Church of Ukraine growing fast and taking over several Russia-linked church buildings in moves supported by the government. The historically Russia-linked Ukrainian Orthodox Church, meanwhile, is keeping the January 7 Christmas date. This church claims to have cut ties with Russia because of the war but many Ukrainians view this with scepticism. The country's third Orthodox denomination, the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, will also hold Christmas services on December 25. Ukraine had been under Moscow's spiritual leadership since the 17th century at the latest. Under the Soviet Union and its profession of atheism, Christmas traditions such as trees and gifts were shifted to New Year's Eve, which became the main holiday and still is for many families. Ukrainian Christmas traditions include a dinner on Christmas Eve with 12 meatless dishes including a sweet grain pudding called kutya, and people decorate homes with elaborate sheaves of wheat called didukhy. In some areas, children go from house to house singing carols called kolyadky and performing nativity scenes. bur/js/leg Children hold sheaves of wheat called didukh on a Christmas parade in Lviv - Pavlo Palamarchuk/Anadolu via Getty Images Ukrainians attended services on Sunday as the country prepares to celebrate Christmas on Dec 25 for the first time instead of Jan 7, when most Orthodox believers celebrate. In the southern Black Sea port of Odesa, churchgoers prayed and lit candles as priests in gold vestments held Christmas Eve service in the Cathedral of the Nativity, decorated with fir trees and a nativity scene. We believe that we really should celebrate Christmas with the whole world, far away from Moscow. For me thats the new message now, said one smiling parishioner, Olena, whose son is a medic on the front line. We really want to celebrate in a new way. This is a holiday with the whole of Ukraine, with our independent Ukraine. This is very important for us, she told AFP. Most eastern Christian churches use the Julian calendar, where Christmas falls on Jan 7, rather than the Gregorian calendar used in everyday life and by Western churches. Ukrainians celebrating Christmas Mass on Sunday in Lviv - REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko In a snub to Russia, Ukraines president Volodymyr Zelensky signed a law in July moving the celebration to Dec 25, saying it allows Ukrainians to abandon the Russian heritage of imposing Christmas celebrations on Jan 7. Mr Zelensky on Sunday released his Christmas message, promising that evil will be defeated. Darkness will eventually lose. Evil will be defeated. Today, this is our common goal, our common wish, and what we pray for. For our freedom. For our victory. For our Ukraine, he said. Ukraines date change is part of hastened moves since the invasion to remove traces of the Russian and Soviet empires, such as by renaming streets and removing monuments. The Orthodox Church of Ukraine formally broke away from the Russian Orthodox Church over Moscows annexation of Crimea in 2014 and its support for separatists in eastern Ukraine. Ecumenical rift The political rift has seen priests and even entire parishes swap from one church to another, with the new Orthodox Church of Ukraine growing fast and taking over several Russia-linked church buildings in moves supported by the government. Ukrainians on Sunday voiced support for the change. We wanted to support what is happening in Ukraine now. Because changes are always difficult, and when these changes occur, more people are needed to support it in order for something new to happen, said Denis, a young man attending church. He was willing to compromise, however. We can celebrate on the 25th and the 7th, he said. Now a lot of my friends are celebrating on the 25th, along with us, and on the 7th with their parents. In the western city of Lviv, which has been little damaged by the war, Taras Kobza, an army medic, said we have to join the civilised world. The Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church has also opted to hold Christmas services on Dec 25. But the historically Russia-linked Ukrainian Orthodox Church is keeping the Jan 7 Christmas date. This church claims to have cut ties with Russia because of the war but many Ukrainians are sceptical. Under the Soviet Union, atheism was encouraged and Christmas traditions such as trees and gifts were shifted to New Years Eve, which became the main holiday. Ukrainian Christmas traditions include a dinner on Christmas Eve with 12 meatless dishes including a sweet grain pudding called kutya. People decorate homes with elaborate sheaves of wheat called didukh. Celebrations also include singing carols called kolyadky, carrying decorations in the shape of stars and performing nativity scenes. 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 live on-board arrangements would apply to the Manxman and the Ben-my-Chree A union in dispute with a Manx ferry firm over new on-board living arrangements for crews has called for the government to intervene. Nautilus members who refused to sign new contracts were put on 12 weeks' notice by the government-owned Isle of Man Steam Packet Company on Friday. The ferry firm is run at arm's length by a board of directors with the Manx treasury its sole shareholder. The government previously said it would not "interfere" in the dispute. Nautilus represents 48 of the ferry firm's 70 officers. The union branded the latest move shortly before Christmas "a new low", but the firm said it was "fair, legal and proportionate", and necessary to fully implement on-board living arrangements in future. The action was taken following legal advice and re-employment under the new contracts would be offered on 16 March, the firm said. 'Active communication' In a letter to the treasury minister, the union's senior national secretary Gary Elliot said the latest move had shown the firm's "disrespect for the long-standing collective bargaining agreement" and "utter ambivalence towards our members' deeply felt concerns". "We remain clear - it is time for government to intervene," he added. In his response to the letter, Treasury Minister Alex Allinson said he understood "the legal nature of the current industrial dispute and the necessary timelines this involves". "I hope that through active communication between the relevant parties an agreed solution can be achieved," he added. The Steam Packet said the changes would increase the reliability of ferry services between Douglas and Heysham, but the union argued it would see employees lose 76 days a year with friends and family. Mr Elliot confirmed industrial action, which would see officers refuse to work overtime or act up to cover senior positions, would start as planned on 27 December at 18:00 GMT. Why not follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X? You can also send story ideas to IsleofMan@bbc.co.uk Universal Studios has written to residents about "potential" plans to build a theme park and resort in Bedfordshire. On Tuesday the movie giant announced it had purchased land near Stewartby. Universal Destinations and Experiences has now written a letter and created a website to keep local people updated. John Reynolds from the company's external affairs wrote: "It could be many months before we decide whether to proceed with the project". "While we do own the land, we are only at the beginning of our feasibility study as part of our evaluation of potential sites," he added. In an earlier statement, Universal Destinations and Experiences said the site between Kempston Hardwick and Stewartby was chosen due to its "transportation connectivity to London and Europe, with more than half of the UK population within two hours". It also highlighted its proximity to Luton Airport. Mr Reynolds wrote that the company was "in the very early stages of exploring the possibility of a potential park and resort experience at this location". He said Universal had "a strong track record of working together with local communities as we consider any new project". "Engaging with the local community in Bedford, Kempston Hardwick, Stewartby, Wixams, Wootton, and elsewhere will be no different," he added. Universal Destinations and Experiences says it wants to "work together" with the Bedfordshire community if "the project progresses" The news of the potential development - which could be the UK's answer to Disneyland - has been welcomed by Bedford Borough Council. Its elected mayor, Tom Wootton, said the theme park could be "transformative for the borough". He added "much detailed work is required before any decisions are made" and said the council was "committed to ensure that any plans align with the best interests of our residents". Mr Reynolds pointed people to the website for updates: "There is still a long way to go," he said. "Rest assured, if this potential project does progress, we will reach out to you again." Follow East of England news on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a story? Email eastofenglandnews@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp 0800 169 1830 Every parent and grandparent dreams of leaving a better world to the next generation. For the Jewish community, with the Holocaust still in living memory, our dream is simple. I know my parents hoped that I would inherit a world free from the anti-Semitism that blighted their generation, and every generation before them. Today it feels that this dream is more distant than ever. Anti-Semitism across the globe is surging. Here in the UK, anti-Semitism has risen exponentially. Across the globe, Jews are targeted for abuse online and on our streets. Our hope for the future has always been rooted in the power of education, a key ingredient of the vaccine to rid our society of the virus that is anti-Semitism. Shockingly though, instead of being part of the cure, these institutions have proven themselves to be part of the problem. University campuses that are supposed to be bastions of intellectual thought, the pursuit of knowledge and, above all, safe spaces for all people from all backgrounds, have not escaped this upward trend in hatred of Jews, but rather, the anti-Jewish racism that we are seeing seeping into all areas of society has been amplified on campuses here and abroad. At distinguished universities across America, we have seen leadership condemned for their failure to address the appalling situation faced by their Jewish students. At a congressional hearing before the House Education Committee to discuss antisemitism on campus, the Presidents of Harvard, MIT and the University of Pennsylvania appeared to evade questions about whether students should be disciplined if they call for a genocide of Jews. In the UK, motions calling for a mass uprising and intifada until victory have been proposed at Oxbridge. The Union of Jewish Students are doing all they can to support their near 9000 members. The organisation whose aim it is to foster vibrant Jewish life on campus is now having to divert all resources to supporting students who have been subject to anti-Jewish racism on their campuses. Its president, who has been speaking out brilliantly on behalf of his members, has also spoken publicly about receiving death threats himself. This all leads to a disconcerting but central question: What has happened to our higher education institutions? Where is the robust response and action from the very institutions meant to educate future generations of this country, whose campuses are meant to be a melting pot of British society where individuals from all faiths and all backgrounds come together to share ideas and learn? Jewish students at universities today stand accused of supporting the very crimes their grandparents were the victims of genocide. All life is sacred and so any loss of innocent civilians is a tragedy, and unfortunately there have been too many tragedies in this long drawn-out conflict. Nonetheless, these tragedies do not add up to the crime of genocide, a word whose original meaning must be reclaimed. Universities must meet words with actions. Anyone who is found to have crossed the line from legitimate freedom of speech and academic freedom into hate speech must face consequences. Societies who host known anti-Semitic speakers, either online or in-person, should be disaffiliated. Senior staff at universities should be proactively reaching out to their Jewish students and offering support, not waiting until those students come to them with reports of antisemitism. Until then, the Jewish community will continue to dream of a future world where our descendants do not face the same anti-Jewish hatred we are currently facing. Karen Pollock is Chief Executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust 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. BELTRAMI COUNTY, Minn. (FOX 9) - Beltrami County officials made their third ice rescue on Upper Red Lake this week after three men fell through the ice on Thursday. Dozens of people have been rescued from Upper Red Lake as the Beltrami County Sheriffs Office advised the public to stay off the ice due to unsafe conditions. The sheriff's office said conditions will only continue to deteriorate, given the forecast for rain and warm temperatures, which likely wont dip below freezing this holiday weekend. "If you become stranded on the ice, call for help. We would rather have trained responders assist than someone falling in the water," the sheriff's office said in a statement on Facebook. Three men rescued Officials said the latest rescue happened on Dec. 21 while three men were heading back to their resort after a fishing trip. The men were riding in an all-terrain vehicle with a trailer when they got turned around and broke through an ice pressure ridge on the lake. The 911 caller reported that just before 8 p.m., two people fell into the water, but were able to get out and back onto the ice. Emergency responders arrived at the southeastern side of the lake near Joas Beach Road Northeast and saw the men were over a mile from the shore. Crews used ice rescue equipment to reach them, and they made it safely back to shore. The sheriffs office said other than being cold, the men were not injured. Plane breaks through thin ice Earlier in the week, a pilot departed from Grand Rapids, Minnesota, with plans for a day of ice fishing on Upper Red Lake. The pilot identified an area to land, but with the lack of snow on the lake, the plane struggled to slow down. It eventually slid onto an area of ice only 1-2 inches thick and the nose of the plane broke through. The two people on the plane were able to escape and made it safely to shore, according to the sheriffs office. Arrangements were made to remove the airplane. Plane lands on Upper Red Lake and breaks through thin ice. (Beltrami County Sheriff's Office) Dozens rescued from ice chunk Additionally, 35 anglers on an ice chunk needed to be rescued on Dec. 17 after it detached from the shore of Upper Red Lake. Officials say strong winds caused the ice to shift, and ultimately there were a couple of hundred feet of open water separating the ice chunk from the main ice connected to the shore. Several law enforcement agencies assisted in the rescue, and after a couple of hours, people made it safely to shore. Thankfully, no one fell into the water and no injuries were reported. Ice safety Given the unseasonably warm weather of late, the ice conditions can vary greatly and will continue to deteriorate, the sheriffs office warned, adding that people should use "extreme caution" if they venture on area lakes. There is no amount of ice that is considered 100% safe, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). And for those who choose to venture onto the ice, the DNR does not measure ice thickness, so you are responsible for your safety. However, the DNR provides guidelines for minimum ice thickness on open bodies of water: Under 4 inches, stay off the ice Over 4 inches needed for ice fishing or other activities on foot 5 to 7 inches needed for a snowmobile or small ATV 7 to 8 inches needed for side-by-side ATV 9 to 12 inches needed for a car 13 to 17 inches needed for truck 20 inches or more needed for heavy-duty trucks with wheelhouse shelter The DNR also provides several safety tips for scenarios in which someone falls through the ice, which can be found here. First and foremost, don't panic, call 911 for help, and do not approach the edge of the hole where someone fell in, as more people could end up in the water. The United Nations Security Council on Friday adopted a resolution to boost humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip that stopped short of a call for a ceasefire after a week of vote delays and intense negotiations to avoid a United States veto. The resolution "calls for urgent steps to immediately allow safe, unhindered, and expanded humanitarian access and to create the conditions for a sustainable cessation of hostilities." Amid global outrage over a rising Gaza death toll in 11 weeks of war between Israel and Hamas and a worsening humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian enclave, the U.S. abstained to allow the 15-member council to adopt a resolution drafted by the United Arab Emirates. The remaining council members voted for the resolution except for Russia which also abstained, having favored an initial draft that called for "an urgent and sustainable cessation of hostilities" to allow aid access. The U.S. and Israel oppose a ceasefire, believing it would only benefit Hamas. Washington instead supports pauses in fighting to protect civilians and free hostages taken by Hamas. "We believe that the resolution begins to unblock life saving aid, whose denial has condemned more than half a million people in Gaza to famine," UAE U.N. Ambassador Lana Nusseibeh told the council after the vote. Following high-level negotiations to win over Washington, the resolution no longer dilutes Israel's control over all aid deliveries to 2.3 million people in Gaza. Israel monitors the limited aid deliveries to Gaza via the Rafah crossing from Egypt and the Israeli-controlled Kerem Shalom crossing. But a weakening of language on a cessation of hostilities frustrated several council members including veto power Russia and Arab and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation states, some of which, diplomats said, view it as approval for Israel to further act against Hamas for a deadly Oct. 7 attack. 'Glimmer of hope' U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield described the resolution as "a glimmer of hope amongst a sea of unimaginable suffering," noting that it was the first time the council had referenced a cessation of hostilities. "We know so much, so much more needs to be done to address this humanitarian crisis and to lay the groundwork for a lasting peace." Russia proposed the draft be amended to revert to the initial text calling for "an urgent and sustainable cessation of hostilities." The amendment was vetoed by the United States. It received 10 votes in favor, while four members abstained. Addressing the council after the resolution vote, Russia's U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia accused the United States of "forcing into the text an essential license for Israel to kill Palestinian civilians in Gaza under the pretext of 'creating conditions for a cessation of hostilities'." Earlier this month the 193-member U.N. General Assembly demanded a humanitarian ceasefire, with 153 states voting in favor of the move that had been vetoed by the United States in the Security Council days earlier. "This resolution is a step in the right direction, it must be implemented, and must be accompanied by massive pressure for an immediate ceasefire," Palestinian U.N. envoy Riyad Mansour told the council. Israel's deputy U.N. Ambassador Jonathan Miller told the council that any enhancement of U.N. aid monitoring "cannot be done at the expense of Israel's security inspection." "The only roadblock for aid entry is the U.N.'s ability to accept them," Miller told the council, adding that Israel's security inspections of aid would not change. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told reporters on Friday that the way Israel was conducting its military operation in the Gaza Strip was "creating massive obstacles to the distribution of humanitarian aid" inside the coastal enclave. Aid monitoring Last month the United States abstained to allow the Security Council to call for urgent and extended humanitarian pauses in fighting for a "sufficient number of days" to allow aid access. The move came after four unsuccessful attempts to take action. Washington traditionally shields its ally Israel from U.N. action and has already twice vetoed Security Council action since an Oct. 7 attack by Hamas militants in which Israel says 1,200 people were killed and 240 people taken hostage. Israel has retaliated against Hamas by bombarding Gaza from the air, imposing a siege and launching a ground offensive. Some 20,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to health officials in Hamas-ruled Gaza. Most people in Gaza have been driven from their homes and U.N. officials have warned of a humanitarian catastrophe. The World Food Program says half of Gaza's population is starving and only 10 percent of the food required has entered Gaza since Oct. 7. A key sticking point during negotiations on the resolution adopted on Friday had been an initial proposal for U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to establish a mechanism in Gaza to monitor aid from countries not party to the war. A toned-down compromise was reached to instead ask Guterres to appoint a senior humanitarian and reconstruction coordinator to establish a U.N. mechanism for accelerating aid to Gaza through states that are not party to the conflict. The coordinator would also have responsibility "for facilitating, coordinating, monitoring, and verifying in Gaza, as appropriate, the humanitarian nature" of all the aid. (Reuters) The Santa tracker presented by the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) dates to 1955 (John MACDOUGALL) A joint US-Canadian military monitoring agency continued this year its decades-long Christmas tradition of tracking Santa's whereabouts, helping children around the globe find out when his reindeer-powered, present-filled sleigh would be coming to town. A 3-D, interactive website at www.noradsanta.org showed Santa Claus and his reindeer on their imagined worldwide delivery route, allowing users to click and learn more about the various cities along the way. The Santa tracker presented by the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) dates to 1955, when a Colorado newspaper advertisement printed a phone number to connect children with Santa but mistakenly directed them to the hotline for the military nerve center. To avoid disappointing the little ones, NORAD's director of operations at the time, Colonel Harry Shoup, ordered his staff to check the radar to see where Old Saint Nick might be and update the children on his location. When not spreading holiday cheer, NORAD conducts aerospace and maritime control and warning operations -- including monitoring for missile launches from North Korea, something that may have been on Santa's mind this year as he passed over, with the most recent ICBM test just days ago. Sixty-eight years later NORAD was continuing its tradition of setting up a temporary call center out of its Colorado headquarters to answer children's burning questions. A photo posted by the group on Facebook showed rows of people answering phones, some in uniform and others wearing red Santa caps. Some top-level US dignitaries -- namely President Joe Biden and wife Jill Biden -- joined in on the holiday action. "This evening, the President and First Lady participated in the North American Aerospace Defense Command Santa tracking calls with children and families across the country," the White House said in a statement. Earlier Sunday the tracker went down for a short while, leaving children in the Pacific region in the dark about his exact position. "Hey #SantaTrackers! We may be having a couple of technical difficulties with our tracking map, but #Santa is still flying! He is headed to Fiji next!" the group which runs the tracker said on its Facebook page, before announcing a fix one hour later. Father Christmas had begun his journey with an out-of-this-world first stop, according to NORAD: the International Space Station orbiting Earth. The reindeer-pulled sleigh was also seen traversing Israel as well as flying over southern Gaza, criss-crossing Africa, and venturing southward to Palmer Station, a research facility in Antarctica. Santa then headed up through South America, bound for the United States as he unloaded approximately 100,000 gifts every second. Around 10:00 pm local time (0300 GMT), Kris Kringle and his reindeer were spotted entering US airspace near Fort Lauderdale, Florida, before continuing their journey across the rest of the country -- with nearly 5.5 billion presents, and counting, delivered worldwide. bur-des/mlm/nro/mtp The US and China are looking into big boxes full of missiles to give their navies new firepower An SM-6 missile is fired from a containerized launcher during a test aboard USS Savannah in October 2023. US Navy/Lt. Zachary Anderson The war in Ukraine has militaries worried about keeping their arsenals full in a conflict. Navies are also thinking about how to increase the number of missiles aboard their ships. The US and China are looking into containers of missiles to put on warships and other vessels. Call them prepackaged missiles or missiles-in-a-box, but containerized missile launchers, which can be fitted to most any commercial or military vessel, have the potential to revolutionize naval warfare. The massive expenditure of munitions in Ukraine has underscored for many Western military leaders that huge arsenals will be needed to wage modern warfare. US Navy leaders in particular are worried about their ability to keep their ships' magazines filled in a showdown with China's rapidly expanding air and maritime forces. Containerized launchers have appeal as a relatively easy way to arm a ship with more missiles and have resurrected interest in "Q-ships," the warships disguised as merchant vessels that prowled the seas during World War I and II. At the end of October, the US Navy test-fired a containerized SM-6 missile from USS Savannah, a littoral combat ship, in the Pacific Ocean. An SM-6 can be employed against aircraft, missiles, or ships, though the Navy said only that the missile was launched at "a surface target." An SM-6 missile is fired from a containerized launcher during a test aboard USS Savannah in October 2023. US Navy/Lt. Zachary Anderson However, the SM-6 was fired from a Mk 70 containerized launching system. Lockheed Martin has designed naval and ground variants of the launcher, which being used for the US Army's Typhon system. The system aims to launch SM-6 and Tomahawk missiles both of which have been tested from the launcher at targets at ranges between 300 miles and 1,725 miles. The launcher is being developed as part of the Army's effort to improve its long-range weaponry and to support more distributed operations, a reflection of the US military-wide emphasis on dispersing to counter the long-range weapons of potential foes. The October test "demonstrated the modularity and lethality of Littoral Combat Ships and the ability to successfully integrate a containerized weapons system to engage a surface target," the Navy said. There have been reports that China is developing a variant of its YJ-18 cruise missile that could be fired from shipping containers carried by commercial vessels. Late last year, the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation, a state-owned firm that produces missiles and other weapons, unveiled "a container-type sea defense combat system" that could be mounted on heavy trucks to become mobile coastal-defense weapons. Chinese guided-missile destroyer Shaoxing with tug boats during an exercise in 2023. eng.chinamil.com.cn/Wen Zidong Containerized launchers are a versatile solution to a problem that has long plagued navies: supply. A World War II-era battleship might carry a thousand shells for its nine big guns, but US Navy frigate in the middle of the Cold War might be armed with four missile launchers and less than 100 missiles that had to be loaded from magazines, which meant a slow rate of fire and a limited supply of ammunition. (Many Soviet warships didn't even bother to carry spare missile reloads.) Modern vertical-launch systems consisting of multiple launch tubes can rapidly fire a variety of missiles, but they require cranes to lower more missiles into the tubes. Containerized missile launchers are a more user-friendly approach. For example, Danish company SH Defense touts its launcher as a "plug-and-play" system that is installed in a standard 20-foot cargo container, the lid of which is raised to reveal a quadruple launcher. US Navy engineers test containerized SM-6 missiles in Denmark in September 2023. US Navy/MCS2 Andrew Waters In theory, a ship could expend a container's missiles and then simply haul up and unpack another container that was stored on or below deck. This could vastly increase the number of missiles a ship can carry. It also raises the possibility of a modern version of the Q-ships used during the World Wars. If missiles can be stored in standard cargo containers, then a standard cargo ship should be able to fire them. In that scenario, no one can be certain that a harmless-looking merchant ship isn't really a missile boat. Indeed, Russia has been advertising its Club-K containerized anti-ship missile system as a weapon that can be mounted on cargo vessels. For the Royal Navy, which is short on warships and missile launchers, an updated Q-ship could be a cost-effective way to add firepower, according to Peter Clarke of the Royal United Services Institute, a British think tank. "Fully outfitting a medium-sized cargo ship would cost between $420 to $840 million, and would allow it to carry roughly 168 missiles capable of being launched," Clarke wrote in September. The British container ship Atlantic Conveyor, repurposed as an aircraft carrier during the Falklands War, in June 1982. Royal Navy/Imperial War Museums via Getty Images "A ship of this size would cost roughly $25 million and no modifications would be required, since the missiles can receive target information" from other assets, Clarke added. "The total cost of the platform would therefore be no more than $900 million, and most likely far less." Nonetheless, containerized missiles aren't a panacea for a lack of traditional warships. Even with networked sensors that can send targeting information across the globe, a Q-ship may be limited in its ability to detect targets for long-range missiles. Cargo ships also have limited speed and maneuverability, and modern Q-ships would still need a minimum of defensive gear such as electronic countermeasures or air-defense weapons. If a ship packs a lot of missiles but has little capacity to defend itself, the navies using them may be tempted to launch first, and if cargo ships can become floating missile batteries, then every merchant vessel becomes suspect an ominous prospect at a time when trade disruptions can ripple around the world. Michael Peck is a defense writer whose work has appeared in Forbes, Defense News, Foreign Policy magazine, and other publications. He holds a master's in political science. Follow him on Twitter and LinkedIn. Read the original article on Business Insider US President Joe Biden pays a holiday visit to patients and families at Children's National Hospital in Washington on December 22, 2023 (SAUL LOEB) Nearly three years after President Joe Biden took office vowing "America is back," the country's international image is taking a beating as his administration backs Israel in its war with Hamas. In one step back from the newfound isolation, the United States on Friday, after painstaking negotiations, let through a UN Security Council resolution on humanitarian aid for the beleaguered Gaza Strip, after vetoing two earlier calls to halt the fighting. But the United States still remained apart from some of its closest allies -- Britain, France and Japan -- which backed the resolution. The United States abstained, joined only by Russia. A week earlier in the full General Assembly, the United States was joined by only two European partners, Austria and the Czech Republic, and none of its Asian allies in voting against a nonbinding ceasefire call in the war triggered by an October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas. Most European policymakers, when it comes to the United States, still think first of Biden's robust support for Ukraine against Russia's invasion, said Leslie Vinjamuri, director of the US and Americas program at Chatham House in London. "How it's playing right now in the rest of the world is that the United States cares about Israelis, cares about Ukrainians and really doesn't care about brown people. Unfortunately, that's the kind of narrative that's taken off," she said. - Public anger swells - Unlike his predecessor Donald Trump, who unreservedly backed Israel, Biden has openly voiced frustration over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel's failure to protect Gaza civilians, even as the US continues to ensure military provisions and diplomatic protection. Biden administration officials say their behind-the-scenes pressure has borne fruit, with Israel budging on letting in fuel, restoring internet access and opening crossings into Gaza. But with images proliferating of Gaza's suffering, the storyline that Biden is "hugging Netanyahu close, and then pressing him hard quietly, worked for about a week," Vinjamuri said. A survey of six Arab publics last month showed that just seven percent believed the United States played a positive role in the war, said Munqith Dagher, Middle East director of Gallup International. Washington's reputation has severely deteriorated in the Arab world since the Iraq invasion two decades ago, but until recently 15 to 30 percent still viewed the United States favorably, said Dagher, who founded the Al Mustakilla research group in Iraq. He said the US "trademark" represented "many good things, especially for intellectuals and middle classes, like democracy, human rights (and) freedom of speech," but "Gaza took out the last leaf, as they say." Social media has brought unfiltered scenes from Gaza to Arab publics, showing Washington's "total bias towards the Israelis and denial of the human rights of Palestinians," he said. Dagher said polling showed the main beneficiaries in Arab opinion have been China, Russia and, most strikingly, Iran, which has historic tensions with the Arab world but, unique among regional governments, has championed Hamas. - Still top power - US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has urged the world to focus its outrage on Hamas, whose fighters infiltrated Israel on October 7, killing around 1,140 people and taking some 250 others hostage, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures. Israel has responded with a relentless air and ground campaign that Hamas authorities say has killed more than 20,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children. Blinken said the United States has "done more than any other country" to bring assistance into Gaza. Governments "want to work with us and are looking for American leadership in this crisis -- even countries that may disagree with us on certain issues," Blinken told reporters Wednesday. China has stepped up regional diplomacy but the Biden administration has sought to call its bluff, urging Beijing to use its influence with Tehran to halt attacks on commercial vessels by Iranian-backed Huthi rebels in Yemen. While China has little security apparatus in the Middle East, the United States responded to Huthi attacks by sending an aircraft carrier and setting up a coalition of countries to protect vital shipping lanes. Brian Katulis, vice president of policy at the Washington-based Middle East Institute, said the Biden administration, while clearly aware of public anger, was prioritizing a "pragmatic" solution that addresses the threat of Hamas rather than a "symbolic" call for a ceasefire. Many Arab nations that denounce US foreign policy are "the ones secured in part by the security umbrella the United States provides," Katulis said. "I detect more than a bit of schizophrenia in a lot of statements coming out of the Arab world. They can't live with us; they can't live without us." sct/bbk The Navy destroyer Laboon shot down four unmanned aerial vehicles Saturday in the Red Sea that U.S. officials say originated from Iran-allied Houthi rebels in Yemen, according to U.S. Central Command. The incident is the most recent instance where U.S. warships in the Middle East have intercepted air drones and missiles, and comes exactly a week after Navy destroyer Carney took down 14 attack drones in the Red Sea. U.S. Central Command said that the Laboon shot down the drones, which were inbound to the destroyer, as it conducted a patrol in the Southern Red Sea as part of a multinational security initiative to safeguard commercial ships. No injuries or damage occurred due to the incident. After shooting down the drones, the Laboon responded to distress calls after two commercial vessels came under attack on Saturday. Are more Navy engagements in the Red Sea coming soon? The M/V BLAAMANEN, a Norwegian-flagged, owned, and operated chemical/oil tanker, reported a near miss of a Houthi one-way attack drone with no injuries or damage reported, CENTCOM said in a statement Saturday. A second vessel, the M/V SAIBABA, a Gabon-owned, Indian-flagged crude oil tanker, reported that it was hit by a one-way attack drone with no injuries reported. The USS LABOON (DDG 58) responded to the distress calls from these attacks. These attacks represent the 14th and 15th attacks on commercial shipping by Houthi militants since Oct. 17, CENTCOM said. CENTCOM also said that two Houthi anti-ship ballistic missiles were fired into international shipping lanes in the Southern Red Sea from Houthi controlled areas of Yemen on Saturday, but that no ships reported being harmed during that episode. The Laboon, in addition to destroyers Carney and Mason, have all taken down drones in recent weeks and provided help to commercial vessels amid heightened tensions in the region stemming from the Israel-Hamas war. U.S. Central Command said in a statement earlier this month that the U.S. has every reason to believe that these attacks, while launched by the Houthis in Yemen, are fully enabled by Iran. In response to the attacks, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced on Dec. 18 the creation of a multinational task force to help protect civilian ships in the region. The Laboon is part of the Dwight D. Eisenhowers carrier strike group, which departed Norfolk, Virginia, in October for a scheduled deployment. The carrier transited the Strait of Hormuz into the Persian Gulf last month. The Vatican's chief prosecutor has appealed a court verdict that largely dismantled his theory of a grand conspiracy to defraud the Holy See of millions of euros but found a cardinal guilty of embezzlement. Prosecutor Alessandro Diddi filed his appeal this week of the three-judge tribunal's decision in a complicated financial trial that aired the Vatican's dirty laundry and tested its specific legal system. While the headline from the 16 December verdict focused on Cardinal Angelo Becciu's five-and-a-half-year sentence for embezzlement, the meat of the ruling made clear that the judges rejected most of Diddi's 487-page indictment. Diddi had accused Becciu and nine other people of dozens of counts of fraud, embezzlement, money laundering, extortion, corruption, abuse of office and witness tampering in connection with the Vatican's bungled investment in a London property. Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu at a press conference in Rome, September 2020 - AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia He sought prison terms of up to 13 years for each of the defendants and 400 million in restitution. In the end, the tribunal headed by Judge Giuseppe Pignatone acquitted one defendant entirely and convicted the others of only a few of the charges while still ordering them to pay 366m in restitution. Diddi filed a three-page motion Tuesday asking the Vatican appeals court to convict each defendant on the full set of charges he originally laid out, although the tribunal ruled that many of the alleged crimes simply didn't occur. Former Harrod's warehouse key to the trial The main focus of the trial involved the Holy See's 350m investment in converting a former Harrod's warehouse into luxury apartments. Diddi alleged brokers and Vatican monsignors fleeced the Holy See of tens of millions of euros in fees and commissions and then extorted the Holy See for 15m to cede control of the property. Becciu, the first cardinal prosecuted by the Vatican criminal tribunal, was convicted of embezzlement involving the original London investment and two tangent cases involving a Sardinian charity run by his brother and the release of Gloria Narvaez, a Colombian nun taken hostage by Islamic militants in Mali in 2017. The broker who received the 15m payout to cede control of the former Harrod's building, Gianluigi Torzi, was convicted of extortion and other charges. A plaque indicates a Sacra Rota studio inside Palazzo della Cancelleria a renaissance building in the center of Rome that holds the Vatican supreme court, September 2023 - AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia The Vatican's longtime money manager, Enrico Crasso, was convicted of three charges of the original 21 he faced. But he too plans to appeal, Crasso's lawyer, Luigi Panella, said. "Contrary to the propaganda spread, the prosecutor's appellate motion reveals that the tribunal to a large extent didn't uphold the accusatory formula," Panella said in an email. For the three crimes of which Crasso was convicted, the tribunal sentenced him to more than what Diddi had originally sought, "and this somewhat masked the numerous acquittals," Panella said. The verdict also did some legal gymnastics to make sense of the Vatican's outdated criminal code, based on Italy's 1889 code and the church's canon law, requalifying or combining charges to fit into other ones. Questions over pope and secretary of state involvement remain In a post-verdict essay, defence attorney Cataldo Intrieri denounced the "contradictions" of the Vatican legal system and the powers given to prosecutors, which he said resulted in an investigation and trial that were "well distant from those adopted in a state of law." He lamented that the defence wasn't allowed to call the pope or the Vatican secretary of state as witnesses, even though other testimony and documentation made clear both were involved in and in some cases explicitly approved of, the decisions taken surrounding the London deal. "The point is that a fair trial isn't just the courtroom debate about evidence, which is certainly a fundamental element, but also an 'equality of arms' in the law to have access to evidence," he wrote in the Linkiesta online daily. "The true problem and we understood this immediately, is the anomalous concentration of power that the pope, the spiritual head of the Holy See and absolute sovereign of the Vatican state, gave to the office of the prosecutors." Intriere defended Fabrizio Tirabassi, a former official in the Vatican secretariat of state who received the most serious conviction and stiffest sentences: seven and a half years in prison for embezzlement, extortion and money laundering. He denied wrongdoing. Becciu was once one of Francis top advisers and himself considered a future papal contender. He said Francis authorised up to 1m to secure Narvaez's release in an astonishing admission that the Vatican was willing to make a ransom payment to free a nun. John Heenan knows the terror of feeling a sting on his foot, then looking down and seeing two bright red puncture wounds about an inch apart and a massive rattlesnake slithering away into tall grass. It was a summer morning in 2017, and the 74-year-old horticulturist was carrying a box of fruit in a Marin County orchard when, he said, I stepped right on him, then called out to a partner, Hey, Ive been bitten by a rattlesnake. Its a snapshot imprinted in Heenan's brain. The fangs struck a vein, and I could feel the venom moving throughout my system, he recalled, wincing at the memory. I started seizing up, and struggled to breathe as though I had the wind knocked out of me. Heenan was rushed to a hospital, where he spent the next four days in a coma. During that time, he was administered 28 vials of antivenom intravenously at a cost of $3,400 per vial. When he regained consciousness, there were two people at his bedside, his wife and expedition doctor Matthew Lewin, who smiled and said, You are one lucky guy. Matthew Lewin, left, and John Heenan stand in the orchard where Heenan was bitten by a 5 1/2-foot-long Pacific rattlesnake. The horticulturist at Indian Valley Campus of the College of Marin went into a coma for four days. (Louis Sahagun / Los Angeles Times) Heenan would later learn that Lewin was hot on the trail of a novel treatment for the long, agonizing and often deadly effects of venomous snakebites: It's a pill that he says is intended to at least buy victims enough time to get to the hospital. Read more: Desperate for water, a desert city hopes to build a pipeline to the California Aqueduct Snake venom is a complex cocktail of toxins, amino acids and proteins that evolved primarily to immobilize and kill prey, but it also prepares tissues for digestion. In humans, venom causes severe swelling and instability of blood pressure, neuromuscular weakness and paralysis, hemorrhaging, and the death of skeletal muscle, leading to permanent tissue loss and amputations. The World Health Organization estimates that 138,000 people are killed by venomous snakes annually, and most of them die before they can reach emergency medical care. This suffering goes on with little outrage or publicity because snakebites most often occur in impoverished, backwater areas, and there is no easy way to treat snakebite in the field. Nature has provided an abundance of slithering assailants to watch out for: rattlesnakes, copperheads, water moccasins and coral snakes in the United States; kraits in Southeast Asia; taipans in Australia; Nikolskys vipers in Ukraine; Gaboon vipers with 2-inch-long fangs in Africa; and bushmasters in Central America. Then there are Russels vipers, big, irritable snakes responsible for 25,000 fatalities in India annually. Typical standard-of-care antivenoms are extremely expensive, require refrigeration and must be administered intravenously in a hospital setting. They are also species-specific, meaning selecting proper antivenom requires knowing which type of snake bit you. As a result, survivors of rattlesnake bites in Southern California, for instance, get a second painful surprise when presented with hospital bills totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars. Lewin has been working for a decade to develop an easy-to-use, needle-free solution to all those problems with a drug called Varespladib. What makes Varespladib promising is that it blocks phospholipase-A2, a highly toxic protein that is present in 95% of all snake venoms and plays a direct role in life-threatening tissue destruction, catastrophic bleeding, paralysis and respiratory failure. Proponents say the small synthetic molecule has the potential to stop or reverse neurological damage, as well as restore normal blood-clotting ability when administered immediately after envenoming. Drug trials are being conducted by Ophirex Inc. a public benefit corporation that Lewin founded with musician and entrepreneur Jerry Harrison in Corte Madera, Calif. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration a year ago granted Varespladib a fast track designation to expedite development and review of its safety and effectiveness, as well as Ophirex's proposals for manufacturing and distributing the drug. The Department of Defense has also invested about $24 million into the effort, saying the drug could provide an important capability to teams of special forces deployed in austere conditions where snakebites are a significant threat to life and limb. "Ophirex may help us widen the window of time needed for evacuation in the event of a snakebite, said Lindsey Garver, deputy manager for the Army Medical Materiel Agencys Warfighter Protection and Acute Care Project. There is also a psychological benefit to having something in your pocket that is life-saving. But getting any new drug from the laboratory to the market is an expensive, intricate process that can sometimes take just months to show promise but years to perfect. The company is completing a Phase II clinical trial in the United States and India to determine the tolerability and potential side effects of multi-dose regimens of the drug in about 100 suspected or confirmed snakebite victims. Among them is a man who a month ago was bitten by a sidewinder rattlesnake near the desert resort city of Palm Springs. A federal analysis of the results is expected sometime next year and will ultimately determine whether Ophirex has a blockbuster snakebite drug treatment with military and global market opportunities. I certainly underestimated the astonishing complexity of an undertaking such as this one, said Lewin, 55, expedition physician for the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco. Its humbling. The company has assembled an impressive board of directors: Derrick Rossi, a stem cell scientist and co-founder of Moderna; Curt LaBelle, chair of Global Health Funds; Tim Garnett, former chief medical officer for Eli Lilly and Co.; and Hans Bishop, co-founder of Altos Labs Inc., a biotechnology research company. Our company is trying to produce a drug for a neglected global crisis, Rossi said. The vast majority of people who are being killed or maimed by snake bites are village farmers and children working out in the fields without shoes. Varespladib was originally discovered and developed by Eli Lilly and Co. to suppress inflammation. The company abandoned that effort, however, after clinical studies failed to produce the desired results. Since then, patents on the drugs molecule have expired, providing Ophirex with an opportunity for us to establish an appropriate patent portfolio, said Nancy Koch, chief executive of Ophirex. The proposed pill's price tag remains unclear. We havent made any estimates of pricing yet, Koch said. But we want to make the drug accessible around the world, and to make that possible we are studying ways to reduce manufacturing costs. To hear Lewin tell it, Ophirex emerged from a tragic event. In 2001, Joseph Slowinski, a herpetologist at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco, died 30 hours after he was bitten by a small venomous snake in the mountainous jungles of northern Myanmar. No antivenom was available at the remote site, a five-day hike from the nearest town. Heroic efforts to save him were unsuccessful. A decade later, after a trip to the same region, Lewin, director of the academys Center for Exploration and Travel Health, began to ponder the possibility of a needle-free treatment that could be administered in the field immediately after being bitten. Lewin initially set his sights on proving that the potentially fatal paralytic effects of certain toxic substances could be reversed with an antiparalytic drug administered via a nasal spray. With that goal in mind, Lewin self-volunteered to become a test subject. In a 2013 experiment conducted with a team of anesthesiologists in a research laboratory at UC San Francisco, Lewin allowed himself to be paralyzed with derivative of curare, a chemical typically administered intravenously as a paralyzing agent for surgical procedures. Moments later, he said, I couldnt talk, felt dizzy and had trouble breathing. The team then administered the nasal spray, and within 20 minutes Lewin had recovered. The results of the experiment were published online in the medical journal Clinical Case Reports. It was terrifying, and Id never do that again, Lewin said. But the experiment proved that paralysis could be reversed without intravenous medication." Read more: Southern California's wildlife rehabilitators say they are in a fight for survival The arc of Lewins career has led him from emergency rooms to wilderness medicine as a doctor on scientific expeditions sponsored by the American Museum of Natural History, the Kellogg Foundation and National Geographic. Not all of his research occurs in remote corners of the world, however. Studying the factors that influence snakebite severity means working with scientists such as William Hayes, a professor at Loma Linda University School of Medicine in Loma Linda, Calif., who keeps an assortment of snake venom available for testing in a laboratory refrigerator. It also means studying the physical and financial struggles of survivors like John Heenan, whose hospital bills soared to more than $350,000 after he was bitten at the Indian Valley Campus of the College of Marin. Medicare eventually covered my medical costs, but I had to pay about 300 bucks for the ambulance service, Heenan said, shaking his head. The college, for its part, later planted a large digital welcome sign at its entrance that states: "CAUTION: Entering Rattlesnake Country. Be alert when walking. Heenan wouldnt argue with any of that. But he also has high hopes for Lewin's vision. Everybody should carry a few of those pills in their first aid kits and lunch boxes," he said. "Of course, they should also watch where they step." This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. The most frequent offence recorded was common assault and battery, comprising 234 of the 984 (23%)incidents recorded since April 2022 Violence against doctors, nurses and other hospital workers appears to be rising in London, new data suggests. Met Police figures show that staff in the capital's hospitals have endured almost 1,000 violent offences since the start of April 2022. Between April 2022 and March 2023, 578 such offences took place. The frequency of offences has increased since April 2023, with 406 offences recorded in the eight months up to the end of November this year. The figures do not include violence against security guards, but do include cleaners, porters and receptionists. The highest number of offences in the first year of the data were committed in Lambeth, where 59 incidents were reported. The borough is home to St Thomas' Hospital in Waterloo and King's College Hospital in Camberwell. Since April 2023, the highest number of offences have been committed in Redbridge with 35 reports. Among other medical facilities, the borough includes the King George Hospital in Goodmayes. A small number of offences included in the data do not necessarily include physical violence, for example sending letters or other written communications "with intent to cause distress or anxiety". The most frequent offence recorded was common assault and battery, comprising 234 of the 984 (23%)incidents recorded since April 2022. 'No justification for violence' The statistics were requested by Dr Onkar Sahota, a Labour member of the London Assembly. He said: "These figures are very worrying, and even more so when you consider that these are only the crimes that have been reported - the true figures across London are likely to be higher. "Patients should realise that staff are doing the best they can, often under very difficult circumstances, and there's no justification for violence." In July, The Observer revealed that a record 170,000 workers left their jobs in the NHS in England last year, including more than 41,000 nurses. The number of NHS staff who in 2022 quit their roles citing work-life balance stood at 27,546 (including staff who may have moved to another job in the health service), which was more than those who left because they had reached retirement age (24,143). Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk Dancers join hands as the circle during the Texas Cowboys Christmas Ball in Anson on Dec. 14. This was the 89th reenactment of the 1885 dance. ANSON She looked 138 years-old. A small crack in her body, most of the inlaid pear on the back of the instrument missing, her finished edges looking worn, it was easy to believe this violin had played at the first Cowboy Christmas Ball back in 1885. From its case near the door at Pioneer Hall, the instrument looked brittle, delicate, like an aging great-grandmother youre frightened of hugging too tightly for fear of injury. You might have wondered about the last time someone heard her voice, and a passing regret for not having been there to hear it yourself. But then, as does happen at this time of year, a miracle seemed to happen. The 89th reenactment of that first dance in 1885 (though some say it was in 1887) was held Dec. 14. The dance was immortalized by Larry Chittenden, five years later when his poem The Cowboys Christmas Ball was published in Ansons Texas Western newspaper. The dance would have faded into history were it not for Chittendens poem, which was republished in his 1893 book, "Ranch Verses." Then in 1934, the dance was resurrected and soon after, a mural depicting the ball was placed in the Anson Post Office where it remains to this day. Country artist Michael Martin Murphey performed Dec. 14 at the Texas Cowboys Christmas Ball in Anson. Pioneer Hall was built in 1940 as a permanent home for the dance as the event became more popular. Then in 1985, country artist Michael Martin Murphey put The Cowboys Christmas Ball to music, rejuvenating the tradition which now occurs each December before Christmas. The dance runs three nights, and, as he has done every year, Murphey performed on the opening night this year with Jody Nix playing the other two evenings. Men and women wear traditional attire characteristic of that first dance and alcohol, cussing and rude behavior is prohibited. As the ball treasurer Rhonda Weaver put it: "When you walk in here there's just an air about it. You walk into a different era, when women were ladies and men were gentlemen." Hagen Hudson, 13, dances with his mother, Lindsay, during the Texas Cowboys Christmas Ball. The Hudson family traveled from Pampa to partake in the annual holiday tradition. Christmas magic But about that miracle. The violin had belonged to and was played at that first 1885 dance by a man known as Cross-P Charlie. The fiddlers descendent, Hunter Johnson, brought the instrument to this year's ball first night as a nod to not only the ball, but to the history the violin and his family had literally played in. It was then that Murpheys own fiddle player, Kyle Dillingham, asked a favor: Could he try playing Johnsons heirloom that night? The instrument needed tuning, and there were some concerns because of the instrument's age. But Johnson let Dillingham take the violin in hand and do what he could. A violin that had played at the 1895 Texas Cowboys Christmas Ball was brought to the Dec.14 reenactment by Hunter Johnson, a descendant of the instrument's first owner. The fiddle was strung but very much out of tune. Dillingham took her to the stage, sitting on the red carpet on the edge of the drum stand. Hunched over, he twisted the pegs at the top of the violin's neck, head bent down as he listened and coaxed the strings into tune. This instrument was made before electricity so, unlike his own violin, there were no electric pickups for the amplifiers to plug into. A nearby microphone would have to suffice. And then, it was time to dance. Suddenly, a sound that had first rung across this ball over 100 years earlier, bounced from the mistletoe-laden rafters in clear, powerful notes wrought by Dillinghams masterful fingers as the crowd of 260 dancers barreled into the Virginia Reel with gleeful abandon. So strong was the fiddle's voice, you wondered why she needed a microphone at all. Kyle Dillingham plays the 19th century violin that had performed in the 1885 Texas Cowboys Christmas Ball. Was it really a miracle? Who's to say? But the magic in the moment was undeniable. As Chittenden put it: The music was a fiddle an a lively tambourine, And a viol came imported, by the stage from Abilene. The room was togged out gorgeous-with mistletoe and shawls, And candles flickered frescoes, around the airy walls. The wimmin folks looked lovely-the boys looked kinder treed, Till their leader commenced yellin: Whoa! fellers, lets stampede, And the music started sighin, an awailin through the hall As a kind of introduction to The Cowboys Christmas Ball. Visitors stand outside Pioneer Hall in Anson as they await the start of the Texas Cowboys Christmas Ball on Dec. 14. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Magic returns to this Texas city at annual Cowboys' Christmas Ball An Asian water dragon hatched from an egg at the Smithsonian National Zoo, and her keepers were shocked. Why? Her mother had never been with a male water dragon. Through genetic testing, zoo scientists discovered the newly hatched female, born on Aug. 24, 2016, had been produced through a reproductive mode called parthenogenesis. Parthenogenesis is a Greek word meaning virgin creation, but specifically refers to female asexual reproduction. While many people may assume this behavior is the domain of science fiction or religious texts, parthenogenesis is surprisingly common throughout the tree of life and is found in a variety of organisms, including plants, insects, fish, reptiles and even birds. Because mammals, including human beings, require certain genes to come from sperm, mammals are incapable of parthenogenesis. Creating offspring without sperm Sexual reproduction involves a female and a male, each contributing genetic material in the form of eggs or sperm, to create a unique offspring. The vast majority of animal species reproduce sexually, but females of some species are able to produce eggs containing all the genetic material required for reproduction. A female freshwater water flea (Daphnia magna) carrying parthenogenetic eggs. buccaneership/iStock via Getty Images Plus Females of these species, which include some wasps, crustaceans and lizards, reproduce only through parthenogenesis and are called obligate parthenogens. A larger number of species experience spontaneous parthenogenesis, best documented in animals kept in zoo settings, like the Asian water dragon at the National Zoo or a blacktip shark at the Virginia Aquarium. Spontaneous parthenogens typically reproduce sexually, but may have occasional cycles that produce developmentally ready eggs. Scientists have learned spontaneous parthenogenesis may be a heritable trait, meaning females that suddenly experience parthenogenesis might be more likely to have daughters that can do the same. How can females fertilize their own eggs? For parthenogenesis to happen, a chain of cellular events must successfully unfold. First, females must be able to create egg cells (oogenesis) without stimulation from sperm or mating. Second, the eggs produced by females need to begin to develop on their own, forming an early stage embryo. Finally, the eggs must successfully hatch. Each step of this process can easily fail, particularly step two, which requires the chromosomes of DNA inside the egg to double, ensuring a full complement of genes for the developing offspring. Alternatively, the egg can be faux fertilized by leftover cells from the egg production process known as polar bodies. Whichever method kicks off the development of the embryo will ultimately determine the level of genetic similarity between the mother and her offspring. The events that trigger parthenogenesis are not fully understood, but appear to include environmental change. In species that are capable of both sexual reproduction and parthenogenesis, such as aphids, stressors like crowding and predation may cause females to switch from parthenogenesis to sexual reproduction, but not the other way around. In at least one type of freshwater plankton, high salinity appears to cause the switch. Advantages of self-reproduction Though spontaneous parthenogenesis appears to be rare, it does provide some benefits to the female who can achieve it. In some cases, it can allow females to generate their own mating partners. The sex of parthenogenetic offspring is determined by the same method sex is determined in the species itself. For organisms where sex is determined by chromosomes, like the XX female and XY male chromosomes in some insects, fish and reptiles, a parthenogenetic female can produce offspring only with the sex chromosomes she has at hand which means she will always produce XX female offspring. But for organisms where females have ZW sex chromosomes (such as in snakes and birds), all living offspring produced will either be ZZ, and therefore male, or much more rarely, WW, and female. Between 1997 and 1999, a checkered gartersnake kept at the Phoenix Zoo gave birth to two male offspring that ultimately survived to adulthood. If a female mated with her parthenogenetically produced son, it would constitute inbreeding. While inbreeding can result in a host of genetic problems, from an evolutionary perspective its better than having no offspring at all. The ability of females to produce male offspring through parthenogenesis also suggests that asexual reproduction in nature may be more common than scientists ever realized before. Biologists have observed, over long periods of time, that species that are obligate parthenogens frequently die out from disease, parasitism or changes in habitat. The inbreeding inherent in parthenogenetic species appears to contribute to their short evolutionary timelines. Current research on parthenogenesis seeks to understand why some species are capable of both sex and parthenogenesis, and whether occasional sexual reproduction might be enough for a species to survive. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world.If you found it interesting, you could subscribe to our weekly newsletter. It was written by: Mercedes Burns, University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Read more: Mercedes Burns has previously received funding from the National Science Foundation. A body was discovered in a freezer at a home in San Diego by visiting relatives, police say. Out of town family members reported the gruesome discovery just before noon on Friday, according to a news release from the San Diego Police Department. The body was believed to be female and efforts to identify her are underway. The homicide unit is investigating the case due to the unusual location in which the body was found, though it is unclear if the woman was a victim of foul play. The medical examiners office is working to determine the cause of death. The owner of the home has not been disclosed, nor have any details about the family members who found the body. Police said they would not disclose any additional details until identification is made. Detectives are continuing to gather information to understand what happened and why the body was inside the freezer, the news release stated. Anyone with information is urged to call the SDPDs homicide unit at 619-531-2293 or Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477. The presidents of Egypt and Iran discussed recent developments in Gaza and the prospect of restoring diplomatic ties between their two countries in what Iranian state television said on Saturday was their first phone call. The television said Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi had called his Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. The two men met in November for the first time on the sidelines of the Joint Arab Islamic Extraordinary Summit in Riyadh. "Raisi said Iran was ready to provide all its capacities to stop the genocide by the Zionist regime and send aid to the Palestinians," Iranian state TV reported, adding that it was the first time the two presidents had spoken by phone. Relations between Egypt and Iran have generally been fraught in recent decades although the two countries have maintained some diplomatic contacts. Their call follows other moves by countries in the region to east tension in recent months. Egypt's Sunni Muslim Arab ally Saudi Arabia and Shi'ite Muslim Iran restored diplomatic relations earlier this year while Cairo has mended a rift with Qatar and re-established ties with Turkey. (Reuters) Church bells echo through the labyrinth-like streets of Bethlehem. With Christmas approaching, the city in the Israeli-occupied West Bank should be teeming with visitors. But this year, it is almost deserted. Local leaders made the decision last month to scale back festivities in solidarity with the Palestinian population , as heavy fighting raged between Israel and Hamas in the devastated Gaza Strip. More than 20,000 Palestinians have been killed during Israels air and ground offensive, according to the Hamas-controlled Ministry of Health in Gaza and nearly 85% of the strips total population has been displaced. The war was sparked by Hamas terror attack on October 7 on southern Israel in which at least 1,200 people were killed and more than 240 others taken hostage. Many here have ties to Gaza through loved ones and friends, and a sense of misery has fallen upon the city revered by Christians as the birthplace of Jesus Christ. Decorations that once adorned neighborhoods have been removed. The parades and religious celebrations have been canceled. In the city center, the traditional enormous Christmas tree of Manger Square is conspicuously absent. Traveling into Bethlehem, about eight kilometers south of Jerusalem, isnt ordinarily an easy journey. The Israeli-built West Bank barrier restricts movement, as do the various checkpoints leading in and out of the city. Its only got worse since Hamas brazen attack. The Church of the Nativity, a World Heritage site, is largely empty this year with Christmas celebrations on hold. - Faiz Abu Rmeleh/dpa/Reuters The deserted square of the Al-Mahd Church. - Faiz Abu Rmeleh/dpa/Reuters Since October 7, Israel has restricted movement in Bethlehem and other Palestinian towns in the West Bank, with military checkpoints allowing access in and out, impacting Palestinians trying to get to work. The occupied territory has also experienced a surge in violence, with at least 300 Palestinians killed in Israeli attacks, according to the Palestinian health ministry. My son asked me why theres no Christmas tree this year, I dont know how to explain it, Ali Thabet tells CNN. He and his family live in Al Shawawra, a Palestinian village near Bethlehem, and visit each Christmas because our relationship with our Christian brothers is a strong relationship. He explains: We join them in their celebrations, and they also join us in our celebrations. But this years holiday season is very bad. Walking down the cobble-stone streets, the impact of the conflict is evident. Businesses were banking on a busy festive period after suffering through the hardships and travel restrictions of the coronavirus pandemic. But without the usual crowds of tourists and the faithful, many of the hotels, shops and restaurants have shuttered. Bethlehems economy depends on pilgrims and tourism, explains third-generation shop owner Rony Tabash, who stands outside his store waiting for customers who will never arrive. Many locals in Bethlehem have connections in Gaza and Israel restricted movement in the town and elsewhere. - Mahmoud Illean/AP Souvenirs and intricately carved olive wood carvings of the nativity scene sit on shelves gathering dust. Tabashs store is one of the handful to remain open, out of a wish to support the skilled artisans that delicately make his merchandise. Tabash brings his father with him to the shop each day to get him out of the house. His grandfather opened the store back in 1927 and this place, along with the square and its famous church, have become part of our heart. Weve never seen Christmas like this, he continues. Since three months, honestly, we dont have one sale. I dont want to keep my father at home. I dont want to give up hope. Even the Church of the Nativity which became the first World Heritage site in the Palestinian territories in 2012 is largely empty. In a normal year, queues of hundreds would snake around the car park outside with pilgrims patiently waiting to enter its grotto, considered since the 2nd Century to be the exact location of Christs birth. A 14-pointed silver star set into the marble floor marks the precise spot where Jesus is said to have been born. In the 4th Century, Emperor Constantine founded a church on the site, which was destroyed in the year 529, only to be replaced by larger structures, which form the basis of the church today. Inside, it would usually be standing room only. But this year, the fighting in Gaza has changed everything. Now, you can practically hear a pin drop. I have never seen it like this, says Father Spiridon Sammour, a Greek Orthodox priest at the Church of the Nativity. Christmas is joy, love and peace. We have no peace. We have no joy, he says solemnly. It is out of our hands, and we pray for the leaders who will make the decisions [all] over the world to God to help them, give them his light to make peace here and all over the world. CNNs Kareem El Damanhoury, Eyad Kourdi and Sugam Pokharel contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com North Dakota state Rep. Nico Rios, a Republican, made homophobic and xenophobic comments to police as he was being arrested on DUI charges a couple of weeks ago, according to police. Authorities arrested Rios on December 15 and issued a citation for a DUI, DUI refusal, and an open container said a Williston Police Department report, according to CNN. The representative was pulled over at about 11:30 p.m. after swerving between lanes, the report states. The police officers who pulled Rios over then conducted a Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus test, Walk and Turn test, and One-Leg-Stand test where Rios showed slurred speech and issue constructing sentences, according to the report. In the report, one of the police officers wrote throughout testing Rios became An officer wrote that Rios became verbally abusive, homophobic, racially abusive and discriminatory, toward him during the tests. Rios was arrested after he refused to do a screening test. Inebriated or not, my actions and words to law enforcement that night were absolutely unacceptable, Rios said in a statement to CNN. Just two cop(s) doing their jobs keeping the community safe when they ran into me on a night I decided to act like a dummie. They did nothing to deserve any sort of disrespect. I owe it to myself, my district, and everyone and I vow to make sure this never happens again. In body camera video released of the incident, Rios is shown making the remarks and on the way to jail. At the stop, Rios is heard making a homophobic slur. Rios then asks where the officers accent is from. The officer said that he is originally from England. Youre arresting me for driving home while people come into your country and rape your women? And Im the bad guy? Rios tells him after saying the U.K. is being taken over by migrants. Rios told the Associated Press that he was leaving a Christmas party before he was stopped, and has only gotten support from my colleagues, although a few have yelled at me for sure I deserved it. The lawmaker was elected last year. He currently sits on the House Judiciary Committee, which is a panel that oversees legislation on law enforcement. Moving forward after this night I feel like I have to emphasize my complete and total commitment to supporting Law Enforcement, Rios said in his statement. I messed up big time and I am truly sorry. Republican House Majority Leader Mike Lefor told the AP that he hadnt seen the video, but Ive heard enough about it. He said he is looking at the options that are in front of me. Lefor added that he will speaking to Rios before speaking about the incident more. He wouldnt say whether he had already asked Rios to resign. We are deeply troubled by Rep. Rios dangerous decision to drive while intoxicated and his remarks to law enforcement officers, said North Dakota Republican Party Chairwoman Sandi Sanford in a text message to the news wire. His behavior does not represent the values of the NDGOP. Rios has a pretrial conference in municipal court on February 5. Watch the video of the arrest below. www.youtube.com Williston Republican state Rep. Nico Rios arrested for driving under the influence Peruvian drug officers dressed as Father Christmas to infiltrate an unsafe neighbourhood outside Lima and bust a small drug ring, authorities said on Saturday. The undercover operation led to the arrest of two men selling forms of cocaine and marijuana in a house in Huaral, 43 miles north of the Peruvian capital. Agents disguised themselves as Santa Claus to go unnoticed in this dangerous neighbourhood, Col Walter Palomino, head of Perus National Police Green Squadron, told reporters. Santa and his helpers arrested two men and seized hundreds of packets of cocaine paste and marijuana, according to police, who have yet to announce a total value for the haul. Dressing up for raids has become something of a habit for the Peruvian police. On Halloween, police in one of the worlds biggest cocaine producers dressed up in famous horror outfits and arrested two alleged members of the notorious Balboa drug gang. Last year before Christmas, police in Lima dressed as Santa and his elves arrested four suspects and seized 6,000 packets of cocaine paste. 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. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) Governor Bill Lee calls them choice lanes, others toll roadswhatever the name, youd pay to use them. Also, part of the choice lanes package includes widening Interstate 24 in Clarksville. Poll after poll shows a majority of Tennesseans favor red flag laws and common sense gun reform, but those numbers have not moved Republican lawmakers. We take a closer look into the gun reform debate in this weeks cover story. Read the latest from the TN State Capitol Newsroom President Biden gets tougher with Israel and the rising Palestinian deaths in its war with Hamas. These stories and more on This Week with Bob Mueller. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. Santa is coming to town. But when will he get here? The U.S. military is tracking St. Nicks air travels as he makes his way across the globe on Christmas Eve. The North American Aerospace Defense Command, known as NORAD, is giving live updates on the route as it has done for decades. Heres how to track the trip: Where is Santa right now? Track Santas progress in real time. You can also on NORADs Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube pages. And for families that want a more personal update on Santas whereabouts, call 877-HI-NORAD anytime on Christmas Eve. The elves are standing by. When will Santa arrive tonight in Miami? When the kids are asleep, of course. MORE: NORAD Santa tracker started with young girls call to wrong number. Heres the story The longest and last full moon of the year appeared on Monday night and will peak on Tuesday. December's full moon, also known as the Cold Moon and Long Night Moon, will reach peak illumination at 7:33 p.m. ET on Tuesday, according to NASA. It will look like a full moon until Thursday morning. The Old Farmer's Almanac details specific moonrise times for different ZIP codes across the United States. To view the full moon, it's not rocket science: NASA recommends going outside and looking up at the sky. Using a telescope or binoculars will magnify the moon and clarify details on its surface. Local forecasts have detailed information on how clear the night sky will be in different locations where people are keeping an eye out for the moon. Where does December's full moon get its name from? December's full moon gets its Cold Moon moniker from Mohawk traditions, according to the Farmer's Almanac. The name is based on the frigid conditions of the time of year. The last full moon of 2023, the Cold Moon, seen from Catania, Italy. / Credit: Fabrizio Villa / Getty Images The full moon is also called the Long Night Moon because December's full moon occurs near the winter solstice, which has the longest night of the year. This year's solstice was on Dec. 21. "The full moon takes a high trajectory across the sky because it is opposite to the low sun, so the moon will be above the horizon longer than at other times of the year," according to NASA. Other names for December's full moon include Drift Clearing Moon, Frost Exploding Trees Moon, Moon of the Popping Trees, Hoar Frost Moon, Snow Moon, Winter Maker Moon, Moon When the Deer Shed Their Antlers and Little Spirit Moon, according to the Farmer's Almanac. Ancient pagans in Europe called the December full Moon the Moon Before Yule. "No matter the name, we're a big fan," NASA said Tuesday on one of its social media accounts. Next month's full moon is dubbed the Wolf Moon. It will peak on Jan. 25. Known as the Is the moon ever full on Christmas? December's full moon does fall on Christmas sometimes, but it's a rare occasion. The last full moon to peak on Christmas was in 2015. Before that, there hadn't been one since 1977. Astronomers say the next Christmas full moon won't be until 2034. A bright full moon on lights up the Yuletide sky of Dec. 25, 2015. It was the first time in 38 years that a full moon fell on Christmas. It won't happen again until 2034. / Credit: Sherbien Dacalanio/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images U.S. military carried out airstrikes against Iran-backed group in Iraq How to maximize your 2024 tax refund, according to a CPA Major 2024 events to mark on your calendar (WHTM) Before settling into bed on Christmas Eve, leaving milk and cookies out for Santa Claus is a tradition. When you wake up on Christmas morning, Santa will have dropped off the presents and the milk and cookies eaten and drank. Santa isnt very picky as he will eat any cookie and drink any milk, but why do we leave milk and cookies out for Santa? Common Christmas traditions According to Rent-A-Christmas, there are three theories behind this Christmas tradition: The Dutch Connection In the past, the Netherlands would celebrate Christmas on Dec. 6, so on Dec. 5 the kids would leave out their shoes and wake up to their shoes being filled with treats. This would change over time and eventually lead to children leaving out cookies and milk for Santa instead. The Great Depression Connection In a time when many families struggled, Christmas was a bright spot. The families would ask their children to leave out milk and cookies for Santa to thank him for bringing gifts. The Dairy Connection Similar to the Christmas Pickle tradition, this theory mentions that leaving milk and cookies out for Santa was a marketing ploy. The dairy industry was struggling in the early 20th century, so how do you raise sales, well by marketing that Santa drinks milk with his cookies. Did you know this famous Christmas song was originally written for Thanksgiving? Milk and cookies arent the only foods that are left for Santa, according to History, in the United Kingdom and Australia, sherry and mince pies are left out, in Sweden, rice porridge is left out, in Ireland, a pint of Guinness and cookie are left out, in France, a glass of wine is left out, and in Germany, letters are left out instead of treats. When leaving out the milk and cookies this Christmas, dont forget to leave some carrots for his reindeer to enjoy for their long journey. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. This will be the first Christmas without my mom. She passed on Aug. 26. Of course its been a dark period for me. And people keep telling me to brace for Christmas, as it will be hard. But as we do near Christmas, my memories of her flourish, and they make me smile. Her love of dancing at powwows. Her delicious breakfast crepes. Her love of shooting pool. Her infectious laugh. Growing up, she made sure my brother and I were self-sufficient, even teaching us to cook (although I do rarely now). No one is going to have to take care of you, she would say. You can take care of yourselves. You will be independent. And she was right. Her support for my creativity began early, when she discovered my love of movies. As a child, she would take us to the now-gone Crest Theatre on Douglas, about where Il Vicino is now. I remember arriving at the ticket booth underneath the dazzling, neon-bursting marquee. My excitement rushed as we gave our tickets to the usher, and as we opened the door to inside, the wonderful smell of popping popcorn wafted through the air. I would run to the coming attractions display and marvel at the posters and stills that would take me to another world. I guess thats why now I love seeing movies at a theater. The whole encompassing experience. We saw all the cool Disney kid films at the time (Escape to Witch Mountain remains one of my favorites). And, yes, some of them came out during the holiday season. While other kids wanted toys for Christmas. I wanted movies. As a single mother raising two boys, finances were tight. But regardless, she would still take vacation time from her job and save up money so we could go to movies at Christmastime. That was so incredibly special, I know now. And as I got older, my love of movies grew. I wanted to see more and more of them. I guess I was studying them, though I didnt know that at the time. In high school, that passion turned into a love of theater. I acted in several plays. My mom would always come to see me. It didnt matter that this was a new world for her, too. It didnt matter that she went by herself. She was there, no matter what. No matter how small the part. I continued to act in plays through college. And after graduating, after I became a journalist with The Eagle, I decided to turn my love of movies and theater into writing a movie script. I studied on my own, devouring books. I eventually wrote my first feature-length screenplay, Dancing on the Moon, and it got me into two writing labs at the Sundance Institute; no small feat. Making that first film was a journey unto itself, literally through blood, sweat and tears. But my mom was always there. She became my executive producer. She and my family even traveled to our set in Council Grove, KS, where my mom and sis cooked and fed us all. That initial attempt at making my film failed, though. Miserably. I shut down production and put everyone I hired back onto a plane where they came from, then went back to Council Grove to be with my family. They were camping by the lake and everyone had taken the week off anyway, so we just decided to stay. The failure of my film was devastating. My mom hugged me and sat with me by the lake at night as we watched a thunderstorm roll in over the water. She told me, go ahead and be sad. Mourn the passing of your film. Let it go. Then regroup and get back at it. So I did. It wasnt easy, but we got it done. We eventually premiered Dancing on the Moon with two great screenings at the Orpheum Theatre. About a year later, the film was accepted into the American Indian Film Festival in San Francisco. At the festival, they have a closing night awards show, lovingly referred to as the Indian Oscars, and I was nominated for best supporting actor, which just blew my mind. The category came and went and I didnt win, which was no big deal. But after that, my mom was tired, so she and my step-dad decided to leave. Then they announced special jury awards. And I won for most promising newcomer. I accepted the award, mumbled through a thank you speech, walked the photo press line, then ran outside to see if my mom was still outside. She was, still waiting on a taxi. I held out the award and said, mom, look what I won! She didnt say anything, but grabbed me and hugged me so deeply I still feel it today. She was practically shaking. Im so proud of you, she said. Many years later, Im still a fledgling filmmaker, at best. But Ive somehow managed to make four feature films (and 22 shorts) right here in Kansas, and my mom supported me all the way through. And it all started with the movies at Christmastime. Thank you mom, for believing in me, for nurturing my passion. For giving me courage. Youll always be with me. Especially in the popcorn line. Reach Rod Pocowatchit at rodrick@rawdzilla.com. Wild animal stories were some of 2023's most memorable: Here are some of the best From monkeys terrorizing tourists to Chinas "panda politics," wild animals found their way into the news and captured our imagination in increasingly unexpected ways in 2023. An expert recently argued that wider access to technology and the internet would lead to more wild videos of animals, and this year went a long way toward proving that case: The year also proved a rich one for strange cases and some major legal victories, including an historic decision in Canada on the ivory trade. Here are some of the biggest animal stories from the past year that will ensure 2023 remains one to remember. Anti-capitalists like to shout the slogan "Eat the Rich," and a group of orcas came dangerously close to making that rallying cry a reality as they systematically attacked yachts throughout the Mediterranean Sea, sinking at least four of them. ANIMALS SPOTTED ENJOYING HANUKKAH TREATS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON The pod of whales, which experts believed could contain some 35 members, was already responsible for 23 attacks against yachts by the end of May and continued attacking boats around the Iberian Peninsula until well into August. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Marine biologists suggested that the whales targeted yachts as a form of "revenge" after a boat may have caused a "critical moment of agony" for the pods matriarch, White Gladis, who would turned more aggressive. Other experts believed the act was merely "playful" and worried that reports of "attacking" could lead to harm for the whales. The whales would ram the boats from behind in a repeated, targeted fashion to force the boat to stop. The whales would then continue to ram the boats from the sides. The behavior spread throughout the pod to its younger members, and four orcas died from initiating such brazen attacks. China found another path through which to pressure the U.S. just ahead of a critical and long-waited in-person meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Biden when Beijing prematurely recalled its pandas from the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. The bears, a top attraction at the zoo, had remained in D.C. for 50 years after President Richard Nixon had brokered the deal, which was set to expire on Dec. 7. The recall left the U.S. with only four pandas. ONLY 4 PANDAS LEFT IN US, BUT BIDEN-XI SUMMIT COULD REVERSE TREND TO 'DEEPEN' TIES China has lent out 65 pandas to 19 countries through "cooperative research programs" with a stated mission to better protect the vulnerable species. The pandas return to China when they reach old age, and any cubs born in the United States are sent to China around age 3 or 4. Suddenly, a topic that had not been anywhere near the negotiating table became a cause celebre when Biden announced that Beijing had agreed to send over two more pandas to take up residence in San Diego. Xi called the pandas "envoys of friendship between the Chinese and American peoples," but did not share further details of the plan. The San Diego Zoo said it was "very much" looking forward to welcoming back some pandas, having last hosted a pair until 2019. Tourists to Thailand usually have to remain alert to civil unrest and "periodic violence," according to the U.S. State Department, but they have another minor concern for which to watch: Monkey gangs. The country has largely allowed the monkey gangs to roam freely, even holding an annual festival to celebrate the many monkeys that live on the island of Koh Phi Phi, but in some areas the monkeys since the COVID-19 pandemic have grown more aggressive and into more of a problem for tourists. LOOSE BULL SEEN RUNNING ON NEW JERSEY TRACKS IS SAVED FROM SLAUGHTERHOUSE An Australian father had to fight off monkeys on the beach when they tried to rob his family and go after his kids, resulting in the monkeys surrounding him and at one point even biting his hand when he took a swing at the gang. The situation on Koh Phi Phi has grown more troublesome as the monkeys have developed enough comfort around people to now forage in broad daylight from stores and tourists. One resident said of a recent incident that as bad as things have gotten, the monkeys have not "overrun the island yet." In addition to the gangs even stealing food from out of peoples hands, two large gangs have repeatedly fought over territory in cities on the island since 2020 when lockdowns started during the pandemic. "With the tourists gone, theyve been more aggressive," Supakarn Kaewchot said in 2021. "Theyre invading buildings and forcing people to flee their homes." One of the stranger but more gripping stories near the end of the year followed a mysterious case of respiratory illness that spread among the dog population in the U.S., sometimes leading to death. The symptoms included a pervasive cough that could last for weeks and proved resistant to traditional antibiotics, quickly followed by a fever and lethargy. FISHERMEN SPOT PERHAPS 500 DOLPHINS OFF THE COAST OF ENGLAND IN SHOCKING VIDEO Per the Oregon Department of Agriculture, symptoms also include sneezing, eye or nose discharge, fatigue, blue or purple gums from oxygen deprivation, trouble breathing and negative tests for other common respiratory illnesses. The University of New Hampshire in late November identified a small portion of the genome that may cause the illness after examining samples from 70 dogs across New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Massachusetts from the last two years, the university wrote in a statement. More than 200 dogs in the U.S. have fallen ill with a mysterious respiratory illness that can sometimes develop into pneumonia and appears to be resistant to antibiotic treatments. The American Animal Hospital Association wrote in early December that veterinarians have used oxygen support, IV fluid, nebulization (which helps clear the buildup of secretions in the throat) and coupage (which helps clear buildup in the lungs). This year proved a stressful one for animal rights activists as several long-sought legal advances, including the ban on dog meat sales in South Korea and limits on ivory trade. One of the biggest controversies in animal rights this year followed a ban on using dwarves in bullfighting events but an outright ban on the practice continued to elude activists. Colombia has also tabled a motion to ban bullfighting outright. KILLING SPREE: TWO MEN CHARGED WITH SLAYING BALD EAGLES, SELLING BODY PARTS FOR PROFIT South Korea in 2021 launched a task force to look into the effects of banning dog meat, and that effort received a significant boost after the countrys first lady expressed support for a ban and two lawmakers submitted bills to eliminate the dog meat trade. But activists will likely remember 2023 as the year Canada banned the trade of elephant ivory and rhino horns, ending a seven-year campaign by the Humane Society International (HSI). "In banning trade in elephant ivory and rhino horn, the Canadian government has shown considerable leadership and reflected the will of Canadians and the vast majority of African nations holding elephant populations," Kelly Butler, the campaign manager for HSI said following the decision. Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this report. Original article source: Wild animal stories were some of 2023's most memorable: Here are some of the best A woman in Alabama with a rare double uterus has given birth to two healthy daughters in two days following her one in a million pregnancy. Kelsey Hatcher, 32, spent 20 hours in labour giving birth to twins due to her rare congenital anomaly that resulted in her having two wombs. The rare condition is thought to affect about 0.3 per cent of women. Ms Hatcher and her husband, Caleb, welcomed Roxi Layla on Tuesday at 7.49pm (local time) and her sister Rebel Laken on Wednesday at 6.09am (local time) at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital. Both the babies were healthy and weighed over 3.1kg. Our miracle babies were born! They decided they were rare enough statistically that they should just go ahead and have their own birthdays too, Ms Hatche wrote on Instagram. I cant wait to share the entire birth story with you guys! While we are all home now, we will take the time bond, recover, and enjoy the holidays, she added. Ms Hatcher was carrying a baby on each side a rare event known as a dicavitary pregnancy that has a one in a million chance of occurring. I had already taken care of Kelsey through her third pregnancy and knew she had a double uterus, but that was only one baby. Two babies in two uteri were a true medical surprise, Ms Hatchers obstetrician Shweta Patel recounted in a hospital news release. Her pregnancy was considered high risk and she was induced at 39 weeks. There was a cheer from everyone in the room when the first baby was delivered, but there was another baby left, Ms Patel said. Ms Hatcher was labouring in the left uterus while simultaneously undergoing the postpartum process in the right. She was having contractions with Baby B while breastfeeding Baby A, Ms Patel added. Although a typical twin pregnancy is defined by two babies in one uterus, Richard Davis, the doctor who co-managed the pregnancy, said it is safe to call the girls fraternal twins. The first baby was delivered vaginally, as were Ms Hatchers previous three children, while the second one was born via C-section. The medical team had come prepared with three potential scenarios for the delivery: both babies delivered vaginally, one baby born vaginally and one via C-section, or a C-section for both births. In 2019, a woman with uterus didelphys in Bangladesh gave birth to twins less than a month after delivering a premature baby boy. Arifa Sultana Iti gave birth to her first child in February that year, but learned she was still pregnant after being rushed to hospital with stomach pain 25 days later. An emergency C-section was performed to deliver the twins. Church bells rang, flags flew at half-mast and masses were held across the Czech Republic on Saturday, a day of national mourning for the victims of a deadly shooting at Prague's Charles University. A heavily armed 24-year-old student killed 14 people and then himself at the Faculty of Arts on Thursday. The lone gunman also wounded 24 others, including three foreigners. The gunfire sparked frantic scenes of students running from the attacker, with some escaping onto the roof and then jumping onto a balcony below, while others clung to top-floor windows from ledges. On Saturday, daily life halted for a minute of silence for the victims in the EU and NATO member country at noon (1100 GMT). "We are all trying to build heaven on earth, but the reality of life shows us that evil exists," said Prague Archbishop Jan Graubner, celebrating a mass for the victims at the Gothic St Vitus Cathedral at Prague Castle. President Petr Pavel and other senior politicians were among those attending, and many in the cathedral were in tears. "The life of each person in its uniqueness enriches and becomes a part of the lives of others, and its loss is therefore irreplaceable," Charles University rector Milena Kralickova said at the mass, her voice breaking. The choir singing at the mass was led by David Eben, a musician and musicology teacher at the Faculty of Arts. His department lost its director, Lenka Hlavkova, a mother of two, in the attack. Two-month-old victim During Saturday's ceremony, Faculty of Arts students brought eighteen roses to the altar -- 14 for the university victims, one for the gunman and three for other people he had killed. Police said the gunman also appeared to have killed a randomly chosen young man and his two-month-old daughter in a Prague forest on December 15. "A ballistic analysis proved the gun used in the... forest was IDENTICAL with a gun found at the university gunman's home," police said on X. On Thursday, he killed his father in a village west of Prague where the family lived and then left for the capital, leaving a suicide note, police said. Police launched a manhunt but appeared to have missed him at the university, searching a Faculty of Arts building where he was expected to attend a lecture, while the gunman walked into the faculty's main building nearby. Police learned about the shooting at the university at around 1400 GMT and sent a rapid-response unit to the scene. Twenty minutes later, the gunman was dead. Prague's chief of police Martin Vondrasek said the killer had had "an enormous arsenal of weapons and ammunition" at his disposal. The gunman appeared to have been inspired by a similar shooting in Russia, police said, citing his social media account. 12th-safest country Since Thursday's shooting, police have arrested four people who had either threatened similar attacks or express support for the killings, said a statement from the country's Interior Minister Vit Rakusan. This week's shooting in Prague's UNESCO-listed historic centre was the deadliest since the Czech Republic emerged as an independent state in 1993. Sympathy poured in from across the world with Pope Francis, US President Joe Biden, Britain's King Charles and many others sending their condolences. The Czech Republic is the world's 12th-safest country, according to the 2023 Global Peace Index, and mass gun violence is rare. But in 2015, a man shot dead seven men and a woman before killing himself in a restaurant in the southeast, while another gunman killed seven people in an eastern hospital and then himself in 2019. (AFP) A woman trying to save one of her dogs from a frigid river near Anchorage remains missing after being swept under the ice, Alaska State Troopers reported. The woman and a man were walking their dogs beside the north fork of the Eagle River when one of the dogs jumped in the water Saturday, Dec. 23, troopers said in a dispatch. The couple entered the river to look for the dog, but the woman vanished under the water and did not resurface, troopers said. The man was unharmed. The dispatch did not mention whether the dog was found. The woman is now believed to be under the ice, troopers told KTUU. Anchorage police and firefighters searched for the woman until sundown. A dive team also searched for her, troopers said. The search was expected to continue Sunday, Dec. 24, troopers said. The north fork of the Eagle River is about 20 miles east of Anchorage. Ice climber plunges 40 feet in Montana canyon, rescuers say. Then group calls for help 35 people stranded when huge chunk of ice breaks off in Minnesota lake, rescuers say Snowmachine and sled team collide, killing 3 dogs, Alaska cops say. Sweet and gentle A woman who was left incapacitated for decades after being poisoned as a college student in a high-profile cold case in China has died at the age of 50. Zhu Ling died in Beijing on Friday, her alma mater Tsinghua University announced in a post on the Chinese social media platform Weibo, which has been flooded with condolences. Zhu Ling has fought tenaciously against the pain for many years. Throughout Zhu Lings life, she has always had care, support and encouragement from many alumni, different communities and the school, wrote the prestigious Beijing-based university, often called Chinas MIT, in the Saturday post. Zhus death on Friday evening was also confirmed by her father Wu Chengzhi to the Southern Metropolis Daily, the news outlet reported Saturday. She would be buried in Beijing, he was quoted as saying. A funeral for Zhu was held in Beijing Sunday, state-affiliated Jimu News reported. In 1994, Zhu was a second-year chemistry major and accomplished musician at Tsinghua, when she began to experience stomach pain, hair loss and other seemingly inexplicable symptoms that were later found to be signs of thallium poisoning, state media outlets have previously reported. The highly toxic chemical used in rodent and insect poisons left Zhu practically blind and with the mental capacity of a 6-year-old. She had suffered for months and ultimately fell into a coma before the cause of her ailment was diagnosed. Despite suspicion of foul play and a police investigation, no one has ever been charged. Zhus case has captured the attention of the country across the decades since she was poisoned, sparking outrage and calls for justice. On Saturday, her death was the top search item on Weibo, with more than 400 million views by Saturday afternoon, as grief poured in from Chinese internet users. When [I] think of her unpredictable ordeal lingered on for 30 years, the hardship beyond words, and the lack of justice, [I] felt a sense of anger that cannot be tamed, wrote Yan Feng, a linguistics professor from Fudan University who has 5.5 million followers on Weibo. May the deceased rest in peace and the living be in calmness. The girl who loved the guqin has left us like this, I wish her a good journey! There will be no more pain in heaven! said another comment with more than 10,000 likes, referring to a Chinese musical instrument Zhu played. An inconclusive investigation Other social media users Saturday focused on the Chinese authorities fruitless investigation and past accusations that the probe may have been dropped due to the powerful connections of a former suspects family. Their comments echoed calls for accountability in the case that have flared periodically in China. The main reason that Zhus case evokes so much public anger and sympathy is because many people in China see a piece of themselves in Zhu: They have suffered injustice of some sort, but there is never a fair, independent or transparent investigation by the authorities, said Yaqiu Wang, research director for China at the Washington DC-based non-profit Freedom House. Zhus devoted parents, who took great care of her for nearly three decades, also symbolize the familial care that people in China intimately know and have to rely on, because the system is not something you can trust and depend upon. Rights groups have long criticized political influence over Chinas notoriously opaque justice system, even as Beijing says it maintains and has strengthened rule of law. Following the poisoning, police had investigated one of Zhus roommates, Sun Wei, but subsequently cleared her as a suspect, according to previous reporting from state news agency Xinhua. Many netizens in the past have linked the uneventful probe to Suns family background. In 2013, when a fatal poisoning case at a Shanghai college dorm in April rekindled national interest, social media users launched a petition to the United States government calling for it to take action against the former suspect, who they believed to be residing in the country. Suns grandfather was a high-ranking official in the Nationalist government before the Communist takeover of China in 1949. He later held senior though largely symbolic positions in the Peoples Republic until his death in 1995. One of Suns fathers cousins was considered a national leader from 1993 to 2003 when he was a vice-chairman of Chinas top political advisory body. Sun has reportedly made a few online statements on Tianya, a Chinese Internet discussion forum, over the years, including one in 2005, in which she said police cleared her as a suspect in 1998 due to lack of evidence. Sun, who state media has reported had access to thallium in the university laboratory, said she was not the only student with access to the toxic substance and denied personal animosity between herself and Zhu. Addressing her familys political connections, she said her grandfather had died by the time she was questioned. In 2006, Sun said her family had submitted an application to the police on her behalf requesting the authorities re-open the investigation to find the truth. In 2013, when the Shanghai case piqued public interest again over Zhus case, Sun resurfaced on the Tianya platform and wrote: I, more than anyone else, would like to bring the real perpetrator to justice. This story has been updated with additional details. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Is there a Santa Claus? Parents await the question with quiet dread. When their child comes home from school and makes that horrid inquiry, they know that innocence is ending. The joy and wonder of childhood passes far too quickly. Some parents struggle to answer the question, and well they should. Literalists and the pedants might have a quick response, but those who have even the slightest spark of poetry in their heart find no easy answer. They might never discover elves and flying reindeer at the North Pole, but they know that Santa Claus is so much more. Then what to tell the curious child? Its as much a dilemma today as it was more than a century ago when 8-year-old Virginia OHanlon asked her father, Is there a Santa Claus? He punted. He urged his daughter instead to ask the editors at The Sun, one of the great New York newspapers of the day. And so, Virginia sent a letter to the editor, and Francis P. Church, a long-time Sun writer, wrote a response on deadline that appeared anonymously on Sept. 21, 1897. It became the most-printed, most-read editorial ever and still reminds people that there is so much truth, beauty and grandeur beyond what is plain before our eyes. We are happy to share Virginias letter and Churchs response with our Tri-City Heralds readers as we wish you and yours all the cheer of the holiday season. Is there a Santa Claus? We take pleasure in answering at once and thus prominently the communication below, expressing at the same time our gratification that its faithful author is numbered among the friends of The Sun: Dear Editor: I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, If you see it in The Sun, its so. Please tell me the truth: Is there a Santa Claus? Virginia OHanlon 115 West Ninety-Fifth Street Virginia, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be mens or childrens, are little. In this great universe of ours, man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge. Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus. It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished. Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but thats no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world. You may tear apart the babys rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding. No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood. CHESAPEAKE Some of the tastiest cookies Santa enjoys during his visit to Hampton Roads this Christmas are sure to be those made by nearly a dozen kinderchefs. It was a merry time Saturday at Now Youre Cooking Culinary Studio in Chesapeake, where ten chefs ages 3 to 6 the kinderchefs learned how to make some of their favorite homemade cookies for Santa. As they asked their culinary instructors questions and laughed at each others jokes, they took turns cracking eggs, testing their strength at the stand mixer and rolling out their assortment of chocolate chip, sugar, M&M and marshmallow holiday cookies. Now in its 10th year, the culinary studio provides a variety of cooking programs for youth. Studio co-owner Debra Brabson, a former preschool teacher, said the goal is to connect children with real food and make food memories. We want them to remember what Christmas smells like, what Thanksgiving smells like, and what two things go together to make it smell that way, Brabson said. And we always tell them that cooking is for sharing. Food is for sharing, not to keep for yourself, but to share it with other people and spread love. Most kinderchefs said their favorite part was when they got to sample the marshmallows, sprinkles and M&Ms. Others said they enjoyed rolling the dough into cookies until their hands were sticky. Im going to give Santa two of each (cookie), said kinderchef Jack Davila. I bet Santa eats two million cookies, added kinderchef Elija Steward. Id get crazy! The handful of nearby parents joyously watched their kinderchefs hard at work grateful for an opportunity to relax during a hectic holiday season, they said. They told The Virginian-Pilot they were thankful the cooking class provided their children an outlet to burn some energy in a controlled, sociable environment. TJ Sykes, 5, donned an apron for the first time at the culinary studio Saturday he most looked forward to the M&M cookies. His mother, Vika Sykes, said he enjoys cooking breakfast, helping to pack his lunch for the next day and playing in his toy kitchen. Brandi Steward, whos been bringing 6-year-old son Elija to the studio for a few years now, said shes happy to see more boys taking an interest in the classes and that it helps children become more well-rounded. Steward said her son loves holiday sweets like cookies, gingerbread houses and apple pies. Nicole Williams said her son Toryn, 4, is a picky eater but still loves cooking and interacting in the kitchen, even if he doesnt always eat the meal. But the marshmallow fan was happy about the cookie ingredients used Saturday. The kinderchefs later worked off their sugar rushes by jingling all the way through a Grinch-inspired freeze dance full of Christmas tunes. Brabson was assisted by instructor Jasmine Harris, who said she loves working with and nurturing this age group and seeing their excitement. Since its a hands-on, interactive experience, Brabson said activities such as cracking eggs and mixing ingredients can also help some of the children undergoing any sort of occupational therapy for developmental delays. And for some of the older children who attend classes every week, this is their sport, she said, and the meals are the trophies they get to take home every week. Its something that theyre proud of, Brabson said. Natalie Anderson, 757-732-1133, natalie.anderson@pilotonline.com President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his Christmas Eve address on Dec. 24 that millions of Ukrainians had learned "another dimension of Christmas" as they once again celebrate this holiday in the time of a full-scale war against Ukraine. "This Christmas has a different mood, different context, different taste," he said in a video address posted across social media platforms. "Today, all Ukrainians are together. We all celebrate Christmas together. On the same date, as one big family, as one nation, as one united country, Zelensky said, standing in front of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, an ancient monastery at the heart of Ukraines capital. Read also: The time is right for change: More Ukrainians celebrating Christmas on Dec. 25 this year Earlier this year, Ukraines Orthodox Church officially switched to the revised Julian calendar, which celebrates Christmas on Dec. 25, along with most Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches. The move aimed to better align with the civil Gregorian calendar and to distance itself from the Russian Orthodox Church, which still celebrates Christmas on Jan. 7. Our gifts, values, and traditions have changed. Today it's not so much about how we decorate our homes, but rather how we protect them and clean up the mess, sweeping the enemy out. We rejoice at seeing the first star in the evening sky and not seeing enemy missiles and Shahed (drones) in it, said Zelensky. He also said that the wishes of Ukrainian children have changed from I wish for my dad to come home early from work to I wish for my dad to come back (from war). For all the fathers, husbands, brothers, grandfathers to come back. Mothers, wives, sisters. To return victorious, he said. All of those who are marking the Christmas Eve in the trenches with weapons in their hands, facing the enemy. All our warriors of light. Guardian angels of Ukraine, who prove to us every day: the good will prevail, the light will prevail. The president said that the Ukrainians' common prayer will unite millions of voices more than ever before, resonating together with Europe and the world. And this is a unique prayer. For the people, for peace, for justice, a prayer for life, said the president. It will be heard in different parts of the world, coming from the hearts of different people, in different languages. And from different denominations. Because this is a prayer for life, and it has no borders. Read also: Celebrating the Ukrainian way: The 12 dishes of Christmas Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed his compatriots on Sunday with a Christmas message of encouragement in the face of Russia's ongoing invasion. "In the end, darkness will lose. Evil will be defeated," Zelensky said in the video message published on Sunday. He added that the whole country would pray together during the holidays "for our freedom. For our victory. For our Ukraine." Zelensky thanked Ukrainian soldiers who are spending Christmas in the trenches at the front, and also shared his thoughts with all the families who will once again have to celebrate this year without husbands, sons and fathers who are fighting. The Russian invasion began on February 24, 2022, so this is Ukraine's second winter at war with its much larger neighbour. Ukraine has largely shifted the celebration of Christmas to December 25, the date in which the holiday is celebrated in much of the world, from January 7, the date of the holiday in the Russian Orthodox Church. Only the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which has long been linked to Moscow, has stuck with the old date. "All our warriors of light, the guardian angels of Ukraine," Zelensky said. "They prove that miracles exist, but we must create them ourselves." Russian attacks on Ukraine continued overnight, with combat drones aimed at targets in the Ukrainian regions of Mykolaiv, Zaporizhzhya and Dnipropetrovsk. But Ukrainian air defences managed to intercept 14 of 15 unmanned aerial vehicles, the Ukrainian air force announced on Telegram on Sunday morning. In the southern Ukrainian region of Kherson, the authorities reported casualties from Russian shelling the day before. They said four residents had been killed and nine others injured as a result of artillery fire on residential neighbourhoods in Kherson, the regional capital of the same name. One child was among the injured. A Chinese woman who was the victim of an unsolved poisoning case in 1994 has died, aged 50. Zhu Ling was a chemistry student at Beijing's Tsinghua University when she was poisoned with the highly toxic chemical thallium. It left her paralysed, almost blind and with brain damage, and she required 24-hour care from her parents. No-one has been charged in the case. Her classmate and roommate, Sun Wei, was investigated but not charged. Ms Sun was investigated by police in 1997 but was cleared as a suspect due to a lack of evidence. She has repeatedly taken to social media to declare her innocence, and also changed her name. In late 1994, Zhu Ling began experiencing stomach pains and hair loss and she fell into a coma months later. Doctors later diagnosed her with thallium poisoning, a soft metal which dissolves in water and is odourless and tasteless. Reports have claimed Ms Sun had access to the thallium compound but she has said she was not the only student with access to the toxic substance. Zhu Ling's family and supporters have suggested a possible motive was that Ms Sun was envious of her beauty and her musical and academic achievements. Ms Sun has denied personal animosity between herself and Ms Zhu. A 2013 petition demanded the US investigate Ms Sun and have her deported from the United States, where she was living. The petition described Ms Sun's family as having powerful political connections, and it was alleged she "had the motive, and access to the deadly chemical". The White House responded to the petition and said it declined to comment on the request, but said Zhu Ling's poisoning "was a tragedy". It read: "No young person deserves to suffer as she has, and we can understand the heartbreak of those close to her." In 2013, the Beijing Public Security Bureau defended its investigation but said the amount of time that had passed, alongside the small amount of evidence, limited its ability to reopen the case. Media reports have said there was speculation that Ms Sun was protected from prosecution because of her grandfather Sun Yueqi, a senior Chinese official, and another relative, a former vice mayor of Beijing. Ms Sun said her grandfather had died by the time she was questioned by police. The police rejected claims that its inquiry had been influenced by others. In 2013 police said: "The dedicated investigation team worked according to law, and the investigation was never compromised or interfered with in any way." A recount in the race for the Spring Hill District seat on the Campbell County School Board this week showed challenger Kristen Vaughan and incumbent Mark Epperson received the same vote totals as was reported on Election Day, making Vaughan the new representative. Vaughan squeaked out a win by a narrow margin, garnering 817 votes, to Eppersons 807 votes. County Registrar Kelly Martin said the recount finished at about 7 p.m. Wednesday. The recount took place inside of Campbell Circuit Court, featuring four election officials who re-fed the ballots through a machine and recounted ballots that were unable to be recorded electronically. In all, there were four election officials, three judges who were present inside the courtrooms chambers, the two candidates and other county staff present in an exercise that was open to the public. The recount went smoothly and showed the results are the same as election day and voters should be confident in the accuracy of elections in Campbell County, Martin said in an email. In Virginia, a recount isnt automatic. One can occur under certain circumstances such as: the losing candidate cannot be defeated by more than one percent of the total vote casted for the two candidates and the losing candidate must petition the appropriate court to request a recount. The Spring Hill District race for the school board seat was the closest race in the county on election night. Reached by phone Friday afternoon, Epperson told The News & Advance the closeness in the race is what warranted him to request a recount. But also, Epperson said he felt with everybody involved in his campaign and all the people who voted for him, he owed it to them to petition for a recount. I felt like it was so close, that I owed it to everyone involved for all their hard work, to pursue a recount, he said. Epperson has served on the board for 12 years, currently serving as board chair until the end of the year. He said he has enjoyed his time serving on the board and is happy with what it has been able to do for the students in the county during his tenure. Some accomplishments he mentioned were: adding resource officers in every school, completing the renovation of Rustburg Middle School and beginning the process of renovating Brookville High School. Weve accomplished a lot of good things over the 12 years that Ive been there, he said. I just like to thank them for supporting me during those 12 years, and I hope Ive lived up to their expectations and Im proud to say that I served the constituents in Campbell County Spring Hill District and just wish them the best going forward. In regards to the recount and getting started at the top of the year, Vaughan issued the following statement through email: I had no idea how involved the process was to perform a recount. I am happy that this process confirmed the result of the vote and I am ready to get to work. When people think about Wes Anderson-style movies, titles such as The Grand Budapest Hotel, Moonrise Kingdom and Fantastic Mr. Fox tend to come to mind movies known for their symmetry, use of colors and unconventional characters. A group of students and faculty at the University of Lynchburg took a liking to this style and decided to put their spin on it for the holiday season with its short film, The Grand Hopwood Hall. The film tells the story of two University of Lynchburg students trying to enter a gingerbread house-making contest after being denied by a professor who oversees it. The two main characters Ned and Pansy were rejected by Mrs. Pumpernickel due to their history with the professor and their mothers. Suzanne Ramsey, writer and editor for the universitys marketing and communications department, was the screenwriter and director of the short film. Ramsey said last year, the university did a short Christmas film called A Dell-lightfully Royal Holiday, inspired by Hallmark-style movies. Starting in the spring, she said the department wondered what the film could be this year but wanted a take on another style. The Wes Anderson-style of movies came up, as staff were fans of those films over the years. She also mentioned Anderson had a movie released this year called Asteroid City that helped influence the universitys film. Ramsey described the movie style as quirky, adding in those types of films people tend to see awkward romances and characters running away for no reason. People will identify with it, because its kind of timely right now, and it would be fun, because the movies are just kind of weird and fun, and quirky, she said. So, we just figured we could do our take on that genre this year. Ramsey said in last years movie, romance blossomed between characters and in this film, she wanted to do the same. The two main characters, Ned and Pansy, fell in love during the course of Ned trying to get Pansy into the gingerbread house contest. Ramsey said a lot of the script just sprung to mind, only taking her a few days to come up with it. It kind of happened really quickly, she said. As far as casting, she said over the last couple of years the department has relied a lot on the theater department. We have just a huge amount of talented students on campus, you know, to help us out with these things, she said, adding that theres not a lot of time for formal auditions. So, she contacted the chair of the theater department Jeffrey Wittman and presented different parts of the film, asking for guidance on which students would be best suited for the acting roles. Ramsey said filming started in September and continued throughout the fall semester. I am just so happy with how this turned out. I mean, I think it turned out great and that is totally thanks to all of the people who helped on this, Ramsey said. Kelly Jacobson, assistant professor of English at the university, said when Ramsey presented the idea for her to be in the film, she initially agreed. However, she tried to get out of it because she had never acted in a film before. Jacobson played Mrs. Pumpernickel, a comical but intense character. I was very nervous the first day because I definitely never thought I would be doing something like that, but it was really fun, she said. Jacobson said Mrs. Pumpernickel is the opposite of her, which is why she thought it was so funny she got that part. As a professor, she describes herself as bubbly, very enthusiastic, and a cheerleader-like instructor, where the character is very theatrical and very grumpy. I think thats why Suzanne [Ramsey] thought it would be so perfect for me to be her because everyone that knows me, thinks thats really funny that Im being this grumpy lady. I would never say no to a student about anything, Jacobson said as she laughed. Lane Payne, freshman at the university, said it was very surreal to see the film continue to grow throughout the semester. The theater major was the narrator for the short film, walking the viewer through the different events and decisions the main characters made. Payne said he was blown away when he saw the final product. I am used to being on stage and seeing every little piece come together, because youre always there but the film was a completely different animal, he said. I was there for my part, and I saw what was going on while I was there; but other than that, I had no idea what to expect and no idea what was going on until I saw the finished product. Nico Thomas, a junior theater major, played Ned in the film. Thomas said he was in the short film last year and when he heard about the film this year it was an immediate yes. Its definitely something to get used to, because Ive never really played that kind of awkward character, he said. According to a news release from the university, the film made Inside Higher Eds annual list of best holiday videos produced by colleges and universities around the country. Ramsey emphasized it was all a team effort, as the group got volunteers around campus who were extras, helped with art, helped with costumes and more. People from all over campus helped out. And so, it was just a lot of fun to do, and I think, so far, it seems like people really liked it, she said. The film can be viewed on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXOx360sg1c. Russia was short of around 4.8 million workers in 2023 and the problem will remain acute in 2024, the Izvestia newspaper reported on Sunday, citing experts and research from the Russian Academy of Science's Institute of Economics. Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina said last month that Russia's depleted labor force was causing acute labor shortages and threatening economic growth as Moscow pumps fiscal and physical resources into the military. Hundreds of thousands of Russians left the country following what the Kremlin calls its "special military operation" in Ukraine which began in February 2022, including highly qualified IT specialists. Those who took flight either disagreed with the war or feared being called up to fight in it. The outflows intensified after President Vladimir Putin, who earlier this month lauded a historically low jobless rate of 2.9 percent, announced a partial military mobilization of around 300,000 recruits in September 2022. Putin has said he sees no need for a new wave of mobilization for now. Izvestia, citing the author of the research, Nikolai Akhapkin, said that labor shortages had sharply increased in 2022 and 2023. It said that drivers and shop workers were in particularly high demand. According to official data, cited by the newspaper, the number of vacancies in the total workforce rose to 6.8 percent by the middle of 2023, up from 5.8 percent a year earlier. "If we extend the data presented by Rosstat (the official statistics agency) to the entire workforce, the shortage of workers in 2023 will tentatively amount to 4.8 million people," the newspaper cited the new research as saying. It noted that Labor Minister Anton Kotyakov had said that workforce shortages were felt hard in the manufacturing, construction and transportation sectors, forcing companies to raise wages to try to attract more employees. The newspaper cited Tatyana Zakharova of Russia's University of Economics named after G.V. Plekhanov as saying that the labor shortages would probably persist next year, as vacancies for factory workers, engineers, doctors, teachers and other professions would he especially hard to fill. She cited poor demographics and "the migration of the population" as among the reasons for the labor shortages. (Reuters) U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development announced earlier this month that a little over $1 million is being awarded to 16 rural Iowa projects. City water plans, emergency response vehicles, and hospital technologies are all part of the critical infrastructure that underpins our lives here in Iowa, State Director Theresa Greenfield said in a news release. Among the $1,084,171 in grants awarded is $22,000 for the City of Pisgah to create a water facility plan developed by engineers. This project will address water system conditions and performance and will include alternatives and recommendations to meet the rehabilitation needs of the entire water system, according to the release. This project will promote better water quality for residents of this rural Harrison County community. The City of Griswold in Cass County received a $7,100 grant to help purchase communications equipment. It will pay for voice pagers for the city's fire department personnel, which will streamline operations and promote public safety. The City of Anita also received a $50,000 grant to help purchase an ambulance. The Montgomery County Memorial Hospital received a $50,000 grant to help purchase medical imaging equipment for Villisca Medical Clinic. The new X-ray machine will allow for more accurate diagnosis and save patient travel time. Veridian Credit Union distributed $90,000 in grants to 24 organizations across Iowa and eastern Nebraska earlier this month. The credit union awards Successful Financial Future Grants annually of up to $5,000 each to nonprofit organizations who address barriers to financial stability through financial literacy and employment readiness, according to a news release. Financial literacy and employment readiness are vital to creating a successful financial future, Angela Weekley, Veridians community inclusion manager, said in the release. Its important for us to support organizations who are offering those tools in our communities. Grant recipients in the Council Bluffs area included $3,000 for College Possible and $5,000 for Boys and Girls Club of the Midlands, with additional grants to Omaha organizations. Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, and Niger have welcomed the international initiative announced by King Mohammed VI to enable these African landlocked countries have access to the Atlantic Ocean, a project that will transform the economies of these countries and the entire region. The supportive stand was voiced Saturday in Marrakesh by the Foreign Ministers of the four Sahel countries following their first coordination meeting held at the invitation of Moroccos Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita. In a joint statement, the ministers thanked King Mohammed VI for this initiative, saying it shows the Monarchs active solidarity with brotherly African countries in general and the Sahel in particular. This strategic project will also help speed up regional connectivity and enhance trading for shared prosperity in the Sahel region. The ministers commended the inclusive and participatory approach in carrying out this initiative, affirming their common ambition to consolidate cooperation ties through joint multi-sectoral and innovative partnerships, reflecting the values of South-South cooperation and co-development. They agreed to set up a National Task Force in each country to prepare and propose a roadmap for the implementation of this landmark project. The ministers also agreed to finalize as quickly as possible the proposals to be submitted to King Mohammed VI and Heads of State of the four Sahel countries. In his opening address at the Ministerial Coordination Meeting on the royal initiative for Sahel countries access to Atlantic Ocean, Bourita said the move will help these African countries unlock their enormous potential, accelerate the growth and sustainable and inclusive development of the regions economies. King Mohammed VI has always valued and promoted cooperation ties with Sahel countries, said the Minister, affirming that Rabat will bring in all its energy, mobilize all its efforts, and share all its know-how. For his part, Nigers Foreign Minister Yaou Sangare described Morocco as a reliable partner which respects our dignity, our sovereignty and our independence, saying the royal initiative will give a new impetus to the development of the Sahel region. Malis top diplomat Abdoulaye Diop said his country backs the Atlantic Initiative announced by King Mohammed VI for Sahel States, and lauded the Kingdoms solidarity with brotherly African countries. He also said the move shows Moroccos commitment to go beyond bilateral cooperation for a broader framework aimed at meeting the aspirations of the Sahel authorities and population. Burkina Fasos Minister of Foreign Affairs Karamoko Jean Marie Traore said the royal initiative will transform Sahel economies and promote their integration into global economy. Chads FM Mahamat Saleh Annadif said Morocco is a strategic and reliable partner of all African countries, paying tribute to the leadership of King Mohammed VI. He thanked the Sovereign for this important initiative, noting that security and development are inseparable. The royal initiative was unveiled in the speech delivered on the 48th anniversary of the Green March, celebrated on November 6. The Monarch said the solution to the problems facing Sahel countries cannot be exclusively security or military, but it must be rather based on an approach of cooperation and shared development. For this reason, the Sovereign had called for launching an international initiative to facilitate Atlantic Ocean access for Sahel nations. Four landlocked countries in the Shael welcomed the initiative launched by Moroccos king to facilitate their access to the Atlantic coast, a goal that requires investments in infrastructure and a co-development approach. Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Chad expressed at a meeting hosted by Moroccos foreign minister Nasser Bourita in Marrakech Saturday their gratitude to Moroccos King for such an initiative that meets the aspirations of these countries to economic and social development, key to fostering stability in the wider Sahel. In a speech in November, the King called for helping Sahel countries access the Atlantic, noting that this hinges on upgrading infrastructure in the Sahel countries and seeking to connect it to transport and communication networks existing in the region. He promised that Morocco will not spare effort to help sisterly Sahel states, including by offering access to its own infrastructure, roads and ports. To mercantile trade, the Sovereign prefers investment that truly creates common and lasting wealth. To anesthetic assistance, the Sovereign prefers structuring and win-win projects; and to the relentless security approach, the Sovereign relies on the inconspicuous power of the formation of minds, foreign minister Bourita told his Sahel peers in Marrakech. The four participating countries said at the end of the Marrakech meeting they would set up task forces, in order to implement the initiative. Mali Mali is strongly engaged in the Atlantic Initiative announced by Moroccan King, said Malian foreign minister Abdoulaye Diop. Malian authorities appreciate this brotherly and solidary-based initiative, considering it the commitment of the Kingdom of Morocco to further integrate its action, beyond bilateral cooperation, into a now broader framework of an approach aimed at meeting the common aspirations of the authorities and the peoples of the Sahel, he said. Offering water is offering life. Morocco has chosen to offer sea to landlocked States. For a State like Mali, which covers an area of 1,200,000 km2 and is surrounded by seven neighboring States, this offer represents an opportunity in many ways, he said. Moroccos Atlantic initiative is conducive to promoting Sahel trade with the rest of the world and intra-African integration. Burkina Faso Beyond the expression of an active solidarity, this initiative is a call to recognize the rights and values of landlocked countries in the global economy, Burkina Fasos foreign minister Karamoko Jean-Marie Traore said. Burkina Faso welcomes any initiative aimed at transforming its continentality into an asset, because it is clear that our countries have remained impoverished for a long time due to inappropriate policies, he said. He urged neighboring Sahel countries to spare no effort to materialize this large-scale project on the ground. Niger Nigers foreign minister Bakary Yaou Sangare welcomed the Royal initiative, which once again reflects the great vision of King Mohammed VI for Pan-Africanism. We hope that this Royal Initiative will offer real opportunities for the exploitation, transformation and commercialization of our resources, and for the acceleration of regional connectivity and trade flows for the shared prosperity of Morocco and Sahel countries, he said. The initiative is meant to help the Sahel be no longer a zone of instability but rather a zone of prosperity, he said, adding that Morocco is a true friend of Niger, a friend of all times. Chad Chads foreign minister Mahamat Saleh Annadif also welcomed the initiative and commended the leadership of King Mohammed VI who made Morocco a strategic and reliable partner of all African countries. In this regard, he welcomed this Royal Initiative aimed at promoting access of Sahel countries to the Atlantic Ocean, noting that Chads regional economic integration project goes hand in hand with the vision of the King for this region. Chads ambassador to Rabat Hassan Adoum Bakhit Haggar has highlighted, on the sideline of the event, the role of Dakhla port under construction. This future port will be the pride of Africa and all those who will benefit from this port infrastructure, the Chadian diplomat stressed, expressing his thanks to King Mohammed VI for this Royal Initiative aimed at enhancing the access of Sahel countries to the Atlantic Ocean which really gives hope to the regions countries. The Sovereigns Initiative is key for the survival of our landlocked countries, Bakhit Haggar underlined, adding that Morocco has always stood alongside African countries. Maximum autumn weather? Check. White Christmas? Check. Christmas blizzard? Phooey. The city of North Platte declared a snow alert about 10 a.m. Christmas Eve in advance of heavy snowfall and powerful winds expected to immobilize much of west central and northeast Nebraska Christmas Day and Tuesday. The National Weather Service has issued blizzard warnings for 44 counties from the Panhandles eastern edge to the Missouri River south of Yankton, South Dakota, effective from midnight Sunday until 6 a.m. CT Wednesday. Combined snowfall in North Platte for the extended period could range from 4 to 10 additional inches, but east central Nebraska and the central and northern Sandhills could get as much as 18 inches. The National Weather Service did revise snow totals down slightly in its 2:30 p.m. Sunday advisory update. Wind gusts are expected to reach as high as 55 mph across the region Monday into Tuesday. North Platte hasnt seen much snow on Christmas Day since city snowfall records began to be kept in 1893. The citys record for Dec. 25 is 3.2 inches in 1941 the very day the famous World War II Canteen opened. The Nebraska State Patrol and Nebraska Department of Transportation urged travelers to be prepared for potentially hazardous driving conditions that are expected to affect most of the state. NDOT is ready as this storm affects Nebraska, but we urge travelers to assess whether their travel is absolutely necessary before hitting the road, NDOT Director Vicki Bolduc said in a Sunday press release. This is going to be a white Christmas for most of Nebraska, but it will come with dangerous driving conditions, said State Patrol Superintendent Col. John Bolduc. Please adjust your travel plans for before and after Christmas so that you dont get stuck in this dangerous winter storm. Motorists planning to travel Nebraska roads on and after Christmas Day should call or consult Nebraska 511 and monitor the weather service websites in North Platte, Hastings, Valley and Cheyenne, Wyoming. The last covers Nebraskas Panhandle, which likely will escape the worst of the holiday storm. If motorists become stranded, call the State Patrol Highway Helpline at *55 or 800-525-5555 to speak directly with a dispatcher who can send help. North Platte residents need to move their vehicles off streets Sunday so snowplows can clear from curb to curb, City Administrator Layne Groseth said. Theyll roll once 4 inches of snow has fallen, with a formal snow emergency likely to follow. Except for the 4.4 inches of snow that fell the day after Thanksgiving, North Platte and western Nebraska had enjoyed mostly pleasant fall weather right up to and even after the winter solstices arrival Wednesday evening. Highs at the airport reached 62 Friday and 53 Saturday. Precipitation that started as rain late Saturday and changed over to snow early Sunday turned into 1.7 inches Sunday in North Platte. Another inch was expected before Santas sleigh arrives, according to the weather services Lee Bird Field office. But thats just the jab of a two-punch wintry assault as jet streams collide from two directions over Nebraska, weather service meteorologist Chuck Richie said Sunday morning. Weve got a southern jet stream coming up from the desert Southwest and a northern jet stream coming down from Canada, and theyre kind of coming together, he said. The storms roundhouse blow Monday and Tuesday could drop 4 to 10 inches of additional snow on North Platte, according to the weather services latest forecast Sunday morning. But the blizzard warnings starting overnight call for top winds of 45 to 55 mph throughout the region. The weather services official definition of a blizzard requires large amounts of either fresh snow or blowing snow, winds over 35 mph and visibilities of less than one-fourth of a mile for at least 3 hours. As Im sure everyone knows, blizzards are a wind-driven system, Richie said. It just takes a little bit of snow to reduce those visibilities. He said the blizzards expected potency comes from the southern jet stream carrying more moisture and the northern one supplying the cold. Western Nebraska has seen similar combinations produce memorable blizzards in the past. The epochal Jan. 2-5 Blizzard of 1949, 75 years ago next week, paralyzed much of rural Nebraska for weeks and required an extended U.S. Army operation to dig residents out. Richie said he and his colleagues at the weather services Lee Bird office remain somewhat uncertain how much snow North Platte might have by Wednesday. They expect no less than 6 inches to be on the ground by then, but its 50-50 if well get more than that. By contrast, Valentine, Mullen, Ainsworth and Broken Bow are in line for 9 to 18 inches from the storms second round after recording 2 to 3 inches Sunday. The highest snowfall forecasts currently are in the northeastern Sandhills into the Niobrara River valley north of Broken Bow. Ten to 18 inches are forecast for that area. Were pretty confident in those higher amounts up there in northern Nebraska, Richie said. Were having questions as to how far west the snow will come back toward (U.S. Highway) 83. Regardless of their final snow totals, Richie said, people in North Platte and Nebraskas central Interstate 80 corridor should count on sustained northwest winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 55 mph. The biggest concern over the next few days (is) that with snow on the ground, were going to get high winds thats going to reduce those visibilities, he said. Were more certain on that than we are on the higher snow amounts. Groseth said North Plattes street crews will put their first priority on clearing the citys emergency snow routes as they typically do during heavier snowfalls. It wasnt fun to tell Public Service Department employees theyre in for long, cold hours on Christmas, he said. I was hoping they wouldnt have to. The Opelika Police Department proposed staffing changes to the Opelika City Council during Tuesdays regular meeting. The Opelika City Council voted to approve a new organizational chart in which OPD Chief Shane Healey proposed that the department add one sworn police officer and 10 civilian employees to the department. The reorganization will eliminate some positions, which Healey said will allow for more efficiency. If we function inside our police department a little bit better, then we would obviously be able to serve our citizens even better, Healey said. That was kind of the whole crux of what we were trying to do by studying this by trial and error over the last three years. Everything that we have done has been with this reorganization in mind. Healey said theyve made other budget cuts, so new positions would only lead to its 2024 salary budget increasing by $214,000. The new organizational chart will include adding one officer at the rank of major, reducing the number of captain officers from four to two, adding two officers at the rank of lieutenant, adding one sergeant position and adding two part-time school resource officers. Healey said the department was allowed to have 100 officers before the reorganization. There will have a staff of 101 with the new positions. On the civilian side, the department will be adding one community relations specialist, one social work coordinator, six public safety cadets, one intelligence analyst/digital forensic examiner and three social work positions. The department already hired a social work coordinator in Yarbi Cound, and Healey took some time on Tuesday to highlight the tremendous impact that Cound has had since being hired on Nov. 1. She followed up on 36 cases that our officers have been involved in that required further follow-up on the social service side to provide further resources to somebody, Healey said. We would ultimately want to bring some social workers that would work under her to help further this program. I think we have tapped into something that is going to really change the dynamics of our citizens in our community. Healey said that when he took the job as Opelika police chief in 2021. He sat down with Mayor Gary Fuller and City Administrator Joey Motley to present his 90-day plan, which included reorganizing the department staffing. Healey did mention that it has been more than 90 days, but looking into reorganization revealed some issues within the department, even if there was a lot that they did right. We policed very well. We trained very well and we had a lot of great equipment, but we had a lot of work that we needed to do internally to be a better police department, Healey said. This is very important. For us to take the next step and grow into being the premier police department in the state of Alabama, this is what we need to do. A proposal in the Opelika City Councils agenda packet shows the department will be filling the positions of one major, two lieutenants, one sergeant, two public safety cadets and one community relations specialist for the 2024 fiscal year. The compensation for the additional positions is estimated to be approximately $215,000. Changes coming to the way citizens can speak at meetings The council voted on Tuesday to reform the order of the meetings, dividing the opportunities for citizens to address the council into three separate sections. The amendment created an opportunity for citizens to speak on agenda-related issues before general business began, in public hearings on items, and at the end of the meeting for any citizens with non-agenda issues. The new rules passed by the council do require that citizens stick to the subject of each section, such as agenda-related/ In addition to the reshuffling of the order, there are rules for citizen communications outlined in the ordinance, including that there cannot be any dialogue between the council members and the person addressing the council, as citizen communications shall not serve as a forum for debate with the council. I think when our citizens come forward and they provide communication, that is great, Ward 2 Councilwoman and President Pro-Tem Erica Baker Norris said at the meeting. But for the council not to be able to at some point on the agenda, which is standard for most cities in the state of Alabama, a portion where the council has an opportunity to also speak to the citizens as well as to council members. Norris voted against the ordinance, which passed with a 4-1 vote. Citizens will also be limited to three minutes or less for comments instead of five minutes. The council added four subsections to section 2-162 of the city code of ordinances, covering the new public comment options, public hearing rules, public comment rules and the order, decorum and entry policies for council meetings. Other business The council approved the issuing of a Retail Wine Retail Beer Off Premise Alcohol License for Ohanamart LLC. which is doing business as Serranos. City Clerk Russell Jones confirmed that Serranos will be located at 503 Martin Luther King Blvd., the previous location of the Neighborhood Market and MLK Food Market. The police department, we met with the owners, went over and checked out the store. There are no illegal gambling devices in there, Opelika Police Chief Shane Healey said at the meeting. As with past owners, we also vetted them they are no relation to the previous owners, best we could tell. So everything looks good. They were very receptive and told us anytime we want to come by, come by and theyll be happy to help us. HL Mando America Corporation will bring 13 new jobs to Opelika with an expansion at its 4201 Northpark Dr. facility, which serves as the companys North American headquarters. The total capital investment for the expansion is estimated to be $13.7 million. The council approved a series of tax abatement and exemptions for the company. The council approved the rezoning of 14.22 acres in the 3500 block of Waverly Parkway from an R-5 residential district to a C-2, GC-P office/retail district. This rezoning paves the way for Kagefit, a fitness and martial arts training center, to be built on two acres of the property. Kagefit currently has been occupying 3613 Pepperell Parkway for 10 years. But now with 200 members, the business has outgrown that location and is looking to build a 10,000-square-foot center in this area. The building will cover 2 acres and is accessible from Waverly Parkway, and the applicant requesting the rezoning said the remaining acres are reserved for future development. The Opelika Pickleball Club presented a $60,000 check to the City of Opelika. During the meeting, it was said that the club has reached 730 members and hosted 10 monthly tournaments in 2023. The Opelika City Council approved the renewal of an employment contract with City Attorney Guy F. Gunter III. The contract will be for three years and has an annual salary of $112,490. The council reappointed Ben Hand as a part-time Municipal Court Judge on a two-year term. The term will begin on Feb. 1, 2024 and conclude on Jan. 31 2026. Texas Roadhouse received approval for a Retail Beer and Retail Wine On Premise alcohol license at its Opelika location. The new restaurant is set to open in February 2024 and said it will bring 250 jobs to Opelika. The council approved a special event request for Red Clay Brewing Companys New Years Eve Party, which is scheduled for 5 p.m. to midnight on Dec. 31, 2023. The council approved the following purchases and appropriations: One TLM Pro X 3-Wheeled Autonomous GPS Robot for the Public Works department at a price that will not exceed $41,300. 952 Toter 96 Gallon EVR II Universal/Nestable Carts at an aggregate cost of $56,400. 110 Sig Sauer M17 9mm pistols with magazines and holsters from Gulf States Distributors at a cost of $99,700. A services agreement with Flock Group Inc. to provide two additional ALRP camera systems for the OPD at a three-year cost of $98,800. The OPD previously purchased six cameras in 2020. According to the council agenda packet, Flock Safety Camera Systems are used in over 400 cities in 35 states and over 100 police departments. A special appropriation to the Dream Day Foundation for the foundations 25th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration on Jan. 15, 2024. The appropriation will be $2,500. The 2024 fiscal year appropriations contract with the Arts Association of East Alabama remained on the table, with no second on Erica Baker Norris motion to remove it from the table. Norris explained that she was not sure why the item has been tabled meeting after meeting, but she called it disturbing and encouraged the other council members to move it forward at the next meeting, one way or the other. Authored by Michael Maharrey via SchiffGold.com, Bills filed in the Oklahoma and Missouri legislatures for the 2024 legislative session would eliminate state capital gains taxes on the sale of gold and silver. The legislation would also take other steps to treat gold and silver as money instead of as commodities. In Missouri, Rep Doug Richey filed HB1867 on Dec. 11. Rep. Bill Hardwick filed HB1955 on Dec. 15. The bills are companions to SB735 filed in the Senate by Sen. William Eigel earlier this month. In Oklahoma, Sen. Shane Jett filed SB1507 and Sen. Nathan Dahm is running SB1508. The enactment of any of these bills would eliminate state capital gains taxes on the sale and exchange of gold and silver bullion. Both of these states are already among the 42 that do not levy sales taxes on gold and silver bullion. Exempting the sale of gold and silver bullion from taxes lowers the investment cost of precious metals. It also takes a step toward treating gold and silver as money instead of commodities. Taxes on precious metal bullion erect barriers to using gold and silver as money by raising transaction costs. Imagine if you asked a grocery clerk to break a $5 bill and he charged you a 35-cent tax. Silly, right? After all, you were only exchanging one form of money for another. But thats essentially what a sales tax on gold and silver bullion does. By eliminating this tax on the exchange of gold and silver, Missouri and Oklahoma would treat specie as money instead of a commodity. This represents a small step toward reestablishing gold and silver as legal tender and breaking down the Feds monopoly on money. We ought not to tax money and thats a good idea. It makes no sense to tax money, former U.S. Rep. Ron Paul said during testimony in support of an Arizona bill that repealed capital gains taxes on gold and silver in that state. Paper is not money, its fraud, he continued. The impact of enacting this legislation will go beyond mere tax policy. During an event after his Senate committee testimony, Paul pointed out that its really about the size and scope of government. If youre for less government, you want sound money. The people who want big government, they dont want sound money. They want to deceive you and commit fraud. They want to print the money. They want a monopoly. They want to get you conditioned, as our schools have conditioned us, to the point where deficits dont matter. GOLD AND SILVER AS LEGAL TENDER Under provisions in the Missouri bill, gold and silver in physical or electronic form would be accepted as legal tender and would be receivable in payment of all debts contracted for in the state of Missouri. The state would be required to accept gold and silver for the payment of public debts. Private debts could be settled in gold and silver at the parties discretion. Practically speaking, this would allow Missourians to use gold or silver coins as money rather than just as mere investment vehicles. In effect, it would put gold and silver on the same footing as Federal Reserve notes. Oklahoma took a similar step in 2014. Utah and Arkansas also consider gold and silver legal tender. The proposed Missouri law also includes provisions authorizing the state to invest in gold or silver greater than or equal to one percent of all state funds and to expressly bar any state agency, department, or political subdivision from seizing gold or silver bullion. BACKGROUND The United States Constitution states in Article I, Section 10, No State shallmake any Thing but gold and silver Coin a Tender in Payment of Debts. Currently, all debts and taxes in the US are either paid with Federal Reserve Notes (dollars) which were authorized as legal tender by Congress, or with coins issued by the US Treasury very few of which have gold or silver in them. The Federal Reserve destroys this constitutional monetary system by creating a monopoly based on its fiat currency. Without the backing of gold or silver, the central bank can easily create money out of thin air. This not only devalues your purchasing power over time; it also allows the federal government to borrow and spend far beyond what would be possible in a sound money system. Without the Fed, the US government wouldnt be able to maintain all of its unconstitutional wars and programs. The Federal Reserve is the engine that drives the most powerful government in the history of the world. Tax repeals knock down one of the tax barriers that hinder the use of gold and silver as money, and could also begin the process of abolishing the Federal Reserves fiat money system by attacking it from the bottom up pulling the rug out from under it by working to make its functions irrelevant at the state and local levels, and setting the stage to undermine the Federal Reserve monopoly by introducing competition into the monetary system. ADVERTISEMENT In a paper presented at the Mises Institute, Constitutional tender expert Professor William Greene said when people in multiple states actually start using gold and silver instead of Federal Reserve Notes, it would effectively nullify the Federal Reserve and end the federal governments monopoly on money. Over time, as residents of the state use both Federal Reserve notes and silver and gold coins, the fact that the coins hold their value more than Federal Reserve notes do will lead to a reverse Greshams Law effect, where good money (gold and silver coins) will drive out bad money (Federal Reserve notes). As this happens, a cascade of events can begin to occur, including the flow of real wealth toward the states treasury, an influx of banking business from outside of the state as people in other states carry out their desire to bank with sound money and an eventual outcry against the use of Federal Reserve notes for any transactions. Once things get to that point, Federal Reserve notes would become largely unwanted and irrelevant for ordinary people. These bills make up part of a broader movement at the state level to support sound money. By Zerohedge.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Agnosticism is built upon the paper-thin foundation of uncertainty, without any objective basis or solid evidence to stand upon. Christmas prophecies in Scripture, on the other hand, are rooted in history and evidence, and actually provide a satisfying way out of agnosticism. Agnostics find themselves shooting in the dark, whereas the Christmas prophecies shine a bright light upon the powerful connection between divinely appointed historical events and spiritual truth. For example, Isaiah prophesied 700 years before Christ was born: Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14). The greatest Christian present you could ever open was placed by God under the tree of the cross. This indescribable gift (2 Cor. 9:15) has your name on it, but will only benefit you if you open it through faith in Jesus. The moment you turn to the Lord in repentance and trust Christ to wash away your sins, you are instantly forgiven and brought into the family of God. Are you determined to allow your doubts to define you? Wouldnt you rather meet God and discover that Heaven is a real place inhabited by believers who trusted Jesus to save them? Why die in your sins after all that God has done to provide a way of escape for you and your family? If you dont meet Jesus, and then tell your family the truth about the Savior, who will? You could begin by embracing the Christmas prophecy that pinpointed the birthplace of the Messiah 700 years before the Savior was born. The prophet Micah wrote: But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times (Micah 5:2). Jewish scholars have always expected the Messiah to come from Bethlehem. The fact of the matter is that the Messiah was already born in that little town 2,000 years ago. The power of God changes everything, and there is still time for you to transition out of agnosticism this Christmas by receiving Jesus as your Savior. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God (John 1:12). So, are you ready to transition? Rev. Dan Delzell, Redeemer Lutheran Church, Papillion * * * In my office I have a small Nativity set. A few years ago, my mom gifted this to me and gave identical ones to each of my siblings. The wood stable was handmade by one of my uncles. He had taken the stable my dad made when we were children, took it apart and repurposed the wood to make five smaller ones. The figurines for the Nativity scene are a plastic childrens play set. My mom was very intentional in choosing this kind of set for us because it was the kind of set we had growing up. The Nativity set of my childhood was always on the floor or on a small table. It was accessible to us as children. I remember as a child playing with the set at Christmas time and moving the figurines around and retelling the story in my own way. At times other figures made their way onto the scene: Barbie, Batman, G.I. Joe, etc. Our family Nativity scene was different than the set for example at my Grandmas house. She had an older, beautiful set, but it was put out of reach. We were able to view it, but we were not allowed to touch it. The Nativity scene in my office and the one I grew up with in our family home reminds me of the joyous mystery so many of us celebrate this evening, tomorrow and in the days ahead. Through the Incarnation, God became one with us in our humanity, He made Himself accessible to each of us. By sharing our humanity, God was no longer distant from us to be observed, but one with us in all ways but sin. He drew near to us in this life so that we could one day draw near to Him in Eternal Life. It is the greatest and true gift of Christmas. As we celebrate this great gift, Emanual (God With US), may we be moved to share the gift of ourselves generously with others. The last stanza of the 1872 poem, A Christmas Carol, by Christina Rossetti, reminds us of the gift we are to give: 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. Rev. Michael Eckley, St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church The Durham Museum has announced its 2024 exhibit lineup. In the spring, take a trip down memory lane with TOYTOPIA and examine the origins of toys, who made them, and why they are dear to us. The summer brings Becoming Jane: The Evolution of Dr. Jane Goodall, a hands-on, transportive, multimedia exhibition celebrating the extraordinary life and work of world-renowned conservationist and ethologist Dr. Jane Goodall. The year ends with Beyond Combat: WWI Through the Lens of Rudolph Cook, a photography exhibition chronicling the journey of the 88th Division, 313th Engineers, from their training at Camp Dodge to the end of their deployment in 1919. Exhibit dates: TOYTOPIA, March 9-May 26 What was your childhood passion? Jump roping? Star Wars collectibles? Baking in an Easy Bake Oven? Whatever your favorite toy was then and is now, youre sure to find it in the exhibit which features the worlds largest Etch A Sketch, a life-size Monopoly car and game board, a retro arcade area and a life-size dollhouse. Our goal was to capture the essence of childhood wonder; that dream of being in a world of toys, said Troy Carlson, owner of Stage 9 Exhibits, which developed the exhibit, and G. Willikers Toy Emporium. Becoming Jane: The Evolution of Dr. Jane Goodall, June 22-Oct. 13 Dr. Jane Goodall, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and a United Nations Messenger of Peace, braved the unknown to give the world a remarkable window into humankinds closest living relatives: chimpanzees. In this hands-on, multimedia exhibition celebrating her extraordinary life and work, visitors will explore Goodalls early years through iconic images and a multiscreen experience, and venture on an immersive projection of Tanzanias Gombe Stream National Park where she did her famous behavioral research on chimps. Visitors will also see a life-size hologram of Goodall, enter a replica of her research tent, and learn about her current role as a leader in community-centered conservation and youth empowerment. Beyond Combat: WWI Through the Lens of Rudolph Cook, Nov. 9-Jan. 12, 2025 Rudolph Doc Cook, an amateur photographer who enlisted during World War I, served with the 88th Division, 313th Engineers and captured the companys experiences with his camera. A century later, a local Omaha woman purchased a case that had belonged to Cook. The case contained his original photographic negatives. After researching Cooks life and displaying some of the images at the Fremont Art Center in 2022, she donated the entire set to the Durham Museum. Beyond Combat: WWI Through the Lens of Rudolph Cook is a temporary exhibition developed by the Durham Museum. Through photos curated from Cooks collection, it tells the story of the 313th Engineers from their training at Camp Dodge until the completion of their deployment in May 1919. Their story highlights military jobs that contributed to the war effort beyond the traditionally understood duties of combat. The military engineers that Doc served with were responsible for repairing roads, building bridges, laying track, improving dugouts and shelters and assisting in the restoration of war-torn regions. Plans for the exhibition also include a small theater area, with seating, featuring additional images in which guests are invited to linger with Doc Cooks images and immerse themselves in the 313th Engineers experience. Lights brighten holidays at Harmony Court Gary and Connie Beutler are spending their first Christmas at Harmony Court in Bellevue. They feel like everyone is one big happy family, and their kids feel the same. Daughter Kim Beutler visits often and decided that residents needed something on their walkers. The family sourced Christmas lights for everyone who wanted them, which ended up being about 42 sets. The family, along with management, organized a holiday picture. Residents came down in Christmas-themed shirts and accessories. Connie Beutler said she thinks it could be the start of a lovely tradition. Everyone loved the lights and we loved seeing the smiles on their faces, she said. We love seeing everyone so festive and smiling. Couples contribution helps kids at Childrens Square As the holiday season approaches, Childrens Square is set to sparkle with joy and laughter, thanks in part to a generous contribution from the Cindy and Jerry Mathiasen Family Fund. Over a dozen children residing on the Childrens Square campus on Christmas Day are in for a memorable Christmas, filled with festive activities. Each year, Cindy and Jerry Mathiasen along with their adult children and grandchildren, decide on a charitable grant destination for the holiday season. The holiday festivities include rental of a local theater for a special movie screening accompanied by popcorn, candy and movie treats, followed by a festive dinner. Each child will receive stockings filled with goodies, along with gifts such as books and board games. Phil Taylor, chief administrative officer of Childrens Square, expressed his gratitude. This will be an unforgettable holiday for the children on our campus over the holiday season. The generous donation from the Mathiasen family will not only bring joy and fun to the kids but will also have a lasting positive impact on their lives. he said. Mathiasen highlighted the significance of Childrens Square in the community, stating, Childrens Square is an important regional charity and a mainstay in the community. As a family, we wanted to play a role this year in helping meet the needs of its children over the holidays, he said. The Mathiasen Family Fund has a history of supporting various nonprofits, including Family Inc., Micah House, Pottawattamie Conservation, the Dodge House, Mercy Hospital, Dream Playground, Historic Bregant Home, and many others. Administered by the Community Foundation for Western Iowa, the fund continues to make a meaningful impact on the community. U.S. moves to investigate American companies' procurement of Chinese-made legacy node chips has triggered a backlash from the Chinese government, which blamed Washington for "weaponizing" trade issues. China's foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbing said on Friday that the U.S. move would endanger global supply chains, urging Washington to respect international trade rules and market-based principles. The U.S. commerce department said on Thursday that it would conduct a survey on the use and sourcing of Chinese-manufactured legacy chips in the supply chains of critical American industries such as telecommunications, car making, and defense over national security concerns. The survey was designed to "create a level playing field for legacy chip production, and reduce national security risks posed by China," it said. "The citing of national security is just a pretext to maintain U.S. competitiveness in legacy chips," Ma Jihua, a veteran telecoms observer, was quoted as saying on Friday in the Chinese nationalist tabloid Global Times. Ma said China has advantages including lower costs, faster research and development progress, and more diverse applications compared to the U.S. China currently has 44 semiconductor wafer foundries in operation and a further 22 under construction, Taiwan-based IC research company TrendForce said in a recent note. By the end of 2024, China will expand mature chip production at 32 foundries, it added. Chinese customs data showed that the value of China's U.S.-bound exports of chips such as processors and controllers grew 17 percent year on year to $1.3 billion in the first 11 months. However, total U.S. imports of China-made integrated circuits declined 0.5 percent to $2.02 billion over the same period. China's state-sponsored expansion in mature chipmaking, or legacy chips using the 28-nanometre (nm) or older technologies, has triggered concern from the U.S. and E.U., which have both offered generous subsidies to lure global foundries such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing and U.S. chip giant Intel in efforts to reshore chip production. In August, the U.S. president Joe Biden signed into law the Chips Act, offering subsidies of up to $53 billion for wafer fabs built on American soil. However, conditions were attached to the funding, preventing chip makers that receive funding from expanding or building advanced semiconductor facilities in China for 10 years. The act, which was slammed as "chip hegemony" by Beijing, would have the effect of reducing China's overall silicon capacity by 180,000 equivalent 12-inch wafers a month by 2025, according to ICWise, a Shanghai-based semiconductor consulting firm. There is a growing consensus among semiconductor professionals in China that U.S. semiconductor export controls are meant to hobble China's chip industry development under the pretext of national security. Early this month, U.S. commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said there was "no way we are going to let [China] catch up" to the U.S. lead in advanced semiconductor design, adding that "protecting our national security matters more than [the] short term revenue" of U.S. firms wanting to sell hi-end chips to China. In October, the commerce department intensified export controls on shipments of advanced chips and chipmaking tools to China, reinforcing a blizzard of such rules implemented over the past four years in a bid to cap China's progress in advanced chipmaking at 14-nm for logic semiconductors. In response, China has vowed to achieve higher chip self-sufficiency, with billions in state money being poured into the sector. Those efforts have started with the domestic substitution of parts and equipment for mature foundry processes because older foreign-sourced technologies are easier to replace. "China is focusing aggressively on mature process technologies such as 28-nm and older, particularly in response to export controls on advanced equipment by the U.S., Japan, and the Netherlands," said TrendForce. China's global share of mature process capacity is expected to reach 39 percent by 2027, up from 31 percent in 2023, with room for further growth if equipment procurement proceeds smoothly, according to TrendForce. In contrast, China's proportion of global advanced process capacity, defined as 14-nm and below, would drop to 6 percent from 8 percent this year. TrendForce warned that China's rapid expansion of mature process capacity would lead to a price war in products like image sensors and power management ICs, impacting Taiwan-based foundries. "China's chip sector has been a darling of investors and the expansion in mature processes was lifted by its electric vehicle industry, where demand is huge for chips like power management ICs," said Brady Wang, an associate director with research firm Counterpoint, adding that pricing for mature nodes would come under downward pressure next year. Read the full story at SCMP Oakeson Steiner Moves $1.2B Practice to Carson Group Oakeson Steiner Wealth & Retirement, announced that it is changing RIAs to Carson Group and joining a growing network of more than 150 advisory firms. The established retirement and investments advisory firm, headquartered in Hastings, Nebraska, brings a legacy of providing tailored financial planning services to individuals, families and businesses in the community. Led by President and Wealth Advisor, Josh Yost, PPC, CRPS , Oakeson Steiner manages $1.2 billion in client assets and has a dedicated team of 13 wealth advisors and client services staff. Founded in 1994 by Doug Oakeson and Jack Steiner, the firm has consistently pioneered innovative solutions for clients, including efficient investment strategies, creative financial planning tools and cost-effective financial services. "At the forefront of creating better solutions for clients, our move to Carson Group aligns perfectly with our goal of providing enhanced services through cutting-edge technology and resources," said Josh Yost, Managing Director and Wealth Advisor, Oakeson Steiner. "We are excited to build on the solid foundation set by our founding partners and elevate our client experience to new heights." Oakeson Steiner sought a partner that could offer a robust technology platform, marketing and compliance support, allowing them to focus more on their clients. Through back-office support in marketing, operations, technology, and more, Carson Group empowers advisors to prioritize client needs while ensuring the freedom to make recommendations in the best interest of clients. "We are thrilled to welcome the Oakeson Steiner team to our community of growth-minded advisors," said Gregg Johnson, National Sales Director for Carson Group. "Their client-centric approach and innovative mindset align perfectly with our mission to drive business success and establish ourselves as leaders in financial advice." Maintaining sole ownership, Yost and his team will continue to lead the day-to-day operations of the firm. "This partnership promises an enhanced client experience and provides the Oakeson Steiner team with access to leading technology, top-notch industry expertise and a network of professionals dedicated to creating lasting value for their clients," said Burt White, Managing Partner & Chief Strategy Officer, Carson Group. Carson Group currently manages $31 billion* in assets and serves more than 48,000 families among its advisory network of 150+ partner offices. For additional information, visit www.carsongroup.com. A blizzard warning has been issued for a large swath of Nebraska from late Sunday through Christmas Day. "Omaha is not in the blizzard warning area," Becky Kern, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Valley, said Sunday. "Omaha is in a winter storm watch, with about a 72% chance we will see 1 inch or more of snow." Omaha is forecast to receive 1 to 4 inches of snow, she said. Lincoln could receive 4 to 9 inches of snow, and it has a 93% chance of getting at least 1 inch of accumulation. Residents of central and northeast Nebraska are expected to be hardest hit by the storm, Kern said. The forecast calls for 12 to 21 inches of snow in O'Neill, 8 to 13 inches in Norfolk and 9 to 17 inches in Grand Island. Residents near the Nebraska-South Dakota border should be prepared for winds gusting as high as 45 mph. Travel by roads could be very difficult and should be undertaken only if absolutely necessary, Kern said. The expected severity of this storm has increased over the last couple of days and will now pose significant travel challenges across the state, said Vicki Kramer, director of the Nebraska Department of Transportation. NDOT is ready as this storm affects Nebraska, but we urge travelers to assess whether their travel is absolutely necessary before hitting the road. The Nebraska State Patrol advised residents not to travel in blizzard conditions. Travel may be difficult to impossible. This is going to be a white Christmas for most of Nebraska, but it will come with dangerous driving conditions, Col. John Bolduc, superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol, said Sunday. Please adjust your travel plans for before and after Christmas so that you dont get stuck in this dangerous winter storm. Motorists that become stranded should call the State Patrol's Highway Helpline at *55 or 800-525-5555 to speak directly with an NSP dispatcher who can send help. Travelers are advised to take along a winter storm kit, including tire chains, booster cables, flashlight, shovel, blankets and extra clothing. It's also advised that travelers bring water, a first aid kit and anything else that would help you survive in case they should become stranded. Temperatures in Omaha on Christmas Day are expected to hover around 31 degrees, Kern said. Winds of between 20 and 30 mph will make it feel like temperatures are in the teens. EL ALTO, Bolivia When they first started climbing the Andes peaks, they could hear the ice crunching under their crampons. These days, its the sound of melted water running beneath their feet that they mostly listen to as they make their ascents. Dressed in colorful, multilayered skirts, a group of 20 Indigenous Bolivian women known as the Cholita climbers have been climbing the mountain range for the past eight years, working as tourist guides. But as the glaciers in the South American country retreat as a result of climate change, they worry about the future of their jobs. The Aymara women remember a time when practically every spot on the glaciers was covered in snow, but now there are parts with nothing but rocks. There used to be a white blanket and now there is only rock," said Lidia Huayllas, one of the climbers. The thaw is very noticeable. Huayllas said she has seen the snow-capped Huayna Potosi mountain, a 19,600-feet peak near the Bolivian city of El Alto, shrink little by little in the past two decades. "We used to walk normally; now, there are rocks and water overflowing, said the 57-year-old woman as she jumped from stone to stone to avoid getting her skirt and feet wet. Edson Ramirez, a glaciologist from the Pierre and Marie Curie University in France, estimates that in the past 30 years, Bolivian glaciers have lost 40% of their thickness due to climate change. In the lower parts of the mountain, he says, the ice has basically vanished. We already lost Chacaltaya, said Ramirez, referring to a 17,700-feet mountain that used to be a popular ski resort and now has no ice left. With no ice left in the lower parts of the mountain range, the Cholita climbers need to go farther up to find it. This has reduced the number of tourists seeking their services as guides. Huayllas would not say how much she makes as a tour guide, but she said a Cholita climber currently makes about $30 per tour. That is less than the $50 per tour they used to make. In 2022, during the September-December climbing season, the Cholitas did 30 tours, Huayllas said. This year, through early November, they had barely done 16. The situation has gotten so critical, the 20 women have looked for other jobs to make ends meet. Some of the Cholitas have started making and selling blankets and coats with alpaca wool from the Andes, Huayllas said. If this continues, we're going to have to work in commerce or do something else for a living, said Huayllas, although she quickly dismissed her own pessimistic thought, somehow hoping for a change: No. This is our source of work. The Texas shrimper holding industrial polluters accountable The Texas shrimper holding industrial polluters accountable Wilson's education ended with high school, but she self-educated in order to navigate the murky waters of scientific data and the legal world For Wilson, the process of proving just how widespread pollution had become was an exercise in patience and determination Wilson's efforts led to a historic legal judgmentand the vindication of years of struggle DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza At least 68 people were killed by an Israeli strike in central Gaza, health officials said Sunday, while the number of Israeli soldiers killed in combat over the weekend rose to 15. Associated Press journalists at a nearby hospital watched frantic Palestinians carry the dead, including a baby, and wounded following the strike on the Maghazi refugee camp east of Deir al-Balah. One bloodied young girl looked stunned while her body was checked for broken bones. The 68 fatalities include at least 12 women and seven children, according to early hospital figures. We were all targeted, said Ahmad Turokmani, who lost several family members including his daughter and grandson. There is no safe place in Gaza anyway. Earlier, the Health Ministry in Gaza gave the death toll as 70. The Israeli military had no immediate comment. As Christmas Eve fell, smoke rose over the besieged territory, while in the West Bank Bethlehem was hushed. In neighboring Egypt, tentative efforts continued on a deal for another exchange of hostages for Palestinians held by Israel. The war has devastated parts of Gaza, killed roughly 20,400 Palestinians and displaced almost all of the territory's 2.3 million people. The mounting death toll among Israeli troops 154 since the ground offensive began could erode public support for the war, which was sparked when Hamas-led militants stormed communities in southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 and taking 240 hostage. Israelis still largely stand behind the country's stated goals of crushing Hamas' governing and military capabilities and releasing the remaining 129 captives. That's despite rising international pressure against Israel's offensive, and the soaring death toll and suffering among Palestinians. "The war exacts a very heavy price from us, but we have no choice but to continue fighting," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said. In a nationally televised speech, Israeli President Isaac Herzog appealed for the country to remain united. "This moment is a test. We will not break nor blink," he said. There has been widespread anger against his government, which many criticize for failing to protect civilians on Oct. 7 and promoting policies that allowed Hamas to gain strength over the years. Netanyahu has avoided accepting responsibility for the military and policy failures. The Israeli military said it completed the dismantling of Hamas' underground headquarters in northern Gaza, part of an operation to take down the vast tunnel network and kill off top commanders that Israeli leaders have said could take months. Efforts toward negotiations continued. The head of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Ziyad al-Nakhalah, arrived in Egypt for talks. The militant group, which also took part in the Oct. 7 attack, said it was prepared to consider releasing hostages only after fighting ends. More than two-thirds of the 20,000 Palestinians killed have been women and children, according to the Health Ministry in Gaza, which does not differentiate between civilians and combatants. The Palestinian Red Crescent said a 13-year-old boy was shot and killed in an Israeli drone attack while inside al-Amal Hospital in Khan Younis, a part of Gaza where Israel's military believes Hamas leaders are hiding. An Israeli strike overnight hit a house in a refugee camp west of the city of Rafah, on Gaza's border with Egypt. At least two men were killed, according to journalists in the hospital where the bodies were taken. At least two people were killed and six others wounded when a missile stuck a building in the Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza. Palestinians reported heavy Israeli bombardment and gunfire in Jabaliya, an area north of Gaza City that Israel had claimed to control. Hamas' military arm said its fighters shelled Israeli troops in Jabaliya and Jabaliya refugee camp. Israel faces international criticism for the civilian death toll but it blames Hamas, citing the militants' use of crowded residential areas and tunnels. Israel launched thousands of airstrikes since Oct. 7. It says it has killed thousands of Hamas militants. Israel also faces allegations of mistreating Palestinian men and teenage boys detained in homes, shelters, hospitals and elsewhere during the offensive. It has denied abuse allegations and said those without links to militants are quickly released. Speaking to the AP from a hospital bed in Rafah after his release, Khamis al-Burdainy of Gaza City said Israeli forces detained him after tanks and bulldozers partly destroyed his home. He said men were handcuffed and blindfolded. "We didn't sleep. We didn't get food and water," he said, crying and covering his face. Another released detainee, Mohammed Salem from the Gaza City neighborhood of Shijaiyah, said Israeli troops beat them. "We were humiliated," he said. "A female soldier would come and beat an old man, aged 72 years old." The United Nations Security Council this past week passed a resolution calling for the speedy delivery of humanitarian aid for Palestinians and the release of all the hostages, but not for a cease-fire. It was not immediately clear how and when deliveries of food, medical supplies and other aid, far below the daily average of 500 before the war, would accelerate. Wael Abu Omar, a spokesman for the Palestinian Crossings Authority, said 123 aid trucks entered Gaza on Sunday. BROWNSVILLE, Texas Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday approved sweeping new powers that allow police to arrest migrants who illegally cross the U.S. border and give local judges authority to order them to leave the country, testing the limits of how far a state can go to enforce immigration laws. Opponents have called the measure the most dramatic attempt by a state to police immigration since a 2010 Arizona law denounced by critics as the Show Me Your Papers bill that was largely struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court. Immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility, and Texas law is also likely to face swift legal challenges. The law, which takes effect in March, allows any Texas law enforcement officer to arrest people who are suspected of entering the country illegally. Once in custody, they could either agree to a Texas judges order to leave the U.S. or be prosecuted on misdemeanor charges of illegal entry. Migrants who dont leave could face arrest again under more serious felony charges. Abbott, who signed the law in front of a section of border fence in Brownsville, predicted the number of people crossing illegally into Texas would drop by well over 50%, maybe 75%." He did not offer evidence for that estimate. The consequences of it are so extreme that the people being smuggled by the cartels, they will not want to be coming into the state of Texas," he said. The law adds another tension point over immigration amid a struggle between the White House and Senate negotiators to reach a deal on border security. Republicans in Congress are demanding changes to the immigration system in exchange for any help for Ukraine, Israel and other national security needs. Texas Republicans have increasingly challenged the U.S. governments authority over immigration, saying President Joe Biden's administration isnt doing enough to control the 1,950-mile (3,149-kilometer) southern border. Texas has bused more than 65,000 migrants to cities across America since August 2022 and recently installed razor wire along the banks of the Rio Grande, which has snagged and injured some asylum-seekers. The U.S. government on Monday temporarily shut down two railroad border crossings in Texas, a move that rail operators said would hamper trade ahead of Christmas. Troy Miller, U.S. Customs and Border Protections acting commissioner, said the closures at Eagle Pass and El Paso were a response to more migrants traveling on freight trains, particularly over the last week. Miller said authorities are seeing unprecedented arrivals at the border, topping 10,000 crossings on some days this month. Shortly after Abbott signed the new law, the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas said it would challenge the measure in court. More than 20 congressional Democrats also signed a letter urging the U.S. Justice Department to sue to stop the law, known as Senate Bill 4. SB 4 is dangerous for the people of Texas and interferes with the federal governments exclusive authority over immigration and foreign affairs," the letter read. Mexicos government also has rebuked the measure. Under bilateral and international agreements, Mexico is required to accept deportations of its own citizens, but not those of other countries. Under the Texas law, migrants ordered to leave would be sent to ports of entry along the border with Mexico, even if they are not Mexican citizens. In September and October, Venezuelans were the largest nationality arrested for illegally crossing the U.S. border. During debate in the Texas House in November, GOP state Rep. David Spiller pushed back against concerns that the law would be used as a dragnet to arrest immigrants statewide. He said enforcement would mostly take place in border counties. But he also rebuffed several efforts by Democrats to narrow the law, including a proposed carve-out for police on college campuses. Because the illegal entry charge is a misdemeanor, which has a statue of limitation of two years, Spiller has said the law will not be used to target immigrants who have long been settled in the U.S. This is not, Round up everyone who is here illegally and ship them back to Mexico, he said during debate over the bill. Opponents have accused Texas Republicans of using the law as a vehicle to force the Supreme Courts new conservative majority to revisit its landmark 2012 Arizona decision. At the time, Justice Anthony Kennedy said Arizona may have understandable frustrations with immigrants who are in the country illegally but that it cant pursue policies that undermine federal law. ___ Weber contributed from Austin, Texas. Associated Press writers Mark Stevenson in Mexico City and Elliot Spagat in San Diego contributed to this report. ___ In snow, rain, heat, cold and anything the weather brings, Ron Chance makes the daily trek from his bedroom to his den to his collection of weather instruments in the backyard of his Hammonton home. Roughly 5,400 times since 2008, nearly every day, Chance reports how much rain, snow, sleet and hail fell in the past 24 hours at his house to the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network, CoCoRaHS, the nations biggest network of volunteer weather observers. Chance, a retired New Jersey State Police trooper, isnt alone. On this particular November day, 14,586 people did the same, including in Canada and the Bahamas. Farther south, Christina Fore does the same in the North Cape May section of Lower Township. Its 7 oclock in the morning. ... I come out, its a beautiful day, probably not rain, but sometimes theres a surprise, Fore said. When I talk to people, I can always accurately tell them how much rain or snow fell. Chance, Fore and the nearly 15,000 others provide a critical service to the weather community, fueled by their passion for meteorology, free of charge. Since 1998, data collected by these volunteers have confirmed record events, provided drought updates and become the go-to source for their neighbors. CoCoRaHS began in 1998 with the Colorado Climate Center at Colorado State University. The year prior, Fort Collins, where the university is located, was the epicenter of a massive flood. A total of 14.5 inches of rain fell in 31 hours. Five people were killed, according to the Fort Collins History Connection. UPDATES: Rainfall records set in South Jersey as storm moves away Soaking rain, strong winds and coastal flooding will continue through Monday. However, the wet weather will be gone for the afternoon. The final part of this storm will then be possible snow showers early Tuesday. Nolan Doesken, who was the assistant state climatologist at the time, used that storm as inspiration for creating the network of volunteer observers. Weather stations are typically only located at airports, too few and far between to measure highly variable precipitation. CoCoRaHs wouldnt provide all the data that a weather station could, but it could fill in coverage gaps. Doesken eventually became the Colorado state climatologist and has since retired, but his legacy continues on in CoCoRaHS. From 1998 to 2002, the program existed only in Colorado. Wyoming became the second state to join the network in 2003. It reached all 50 states, and the District of Columbia, in March 2013, according to the organization. New Jersey joined in February 2008, led by the Office of the New Jersey State Climatologist. More than 250 volunteers report in when precipitation falls. No formal meteorology experience is required. An interest in weather is enough, along with a spot far enough away from trees to take an accurate measurement. Training requires going through a few slide-show presentations or videos. The only cost is to purchase the CoCoRaHS-approved rain gauge, typically around $35. Free registration takes place at cocorahs.org/application.aspx. The data are used by government agencies, like the National Weather Service, news organizations and private companies like snow plow contractors. I would encourage anyone whos interested in weather to do it. Its a simple rain gauge you put in your backyard, with an open area. Its cool to take a measurement every day, especially somewhere where its useful, said Tom Preiser, of Stafford Township. Preisers CoCoRaHS observations date back over 10 years. At the time, he was the only observer in the southern part of Ocean County. His interest in weather stems from his involvement in emergency communications and the National Weather Services SKYWARN weather spotter program. Measurements are taken once a day at the same time each day and input into the CoCoRaHS website or app. There is no obligation to report each day. It only takes a couple minutes each day, Fore said as she walked out her front door to the rain gauge located next to her driveway. Fore began observing in 2008 and took the gauge with her when she moved from a different part of the state to Lower Township. When Chance is away, usually visiting his sons in California and North Carolina, hell report what fell in his rain gauge when he comes back using the multiday feature. Much like the post office, his job is most critical when the weather is volatile. In addition to rain, observers reports hail, tornadoes, sleet and snow. Many use a board painted white to measure snow. White is required by CoCoRaHS, as it absorbs a minimal amount of heat from the sun, which would undercount snow measurements. Chance will take a core sample of the snow and bring it inside to melt. Hell then measure that to report how much liquid the snow produced. Sometimes, a report out of the ordinary will come along. Hurricane-force storm brings up to 6 inches of rain, breaks rainfall records Going into Thursday, most of South Jersey was on the cusp of drought, with one of the driest Aprils on record. Chance said one day a carpenter bee drilled a hole into the bottom of his rain gauge to get to the water inside it. He had to purchase a new gauge. With something as highly variable as precipitation, these reporters are a great resource to the professional meteorological community. In 2011, New Jersey was the first state in the country that had a CoCoRaHS rain gauge station used to create a statewide record, said Dave Robinson, the New Jersey state climatologist and CoCoRaHS coordinator. In that year, West Milford in Passaic County was deluged with 90.65 inches of rain. Significant rainfall was also measured that year in South Jersey. I had one day where I had almost 3.5 inches of rain and I submitted it and I got the email from Mat (Gerbush, New Jerseys assistant state climatologist and CoCoRaHS coordinator) asking is that correct? I said yes, and he said youre the only high total in the area, Preiser said. Gerbush and Preiser compared the data to historical radar to prove his total was correct. Some members see the program as a service to the greater good of the world. They understand their reports are used to help with critical situations. Were (Hammonton) between the Mullica and Great Egg Harbor River. ... Water that falls on the east side of Hammonton goes to the Mullica River. The water that falls on the west side goes to the Great Egg Harbor River, said Chance, whos been formally commended annually for being one of the states most active observers. The farmers in the area need to know how much water fell on their farms and make decisions on if they need to irrigate. When the United States Drought Monitor placed Fores home in drought during the summer, she said her measurement helped her track conditions in her area. I wanted to get involved and felt that the easiest thing, or most interesting thing ... was to be a CoCoRaHS volunteer, she said. Gerbush and Robinson said that, in New Jersey, volunteers are most needed in Cumberland and inland Ocean counties. However, all new CoCoRaHS observers are welcomed. I enjoy it. I wish we had more observers, Chance said. GALLERY: CoCoRaHS observer Christina Fore Each week, Flying Horse features dozens of Central Illinois childrens thoughts and drawings on various topics. This week: Christmas/Favorite holiday Florida Christmas: I love Christmas. Every year we go to Florida for Christmas. I love it. Bella Jacoby Grade 5, Calvary Christmas: I love Christmas because I get presents. Santa brings them. I love the snow. Its fun to play in the snow. Brylee Stomestreot Grade 3, Cedar Ridge Movies and presents: My favorite holiday is Christmas because you get to see your family. On Christmas my family watches movies and has dinner together. But my favorite part is when my whole family is together in my living room to open presents. I love seeing my family. Vivian Reginelli Grade 2, Corpus Christi Christmas pjs: My favorite holiday is Christmas. I get to open presents, which is very fun. Then I go to my grandparents and hang out there. Then I spend all day playing with my family and take pictures of me and my family in Christmas pajamas. Harper Stuehlmeyer Grade 4, Fairview Santa Claus: I like Christmas because of Santa Claus. I cant believe that Santa can deliver Christmas to every home in one night. Santa Claus is awesome. Andy Carr Grade 3, Grove Thanksgiving: My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving because we get to gather around the table. I also get to see family. We eat stuffing, turkey, rolls, corn and mashed potatoes. I ate cranberry sauce. I just love Thanksgiving. Meredith Blaylock Grade 2, Jefferson Park 4th of July: I love Fourth of July. I love how we get to stay up late and watch the fireworks. Its so exciting waiting for night. I always ask my dad to look outside to know if its dark. Its on the same month as my birthday. Now what could be better than that? Audrey Ramsey Grade 2, Northpoint Real tree: For Christmas, my family puts up a real tree. I like the colorful lights. There are lots of presents under the tree. Nandini Galla Grade 3, Northpoint Holiday vacation: I like to go on vacation. I like to visit my cousin in the Dominican Republic. We like to watch "The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie." Marcos Abreu Arias Grade 5, Northpoint Winter holiday: My favorite winter holiday is Christmas. I like to spend time with my family and I like to open the presents. I love to spot Elf. I love when I see the presents. Brody Beall Grade 2, Parkside Halloween: My favorite holiday is Halloween. I like it because I get to go trunk-or-treating. I get to see many uniquely decorated festive cars! I get to see my friends, Sydney, Sean, Maddy, Sophia, and Gianna there. When I get home, I feel happy to eat and play with my treats. Shriya Patel Grade 5, Prairieland Easter: My favorite is Easter. My favorite is Halloween. My favorite is Christmas. My favorite is Christmas gifts. Treasures Young Grade 3, Sheridan Valentine's Day: My favorite holiday is Valentine's Day because I can give stuff away. And I can be super nice and give chocolate. Amir Taylor Grade 2, Stevenson Hanukkah: My favorite holiday is Hanukkah. It is just eight days of presents. It's the best. I also like Christmas. It is fun. I like Hanukkah because it's eight days of presents, but Christmas is just one. Max Litwiller Grade 3, Stevenson Ornaments: On Christmas we hang ornaments. We also open gifts. Maverick Margherio Grade 1, Sugar Creek Family time: My favorite holiday is Christmas because I get to spend time with my family. Savannah Simpson Grade 2, Sugar Creek Favorite holiday: My favorite holiday is Christmas. It is so fun. I like it because of the presents. It is so exciting. I like it because you get to see your family. Avry Baer Grade 2, Washington The Easter Bunny: My favorite holiday is Easter. I get to find eggs in my yard. And the Easter Bunny comes. I love Easter. Danielle Young Grade 3, Washington Birth of Jesus: I love Christmas. You celebrate the birth of Jesus. Also Santa comes and gives you gifts if you are good. I love Christmas. Henry Lyons Grade 4, Washington Loves Christmas: Christmas is so fun. I go to my familys house and exchange presents. I love Christmas. Linden Bennett Grade 5, Calvary Christmas traditions: My tradition is every year. We get pajamas and we also get a special ornament. Lake Hobart Grade 3, Cedar Ridge Sweet holiday: My favorite holiday is Valentines Day. I love Valentines Day because it is close to my birthday, and it is a sweet holiday. You can have delicious chocolate you can eat. Tiahna Abbott Grade 4, Fairview Presents for everyone: My favorite holiday is Christmas because I like spending time with my family and being happy when somebody opens the presents I got for them. This year I will be extra happy because I am going to get presents for everybody in my family who lives with me. Norah Robertson Grade 3, Grove Why I like Christmas: My favorite holiday is Christmas. I like Christmas because I get to play in the snow. I love Christmas because I can go sleighing down my hill. I love Christmas because I can build a snowman. I like Christmas because I can have a snowball fight with my family. Maleki Ritli Grade 2, Jefferson Park The new year: I love Christmas. One of my favorite things to do is open presents. What I like to do is to decorate the tree and put the star on top. I also like to give presents to people. Another like I like to do is celebrate the new year! Hailey Ditrich Grade 2, Northpoint Wrap presents: For Christmas my family wraps presents. I have four items on my wish list. I hope to get an electric scooter. Teja Yachamaneni Grade 3, Northpoint Christmas movies: I have NASCAR Heat 5 from Christmas Day. Ill use M&Ms and Skittles in socks. I watch Christmas movies. Mason Doug Moore Grade 5, Northpoint Christmas Day: On Christmas morning I wake up Mom and Dad to open presents. Then we eat Santa muffins and play with our new toys. Emmarie Larson Grade 2, Parkside Christmas cookies: Crunch! My favorite thing about the Christmas season is cookies. I love baking cookies with my family. Our family has a special sweet wafer recipe and we do it every year. I love to dip my cookies in hot chocolate. Trust me, it tastes delicious. Alex Mosher Grade 5, Prairieland Play in the snow: During Christmas I like to play in the snow. When I am done I get some hot cocoa. But my favorite holiday is Thanksgiving. I like when I see a lot of family members and we get to barbecue and ride bikes. Christopher Riley Grade 3, Sheridan All I Want for Christmas: On Christmas I'm going to get an OMG Doll. And I'm going to get my favorite toy I've been dreaming about for Christmas for ever and ever. Autumn Smith Grade 2, Stevenson My Christmas: My Christmas is with Santa, and family and my dog. Austin Richey Grade 3, Stevenson Trick-or-treat: My favorite holiday is Halloween! Trick-or-treating is fun! My favorite costume is the Ender dragon! Lucas Lomelino Grade 1, Sugar Creek Loves holidays: I love holidays. My favorite holiday would have to be between Christmas and Halloween. Blain Forsyth-Daily Grade 2, Sugar Creek Burns Night: My favorite holiday is Burns Night. Burns Night is a night to celebrate Robert Burns. Burns Night is a Scottish holiday. Every year when we celebrate, my dad cuts hoagies. Robert Burns wrote a lot of poems. My favorite poem is "My love is like a red, red rose." I love Burns Night. Philippa Ward Grade 2, Washington Look for eggs: My favorite holiday is Easter. Easter is somewhat close to my birthday. I like looking for eggs. Last year, I did Easter with my cousins. You get to have Easter baskets with stuff inside. I think I caught the Easter Bunny but my brother wouldnt believe me. I love Easter. Kate Nickel Grade 3, Washington Elf on the Shelf: My favorite holiday is Christmas because my Elves on the Shelf come. I have two, one boy and one girl. Their names are Izzy and Rudy. I love my elves. I also love when Santa comes. Izzy and Rudy wear fun costumes. I also love spending time with family. Family is my life. Makenzie Johnson Grade 4, Washington God's birthday: Christmas is my favorite holiday because we get to celebrate Gods birthday. Hayleigh Stolzenbach Grade 5, Calvary A good holiday: I love Christmas. It is a good holiday. Christmas is a holiday that you get presents or coal. Coal is for the bad people. Presents are for the good people. Cameron Jones Grade 3, Cedar Ridge Christmas in Ecuador: My favorite holiday is Christmas because I get to go to Ecuador. Another reason is because I get a lot of presents. The last reason is you get to put up your Christmas tree. Shannon Alomoto Casco Grade 4, Fairview BLOOMINGTON A Springfield-commanded bomb squad was dispatched Saturday to Bloomington after an unexploded ordnance was found downtown. Bloomington Police Department Spokesman Ofc. Bryce Janssen said at 12:43 p.m. Saturday, police were called to the 400 block of East Washington Street, where a person had located a possibly unexploded ordnance on the ground. Janssen said the Illinois Secretary of State Police Hazardous Device Unit was then called to the scene. A Pantagraph reporter observed part of a parking lot south of that block of Washington Street was cordoned off that afternoon by yellow police tape. Janssen said they suspected it was a World War II-era .50 caliber mortar from Japan, but it's unclear whether the Hazardous Device Unit was able to confirm the exact origin of the ordnance. He said investigators determined that the ordnance was inert and not a threat to public safety. No one was injured and no arrests have been made. Photos: World War II-era map sparks treasure hunt in Dutch village How Time Flies is a daily feature looking back at Pantagraph archives to revisit what was happening in our community and region. 100 years ago Dec. 24, 1923: The Christmas receipts at the Bloomington post office are the largest in office history. From Dec. 17 to 22, the total receipts were $9,057.25, an increase over the corresponding period in 1922 of $1,187.32. On Friday (Dec. 21), 65,000 pieces of first class mail went out of the local office and on Saturday (Dec. 22), 74,000 pieces. 75 years ago Dec. 24, 1948: The body of Pfc. Alfred J. F. Harm, who was killed April 5, 1945, at Holzhausen, Germany, will arrive at Gibson City at 6:48 p.m. Monday (Dec. 27). The Rev. A. M. Wiley will officiate funeral services at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday (Dec. 28) at Lamb Funeral Home. Graveside services in Gibson City cemetery will be conducted by Lee-Lowery American Legion post. 50 years ago Dec. 24, 1973: Robert E. Montgomery of 1302 Mark Lane, Normal has been appointed manufacturing manager at General Electric Company's Bloomington plant. 25 years ago Dec. 24, 1998: A new Twin City airport terminal exists only on paper, but the brainstorming already has begun on how to use the existing terminal once the new one opens. Among ideas being floated is to develop it into a site for the Prairie Aviation Museum and the Children's Discovery Museum. Leased office space could also be developed, with or without the museums moving to the eastside facility. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has charged the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) to help preserve Ghanas status as the beacon of peace in Africa by ensuring that the 2024 General Election is conducted in an atmosphere of peace and serenity. He urged them to protect the sovereign will of the Ghanaian people to help guarantee the longevity of the fourth republic. He was speaking at the GAF annual West African Soldiers Social Activity (WASSA) which was held today (December 22) to climax this years activities. WASSA The WASSA is celebrated each year to create an informal environment for the GAF to socialise and also give the Command the opportunity to interact and appreciate the contributions of all ranks and the civilian staff. The programme brought together high ranking officers of the GAF and other civilian staff. Other dignitaries present were the Minister of Defence, Dominic Nitiwul, Minister for the Interior, Ambrose Dery, the Inspector General of Police, Dr George Akuffo Dampare and the Comptroller-General of the Ghana Immigration Service, Kwame Asuah Takyi. The occasion was thrilled by the GAF Central Band and one of the countrys famous dancehall and reggae musical artist, Samini, who lit up the evening with a dazzling performance for the entertaining pleasure of the guests. Retooling of the GAF President Akufo-Addo further reiterated governments commitment to sustain the programme of retooling the GAF to enable it to perform it duties effectively and efficiently. I assure you that my government will not relent its efforts to transform the GAF into a formidable force and enhance its capacity to contribute strongly towards the overall development of the nation, President Akufo-Addo said. He extended his appreciation to international organsations and countries who supported the GAF in diverse ways to promote infrastructural development, training and equipment acquisition. He also commended the European Union for recently donating specialised vehicles to the force in the fight against terrorism and tran-national organised crime. While noting that integration of efforts and close corporate among countries were vital to making the world a safer place, he commended all international partners, particularly those whose governments continue to offer the GAF the opportunities and facilities for quality training. Accra Initiative He said it was their efforts that ensured successful implementation of the Accra Initiative which involved a consistent collaboration and cooperation of security and intelligence heads of the country and its neighbors to enhanced fight against terrorism in the region. President Akufo-Addo said that had helped the country to reinforce the security of its northern and north-eastern borders against infiltrations. While expressing his appreciation to the support of foreign partners in the Accra Initiative, he said it had greatly enhanced the command and control hub of the Multi-National Joint Task Force Headquarters in Tamale. In addition, he said it had enhanced the Economic Community of West African States standby force to coordinate their response to the myriad of threats and other emerging ones confronting them. It is therefore, my hope and expectation that this cooperation will continue to grow from strength to strength in the coming years, he stated. Equipment and accommodation challenge The Minister of Defence said equipment and accommodation challenges continued to be one of the biggest challenges confronting the GAF. However, due to the innumerable interventions, he was hopeful that very soon the challenges would be minimised. It is for this reason that I seize the opportunity to show gratitude to the President for commissioning a number of government sponsored projects at the Military Academy, Mr Nitiwul said. He said those projects did not only help to improve the infrastructural amenities of the academy but also assisted to improve the quality of training of officer cadets as the academy He said retooling of the GAF was also ongoing and the series of commissioning and handing over of vehicles and equipment was an attestation of governments commitment to it. Lets remind ourselves that it is our duty to supper the governments effort by providing an enabling security environment for accelerated national development and growth and, thereby, improving the livelihood of the citizenry, Mr Nitiwul added. Efforts of the GAF The Chief of Defence Staff, Vice Admiral Seth Amoama admitted that the year had been one of the challenging years in the history of the GAF. In spite of the limited resources and other constrains within which the GAF had to operate, it had strived to live up to expectations and prevailed in applying its capabilities in a manner that ensured the attainment of its mission. All through the year, the GAF has offered it services to preserve stability and the internal security of the country and also worked assiduously to ensure that it provided its quota to the developmental effort of the country. We have kept the flag of the nation flying high internationally through our sterling performance in peace support operations, Vice Admiral Amoama said. With insurgency becoming more prevalent world wide, he said it only took training, modern equipment, the development of pragmatic strategies and cooperation with stakeholders and other security service for the GAF to keep pace with the changing trends. In that regard, he applauded the government for its commitment and dedication demonstrated in ensuring the continuous retooling of the GAF so as to enhance its operational capabilities. Source: Graphiconline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Director General of the National Development Planning Commission, (NDPC), Kodjo Esseim Mensah-Abrampah has said the commission will formulate policy development plans which are in line with the countrys budget. According to him over the years, most of the Commissions strategic development plans are not linked to the national budget making it difficult for its implementation. Our development plans will be linked to the national budget to seek execution and this will be done through working with the ministry. We are working together with the Ministry of Finance to ensure that the countrys developmental initiative is implemented, he said. Dr. Mensah-Abrampahs comments were in reaction to many accusations against the Commissions ineffectiveness in ensuring the sustainability of government projects. Issues of government unwillingness to complete projects initiated by previous governments hence abandoning the project to the detriment of the taxpayers were also raised. He assured that with the coming into force of the new long-term development plan, project sustainability will be paramount to address the countrys socio-economic and environmental challenges and create a better future for its citizens. He made this known at the two-day National Development Summit held in Accra. The summit brought together key stakeholders from the government agencies, civil society organizations, the private sector, and international partners in a collaborative and inclusive environment for dialogue and decision-making on national progress. Dr. Mensah-Abrampah also attributed the countrys slow growth in development to recent global developments such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war which have had profound effects on the nations economy, trade, and financial stability. The Government of Ghana, therefore, had to approach and agree to a US$3 billion 36-month Extended Credit Facility Arrangement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This deal builds on the governments Post-COVID-19 Program for Economic Growth (PC-PEG) which aims to restore macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability and includes wide-ranging reforms to build resilience and lay the foundation for stronger and more inclusive growth. By implementing effective policies and reforms, Ghana aims to overcome current obstacles and achieve its long-term vision of socio-economic development, he stated. Dr. Mensah-Abrampah added that the National Development Summit is a critical platform for Ghana to address the challenges and shortcomings in its development agenda. He was hopeful of launching the Long-Term National Development Perspective Framework on the March 7, 2024. Source: dailyguidenetwork.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Parliament on Friday night [Dec 22] approved five tax bills aimed at helping the government to rake in additional revenue to the state as well as the Appropriation Bill, 2023. They are the Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2023, Excise Duty (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 2023, Stamp Duty (Amendment) Bill, 2023 Emissions Levy Bill, 2023 and Exemptions (Amendment) Bill, 2023. First, the VAT Bill seeks to expand the tax net and extend the zero rate on locally manufactured products, introduce a zero rate on locally-produced sanitary towels and waive the VAT on the import of electric vehicles for public transportation. It will also introduce a flat rate of five per cent for the rental of commercial premises and the sale of immovable property by an estate developer. Set to amend the existing VAT regime, the bill is estimated to yield GH3.725 billion for the 2024 financial year, reports Graphic Online's Nana Konadu Agyeman from Parliament House. Second, the Excise Duty Bill is to amend the Excite Duty Act, 2015 (Act 878) to increase the excise duty rate on cider bear to align with the excise duty rate on beer, reduce excise duty on plastics and expand the coverage of the excise duty on plastics to cover imported plastic packaging. It will also introduce an emission tax on carbon dioxide emissions by companies and from vehicles. It is billed to yield approximately GH540 million in additional revenue to the state. Third, the Stamp Duty (Amendment) Bill is to amend the Stamp Duty Act, 2005 (Act 689) to review the rates of stamp duty on specified instruments that have legal effect in line with current economic realities. It is not a tax on transactions but on documents brought into being for the purpose of recording transactions. The revision of the rates of stamp duty is expected to yield an amount of GH653 million in revenue for the 2024 financial year. Fourth, the purpose of the Emissions Levy Bill is to promote the use of eco-friendly technologies and green energy. Seeking to control the level of carbon dioxide emissions from internal combustion engine vehicles in Ghana, the bill will generate an amount of GH541 million for the 2024 fiscal year. Fifth, the Exemptions (Amendment) Bill, 2023 is to provide a waiver of customs duties and customs taxes in respect of the importation of fishing gear and agricultural inputs. The bill, waiver will result in estimated exemptions to the tune of GH442.65 million next year. It will provide for the exemption from customs duties and customs taxes, seeds and fertilizers imported for agricultural purposes in relation to the phase two of the Planting for Food and Jobs Programme. The Appropriation Bill provides for the withdrawal an amount of GH259 billion from the Consolidated Funa and other public funds necessary to meeting government expenditure for the 2024 financial year. Rationale for taxes Presenting the Finance Committees report on the four tax bills and moved a motion for the House to adopt the report, Kwaku Kwarteng, the Chairman of the committee, said the proposed amendments to the VAT Act were necessary to promote domestic production of sanitary towels and extend the coverage of VAT to other sector to enhance revenue generation. He said the entire Minority members of the committee supported the zero-rating of VAT on materials for the production of sanitary towels but expressed concerns about the impact the other revenues measures would have on the cost of doing business in the country on the general population. When a voice vote was put on the motion for the House to adopt the Finance Committees report on the bill, the Second Deputy Speaker, Andrew Asiamah Amoako, who was presiding, declared the Ayes by the Majority to have had it. But the Deputy Minority Leader, Emmanuel Armah-Buah, invoked Order 113(2) to challenge Mr Amoakos decision. When the Speaker of Parliament assumed the chair, he directed the Table Office to conduct a headcount which saw a 137 to 134 votes in favour of the Majority. The Excise Duty Bill For the Excise Duty (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, Mr Kwarteng said the bill was targeted at reducing the negative impact of cider beer on consumers. He said the inclusion of imported plastic packaging in the excise tax on plastics would reduce the incentive to import those products rather than sourcing them from local manufacturers. Again, the reduction of the rate of the tax from 10 per cent of ex-factory prices to five per cent of ex-factory price will bring some relief to local manufacturers who hitherto have had to pay the tax at the rate of 10 per cent of ex-factory price, he said. He said the entire Minority on the committee expressed concern about the impact those increases would have on the cost of doing business in the country and on the general population. Stamp Duty bill With regard to the Stamp Duty (Amendment) Bill, 2023, Mr Kwarteng said the bill would not affect any of the ad-valorem rates in Act 689. The only rates being reviewed were the nominal amounts that were set in 2005 and which had lost their value over time, he said. Just like previous bill, he said the entire Minority members declined to recommend to the House to pass the bill into law as it would worsen the economic situation of Ghanaians and businesses. Importance of Emissions Levy Bill On the importance of the Emissions Levy Bill, Mr Kwarteng said the ultimate effect is to reduce the adverse impact of pollution on the environment and reduce environmental pollution and encourage the use of clean energy, he said. On the position of the Minority on the bill, he said members of the NDC expressed their unwillingness to support the bill due to its potential to increase the cost of doing business in the country. Source: graphiconline Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The New Patriotic Party (NPP) incumbent Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya, Sara Adwoa Safo, has registered her candidacy for the partys constituency primary on January 27, 2024. It is her fourth move towards Parliament since 2012. That was after the three-time legislator submitted her nomination form to the Dome-Kwabenya constituency executives at Haatso on Friday [December 22, 2023]. The nomination form was received by the constituency Chairman of Election Committee, Osei Fordjour, who is also the Chairman of the Council of Elders in the constituency; the Constituency Chairman, Robert Osei Bonsu, and a member of the Council of Elders, Monica Agyei. Amidst brass band, the incumbent MP was accompanied from the Zonal Council office at Dome New Station to Haatso by a large gathering of party faithful adorned in her campaign T-shirts and banners. Ms Safo, who became MP for Dome-Kwabenya in 2013, will contest for the seat with the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Freezones Authority, Dr Mike Oquaye Jr, and another contender whose name has not yet been made public. Ms Safo beat Dr Oquaye in 2019 parliamentary election with just eight votes when she obtained 496 votes as against Oquaye's 488. The constituency is the largest constituency in Ghana in terms voter population of 172,000 and it is the stronghold of the NPP. Forgive me Speaking to the press soon after submitting her nomination, Ms Safo expressed her appreciation to the party supporters for leaving their busy schedules to still show love for her, promising not to let them down. She optimistic that the constituents would cast their votes for her for continuity and for experience. I have been your MP for 12 solid years and worked with humility, hard work, dedication. You cannot throw that experience away. I know that everything that happened in the past one year or one-and-a-half-years, you have forgiven me because to err is human and to forgive is divine, she prayed. She said following meetings she had had with party supporters for since her return, the people had expressed their willingness to surprise the whole of Ghana on January 27, 2024. On that day, the whole radar will be on Dome-Kwabenya and they will be looking out for how you going to be vote to exonerate and show love for your Member of Parliament for the mother she has been and her service. The saying goes that the older the wine gets, the better it is. So, I am your old wine, she said. Give me another chance Highlighting her accomplishments since she became MP for the area over the past 12 years, Ms Safo touted various achievements in education, sanitation, health and roads sectors in the constituency. She, therefore, urged the voters in the constituency to give her the needed support to enable her to continue the good work for the various communities to continue to witness impressive progress. On her long absence from the constituency, the MP said many considered her travel to the United States of America as a sign of her downfall. As some Ghanaians think that I have fallen, you are my lovers to uplift me to give victory another chance, she said. Source: graphiconline Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video An academic and member of the ruling New Patriotic Party Dr Victor Kwasi Amandu has accused some national executives of the party of undermining the electoral processes in the partys upcoming parliamentary primaries. According to him, the posture of some of the executives makes it appear as though some seats are being offered to the highest bidder. In a statement, the academic said if the conduct of the executives are not checked they will continue to derail democratic practices in the party. There are concerns that some national officers of the NPP, including the General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, have engaged in activities undermining the electoral process, with accusations of gross display of arrogance and seats being essentially declared "for sale." If confirmed, such conduct could have dire implications for the democratic processes within the political landscape of the NPP, especially as the party aims to break the eight-year governance cycle. While it's crucial to approach such claims with discernment, the gravity of the accusations demands a thorough investigation and caution from the National Executive Committee and National Council, he wrote. He further noted The purported sale of parliamentary seats wears away the principles of fair and transparent democratic processes. The core of democratic elections is to select candidates based on merit - their commitment to public service, and alignment with the values and goals of the party. If the upcoming NPP parliamentary primaries elections are indeed susceptible to monetisation, it erodes the foundation of representative democracy, potentially leading to apathy. The party has however downplayed the claims. Deputy National Communications Director of the ruling party Asiedu Kokuro told Starr News the allegations are untrue. It is not true, those claims are false. He said. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Serwaa Amihere Foundation today, 23rd December, 2023, brightened the lives and put smiles on the faces of, thousands of widows at a Christmas party held for these widows in Accra. The foundation donated a variety of items, such as bags of rice, assorted food items, textiles etc, to the widows. The founder of the foundation, Ms Serwaa Amihere, an award-winning broadcast journalist and news anchor, and her celebrity friends, fraternised with the widows, to the admiration of all. The Serwaa Amihere Foundation was founded in 2019 as a charity and Non-Governmental Organization with the main aim of supporting the destitute and less privileged in the society, particularly, women, in ways that their burdens would be lessened. The foundation has therefore supported hundreds of widows over the years in diverse ways, including the provision of funds to beneficiaries for business startups. It is therefore about time that she is recognized and commended by both the international community and the good people of Ghana for the projects she has so far embarked upon with her foundation. The society continues to benefit from the activities of her foundation, and for that matter, must be commended and encouraged to do more. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Nigerian comedian Ayo Makun, popularly known as AY, has expressed his frustration over individuals who are asking him for financial assistance during this festive period. The veteran comedian took to his Instagram story to convey his message. Recall that just a few months ago, AY Makun was struck by a tragedy when his multi-million naira home was razed by fire. However, in a recent post, AY Makun said that anyone asking him for money this period lacks conscience or the fear of God. He wrote: I am just tempted to say that everybody asking me for money this period does not have conscience or lacks the fear of God. E get why. Source: graphiconline Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video [ Amazon.com ] [ Amazon.co.uk ] [ Book Depository ] [ Harvard UP ] [ Indiebound ] [ Google Play] "Armed with an astonishing br... Central Pattana, a global sustainable real estate company and developer of Central shopping centres, residential projects, office buildings and hotels across Thailand, together with Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailands leading hotel operator, proudly announces its latest initiative catering to the burgeoning community of pet lovers in response to growing demand by being the first to remove weight restrictions on pets in their Korat, Ubon, Udon, and soon so be open Ayutthaya hotels, while also launching pet-friendly cafes and restaurants at these same properties in Thailands Northeast and North Bangkok regions. Kevin Deydier De Pierrefeu, Area General Manager overseeing Centara Udon, Ubon and Korat, expressed his enthusiasm, Were truly thrilled to become a part of the pet parent community. As a devoted pet owner myself, I understand the boundless affection we hold for our furry companions. By eliminating weight restrictions, we lead as the first hotels in Thailands Northeast and North Bangkok regions to wholeheartedly support pet owners, championing our belief that companionship transcends weight or breed. Our mission is seamless travel for all pet owners and their beloved fur babies, allowing guests to experience Thailands exotic beauty with the ones they love. Centara will introduce a minimal surcharge of THB500 per one pet or THB600 per two pets per night, with a maximum of two pets per room across all four Centara hotels in Korat, Ubon, Udon and the upcoming Ayutthaya location, with the goal enabling pet owners to relish their holidays, free from concerns or cost-prohibitive fees. Each property is also launching indoor and outdoor pet-friendly cafes and restaurants, extending a warm welcome to local pet owners alongside the hotels guests, with exciting menus specially crafted for animals, featuring delights such as the Best Friends Beef Bowl, Grilled Chicken & Liver Pasta, Cheese and Tuna Sweetcorn Mayo, Butter, and more. ATLANTIC CITY The citys move to become the cannabis capitol of the East continues, with sites for two new dispensaries approved at the most recent meeting of the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority. A group of Catholic nuns was unable to sway the authority. The CRDA acts as the citys planning authority within the Tourism District. Staff told the board at the December meeting that site plan approval is a necessary step for potential weed stores to finalize their state permits. The board said yes to minor site plan approval for The Healing Side LLC at 2415 Pacific Ave. and for Atlantic Cannabis LLC at 2301 Atlantic Ave. A previous application from the Healing Side, set in a vacant storefront between a liquor store and a former strip club, was the first cannabis business the CRDA approved in April 2022, before cannabis was an approved use in the city. The other application, in the Ducktown neighborhood, drew opposition from neighbors at a Nov. 2 hearing. There are two sites currently in operation where adults can legally buy cannabis in Atlantic City, and a Boardwalk location open only to those with medical marijuana cards is in the process of closing and relocating. Since legalization, the CRDA has approved more than a dozen site plans for weed businesses, including plans for consumption lounges, cannabis grows and dispensaries. There was a brief pause earlier this year, after some CRDA board members questioned how many sites would be too many for the city, but after a couple of months applications again began appearing regularly on CRDA agendas. Franciscan sisters make a new home in A.C. ATLANTIC CITY When Agnes Holtz and Ann Kateri decided to make a full-time, lifelong commit In many instances, the businesses propose repurposing vacant buildings. One approved this month would sell weed in a former dry cleaners. In some instances, CRDA Director of Planning and Development Lance Landgraf told the board, that means the buildings include existing nonconforming elements, such as insufficient setbacks or a lack of parking. At a hearing on the applications held on a different day than the CRDA board meeting, members of a nearby church opposed the plan, Landgraf told the board. But while Atlantic Citys zoning rules include minimum distances for cannabis locations from schools, there are no setbacks from churches. The only buffer that is required is for a school, Landgraf said. The Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal Convent on Mississippi Avenue is about 150 feet from the planned cannabis dispensary. Members of the order told the CRDA they host classes, including some for teens, and sobriety meetings. The convent is in the former rectory of St. Michaels Church next door, built more than a century ago and now part of the Parish of Saint Monica. We had some neighbors come in, Landgraf said. Men from the neighborhood spoke against the use, he said, citing its proximity to the church. He added that three sisters from the convent also spoke at the hearing. Ive never had to swear in a nun before, he said. CRDA holds off on cannabis rejection vote Gathering for a meeting for the first time in about 3 years, the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority board decided to table what looked likely to be its most controversial decision for the day Tuesday. There was no immediate response to a message left at the convent Friday afternoon. According to a transcript of the November hearing, Sister Joseph Van Munster said there already are problems with illicit drugs and alcohol in the neighborhood, and that police response can be slow. Im actually Dutch, so I grew up in a country where marijuana was legalized, and Ive seen a lot of things over the years, she said, stating that dispensaries in Holland typically require a stronger police presence. She said there are a lot of children in the neighborhood, and also a lot of people either working toward recovery or with substance abuse issues. The transcript showed that neighbors questioned the number of cannabis stores in the city, and in Ducktown. Frank Palazzo said the CRDA should help the city. Recreational marijuana stores are not a panacea for Atlantic Citys challenges, he said, according to the transcript. Landgraf said at the hearing that he, too, has concerns about the number of cannabis stores in the works, not just in Ducktown but throughout the city. He said 25 Dunkin donuts might be too many for the city, not just cannabis stores. He said he has discussed those concerns with the city administration. At the CRDA meeting, Landgraf emphasized the use is permitted. Atlantic City church opposes new weed business An Atlantic City church does not want weed sales nearby. There may not be anything they can do about it. Uncomfortable, but legal, said one of the board members. The neighbors did not speak at the CRDA board meeting. The site is also close to the Bass Pro Shops. Previous concerns The matter of cannabis sales near churches has come up before. Over the summer, members of the Chelsea Baptist Church opposed a planned cannabis business about a block away. Two members of the 18-member board, Brett Matik and Mike Benson, opposed the resolution granting site plan approval to the cannabis retail store. In most cases, the board says yes to cannabis uses. Atlantic City has created an overlay zoning district, known as the Green Zone, where cannabis is an approved use. The CRDA supported that amendment, which had met with skepticism from some casino executives. Mayor Marty Small Sr.s administration sees cannabis as a powerful economic engine, potentially bringing new jobs and new investment to the city, and setting a goal to make Atlantic City a cannabis destination. One rare exception to the CRDAs support for cannabis businesses came in November, when the agenda included a resolution to reject a cannabis business at the site of the former Los Amigos restaurant at 1926 Atlantic Ave. Once illicit, cannabis has gone mainstream, at least on this convention floor Banking, insurance and marketing specialists gathered for this year's cannabis business convention in Atlantic City. Has the outlaw weed finally gone respectable? The board decided not to vote on that resolution at the meeting, at which representatives of nearby AtlantiCare raised concerns about the potential impact on safety if the use were allowed. So far, the application from Tambre LLC has not returned to the board. Lou Magazzu, an attorney representing Tambre principals Cheryl McDaniel and Sherry Lynn Gartino, attended the most recent CRDA meeting. He said afterward that his clients want him to learn as much as possible about the CRDA and loading zones, one of the concerns raised about his clients proposal by CRDA staff. For the third time this month, a soaking rain will hit New Jersey in December. This time, it'll be on Dec. 26, 27 and possibly Dec. 28. Meteorologist Joe Martucci explains if this storm will be as significant as the past two and the details you need to know. A Davenport man faces charges after authorities accused him of fleeing a traffic stop with children in the SUV he was driving. There are a number of charges and citations filed against Aaron T. Hayes, 33, in relation to the incident, according to Scott County court records. They include felony eluding and several misdemeanor counts of child endangerment. The alleged criminal acts underlying the charges began during a traffic stop around 10 p.m. on Dec. 3 in the area of River Drive and Mississippi Avenue, according to court records. An Iowa State Patrol trooper stopped a 2007 Chevrolet Suburban for traveling 54 mph in a 40-mph zone in the 1600 block of East River Drive. The area was also a marked construction zone. The driver stopped initially and a passenger got out of the Suburban, but, as the trooper approached, the driver sped away, records state. The records did not provide further detail about the passenger who left the Suburban. During the ensuing pursuit through southeast Davenport, the driver, allegedly Hayes, ignored traffic signals. At one point, the SUV reached a speed of 61 mph in a 25-mph zone. The vehicle chase ended when the driver entered a dead end, but he then ran away, court records state. The trooper continued pursuing him but lost sight of the driver. Authorities then searched, including with a police dog, but did not find the driver. Another trooper involved in the incident found a woman and five children in the SUV, records state. The children ranged in age from 2 years old to 10 years old. Court records did not provide further detail about the children. During the investigation, the troopers identified Hayes as the suspected driver, records state. He has ties to the Suburbans registered owner and witnesses saw him driving the vehicle earlier that night. Hayes also matched the description of the person who ran away from Suburban, according to court records. Hayes has a revoked license until October 2025, records state. The Scott County courts issued a warrant for Hayes arrest on Wednesday and the Scott County Sheriffs Office served the warrant Wednesday afternoon, records state. Hayes made his first appearance on the charges on Thursday morning, records state. His next appearance has been set for Dec. 29. He was free Thursday afternoon after posting a $5,000 bond. Historic photos: Cary Grant dies in Davenport Cary Grant 112986-Cary-Grant-Death-004 112986-Cary-Grant-Death-003 112986-Cary-Grant-Death-001 112986-Cary-Grant-Death-002 Quad-City Times cover on Dec. 1, 1986 Cary Grant dies 082514-qca50-Hotel Blackhawk-03 A Conservation with Cary Grant tickets Adler Theatre The Grants St. Luke's Hospital Cannes glitz and glamour An Affair to Remember Cary Grant Cary Grant Cary Grant Rodney Levsen Sr. did not fall in love with music at first sight, but at first listen. I was in Madison School the first year after it opened, and we had a music teacher out there that was a great piano player, he said. It was 1941 and Levsen was six years old. The music room at Madison was on the top floor of the school and was accessed by a large staircase. This lady would go in and she would, especially at the noon hour when we were all at lunch, play Warsaw Concerto, and she could really play it, he said. The music would come out and roll around down the hallway. It just raised goose pimples on my arms and I thought, This is for me. From there, Levsens love of music grew and he took piano lessons throughout grade school. Once he reached high school, he found a job at a Presbyterian church in Davenport, working in the maintenance department. Of course, they gave me a big key for the entire church, because I had to get into the various different rooms, he said. And then when I finished, I took the opportunity to go into the sanctuary and turn on the organ and play it. As Levsen tells it, One thing led to another, and his love for the organ flourished. With his sights set on attending college, he searched for a job that would earn him a bit more money and landed one with a piano company in Davenport. I learned how to tune pianos and tune electronic organs, he said. I decided that at some point in time, I would move out of piano tuning, and maybe get into the pipe organ field. Once he got the hang of things, Levsen decided to branch out on his own and freelance his services. Word spread, and he soon began fielding phone calls from churches, asking him to look at their pipe organs. Through that job, he landed another one. Levsen had to call the Wicks Organ Company in Highland, Illinois, to order parts for the organs he was working on. The second time I called the vice president of the company got on the phone and said, Rod, what kind of work are you doing up there? Were looking for a representative in Iowa and Illinois. Would you be interested? he recalled. I said well yes I would! That phone call turned into a 10-year career as a representative where he sold 80 organs across both states. In addition, Levsen served an apprenticeship and began tuning organs in the Quad-Cities metro area. Before long, his territory expanded to eastern Iowa and western Illinois. In the late 70s, Levsen decided he had the experience to go into business for himself, but with a twist. This time, he decided to build pipe organs from scratch. The first organs were built in my then-new garage in Davenport, but I knew that wasnt going to work for very long, he said. So we looked for the land and bought down here in Buffalo, built the building and thats how we got our start. Learning the ins, learning the outs Levsens oldest son, Rodney Levsen Jr., got involved in the family business right away and is now the vice president of the company. He started working with his father when he was seven years old. I would go out and hold keys for him, hand him screwdrivers, stuff like that, he said, adding he learned the tuning process at about the same time. Ive been tuning for over 50 years now. Levsen said his sons interest in construction and woodworking is what got him in the door, and is a prerequisite for those looking for employment at the Levsen Organ Company. There are 14 different skilled trades involved in building a pipe organ, and a master builder has to know something about all of those, Levsen said. Well, maybe a little more than something. In order to master all those trades, an organ apprenticeship is an eight-year-long adventure. In the early 80s, Levsen got his first order for an organ. He had been tuning the existing organ at First Lutheran in Cedar Rapids when they called and ordered an upgrade. Two years later, it was finished and installed. Once it was all in, Levsen met with the organist, an old friend of his. He said to me, Rod what are we going to call this organ? he recalled. I said well, I guess its a Levsen organ. And that became our name. By the late 80s, business was booming and the Levsen Organ Company had as many as 18 employees. It now has 10, but that even number is important, he noted, because organ tuning work is a two-person job. Building one from scratch takes even more help. In the decades since he got his start, Levsen estimates his company has built or rebuilt about 120 organs at the Buffalo workshop. A list can be found on his website. The organ in First Lutheran in Cedar Rapids has since been replaced with a larger one, but a number of other original Levsen organs still exist. All pipe organs are custom-made, he said, which means no two are the same and emphasizes the importance of knowing all 14 skilled trades. They can be as small as two or three ranks of pipes and as large as 50 or 75 ranks, he said. A rank, he said, is 61 pipes that will play the same tone character all the way up and down the keyboard, similar to a section in an orchestra. A 75-rank organ, then, would have more than 4,500 pipes. Each pipe plays a single pitch and the variety allows for the organ to accomplish multiple at once. For example, if a church wants to be able to accomplish high-pitched, harmonic tones, it will need 61 flue pipes. Its like the difference between going to a hamburger joint or going to a cafeteria, where you have all these different things in front of you and you can select what you want, Levsen said. On a large pipe organ, its sort of that way. You can select whatever tone colors that you want to create the sort of music that youre working with. The more pipes and more ranks of pipes an organ has, the more versatile it can be. Each pipe is a different size, with the smaller pipes creating higher pitches and the larger ones creating lower pitches. Most organs are arranged diatonically, which means the larger pipes are in the middle and the smaller ones are at the end. The belly of the beast Over the last several decades, big changes have come to the organ industry. Fewer churches are being built, which would typically translate to fewer organs to build new ones. However, larger churches have shifted their focus to repurposing unused organs. In the Levsen workshop currently is an organ from a small church in Monmouth, Illinois. It was purchased by Notre Dame Catholic Church in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, and is being expanded and updated. Pieces of the organ are spread out in the factory and are switched from pneumatic action to electric valves. Pneumatic organs were popular at the turn of the 20th century and had leather pouches that covered the valves to help control the airflow. Their life expectancy is about 15-50 years, depending on the environment. If there are acids in the air in a highly populated area, the leather lasts a very little time, he said. If youre in a little country church out on the hillside where the air is pure, the leather will last 50-60 years. Because the leather can wear out, many churches are opting for electric valves, which have a 100-year life span, Levsen said. Additional ranks are going into the organ as well, bringing the total to 30, or about 1,800 individual pipes when completed. More ranks mean more pipes, both metal and wooden. The pipes work the same way but different sounds are accomplished easier with different materials. Bright, harmonic sounds are a little easier to do with a metal pipe. Mellow, soft sounds are easier with a wooden pipe, he said. Usually in a pipe organ, about one-third of the pipes are made out of wood. The rest are metal. Restoration on the organ started in September and is expected to be completed next spring. To buy the same one brand new would cost about $650,000. Notre Dame church is just pleased as pie that they can have this organ restored to like-new condition with all the new features, the digital control system, and 10 more sets of pipes were adding to it, he said. Its a little more than a quarter of a million dollars altogether, as far as the project is concerned. But they are delighted. Once the restoration is complete, the parts and pieces will be carefully stacked on wooden crates and transported with Levsens own truck. A large organ can weigh as much as 12-15 tons equivalent to the weight of about three elephants. Getting in tune Once the weather shifts from summer to winter, the focus of the business shifts to tuning. The Levsen Organ Company has more than 300 organs from coast to coast on its tuning rotation list. Smaller organs can be loaded in about half a day, he said. Larger organs take two to three days to load. Once it gets to the church, the Levsen crew begins putting it together. Because they are so heavy, architects generally keep this in mind when the church is being built and reinforce the structure, or loft, for safety reasons. Architects typically figure 400 pounds per square foot, he said. This is important for organs because they are spread out and the weight is distributed equally over the floor. If it has the capacity to hold the weight of people in the room, it has the capacity to hold the organ because the organ is spread out all over the place, he said. The average pipe organ needs to be tuned twice a year once in the spring and again in the fall when the weather changes. Organs are classified as keyboard instruments but have woodwind elements due to how they work. Air blows through the pipes to create the sound, but the pitch can be affected by the temperature in the room. If the room is too cold, the organ can go sharp. If too hot, it can go flat. When churches turn off the boiler and turn on the air conditioning in the spring, for example, it needs to be re-tuned in order for it to adjust. The same rule applies in winter when the organ needs to be returned in a warmer environment. If you multiply that times 3,000 pipes, where each one of them is a musical instrument and to be in concert with each other, you need to have stable temperatures to make sure that everybodys going to be on the same pitch, he said. Levsen said before his employees come to tune an organ, they ask the church to set the space at worship temperature for at least 24 hours. This allows the organ to get acclimated and stabilized in the new temperature to be tuned more accurately. For the actual tuning process, some will use a digital device. Levsen, however, has been using the same thing for more than 60 years: his ears. It doesnt take anybody special, he said. You just learn. From medieval to modern Levsen said a big demand right now is digitizing organs to play by themselves because organists are hard to find. With this system, churches can share an organist without having one in the room during worship. While the organist is playing, the music will be automatically copied onto a flash drive. When its time for church, anyone can press the button and the organ will play. Its not a recording. Theres no speakers or anything like that involved, it just plays the whole organ, he said. The keys on the organ do not necessarily go down as if there were a ghost player, he said. Instead, the keys open and close switches to conduct electricity into the organ and turn things on and off. Now, that can be done digitally. Pipe organs have a history reaching back to ancient Greece where they were powered hydraulically, according to Yamaha. Later, devices known as bellows were invented in ancient Egypt. Wedge-shaped, air would flow through the bellows when they were compressed. The air would then travel up through the pipes and produce sound. In medieval times, organ blowers would accompany organists. Their job was to use ropes and levers to compress the giant bellows and create more air for the larger organs. Now, organs are fitted with electronic motors that pump the air into the bellows. In another part of the factory is the drafting room where another son, Gregory, has his office. The design work is all done there first before the blueprints are taken into the workshop. The process that once was done by hand would be completed on large pieces of paper spread out on the office floor. Now, everything is done digitally a massive time saver. We try to get all of our instruments, drafting wise, done mechanically on paper before we pick up a saw or a hammer because if it wont fit on paper, we cant make it fit with the saw or hammer, Levsen said. Now we dont even have to use an eraser. We have a delete key. Decades of dedication In the workshop, employees know how to do everything from tune to making pieces to putting them together. The consoles, wind chests and wooden pipes are all built on-site. Originally, the plan was to build a metal pipe shop on the land as well, but that never came to fruition. And, it may be for the better. Pipe organ factories historically, have numerously, burned down because theres so much different stuff thats involved, he said. The metal pipes have to be treated with fire and so do many of the wooden parts. The Moline Organ Company was active in the area from 1879-1891. After the Illinois-based plant caught fire, the company moved to Milwaukee. A fire up there brought them back down to Moline, Levsen said. No disasters have been reported at the Levsen plant, and he credits that to being careful and meticulous in their work. Once tuning is over, theyll go back to the projects at hand, Levsen said. Those projects are what encourage him to get out of bed in the morning and what keep him working at 88 years old. Because at the end of the day, his goal is to help people fall in love with music the same way he did as a student at Madison School. The overall thing is to make a magnificent organ that makes goose pimples on your hands when somebody plays it, he said. Close Rodney Levsen Sr. shows off his shop at Levsen Organ Company, which he and his wife, Colleen, bult in the '80s, on Friday, Oct. 6, in Buffalo. The company, which employs 10 people, builds, rebuilds and tunes organs. Rodney Levsen Sr. shows off metal organ pipes at Levsen Organ Company on Friday, Oct. 6, in Buffalo. The company regularly tunes about 300 organs throughout the country. Rodney Levsen Sr. and his grandson and employee, Dustin Levsen, chat in the woodshop at Levsen Organ Company on Friday, Oct. 6, in Buffalo. Levsen's three sons also work for the company. Rodney Levsen Sr. at Levsen Organ Company on Friday, October 6, in Buffalo. The company has built or rebuilt about 120 organs since its creation in the '80s. Owner Rodney Levsen Sr. sits in his office at Levsen Organ Company on Friday, October 6, in Buffalo. On the wall behind him are photos of the first organ he created, which was installed in a Lutheran church in Cedar Rapids. One of Levsen's personal organs at Levsen Organ Company on Friday, October 6, in Buffalo. Levsen first became interested in music when he heard one of his teachers playing a piano at Madison Elementary School. An organ waits to be wired with optics at Levsen Organ Company on Friday, October 6, in Buffalo. The company builds consoles, wooden pipes and wind chests all in house. Insight-Levsen Organ Company Rodney Levsen Sr. shows off his shop at Levsen Organ Company, which he and his wife, Colleen, bult in the '80s, on Friday, Oct. 6, in Buffalo. The company, which employs 10 people, builds, rebuilds and tunes organs. Rodney Levsen Sr. shows off metal organ pipes at Levsen Organ Company on Friday, Oct. 6, in Buffalo. The company regularly tunes about 300 organs throughout the country. Rodney Levsen Sr. and his grandson and employee, Dustin Levsen, chat in the woodshop at Levsen Organ Company on Friday, Oct. 6, in Buffalo. Levsen's three sons also work for the company. Rodney Levsen Sr. at Levsen Organ Company on Friday, October 6, in Buffalo. The company has built or rebuilt about 120 organs since its creation in the '80s. Owner Rodney Levsen Sr. sits in his office at Levsen Organ Company on Friday, October 6, in Buffalo. On the wall behind him are photos of the first organ he created, which was installed in a Lutheran church in Cedar Rapids. One of Levsen's personal organs at Levsen Organ Company on Friday, October 6, in Buffalo. Levsen first became interested in music when he heard one of his teachers playing a piano at Madison Elementary School. An organ waits to be wired with optics at Levsen Organ Company on Friday, October 6, in Buffalo. The company builds consoles, wooden pipes and wind chests all in house. Local realtors receive awards Five Ruhl&Ruhl Realtors agents received awards Dec. 1 at the Quad City Area Realtors Annual Holiday Party. Agent Regen Johnson (Davenport Office) received the William E. Stradt, Sr. / Bud Hill Distinguished Service Award; Agent Steven Sutton-Gordon (Davenport Office) received the 2023 Rookie of the Year Award; Agent Kendra Mulcahy (Davenport Office) received the 2023 REALTOR of the Year Award; Agent Jon Loquist (Moline Office) received the 2023 Senior Statesman Award and Agent Dennis Stolk (Davenport Office) became an Emeritus Member. Oak Street Health Ribbon-Cutting Oak Street Health held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, Dec. 14. They are located at 1996 1st Street A in Moline (City Line Plaza). Oak Street Health is based in Chicago and just celebrated their 10 Year Anniversary. The Moline clinic is the first clinic to open in the Quad Cities. Oak Street wants to keep patients happy, healthy and out of the hospital. Their mission is Rebuilding Healthcare as it should be. At Oak Street Health, they specialize in caring for older adults. They make healthcare easy with an entire team dedicated to you. They take care of everything; providing you with personalized primary care so you can stay healthy and focused on doing the things you love. They were selected by AARP as a trusted primary care provider because of their dedication to high-quality healthcare for all Medicare eligible adults, the only primary care provider to have that distinction. At Oak Street Health, they specialize in outstanding care for older adults, from dedicated doctors and team members, who take the time to know and understand your individual health needs, to help with Medicate insurance paperwork. They help eliminate the hassle to help you take care of yourself. Freddys Frozen Custard & Steakburgers opens in Davenport Freddys Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, a fast-casual restaurant concept, opened Dec. 17, at 4251 E. 53rd St., Davenport. Freddys is known for its cooked-to-order steakburgers made with lean 100 percent ground beef, all-beef hot dogs, crispy shoestring fries and frozen custard treats made with freshly churned chocolate or vanilla frozen custard. Our focus on premium menu items, genuine hospitality and fast, friendly service makes us a desirable lunch and dinner choice for those who live, work and attend school in the area, said Steven Young, operating partner. Were a convenient stop for area shoppers and movie-goers from Cinemark to grab a quick bite to eat. Were also a great spot for families and groups to meet up after events. We take pride in being a part of the community and being a good neighbor to residents and surrounding businesses. The 3,200 square-foot, freestanding restaurant seats 84 guests, has additional seating on the patio and drive-thru service. Hours of operation are 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Rock Valley Physical Therapys Rock Valley Kids clinic to open in Davenport With a compassionate, care-filled eye toward setting the bar of pediatric care in the Quad Cities, Rock Valley Physical Therapy is bringing to light Rock Valley Kids, a Davenport-based clinic designed to meet the speech, occupational and physical therapy needs of kids from across the region. The clinic, located at 1008 W. 35th Street, Davenport, is set for a soft opening in December and a grand opening in early January, 2024. Maggie Bohnert (Verdun), MOT, OTR/L, will lead the clinic. Founded in 1984, Rock Valley Physical Therapy is one of the largest therapist-led private physical therapy practices in the country. With this opening, it will feature 61 clinics across Iowa, Illinois and Nebraska. The expansion of Rock Valley Kids to the Quad Cities is an exciting opportunity to provide comprehensive, multidisciplinary programs and resources for our communities, said Wendy Bloomhuff, PT, DPT, OCS, CSMT, TPS, Regional Manager (Quad Cities). Rock Valley Kids will undoubtedly thrive in the Quad Cities, as Maggie leads with heart and builds strong relationships with her patients and team members alike. Bohnert (Verdun), a Quad Cities resident, earned her Masters in Occupational Therapy degree from St. Ambrose University in 2016 and joined Rock Valley Physical Therapy in September of 2019. She has been instrumental in helping Rock Valleys Rehab team in Muscatine, Iowa, build a comprehensive pediatric program to serve its surrounding communities. I am beyond excited to be serving the community I live in, Bohnert (Verdun) said. I will very much miss Muscatine, but there is something special about serving your neighbors, especially when there is a need. I am looking forward to expanding a niche practice by doubling the pediatric footprint in our company and allowing us to showcase the diversity of practice within Rock Valley. For scheduling information, call (563) 362-0060 or go to www.rockvalleypt.com Mel Foster Insurance Helps River Bend Food Bank Receive Grant The River Bend Food Bank received a $5,000 grant through a national opportunity made available to Mel Foster Insurance. Hastings Mutual Insurance Company Charitable Foundation invites its partners, like Mel Foster Insurance, to nominate a local non-profit for a grant each year. Mel Foster Insurance nominated the River Bend Food Bank for consideration to receive a grant to purchase food to close the meal gap in Scott County, Iowa and Rock Island County, Illinois. Hastings Mutual Insurance Company Charitable Foundation Grant Program has awarded over $1 million across communities to help people and families grow and prosper. Mel Foster Insurance wants to impact the communities we serve positively, said Marc Engels, president of Mel Foster Insurance. Through combined efforts with partners like Hastings Mutual Insurance Company Charitable Foundation, we can utilize our national connections to make a difference for those in need right here in our community. We believe insurance plays a role every day in stabilizing families, businesses, and communities in times of need. This grant helps our local food bank feed those in need today. We are beyond grateful to Mel Foster Insurance and Hastings Mutual Insurance Company for their efforts and generosity, said Nancy Renkes, President & CEO of River Bend Food Bank. It is through community partnerships such as these that we can continue our mission of solving hunger in our area. Bettendorf police on Saturday arrested a Rock Island man in the parking lot at the Isle Casino and Hotel for allegedly selling meth and several prescription medications. According to the arrest affidavit filed by Bettendorf Police Officer Hunter Snyder, officers were patrolling the parking lot of the Isle Casino at 2:54 a.m. when they came upon a 1996 Ford Ranger with Illinois license plates. The driver and only occupant of the vehicle, Kip Leroy Jones, 74, was asleep in the vehicle. Officers noticed there was money scattered across the front seat and in Joness lap. The total amount collected was $3,315. On the passenger side floorboard was a white Adidas bag. A clear plastic bag was sticking out of one of the compartments of the Adidas bag. Officers asked Jones for a consent to search, which he refused. A drug dog was brought to the scene to perform a free air sniff and the dog alerted to narcotics in the vehicle. Out of the Adidas bag officers seized several containers and plastic bags that contained meth. The total weight of the meth came to 180.93 grams, or about four-tenths of a pound. Police have said one-tenth of a gram is the normal dose of meth and a single dose of meth ranges in price on the street from $10 to $25, depending on the dealer. Officers also seized 50 diazepam pills, 11 sildenafil pills and 18 hydrocodone pills. Officers also seized a loaded .380-caliber pistol. Jones is charged in Scott County District Court with one count of possession with the intent to deliver more than 5 grams of meth. The charge is a Class B felony under Iowa law that carries a prison sentence of 25 years. He also is charged with possession with the intent to deliver hydrocodone, a Class C felony that carries a 10-year prison sentence. Jones also is charged with three counts of violating Iowas drug tax stamp law and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Each of those charges is a Class D felony that carry a prison sentence of five years. He also is charged with possession of diazepam, an aggravated misdemeanor that carries a prison sentence of two years. During a first appearance on the charges Saturday in Scott County District Court, Magistrate Catherine Cartee scheduled a preliminary hearing in the case for Jan. 2. Jones was being held Saturday evening in the Scott County Jail on a cash-only bond of $100,000. Federal authorities could take over the Scott County Case against Jones under Project Safe Neighborhoods, a Justice Department initiative instituted in 2001 to reduce gun violence. The owner of a Davenport tattoo and piercing business was arrested Tuesday in Lancaster County Nebraska for allegedly trafficking in a large quantity of marijuana, mushrooms and vape pens. According to the Lancaster County Sheriffs Department, Amanda N. McCandless, 33, is charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance with the intent to deliver and a charge of possession without a drug tax stamp. According to Scott County District Court electronic records, McCandless had changed is name in 2021 to Manda Saurus Rexx. She is charged in Nebraska as Amanda N. McCandless. McCandless was driving a Chevrolet Malibu eastbound on Interstate 80 when she was pulled over at 9:13 a.m. at exit 395 for an improper lane change and driving on the shoulder. A drug dog was brought in for an air sniff and hit on the vehicle. Deputies located 18 pounds of vacuum-sealed marijuana, 3.6 pounds of THC oils, 2 pounds of hash, 10.6 pounds of mushrooms and chocolate bars, and 1,628 THC vape pens. McCandless was heading back to Davenport at the time of her arrest, according to the Lancaster County Sheriffs Department. McCandless and her husband, Chadillac Saurus Rexx, who changed his name in 2021 from Charles Edgar Robison IV, own Tooth and Nail, a tattoo and piercing shop. Montana is home to some of the most iconic rivers in the country. Some have been made famous on the big screen, and some have been carried for generations through family traditions, secret fishing adventures, and treasured experiences; moments that are both shared and held apart from the crowds and more traveled banks of places along the Gallatin, Madison, Yellowstone, Smith or Stillwater rivers. These are the rivers that have been proposed for permanent, federal protections under Senator Testers Montana Headwaters Legacy Act; legislation that makes a promise to keep these rivers healthy and protected for generations under the federal Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. Understanding that our outdoor assets hold value in a variety of ways, MHLA gives us the best path forward to preserve the health and habitat of these waterways and all they bring to the people and communities that enjoy and rely on them. It is equal parts commitment and investment in Montanas outdoors. If passed, MHLA would be the most significant legislation for conservation of Montana rivers in nearly 45 years. It would protect 20 rivers and 384 miles in the Upper Missouri and Yellowstone River systems, almost doubling the number of river miles protected by federal Wild and Scenic designation, a designation that would permanently protect the free-flowing nature, water quality, and outstanding remarkable values of these cherished rivers. As Montanans, as businesses, as community members, and as people who seek adventure and solace in our outdoors, we know that people flock to these rivers. We know that communities, jobs and livelihoods rely on them being healthy and running clean and cold for generations. We know that our outdoors support a $2.9 billion economic engine, providing nearly 30,000 jobs and contributing roughly 4.5% to our states GDP. We also know that our rivers are an essential part of our outdoor economy, and that 85% of Montanans stand in support of MHLA. The most recent economic data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis tells us that fishing and boating are measured as the second largest conventional outdoor recreation activity in the nation, and the largest conventional recreational activity in 24 states across the country. This sector accounted for contributing over $32 billion in economic value-added output nationwide. But our rivers are not just about dollars; our rivers are about upholding the way of life that defines Montana from east to west, and corner to corner, and they are about protecting habitat that contributes to healthy trout fisheries, diverse riparian ecosystems, and part of the delicate network of community water sources. Rivers in Montana have been protected under the Wild and Scenic Act for nearly 50 years; the Upper Missouri and parts of the Upper Flathead River were designated in 1976. What we know from these historic and ongoing protections is that traditional uses of our rivers like recreation, forest management and agricultural uses will continue. What will be mitigated are the ongoing and increasing impacts we are seeing along stretches of the Gallatin, Yellowstone, and Smith that include occurrences of algae blooms, river closures, and even declines in trout population. We need MHLA to protect these places, and we need the full support of Montanas congressional decision makers to get it done. Asking our leaders in Washington Senator Daines, Congressman Zinke, and Congressman Rosendale to use their power and join Senator Tester to help protect these assets for future generations should be the biggest gift we ask for this season. News and commentary on organized crime, street crime, white collar crime, cyber crime, sex crime, crime fiction, crime prevention, espionage and terrorism. Jeremy Harris has spent most of his life navigating Richmond city streets from bus stop to bus stop. Nearly every morning, he takes the Greater Richmond Transit Companys 3C line from his Jackson Ward home to the newest transit addition, the Downtown Transfer Station. As a Richmond native and an avid bus rider, Harris said he has watched the public transit system change most noticeably in the past few years. With each added route or line, it becomes a little easier to get around the city, he said. For GRTC, which has served as the regions public transportation system for over 150 years, the past year was marked with new programs and continued post-COVID adjustments. Ridership returned to pre-pandemic levels in August 2022 and was at 915,000 for the month a year later. For years, the system used bus routes on surface streets. Then came The Pulse, an east-west line using a dedicated bus lane along Broad Street from Willow Lawn in Henrico County through the city to Main Street and Rocketts Landing, also in Henrico. The $65 million project opened in 2018. So popular is the route that the GRTC board in October approved building a north-south line. The $100 million expansion will run from Azalea Avenue to the northern Bellevue neighborhood, to Chamberlayne Avenue, across the Manchester Bridge, and down Hull Street and Midlothian Turnpike before connecting to Chesterfield Towne Center. The project is still in the early phases. A 2022 report from the Greater Washington Partnership, a consortium of CEOs in the region, estimates construction will require five to 15 years to complete. Harris said the expansion is needed. It will be really good to have it go all over the city, Harris said. It would affect a lot of people. Micro-transit can fill those transit gaps GRTC spokesman Henry Bendon said that as the work continues, officials are concentrating on other ways to expand routes into the counties. The north/south (rapid bus line), while exciting, is not the top priority because its a longer-term project, he said. This year should be another step forward, and were really excited with the fact that people are riding the bus and more will be getting on board. One extension is an 8-mile bus line into Chesterfield County. Starting Jan. 14, buses will run from the Downtown Transfer Station at Eighth and East Clay streets to Midlothian Turnpike, past the existing Spring Rock Green bus stop and beyond Chesterfield Towne Center to the nearby Walmart and Sams Club. It will be in service every 30 minutes until 7 p.m. daily. Its a very consistent, reliable one-seat ride from deep into Chesterfield County to downtown Richmond, Bendon said. Richard Hankins, a spokesman for the public transportation advocacy group RVA Rapid Transit, said those 8 new miles will help residents, especially those in the underserved South Side communities. Id say (the route) is extraordinarily helpful. The Midlothian corridor is so job-rich, Hankins said. Weve talked to people who have gone to temp agencies and accepted a job, then found out they couldnt get there, so they had to turn it down. GRTC also plans to return to pre-pandemic schedules starting Jan. 14, which will increase the number of buses on the streets during peak travel times. Frequency of service is also scheduled to go from every 15 minutes to every 10 minutes on the Pulse line and from 60 minutes to 30 minutes for the busy Laburnum connector bus. Thats a lot of service along with Laburnum, also from Willow Lawn, all the way around to Williamsburg Road and Liberty Square, Bendon said. Thats a lot of service in the outlying area. Also on tap in 2024 is the expansion of the micro-transit program, which was first tested in the Bellevue neighborhood of Richmond and Mechanicsville. Residents there could call a bus, which took them to a designated stop in the zone. The service worked like Uber or Lyft, only free. The service was so popular that its being added to other areas. Micro-transit can fill those transit gaps and ensure that everybody has the freedom of transportation access, Bendon said. Feedback sought from riders GRTC is also seeking feedback about what other services are needed. In mid-December, four RVA Transit members met at the new 12-bay Downtown Transfer Station to hear from riders. They provided fresh coffee, tea and a GRTC survey with questions on various projects. Some riders talked about the importance of new lines and the excitement surrounding micro-transit. Others worried about the end of free fares, a policy put in place at the height of COVID. An $8 million multiyear grant from the U.S. Department of Rail and Public Transportation allowed the agency to suspend fares through June 2024. Bendon said the agency is exploring options about how to continue the free fares. It is something that we are proud to provide, and we know that it provides critical transit access to vulnerable populations, Bendon said. So were going to do everything we possibly can to find the most creative and innovative available funding sources. Harris, the transit user, said the free fare is a major perk of GRTC, although he isnt worried if that eventually changes. By the time that ends, he said, Ill have enough saved up to buy me a brand-new car. PHOTOS: Opening Day for Pulse During Wednesdays memorial service for Van Lighty, mourners at March Funeral Home were treated to a video of the drummer demonstrating his craft to students in the Richmond Youth Jazz Guild. It was really, really dynamite, recalled Delores Murray, a high school classmate and vocalist in bands in which Lighty played during the 1950s and early 60s. Oh my goodness, there was a standing ovation once he finished playing. It was a fitting send-off for Harold Ronald Van Lighty Sr., a mainstay in Richmonds jazz community who died on Dec. 10 at age 90. Lighty left his mark as a musician, as a leader of his own ensembles and in collaboration with other Richmond jazz luminaries like Joe Kennedy Jr., Dave Williams, J. Plunky Branch, Nathaniel Lee, Dr. Joseph Liberti, Skip Gailes and Herbert Debo Dabney III. He was one of Richmonds jazz pioneers, a fantastic drummer, said B.J. Brown, executive director of the Richmond Jazz Society, which she helped found in 1979. He was so much of an inspiration to us when we started RJS. He was one of the last of his generation of jazz musicians who helped pass the baton to us, along with Joe Kennedy, Hugo Jackson, Jim Branch, Joe Liberti. Lighty was a member of the Armstrong High School Class of 1950. At Virginia State College (now Virginia State University), he majored in music and played in the schools marching band, concert band and jazz band, honing his skills on the drums and the flute. His wife, Maggie Victoria Lighty, survives him. They met at VSC. During the 1950s, Lighty was a regular at the Market Inn in Washington Park, a Piney Road venue that hosted notable entertainers like Redd Foxx, Della Reese and Ruth Brown and was listed in the Green Book, a guide for Black travelers during the segregation era. Murray said Lightys drumming style was comparable to the legendary Max Roach. He would move on to such local venues as the former Bogarts in Richmonds Fan District, and played drums at the grand opening of the Richmond Coliseum. Those who knew him described him as the epitome of cool. But Lighty also left a mark well beyond the bandstand. During his time in the Navy after high school, he earned the prestigious Presidential Unit Citation for extraordinary heroism. Lighty was also a career mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service, a job in which he was so well-regarded that the folks on his West End delivery route feted him with a retirement party. In a May 4, 1988, story in the Richmond News Leader, they cited numerous examples of his thoughtfulness, including his writing of small condolences when people on his route had a death in the family. Long after his retirement from USPS, he worked as a substitute teacher for Henrico County Public Schools. And in 1994, he appeared as a juke joint drummer in the film Foreign Student, featuring Robin Givens and Charles S. Dutton, which was shot in the Richmond area and in Lexington. Besides his wife, survivors include daughter Shan Lighty and other relatives and friends. PHOTOS: Richmond Jazz and Music Festival 2023 Roanoke County school officials this month expressed gratitude to a donor whose $101,000 gift wiped out students meal debts from the last academic year. To do this and retire the debt, its incredible, outgoing school board member Mike Wray said at the boards Dec. 13 meeting. Thank you so much for seeing the need in our community and stepping up. In July, school officials said that the Alan and Michele Scheff Family Fund at the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, New York, was going to cover unpaid school meal costs left from the 2022-23 academic year. On Friday, schools spokesman Chuck Lionberger said that the unpaid meals debt through 2022-23 ended up totaling approximately $100,000, and that the remainder of the donation was being applied to new debt accrued during the current academic year. Roanoke County schools charge students $3 for lunch, $1.50 for breakfast and 50 cents for milk. Free meals are available to students whose families are below income thresholds. At this months school board meeting, nutrition supervisor Jaime Estrada said that the Scheff fund got involved after one of the family members, Jason Scheff, moved to the Roanoke area last year and learned of the countys student meal debt. Scheff wanted to prevent students from facing the stigma associated with such debts, Estrada said. Scheff attended the meeting and Estrada told him, Youve really impacted the community and done a tremendous thing for us. He received a standing ovation from the audience. Other board members echoed Wrays thanks, with Tim Greenway saying, our kids are indebted to you, and our community and David Linden calling the donation an amazing, amazing gesture. Board member Cheryl Facciani said that the funds contribution prompted her to look more closely at the school systems food program and that she learned other school divisions donate unused food to groups that help the homeless or needy. Roanoke County schools are now beginning a pilot program to do this, Facciani said. Estrada said that as the schools headed into the winter break, all perishable food items were being given to the Rescue Mission of Roanoke and to the Salvation Army so that it goes to good use and doesnt go into the garbage. A hazardous chemical that contaminated part of the Roanoke Valleys public drinking water supply has not infiltrated private wells, according to an initial round of testing. Samples taken from 14 wells showed no detectable traces of GenX, a so-called forever chemical that entered the South Fork of the Roanoke River from a business in Elliston and flowed downstream to the Spring Hollow reservoir in western Roanoke County. Although the GenX released directly into the river was at levels far above government recommendations for drinking water, it appears not to have spread as pervasively through groundwater that feeds wells owned by nearby homes and businesses. We were certainly hoping to not find detections of GenX in these wells, and thats what were seeing, said Anthony Creech, a manager in the Virginia Department of Healths Office of Environmental Health Services. GenX was first detected three years ago by the Western Virginia Water Authority, which owns and operates Spring Hollow, the source of drinking water for about 14,000 of the authoritys 69,000-some customers. Testing of private wells, generally in more rural areas that dont receive public water, is not required by law and usually is left to the owners. But given the concerns about GenX and other forever chemicals, VDH requested funding this year through the states Environmental Emergency Response Fund to cover the cost of testing. Health department officials then contacted about 80 homes and businesses most likely to be affected, offering the tests on a voluntary basis. About 20 property owners in Roanoke and Montgomery counties indicated an interest. The first round of samples was collected in late August and sent to laboratories. In discussing the results received in early December, Creech told The Roanoke Times that there was no presence of GenX above the minimum reporting level, which is two parts per trillion. A health advisory from the Environmental Protection Agency recommends no more than 10 parts per trillion in drinking water over a lifetime of consumption. VDH sampled the wells for 25 of the most common forever chemicals, also known as PFAS for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. There are more than 6,000 different kinds of the manmade compounds, which are used in the manufacture of a wide variety of household and consumer products. One well showed levels of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid, or PFOS, at levels higher than EPA standards, and perfluorooctanoic acid, or PFOA, at just below the standard, Creech said. Those two substances were not believed to be breakdowns of GenX. The thing about these chemicals is that they tend not to break down, Creech said of what are colloquially known as forever chemicals. For those familiar with forever chemicals, their discovery is hardly a surprise. Its pretty ubiquitous, said Leigh-Anne Krometis, an associate professor of biological systems engineering at Virginia Tech. Almost everybody has some PFAS in their system. The chemicals popular for their ability to repel heat, oil and water have been used for decades in the manufacture a large number of items that include non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, carpet, upholstery, cosmetics, cleaning supplies, paint and fast food wrappings. People can be exposed to PFAS in a variety of ways: from drinking tainted water from public systems or private wells, applying lipstick and makeup, consuming food from exposed animals and plants, wearing heat resistant apparel such as fire-fighting gear, and eating food packaged in containers that include the chemicals. While the amounts are tiny one part per trillion is equivalent to one drop of water in 20 Olympic-size swimming pools concerns about PFAS have grown in recent years as advanced testing made it easier to measure them. Studies have shown that PFAS can increase the risk of some cancers, cause developmental delays in children, lead to increased blood pressure and reduced fertility in pregnant women, and impact the bodys immune system, according to the EPA. At Tech, Krometis has received a $250,000 grant from the U.S. Geological Survey to study the risks of PFAS in rural private water supplies. She and others involved in the research are testing private wells with the consent of their owners. Of about 80 homes in Montgomery and Floyd counties tested so far, approximately 10% had wells with levels of PFAS that are above government standards. To date, though, the highest concentration of any forever chemical found in the Roanoke and New River valleys has been from the spread of GenX, the trade name for hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid. It was first found in Spring Hollow at about 60 parts per trillion, later in the Roanoke River at 140 parts per trillion, and then at far higher levels where it first entered the rivers south fork. An investigation last year by the water authority and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality traced the source to ProChem of Elliston, a company that treats and recycles industrial wastewater. ProChem was hired by the Chemours Chemical Co. to clean equipment that contained traces of GenX. The machinery was then returned to a Chemours plant in West Virginia. Wastewater from the process was dumped into a sanitary sewer that routed it to a public treatment plant, where it was then released into the river. From there, it was carried about five miles downstream to the point where water from the river is pumped into Spring Hollow. After it was identified as the source, ProChem said it had no knowledge that it had been servicing GenX-bearing equipment for the past seven years. The company cancelled its contract with Chemours last fall, and since then contamination in the Roanoke River has all but vanished. However, the level in Spring Hollow, which draws water from the river and holds it for treatment and distribution, has remained at high levels, at between 30 to 50 parts per trillion for most of this year. A carbon filtering system installed at the reservoirs water treatment plant has largely brought the concentration down to below the EPAs recommendation of no more than 10 parts per trillion. However, the carbon units used in the system lose their ability to capture the contaminant over time, and must be replaced about every three months. The water authority plans to spend up to $13.5 million on upgrades to the filtering system. Much of that will be recovered through a settlement with Chemours, which has agreed to pay between $9.5 and $12 million to the authority. The agreement was reached independently from a national settlement in which the global chemical company will pay a total of nearly $1.2 billion to public water works contaminated by GenX. The authority still plans to participate in the national settlement, which could generate additional funds, spokeswoman Sarah Baumgardner said last week. As for the private well owners who cannot benefit from a filtering system like the one used at the reservoir, the costs of testing and treating their water can be daunting, Creech, of the Health Department, said. These tests are not inexpensive, he said. But its certainly better to know than not know. Loraisia Williams, 40, is not a big fan of Child Protective Services. When she and some of her six siblings were growing up in Roanoke, they were taken from their mother and sent to New York to live with their father. But the situation didnt work out well. He was too strict, Williams said about her father, so, with money their mother sent, she and her tween siblings ran away and caught a bus back home. She is still angry at the agency she feels wronged her and her family. So it took a lot of courage earlier this year when she decided she needed to call CPS on herself. Williams and her young daughter were living in a Section 8 rental house at the time, she said. It was a 100-year-old converted triplex with all-electric utilities. It had no insulation, Williams said, and she suspects that when it was renovated back into a single-family home, it was never rewired, so she was being charged for powering three separate housing units. The landlord had forbidden her from going into the attic or basement, she said, but she did it anyway, and her discoveries explained why her electric bill added up to thousands of dollars, while family members living across the street in a similar home didnt have the same problem. Williams said she had formerly worked for a power company while living in New York, and she knew all about energy conservation, but nothing she did helped. In addition, the ceilings in the place were falling in, and there was a mold problem, which meant that Williams daughter often had to stay at relatives homes because it was affecting her health. Airing the house out was not an option, she said. The windows didnt even open up. When she complained to Roanokes Code Enforcement Department and they came for an inspection, she said, they knew before they walked in that the place was uninhabitable. They left with four pages worth of violations in their hands, which included a raised electrical outlet retrofitted into the middle of the floor, she said. When her landlord found out she had reported him, she was served with an eviction notice. She then went to the Legal Aid Society of the Roanoke Valley, which was able to put a stay on the eviction, but was not able to recover any damages for her daughters health problems, lost working hours when the ceiling fell in, or for the extra money Williams had paid for the utilities. Williams said she wanted to move, but couldnt afford to with the huge power bill hanging over her head. She applied to charities all over town, but couldnt find any help she said. Thats when she called CPS it was the only way she knew to get her daughter into a better living situation. To her surprise, instead of separating her from her child, the agency helped with bill. By April, with the assistance of local charities, the two were able to move into a new place that doesnt seem to have any problems. Its a lot better, she said about the new place. [CPS] told me they want to help children, not just take them away. Williams has struggled to provide a better life for her child than she had. She dropped out of high school before graduating, she said, because she couldnt handle the incessant bullying. It was just a fashion show. If you didnt have nice clothes and things, they picked on you. Back in New York, she said, students wore uniforms to school, which kept them from targeting each other. She said she thinks it would be a good policy for Roanoke as well. Williams has always wanted to earn her GED, she said, but hasnt had the time or the opportunity. She said she has done many different things for a living, including working for the school system and with temp agencies. She feels that in many cases, both overt racism and the more-subtle racism that is embedded in American society has held her back from achieving her goals. She said she tends to keep her daughter indoors to spare her from being exposed to that kind of behavior in the mixed-race neighborhoods they have sometimes found themselves in. I dont want her to go through the things I went through, she said. Williams has recently gone through a long spell of unemployment, so she signed up for Temporary Aid to Needy Families. To keep her benefits, she needed to attend employment classes, she said, but when she skipped them to go on job interviews, the payments were stopped. Thats OK with her, Williams said. I really want to work. Im looking for anything. In December, she was hoping to find a job at a fast-food place, as well as a second job, so she could work both day and night shifts. In the meantime, the loss of her benefits meant that Williams couldnt pay her gas and water bills. She came to Roanoke Area Ministries, where she applied for a grant toward the bills from its Emergency Financial Assistance Program, which is supported by The Roanoke Times Good Neighbors Fund. I needed some assistance, she said. Im having a hard time right now. I have no work, no income. I dont want my service to be cut off again. Although her family is close and its members try to help each other, many of them have health issues, and they are still recovering from the death of one of her sisters earlier this year. Talking about it brings tears to Williams eyes. But RAMs caseworkers went out of their way to help me, she said. They were so nice. If she ever gets on her feet, Williams has big plans. She is passionate about helping Black youth get a better start in the world than she had. Shed like to run a charity that will offer education in basic living skills and job training. I feel like its not fair for us, she said. Black people often get caught up in crime just because were trying to feed our families. Were not given the opportunity to have things. Theres so much mental illness and sickness. What else are they going to do? Williams said shed like to name her project after her daughter, Miracle. For those thinking of donating to the Good Neighbors Fund and arent sure they money will be put to good use, Williams said: you never know what someone else is going through. WEST END, N.C. Jesse Wimberley burns the woods with neighbors. Using new tools to revive an old communal tradition, they set fire to wiregrasses and forest debris with a drip torch, corralling embers with leaf blowers. Wimberley, 65, gathers groups across eight North Carolina counties to starve future wildfires by lighting leaf litter ablaze. The burns clear space for longleaf pine, a tree species whose seeds won't sprout on undergrowth blocking bare soil. Since 2016, the fourth-generation burner has fueled a burgeoning movement to formalize these volunteer ranks. Prescribed burn associations are proving key to conservationists efforts to restore a longleaf pine range forming the backbone of forest ecology in the American Southeast. Volunteer teams, many working private land where participants reside or make a living, are filling service and knowledge gaps one blaze at a time. Prescribed fires, the intentional burning replicating natural fires crucial for forest health, require more hands than experts can supply. In North Carolina, the practice sometimes ends with a barbecue. Southerners like coming together and doing things and helping each other and having some food, Wimberley said. Fire is not something you do by yourself. More than 100 associations exist throughout 18 states, according to North Carolina State University researchers, and the Southeast is a hot spot for new ones. Wimberley's Sandhills Prescribed Burn Association is considered the region's first, and the group reports having helped up to 500 people clear land or learn how to do it themselves. The proliferation follows federal officials' push in the past century to suppress forest fires. The policy sought to protect the expanding footprint of private homes and interrupted fire cycles that accompanied longleaf evolution, which Indigenous people and early settlers simulated through targeted burns. Fire is medicine and it heals the land. Its also medicine for our people, said Courtney Steed, outreach coordinator for the Sandhills Prescribed Burn Association and a Lumbee Tribe member. Its putting us back in touch with our traditions. The longleaf pine ecosystem spans just 3% of the 140,000 square miles it encompassed before industrialization and urbanization. But some pockets remain, from Virginia to Texas to Florida. The system's greenery still harbors the bobwhite quail and other declining species. The conifers are especially resistant to droughts, a hazard growing more common and more severe due to climate change. A big tent of environmentalists, hunters, nonprofit groups and government agencies recently celebrated a 53% increase in the longleaf pine range since 2009, spanning an estimated 8,100 square miles. However, those strides fell short of their goal to hit 12,500 square miles. Private landowners are central to the coalitions latest restoration effort. They hold roughly 86% of forested land in the South, according to America's Longleaf Restoration Initiative. The partnership needs thousands of new landowners to support longleaf management on their properties. The nascent burn associations are vital in their education, according to a 15-year plan released in November. Federal agencies back the endeavor through activities such as invasive species removal and land management workshops. Nearly $50 million in federal grants are available for projects bolstering forest health, including prescribed fire. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has a Longleaf Pine Initiative" partnering with burn groups like Wimberley's. Farm bill money supports planning and planting. Personnel can help install firebreaks. But applicants are increasingly competing for limited funding that cannot cover all the needed maintenance burns, Longleaf Pine Initiative Coordinator Matthew Vandersande said. Landowners say liability-concerned states are reluctant to send their relatively few burners onto private property and private contractors cannot meet the demand. When it comes time to drop the match, you're kind of on your own, said Keith Tribble, 62, who owns a North Carolina tree farm. While state forestry services provide classes, Tribble credits burn associations for the hands-on experience and crews needed to confidently manage the pines. Humidity and wind speed are the biggest factors in a burn plan, according to Hitchcock Woods Superintendent Bennett Tucker, manager of a private forest in South Carolina. The pine's oils allow it to almost always carry fire and it typically burns at a relative humidity between 25% and 50%. With a prescribed fire, we can control the where, the when, the how and all those factors by choosing the best conditions, Tucker said. Handheld weather meters ensure wind speed, temperature and humidity fall within limits under plans written beforehand. The prescriptions also can reduce potential liability in the event a fire escapes. Runaway fires are rare, according to studies of federal agencies and surveys of community burn groups. Wimberley's teams havent had one yet, even with 40 burns per year. Climate change is reducing the number of safe burn days. Rising temperatures cause lower relative humidity in the South and intensify periods when its too dry, said Jennifer Fawcett, a North Carolina State University wildland fire expert. As the severity and frequency of storms, droughts and wildfires increase, longleaf pines could become even more important for ecological resilience in the South. Deep roots anchor them during strong winds and stretch far into the ground for water. Flames enhance soil nutrients. Further, the surrounding ecosystems have few known rivals for biodiversity in the U.S. Light pours through open canopies onto the sparse floor, giving way to flora like an insect-eating plant that needs sun exposure and wet soil. Gopher tortoises feed on the native vegetation and dig up to 15-foot burrows sheltering other at-risk species. Its more than just planting trees, said Lisa Lord, The Longleaf Alliance conservation programs director. We want to take the time to restore all of the values of the forest. Private landowners join forces to restore Southeastern forest ecosystems The Irish Civil War ended in 1923. Eighty years on, author and documentary-maker Tom Hurley wondered if there were many civilians and combatants left from across Ireland who had experienced the years 1919 to 1923, their prelude and their aftermath. What memories had they, what were their stories and how did they reflect on those turbulent times? In early 2003, he recorded the experiences of 18 people, conducting two further interviews abroad in 2004. Tom spoke to a cross-section (Catholic, Protestant, Unionist and Nationalist) who were in their teens or early twenties during the civil war. The chronological approach he has taken to his book spans fifty years, beginning with the oldest interviewee's birth in 1899 and ending when the Free State became a republic in 1949. Longford native Patrick Greene, born in 1900, discusses the election of Joe McGuinness, a native of Tarmonbarry, to the constituency of South Longford in 1917, while the election of Count Plunkett in North Roscommon that same year is also highlighted. Another interviewee is William Geary from Limerick, born in 1899. He joined the Civic Guard (Garda Siochana) in 1922 and emigrated to new York in 1928 before marrying Margaret Shryane from Roosky in 1943. One hundred years after the Civil War ended, these 20 interviews recorded by Tom Hurley come together to create a unique oral account of the revolutionary period and the tensions that were brewing in the run-up and aftermath. Together, theirs are the Last Voices of the Irish Revolution. 'Last Voices of the Irish Revolution' by Tom Hurley is available in bookshops throughout the country and can also be ordered online. It is published by Gill Books. Llarga Beach is a pretty little slice of the Iberian Peninsula. Located in Salou, Spain, it's a hot vacation destination that's enjoyed increasing popularity. Wanting to know more about how this rise in human activity was affecting the ecosystem, Kowalewski rolled up his sleeves and hit the scene. From July 1978, through July 1981, he and his colleagues put together monthly catalogs of all the seashell material they could find on Llarga Beach. Kowalewski returned decades later for a new round of surveys beginning in 2008 and ending in 2010. His discoveries were not encouraging. Tourism data revealed an almost threefold increase in visitation between 1980 and 2010. During that same period, the number of seashells on Llarga Beach fell by more than 60 percent. Coincidence? Probably not. Advertisement Other beachside communities should be worried about the same kind of decline in seashells and not just for environmental reasons. Shells tend to break up into particles that are bigger than typical sand grains. That helps beaches fight erosion. Seashell fragments, as Kowalewski puts it, "can form pavements that may make it harder" for winds, waves and water currents to move shoreline sediment around. If we remove too many seashells, it'll become harder for our beaches to resist the forces of erosion. "To belabor the obvious," Kowalewski says, "shoreline erosion may have substantial consequences for us because coasts are heavily populated and [it] can affect buildings and other infrastructure." So what's the solution? "In many countries there are excellent laws in place to prevent overharvesting," Nijman notes. "Companies and individuals ... should follow the existing regulations and the authorities should enforce [them]." He adds that prosecutors and judges must take large-scale poaching operations more seriously. "It is an economic crime and should be handled as such." Meanwhile, it might behoove the rest of us to take more pictures and fewer keepsakes from the beaches we all love. NOW THAT'S Funny A conch shell is the emblem of the greatest fake revolution in American history. In 1982, the federal government put a border patrol roadblock on U.S. Route 1, which was the only road linking mainland Florida to the Keys. The islands claimed it hurt tourism, and as a tongue-in-cheek protest, they announced they were seceding from the Union. Key West Mayor Dennis Wardlow was named prime minister of the newly minted fake country which called itself "The Conch Republic." At a public address on April 23, Wardlow declared war on the U.S., surrendered immediately, and requested $1 billion in foreign aid. Blog Archive: Jan 2024 (56) Dec 2023 (155) Nov 2023 (150) Oct 2023 (155) Sep 2023 (150) Aug 2023 (155) Jul 2023 (155) Jun 2023 (150) May 2023 (155) Apr 2023 (150) Mar 2023 (155) Feb 2023 (140) Jan 2023 (155) Dec 2022 (156) Nov 2022 (150) Oct 2022 (155) Sep 2022 (150) Aug 2022 (155) Jul 2022 (154) Jun 2022 (150) May 2022 (155) Apr 2022 (150) Mar 2022 (155) Feb 2022 (140) Jan 2022 (156) Dec 2021 (156) Nov 2021 (150) Oct 2021 (155) Sep 2021 (150) Aug 2021 (155) Jul 2021 (155) Jun 2021 (150) May 2021 (155) Apr 2021 (150) Mar 2021 (155) Feb 2021 (140) Jan 2021 (155) Dec 2020 (155) Nov 2020 (150) Oct 2020 (158) Sep 2020 (150) Aug 2020 (130) Jul 2020 (124) Jun 2020 (120) May 2020 (124) Apr 2020 (120) Mar 2020 (124) Feb 2020 (116) Jan 2020 (125) Dec 2019 (126) Nov 2019 (120) Oct 2019 (124) Sep 2019 (120) Aug 2019 (125) Jul 2019 (124) Jun 2019 (120) May 2019 (123) Apr 2019 (121) Mar 2019 (124) Feb 2019 (112) Jan 2019 (125) Dec 2018 (126) Nov 2018 (120) Oct 2018 (124) Sep 2018 (121) Aug 2018 (124) Jul 2018 (125) Jun 2018 (120) May 2018 (124) Apr 2018 (121) Mar 2018 (124) Feb 2018 (112) Jan 2018 (123) Dec 2017 (124) Nov 2017 (124) Oct 2017 (141) Sep 2017 (135) Aug 2017 (138) Jul 2017 (137) Jun 2017 (134) May 2017 (138) Apr 2017 (135) Mar 2017 (139) Feb 2017 (129) Jan 2017 (143) Dec 2016 (135) Nov 2016 (138) Oct 2016 (142) Sep 2016 (128) Aug 2016 (133) Jul 2016 (136) Jun 2016 (138) May 2016 (164) Apr 2016 (311) Mar 2016 (348) Feb 2016 (320) Jan 2016 (348) Dec 2015 (314) Nov 2015 (338) Oct 2015 (363) Sep 2015 (358) Aug 2015 (399) Jul 2015 (374) Jun 2015 (331) May 2015 (337) Apr 2015 (319) Mar 2015 (320) Feb 2015 (271) Jan 2015 (286) Dec 2014 (254) Nov 2014 (238) Oct 2014 (287) Sep 2014 (267) Aug 2014 (259) Jul 2014 (260) Jun 2014 (238) May 2014 (241) Apr 2014 (228) Mar 2014 (240) Feb 2014 (217) Jan 2014 (263) Dec 2013 (226) Nov 2013 (254) Oct 2013 (256) Sep 2013 (252) Aug 2013 (263) Jul 2013 (261) Jun 2013 (251) May 2013 (250) Apr 2013 (221) Mar 2013 (193) Feb 2013 (164) Jan 2013 (157) Dec 2012 (155) Nov 2012 (240) Oct 2012 (526) Sep 2012 (411) Aug 2012 (394) Jul 2012 (284) Jun 2012 (229) May 2012 (213) Apr 2012 (213) Mar 2012 (253) Feb 2012 (269) Jan 2012 (298) Dec 2011 (273) Nov 2011 (219) Oct 2011 (204) Sep 2011 (201) Aug 2011 (236) Jul 2011 (217) Jun 2011 (211) May 2011 (206) Apr 2011 (215) Mar 2011 (215) Feb 2011 (186) Jan 2011 (215) Dec 2010 (107) Nov 2010 (98) Oct 2010 (55) CHARLESTON The Duke Endowment has awarded the Medical University of South Carolina seven grants totaling just over $4.28 million to improve access to high-quality health care in rural and underserved parts of South Carolina. Serving the underserved is central to the Medical Universitys mission, and The Duke Endowment has consistently demonstrated that it is philosophically aligned with that vision, said David J. Cole, M.D., FACS, MUSC president. These grants will bring life-changing, lifesaving services to people throughout the state who might otherwise go without. The grants will launch seven initiatives, each with long-term sustainability plans that advance MUSCs vision to elevate and deliver the most advanced and innovative care to citizens in all parts of South Carolina. We value our longstanding relationship with MUSC and are proud to support these projects, which will improve health for South Carolinians, said Lin Hollowell, director of The Duke Endowments Health Care program area. MUSC and The Duke Endowment share a commitment to improve access to innovative care and resources that will promote health equity throughout the state. These grants will enable MUSC to: Launch a Healthy People, Healthy Carolinas coalition to improve population health in Chester County. ($100,000) The grant will provide staff support and operating funds for a partnership between MUSC and the Chester County Community Coalition (CCCC), a group of more than 15 agencies and representatives from local advocacy groups, youth programs and health-focused nonprofits. Develop systems to support and retain a diverse health care workforce. ($875,000) People identifying as Black, Indigenous and people of color make up 36% of South Carolinas overall population, yet they are represented in less than 25% of the states licensed health care providers. This disparity represents a significant barrier to care, especially in the states rural communities. This grant will lower this barrier through a comprehensive strategy aimed at retaining, mentoring and training the providers who serve these patient populations. Develop resources and services to measure, address and prevent health care worker burnout in Florence. ($445,000) Caregiver fatigue and burnout are on the rise, accelerated dramatically by the COVID-19 pandemic. MUSC and the SC Hospital Association have partnered to evaluate measures that promote workforce strength and resilience at MUSC in Charleston. However, there remains a tremendous need to pilot these strategies in rural hospitals, which have unique stressors because of their smaller size, staffing and budgets. The Duke Endowment award will enable MUSC to pilot and refine these strategies at its hospital in Florence. Expand the Boeing Center for Childrens Wellness program to include mental health prevention and treatment services beyond Charleston and Colleton counties. ($1,335,000) In 2011, MUSC, in partnership with the Boeing Company, launched a highly effective school-based program to promote improving young peoples health through better eating, fitness and lifestyle habits. Based on its success and prompted by growing concerns about youth depression and other mental health problems, MUSC, in 2021, expanded the programs focus to include youth mental health, on a limited geographic basis. The Duke Endowment grant will allow these services to be offered in two additional school districts: Berkeley County and Dorchester 2. It also will help to determine the feasibility of remote therapeutic monitoring for high-risk students in a school setting. Improve access to dental care for children in the Carolinas. ($735,000) Most counties in South Carolina and North Carolina are recognized as dental health professional shortage areas (HPSA). The Duke Endowment grant will help to assess, standardize and strengthen school-based oral health programs that emphasize preventive-care measures such as screening, sealant and cleaning services, with the goal of increasing access to care and reducing the incidence of dental disease. Implement a virtual program to help children in rural South Carolina to manage asthma more effectively. ($598,000) Poorly controlled asthma is the second leading cause of emergency department and hospital visits for children in South Carolina and is associated with decreased quality of life, missed school and mortality. Notably, the asthma burden is higher in rural regions, due to poor access to specialized care. This grant will help to close that gap in Clarendon, Florence and Williamsburg counties by increasing access to specialized asthma education and care in those areas through MUSCs telehealth network. Create a statewide telehealth network for rural primary care clinics. ($200,000) South Carolina, like much of the nation, is experiencing a shortage of primary care providers, especially in its rural communities. MUSC has been able to fill some of these gaps through its nationally recognized Center for Telehealth, which has 15 years of experience, offering more than 100 unique telehealth services to nearly 350 sites across the state, the majority of which are in partially or fully underserved areas. Currently, care is supported through five service lines, including behavioral health, weight management, diabetes monitoring and two types of remote consultation for rural physicians. These service lines currently operate independently, with different teams, points of contacts, websites and patient portals. This grant will support the integration of these services through a Statewide Primary Care Integrated Virtual Service Network, which is expected to expand access, simplify navigation and improve coordination of care. There are several ways to become a teacher in Nebraska, but a new option allows people interested in the job to get a certificate online, at your own pace and in under a year. Nebraskans can now participate in an online teacher certification program called American Board, which was founded in 2001 by the U.S. Department of Education to offer an alternate path for future teachers who didnt go to school for education. It operates in 13 other states, including Missouri, Indiana, Wisconsin and North Dakota. The option was made possible following education legislation passed this spring that gives anyone with a bachelors degree the opportunity to get teaching credentials through an alternative teacher certification program like American Board. The pathway allows people to get their teaching certificate without attending a traditional in-person teacher preparation program, or even an online program through a college or university. At American Board, people can get their credentials in under a year and for $1,900 or less, depending on financial aid. The website states it takes the average American Board student 7-10 months to earn their certification, though some students have completed the program in two months. It all depends on how much time you can devote to studying and learning the material, the website says. The new legislation requires that any alternative teacher certification program like American Board to be in operation for at least 10 years and in five states. Candidates also have to pass at least two exams and a background check before receiving their certificate. The legislation was initially introduced by state Sen. Lou Ann Linehan to address Nebraskas teacher shortage. It was later amended into a hefty education package of 23 bills at the end of the legislative session. For years, Nebraska has had alternative ways to get teacher certification. David Jespersen, spokesman for the Nebraska Department of Education, said the options were put in place to give future teachers a way to get in the classroom while they finished their schooling. But depending on the persons background, their alternative permit could expire after two years. With this legislation, it specifically does not call for an expiration of any permit, Jespersen said. The way it is right now, at least, if they got the American Board certificate, they would get an alternative permit to teach and it would not have an expiration. Jespersen said the departments website will eventually be updated to reflect the new option. Melanie Olmstead, director of American Board, said the program offers certificates in a variety of areas, including elementary education, special education or specific subjects for grades 7-12 like biology, history, math, English and more. After passing a background check, all participants need is a bachelors degree, no matter the subject, to qualify for the program. There might be the misunderstanding that its a fast track into the classroom, Olmstead said. But in reality, people who use this program already do have a degree in a subject other than education, and then they use American Boards program to get that additional pedagogical training and demonstrate their competency in the subject area they want to teach. Olmstead said 50% of the program is the subject area someone wants to teach and participants will spend their time studying online materials, watching webinars and taking practice quizzes. Each person has to pass a final exam in the subject area. The remainder of the program is pedagogy, which is learning how to teach others, Olmstead said. Participants learn about things like classroom management, instructional design and assessments. Linehan said one complication of an alternative certification program is that some educators believe its not enough preparation to become a classroom teacher. The concerns around the quality of these programs is frequently argued, according to a 2017 research brief by the Midwestern Higher Education Compact. The expansion of expedited alternative preparation programs might be an efficient method for increasing the number of teachers, the report said. But many have questioned whether such a singular focus on efficiency sacrifices quality in terms of teacher skills and knowledge and, ultimately, student learning outcomes. Research studied in MHECs report found mixed results comparing traditional four-year teacher colleges to streamlined alternative programs with student achievement. Some studies found that alternative programs were less effective, but others found they were equally effective in specific states, like Texas and New York. The brief did conclude that traditional preparation offered better instructional knowledge and teacher retention than alternative preparation across all grade levels except kindergarten. Olmstead said she understood the concerns about the quality of teachers with alternative certification. While American Board doesnt require classroom experience, Olmstead said the average participant is 39 years old and is going into teaching after decades of other lived experiences that can contribute to the job. What we have heard from employing principals is that theres a trade off when youre trying to fill an open teaching position, and employing principals know that when they hire an American Board teacher there, they dont have that previous classroom experience, Olmstead said. But they bring other things to the table that a younger hire may not have and so its just a bit of a trade-off. Nebraskas alternative certification opportunity was created along with several other efforts put into action this year to improve the states educator shortage, such as the elimination of testing or creation of funding for educators. Theres been an 114% increase in Nebraska teacher vacancies from 2011 to 2023, according to state data. Last year, there were nearly 769 unfilled educator positions across the state, meaning they were either left vacant or filled by an underqualified employee. Thats a massive number of classrooms where students are being taught by uncertified or out-of-field teachers, and thats not whats best for kids, Olmstead said. So I think that people whove considered making a change to teaching in the past are more likely to pursue it right now because they see that they can contribute something to their local school. Top Journal Star photos for December 2023 MENANDS, N.Y. Kaine is a big, buoyant dog looking for a home. But lately, he's spending a lot of time at the office. Animal shelters around the U.S. are bursting at the seams amid the rising cost of living, so the gray and white 7-year-old has been staying in a worker's office at the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society while awaiting adoption. The shelter near Albany, New York, is beyond full, said CEO Ashley Jeffrey Bouck. That means Kaine along with his crate, dog bed and chewy toys has to share space with a staffer, a desk and file cabinets. He is one of our 'office fosters' as we're calling it," Bouck said as she visited Kaine's office recently. They are here all day and all night. They are not going into a kennel because we dont have a kennel for them to go into. The number of animals entering shelters began to climb in 2021, after a pandemic-related dip. Adoptions havent kept pace with the influx of pets especially larger dogs like Kaine creating a snowballing population problem for many shelters. Shelter Animals Count, a national database of shelter statistics, estimates that the U.S. shelter population grew by nearly a quarter-million animals in 2023. Shelter operators say theyre in crisis mode as they try to reduce the kennel crush. The issue is sometimes blamed on owners abandoning pandemic puppies purchased during the COVID-19 lockdowns. But advocates and operators say the evidence actually points to economic factors such as higher pet care costs and housing insecurity. The economy right now is really challenging for a lot of families, said Kim Alboum of the Bissell Pet Foundation, a national animal welfare organization. And with the housing crisis, people are losing their homes and are having to downsize or move in with others. And this is a recipe for disaster for people that have larger dogs. Overcrowded shelters with limited space are more of a dog problem than a cat problem, advocates say. Mohawk Hudson, for instance, has a lot of pit bulls, mastiffs and cane corsos. Some people can no longer afford to care for their pets, particularly when it comes to the rising cost of veterinarian services. Advocates say a shortage of veterinarians has exacerbated the problem by reducing access to care. North of New York City, Ulster County SPCA executive director Gina Carbonari said shes noticed more people coming in to their pet food pantry to ask for dog food in recent months. The tumultuous housing market has added to the problem. Bouck said that when evictions increase, so too does the number of stray animals. When renters move into new, more affordable housing, they often encounter restrictions on pets, with larger dogs and pit bulls more likely to be barred. So you have to make a choice now, Carbonari said, Well, do I have housing? Or am I going to be homeless with my dog? In Ohio, the number of animals surrendered to the Cleveland Animal Protective League due to housing or financial challenges jumped by 56% this year to 388. That includes people who cant afford the care, have a conflict with their landlord, are moving or have no home. The number of stray cats and kittens brought in by good Samaritans also has increased significantly. Advocates say they're seeing shelters that have not had to euthanize animals recently rely again on the practice to help control overpopulation. Some cities have required owners to spay or neuter their pets, but often such policies aren't enforced. Around the country, shelters and advocates are working to reduce intakes and encourage more adoptions. That includes expanding foster programs that send animals to temporary homes instead of shelters. Other programs ease the financial burden of owning a dog or a cat, through pet food pantries and veterinary services like spay and neuter clinics. Animal Care Centers of NYC, which runs New York Citys public shelters, limited cat intakes to only the most urgent cases for several weeks this summer and similarly limited dog intakes for six weeks beginning Oct. 7. Many New York City shelters also were keeping dogs in offices, as well as hallways, to avoid having to euthanize them. Last year Mohawk Hudson reduced the number of its contracts with municipalities to take in strays and has decided not to keep taking in pets surrendered from owners. Increasing adoptions is especially crucial, argued Best Friends Animal Society CEO Julie Castle, saying that millions of people buy new pets each year even as hundreds of thousands of animals die in shelters. We know people are going to get pets, so lets go back to the basics of really ... marketing adoptions, because at the end of the day, we are in a competitive space with breeders and pet stores, Castle said. The national animal welfare organization, which runs a sanctuary in Utah, partners with businesses and shelters and rescue groups to run adoption events around the country, where adoption fees are waived or reduced. While some shelters have responded to the crush by adding more capacity, advocates believe a long-term solution has to confront the reasons why shelters are resorting to housing animals in their offices. People will say, Oh, cant you just build more kennels?'" Bouck said. And we could fill those up in two seconds. Animal shelter populations are up. Here's why and how shelters are responding How animal shelters are dealing with increasing populations Intakes are up, but adoptions aren't keeping up, causing populations to grow 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 Adam Selipsky is shepherding Amazons cloud unit at one of the most important moments in tech history. Selipsky, the CEO of the companys cloud computing unit AWS, has been behind the various generative AI offerings Amazon has rolled out over the past few months as it aims to compete with Microsoft and others in the growing AI arms race. AWS is a leader in the cloud market and a deeply profitable business for Amazon. However, some of its growth has been slowing down the past few quarters, a problem attributed to customers cutting back on their spending due to challenges with the wider economy. Simultaneously, the business has been at the forefront of Amazons push into generative AI, which flooded the public consciousness last year with the release of OpenAIs popular chatbot ChatGPT. During a speech held late November at an AWS conference in Las Vegas, Selipsky unveiled the companys response (kind of) to ChatGPT an AI assistant for businesses called Q. The Associated Press recently spoke with Selipsky about how companies are spending on cloud services, Amazons investment in the artificial intelligence startup Anthropic and the future of generative AI. The conversation has been edited for length and clarity. Q: Companies have been cutting cloud spending this year. Is that still happening? A: A lot of our customers over the past several quarters have been pursuing cost optimization. Since day one, weve said that AWS and the cloud are the place to do that. Weve seen that a lot of customers have gotten far through that cost optimization. And we have other customers who are still in the middle of it. Were further through it, but its not over yet. Were also still seeing a lot of customers investing. The companies who are going to win are the ones who are investing now in uncertain economic times when some others are hesitating in their overall investments. And were working with a lot of customers who are doing just that. Were also seeing tremendous interest in our generative AI offerings. Q: Whats your vision for generative AI? A: We really think about three different layers of the generative AI stack. At the bottom layer of the stack is the infrastructure required to to do generative AI. We have a very large Nvidia GPU-based business and have designed and delivered our own custom-designed chips, including our Trainium and Inferentia chips. At the top layer of the stack is consuming applications that have been built using generative AI. And for that, we have a coding companion for developers. Q: Speaking of models, there were reports that Amazon is building a large language model called Olympus. Is that something that we should expect to see soon? A: You should definitely expect to see multiple iterations of Amazons first-party models, which are already out there today under the Titan brand. It goes back to the idea that theres no one model to rule them all. We want multiple models with different use cases. And I expect that they will collectively be very capable and very powerful. Q: Can you chat with me about Amazons investment in the artificial intelligence startup Anthropic? There are reports that Google, which is also backing Anthropic, is upping its investments. Some say this is becoming some sort of proxy war between Amazon and Google. Do you see it that way? A: No, I dont. We have a very close, very tight relationship with Anthropic thats very beneficial to both companies. Anthropic has chosen Amazon as its primary cloud provider for its mission critical workloads. The majority of Anthropic workloads will run on AWS. Period. Q: How does Amazon think about safeguards as its building this technology? A: Responsible AI is incredibly important and something that Amazon has been taking very seriously. We have a number of principles for responsible AI that weve been public about. Weve done things like create these cards for our services, which talk about the uses of the model, the intended use of the model, about how they were trained. We try to provide more transparency into how some of these AI services are constructed and what theyre used for. We think that a lot of the solutions around responsible AI are going to need to be multilateral solutions. We need a collaboration between cloud industry leaders, folks like AWS, and those producing models, like Anthropic, as well as governments, academia and others. Thats why weve been so active at participating in responsible AI forums at the White House and in the U.K. Q: Where do you see the AI race going next year? A: I think youre going to see a very rapid evolution and change. And thats partially reflective of the fact that we are still so early in the evolution of generative AI. Thats why I think adaptability and flexibility are actually incredibly important advantages for customers. In order for them to succeed with their business objectives and to delight their customers, theyre going to need to be very flexible, agile and adaptable in how they evolve their use of generative AI. 5 of the top AI roles companies are seeking to hire 5 of the top AI roles companies are seeking to hire #5. Data architects #4. Machine learning engineers #3. AI data scientists #2. Data engineers #1. Software engineers MAUNA KEA, Hawaii Shane Palacat-Nelsens voice drops to a reverent tone as he tells the story of the snow goddess Poliahu who Native Hawaiians believe inhabits the summit of Mauna Kea, the highest point in Hawaii. The tale speaks of a chief who yearned to court Poliahu but was stopped by her attendants guarding the sacred mountain top the abode of the gods and cradle of creation. Today, this sublime summit on Hawaiis Big Island is also treasured by astronomers as a portal to finding answers to the universes many mysteries, creating varied and sometimes incompatible views on whats best for Mauna Keas future. The chief was eventually granted access on the condition that he stepped only on the same set of footprints left by the attendant escorting him up and down, said Palacat-Nelsen. He says its a metaphor for why Mauna Kea must be protected from further human intrusion, pollution and erosion. You do not go up the sacred mountain unless you are called. You do not go up without a purpose. Mauna Kea is a dormant 14,000-foot shield volcano. In Native Hawaiian lore, it is the first-born son of the sky father and earth mother. The mountains dry atmosphere and limited light pollution make for a perfect location to study the skies one of just a handful on the planet. Over the past 50 years, astronomers have mounted a dozen giant telescopes on the summit, with several yielding exalted discoveries, like proving the Milky Way has a supermassive black hole at its center. That research led to a Nobel Prize in Physics in 2020. The proliferation of observatories has troubled many Native Hawaiians, who have pushed back. In their view, such construction is polluting the sacred mountain top and eroding the environment. In 2019, thousands protested a proposed $2.65 billion Thirty Meter Telescope project near the summit. This protest catalyzed the passage of a new state law transferring jurisdiction of the mountain to a new stewardship authority comprising scientists and Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners. Neither side wants to reduce this debate to a culture-versus-science conflict because Hawaiian spirituality embraces science, and many astronomers respect Hawaiian culture. Some observatory staff and cultural practitioners are taking small, tentative steps toward new dialogue, but overcoming the divide will involve difficult conversations and understanding different perspectives. Mauna Kea's summit soars 13,796 feet above sea level, evoking an ethereal feeling as fluffy clouds swaddle its cinder cones and blanket its reddish, almost Mars-like soil. On a clear day, Mauna Loa, one of the worlds most active volcanoes, is visible. Climbing Mauna Kea is like peeling the layers of an onion, says Kealoha Pisciotta, a longtime activist. Its slopes contain ceremonial platforms, ancestral burial sites and and the waters of Hawaii's lone alpine lake, believed to possess healing properties. The higher you go, the closer your heart is to the heavens, she says, adding that building and bulldozing near the summit threaten peoples sacred connection to the land. Palacat-Nelsen, who served on the working group that laid the foundation for the new authority, says to protect the mountain and preserve the summits sacredness, people must be ready to have uncomfortable conversations. John OMeara, who moved to Hawaii to become the chief scientist at Keck shortly before the 2019 protest, is now a key player in that dialogue. He's learning about the strong connection many Native Hawaiians have to Mauna Kea, and he's fascinated by similarities between spirituality and astronomy. We are fundamentally asking the same questions, which are: Where are we? Where did we come from? And where are we going? There is a deep connection to the universewhich is the thing that we should be focusing on, he said. Doug Simons, director of the University of Hawaiis Institute for Astronomy, points to the opening lines of the Kumulipo, a centuries-old Hawaiian creation chant which describes a scene strikingly similar to what astronomers believe existed during the Big Bang. The Kumulipos description of a dark, eternal form of energy from which everything emerges sounds to Simons like dark energy, which astronomers believe predated the universe. Mauna Keas telescopes are at the forefront of discoveries about dark energy, Simons said. Lanakila Mangauil, a Native Hawaiian spiritual practitioner, was about 9 when he first stepped on the mountain for snow play at lower elevations. His family never went to the summit. One of the important spiritual practices on Mauna Kea is our absence, he said. We stay off it because it is sacred. Mangauil doesn't like to use the word religion to describe his spiritual practice. Hawaiians dont have a central religion, he said, but spiritual practices born of different communities, families and environments. The 'most American' vehicle for the last 3 years has been electric The 'most American' vehicle for the last 3 years has been electric Electric carsnamely Teslashave quickly overtaken the American Made Index Tesla keeps production domestic 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 of 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 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. Putin rails against Biden: He talks "utter nonsense" Is Russia planning to attack NATO countries soon? "Nonsense", says Russian President Vladimir Putin and criticizes corresponding warnings from 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 says 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. 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. 2023 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #51 Posted on 23 December 2023 by John Hartz Skeptical Science Facebook Page during the past week: Sun, Dec 17, 2023 thru Sat, Dec 23, 2023. A chronological listing of news and opinion articles posted on theduring the past week: Sun, Dec 17, 2023 thru Sat, Dec 23, 2023. Story of the Week Scientists successfully replicate historic nuclear fusion breakthrough three times Scientists in California shooting nearly 200 lasers at a cylinder holding a fuel capsule the size of a peppercorn have taken another step in the quest for fusion energy, which, if mastered, could provide the world with a near-limitless source of clean power. Last year on a December morning, scientists at the National Ignition Facility at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California (LLNL) managed, in a world first, to produce a nuclear fusion reaction that released more energy than it used, in a process called ignition. Now they say they have successfully replicated ignition at least three times this year, according to a December report from the LLNL. This marks another significant step in what could one day be an important solution to the global climate crisis, driven primarily by the burning of fossil fuels. For decades, scientists have attempted to harness fusion energy, essentially recreating the power of the sun on Earth. After making their historic net energy gain last year, the next important step was to prove the process could be replicated. Brian Appelbe, a research fellow from the Centre for Inertial Fusion Studies at Imperial College London, said the ability to replicate demonstrates the robustness of the process, showing it can be achieved even when conditions such as the laser or fuel pellet are varied. Each experiment also offers an opportunity to study the physics of ignition in detail, Appelbe told CNN. This provides valuable information to the scientists in addressing the next challenge to be overcome: how to maximize the energy that can be obtained. Click here to access the entire article as originally posted on the CNN website. Scientists successfully replicate historic nuclear fusion breakthrough three times by Laura Paddison , Climate, CNN, Dec 21, 2023 Articles posted on Facebook Sunday, Dec 17, 2023 Monday, Dec 18, 2023 Tuesday, Dec 19, 2023 Wednesday, Dec 20, 2023 Thursday, Dec 21, 2023 Friday, Dec 22, 2023 Saturday, Dec 23, 2023 Many people are interested in investing but hesitate due to a lack of time or expertise. This is where the best apps for investing can make a huge difference. A wide range of investment apps is now available, catering to all levels of investors, from beginners to seasoned stock market pros. Whether youre just starting with your early investments or looking to enhance your existing stock portfolio, theres an investment mobile app out there for you. From apps that make investing a fun, game-like experience to those that provide AI-driven investment tips, youre sure to find the perfect fit for your investing needs. If youre new to the investing game, heres a primer from productivity master Ali Abdaal you can check out after reading: What are Investing Apps? Investing apps are innovative software programs designed to streamline the investment process, making it more accessible and efficient for users. These apps encompass a wide range of functionalities that cater to various aspects of investing and financial management. Heres a breakdown of what investing apps typically offer: Trading Stocks and ETFs : Users can buy and sell stocks and ETFs directly from their devices. Real-time market data for informed decision-making. : Mutual Fund Investments : Simplified process to invest in mutual funds. Diverse fund options to match risk profiles and investment goals. : Portfolio Management : Tools to track and manage investment portfolios. Features to assess portfolio performance and rebalance as needed. : Access to Global Markets : Opportunity to invest in international stocks and markets. Exposure to a broader range of investment opportunities. : Educational Resources : Learning tools and resources for beginners. Market analysis and insights for informed investing. : User-Friendly Interface : Designed for ease of use, regardless of investment experience. Intuitive navigation and clear, concise information presentation. : Mobile and Desktop Access : Available on multiple platforms including smartphones, tablets, and computers. Syncing capabilities across devices for seamless experience. : Do Investing Apps Really Work? Investing apps really do help investors of all experience levels better manage their financial fortunes. The best investment apps are simple to use, and they offer financial advice for a fraction of what it costs to consult a professional. Because minimum investments usually are small or nonexistent, an investing mobile app is a great option for beginner investors who are hesitant to start with a large dollar amount. Why You Should Start Using Investment Apps Today Small Business Deals Whether you want to start investing or you want to improve your investment portfolio for better returns, you can benefit from an investing app. Not only are they simple to use, but the low minimums reduce the risk of trying a new investment strategy. Not convinced an investment app is right for you? Consider the following benefits of using investment apps: Ease of use Most investing apps are simple for even beginners to use. The easier you can learn to master the investment app of your choice, the quicker you can start building your stock portfolio. Most investing apps are simple for even beginners to use. The easier you can learn to master the investment app of your choice, the quicker you can start building your stock portfolio. Automated investing Most people dont have time in their busy lives to monitor markets and make frequent adjustments to their portfolios. Many investment apps use artificial intelligence to take action at the best times for automated investing. Most people dont have time in their busy lives to monitor markets and make frequent adjustments to their portfolios. Many investment apps use artificial intelligence to take action at the best times for automated investing. Low financial risk Because of their low minimum balance requirements, investment apps offer a way for beginner and intermediate investors to try their hands at building a portfolio without starting with a significant financial investment. Because of their low minimum balance requirements, investment apps offer a way for beginner and intermediate investors to try their hands at building a portfolio without starting with a significant financial investment. Investment advice Many beginning and want-to-be investors feel they dont have the expertise to make sound investment decisions. Most investment apps provide tips, educational resources and even guidance from AI to serve as a virtual financial advisor. Many beginning and want-to-be investors feel they dont have the expertise to make sound investment decisions. Most investment apps provide tips, educational resources and even guidance from AI to serve as a virtual financial advisor. Fun Because many mobile investing apps employ elements of gamification or community, users actually can enjoy themselves while managing everything related to personal finance, including their brokerage account, stock portfolio, ETF trades and even checking account or savings accounts. How We Picked the Best Investing Apps At Small Business Trends, we understand the importance of choosing the right investment app. To assist our readers in choosing the best investing app that meets their financial goals and level of experience, we use the following criteria, rated on a scale from 1 to 10, where 10 indicates the highest level of importance and 1 the lowest. User Interface and Usability Importance Scale: 9/10 Rationale: A user-friendly interface is essential, especially for new investors, to navigate and make informed decisions easily. Range of Investment Options Importance Scale: 8/10 Rationale: Apps offering a diverse range of investment options, including stocks, bonds, ETFs, and more, cater to varied investor needs. Fees and Commissions Importance Scale: 9/10 Rationale: Lower or no fees and commissions are preferable as they allow investors to maximize their returns. Educational Resources Importance Scale: 8/10 Rationale: Comprehensive educational materials help users, particularly beginners, to understand investing principles and strategies. Security and Privacy Protections Importance Scale: 10/10 Rationale: Robust security measures are crucial to protect personal and financial information. Customer Support Importance Scale: 7/10 Rationale: Reliable customer support is important for addressing technical issues and investment queries. Account Types and Flexibility Importance Scale: 7/10 Rationale: Offering various account types, like IRAs, taxable accounts, and more, provides flexibility to cater to different investment goals. Mobile and Web Accessibility Importance Scale: 7/10 Rationale: Apps that are easily accessible both on mobile devices and web browsers offer more convenience. Research Tools and Insights Importance Scale: 8/10 Rationale: Access to quality research tools and market insights supports informed investment decisions. Reputation and User Reviews Importance Scale: 7/10 Rationale: A strong reputation and positive user reviews are indicative of the apps reliability and effectiveness. By applying these criteria, we aim to provide a thorough guide for our readers to select an investing app that aligns with their investment style, experience level, and financial objectives. Best Investment Apps for Small Business Owners Interested in expanding your investment options but unsure which mobile app is right for you? Check out the following 12 of the best investing apps for investors of all experience levels: 1. Thinkorswim Mobile App A popular investment platform, the Thinkorswim mobile app from TD Ameritrade features an elaborate and customizable interface as well as plenty of research and analytics. The app offers mobile, desktop and web-based versions so it truly can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection. Users can rely on the app to trade a variety of options including stocks, mutual funds, ETFs, options, futures, bonds, CDs and even forex. Account Minimum: $0 Fees: $0 commissions on online, U.S. exchange-listed stocks, American and Canadian ETFs and options. Over-the-counter stocks not listed on a U.S. exchange charge a $6.95 commission. Broker-assisted trades cost about $25. 2. Acorns Acorns is a great investment app for beginners because it helps those who arent active traders to build their financial portfolios with little time or effort. By integrating credit and debit card data, the app automatically adds funds to an investment account, making it incredibly easy to use. Acorns users can invest in not only ETFs but also a few fractional shares in stocks. It even offers the option to establish a family spending account, and 24-hour customer service is available to help users with questions or issues. Account Minimum: $0 Fees: $1 or $5 per month, depending on account type 3. Stash Are you a beginner investor hoping to quickly join the leagues of active traders? The Stash mobile app combines educational topics with games to make gaining financial literacy fun and easy. Users can customize their financial goals, and the app provides visual suggestions for building a stronger portfolio. Stash users have the option to invest in both stocks and ETFs, helping them to establish a productive trading profile. Account Minimum: $5 Fees: Ranging from $1 to $9 each month. 4. Invstr Another great investment app for beginners, Invstr features a popular fantasy stock game where users can invest as much as $1 million in fake cash as they learn about investing and vie for real cash prizes. Satisfied with your fantasy picks and ready to invest? You can buy fractional shares and whole shares commission-free from within the app. Invstr also offers commission-free trading in cryptocurrency. Account Minimum: $0 Fees: Free with a $3.99 premium option 5. Ally Beginners interested in stocks and bonds rely on the Ally investing app for the real-time data it provides, allowing them to strategically trade anytime from anywhere. Ally users can build their portfolios with bonds, mutual funds and ETFs, and the app features convenient support via phone, email or chat. Ally is an all-in-one financial solution since the app also integrates data from personal banking portfolios like a checking or savings account. Account Minimum: $0 Fees: Free for eligible stock and options trading 6. Merrill Edge Merrill Edge appeals to investors looking for mobile apps without trading fees. Owned by Bank of America, the Merrill Edge app offers integrations for the banks account holders, allowing them to move funds between platforms with ease. The app offers educational resources and investment guidance and a customizable dashboard for trading stock and options. Merrill Edge even features a preferred rewards program for eligible investors. Account Minimum: $0 Fees: No annual fee or inactivity fees 7. Betterment The Betterment mobile app helps investors create tax-friendly stock portfolios. The apps robo-advisor helps users make investment decisions that reduce their losses and tax liability. With Betterment, users can invest in stocks, bonds, ETFs and even establish a cash management account. A special user survey helps Betterment users create tailored portfolios, and the app provides phone support from certified financial planners. Account Minimum: $10 Fees: no trading fees, .25% management fee 8. Charles Schwab Users enjoy the Charles Schwab investment app because of its large investment selection and lack of transaction fees. The user-friendly mobile app is designed for investors of all experience and skill levels, and it provides educational resources for those just starting their investment portfolios, as well as those who want to strengthen their financial stability. With the Charles Schwab mobile app, users can invest in stocks, bonds, ETFs, futures and options, and fractional shares are also available. Account Minimum: $0 Fees: No annual or inactivity fees 9. TD Ameritrade The TD Ameritrade mobile app offers users a streamlined investing experience. The app features educational resources and information on stocks, companies and markets to help users make informed investment decisions. You dont have to be an advanced investor to succeed with this investment app since it offers educational videos that help explain complex topics. TD Ameritrade app users can trade through multiple platforms, and the app offers customer support when users need extra help. Account Minimum: $0 Fees: No annual or inactivity fees 10. Robinhood An excellent mobile app for beginning and active investors, the Robinhood app allows users to invest in and manage stocks, ETFs, options trading, fractional shares, IPOs and even certain cryptocurrencies. The user-friendly app pioneered the concept of zero-commission stock trading, and it remains popular for its lack of fees. The apps no-frills approach makes it a great choice for investors looking for a low-cost broker, and certain fractional shares can be purchased for as little as $1. Account Minimum: $0 Fees: No monthly fee 11. Wealthfront Investors looking for a hands-off approach to growing their portfolios can rely on Wealthfronts robo-advisors to guide their financial strategy. The app features a questionnaire to help users determine their financial goals and risk tolerance, then it provides specific investment options based on those results. Wealthfronts user-friendly investment experience also helps with banking options, and it automates finances by automatically money between all your financial accounts while optimizing the transactions to meet users goals. Account Minimum: $500 Fees: $0 per trade, .25% management fee 12. M1 Finance With the M1 Finance mobile app for investment options, users enjoy automated portfolio management while retaining the control of a hands-on experience. The app is a great option for investors looking for a flexible way to build their portfolios while investing in a range of investment options, including both stock and ETFs, but it still provides guidance to help build a better investment strategy. M1 Finance even offers its users access to taxable investment accounts and IRAs. A premium version with additional stock options is also available. Account Minimum: $100 Fees: $0 commissions and no management fee, .06-.2% expense ratio This table provides a quick overview of various investment apps, highlighting their suitability for different investor profiles, account minimum requirements, fee structures, and key features.? Table: Comparison of Top Investment Apps for Small Business Owners To help you decide on the best app, this table provides a quick overview of various investment apps, highlighting their suitability for different investor profiles, account minimum requirements, fee structures, and key features.? App Name Ideal For Account Minimum Fees Features Thinkorswim Mobile App Advanced trading $0 $0 commissions, other fees vary Customizable interface, analytics Acorns Beginners, Micro-investing $0 $1 or $5/month Automatic investment, family account Stash Beginners, Educational $5 $1 to $9/month Educational content, goal customization Invstr Beginners, Fantasy Investing $0 Free, $3.99 premium option Fantasy stock game, commission-free trading Ally Stocks and Bonds $0 Free for eligible trades Real-time data, personal banking integration Merrill Edge Fee-free Trading $0 No annual/inactivity fees Fee-free, educational resources Betterment Tax-friendly Portfolios $10 No trading fees, .25% management fee Robo-advisor, tax-friendly Charles Schwab Large Investment Selection $0 No annual/inactivity fees Diverse investments, educational resources TD Ameritrade Streamlined Investing $0 No annual/inactivity fees Informative content, educational videos Robinhood Zero-commission Trading $0 No monthly fee Zero-commission, fractional shares Wealthfront Robo-advisor, Banking Options $500 $0/trade, .25% management fee Robo-advisor, automated finances M1 Finance Automated Portfolio Management $100 No commissions, .06-.2% expense ratio Automated management, flexible investment How to Choose the Best Investment App With so many mobile apps available to invest in the stock market and build a strong financial portfolio, it can be a challenge to choose the best option. How do you choose the investment app that is right for you? Keep in mind the following considerations when determining the best investment app: Minimum balance requirements What is your risk tolerance? Some investment apps require a minimum initial investment to start using the service, while many have no minimum balance requirements. What is your risk tolerance? Some investment apps require a minimum initial investment to start using the service, while many have no minimum balance requirements. Available investment options While almost every investment app will allow users to invest in the stock market, they dont all work on the same exchanges. Some investment apps also let users strengthen their portfolios with ETFs, options and even cryptocurrency, but the options vary. While almost every investment app will allow users to invest in the stock market, they dont all work on the same exchanges. Some investment apps also let users strengthen their portfolios with ETFs, options and even cryptocurrency, but the options vary. Automation Different investment apps provide varying levels of automation. Some mobile apps let users set their goals and let AI handle the details, while others offer a more involved experience. Different investment apps provide varying levels of automation. Some mobile apps let users set their goals and let AI handle the details, while others offer a more involved experience. Educational resources Do you need extra investment tips and educational resources to learn about building your stock portfolio? Different mobile apps feature different types of educational resources, varying from blogs and videos to AI-led tutorials. Do you need extra investment tips and educational resources to learn about building your stock portfolio? Different mobile apps feature different types of educational resources, varying from blogs and videos to AI-led tutorials. Integration Some mobile apps for investing will integrate with a users bank account and other personal financial accounts, which helps users manage their cash as well as their investment portfolio. Some mobile apps for investing will integrate with a users bank account and other personal financial accounts, which helps users manage their cash as well as their investment portfolio. Cost Most investment apps cost very little compared to other types of advisory or brokerage services. How much do you want to spend? Consider not only usage fees but also costs like commissions. Start Your Investment Account Today Whether youre interested in investing in the stock market or even if youre wondering if you should get into real estate, theres a mobile app to suit your needs. When choosing a mobile app, its important to consider factors such as risk tolerance, cost and available investment options. Dont worry if youre inexperienced, many of the best investing apps feature interactive educational resources and even AI-led guidance, as well as automated investing. What is the best investment app in the US? Whats the right investment app for you? The best mobile app available for U.S.-based investors is Betterment. Its robo-advisors are there to guide even the most inexperienced investors in building a strong financial portfolio. The app also provides professionally-managed portfolios featuring ETFs that are calibrated against each users individual risk tolerance. With a $10 account minimum and no trading fees, Betterment users can start building their portfolios with little risk. Plus, since Betterment supports socially responsible investing, its simple for users to invest in companies that share their values. Is app investing safe? When people use an investment app, their money is just as safe as if they invest through a brokerage firm. The funds are protected by the Securities Investor Protection Corporation, which will cover up to $500,000 in investments. At the same time, investment apps can be safer from financial risk for beginning investors as most have either no minimum account balance or a low requirement compared to a professional broker. A chain around the table legs and waiting for a golden pig. Some old Christmas traditions survive to this day and others have disappeared. Font size: A - | A + Share The same old Christmas songs on the radio, the markets in the city, buying gifts for ones beloved, cooking and baking and many lights. This is how the majority of people prepare for the holidays these days. In Slovakia, 95 percent of inhabitants say they celebrate Christmas, based on research by the GfK company and published in 2016. Some of the ancient traditions that have been part of Christmas in Slovakia for generations survive to this day. Others have been transformed or adjusted to the 21st century lifestyle or replaced by new ones, often imported from other cultures. https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/547272525&color=%23096f52&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true Family first Slovakia still sees Christmas as a time for the family to be together, explains an ethnologist from Comenius University, Zita Skovierova. The importance of family might be even more prominent than in the past, when people would live together in one house or one village. Nowadays, people travel long distances just to enjoy a family atmosphere, she explained. Sweet or savoury, traditional baked Slovak dough balls should never be missing from the Christmas dinner table. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share In most of Slovakia, opekance, bobalky or pupaky are an integral part of Christmas Eve dinner. In part, as a memento of the traditions maintained by grandmothers. However, they used to be on tables all year round. Slovaks use up to three different names to describe these baked round pieces of dough sprinkled with poppy seeds or sheep cheese known as bryndza. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231224/biden-dissuades-netanyahu-from-striking-hezbollah-in-october-to-prevent-war---reports-1115777235.html Biden Dissuades Netanyahu From Striking Hezbollah in October to Prevent War - Reports Biden Dissuades Netanyahu From Striking Hezbollah in October to Prevent War - Reports US President Joe Biden convinced in October Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu not to carry out a preventive strike against Lebanese Shia movement Hezbollah, US media reported on Saturday. 2023-12-24T03:30+0000 2023-12-24T03:30+0000 2023-12-24T03:30+0000 world joe biden benjamin netanyahu israel gaza strip lebanon hamas hezbollah the wall street journal us /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/06/1082001396_0:0:2780:1565_1920x0_80_0_0_f097ab9767ae836e848e32c2f59eb843.jpg Israel had information that Hezbollah forces were preparing attacks on Israel after Hamas launched a large-scale rocket attack against the Jewish state from the Gaza Strip and breached the border on October 7, the report said. Israeli military aircraft were ready to conduct the preventive strike, but Bidens call to Netanyahu on October 11 changed Israeli plans, the report added. In particular, the United States found Israels intelligence unreliable, the report read, adding that the US president invited Netanyahu to think about the consequences of the attack on Lebanon, which could lead to a wider regional war.The Israeli government believed that a large war in the Middle East was inevitable and wanted to strike first, the newspaper reported. At the same time, Israel realized that it could not take such a step alone, and requested support from Washington, the report said. After the long internal discussions followed by Bidens call, the Israeli government reportedly abandoned the idea of striking Hezbollah.Later in the day, Netanyahus office called "incorrect" The Wall Street Journals report about Bidens call with the Israeli prime minister. US President Joe Biden also said that his discussion with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was of a "long talk" and in this conversation he did not insist on a truce in the Gaza Strip, the White House pool reported."I did not ask him for a ceasefire," sated Biden.On October 7, Hamas launched a large-scale rocket attack against Israel, while its fighters breached the border, opening fire on the military and civilians. As a result, over 1,200 people in Israel were killed and some 240 others abducted. 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 Israeli strikes, 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/20231222/journo-israel-hamas-prisoner-exchange-talks-blocked-by-us-ceasefire-veto-1115754760.html israel gaza strip lebanon Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International biden netanyahu talk, did biden told netanyahu to not attack hezbollah, shia movement hezbollah, why didnt israel attack hezbollah, gaza conflict https://sputnikglobe.com/20231224/biden-officials-hoped-to-cover-up-chinese-spy-balloon-incident---report-1115786123.html Biden Officials Hoped to Cover Up Chinese 'Spy Balloon' Incident - Report Biden Officials Hoped to Cover Up Chinese 'Spy Balloon' Incident - Report The White House had initially tried to sweep under the rug the embarrassing Chinese spy balloon incident earlier this year, NBC News reported. 2023-12-24T15:34+0000 2023-12-24T15:34+0000 2023-12-24T15:34+0000 world chinese balloon over us us china joe biden /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/06/1e/1111587122_0:322:3068:2048_1920x0_80_0_0_784984b8091b799991235d8428c381da.jpg The White House initially tried to sweep the embarrassing Chinese spy balloon incident under the rug earlier this year, NBC News has reported.Potential reputational blowback for US-China relations were ostensibly the reason why officials within US President Joe Bidens administration had sought to keep the incident a secret from Congress and the American public.The news network qutted a previously unreported phone call on January 27 between President Joe Bidens top military adviser, General Mark Milley and head of the US Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense (NORAD) Command General Glen D. VanHerck.VanHerck reportedly told Milley that they had been tracking a mysterious object flying over the Asia-Pacific over the course of ten days. VanHerck added that the Pentagon would be sending up F-22 military jets to assess the objects nature. The flight determined the object did not possess any offensive capabilities, said the report.Biden was reportedly not briefed on the balloon incident until February. Media subsequently broke the story to the general public on February 2.When asked to comment on the report, a senior Biden administration official denied there was any attempt to keep the incident a secret.Earlier this year, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the flying apparatus had indeed originated from China, and had deviated significantly from its route due to wind conditions. The ministry's statement clarified that its use was strictly for scientific research, including meteorological studies. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning warned against speculating on the topic of the "Chinese spy balloon.""To call it a 'spy balloon' that collected intelligence is nothing but a false accusation," Mao told a briefing. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231223/over-the-horizon-oops-chinese-balloon-exposed-us-forces-radar-gaps-1115771099.html china Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Svetlana Ekimenko Svetlana Ekimenko News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Svetlana Ekimenko chinese spy balloon coverup, why chinese spy balloon story was so big, what was the problem with chinese balloon https://sputnikglobe.com/20231224/death-toll-from-israeli-strikes-on-refugee-camp-in-gaza-strip-rises-to-45---reports-1115790527.html Death Toll From Israeli Strike on Refugee Camp in Gaza Rises to 70 - Gaza Health Ministry Death Toll From Israeli Strike on Refugee Camp in Gaza Rises to 70 - Gaza Health Ministry The death toll from Israeli strikes on the Al-Maghazi refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip has reached 70, Gaza Health Ministry spokesman Ashraf Al-Qudra said on Sunday. 2023-12-24T21:15+0000 2023-12-24T21:15+0000 2023-12-25T01:31+0000 world israel gaza strip palestine hamas al jazeera israeli-palestinian conflict /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0c/12/1115653669_0:320:3072:2048_1920x0_80_0_0_dac70018014a9a8d9c906dfbdeafaee1.jpg Earlier in the day, the Health Ministry said that the death toll had reached 60.Previously, Al Jazeera broadcaster reported that over 40 people were killed as a result of the shelling, adding that the Israeli raids on houses in the refugee camp has left many other people injured. On October 7, Hamas launched a large-scale rocket attack against Israel from the Gaza Strip, while its fighters breached the border, opening fire on the military and civilians. As a result, over 1,200 people in Israel were killed and some 240 others abducted.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 20,400 people have been killed so far in Gaza as a result of Israeli strikes, 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/20231224/us-resolve-to-give-israel-license-in-gaza-war-will-hurt-it-long-term---analyst-1115780446.html israel gaza strip palestine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International al-maghazi refugee camp, gaza strip, israeli strikes, palestine israel conflict, https://sputnikglobe.com/20231224/democrat-golden-boy-governor-newsom-decries-plot-to-take-trump-off-2024-ballot-1115784219.html Democrat Golden Boy Governor Newsom Decries Plot to Take Trump Off 2024 Ballot Democrat Golden Boy Governor Newsom Decries Plot to Take Trump Off 2024 Ballot Colorados Supreme Court disqualified former president Donald Trump from the 2024 primary ballot in the Buffalo Plains State on grounds that he engaged in insurrection or rebellion-rousing activities on January 6, 2021. Trump has not been formally charged with such crimes, and his supporters have roundly slammed the courts dangerous decision. 2023-12-24T12:40+0000 2023-12-24T12:40+0000 2023-12-24T14:32+0000 americas us donald trump gavin newsom joe biden california colorado new york colorado republican /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/03/0c/1108302172_0:0:3073:1730_1920x0_80_0_0_82973944e288b142736ff6ffbf9f684d.jpg Gavin Newsom, the California governor whose name often appears on a shortlist of politicians who could replace Joe Biden if the president were to ever drop out as the presumptive Democratic nominee for the 2024 presidential election, has apparently broken with efforts by the Democratic establishment to defeat the presumptive Republican nominee by simply barring him from ballot access.The Democratic governors comments come following Colorados controversial decision to ban Trump from the states primaries, and a letter by California Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis this week asking Secretary of State Shirley Weber to explore every legal option to remove former President Donald Trump from Californias 2024 presidential primary ballot.The strategy, coming in the face of polls showing that Trump is almost certain to clinch the Republican nomination, and has a good shot of defeating President Biden in the general election next November, comes after previous efforts to dissuade Trump from another presidential run failed.Trump currently faces four indictments constituting 91 separate federal and state charges in New York, Washington, DC, Florida, and Georgia, ranging from the alleged falsification of business records for the purposes of paying hush money to a porn star, to the mishandling of classified documents, to a purported plot to overthrow the results of the 2020 election. In the unlikely event that he is convicted on all counts, Trump would face over 700 years in jail.The former president has denied all wrongdoing, and has accused his adversaries of a witch hunt after the collapse of Russiagate and twin impeachments.The US Supreme Court is widely expected to rule on the Colorado Supreme Courts 4-3 decision to bar Trumps ballot access, although no date for possible deliberations has been set. The Republican Party will hold its primaries in Colorado in early March together with fifteen other states, giving the former presidents legal team about two months to try to challenge the decision.The strained political climate stemming from deeply rooted Trump/anti-Trump divisions among Americans has sparked fears of political tensions turning violent. Last year, a series of polls found that between 43 and 54 percent of Americans believed the country could be headed for a civil war. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231223/trump-to-be-on-all-ballots-or-none-says-mn-secretary-of-state-1115776123.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231222/us-supreme-court-rejects-special-counsels-request-to-fast-track-trump-immunity-dispute-1115756692.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231222/no-trump-no-biden-no-election-1115757550.html americas california colorado new york Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Ilya Tsukanov Ilya Tsukanov News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Ilya Tsukanov why are states trying to take trump off the ballot, who wants to stop trump from running in 2024 https://sputnikglobe.com/20231224/houthis-attack-2-oil-tankers-in-red-sea-no-casualties---centcom-1115779568.html Houthis Attack 2 Oil Tankers in Red Sea - CENTCOM Houthis Attack 2 Oil Tankers in Red Sea - CENTCOM Houthi rebels carried out new drone attacks against two commercial shipping vessels, Norwegian-flagged and Indian-flagged oil tankers, transiting the southern Red Sea, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Sunday, adding that no casualties were reported. 2023-12-24T06:33+0000 2023-12-24T06:33+0000 2023-12-24T06:38+0000 world red sea crisis red sea arabian sea us central command (centcom) israel houthis houthi cargo ship /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/107511/92/1075119279_0:115:2201:1353_1920x0_80_0_0_c0eb38e42a0e5c9883e0d665ed3da5fe.jpg "At approximately 8 pm (Sanaa time) [17:00 GMT], U.S. Naval Forces Central Command received reports from two ships in the Southern Red Sea that they were under attack. The M/V BLAAMANEN, a Norwegian-flagged, owned, and operated chemical/oil tanker, reported a near miss of a Houthi one-way attack drone with no injuries or damage reported. A second vessel, the M/V SAIBABA, a Gabon-owned, Indian-flagged crude oil tanker, reported that it was hit by a one-way attack drone with no injuries reported," CENTCOM said on X, formerly known as Twitter. The USS Laboon responded to distress calls received after the attacks, US Central Command said, adding that these were the 14th and 15th attacks on commercial vessels by the Houthis since October 17. On Saturday, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said that a Liberian-flagged ship transporting crude oil from Saudi Arabia to India was attacked by a drone off the Indian coast in the Arabian Sea. No casualties were reported, however the vessel as damaged. After the armed conflict between Israel and Palestinian movement Hamas escalated in October, Yemen's Ansar Allah rebel movement, also known as the Houthis, has intensified its attacks on cargo ships linked to Israel in the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea, vowing to continue the attacks until Israel ends its military actions in the Gaza Strip. On Monday, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin announced the establishment of a multinational operation to secure the Red Sea amid the surge in Houthis' attacks on cargo ships, saying that the United Kingdom, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, the Seychelles, and Spain would take part in the mission. The Houthis, for their part, vowed to attack any ships that join the US-led maritime coalition. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231222/scott-ritter-us-builds-a-trap-for-itself-in-the-red-sea-1115746216.html red sea arabian sea israel Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International us central command, houthis attack 2 oil tankers, red sea https://sputnikglobe.com/20231224/pentagon-says-vessel-in-arabian-sea-attacked-by-drone-fired-from-iran---reports-1115779424.html Pentagon Says Vessel in Arabian Sea Attacked by Drone Fired From Iran - Reports Pentagon Says Vessel in Arabian Sea Attacked by Drone Fired From Iran - Reports The Pentagon said the unmanned aerial vehicle that attacked a ship in the Arabian Sea off the coast of India on Saturday was launched from Iran, The Wall Street Journal newspaper reported. 2023-12-24T06:20+0000 2023-12-24T06:20+0000 2023-12-24T06:20+0000 military red sea crisis red sea us houthi drone attack /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/101882/31/1018823166_199:0:3826:2040_1920x0_80_0_0_c6b76d357c75a403d72e1073dd14aaa3.jpg On Saturday, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said that a drone had attacked a ship off the coast of India, causing an explosion and subsequent fire. Indian news agency ANI reported, citing Indian military officials, that the attacked vessel was the ship Chem Pluto sailing under the flag of Liberia. The ship was transporting crude oil from Saudi Arabia to India. After the armed conflict between Israel and Palestinian movement Hamas escalated in October, Yemen's Ansar Allah rebel movement, also known as the Houthis, has intensified its attacks on cargo ships linked to Israel in the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea, vowing to continue the attacks until Israel ends its military actions in the Gaza Strip. On Monday, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin announced the establishment of a multinational operation to secure the Red Sea amid the surge in Houthis' attacks on cargo ships, saying that the United Kingdom, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, the Seychelles, and Spain would take part in the mission. The Houthis, for their part, vowed to attack any ships that join the US-led maritime coalition. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231223/operation-prosperity-guardian-in-the-red-sea-waves-of-unity-or-tides-of-confusion-1115769378.html red sea Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International arabian sea, unmanned aerial vehicle, attacked by drone https://sputnikglobe.com/20231224/russian-gas-supplies-to-china-via-power-of-siberia-hit-new-record---gazprom-1115789933.html Russian Gas Supplies to China Via Power of Siberia Hit New Record - Gazprom Russian Gas Supplies to China Via Power of Siberia Hit New Record - Gazprom Daily supplies of Russian gas to China via the Power of Siberia pipeline hit a new record on December 23, Russian energy giant Gazprom said 2023-12-24T18:38+0000 2023-12-24T18:38+0000 2023-12-24T18:38+0000 russia china russia gazprom siberia china national petroleum corporation (cnpc) power of siberia russian gas /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/107745/97/1077459785_0:159:3076:1889_1920x0_80_0_0_c5cea6db4075444addcf73ccabf6b001.jpg "On December 23, Gazprom set a new historical record for daily gas supplies to China. China's request for gas supplies via the Power of Siberia gas pipeline again exceeded the daily contractual obligations. Gazprom supplied all the requested volumes," the company said on Telegram. The supplies have been carried out under a long-term gas purchase and sale agreement between Gazprom and the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), the Russian company recalled. The Power of Siberia is the main gas pipeline from Russia to China, with a length of about 3,000 km (1,864 miles). The volume of supplies reached 15.4 billion cubic meters of gas in 2022, and is set to steadily increase until the pipeline reaches its target annual capacity of 38 billion cubic meters by 2025. Russia and China are also negotiating the construction of the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline, which would be capable of delivering 50 billion cubic meters per year to China through Mongolia.Trade between Moscow and Beijing skyrocketed amid the western sanctions campaign targeting Russia's fuel exports. The sanctions, however, dealt a major blow to Europe and exacerbated the global energy crisis, while Russia managed to diversify its export markets. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231220/russia-china-200bln-trade-goal-achieved-ahead-of-schedule---xi-jinping-1115692991.html china russia siberia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International russian gas supplies, who buys russian gas, how much gas does russia sell to china, how much gas does china buy, china buying russian gas, power of siberia pipeline supplies https://sputnikglobe.com/20231224/season-of-giving-ex-nato-chief-urges-us-to-urgently-approve-more-aid-to-ukraine-1115786581.html Season of Giving: Ex-NATO Chief Urges US to Urgently Approve More Aid to Ukraine Season of Giving: Ex-NATO Chief Urges US to Urgently Approve More Aid to Ukraine The White House warned earlier this month that Washington would run out of money for new arms support for Ukraine by the end of the year unless Congress immediately acted on the administrations $61 billion aid request. 2023-12-24T14:52+0000 2023-12-24T14:52+0000 2023-12-24T14:52+0000 world james stavridis donald trump ukraine washington israel nato congress senate white house /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0c/18/1115786424_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_27c74f556a6eb6b8b2dfdf86b2b8e34d.jpg Retired US Admiral and former NATO Supreme Allied Commander James Stavridis has made a last-minute Christmas Eve appeal to Congress to urgently approve more weapons to Ukraine before its too late.Weve got to provide the military support to Ukraine. Their cause is just, Stavridis said in an interview with New York billionaire John Catsimatidis on Sunday.Citing the success of the US strategy to date in targeting Russian forces without a single US soldier being killed or even placed at risk, Stavridis stressed that the strategy has cost Washington only the equivalent of 5 percent of the US annual [defense] budget.The retired admiral went on to push another proxy war he apparently thinks the US should get involved in, citing Iranian bad behavior as the cause of escalating tensions in the Middle East amid Israels ongoing war in Gaza.The Iranians are encouraging a rebel group known as the Houthis to attack shipping in the Red Sea and the north Arabian Sea. They are encouraging Hezbollah, a terrorist group to the north of Israel to continue to inflame the situation there. Above all theyre giving direct military support to Hamas. So in response the United States has sent two carrier strike groups, a Marine expeditionary unit, half a dozen squadrons of attack aircraft, so that unfortunately the possibility of this Israel-Hamas war expanding to include combat from Iran with the United States getting involved, John we just cant rule that out, Stavridis said.The former NATO commander made headlines earlier this year over his hawkish sentiments regarding the Ukrainian crisis. This summer, Stavridis suggested that NATO forces should be deployed in the Black Sea to target Russian warships if they tried to stop ships streaming into and out of Ukrainian ports, ignoring the potential for such a strategy to spark World War III.Stavridis has also been outspoken in his opposition to forces inside the US which he fears could prompt Washington to scale back its global imperial activities. Earlier this month, he warned that a second Trump presidency would be an enormous strategic and historical failure on the part of our nation. Trump has said repeatedly that he could end the Ukrainian conflict in 24 hours, without elaborating how.The US and its allies have doled out nearly $200 billion in military, economic and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine to date, with Western officials desperately brainstorming ways to continue sending more cash east amid faltering public support and growing economic difficulties at home.Among the measures under debate is the possible illegal seizure of $300 billion in frozen Russian assets and their delivery to Kiev, having Germany pick up the slack for Washington amid the congressional deadlock over additional Ukraine aid, and other proposals.Across the Atlantic, European officials have echoed Stavridis pleas for more Ukraine support, and expressed concerns that the elections to the European Parliament next June could sweep them from power. If we dont change course rapidly, if we dont mobilize all our capacities, it will let [Russian President Vladimir] Putin win the war in Ukraine, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell told British media on Sunday.Further US aid to Kiev has been lumped in among a $105 billion funding package which also promises additional assistance to Israel, money for US efforts to challenge China in Asia, and resources to address the crisis at the US southern border with Mexico.The House adjourned in mid-December without reaching a deal on the mammoth new funding package, with the Senate doing so on Wednesday. The House is expected to reconvene on January 2, with senators returning to Washington on January 8. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231224/ukraines-military-mired-in-arms-procurement-corruption-case-worth-40-million-1115778432.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231224/iran-denies-involvement-in-red-sea-attacks-says-houthis-have-their-own-tools-1115782168.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231223/economic-adviser-to-german-govt-proposes-raising-income-tax-to-help-ukraine-1115775100.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231218/senate-considering-limiting-humanitarian-parole-for-afghans-ukrainians---manchin-1115665210.html ukraine washington israel Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Ilya Tsukanov Ilya Tsukanov News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Ilya Tsukanov how much has nato given to ukraine, why is us sending money to ukraine, us spending on ukraine, us aid to ukraine statistics https://sputnikglobe.com/20231224/six-eu-countries-have-not-joined-declaration-on-security-guarantees-for-ukraine---reports-1115778071.html Six EU Countries Have Not Joined Declaration on Security Guarantees for Ukraine - Reports Six EU Countries Have Not Joined Declaration on Security Guarantees for Ukraine - Reports The deputy head of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskys office, Andrii Sybiha, named six EU countries that did not join an agreement on security guarantees for Ukraine, Ukrainian news portal reported on Saturday. 2023-12-24T04:46+0000 2023-12-24T04:46+0000 2023-12-24T04:46+0000 world ukraine european union (eu) security volodymyr zelensky /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/0a/11/1101927347_0:161:3071:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_b1620633c34f080ab9d582344216c648.jpg On Friday, the head of Zelensky's office, Andriy Yermak, said that more than 30 countries had joined the declaration on security guarantees, and 15 expressed their readiness to begin consultations on bilateral agreements. Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak said in early September that Kiev expected 51 countries to become key guarantors of Ukraines security. The report added that Austria, Croatia, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and Malta did not join the declaration on security guarantees for Ukraine. In June, the Financial Times reported that Ukraine's security guarantees could come in the form of bilateral agreements with France, Germany, the United States and a number of other countries on long-term financing, military supplies and training for soldiers. The G7 countries adopted a statement of support for Ukraine during the NATO summit in Lithuania in July. It included security assistance, arms shipments, industrial base development, military training, intelligence sharing, support for cyber activities, and technical and financial assistance. However, the security commitments mentioned in the declaration do not include a specific timeframe for their implementation. Kiev hopes that the security guarantees will be in place before NATO meets in Washington in July 2024. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230809/eu-cannot-provide-security-guarantees-to-ukraine-since-its-not-a-security-organization--spox-1112473929.html ukraine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International six eu countries, ukrainian president volodymyr zelensky, security guarantees for ukraine https://sputnikglobe.com/20231224/syrias-christians-curtail-christmas-festivities-amid-gaza-crisis-and-us-occupation-1115788817.html Syria's Christians Curtail Christmas Festivities Amid Gaza Crisis and US Occupation Syria's Christians Curtail Christmas Festivities Amid Gaza Crisis and US Occupation Holiday festivities marking the birth of Jesus Christ have been scaled back or canceled in Christian communities across the Middle East, with the IDFs assault in Gaza stripping believers of whatever holiday cheer they might otherwise have had. 2023-12-24T17:31+0000 2023-12-24T17:31+0000 2023-12-24T17:31+0000 world syria jesus christ christmas damascus christians /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0c/18/1115788465_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_aacd0d6b5170d46817498db8abadd53d.jpg Christians in Syria marking the birth of their Lord and Savior have scaled down Christmas festivities in a show of camaraderie with residents of Gaza.Syria, home to some of the oldest Christian communities in the world, is usually decorated with lights and Christmas trees in the squares of areas where Christians reside this time of year, and rejoicing in holiday parades by Santa Claus-clad revelers, fireworks displays, and many other customs typically seen in Europe and North America.This year is different, with the Syriac Catholic, the Melkite Greek Catholic and Greek Orthodox patriarchs issuing a joint statement announcing that festivities would focus on religious services and prayers.The patriarchs decision to greet the Yuletide season in a subdued manner has been matched by many holiday goers as well. This year was very sad. It began with the earthquake and ended with the Gaza war, Damascus resident Rachel Haddad told media, referencing the February 2023 earthquake which claimed t he lives of over 7,000 Syrians and nearly 46,000 Turks. There was no opportunity for joy.Regular power cuts also put a damper on the holidays, Haddad said. If there is no electricity, how will you see the decorations and light anyway? she asked.Once enjoying energy self-sufficiency, Syria has suffered years of energy starvation thanks to the US occupation of the countrys oil and gas-rich northeastern territories.The countrys 1.2 million-strong Christian community was threatened with extinction after 2011, when the US and its regional allies launched a dirty war against Damascus aimed at ousting President Bashar Assad. The danger escalated in 2014 with the rise of Daesh (ISIS),* with jihadist militants capturing, executing or enslaving thousands of Christians and other minorities in their self-proclaimed caliphate before being beaten backed and crushed by Syrian Army forces with the help of Iran, Russia, and Lebanons Hezbollah militias in 2017.Syrias Christians arent the only ones to have scaled back Christmas festivities this year. In Bethlehem, Israel, Lebanon, Iraq and Jordan, churches and religious leaders have similarly announced plans to limit festivities to religious ceremonies in solidarity with Gaza. Palestines small Christian community, whose churches and church-run hospitals have been hit by Israeli air strikes amid the Gaza war, is also naturally marking the holiday in a muted way.* A terrorist group outlawed in Russia and many other countries. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230911/syria-reveals-staggering-cost-of-us-looting-and-sabotage-of-energy-sector-1113291685.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231224/us-resolve-to-give-israel-license-in-gaza-war-will-hurt-it-long-term---analyst-1115780446.html syria damascus Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Ilya Tsukanov Ilya Tsukanov News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Ilya Tsukanov do syrians celebrate christmas, does syria have christians, how many christians in syria, do syrian christians suppoer gaza, christian church in palestine https://sputnikglobe.com/20231224/uk-to-deploy-royal-navy-warship-to-ex-colony-amid-guyana-venezuela-dispute-1115784604.html UK to Deploy Royal Navy Warship to Ex-Colony Amid Guyana-Venezuela Dispute UK to Deploy Royal Navy Warship to Ex-Colony Amid Guyana-Venezuela Dispute The UK has decided to re-task its Royal Navy warship, the HMS Trent, and deploy it to Guyana after Christmas amid the ex-colony's territorial dispute with Venezuela. 2023-12-24T13:30+0000 2023-12-24T13:30+0000 2023-12-24T13:30+0000 united kingdom (uk) venezuela warship world guyana territorial dispute nicolas maduro /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0c/18/1115785083_0:0:819:460_1920x0_80_0_0_2d26cfe90e6a570c5baa2da871c99818.png The UK has decided to re-task Royal Navy warship the HMS Trent and deploy it to Guyana after Christmas, according to British media reports.Instead of scouring the Caribbean in search of drug smugglers, the warship will take part in joint naval exercises with the former British colony and Commonwealth member. The decision was reportedly prompted by the current flare-up of the territorial dispute between Guyana and Venezuela.The HMS Trent is a Batch 2 River-class offshore patrol vessel, named after the River Trent. Commanded by Commander Tim D. Langford, it is designed to carry out tasks that include counter-piracy, anti-smuggling, fishery protection, border patrol, counter terrorism, humanitarian aid, search and rescue, general patrols and defence diplomacy, as per the Royal Navy website.The warship will stay in Barbados, the Caribbean region of the Americas, during Christmas, after which it will be heading for Guyana. Its activities will reportedly be carried out at sea, and will not involve docking in Guyanas capital, Georgetown.Earlier in December, when Britain's Foreign Office Minister for the Americas and Caribbean David Rutley visited Guyana, he was quoted as saying that that the UK would work internationally to ensure the territorial integrity of Guyana is upheld.The border between Guyana and Venezuela, which runs through the Guyana-Essequibo region, known for its abundant oil reserves, has been a source of territorial dispute for several decades.Venezuela held a referendum earlier this month in which almost 96% of the population voted in favor of incorporating the Essequibo region, which makes up two-thirds of the territory controlled by Guyana, into the country. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro put forward a proposal to the parliament, suggesting the establishment of Venezuela's 24th state, named Guyana-Essequibo. He also produced a new map showing the disputed region of Essequibo as part of Venezuela. Besides referring to Essequibo as a "zone of integral defense," Venezuela's president proposed a deadline of three months for oil companies to halt offshore operations in the area. Last Sunday, a referendum was conducted to reaffirm Caracas's claim to Essequibo. The majority of citizens voted in favor of establishing a state on the disputed territory.According to Venezuelan media, President Nicolas Maduro has already officially signed decrees to incorporate the western region of neighboring Guyana into Venezuela, ratifying a total of six documents. In addition, Maduro signed a decree facilitating the creation of specialized units within the state oil and gas company PDVSA PDVSA Essequibo and the Guyana Venezuelan Corporation CVG Essequibo. To oversee the newly formed state, Major General Alexis Rodriguez Cabello was appointed as the sole head of the 24th state.Venezuela and Guyana have since agreed not to threaten or use force in any circumstances to settle the dispute, as per a joint statement, published by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The sides also agreed to meet in Brazil within the next three months to "consider any matter with implications for the territory in dispute" and immediately establish a joint commission on the level of foreign minister and experts to address the dispute. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231209/maduro-signs-decrees-to-incorporate-essequibo-into-venezuela-1115495905.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231215/guyana-venezuela-agree-not-to-use-force-to-resolve-essequibo-dispute-1115597410.html united kingdom (uk) venezuela guyana Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Svetlana Ekimenko Svetlana Ekimenko News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Svetlana Ekimenko uk royal navy warship, hms trent, uk former colony, guyana-venezuela territorial dispute https://sputnikglobe.com/20231224/ukraines-military-mired-in-arms-procurement-corruption-case-worth-40-million-1115778432.html Ukraines Military Mired in Arms Procurement Corruption Case Worth $40 Million Ukraines Military Mired in Arms Procurement Corruption Case Worth $40 Million Ukraines Defense Ministry claims it has exposed an attempt to acquire artillery shells for the country's armed forces at inflated prices. 2023-12-24T06:18+0000 2023-12-24T06:18+0000 2023-12-24T06:19+0000 ukraine corruption corruption charges volodymyr zelensky ministry of defense ukrainian security service (sbu) kiev world /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0c/18/1115777645_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_1a530d8ae765c71c1e08bf143c56557a.jpg Not only is waning Western support eating away at Ukraine's military power - pertinacious corruption is eroding it from within.Ukraines Defense Ministry claims it has exposed an attempt to acquire artillery shells for the country's armed forces at inflated prices. One senior Defense Ministry official has already been arrested. He is suspected of having embezzled the equivalent of around $40 million with the help of the fraudulent scheme. Legal proceedings have been launched against the individual, who has been removed from his duties. The suspect faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted.As a result of complex measures in Kiev the head of one of the Main Departments of the Ministry of Defense involved in the [procurement of] equipment has been detained," Ukraines Security Service (SBU) said in a statement on social media, adding photos of the arrest. A joint probe by Ukraines Security Service and General Prosecutors Office had uncovered the scheme, with a subsequent audit discovering documents confirming the illegal activities at the suspect's workplace and home. The name of the apprehended official was not released. Ukrainian prosecutors said in a statement on Telegram that the Defense Ministry's recently established procurement agency had jettisoned an earlier signed contract to buy artillery shells at higher than market prices in favor of a new one. The latter ostensibly removed intermediaries, bringing down costs and the delivery time. However, the detained ministry official opted to extend the previous contract, with a sum of around 1.5 billion hryvnias ($40 million) finding its way to a foreign intermediary firm's account.According to Ukraines Defense Ministry, it is working to try and recover the embezzled money. The artillery shells have not yet been delivered. All the officials involved in the scheme will undergo a polygraph test, the Defense Ministry said on its website.The new scandal is just one in a long line of corruption cases that the Kiev regime has been mired in. Ukraines Defense Minister Rustem Umerov vowed to stamp out corruption in the military sphere when he took over in September from Oleksii Reznikov, whose legacy was mired in corruption. At the time, President Volodymyr Zelensky scrambled to reshuffle the military leadership against the backdrop of a botched counteroffensive, vast manpower losses, obliteration of billions' worth of NATO weaponry, and corruption plaguing Ukraine.Reports on graft, money laundering, misappropriation of funds, misuse of fuel, and the reselling of weapons supplied by the West have repeatedly surfaced. Just recently, Ukraines Ministry of Defense revealed it would be using different color dyes for its fuel in order to stop a raging spate of thefts in the armed forces. It said in a statement that diesel would be dyed bright red, while gasoline would be colored green.Earlier in the year, Ukrainian media released a report claiming that the food the ministry buys for servicemen is two or three times more expensive than in Kiev's ordinary food shops. At the time, then-Defense Minister Reznikov dismissed these stories as a smear campaign and said that the data from the published invoices has "an error in converting pieces into kilograms."Another scandal took place in the autumn of 2022, when Ukrainian Defense Ministry bought 180,000 winter jackets from a Turkish firm at a cost of $86 million. However, it soon emerged that these jackets were for summer, and that their full cost amounted to only $29 million. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231112/ukraines-new-measure-against-army-corruption-is-color-dyes-1114900416.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230904/what-are-the-corruption-scandals--failures-plaguing-the-kiev-regime-1113103252.html ukraine kiev Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Svetlana Ekimenko Svetlana Ekimenko News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Svetlana Ekimenko ukraine, corruption, ukrainian military, money laundering, ministry of defense, ukraine's armed forces https://sputnikglobe.com/20231224/us-resolve-to-give-israel-license-in-gaza-war-will-hurt-it-long-term---analyst-1115780446.html US Resolve to Give Israel License in Gaza War Will Hurt It 'Long Term' - Analyst US Resolve to Give Israel License in Gaza War Will Hurt It 'Long Term' - Analyst The US wants to be on record as the pro-Israel country, and has been determined to make sure that no resolution passed the UN Security Council that would in any way tie Israel's hands, Caleb Maupin told Sputnik. 2023-12-24T10:20+0000 2023-12-24T10:20+0000 2023-12-24T10:20+0000 analysis us israel palestine-israel conflict gaza strip un security council (unsc) uae palestinians /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0c/18/1115780829_0:147:3116:1900_1920x0_80_0_0_62526a3914b0285c873a3466afbaee90.jpg The US is determined to go on record as a pro-Israel country in the current Gaza crisis, even if it will hurt the United States in the long term, independent journalist Caleb Maupin told Sputnik.That explains why Washington has been adamant that no resolution pass the UN Security Council that would in any way tie Israel's hands, the political analyst said. The UNSC finally adopted a UAE-drafted resolution on the ongoing crisis in Gaza that had been greatly toned down.The UN Security Council adopted a UAE-drafted resolution on December 22, calling for an appointment of a "humanitarian coordinator" with responsibility to facilitate humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip. The resolution was adopted in a 13-0 vote, with Russia and the United States abstaining. The resolution requests that the secretary-general appoint a senior humanitarian and reconstruction coordinator, who will be responsible for "facilitating, monitoring and verifying the humanitarian nature of all relief consignments to Gaza provided through states that are not party to the conflict."The resolution also calls for urgent and extended humanitarian pauses and corridors throughout the Gaza Strip for a sufficient number of days to enable humanitarian access, as well as calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.Amid global outrage over the rising Gaza death toll and a worsening humanitarian crisis in the territory, the diluted resolution passed after a week of delays in negotiations to avoid a veto by Washington, a key ally of Israel. The weakening of the language on a cessation of hostilities amid Israels war on Hamas left several council members, including Russia, frustrated.The Russian Federation proposed the following oral amendment and in this regard calls for an urgent suspension of hostilities to allow safe and unhindered humanitarian access and for urgent steps toward a sustainable cessation of hostilities, Russian Ambassador to the United Nations Vassily Nebenzia said. However, the US moves on the resolution have resulted in a toothless and neutered draft. Nebenzia slammed the language that called for the creation of conditions for a sustainable cessation of hostilities, saying it would give Israel a free hand to continue its operations.UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres underscored in a post on X that he hoped the resolution would improve the delivery of aid, but stated that "a humanitarian ceasefire is the only way to begin to meet the desperate needs of people in Gaza and end their ongoing nightmare. The head of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, reiterated the need for an immediate ceasefire.The journalist and author referenced the idiomatic phrase about picking the hill you want to die on, and continued:Israel is the hill the United States wants to die on. The US will not stop Israel. They will not oppose Israel. They will give Israel license. They will protect Israel. They will champion Israel. Biden now wants 14 billion more dollars for Israel. The whole world is looking on in horror at what Israel is doing. And the United States is saying, make sure that we're involved, make sure that we're complicit. I mean, it's really shocking.According to the pundit, it's evident that a lot of the more liberal folks in the Biden administration really don't like what [Benjamin] Netanyahu is doing, and see that it's going to hurt the United States in the long term. Furthermore, public opinion in America doesn't line up with this, Maupin noted.Regarding the current crisis in the Red Sea that was triggered by the latest spiral of the Palestine-Israel crisis, Caleb Maupin characterized it as a David and Goliath story.The Houthis are, at this point, the heroes of the entire Arab and Muslim world. They're out there seizing ships that do business with Israel or have something to do with Israel. You know, Yemen is one of the poorest countries in the world, if not the poorest. But they will fight Israel in a way that no other force outside of Hamas and the forces in Gaza are doing right now And now there's talk of a US military operation in the Red Sea to protect Israeli ships... So this is a very dynamic situation a situation where the whole world is kind of cheering for a group of people in a very, very poor country that are standing up to some of the biggest economic entities in the world.Now, the whole Muslim world is united against Israel at this point, and the United States is seen as Israel's financial backer... And the US is thoroughly isolated Overall, the balance of forces in the Middle East in the last two or three years has shifted dramatically against the United States, I would say, Caleb Maupin concluded. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231222/unsc-adopts-resolution-appointing-humanitarian-coordinator-to-facilitate-aid-into-gaza-1115754442.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231223/houthis-brush-off-us-threats-vow-to-intensify-anti-israeli-ops-if-gaza-conflict-not-halted-1115767590.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231222/houthi-red-sea-blockade-could-starve-western-war-machine-of-oil-1115751663.html israel gaza strip uae Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Svetlana Ekimenko Svetlana Ekimenko News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Svetlana Ekimenko gaza war, israel-hamas conflict, palestinians, palestine, humanitarian crisis in gaza strip, un voting, un security council, unsc, gaza voting, humanitarian corridor in gaza, gaza resolution, gaza un resolution https://sputnikglobe.com/20231224/what-are-plasma-weapons-potential-in-modern-warfare-1115781847.html What are Plasma Weapons' Potential in Modern Warfare? What are Plasma Weapons' Potential in Modern Warfare? As plasma technology evolved, so did its military uses. Its applications in warfare broadened, encompassing plasma shields, intended to deflect conventional ballistic weapons, and advanced plasma beams and directed energy weapons. 2023-12-24T17:52+0000 2023-12-24T17:52+0000 2023-12-24T17:52+0000 sputnik explains military & intelligence sputnik /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/04/0e/1094771783_0:295:2048:1447_1920x0_80_0_0_738e5f7f18c9f014c91779510e8c646e.jpg Plasma technology, often called the fourth state of matter, stands at the forefront of scientific innovation and plays a crucial role in modern warfare. Plasma-based weapons once a staple of science fiction harness plasma, a gas-like mass of highly-energised free-floating ions and electrons.Research in plasma has been ongoing for several decades, starting in the early 20th century. The initial focus was on understanding this distinctive state of matter, scientifically and in the context of astrophysics. By the latter half of the century, the potential military applications of plasma began to come to light.In the military sphere, plasma technology is valued for its versatility and immense power. Early research aimed at harnessing plasma for nuclear fusion, a potential clean and efficient energy source, which held significant implications for energy-intensive military operations.Sputnik delves into how plasma transitioned from a mere fictional concept to an integral element in contemporary military strategy.Plasma FundamentalsPlasma is beyond the common states of matter solid, liquid, and gas. To illustrate phenomenon, we may use the water as a model example.Water, typically a liquid at room temperature and normal air pressure, transforms into ice, its solid form, when the temperature drops below freezing point (0C). Conversely, heating water to its boiling point (100C) changes it to steam, the gas phase of water. Furthermore, if steam is heated well beyond 100C, it's possible for the molecular structure of water to split into individual hydrogen and oxygen atoms. With further heating, they go through a process called ionization, when atoms gain or lose electrons tiny, negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus of an atom forming plasma.Plasma-Based Weapon SystemsThe marriage of science and weapons design has sped up the integration of advanced technologies, improving defense capabilities and affecting tactical operations. applying plasma technology to military weapon systems is a ground-breaking advance in warfare capabilities.Opportunities for Plasma Technology in WarfarePlasma technology presents several opportunities for modern warfare, offering advancements in various areas.Plasma Sheath EffectIn military technology, plasma has evolved from a challenge to an asset in aircraft design. High-speed aircraft generate intense heat, creating a "plasma cocoon" during hypersonic flight. This requires aircraft to be designed for extreme mechanical and thermal stresses, with advanced materials science, design and aerodynamics.The plasma layer disrupts radio signals, complicating communication and navigation. Modern hypersonic aircraft, however, are increasingly equipped with high-performance autonomous systems to overcome these challenges.The plasma cocoon also makes aircraft more visible to radar and infrared surveillance, but intercepting them remains difficult due to their high speed.Speculation is rife about leading nations developing plasma generators to decrease aircraft visibility, but details about these projects are scarce and unconfirmed.Stealth TechnologyPlasma can be used to improve stealth technology. By generating a plasma field around a vehicle, such as an aircraft or a ship, its radar cross-section can be significantly reduced. This makes it harder for enemy radar systems to detect and track the vehicle, providing a significant tactical advantage.Communication and Jamming SystemsPlasma antennas offer an innovative approach to high-frequency communication and electronic warfare. These antennas can be turned on and off rapidly, providing dynamic and adaptable communication systems. Furthermore, plasma can be used for jamming enemy communications and radar systems, disrupting their operational capabilities.Missile DefensePlasma-based technology could enhance missile defense systems. By using plasma to create a barrier or to directly interact with incoming projectiles, these systems could potentially neutralize or divert threats, offering a new layer of defense against ballistic and cruise missiles.Energy and PropulsionPlasma technology could aso be used to develop new engines for military vehicles, including aircraft and spacecraft, which could offer higher speeds and greater fuel efficiency compared to traditional propulsion methods.Material Science and ArmorPlasma-enhanced manufacturing cold lead to the development of new materials with enhanced properties, like greater strength or heat resistance. This has implications for armor, both personal and for vehicles, providing better protection while potentially reducing weight.Wound Healing and Medical ApplicationsIn the field of military medicine, plasma technology can be used for sterilization and promoting wound healing, reducing the risk of infection in battlefield injuries.Sensor and Detection SystemsPlasma-based sensors can be more sensitive and faster than traditional ones, improving the capability to detect threats like chemical or biological agents.Why is Plasma Generation so Difficult?Creating and maintaining plasma hinges on precisely balancing factors like temperature, pressure, and electromagnetic influences. The primary obstacle is preserving the plasma's stability without it dissipating or causing damage to its containment system. In high-stakes applications such as plasma weaponry, advanced manipulation of electric and magnetic fields is crucial for precise plasma control, efficiency and safety. Below is a guide to principles for creating plasma:Gas ionization entails adding energy to a gas, which can be done by heating it, passing an electrical current through it or using electromagnetic waves. The energy added must be powerful enough to break the hold on the electrons in the gas's atoms. This frees the electrons and creates a mix of free electrons and ions (atoms possessing an electric charge).Plasma Generation Methods involves imparting enough energy to a gas to transform its atoms into charged particles. This can be achieved through the following means:Plasma Control involves managing the behavior and stability of plasma in the following ways:Understanding and applying these principles is essential in diverse areas, including industrial processes, advanced physics research, and, notably, creating plasma-driven technologies for modern warfare.Problems With PlasmaPlasma, with its high temperature and bright glow, is found naturally in stars, interstellar space and phenomena like lightning. It can also be artificially generated in various devices, ranging from household lamps to thermonuclear reactors.Historically, plasma has had military applications. Incendiary systems, from ancient flaming arrows to modern flamethrowers, produce a flame that is essentially a low-temperature plasma. The flash from an explosive detonation is caused by ionized gas.Despite being less intense than its high-temperature plasma, low-temperature plasma possesses considerable energy. It readily transfers this energy to nearby materials, igniting or detonating and damaging the target.The most dramatic military use of plasma is in nuclear and thermonuclear explosions. These explosions, resulting from nuclear fission or fusion, release immense energy that ionizes surrounding substances, forming a plasma cloud. This cloud emits intense light radiation, a primary damaging factor in nuclear explosions, capable of igniting objects and causing extensive damage even at significant distances from the blast.Non-lethal Applications of Plasma in Military TechnologyLess fatal plasma uses in defense technology are evolving, primarily focused on crowd control and area denial. Here is a more detailed look into the potential non-lethal uses of plasma technology in defense: https://sputnikglobe.com/20230927/how-laser-weapons-work-1113652558.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230530/future-of-missile-defense-lies-in-lasers-beams-not-in-warheads---israeli-official-1110801585.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230826/russia-successfully-tested-laser-gun---source-1112903489.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20221227/russian-scientists-discover-how-to-create-super-powerful-laser-radars-for-drones-1105821910.html Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Chimauchem Nwosu https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/09/01/1113046371_0:99:1536:1635_100x100_80_0_0_9c5c627283eca931c39fe4852bbb301c.jpg Chimauchem Nwosu https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/09/01/1113046371_0:99:1536:1635_100x100_80_0_0_9c5c627283eca931c39fe4852bbb301c.jpg News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Chimauchem Nwosu https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/09/01/1113046371_0:99:1536:1635_100x100_80_0_0_9c5c627283eca931c39fe4852bbb301c.jpg plasma technology, military technology, plasma-based weapon systems, nuclear fusion, application of plasma technology Retiring pacer Ira Chief made his final official start as a 14-year-old a winning one, conquering his peers in the $6,000 Auld Lang Syne race at Cumberland on Saturday, Dec. 23, which was part of the tracks third annual Au Revoir Retirement Showcase. Race six on the Winter Festivals penultimate card was reserved for the soon-to-be retired racehorses. Four 14-year-olds lined up behind the Wes Brown starting gate and when the wings folded the fastest record holder of the bunch, Cee Pee Panic, was out and pushing to the top. Driven by Garrett Mosher, he got to the first panel in :29.4 without much urging. As predicted by announcer Mike Cushing, the half was a much slower 1:02 as the field prepared for its last dash for the cash. Nick Graffam, driving Ira Chief, pulled the pocket into a 1:32 third stanza and used his momentum to cruise through the far turn as the new leader with cousin Bruce Ranger hot on his heels second-over with his own Twin B Impressive, the 3-5 favourite. "Storming down the stretch for the final time," exclaimed announcer Cushing as the son of Chief Silverheels prevailed by a pair of lengths in 2:00.4 for trainer Mike Graffam. It was the 53rd win of his lengthy career. He paid $6 to win. In the winners circle, the connections swarmed around the big steed, who stood patiently amidst the fanfare and a visibly moved owner and part-time caretaker Chris Hamilton. Cee Pee Panic hung on for second and Twin B Impressive was third, with Penneys Spirit finishing fourth for McKenzie Sowers. All four horses returned to winner's circle following the race to be recognized one final time for their on-track career performances. The entire day was dedicated to the Maine harness racing industry and the 17 Standardbreds that were 14 years old with Pine Tree State connections. Throughout the card, the horses and their handlers, walked, jogged, were ridden and otherwise paraded in front of the stands while being recognized by the announcer, photographed and feted in the winners circle with gifts and prizes, and most of alladmired by the fans. The entire day was dedicated to these special horses, with the sixth race reserved for the soon-to-be retirees. Overall, the 17 horses have a combined start total of a staggering 5,200 with an average of 305 starts per horse. Total combined wins are 761 with an average of 45 victories per horse. Below is a list of all the 14-year-old participants and their credentials and trainer or current owner. Cee Pee Panic - p,5,1:49.2f - $475,379 - John Kiernan, Benson Merrill Drunk And Dramatic - p,4,1:52.f - $118,391 - Michel Bilodeau Fuzzylegsandall - p,6,1:51.1f - $356,149 - Gretchen Athearn Ira Chief - p,5,1:50.1 - $562,476 - Mike Graffam, Chris Hamilton J J S Jet - p,8,1:51.2h - $315,779 - Jaelynn Swan, Drew Campbell Mountain Rock - p,6,1:53.1f - $79,054 - Shelly Basford Natural Breeze - p,7,1:55f - $145,591 - Craig Hall, Kirsi Bertolini Neverdie - 9,1:55f - $329,517 - Mike Cushing, Sara Fernald Northview Punter N - p,7,1:51f - $517,733 - Michelle Hardin Nucular Enemy - p,4,1:52.4f - $245,006 - Brian Kelley Penneys Spirit - p,8,1:54h - $223,190 - McKenzie Sowers Putnams Storm - p,5,1:50.4 - $203,430 - Bob Nadeau Remix p,3,1:53.3f - $148,161 - Sharon Hardy Southern Swan - p,8,1:53f - $206,880 - Amy Taggart Stardust Memories - 8,1:54.1f - $338,596 - Eric Bickmore Supreme Mach N - p,8,1:50.3f - $446,537 - Dalton Lee Twin B Impressive - p,4,1:51 - $693,510 - Mary Beth Ranger Two of the participants, Neverdie and J J S Jet, were both former Maine state record holders for their respective gaits and got together before the event for an historic photo op. Steve Wilson, co-owner of trotter Neverdie, was joined by Jaelynn Swan, a 15-year-old high school student and equestrian enthusiast, the new owner of J J S Jet. In addition to a half-page biography with photos throughout the program, each horses connections received a Barbara Dresser-designed and handcrafted name plaque, a Blue Seal Feeds gift bag and a couple of souvenir programs. They will also receive a Joe Shaw photo of the festivities. The $10,000 featured Winners Over Pace was captured by The Bird Dance N in 1:56.1. Driven by Dan Deslandes for trainer Karl Butterfield, the eight-year-old son of A Rocknroll Dance is owned by Jose Cerventes. He paid $6.60 to win. Alex Having Fun (Aaron Hall) finished second and Drinka Beer (Bruce Ranger) was third. Kevin Switzer Jr. had four wins on the program, pushing him to the lead in the Cumberlands overall driver standings with 78. Following close behind with 76 is perennial leader Bruce Ranger, who had a pair of winners. Dan Deslandes and Nick Graffam also picked up two wins on the afternoon card. On Sundays closing day (Dec. 24), 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. Racing concludes at Cumberland with the final Winter Festival racing date on Sunday, Dec. 24. First post is 10:50 a.m. (With files from First Tracks Cumberland) Federal records list the farms spread throughout Nebraska as foreign owned, though theres no country attached and no hint they might be related. In Nebraskas business records, Willowdale Farms, Merrick County Farms, Dove Haven Ranch and others have one similarity: Each farms office address leads to a single-story brick building in the St. Louis suburbs. Its an office park housing a dentist, lawyers and, until recently, a farmland investment startup called AgCoA. For years, AgCoA was owned by the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, a government group managing retirement funds for 21 million Canadians. But in 2017, the Canadian board decided to unload a half-billion dollar chunk of its American farmland including all 22,830 acres of its Nebraska land. The buyer of those unassuming-sounding Nebraska farms wasnt publicly listed. Until now, the deals financial details and the gargantuan loan hes taken out against the land have remained hidden. The buyers name: Bill Gates. Tangled web of Gates The billionaire Microsoft co-founder has, in the past six years, spent more than $113 million buying Nebraska farmland. The Flatwater Free Press analyzed five years of land sales data, between 2018 and 2022, gathered by a University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Journalism and Mass Communications data journalism class. If that data would have included 2017 when Mt. Edna Farms, the Gates-owned company, bought Nebraska land from the Canadians then Gates would have been the top buyer of Nebraska ag land by money spent. Since 2017, hes spent more than double the second-place buyer. Gates farmland is held by more than 20 shell companies spread across the country. Some lead back to a P.O. Box in Kirkland, Washington, where Cascade Asset Management, Gates investment manager, is headquartered. Others are linked to Lenexa, Kansas, and Monterey, Louisiana, population 371, where reporters have previously traced Gates operations. These limited liability companies, buried under layers of business names, overlapping employees and addresses in at least three states, form a tangled, opaque network. Because its hidden, Nebraskans living and farming near Gates land are often unaware that one of the worlds richest men owns the soybean field down the road. Gates now owns around 20,000 acres of farmland across 19 counties in Nebraska after selling some land in recent years. He owns the largest chunk, about 8,500 acres, in Holt County. I think if you ask on the street, who owns Mt. Edna Farms, nobodyd even know what it was, said Bill Tielke, chair of the Holt county board. Mt. Edna has a farm manager in Holt County, Tielke said, and locals work for the farm and rent the ground. Tielke only knows of the Gates ownership because hes worked as a crop adjuster on the land. I dont remember it throwing up any bells or whistles or anybody even saying anything about it, Tielke said. The Nebraska Farm Bureau, through spokesperson Cassie Hoebelheinrich, declined to comment on Gates farmland ownership. This is an issue we really dont follow and isnt a priority for us, Hoebelheinrich said. Gates land ownership has been the source of much rumor, and some concern, in Nebraska, partly because of his connections to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which works on global public health, sustainability and climate change. If Gates land was given to a nonprofit potentially making it exempt from property taxes it would decimate the counties involved, said State Sen. Tom Brewer, a Republican whose district covers 11 counties in central and northern Nebraska. It would force action from the Legislature to protect the counties, Brewer said. But the farmland isnt part of the Gates Foundation portfolio, said Gates investment manager. Its, rather, strictly a financial investment. The investments that Cascade makes in Nebraska farmland are not connected with the agricultural or climate initiatives of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, a Cascade spokesperson said, declining to answer further questions about Gates Nebraska farmland purchases. Gates himself recently publicly reinforced this idea that his farmland is an investment albeit one aiding the Gates Foundations bottom line. The decision to buy this land was made by people who help manage my money so that we get a good return, so that the Foundation can buy more vaccines, Gates said on a November episode of Trevor Noahs podcast. And they saw that if we could invest in land and (improve) the productivity of that land, that it would have a good return. Buy, borrow, die Gates doesnt simply receive rent checks from his Nebraska farmland. Hes also using it to borrow staggering sums of money. In 2021, Mr. Edna Farms filed paperwork with Dawson County, clearing the path to use some Gates land as collateral. Gates LLC then took out two loans against his Nebraska farmland. The loan total: $700 million. The obvious question: Why is Gates, named Forbes richest man 18 times, using Nebraska farmland to take out a $700 million loan? Using IRS data, the news outlet ProPublica estimated Gates total annual income at $2.85 billion, with a federal income tax rate of 18.4%. That income primarily came from sales of Microsoft stock, which is taxable. But extremely high net-worth individuals like Gates often use a strategy of borrowing against their assets like land if they want spendable money. Selling those assets would generate taxable income, said Adam Thimmesch, University of Nebraska College of Law professor specializing in business and tax law. If you can hold those assets until you die, all of that taxable gain goes away, so the ideal tax planning technique, if youre wealthy enough to be able to do it, is to invest in those appreciating assets, Thimmesch said. If certain conditions are met, tax law then allows someone to inherit the land and avoid paying taxes on the appreciated value if they sell it, Thimmesch said. In the meantime, ultra-rich Americans can borrow against their assets to fund their lifestyles or make other investments. Banks are happy to lend money for farmland, he said, because its value is secure. So you can eliminate that entire layer of tax, while still kind of enjoying the benefits of being wealthy while youre alive, he said. Below the surface Gates land ownership in Nebraska includes the valuable water beneath that land. He has access through 191 existing wells, which up the lands value for farmers and investors alike by providing crop irrigation. Gaining access to groundwater is often a priority for potential farmland buyers. A landowner can usually access the underlying groundwater, though natural resource districts regulate how water is used. We dont treat Bill Gates any different than Dean Edson or anybody else. They can have that land, but they dont own the water, said Dean Edson, director of the Nebraska Association of Resource Districts. If they want to use the water, Bill Gates is gonna have to come get a permit. If you buy land in Nebraska without a well, theres no guarantee your local NRD will grant a permit to dig one. But if the land already has a well, the NRD has likely already certified its use. The landowner can continue to use that water so long as the use follows existing rules, said Don Blankenau, a lawyer who provides water-related legal counsel to Nebraska NRDs. Ive heard over the decades Ive done this, people are always concerned that somebodys gonna go out and buy a big tract of land in the Sandhills, and then transport that water away, Blankenau said. Thats nearly impossible, he said, because Nebraska has tight limitations on transporting groundwater, especially beyond state borders or as a commodity. An investor like Gates moving large quantities of groundwater via pipeline or trucking operation would attract the attention of neighbors and the local NRD. If you extract groundwater out of the ground, carbonate it and add sugar to it, youve got soda pop, and you can move that all over the place. Same thing with beer, one of my law partners started brewing, and I always tease him that hes exporting groundwater in the form of beer, Blankenau said. In Holt County, Gates operation has gone mostly unnoticed by neighbors and county officials. And the actual farming of that land has barely changed. But Gates land buys still matter, said Tielke, chair of the Holt County Board. Any large outside investor like Gates can often beat a small farmer trying to buy land. I think its going to cause a lot of problems for future generations to get young people started, Tielke said. Its getting pretty hard to compete with these guys that are coming here buying this land now. The trial date for a former Bland County animal control officer accused of child abuse has been pushed into the new year. Remona Keene, 63, of Bastian was supposed to enter a plea on Dec. 19, but the case was continued until 2024. Free on bond, Keene was arrested in June after a local grand jury returned a felony indictment against her. According to the indictment, Keene is accused of placing or permitting a child identified only by initials in a situation that her life, health or morals may be endangered. The offense date range was June 2020 until Aug. 31, 2021. A Virginia State Police special agent provided evidence to grand jurors. Now disabled, Keene once worked as Bland Countys animal and litter control officer. She started the job in 2007 after doing similar work in Northern Virginia. Her bond paperwork said she had also lived in Scott and Russell counties. In June, a magistrate said she was cooperative during her bond hearing and had no criminal history. States she needs to be home for her mother who requires full-time care, a magistrate wrote. Met officer at Sheriffs Office upon his request, states she has been very polite and cooperative. If convicted, Keene faces up to five years in prison on the class six felony charge. Introduction: The Reserve Bank of India, through its Foreign Exchange Department, issued a significant notification on December 21, 2023. The Foreign Exchange Management (Manner of Receipt and Payment) Regulations, 2023, replaces the previous regulations of 2016. This article delves into the key aspects of the new regulations and their implications. Detailed Analysis: 1. Short Title and Commencement: The regulations, titled Foreign Exchange Management (Manner of Receipt and Payment) Regulations, 2023, come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette. The concise and straightforward short title aligns with the regulatory clarity objectives. 2. Definitions: The article defines crucial terms, including Act and Authorised Bank. The definitions provide a foundation for understanding the subsequent regulations and their applicability in the context of the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999. 3. Manner of Receipt and Payment: The core of the regulations addresses the manner in which residents in India can make or receive payments from individuals outside the country. It emphasizes the role of Authorised Banks and Authorised Persons. The provision allows residents to seek the Reserve Banks permission for specific transactions under the Act. Trade Transactions: The regulations outline specific procedures for trade transactions, distinguishing between countries like Nepal and Bhutan, ACU member countries, and others. The use of Indian Rupees or foreign currency is specified based on the involved countries and trade policies. Transactions Other Than Trade: The article details how payments for transactions other than trade should be made, taking into account distinctions between countries like Nepal, Bhutan, and others. It clarifies the acceptable currencies for such transactions. Current Account Transactions: Special provisions are made for current account transactions, restricting payments and receipts to Indian Rupees, especially for non-trade transactions between residents in India and foreign visitors. Conclusion: The new Foreign Exchange Management Regulations introduced by the Reserve Bank of India mark a strategic move towards streamlining cross-border transactions. The emphasis on specific procedures for trade and non-trade transactions reflects a nuanced approach, ensuring compliance with the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999. As India navigates the complexities of international trade and finance, these regulations are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the countrys economic landscape. RESERVE BANK OF INDIA (FOREIGN EXCHANGE DEPARTMENT) CENTRAL OFFICE MUMBAI 400 001 No. FEMA 14(R)/2023-RB December 21, 2023 Foreign Exchange Management (Manner of Receipt and Payment) Regulations, 2023 In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 47 of the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (42 of 1999) and in supersession of Notification No. FEMA 14(R)/2016-RB dated May 02, 2016, except as respects things done or omitted to be done before such supersession, the Reserve Bank makes the following regulations, namely: 1. Short title and commencement. (1) These regulations shall be called the Foreign Exchange Management (Manner of Receipt and Payment) Regulations, 2023. (2) They shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette. 2. Definitions. (1) In these regulations, unless the context otherwise requires,- i. Act means the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (42 of 1999); ii. Authorised Bank shall have the same meaning as given in the Foreign Exchange Management (Deposit) Regulations, 2016 as amended from time to time. (2) The words and expressions used but not defined in these regulations shall have the same meanings respectively assigned to them in the Act. 3. Manner of receipt and payment. (1) Save as otherwise in a manner as provided in the Act or the rules or regulations made or directions issued under the Act, no person resident in India shall make or receive payment from a person resident outside India: Provided that the Reserve Bank may, on an application made to it, permit a person resident in India to make or receive payment under the Act. (2) The receipt and payment between a person resident in India and a person resident outside India shall, unless provided otherwise, be made through an Authorised Bank or Authorised Person and in the manner as specified below: (I) Trade transactions (a) receipt/payment for export to or import from the countries given below of eligible goods and services shall be made as under: (i) Nepal and Bhutan in Indian Rupees provided that in case of exports from India where the importer in Nepal has been permitted by the Nepal Rashtra Bank to make payment in foreign currency, such receipts towards the amount of the export may be in foreign currency; (ii) Member countries of ACU, other than Nepal and Bhutan through ACU mechanism or as per the directions issued by the Reserve Bank to authorised dealer from time to time: Provided that in case of imports where the goods are shipped to India from a member country of the ACU (other than Nepal and Bhutan) but the supplier is resident of a country other than a member country of the ACU, the payment may be made in a manner as specified at (iii) below. (iii) Countries other than member countries of ACU In Indian Rupees or in any foreign currency. (b) Notwithstanding anything contained in this sub-regulation, receipts and payments may also be made in a manner as may be provided in the extant Foreign Trade Policy framed by the Central Government. Explanation: The expression ACU (Asian Clearing Union) shall have the same meaning assigned to it under Article I of the ACU agreement and the ACU mechanism shall be construed accordingly. (II) Transactions other than trade transactions receipt and payment shall be made as under: (i) Nepal and Bhutan In Indian Rupees provided that in case of overseas investment in Bhutan, payment may also be made in foreign currency; (ii) Other Countries In Indian Rupees or any foreign currency. (3) Payment and receipt in India for any current account transaction, other than a trade transaction, between any person resident in India and a person resident outside India, who is on a visit to India, may be made only in Indian Rupees. Provided that any payment or receipt under regulation 3 may also be made by debit/ credit to a bank account maintained in terms of the rules, regulations or directions issued under the Act. (Dr Aditya Gaiha) Chief General Manager-in-Charge If approved, a proposed ruling filed in Thurston County Superior Court on Dec. 14 will remand the Lewis County Board of Commissioners denial of a rezone on property at Mineral Lake owned by the YMCA of Greater Seattle. The nonprofit aims to use the land as the site of its first new overnight camp in more than a century. The uncertified document filed last week was drafted by legal representatives from both parties and is likely to be signed as is, according to a county attorney. If so, it will nullify votes the Lewis County commissioners made in November 2022 and March 2023, kicking off a 30-day deadline for rezone approval. County staff say the final decision could arrive in the next week. The proposal claims Lewis County did disparately treat the YMCA. In two separate hearings, the document alleges, commissioners had no legal basis for the land use decision and were ultimately motivated by bias against the YMCA of Greater Seattle. The court does find that impermissible racial animus, bias and infringement of the YMCAs protected free speech rights, through an intent to restrain speech and a desire to prevent the YMCA from speaking in Lewis County were motivating factors for the boards decision, the uncertified ruling states. The first hearing on the application for a master planned resort overlay on the property spanned sessions on Nov. 2 and Nov. 8, 2022. Currently, the 500 acres in question are zoned as forest resource land. In that hearing, Lewis County Commissioner Sean Swope asked a YMCA representative where the organization stood on critical race theory, defunding the police, gender reassignment surgery for minors and biological truth. Now-retired Commissioner Lee Grose said he was disturbed about some aspects of the YMCAs eventual project plans, not the least of which is the partnership with the tribe, citing the Nisqually Indian Tribes support for the youth camp. YMCA representatives have mentioned plans for the tribe to lead camp programs and use the land for traditional hunting and gathering purposes. Commissioner Lindsey Pollock, despite telling Swope at one point to recall that this is a land use decision, joined her seatmates in a unanimous no vote. Per state and county law, rezones are meant to focus solely on whether the proposed land use is appropriate. The Mineral Lake rezone was recommended by Lewis County Community Development staff and was unanimously approved by the seven-person Lewis County Planning Commission. In December 2022, the YMCA filed a Thurston County Superior Court lawsuit against the county. The nonprofits court petition called the decision erroneous and discriminatory. Among several other quotes from the hearing, it cited Swope asking whether the proposed agreement with the Nisqually Tribe would be governed by tribal regulation or under just normal citizens? In the 47-page petition, the YMCA aimed to prove the commissions decision was based on a fundamental misunderstanding of the Ys values, and that those should not have been a factor in the land use decision regardless. In February 2023, Swope, Pollock and newly elected Commissioner Scott Brummer reopened the hearing. The lawsuit was put on a temporary hold. In a March 1 decision, Swope and Brummer voted the rezone down again, citing worries about the camp putting strain on law enforcement, emergency services and the environment. Pollock was the lone yes vote, but said she still had concerns about the camp that shed like addressed in the project phase. In the proposed ruling filed last week, the county concedes error in the initial hearing from November 2022 by failing to set forth any findings in support of its conclusion that the proposed rezone was not in the public interest. The court, in the uncertified decision, goes further. It agrees that the board erred, but says the commissioners were motivated by animus, bias and a desire to restrict the YMCAs exercise of free speech. In the proposal, the county asserts its mistake was subsequently cured by the February hearing and March decision. In the document, if signed, the court disagrees. The second vote does not eradicate that the record supports finding of bias, animus and restriction of free speech, the document claims. Based on this context, it is appropriate for this court to review Ordinance 1343 (the March 1 vote) with critical and strict scrutiny, the proposal states. The ruling claims that, regardless of the commissions motivation, the decision was outside the scope of the law. In other words, the landowners identity and its eventual goal of building a youth camp should have been irrelevant. The court finds that at this non-project rezone stage it is premature to address specific speculative project-level impacts that would be more appropriately considered at the time of project application, the proposal states, later adding, As the court finds that the YMCA met all criteria necessary for approval of the site-specific rezone and (master planned resort) designation under state law and Lewis County code, the rezone should have been approved. Representatives from the Y have hosted community meetings about the project since 2021. Beyond the 500 acres for the intended camp, the nonprofit owns 1,600 acres of forest land that spokespeople have said will be maintained as a forest. The land abuts the town of Mineral, which tallied around 135 full-time residents in the 2020 census. On a clear day, the hamlet boasts a view of Mount Rainier towering beyond the lake, arguably the most scenic spot in Lewis County. The youth camp proposal has incurred support from the Cispus Learning Center and Centralia College, among others. But, it became a political topic in the November 2022 Lewis County commissioner race, where Brummer first declared his opposition. And, several members of the Mineral community have been vocal about their distaste for the idea. YMCA staff say the full buildout of the camp would occur slowly over about 15 years. It would be staffed by 100 people and host 400 campers. Community development staff told The Chronicle the county will host a public meeting in Mineral after the final ruling, regardless of the Thurston County Superior Courts decision. The county will release a statement when the final ruling is released, Pollock said on Friday morning. Its a common refrain that Longview is a mill town. The city grew up around the Long-Bell Lumber Company, as envisioned by owner R. A. Long. Lumber manufacturing was joined by aluminum in 1941, when the Reynolds Metals plant opened. Like Long-Bell, Reynolds employed hundreds in well-paying positions. Long didnt just provide necessities like housing for workers, but recreational options at a community center, a religious outlet at Longview Community Church, and eventually a way to seek secondary education at Lower Columbia College. But not all business owners have had Longs harmonious relationship with their employees. In the late 90s, Reynolds was facing an uncertain future. A man named Michael Lynch and his company, Michigan Avenue Partners, presented themselves as the plants saviors. By 2002, hundreds of people the plant had once employed were out of a job, and Lynch would be a contender for the title of most hated man in Longview a 21st century antithesis of the citys founder. Merger anxiety On Aug. 11, 1999, The Daily News reported three European aluminum firms had agreed to merge into a new conglomerate worth $21.6 billion. Just hours later, Alcoa, Inc., the largest aluminum producer in the United States, bid $5.6 billion to acquire Reynolds Metals in an attempt to match its rival. While the president of Alcoa promised to integrate Reynolds workers into their company structure, many were not convinced. Business analysts saw the Longview plant, one of the older designs in Reynolds portfolio, as expendable. Others expected job cuts even if it was left open, as they believed Alcoa would update the plant and reduce the needed workforce. The merger was expected to draw scrutiny from U.S. and European regulators. It also drew attention from Chicago-based private equity firm Michigan Avenue Partners, who said the merger was anticompetitive and entered a competing bid. Reynolds and Alcoa agreed to move ahead with the merger in September 1999, but concessions had to be made to allay concerns from the Federal Trade Commission and European Union Commission. While work continued, employees were concerned about their uncertain future. On May 10, 2000, less than a week after Alcoa had officially taken over the Longview plant, Michigan Avenue Partners subsidiary McCook Metals sued to force Alcoa to sell the full plant to them, claiming their ownership violated antitrust laws. The two parties entered negotiations to sell the plant in late August, which continued until Alcoa announced the sale of the Longview plant to Michigan Avenue Partners on Dec. 27. It did little to assuage worker fears, as Lynch and his company had a reputation for aggressive cost-cutting. The following month, McCook Metals told TDN it was committed to running the plant, but some of the plants 950 workers could be laid off temporarily or permanently. At the same time, the Bonneville Power Administration faced a power crunch, and was negotiating with McCook to buy back some of the discounted power it had agreed to sell the plant. Smelting ore into processed metal is an energy-intensive process, and BPA was looking to cut consumption. On Feb. 3, 2001, the BPA made a proposal: close down the Reynolds plant for a year. In the plan, the utility would buy back the power they were contracted to sell to the mill for a total of $225 million. McCook would use that money to continue paying workers and providing benefits a proviso that the BPA insisted on, then-spokesman Ed Mosey told TDN. Some workers saw it as an opportunity to take a vacation for a year. Others, after years of uncertainty, felt they would rather pursue a different career. Ultimately, the union chose to accept the offer on Feb. 20, 2001, and the plant began its planned year-long idle. Introducing Michael Lynch On Feb. 28, 2001, Alcoa sold the Longview plant in full to Longview Aluminum, LLC, a new subsidiary of McCook, but kept ownership of the land. McCook leaders, Lynch among them, began by declaring that the plant would be running at full capacity by 2003. They said the 200 salaried employees would work as long as they want to work at the plant, and employees could get training in modern steel production techniques. Lynch sat down with TDN for a one-on-one interview which published on March 4, 2001. He described himself as someone fighting for American jobs and a fighter against the Alcoa monopoly. He promised that Were going to do the right thing and build partnerships with unions. Painting a bright future for the plant, Lynch declared the company was going to expand using new technologies and become a long-term player in the regions manufacturing scene. He also took the opportunity to attack Alcoa, stating that they were monopolists who only intended to acquire plants to reduce overall manufacturing capacity. Whether he could keep his promises about saving jobs came into question as details emerged in the March 7, 2001, edition of TDN. Instead of following BPAs orders to pay employees while the plant was closed, McCook decided not to pay workers directly in order to save money. Workers were placed on standby status and asked to apply for unemployment payments from the state, which McCook thought they would be eligible for without applying for other work. The difference between the unemployment benefits and their normal wages would then be paid by McCook. This plan, however, had not been approved by the state. On March 10, the state declined the arrangement, saying workers drawing unemployment would have to seek work elsewhere. At the end of March, Longview Aluminum made its first layoff, cutting 41 salaried employees. McCook spokesman Paul Frank defended the move to TDN, saying previous statements may not have been accurate. However, we have been straightforward with all of the employees since the day we purchased this plant. In June 2001, Longview Aluminum announced the company would hire back workers for a planned restart. Specifically, it would hire back 400 to 500 workers out of the 925 who had been employed there before the shutdown. Though TDN reported that about 110 workers had retired and 41 employees had previously been laid off, the plan still left hundreds of plant employees without work. Wheels fall off On Aug. 8, 2001, TDN announced Lynch and his company put the Longview plant up for sale. The move came amid financial turmoil at McCook the week before, a facility in Arizona shut down after a creditor pushed McCook to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Michigan Avenue Partners promised they would protect local workers during the sale process, but union leaders showed little faith. Theres no ifs, ands or buts about it. We are skeptical, Ray Pierson, then-president of the Longview steelworkers union, told TDN. The BPA also stressed that the power-selling agreement was tied to the facility, and McCook would need to return part of the payment if they divested from Longview Aluminum. In September, the company also clashed with Cowlitz County over property taxes. McCook disputed the $700,000 property tax bill owed by Longview Aluminum, saying the plant was valued too high. The county had assessed the plants value at $69 million. McCook contended that the smelters value was, instead, $0 and they should only have to pay taxes on the land, valued at $7 million. Dean Takko, then serving as Cowlitz County assessor, called it almost a slap in the face to the county, noting that the company had also never paid real estate excise or sales taxes to the county either, claiming they werent required to as they were technically leasing the plant from Alcoa. Takko took the case to the state, but due to a backlog of cases, the county missed out on the property tax revenue for that year. Due to the large gap in disputed value, the county was also prevented from collecting property taxes on the plant until the case was resolved. The revenue gap was yet another major problem for the county. While not the only layoff at the time, the aluminum plant was definitely the largest. According to the state employment department, Cowlitz Countys unemployment rate in June 2001 was 11.4%, double the state average. Lynch stepped down from his position as chairman of McCook on Sept. 6, announcing he was going to purchase the bankrupt company himself. The Chicago Tribune reported that McCook was deeply in debt, with the shuttered Arizona facility alone owing creditors over $100 million. By late September, despite the plant being up for sale, the company was bringing back most of the 150 maintenance workers. Other employees were being told they were coming in 100 at a time for five-week shifts. The path forward was still unclear. Longview Aluminum was still set to reopen in April 2002. Thats what McCook was telling everyone in January. But not everyone was confident in the promises Lynch and company were offering. Get retrained; find a career thats more fulfilling, Ted Trople, then-vice president of the local steelworkers, had told workers over and over, according to TDNs Jan. 27, 2002, edition. He pointed to low aluminum prices and high power costs as the unions top concerns for why the plant might not reopen. The following week, all employees received notices that they were being laid off. While the company maintained that not all workers would lose their jobs, union leaders maintained their skepticism. McCook was now discussing starting a single potline, or production line, in April, rather than the full plant. Meanwhile, two other plants owned by McCook were seized by the companys creditors. Broken promises The optimism that Lynch and his company were initially greeted with had long worn off, replaced by a deep wariness even by non-employees. They dont return calls. Theyre a difficult company to work with, because a lot of their public statements arent backed up in reality, Ted Sprague, head of the Cowlitz Economic Development Council, told TDN in March 2002. When workers heard at the end of March that the smelter would not reopen on time, and that only a skeleton crew of 15 would keep their jobs, machinist Bill Cochraine told TDN he was disappointed, but not surprised. McCook spokesperson Holly Bartecki initially said the report was untrue, but confirmed those details the following day. The company also went on to blame delays in talks with the steelworkers union for their failure to open by the April 1 target. BPA also reported they had not been contacted as of March 28, despite the plant having a contract to begin buying wholesale power from the utility beginning April 1. During this time, talks on a new union contract were also unfolding. Union officials accused Lynch of issuing them an ultimatum: if they didnt sign the new contract he offered, he would shut the plant down. The proposed contract involved wage freezes and pay cuts, as well as workers forfeiting their right to grievance resolution. They were also skeptical of the plan Lynch laid out at the meeting, which relied on buying cheap aluminum on credit and finding a less expensive source of power than the BPA. Few workers were interested in making concessions to Lynch. Most saw him as personally responsible and felt his offer was completely unreasonable. Taking away the grievance procedure is like saying, We (society) have laws but were not going to have any police or courts, said Bob Spencer, a then-plant employee, in the April 2, 2002, edition of TDN. Meanwhile, the BPA was attempting to shut off power to the smelter after being unable to collect millions of dollars in unpaid power bills. A federal judge ordered a halt to the disconnect on April 3, 2002, keeping the power on during bankruptcy. But bills continued to mount and Longview Aluminum was still idle. Shutdown drags on For the rest of 2002, the keyword for Longview Aluminum was still. Union contracts talks still continuing. Bankruptcy proceedings still ongoing. County and BPA still seeking payments owed to them. Another possibility emerged in November: an employee buyout. Under an Employee Stock Ownership Plan, or ESOP, the steelworkers would own part or all of the mill, something the federal government had facilitated in other plants at the time. Much like Lynchs acquisition of the smelter coming on the back of legal action, this proposal was driven by the same. According to the Nov. 24, 2002, edition of TDN, Lynch offered to sell the plant to the union in response to their suit against him to force Longview Aluminum to pay health benefits. The judge in the case seemed receptive, calling it part of the only viable option for settling this case in the case docket. Lynch had further motivation, as well: Alcoa still owned the land on which the smelter stood, and if Lynch did not operate at least one potline for four straight months every 22 months, the smelter reverted to Alcoa. Lynch had first taken control of the plant in February 2001, and the clock was ticking. Lynch won an extension on his lease from Alcoa in February 2003, giving them time to restart their smelter and reform the plants ownership structure. He also tried to get union workers on his side, saying he had investment capital to help him restart the smelter, but to do so, he needed a new labor contract. In the same interview, Lynch lashed out at the union, saying he was being singled out for criticism by the workers hed laid off. I think Ive been improperly maligned, Lynch said in the Feb. 23, 2003, issue of TDN. I think the (union) local has done a good job of trying to destroy my reputation. March 5, 2003, was the deadline for Lynch to present an ESOP proposal to the union. Instead, Longview Aluminum LLC declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Court battles The charades over, then-steelworker and union representative Gaylen Prescott told TDN in its March 7, 2003, edition. While Lynch claimed the union had disliked him before, the rancor unquestionably reached a new level after the announcement. Steelworkers accused him of perpetrating a farce, and that the whole employee ownership proposal had been a way to stall for time until he could get out of his legal responsibilities through bankruptcy. Lynch announced on March 7, 2003, that Longview Aluminum was on its last $2.5 million. He claimed that, after two years, the company had almost entirely exhausted the $226 million that BPA had paid them to suspend operations. According to bankruptcy filings, the company was down to just $630,000 in cash and a $2.5 million letter of credit. Longview Aluminum had $65 million in claims against it, mostly from the federal Pension Benefits Guarantee Corporation, which held the company responsible for paying pensions of other companies also owned by Lynch. Furthermore, Lynch was accused of improperly managing his companys money. General Electric Capital Corp, his primary creditor, accused him of spending hundreds of thousands in company money on jewelry, private dinners and life insurance policies through his father-in-laws firm. This was only the beginning of Lynchs legal troubles. Filings from bankruptcy court also revealed Longview Aluminum had spent $1 million of the companys money on personal legal defense. A Chicago law firm representing Lynchs creditors quickly accused him of mishandling company funds for personal gain. His lawyers denied any claims of impropriety in the April 29, 2003, issue of TDN, claiming that companies defending their executives was standard practice. The bankruptcy proceedings also revealed the salary Lynch had paid himself. Though he had described the salary as a pittance to TDN back in February, his companys filings showed he drew over $600,000 from Longview Aluminum in 2002, including $330,000 in salary and $180,000 in business expenses. On May 18, 2003, TDN also reported that, contrary to their claims of restructuring, the company had been selling off its supply of ore. Union workers pointed out the embattled plant would have a difficult time resuming production without raw materials. They compared his actions to the other two plants under the McCook umbrella, both of which had already been liquidated in bankruptcy court and permanently shuttered. By the end of June, Lynch claimed he was now waiting for market conditions to improve before restarting the plant. The bankruptcy court responded the following week by putting Longview Aluminum LLC under the control of a bankruptcy trustee, ending Lynchs ability to make decisions on the plant. The next several months centered around the search for a suitable buyer for the plant, but by November, the possibility had been exhausted. On Nov. 4, 2003, TDN reported the plant would be sold piecemeal to pay creditors. Hundreds of union workers and their supporters picketed the plant, calling for a 90-day extension to the selloff. At the same time, the bankruptcy trustee announced the company did not have enough cash on hand for its $1.15 million pension contribution, triggering a handover of pensions to the federal Pension Benefits Guaranty Corporation. Payouts to pensioners decreased, as the companys payouts were above the monthly maximum for the federal program. The next week, Lynch made one last attempt at regaining control of the smelter, saying he had $12 million on hand, and asking the Steelworkers Union to contribute another $10 million. But the union had no interest in working with someone they distrusted and blamed for the smelters collapse. The steelworkers have not been entertaining any kind of deal-making offers that include Michael Lynch, steelworkers union representative Gaylan Prescott told TDN. His credibility with our organization is zero. The last hope for the plant was up at the start of 2004. In the Jan. 20, 2004, edition of TDN, bankruptcy trustee Bill Brandt said the site would never resume production. The last possible buyers had backed out and the plant would be sold in pieces. Loose ends The former Longview Aluminum facility eventually found a buyer. Chinook Ventures bought what remained of the plant, intending to use the land for the import of lime or other minerals. Work on dismantling the mill began in July 2005. The company also paid off the back taxes owed on the property and shouldered the cost of cleanup, both of which were terms of the bankruptcy court deal Chinook signed to get control over the former mills assets. Chinook sold in 2015 its facilities to Millennium Bulk Terminals, who wished to build a terminal for exporting coal to China at the site. The controversial effort ended with Millenniums Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2021. Today, Alcoa still owns the land, where its subsidiary Northwest Alloys is located. No aluminum is produced on site and the company earns profits by warehousing materials and transloading for nearby businesses, leaders report. The state Department of Ecology told TDN in April they hope to finish cleaning soil and groundwater contamination on the longtime industrial site in 2024. According to data from the Illinois Secretary of State, Michigan Avenue Partners soon followed the lead of Lynchs other businesses, and was involuntary dissolved as of April 24, 2004. Lynchs legal troubles continued on after the company bankruptcies. While Brandt sued Lynch to reclaim the $562,624 he took in salary during the plants bankruptcy, it was other claims that led Lynch down a spiral of conspiracy theories. Mary and Mario DAgostino were another of Lynchs creditors. Holding promissory notes for hundreds of thousands of dollars, they took him to court in Chicago. Court documents state Lynch accused the DAgostinos of being members of an Italian crime syndicate who had bribed the judge. Lynch began to accuse the judge of corruption, weaving a tale of bribes by Alcoa and General Electric to destroy him in bankruptcy court. When he began to repeatedly demand the judge recuse himself from the case, Lynch was found in contempt of court and sentenced to 60 days in jail. According to TDNs Oct. 17, 2006, edition, Lynch also attributed the failure of Longview Aluminum to a bribery scheme by Alcoa and General Electric targeting judges in his bankruptcy cases. It was far from the only conspiracy he claimed to be the victim of. Lynch appealed the contempt verdict, coming before the Illinois Court of Appeals in April 2008. The appellate judge asked Lynch to defend his allegations of judicial bribery and the DAgostinos involvement with the mafia. Lynch spun an elaborate tale of organized crime and bribery that involved a mysterious figure he only referred to as Informant X. According to court documents, when a second judge asked Lynch for further specifics or if he had any evidence, Lynch told the judge he was not free to say. He claimed these crime syndicates were so powerful that revealing what he knew would endanger his life. The court ruled against Lynch, characterizing his tale as a wild fabrication which obstructed the legal process. Few still have anything kind to say about the man today. Far from R. A. Longs image of an industrialist who fostered growth in the city, Lynch was regarded as a man who saw a plant teetering on the edge and wondered how much money he could squeeze out of it. When TDN called him arguably one of the most hated men to ever set foot in Cowlitz County in 2006, they meant it. The 65,000 Clark County residents who commute into Oregon each day for work have nearly all had to choose between their vehicles or C-Tran buses as their conveyance until now. With Amtrak Cascades new morning trip from Seattle to Portland, which stops in Vancouver at 8:51 a.m., commuting by train is now theoretically possible. The one-way ticket costs $5. Why now? Amtrak Cascades earlier this month added two new round trips between Portland and Seattle for a total of six round trips a day. The earliest train departs Seattle at 5:52 a.m., stops in Vancouver at 8:51 a.m. and terminates in Portland at 9:17 a.m. A Columbian reader asked us if these schedule changes make Amtrak a viable alternative for commuters. Its worth noting that Amtrak provides inter-city passenger service, not commuter service within metropolitan areas, so the changes werent made expressly for Vancouverites looking to beat traffic. Although the Vancouver station is the third busiest on the Cascades route, Amtrak has not experienced strong travel demand between Portland and Vancouver. Union Station and then? The train from Vancouver arrives at Portlands Union Station on the fringe of Portlands Pearl District. If your destination is in downtown Portland, you can walk or rent a Biketown bike outside of Union Station. If you need to go farther, several modes of public transit stop nearby a handful of bus lines, the MAX Green and Yellow lines, as well as the Portland Streetcar. The Green Line going south to the city center stops near Union Station at 9:22 a.m. The Tri-Met Line 9 headed to Clackamas Town Center stops at 9:26 a.m. The Yellow Line going north to the Expo Center stops at 9:20 a.m. Is it faster? Its slightly faster to take the 8:51 a.m. Amtrak train from the Vancouver station to Union Station than it is to drive that distance at the same time of day. But when considering other factors commuting to the Vancouver station, getting to the final destination, etc. driving usually comes out ahead. In the evening, trains going north depart Union Station at 5:55 p.m. and 7:25 p.m. Both arrive in Vancouver 16 minutes later. The same trip by car can take 30 minutes to an hour during the evening rush. What are the pros? Tickets between Vancouver and Portland are relatively cheap, typically $5 each way, and parking is free at the Vancouver Amtrak station. Additionally, Amtrak is easy to navigate, you can usually get a row to yourself and trains come equipped with Wi-Fi. What are the cons? There arent a lot of situations where it would make sense to take Amtrak. For it to be worth the trade-offs, youd have to be someone who takes the Interstate 5 Bridge to commute to downtown Portland and pays for parking and who has a flexible enough job to start after 9:30 a.m. If youre looking to ditch your car on the way to downtown Portland, C-Tran is probably easier and cheaper with Route 105 and 105X providing frequent service for $2.50 per ride. The verdict So is it practical or worthwhile to commute via Amtrak? Probably not for most people. But is it fun? Absolutely. A year has passed since Vancouver approved its plan to reach carbon neutrality by 2040. The Climate Action Framework, a list of nearly 90 actions approved by the city council in December 2022, is Vancouvers leading light for curtailing greenhouse gas emissions at both the municipal and community levels. Most steps taken so far are intangible, but they are helping Vancouver inch toward its climate goals, city officials say. Experts say cities influence on the environment is undeniable. Addressing urban spaces is low-hanging fruit for alleviating climate impacts, said Deepti Singh, assistant professor at Washington State University Vancouvers School of the Environment. Climate resilience depends on what our urban environments look like, she said. Sustainability is more than just looking at emissions. Its about resilience in the face of climate variability. Planning, planning, planning Vancouver is grounding itself before making big leaps. The citys fabric today ranging from how buildings are powered to how waste is processed has been woven over generations. Stacey Dalgaard, Vancouvers associate climate project coordinator, said morphing these systems to become carbon neutral will take time, a sentiment reiterated throughout Vancouvers first Climate Action Framework progress report. Government buildings are Vancouvers largest source of municipal emissions, so the city is planning its shift from facilities gas-powered systems to other alternatives, such as by bringing in electricity from Clark Public Utilities Community Solar East project or retrofitting buildings. Staff are developing Vancouvers first Green Building Policy, a guide for the construction of sustainable buildings. The citys second-largest emitter, its municipal fleet, includes 17 electric and hybrid vehicles. All city-owned diesel equipment now uses R99, often called green diesel. On a larger scale, the city is updating its transportation plan and working on so-called complete-street projects that incorporate pedestrian and bicycle paths. Urban green spaces will become leafier with a grant to expand Urban Forestrys workforce, and the citys future landscaping may become cleaner with a pilot program testing electric tools. Officials are pushing to spread trees more equitably throughout the city. Even Vancouvers wastewater could become a sustainable solution for powering buildings and fleets. Vancouvers two-year budget includes 37 climate-related projects totaling $11.7 million. The city has been awarded $1.9 million in state, federal and regional funds for similar work. The citys efforts so far are on track with steps outlined in the climate framework, said Rebecca Small, Vancouvers senior policy analyst. Vancouver will be better able to measure progress when it updates its greenhouse gas emission inventory, last compiled in 2019. Officials expect that to be completed by summer 2024. Thats also when they plan to launch new heat-safety strategies for vulnerable populations and, later, a youth climate leadership program. Climate trends, equity In the past decade, the regions hottest days and warmest nights have soared above long-term averages, while cold and cool nights have dropped below average. According to the Fifth National Climate Assessment, Washingtons air temperatures have warmed by nearly 2 degrees Fahrenheit since 1900. The report predicts annual average temperatures in the Northwest Washington, Oregon and Idaho will increase at least 4.7 degrees Fahrenheit by 2080. The report also outlines a very high scenario, in which the temperature would jump 10 degrees Fahrenheit. In an attempt to avert this dire warming, Washington officials pledged to reduce emissions 95 percent by 2050. Buildings and roads create urban heat islands by absorbing sunlight. Higher temperatures also result in a greater production of surface ozone, the product of chemical reactions between pollution and sunlight. Impervious surfaces such as parking lots and sidewalks lead to more flooding, carrying pollutants into rivers and reservoirs. Singh explained that although climate influences can seem obscure, they are actually easy to spot. Air pollution, for example, manifests as soot from vehicle exhaust pipes or plumes from industrial buildings. Flooding can erode roads and slopes, or increase toxicity within lakes. Information To review Vancouvers Climate Action Framework progress report, visit www.cityofvancouver.us/city-managers-office/ climate-action. These impacts often disproportionately hit people of color and those with low incomes, she said. Vancouvers climate-action progress report pledges to involve vulnerable communities as the city pursues its next steps, which include updating the plans to address natural hazards like flooding and fires. Climate issues are not separate from societal issues, Singh said. When were thinking about sustainability, it is critically important to think about the equity and justice implications of any actions that we take. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: An Alta-8 small Unmanned Aircraft System testbed vehicle flies above NASAs Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. Flying beyond visual line of sight from observers on the ground required special approval from the Federal Aviation Administration and NASA. Credit: NASA / Bowman Researchers at NASA's Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia recently flew multiple drones beyond visual line of sight with no visual observer. The drones successfully flew around obstacles and each other during takeoff, along a planned route, and upon landing, all autonomously without a pilot controlling the flight. This test marks an important step towards advancing self-flying capabilities for air taxis. "Flying the vehicles beyond visual line of sight, where neither the vehicle nor the airspace is monitored using direct human observation, demonstrates years of research into automation and safety systems, and required specific approval from the Federal Aviation Administration and NASA to complete," said Lou Glaab, branch head for the aeronautics systems engineering branch at NASA Langley. It is safer and more cost-effective to test self-flying technology meant for larger, passenger carrying air taxis on smaller drones to observe how they avoid each other and other obstacles. NASA also is testing elements of automation technology using helicopters. These stand-in aircraft help NASA mature the autonomy well before self-flying air taxis are integrated into the skies. "When you have multiple vehicles, all coming and going from a vertiport that is located adjacent to an airport or deep within a community, we have to ensure the automation technologies of these vehicles are capable of safely handling a high volume of air traffic in a busy area," said Glaab. Building upon past tests, the team successfully performed multiple flights using purchased ALTA 8 Uncrewed Aircraft Systems, also known as drones, with no visual observer and flew the drones beyond visual line of sight, referred to as "NOVO-BVLOS" flights. NASA researchers monitor the flight of an autonomous vehicle from the Remote Operations for Autonomous Missions UAS Operations Center at NASAs Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. the center facilitates beyond visual line of sight flight operations of small uncrewed aircraft system vehicles, also known as drones. Credit: NASA / David Bowman The software loaded onto the small drones performed airspace communications, flight path management, avoidance with other vehicles, and more skills needed to operate in a busy airspace. This is imperative for what is envisioned with Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), where drones and air taxis will be operating at the same time on a routine basis. The flight tests were observed from NASA Langley's Remote Operations for Autonomous Missions control center while the drones took off and landed at the City Environment for Testing Autonomous Integrated Navigation test range. NASA will transfer the new technology created during this project to the public to ensure industry manufacturers can access the software while designing their vehicles. "NASA's ability to transfer these technologies will significantly benefit the industry," said Jake Schaefer, flight operations lead for the project. "By conducting flight tests within the national airspace, in close proximity to airports and an urban environment, we are able to test technologies and procedures in a controlled but relevant environment for future AAM vehicles." One of these technologies was ICAROURS, which stands for NASA's Integrated Configurable Architecture for Reliable Operations of Unmanned Systems. This software provides an autonomous detect-and-avoid function and is part of the overall system to maintain "well clear" from other air traffic. Another technology used was NASA's Safe2Ditch system, which allows the vehicle to observe the ground below and make an autonomous decision on the safest place to land in the event of an in-flight emergency. NASA's AAM mission has multiple projects contributing to various research areas. This project, called the High Density Vertiplex, was specifically focused on testing and evaluating where these future vehicles will take off and land at high frequency, called vertiports, or vertiplexes, for multiple vertiports near each other, and the technology advancements needed to make this successful. State of Alaska Department of Revenue increased its holdings in Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (NYSE:ARE Free Report) by 0.2% during the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 111,651 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after purchasing an additional 264 shares during the quarter. State of Alaska Department of Revenue owned 0.06% of Alexandria Real Estate Equities worth $11,175,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in ARE. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 8.6% in the 1st quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. now owns 4,377 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $881,000 after purchasing an additional 348 shares in the last quarter. American Century Companies Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 242.4% during the first quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 4,499 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $906,000 after acquiring an additional 3,185 shares during the period. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 14.4% during the first quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 4,753 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $957,000 after acquiring an additional 598 shares during the period. HighTower Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 11.7% during the first quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC now owns 5,903 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,187,000 after acquiring an additional 620 shares during the period. Finally, Cetera Advisor Networks LLC raised its holdings in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 7.3% during the first quarter. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC now owns 1,086 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $219,000 after acquiring an additional 74 shares during the period. 86.36% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Alexandria Real Estate Equities alerts: Insider Transactions at Alexandria Real Estate Equities In other news, major shareholder Real Estate Equitie Alexandria sold 155,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, October 31st. The shares were sold at an average price of $2.41, for a total transaction of $373,550.00. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 6,000,077 shares in the company, valued at approximately $14,460,185.57. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. In related news, EVP Madeleine Thorp Alsbrook sold 4,854 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, December 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $119.55, for a total value of $580,295.70. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 19,740 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,359,917. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, major shareholder Real Estate Equitie Alexandria sold 155,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, October 31st. The shares were sold at an average price of $2.41, for a total transaction of $373,550.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 6,000,077 shares in the company, valued at $14,460,185.57. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 276,162 shares of company stock worth $2,667,955 in the last 90 days. 1.60% of the stock is owned by insiders. Alexandria Real Estate Equities Stock Performance Alexandria Real Estate Equities Increases Dividend ARE stock opened at $127.75 on Friday. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $107.66 and a two-hundred day moving average of $112.08. Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. has a 12 month low of $90.73 and a 12 month high of $172.65. The company has a market capitalization of $22.20 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 91.91, 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. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 12th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 29th will be paid a dividend of $1.27 per share. This is a positive change from Alexandria Real Estate Equitiess previous quarterly dividend of $1.24. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 28th. This represents a $5.08 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.98%. Alexandria Real Estate Equitiess dividend payout ratio is 365.47%. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities research analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. JMP Securities cut 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 report on Friday, December 1st. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a sell rating on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada cut 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 report on Tuesday, October 10th. BNP Paribas assumed coverage on shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities in a report on Wednesday, October 11th. They set a neutral rating and a $108.00 price target on the stock. Finally, Wedbush reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $120.00 price objective on shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities in a research note on Tuesday, October 24th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has given a hold rating and eight have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $142.11. Read Our Latest Analysis on Alexandria Real Estate Equities Alexandria Real Estate Equities Profile (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. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Alexandria Real Estate Equities Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Alexandria Real Estate Equities and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Coca-Cola HBC AG (LON:CCH Get Free Report) insider Zoran Bogdanovic sold 13,500 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, December 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of GBX 2,310 ($29.21), for a total transaction of 311,850 ($394,397.37). Zoran Bogdanovic also recently made the following trade(s): Get Coca-Cola HBC alerts: On Monday, December 18th, Zoran Bogdanovic acquired 193 shares of Coca-Cola HBC stock. The shares were bought at an average cost of GBX 2,282 ($28.86) per share, with a total value of 4,404.26 ($5,570.08). On Thursday, November 30th, Zoran Bogdanovic sold 14,800 shares of Coca-Cola HBC stock. The shares were sold at an average price of GBX 2,190 ($27.70), for a total transaction of 324,120 ($409,915.26). On Friday, November 17th, Zoran Bogdanovic acquired 212 shares of Coca-Cola HBC stock. The shares were bought at an average cost of GBX 2,120 ($26.81) per share, with a total value of 4,494.40 ($5,684.08). On Tuesday, October 17th, Zoran Bogdanovic acquired 86 shares of Coca-Cola HBC stock. The shares were bought at an average cost of GBX 2,117 ($26.77) per share, with a total value of 1,820.62 ($2,302.54). Coca-Cola HBC Stock Up 0.1 % Shares of CCH opened at GBX 2,289 ($28.95) on Friday. The company has a market cap of 8.40 billion, a PE ratio of 1,515.89, a P/E/G ratio of 2.36 and a beta of 0.88. The business has a fifty day moving average of GBX 2,175.18 and a 200 day moving average of GBX 2,248.49. Coca-Cola HBC AG has a 52-week low of GBX 1,896.50 ($23.99) and a 52-week high of GBX 2,582 ($32.65). The company has a quick ratio of 0.80, a current ratio of 1.21 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 108.31. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth CCH has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reaffirmed a neutral rating on shares of Coca-Cola HBC in a report on Tuesday, November 21st. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reissued a buy rating on shares of Coca-Cola HBC in a report on Tuesday, October 3rd. Finally, Citigroup reissued a neutral rating on shares of Coca-Cola HBC in a report on Tuesday, October 3rd. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of GBX 2,770 ($35.03). Read Our Latest Stock Report on Coca-Cola HBC Coca-Cola HBC Company Profile (Get Free Report) Coca-Cola HBC AG engages in the production, distribution, and sale of non-alcoholic ready-to-drink beverages under franchise in Switzerland and internationally. The company offers sparkling soft drinks, adult sparkling, hydration drinks, juices, ready-to-drink tea, energy drinks, dairy, coffee, water, plant-based drinks, premium spirits and flavored alcoholic beverages, and snacks. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Coca-Cola HBC Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Coca-Cola HBC and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Granite Bay Wealth Management LLC raised its position in Exxon Mobil Co. (NYSE:XOM Free Report) by 6,011.7% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 185,001 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after purchasing an additional 181,974 shares during the quarter. Granite Bay Wealth Management LLCs holdings in Exxon Mobil were worth $20,289,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the company. IFP Advisors Inc lifted its holdings in Exxon Mobil by 69.1% during the 3rd quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 144,464 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $16,987,000 after buying an additional 59,032 shares in the last quarter. BCS Wealth Management lifted its holdings in Exxon Mobil by 4.2% during the 3rd quarter. BCS Wealth Management now owns 15,055 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $1,770,000 after buying an additional 604 shares in the last quarter. Patten Group Inc. lifted its holdings in Exxon Mobil by 0.3% during the 3rd quarter. Patten Group Inc. now owns 31,268 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $3,677,000 after buying an additional 109 shares in the last quarter. Moody National Bank Trust Division lifted its holdings in Exxon Mobil by 11.0% during the 3rd quarter. Moody National Bank Trust Division now owns 83,523 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $9,821,000 after buying an additional 8,282 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Clean Yield Group lifted its holdings in Exxon Mobil by 23.1% during the 3rd quarter. Clean Yield Group now owns 5,830 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $685,000 after buying an additional 1,095 shares in the last quarter. 58.53% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Exxon Mobil alerts: Insider Activity at Exxon Mobil In related news, VP Leonard M. Fox sold 12,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $102.65, for a total value of $1,231,800.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now owns 220,678 shares in the company, valued at $22,652,596.70. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In related news, VP Leonard M. Fox sold 12,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $102.65, for a total value of $1,231,800.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now owns 220,678 shares in the company, valued at $22,652,596.70. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, Director Jeffrey W. Ubben bought 250,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, November 6th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $105.97 per share, with a total value of $26,492,500.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 2,077,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $220,099,690. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Company insiders own 0.06% of the companys stock. Exxon Mobil Stock Up 0.2 % XOM stock opened at $101.91 on Friday. Exxon Mobil Co. has a one year low of $97.48 and a one year high of $120.70. The stock has a market capitalization of $403.86 billion, a PE ratio of 10.12, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.68 and a beta of 1.01. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.18, a quick ratio of 1.08 and a current ratio of 1.42. The company has a fifty day moving average of $104.37 and a 200-day moving average of $107.36. Exxon Mobil (NYSE:XOM Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Friday, October 27th. The oil and gas company reported $2.27 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.36 by ($0.09). Exxon Mobil had a return on equity of 20.72% and a net margin of 11.56%. The firm had revenue of $90.76 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $93.41 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $4.45 EPS. The firms revenue was down 19.0% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, analysts expect that Exxon Mobil Co. will post 9.18 EPS for the current year. Exxon Mobil Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 11th. Investors of record on Wednesday, November 15th were paid a $0.95 dividend. This is a boost from Exxon Mobils previous quarterly dividend of $0.91. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, November 14th. This represents a $3.80 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.73%. Exxon Mobils dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 37.74%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of brokerages have commented on XOM. UBS Group dropped their price objective on shares of Exxon Mobil from $138.00 to $133.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, December 14th. Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed a sector perform rating and issued a $120.00 target price on shares of Exxon Mobil in a research report on Thursday, December 7th. Mizuho dropped their target price on shares of Exxon Mobil from $139.00 to $133.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, November 14th. TD Cowen dropped their target price on shares of Exxon Mobil from $118.00 to $115.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, December 11th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their target price on shares of Exxon Mobil from $134.00 to $127.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, December 8th. Ten equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $128.70. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on XOM Exxon Mobil Company Profile (Free Report) Exxon Mobil Corporation engages in the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas in the United States and internationally. It operates through Upstream, Energy Products, Chemical Products, and Specialty Products segments. The Upstream segment explores for and produces crude oil and natural gas. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Exxon Mobil Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Exxon Mobil and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Virgin Money UK PLC (LON:VMUK Get Free Report) insider David Duffy sold 71,341 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of GBX 168 ($2.12), for a total transaction of 119,852.88 ($151,578.20). David Duffy also recently made the following trade(s): Get Virgin Money UK alerts: On Monday, December 11th, David Duffy sold 101,375 shares of Virgin Money UK stock. The shares were sold at an average price of GBX 152 ($1.92), for a total transaction of 154,090 ($194,877.96). Virgin Money UK Price Performance Shares of VMUK stock opened at GBX 167 ($2.11) on Friday. The stock has a market cap of 2.20 billion, a P/E ratio of 927.78, a P/E/G ratio of 4.32 and a beta of 1.83. The company has a fifty day moving average price of GBX 156.47 and a two-hundred day moving average price of GBX 160.12. Virgin Money UK PLC has a one year low of GBX 134.20 ($1.70) and a one year high of GBX 200 ($2.53). Virgin Money UK Cuts Dividend Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth The company also recently declared a dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, March 20th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, February 22nd will be paid a GBX 2 ($0.03) dividend. This represents a yield of 1.27%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, February 22nd. Virgin Money UKs dividend payout ratio is currently 2,777.78%. VMUK has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. Berenberg Bank decreased their target price on shares of Virgin Money UK from GBX 220 ($2.78) to GBX 200 ($2.53) and set a hold rating for the company in a research report on Monday, November 27th. Shore Capital reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Virgin Money UK in a research report on Thursday, November 23rd. Citigroup decreased their target price on shares of Virgin Money UK from GBX 265 ($3.35) to GBX 180 ($2.28) and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Monday, November 27th. Finally, Barclays decreased their target price on shares of Virgin Money UK from GBX 210 ($2.66) to GBX 195 ($2.47) and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, November 17th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of GBX 199 ($2.52). Read Our Latest Analysis on Virgin Money UK Virgin Money UK Company Profile (Get Free Report) Virgin Money UK PLC provides banking products and services for consumers, and small and medium sized businesses under the Clydesdale Bank, Yorkshire Bank, and Virgin Money brands in the United Kingdom. The company offers savings and current accounts, mortgages, credit cards, and home loans; business loans, overdraft facilities, treasury solutions, and corporate and structured finance; risk management; asset and invoice finance services; international trade services; and home, car, and life and critical illness insurance products. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Virgin Money UK Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Virgin Money UK and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Key Bridge Compliance LLC bought a new stake in UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH Free Report) during the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor bought 16,923 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock, valued at approximately $8,532,000. UnitedHealth Group makes up approximately 2.7% of Key Bridge Compliance LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 11th largest position. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Strategic Investment Solutions Inc. IL acquired a new position in shares of UnitedHealth Group in the 1st quarter valued at about $35,000. WFA of San Diego LLC acquired a new stake in UnitedHealth Group in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $39,000. RVW Wealth LLC bought a new position in shares of UnitedHealth Group in the third quarter valued at approximately $44,000. Glass Jacobson Investment Advisors llc bought a new position in shares of UnitedHealth Group in the second quarter valued at approximately $47,000. Finally, Tucker Asset Management LLC acquired a new position in UnitedHealth Group in the first quarter worth approximately $48,000. 85.69% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get UnitedHealth Group alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities research analysts have recently issued reports on the company. UBS Group raised UnitedHealth Group from a neutral rating to a buy rating and boosted their target price for the stock from $520.00 to $640.00 in a research report on Monday, October 16th. Truist Financial reiterated a buy rating and set a $610.00 price target on shares of UnitedHealth Group in a report on Thursday, November 30th. Stephens restated an overweight rating and set a $585.00 target price on shares of UnitedHealth Group in a report on Wednesday, December 13th. Piper Sandler raised their target price on shares of UnitedHealth Group from $580.00 to $584.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, October 16th. Finally, Cantor Fitzgerald reissued an overweight rating and issued a $591.00 price objective on shares of UnitedHealth Group in a research report on Tuesday, November 21st. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has given a hold rating, fourteen have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $574.89. Insider Activity In other UnitedHealth Group news, Director Stephen J. Hemsley sold 121,515 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, October 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $540.58, for a total transaction of $65,688,578.70. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 521,818 shares in the company, valued at approximately $282,084,374.44. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other news, EVP Erin Mcsweeney sold 4,498 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, October 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $544.28, for a total transaction 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 transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, Director Stephen J. Hemsley sold 121,515 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, October 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $540.58, for a total value of $65,688,578.70. Following the transaction, the director now owns 521,818 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $282,084,374.44. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last 90 days, insiders have sold 192,094 shares of company stock worth $104,507,072. Company insiders own 0.35% of the companys stock. UnitedHealth Group Price Performance UNH stock opened at $520.31 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.80, a current ratio of 0.80 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated has a 12 month low of $445.68 and a 12 month high of $554.70. The firm has a market cap of $481.25 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.58, a P/E/G ratio of 1.57 and a beta of 0.61. The companys 50-day moving average price is $536.71 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $507.70. UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 13th. The healthcare conglomerate reported $6.56 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $6.33 by $0.23. UnitedHealth Group had a return on equity of 26.58% and a net margin of 6.02%. The company had revenue of $92.36 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $91.41 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $5.79 EPS. UnitedHealth Groups revenue was up 14.2% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, analysts anticipate that UnitedHealth Group Incorporated will post 24.95 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. UnitedHealth Group Announces Dividend The firm 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 of this dividend was Friday, December 1st. This represents a $7.52 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.45%. UnitedHealth Groups payout ratio is 32.64%. About UnitedHealth Group (Free Report) UnitedHealth Group Incorporated operates as a diversified health care company in the United States. It operates through four segments: UnitedHealthcare, Optum Health, Optum Insight, and Optum Rx. The UnitedHealthcare segment offers consumer-oriented health benefit plans and services for national employers, public sector employers, mid-sized employers, small businesses, and individuals; health care coverage, and health and well-being services to individuals age 50 and older addressing their needs; Medicaid plans, children's health insurance and health care programs; and health and dental benefits, and hospital and clinical services, as well as health care benefits products and services to state programs caring for the economically disadvantaged, medically underserved, and those without the benefit of employer-funded health care coverage. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding UNH? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for UnitedHealth Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for UnitedHealth Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hartford Investment Management Co. lessened its holdings in L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:LHX Free Report) by 3.0% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 13,004 shares of the companys stock after selling 402 shares during the quarter. Hartford Investment Management Co.s holdings in L3Harris Technologies were worth $2,264,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. M. Kraus & Co boosted its stake in shares of L3Harris Technologies by 0.6% during the third quarter. M. Kraus & Co now owns 55,047 shares of the companys stock worth $9,585,000 after buying an additional 331 shares during the period. Herbst Group LLC lifted its position in L3Harris Technologies by 4.9% in the third quarter. Herbst Group LLC now owns 8,625 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,502,000 after purchasing an additional 400 shares during the period. Mascoma Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in L3Harris Technologies in the third quarter valued at about $27,000. HB Wealth Management LLC lifted its position in L3Harris Technologies by 19.2% in the third quarter. HB Wealth Management LLC now owns 2,438 shares of the companys stock valued at $425,000 after purchasing an additional 393 shares during the period. Finally, Arkadios Wealth Advisors lifted its position in L3Harris Technologies by 24.5% in the third quarter. Arkadios Wealth Advisors now owns 1,505 shares of the companys stock valued at $262,000 after purchasing an additional 296 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 81.33% of the companys stock. Get L3Harris Technologies alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities research analysts recently commented on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada restated an outperform rating and issued a $225.00 price objective on shares of L3Harris Technologies in a research report on Wednesday, December 13th. Citigroup began coverage on shares of L3Harris Technologies in a report on Monday, September 11th. They issued a buy rating and a $193.00 target price for the company. Truist Financial increased their target price on shares of L3Harris Technologies from $224.00 to $250.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, December 14th. Wells Fargo & Company increased their target price on shares of L3Harris Technologies from $211.00 to $230.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, November 28th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised shares of L3Harris Technologies from a hold rating to a buy rating and raised their price objective for the stock from $184.00 to $240.00 in a research note on Friday, December 15th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, L3Harris Technologies currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $227.73. Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, insider Edward J. Zoiss sold 4,742 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $190.00, for a total value of $900,980.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 27,183 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,164,770. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. 0.82% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. L3Harris Technologies Stock Performance Shares of LHX stock opened at $208.49 on Friday. L3Harris Technologies, Inc. has a 12 month low of $160.25 and a 12 month high of $219.31. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.60, a current ratio of 0.88 and a quick ratio of 0.69. The firm has a market capitalization of $39.52 billion, a P/E ratio of 26.80, a P/E/G ratio of 4.64 and a beta of 0.68. The companys fifty day moving average price is $189.05 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $185.99. L3Harris Technologies (NYSE:LHX Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 26th. The company reported $3.19 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.06 by $0.13. L3Harris Technologies had a net margin of 7.96% and a return on equity of 12.66%. The firm had revenue of $4.92 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.95 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $3.26 EPS. The firms revenue was up 15.8% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts anticipate 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. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 17th were issued a $1.14 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, November 16th. This represents a $4.56 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.19%. L3Harris Technologiess dividend payout ratio is currently 58.61%. About L3Harris Technologies (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. See Also Receive News & Ratings for L3Harris Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for L3Harris Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Leavell Investment Management Inc. lessened its holdings in shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (NYSE:ADM Free Report) by 32.1% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 12,273 shares of the companys stock after selling 5,800 shares during the period. Leavell Investment Management Inc.s holdings in Archer-Daniels-Midland were worth $926,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Artemis Investment Management LLP grew its stake in shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland by 112.5% in the third quarter. Artemis Investment Management LLP now owns 652,868 shares of the companys stock worth $49,217,000 after acquiring an additional 345,590 shares during the last quarter. Kingdom Financial Group LLC. acquired a new stake in Archer-Daniels-Midland in the 3rd quarter worth $206,000. Summit Global Investments bought a new position in shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland during the 3rd quarter worth about $16,621,000. SG Americas Securities LLC raised its position in shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland by 100.1% during the third quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC now owns 51,605 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,892,000 after buying an additional 25,821 shares during the last quarter. Finally, City Holding Co. lifted its stake in shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland by 7.8% in the third quarter. City Holding Co. now owns 21,502 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,622,000 after buying an additional 1,552 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 77.73% of the companys stock. Get Archer-Daniels-Midland alerts: Archer-Daniels-Midland Stock Performance Shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland stock opened at $71.46 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33, a current ratio of 1.69 and a quick ratio of 1.07. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $73.22 and a 200 day simple moving average of $76.79. Archer-Daniels-Midland Company has a fifty-two week low of $69.31 and a fifty-two week high of $96.16. The firm has a market cap of $38.12 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.95 and a beta of 0.82. Archer-Daniels-Midland Dividend Announcement Archer-Daniels-Midland ( NYSE:ADM Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, October 24th. The company reported $1.63 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.53 by $0.10. The company had revenue of $21.70 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $23.69 billion. Archer-Daniels-Midland had a net margin of 4.05% and a return on equity of 16.63%. The companys revenue was down 12.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $1.86 EPS. Sell-side analysts predict that Archer-Daniels-Midland Company will post 7.26 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 6th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, November 15th were given a dividend of $0.45 per share. This represents a $1.80 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.52%. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, November 14th. Archer-Daniels-Midlands payout ratio is 25.07%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities analysts recently issued reports on ADM shares. UBS Group lowered their price target on Archer-Daniels-Midland from $115.00 to $104.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday. Morgan Stanley lowered their price target on shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland from $87.00 to $76.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Monday, October 30th. BMO Capital Markets downgraded shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and reduced their price objective for the stock from $90.00 to $80.00 in a report on Monday, December 18th. StockNews.com cut shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday. Finally, Stephens decreased their price objective on Archer-Daniels-Midland from $80.00 to $75.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, October 25th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $89.80. Read Our Latest Research Report on ADM Archer-Daniels-Midland Profile (Free Report) Archer-Daniels-Midland Company procures, transports, stores, processes, and merchandises agricultural commodities, products, and ingredients in the United States, Switzerland, the Cayman Islands, Brazil, Mexico, Canada, the United Kingdom, and internationally. The company operates in three segments: Ag Services and Oilseeds, Carbohydrate Solutions, and Nutrition. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Archer-Daniels-Midland Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Archer-Daniels-Midland and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. LexAurum Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of FedEx Co. (NYSE:FDX Free Report) during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor bought 769 shares of the shipping service providers stock, valued at approximately $204,000. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the company. Lavaca Capital LLC boosted its stake in FedEx by 71.4% during the first quarter. Lavaca Capital LLC now owns 2,946 shares of the shipping service providers stock worth $651,000 after acquiring an additional 1,227 shares in the last quarter. Capital Group Investment Management PTE. LTD. boosted its stake in FedEx by 29.3% during the second quarter. Capital Group Investment Management PTE. LTD. now owns 5,740 shares of the shipping service providers stock worth $1,423,000 after acquiring an additional 1,300 shares in the last quarter. Cartenna Capital LP boosted its stake in FedEx by 81.0% during the second quarter. Cartenna Capital LP now owns 190,000 shares of the shipping service providers stock worth $47,101,000 after acquiring an additional 85,000 shares in the last quarter. Mission Wealth Management LP boosted its stake in FedEx by 6.4% during the second quarter. Mission Wealth Management LP now owns 3,675 shares of the shipping service providers stock worth $911,000 after acquiring an additional 222 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Virginia Retirement Systems ET AL bought a new position in FedEx during the second quarter worth $17,905,000. 73.61% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get FedEx alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of research analysts have weighed in on FDX shares. HSBC started coverage on shares of FedEx in a research note on Friday, September 29th. They issued a buy rating and a $330.00 price objective on the stock. Citigroup raised their price objective on shares of FedEx from $295.00 to $300.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, September 21st. Susquehanna raised shares of FedEx from a neutral rating to a positive rating and raised their price objective for the company from $225.00 to $315.00 in a research note on Monday, October 2nd. UBS Group raised their price objective on shares of FedEx from $312.00 to $323.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, September 21st. Finally, Robert W. Baird reaffirmed an outperform rating and issued a $300.00 price objective on shares of FedEx in a research note on Thursday, September 14th. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, seventeen have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, FedEx presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $288.38. FedEx Price Performance Shares of NYSE FDX opened at $248.03 on Friday. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $253.72 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $254.19. FedEx Co. has a 1-year low of $171.55 and a 1-year high of $285.53. The firm has a market cap of $62.36 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.69, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.28 and a beta of 1.32. The company has a current ratio of 1.37, a quick ratio of 1.32 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.76. FedEx (NYSE:FDX Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, December 19th. The shipping service provider reported $3.99 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $4.14 by ($0.15). The company had revenue of $22.17 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $22.36 billion. FedEx had a return on equity of 16.63% and a net margin of 4.87%. The companys revenue was down 2.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $3.18 EPS. Analysts anticipate that FedEx Co. will post 18.19 earnings per share for the current year. FedEx Announces Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, January 2nd. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 11th will be given a dividend of $1.26 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, December 8th. This represents a $5.04 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.03%. FedExs dividend payout ratio is currently 29.86%. Insider Buying and Selling In other FedEx news, VP Jennifer L. Johnson sold 13,348 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, October 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $258.25, for a total value of $3,447,121.00. Following the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 3,428 shares in the company, valued at approximately $885,281. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. 8.73% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. FedEx 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. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding FDX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for FedEx Co. (NYSE:FDX Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for FedEx Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for FedEx and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. LoknStore Group Plc (LON:LOK Get Free Report) insider Ray Davies sold 10,000 shares of LoknStore Group stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, December 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of GBX 819 ($10.36), for a total value of 81,900 ($103,579.11). Ray Davies also recently made the following trade(s): Get Lok'nStore Group alerts: On Thursday, November 2nd, Ray Davies sold 30,000 shares of LoknStore Group stock. The stock was sold at an average price of GBX 673 ($8.51), for a total value of 201,900 ($255,343.37). LoknStore Group Price Performance LOK stock opened at GBX 848 ($10.72) on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 5.09, a current ratio of 5.60 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 29.81. LoknStore Group Plc has a 52-week low of GBX 621.90 ($7.87) and a 52-week high of GBX 990 ($12.52). The stocks 50 day moving average is GBX 736.02 and its two-hundred day moving average is GBX 752.90. The company has a market capitalization of 278.91 million, a PE ratio of 5,300.00 and a beta of 0.67. LoknStore Group Increases Dividend LoknStore Group Company Profile The firm also recently disclosed a dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 5th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, November 23rd will be issued a dividend of GBX 13.25 ($0.17) per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, November 23rd. This is an increase from LoknStore Groups previous dividend of $5.75. This represents a yield of 2.04%. LoknStore Groups payout ratio is currently 11,875.00%. (Get Free Report) Lok'nStore Group Plc engages in the development and operation of self-storage centers in the United Kingdom. It offers household storage services for storage rooms, vehicle storage, student packages, and forces and services packages. The company also operates business self-storage units for storage rooms, pallet storage, document archiving, flexible space, and commercial vehicle storage; and provides insurance services. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Lok'nStore Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lok'nStore Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Summit Global Investments lowered its stake in Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK Free Report) by 1.7% during the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 166,609 shares of the companys stock after selling 2,826 shares during the quarter. Merck & Co., Inc. makes up 1.1% of Summit Global Investments investment portfolio, making the stock its 17th largest holding. Summit Global Investments holdings in Merck & Co., Inc. were worth $17,152,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Wahed Invest LLC grew its holdings in Merck & Co., Inc. by 0.3% during the first quarter. Wahed Invest LLC now owns 32,439 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,451,000 after purchasing an additional 91 shares during the last quarter. Richard W. Paul & Associates LLC grew its holdings in Merck & Co., Inc. by 1.0% during the second quarter. Richard W. Paul & Associates LLC now owns 9,389 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,083,000 after purchasing an additional 94 shares during the last quarter. Financial Gravity Asset Management Inc. grew its holdings in Merck & Co., Inc. by 32.2% during the second quarter. Financial Gravity Asset Management Inc. now owns 386 shares of the companys stock valued at $12,730,000 after purchasing an additional 94 shares during the last quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc grew its holdings in Merck & Co., Inc. by 11.4% during the second quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc now owns 926 shares of the companys stock valued at $107,000 after purchasing an additional 95 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Prosperity Financial Group Inc. grew its holdings in Merck & Co., Inc. by 2.9% during the second quarter. Prosperity Financial Group Inc. now owns 3,365 shares of the companys stock valued at $388,000 after purchasing an additional 95 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 74.59% of the companys stock. Get Merck & Co. Inc. alerts: Merck & Co., Inc. Stock Up 1.2 % Shares of NYSE MRK opened at $107.70 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $272.91 billion, a PE ratio of 59.83, a PEG ratio of 8.91 and a beta of 0.34. The business has a fifty day moving average of $103.50 and a two-hundred day moving average of $106.48. Merck & Co., Inc. has a 52-week low of $96.36 and a 52-week high of $119.65. 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. Increases Dividend Merck & Co., Inc. ( NYSE:MRK Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 26th. The company reported $2.13 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.94 by $0.19. Merck & Co., Inc. had a return on equity of 18.26% and a net margin of 7.77%. The company had revenue of $16 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $15.30 billion. During the same period last year, the business earned $1.85 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was up 7.0% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Merck & Co., Inc. will post 1.37 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, January 8th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 15th will be paid a $0.77 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 14th. This is a positive change from Merck & Co., Inc.s previous quarterly dividend of $0.73. This represents a $3.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.86%. Merck & Co., Inc.s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 171.11%. Insider Activity In other news, EVP Richard R. Deluca sold 43,823 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $105.03, for a total value of $4,602,729.69. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 111,764 shares in the company, valued at $11,738,572.92. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. In related news, EVP Richard R. Deluca sold 43,823 shares of Merck & Co., Inc. stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $105.03, for a total value of $4,602,729.69. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 111,764 shares in the company, valued at $11,738,572.92. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, insider Johannes Jacobus Oosthuizen sold 2,081 shares of Merck & Co., Inc. stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $102.38, for a total value of $213,052.78. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 18,191 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,862,394.58. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.20% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Analyst Ratings Changes Several brokerages have commented on MRK. Morgan Stanley increased their price target on Merck & Co., Inc. from $115.00 to $118.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Friday, October 27th. Cantor Fitzgerald reissued an overweight rating on shares of Merck & Co., Inc. in a research report on Monday, December 18th. BMO Capital Markets raised Merck & Co., Inc. from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $132.00 price objective for the company in a research report on Friday, October 27th. StockNews.com started coverage on Merck & Co., Inc. in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a buy rating for the company. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft started coverage on Merck & Co., Inc. in a research report on Thursday, November 9th. They issued a buy rating and a $115.00 price objective for the company. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seventeen have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $125.14. Get Our Latest Research Report on MRK About Merck & Co., Inc. (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. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Merck & Co. Inc. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Merck & Co. Inc. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Squarespace, Inc. (NYSE:SQSP Get Free Report) CFO Nathan Gooden sold 9,635 shares of Squarespace stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, December 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $30.01, for a total transaction of $289,146.35. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 39,112 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,173,751.12. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Nathan Gooden also recently made the following trade(s): Get Squarespace alerts: On Tuesday, December 19th, Nathan Gooden sold 300 shares of Squarespace stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $30.00, for a total transaction of $9,000.00. Squarespace Trading Up 5.2 % Shares of SQSP stock opened at $32.19 on Friday. Squarespace, Inc. has a 1 year low of $20.51 and a 1 year high of $34.38. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $28.91 and its 200 day simple moving average is $29.94. The firm has a market capitalization of $4.38 billion, a P/E ratio of -17.78, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 8.42 and a beta of 0.38. Analyst Ratings Changes Squarespace ( NYSE:SQSP Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, November 7th. The company reported ($0.12) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.21 by ($0.33). Squarespace had a negative return on equity of 2.24% and a negative net margin of 25.38%. The company had revenue of $257.10 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $251.91 million. During the same period last year, the firm posted $0.07 EPS. The companys revenue was up 18.1% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities research analysts anticipate that Squarespace, Inc. will post 0.08 EPS for the current fiscal year. A number of analysts have issued reports on SQSP shares. Piper Sandler lifted their target price on shares of Squarespace from $38.00 to $40.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 8th. Bank of America initiated coverage on shares of Squarespace in a research note on Tuesday, September 26th. They issued a buy rating for the company. Finally, UBS Group initiated coverage on shares of Squarespace in a research note on Friday, September 22nd. They issued a buy rating and a $40.00 price objective for the company. Seven investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $35.62. Check Out Our Latest Report on Squarespace Hedge Funds Weigh In On Squarespace A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Acadian Asset Management LLC increased its holdings in Squarespace by 266.0% in the 2nd quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC now owns 1,160,423 shares of the companys stock valued at $36,582,000 after buying an additional 843,404 shares during the period. Rhumbline Advisers increased its holdings in Squarespace by 46.9% in the 2nd quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 71,287 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,248,000 after buying an additional 22,768 shares during the period. Russell Investments Group Ltd. bought a new stake in Squarespace in the 1st quarter valued at $853,000. FORA Capital LLC bought a new stake in Squarespace in the 1st quarter valued at $625,000. Finally, Bank of New York Mellon Corp increased its holdings in Squarespace by 8.0% in the 2nd quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 617,318 shares of the companys stock valued at $19,470,000 after buying an additional 45,682 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 43.73% of the companys stock. About Squarespace (Get Free Report) Squarespace, Inc operates platform for businesses and independent creators to build online presence, grow their brands, and manage their businesses across the internet. Its suite of integrated products enables users to manage their projects and businesses through websites, domains, e-commerce, marketing tools, scheduling, and hospitality services, as well as tools for managing a social media presence. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Squarespace Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Squarespace and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Leavell Investment Management Inc. lowered its position in shares of Rayonier Inc. (NYSE:RYN Free Report) by 6.8% during the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 37,989 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after selling 2,750 shares during the period. Leavell Investment Management Inc.s holdings in Rayonier were worth $1,081,000 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. Armstrong Advisory Group Inc. increased its position in Rayonier by 256.7% during the second quarter. Armstrong Advisory Group Inc. now owns 1,580 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $50,000 after buying an additional 1,137 shares during the period. Neo Ivy Capital Management acquired a new position in shares of Rayonier in the 2nd quarter valued at $51,000. Point72 Middle East FZE purchased a new stake in Rayonier in the 4th quarter valued at $82,000. CWM LLC boosted its stake in Rayonier by 108.3% during the 2nd quarter. CWM LLC now owns 3,321 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $104,000 after purchasing an additional 1,727 shares during the period. Finally, Colonial Trust Co SC acquired a new stake in Rayonier during the 1st quarter worth $105,000. 82.75% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Rayonier alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In RYN has been the subject of a number of research reports. Royal Bank of Canada upped their target price on shares of Rayonier from $32.00 to $34.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a report on Tuesday, December 19th. StockNews.com raised Rayonier from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, December 1st. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, According to data from MarketBeat, Rayonier has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $34.33. Rayonier Stock Up 0.6 % Shares of Rayonier stock opened at $32.96 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $4.89 billion, a P/E ratio of 61.04 and a beta of 1.06. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $29.60 and a two-hundred day moving average of $30.05. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.82, a quick ratio of 1.72 and a current ratio of 2.02. Rayonier Inc. has a one year low of $24.84 and a one year high of $37.79. Rayonier (NYSE:RYN Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 1st. The real estate investment trust reported $0.13 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.12 by $0.01. Rayonier had a net margin of 9.53% and a return on equity of 2.41%. The firm had revenue of $201.60 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $207.63 million. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $0.15 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 3.2% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, analysts forecast that Rayonier Inc. will post 0.37 earnings per share for the current year. Rayonier Cuts Dividend The firm also recently declared a special dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 12th. Investors of record on Friday, December 29th will be paid a $0.20 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 28th. Rayoniers dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 211.12%. About Rayonier (Free Report) Rayonier is a leading timberland real estate investment trust with assets located in some of the most productive softwood timber growing regions in the United States and New Zealand. As of September 30, 2023, Rayonier owned or leased under long-term agreements approximately 2.8 million acres of timberlands located in the U.S. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Rayonier Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Rayonier and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. RFG Advisory LLC raised its stake in Crown Castle Inc. (NYSE:CCI Free Report) by 9.6% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 14,235 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after purchasing an additional 1,252 shares during the period. RFG Advisory LLCs holdings in Crown Castle were worth $1,310,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Union Savings Bank purchased a new position in Crown Castle in the second quarter valued at approximately $27,000. ST Germain D J Co. Inc. purchased a new position in Crown Castle in the second quarter valued at approximately $27,000. West Tower Group LLC purchased a new position in Crown Castle in the second quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Almanack Investment Partners LLC. purchased a new position in Crown Castle in the third quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Finally, PCA Investment Advisory Services Inc. purchased a new position in Crown Castle in the second quarter valued at approximately $29,000. 90.27% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Crown Castle alerts: Crown Castle Price Performance Crown Castle stock opened at $114.83 on Friday. Crown Castle Inc. has a one year low of $84.72 and a one year high of $153.98. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.28, a quick ratio of 0.44 and a current ratio of 0.44. The business has a fifty day moving average of $103.47 and a two-hundred day moving average of $104.04. The company has a market cap of $49.80 billion, a P/E ratio of 32.08, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.81 and a beta of 0.75. Crown Castle Dividend Announcement Crown Castle ( NYSE:CCI Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Thursday, October 19th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.61 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.69 by ($1.08). Crown Castle had a net margin of 21.93% and a return on equity of 21.85%. The business had revenue of $1.67 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.70 billion. During the same period last year, the business posted $1.85 EPS. As a group, analysts predict that Crown Castle Inc. will post 7.14 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 29th. Investors of record on Friday, December 15th will be given a dividend of $1.565 per share. This represents a $6.26 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.45%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 14th. Crown Castles dividend payout ratio is presently 174.86%. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several brokerages have commented on CCI. Royal Bank of Canada lowered shares of Crown Castle from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating and dropped their price target for the company from $125.00 to $100.00 in a research note on Monday, October 16th. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Crown Castle in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating on the stock. HSBC assumed coverage on shares of Crown Castle in a research report on Thursday, December 14th. They set a hold rating and a $110.00 target price on the stock. Wells Fargo & Company upgraded shares of Crown Castle from an underweight rating to an equal weight rating and raised their target price for the stock from $90.00 to $115.00 in a research report on Tuesday, December 5th. Finally, Raymond James lowered their target price on shares of Crown Castle from $126.00 to $104.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, October 20th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have assigned a hold rating and eight have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $125.53. View Our Latest Research Report on Crown Castle Insider Buying and Selling In related news, VP Robert Sean Collins sold 1,500 shares of Crown Castle stock in a transaction dated Thursday, December 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $114.16, for a total transaction of $171,240.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now owns 10,035 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,145,595.60. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. 0.39% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Crown Castle Company Profile (Free Report) Crown Castle owns, operates and leases more than 40,000 cell towers and approximately 85,000 route miles of fiber supporting small cells and fiber solutions across every major U.S. market. This nationwide portfolio of communications infrastructure connects cities and communities to essential data, technology and wireless service bringing information, ideas and innovations to the people and businesses that need them. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Crown Castle Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Crown Castle and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The rusty chain that lines the road to Fort Point in San Francisco is being replaced by an aluminum barrier that will be more tolerant of the harsh marine environment, according to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Michael Macor/The Chronicle 2012 The weather-beaten chain that leads to Fort Point, the rugged brick fortress from the 1850s that sits directly below Golden Gate Bridge, is being replaced. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle A fisherman jumps over the rusty chain onto the rocks at Fort Point to retrieve a fish. A new aluminum railing barrier will be more tolerant of the harsh marine environment, according to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Liz Moughon/The Chronicle 2018 Surfers enter the bay at Fort Point with the weather-beaten chain and the Golden Gate Bridge providing a backdrop. Michael Maloney/The Chronicle 2005 At first blush, it might not seem like a big deal that the National Park Service is removing a corroded, sea-weathered chain railing at the southern end of the Golden Gate Bridge. But the barrier, it turns out, is surprisingly beloved. Located on Marine Drive heading to Fort Point, the chain is visible in the foreground of countless bridge photographs on Instagram, its rusty metal links adding a texture of warmth and decay to one of Americas most breathtaking natural views. And some are not happy that the government is junking the chain in favor of shiny new aluminum railings. The old chain looked nautical and nice, and the new thing looks like a place you would wait in line, said Melissa Raffalow, 33, an attorney on Lower Nob Hill. It looks like a boring Disneyland railing. Advertisement Article continues below this ad An avid runner, Raffalow said she grew fond of the chain on near-daily runs close to the bridge. Last week, she was shocked to see the aluminum replacements and posted photos of the new rail on her social media accounts, writing, Hit that like button if you think its ugly! An aluminum barrier is replacing the old sea-weathered chain near the southern end of the Golden Gate Bridge. Courtesy of Melissa Raffalow Others on social media also lamented the change. I bike there all the time and must admit the chain is a vibe, Reddit user crusano wrote. Makes the view feel more natural and untouched. Another replied: How this got accepted from a design standpoint is beyond depressing. The federal government began replacing the old chains this month, building the new barrier along 2,000 feet of Marine Drive. The project is expected to be complete by Jan. 24. The Golden Gate National Recreation Area, the unit of the park service that manages Fort Point, was not available for comment Sunday. A spokesperson previously told other news outlets that the new railing is necessary to protect the safety of pedestrians and cyclists. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The old chain, stretched between crumbling bollards, had been battered to bits by sea spray. The new seawall is built to withstand the harsh marine environment, according to the federal contract for the barriers construction. That document, unearthed and posted by Raffalow on X, formerly known as Twitter, says the chain design dates to the 1970s. It has no relationship to the Civil War-era structures of Fort Point, in other words. According to the government, it lacks historical significance. The rusty chain that lines the road to Fort Point in San Francisco, long a mainstay of Golden Gate Bridge photographs, is being replaced by an aluminum barrier to protect pedestrians and cyclists, says a spokesperson for the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Michael Short/The Chronicle 2013 Still, for anyone in their 40s or younger, the chain has been there all their lives. If you run down there, the water will almost hit you. I understand why it was rusting, Raffalow said. But even the decay felt very San Francisco, she said the way the chain sagged between the bollards, for instance, mimicking the shape of the bridge. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Ritholtz Wealth Management increased its stake in shares of Equitable Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:EQH Free Report) by 1.4% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 33,102 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 461 shares during the quarter. Ritholtz Wealth Managements holdings in Equitable were worth $940,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the company. Xponance Inc. boosted its stake in Equitable by 289.4% during the second quarter. Xponance Inc. now owns 51,080 shares of the companys stock worth $1,387,000 after acquiring an additional 37,963 shares in the last quarter. Shell Asset Management Co. boosted its stake in Equitable by 382.4% during the second quarter. Shell Asset Management Co. now owns 63,797 shares of the companys stock worth $1,733,000 after acquiring an additional 50,572 shares in the last quarter. Achmea Investment Management B.V. boosted its stake in Equitable by 4.2% during the second quarter. Achmea Investment Management B.V. now owns 52,561 shares of the companys stock worth $1,427,000 after acquiring an additional 2,101 shares in the last quarter. Korea Investment CORP raised its holdings in Equitable by 80.4% during the first quarter. Korea Investment CORP now owns 314,097 shares of the companys stock worth $7,975,000 after buying an additional 139,962 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Swiss National Bank acquired a new position in Equitable during the second quarter worth $35,216,000. 92.70% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Equitable alerts: Equitable Stock Performance EQH opened at $33.20 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $11.24 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.00 and a beta of 1.43. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $29.31 and a 200 day moving average of $28.33. Equitable Holdings, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $21.89 and a fifty-two week high of $34.80. Equitable Announces Dividend Equitable ( NYSE:EQH Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 31st. The company reported $1.15 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.32 by ($0.17). The company had revenue of $3.63 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.50 billion. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 21.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $1.28 EPS. Equities research analysts predict that Equitable Holdings, Inc. will post 4.56 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 4th. Investors of record on Monday, November 27th were given a dividend of $0.22 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 24th. This represents a $0.88 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.65%. Equitables payout ratio is currently 26.51%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several research analysts have weighed in on EQH shares. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods downgraded shares of Equitable from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and set a $34.00 price objective on the stock. in a report on Tuesday, December 5th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft started coverage on shares of Equitable in a report on Wednesday, October 4th. They set a hold rating and a $31.00 price objective on the stock. Barclays lowered their price objective on shares of Equitable from $32.00 to $31.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, November 2nd. Morgan Stanley lowered their price objective on shares of Equitable from $40.00 to $38.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, November 1st. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price objective on shares of Equitable from $41.00 to $40.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, October 17th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Equitable currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $34.25. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Equitable Insider Activity at Equitable In other Equitable news, Director Daniel G. Kaye sold 4,845 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, December 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $33.85, for a total transaction of $164,003.25. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 53,757 shares in the company, valued at $1,819,674.45. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In other Equitable news, Director Daniel G. Kaye sold 4,845 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, December 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $33.85, for a total transaction of $164,003.25. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 53,757 shares in the company, valued at $1,819,674.45. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CAO William James Iv Eckert sold 7,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, December 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $34.59, for a total transaction of $242,130.00. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer now owns 20,318 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $702,799.62. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 1.02% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Equitable Profile (Free Report) Equitable Holdings, Inc, together with its consolidated subsidiaries, operates as a diversified financial services company worldwide. The company operates through four segments: Individual Retirement, Group Retirement, Investment Management and Research, and Protection Solutions. The Individual Retirement segment offers a suite of variable annuity products primarily to affluent and high net worth individuals. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Equitable Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Equitable and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ritholtz Wealth Management grew its position in shares of Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft (NYSE:DB Free Report) by 100.0% in the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 84,161 shares of the banks stock after purchasing an additional 42,073 shares during the period. Ritholtz Wealth Managements holdings in Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft were worth $925,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Credit Suisse AG grew its position in shares of Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft by 8.6% during the 2nd quarter. Credit Suisse AG now owns 6,922,150 shares of the banks stock valued at $72,890,000 after purchasing an additional 545,484 shares in the last quarter. Achmea Investment Management B.V. lifted its holdings in shares of Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft by 34.3% during the 2nd quarter. Achmea Investment Management B.V. now owns 158,366 shares of the banks stock worth $1,662,000 after acquiring an additional 40,430 shares during the last quarter. Quinn Opportunity Partners LLC bought a new stake in shares of Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft during the 1st quarter worth $2,127,000. Capital Fund Management S.A. lifted its holdings in shares of Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft by 159.6% during the 2nd quarter. Capital Fund Management S.A. now owns 198,060 shares of the banks stock worth $2,086,000 after acquiring an additional 121,757 shares during the last quarter. Finally, BNP Paribas Arbitrage SNC lifted its holdings in shares of Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft by 19.5% during the 2nd quarter. BNP Paribas Arbitrage SNC now owns 118,818 shares of the banks stock worth $1,251,000 after acquiring an additional 19,358 shares during the last quarter. 21.91% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft alerts: Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft Stock Performance Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft stock opened at $13.66 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.76, a current ratio of 0.76 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.57. The company has a market capitalization of $28.23 billion, a PE ratio of 5.67, a P/E/G ratio of 0.78 and a beta of 1.29. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $11.86 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $11.11. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft has a twelve month low of $8.85 and a twelve month high of $13.68. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft ( NYSE:DB Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 25th. The bank reported $0.61 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.53 by $0.08. The business had revenue of $7.76 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $7.49 billion. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft had a net margin of 7.96% and a return on equity of 4.37%. Research analysts expect that Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft will post 2.12 EPS for the current year. Separately, StockNews.com downgraded shares of Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, October 13th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating and one has assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft About Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft (Free Report) Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft, operates as a stock corporation, engages in the provision of corporate and investment banking, and asset management products and services to private clients, corporate entities, and institutional clients worldwide. Its Corporate Bank segment provides cash management, trade finance and lending, trust and agency, foreign exchange, and securities services, as well as risk management solutions. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Rothschild Investment LLC IL grew its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report) by 2.0% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 8,766 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 171 shares during the quarter. Rothschild Investment LLC ILs holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $4,709,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Guyasuta Investment Advisors Inc. boosted its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 4.6% in the second quarter. Guyasuta Investment Advisors Inc. now owns 3,024 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,418,000 after acquiring an additional 132 shares during the period. Baystate Wealth Management LLC boosted its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 688.2% in the second 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 period. Simon Quick Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 13.0% in the second 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 period. Martin Capital Partners LLC bought a new stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company in the second quarter valued at about $234,000. Finally, Physicians Financial Services Inc. boosted its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 1.9% in the second 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 period. Institutional investors own 81.38% of the companys stock. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Several research firms recently weighed in on LLY. Bank of America upped their price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $600.00 to $700.00 in a research report on Friday, October 6th. TheStreet cut shares of Eli Lilly and Company from a b rating to a c+ rating in a research report on Monday, December 4th. UBS Group reaffirmed a buy rating and set a $710.00 price objective (up previously from $612.00) on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research report on Friday, October 20th. Morgan Stanley upped 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 report on Tuesday, December 19th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft began coverage on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research report on Thursday, November 9th. They set a hold rating and a $535.00 price objective for the company. 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 stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $583.24. Eli Lilly and Company Stock Performance Eli Lilly and Company stock opened at $570.39 on Friday. The business has a 50 day moving average of $587.53 and a 200-day moving average of $536.24. 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 company has a market capitalization of $541.48 billion, a P/E ratio of 103.33, a P/E/G ratio of 3.48 and a beta of 0.33. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 2nd. The company reported $0.10 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of ($0.08) by $0.18. Eli Lilly and Company had a return on equity of 48.12% and a net margin of 15.55%. The company had revenue of $9.50 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $8.88 billion. On average, equities research analysts predict that Eli Lilly and Company will post 6.6 earnings per share for the current year. Eli Lilly and Company Increases Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 4th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, February 15th will be paid a $1.30 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, February 14th. This represents a $5.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.91%. This is an increase from Eli Lilly and Companys previous quarterly dividend of $1.13. Eli Lilly and Companys dividend payout ratio is currently 81.88%. Insider Activity 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 shares were sold at an average price of $605.44, for a total transaction of $130,169,600.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 99,768,810 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $60,404,028,326.40. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. 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 shares were sold at an average price of $571.10, for a total transaction of $382,637.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer now owns 4,708 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,688,738.80. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. 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 transaction of $130,169,600.00. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 99,768,810 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $60,404,028,326.40. The 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. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding LLY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Eli Lilly and Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eli Lilly and Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. SignalPoint Asset Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH Free Report) by 10.4% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 1,066 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock after acquiring an additional 100 shares during the period. SignalPoint Asset Management LLCs holdings in UnitedHealth Group were worth $537,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich grew its stake in shares of UnitedHealth Group by 97,436.9% in the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 1,029,274,230 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock valued at $494,710,366,000 after buying an additional 1,028,218,963 shares during the period. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of UnitedHealth Group by 100,076.4% in the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 11,823,820 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock valued at $6,268,753,000 after buying an additional 11,812,017 shares during the period. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in shares of UnitedHealth Group in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $5,210,004,000. Osaic Holdings Inc. grew its stake in shares of UnitedHealth Group by 776.9% in the 2nd quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. now owns 3,248,409 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock valued at $177,941,000 after buying an additional 2,877,983 shares during the period. Finally, Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership grew its stake in shares of UnitedHealth Group by 1,682.4% in the 1st quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 2,691,542 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock valued at $1,372,606,000 after buying an additional 2,540,538 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 85.69% of the companys stock. Get UnitedHealth Group alerts: UnitedHealth Group Price Performance Shares of UNH opened at $520.31 on Friday. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated has a twelve month low of $445.68 and a twelve month high of $554.70. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $536.71 and its 200-day simple moving average is $507.70. The firm has a market capitalization of $481.25 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.58, a PEG ratio of 1.57 and a beta of 0.61. The company has a current ratio of 0.80, a quick ratio of 0.80 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65. UnitedHealth Group Announces Dividend UnitedHealth Group ( NYSE:UNH Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 13th. The healthcare conglomerate reported $6.56 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $6.33 by $0.23. The business had revenue of $92.36 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $91.41 billion. UnitedHealth Group had a net margin of 6.02% and a return on equity of 26.58%. The companys revenue was up 14.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the business earned $5.79 EPS. Equities analysts forecast that UnitedHealth Group Incorporated will post 24.95 EPS for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 12th. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 4th were given a dividend of $1.88 per share. This represents a $7.52 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.45%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, December 1st. UnitedHealth Groups payout ratio is currently 32.64%. Insider Activity In other news, EVP Erin Mcsweeney sold 4,498 shares of UnitedHealth Group stock in a transaction dated Monday, October 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $544.28, for a total value of $2,448,171.44. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 9,218 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,017,173.04. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In related news, Director Stephen J. Hemsley sold 66,081 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, December 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $550.39, for a total value of $36,370,321.59. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 635,528 shares in the company, valued at $349,788,255.92. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, EVP Erin Mcsweeney sold 4,498 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, October 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $544.28, for a total transaction of $2,448,171.44. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 9,218 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,017,173.04. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 192,094 shares of company stock valued at $104,507,072 over the last quarter. Corporate insiders own 0.35% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several research firms have recently weighed in on UNH. Jefferies Financial Group dropped their price target on shares of UnitedHealth Group from $565.00 to $503.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research note on Monday, November 20th. Morgan Stanley decreased their price objective on shares of UnitedHealth Group from $587.00 to $579.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Monday, October 23rd. Stephens restated an overweight rating and issued a $585.00 price objective on shares of UnitedHealth Group in a report on Wednesday, December 13th. UBS Group upgraded shares of UnitedHealth Group from a neutral rating to a buy rating and upped their price objective for the stock from $520.00 to $640.00 in a report on Monday, October 16th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada restated an outperform rating and issued a $596.00 price objective on shares of UnitedHealth Group in a report on Thursday, November 30th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has assigned a hold rating, fourteen have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $574.89. View Our Latest Research Report on UNH About UnitedHealth Group (Free Report) UnitedHealth Group Incorporated operates as a diversified health care company in the United States. It operates through four segments: UnitedHealthcare, Optum Health, Optum Insight, and Optum Rx. The UnitedHealthcare segment offers consumer-oriented health benefit plans and services for national employers, public sector employers, mid-sized employers, small businesses, and individuals; health care coverage, and health and well-being services to individuals age 50 and older addressing their needs; Medicaid plans, children's health insurance and health care programs; and health and dental benefits, and hospital and clinical services, as well as health care benefits products and services to state programs caring for the economically disadvantaged, medically underserved, and those without the benefit of employer-funded health care coverage. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for UnitedHealth Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for UnitedHealth Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. State of Alaska Department of Revenue increased its stake in Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. (NYSE:MAA Free Report) by 0.4% during the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 87,397 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after purchasing an additional 370 shares during the period. State of Alaska Department of Revenue owned approximately 0.07% of Mid-America Apartment Communities worth $11,242,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. A number of other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Rothschild Investment LLC IL increased its position in shares of Mid-America Apartment Communities by 12.0% in the third quarter. Rothschild Investment LLC IL now owns 5,420 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $697,000 after purchasing an additional 582 shares during the period. Gilman Hill Asset Management LLC increased its position in shares of Mid-America Apartment Communities by 5.2% in the third quarter. Gilman Hill Asset Management LLC now owns 4,589 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $590,000 after purchasing an additional 225 shares during the period. HB Wealth Management LLC increased its position in shares of Mid-America Apartment Communities by 3.6% in the third quarter. HB Wealth Management LLC now owns 23,432 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $3,015,000 after purchasing an additional 820 shares during the period. DnB Asset Management AS grew its position in Mid-America Apartment Communities by 28.9% in the third quarter. DnB Asset Management AS now owns 23,754 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $3,056,000 after acquiring an additional 5,331 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Kentucky Retirement Systems Insurance Trust Fund bought a new position in Mid-America Apartment Communities in the third quarter valued at about $554,000. Institutional investors own 93.42% of the companys stock. Get Mid-America Apartment Communities alerts: Mid-America Apartment Communities Price Performance Mid-America Apartment Communities stock opened at $133.12 on Friday. The stocks 50 day moving average is $125.82 and its 200 day moving average is $138.01. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.70, a current ratio of 0.26 and a quick ratio of 0.26. The firm has a market cap of $15.53 billion, a P/E ratio of 26.57, a P/E/G ratio of 5.04 and a beta of 0.81. Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. has a one year low of $115.56 and a one year high of $176.36. Mid-America Apartment Communities Increases Dividend Wall Street Analyst Weigh In The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, January 31st. Investors of record on Friday, January 12th will be paid a $1.47 dividend. This is a positive change from Mid-America Apartment Communitiess previous quarterly dividend of $1.40. This represents a $5.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.42%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, January 11th. Mid-America Apartment Communitiess payout ratio is currently 117.37%. A number of research analysts have issued reports on the company. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their target price on Mid-America Apartment Communities from $156.50 to $148.50 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, September 12th. Piper Sandler cut Mid-America Apartment Communities from an overweight rating to a neutral rating and decreased their target price for the company from $182.00 to $130.00 in a research report on Tuesday, October 31st. Bank of America cut Mid-America Apartment Communities from a neutral rating to an underperform rating and decreased their target price for the company from $136.00 to $112.00 in a research report on Tuesday, October 31st. Morgan Stanley assumed coverage on Mid-America Apartment Communities in a research report on Tuesday, December 12th. They issued an equal weight rating and a $128.00 target price on the stock. Finally, Wedbush assumed coverage on Mid-America Apartment Communities in a research report on Tuesday, October 3rd. They issued a neutral rating and a $137.00 target price on the stock. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have issued a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $152.62. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on MAA Insider Buying and Selling In related news, Director William Reid Sanders acquired 2,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 1st. The shares were bought at an average cost of $115.74 per share, with a total value of $231,480.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the director now directly owns 28,627 shares in the company, valued at $3,313,288.98. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. 1.33% of the stock is owned by insiders. Mid-America Apartment Communities Company Profile (Free Report) MAA, an S&P 500 company, is a real estate investment trust (REIT) focused on delivering full-cycle and superior investment performance for shareholders through the ownership, management, acquisition, development and redevelopment of quality apartment communities primarily in the Southeast, Southwest and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Mid-America Apartment Communities Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mid-America Apartment Communities and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. State of Alaska Department of Revenue lessened its holdings in Schlumberger Limited (NYSE:SLB Free Report) by 4.4% in the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 168,949 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after selling 7,685 shares during the period. State of Alaska Department of Revenues holdings in Schlumberger were worth $9,849,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. Indiana Trust & Investment Management CO purchased a new stake in Schlumberger in the 3rd quarter worth $31,000. Coppell Advisory Solutions LLC purchased a new stake in Schlumberger in the 2nd quarter worth $27,000. Global Trust Asset Management LLC increased its stake in Schlumberger by 51.5% in the 3rd quarter. Global Trust Asset Management LLC now owns 588 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $34,000 after buying an additional 200 shares in the last quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Schlumberger during the first quarter valued at about $25,000. Finally, Impact Partnership Wealth LLC purchased a new position in shares of Schlumberger during the second quarter valued at about $31,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 79.43% of the companys stock. Get Schlumberger alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of research analysts have recently weighed in on the company. Barclays raised their price objective on Schlumberger from $75.00 to $77.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 24th. Jefferies Financial Group raised their price objective on Schlumberger from $70.00 to $75.00 in a research report on Monday, October 2nd. Societe Generale assumed coverage on Schlumberger in a research report on Monday, October 9th. They set a buy rating and a $81.00 price objective for the company. Citigroup raised their price objective on Schlumberger from $66.00 to $70.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, September 21st. Finally, Susquehanna lifted their price target on Schlumberger from $68.00 to $72.00 and gave the stock a positive rating in a research report on Thursday, September 7th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fourteen have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $70.36. Insider Activity In other news, CFO Stephane Biguet sold 6,250 shares of Schlumberger stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, September 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $58.93, for a total transaction of $368,312.50. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 182,265 shares of the companys stock, valued at $10,740,876.45. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In other Schlumberger news, Director La Chevardiere Patrick De sold 500 shares of Schlumberger stock in a transaction on Tuesday, October 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $57.76, for a total value of $28,880.00. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 28,810 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,664,065.60. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CFO Stephane Biguet sold 6,250 shares of Schlumberger stock in a transaction on Monday, September 25th. The stock was sold at an average price of $58.93, for a total transaction of $368,312.50. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 182,265 shares in the company, valued at $10,740,876.45. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last quarter, insiders sold 25,925 shares of company stock valued at $1,429,917. Corporate insiders own 0.23% of the companys stock. Schlumberger Stock Up 1.0 % Shares of NYSE SLB opened at $53.08 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.57, a current ratio of 1.36 and a quick ratio of 1.02. The company has a market cap of $75.56 billion, a P/E ratio of 18.37, a PEG ratio of 0.71 and a beta of 1.68. Schlumberger Limited has a 1 year low of $42.73 and a 1 year high of $62.78. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $53.79 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $55.16. Schlumberger (NYSE:SLB Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 20th. The oil and gas company reported $0.78 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.77 by $0.01. The business had revenue of $8.31 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $8.32 billion. Schlumberger had a net margin of 12.98% and a return on equity of 21.80%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 11.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $0.63 earnings per share. Research analysts anticipate that Schlumberger Limited will post 2.97 earnings per share for the current year. Schlumberger Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 11th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, December 6th will be paid a dividend of $0.25 per share. This represents a $1.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.88%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, December 5th. Schlumbergers dividend payout ratio is presently 34.60%. Schlumberger Profile (Free Report) Schlumberger Limited engages in the provision of technology for the energy industry worldwide. The company operates through four divisions: Digital & Integration, Reservoir Performance, Well Construction, and Production Systems. The company provides field development and hydrocarbon production, carbon management, integration of adjacent energy systems; reservoir interpretation and data processing services for exploration data; and well construction and production improvement services and products. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SLB? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Schlumberger Limited (NYSE:SLB Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Schlumberger Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Schlumberger and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. State of Alaska Department of Revenue trimmed its holdings in Aflac Incorporated (NYSE:AFL Free Report) by 2.8% during the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 131,364 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 3,750 shares during the quarter. State of Alaska Department of Revenues holdings in Aflac were worth $10,081,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of AFL. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. raised its position in shares of Aflac by 2.5% during the 2nd quarter. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 9,908 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $692,000 after buying an additional 243 shares during the period. Machina Capital S.A.S. raised its position in shares of Aflac by 366.6% during the 2nd quarter. Machina Capital S.A.S. now owns 9,701 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $677,000 after buying an additional 7,622 shares during the period. Capital Advisors Ltd. LLC raised its position in shares of Aflac by 22.6% during the 2nd quarter. Capital Advisors Ltd. LLC now owns 2,255 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $157,000 after buying an additional 416 shares during the period. Great Lakes Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of Aflac by 0.6% during the 2nd quarter. Great Lakes Advisors LLC now owns 81,346 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $5,678,000 after buying an additional 520 shares during the period. Finally, Spinnaker Trust purchased a new stake in shares of Aflac during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $213,000. 66.75% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Aflac alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes AFL has been the topic of several analyst reports. Raymond James lifted their price target on shares of Aflac from $77.00 to $83.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, September 26th. Morgan Stanley boosted their target price on Aflac from $75.00 to $80.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 15th. Jefferies Financial Group boosted their target price on Aflac from $70.00 to $74.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, September 14th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their target price on Aflac from $74.00 to $80.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, November 2nd. Finally, StockNews.com started coverage on Aflac in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $79.63. Insider Activity In related news, Director Joseph L. Moskowitz sold 500 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, October 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $76.47, for a total transaction of $38,235.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 26,598 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,033,949.06. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In related news, Director Joseph L. Moskowitz sold 500 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, October 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $76.47, for a total transaction of $38,235.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 26,598 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,033,949.06. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, CFO Steven Kent Beaver sold 3,114 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, December 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $82.71, for a total transaction of $257,558.94. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 20,914 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,729,796.94. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders sold 165,315 shares of company stock valued at $13,420,962. Insiders own 0.90% of the companys stock. Aflac Stock Performance NYSE:AFL opened at $81.45 on Friday. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $81.04 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $76.07. The company has a market cap of $47.60 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.73, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.00 and a beta of 0.88. The company has a quick ratio of 0.08, a current ratio of 0.08 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31. 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 earnings results on Thursday, November 2nd. The financial services provider reported $1.84 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.44 by $0.40. The firm had revenue of $4.95 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.31 billion. Aflac had a net margin of 24.17% and a return on equity of 17.86%. The companys revenue was up 5.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $1.23 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Aflac Incorporated will post 6.3 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Aflac Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 1st. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, November 15th were issued a $0.42 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, November 14th. This represents a $1.68 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.06%. Aflacs payout ratio is 26.35%. 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. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AFL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Aflac Incorporated (NYSE:AFL Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Aflac Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Aflac and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. State of Alaska Department of Revenue lifted its holdings in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (NYSE:ARE Free Report) by 0.2% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 111,651 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after purchasing an additional 264 shares during the quarter. State of Alaska Department of Revenue owned approximately 0.06% of Alexandria Real Estate Equities worth $11,175,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. Spire Wealth Management increased its stake in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 115.8% during the 1st quarter. Spire Wealth Management now owns 246 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $31,000 after purchasing an additional 132 shares during the last quarter. Ronald Blue Trust Inc. increased its stake in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 142.5% during the 3rd quarter. Ronald Blue Trust Inc. now owns 325 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $33,000 after purchasing an additional 191 shares during the last quarter. Resurgent Financial Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities during the 4th quarter worth $38,000. Clear Street Markets LLC increased its stake in shares of 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 purchasing an additional 158 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Covestor Ltd increased its stake in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 121.9% during the 2nd quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 406 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $46,000 after purchasing an additional 223 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 86.36% of the companys stock. Get Alexandria Real Estate Equities alerts: Insider Activity at Alexandria Real Estate Equities In related news, major shareholder Real Estate Equitie Alexandria sold 155,000 shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, October 31st. The shares were sold at an average price of $2.41, for a total transaction of $373,550.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 6,000,077 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $14,460,185.57. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In related news, major shareholder Real Estate Equitie Alexandria sold 155,000 shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, October 31st. The shares were sold at an average price of $2.41, for a total transaction of $373,550.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 6,000,077 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $14,460,185.57. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, EVP Madeleine Thorp Alsbrook sold 4,854 shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $119.55, for a total transaction of $580,295.70. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 19,740 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,359,917. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 276,162 shares of company stock valued at $2,667,955 in the last ninety days. Insiders own 1.60% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several brokerages have recently commented on ARE. Wedbush restated an outperform rating and set a $120.00 price target on shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities in a research note on Tuesday, October 24th. BNP Paribas began coverage on shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities in a research note on Wednesday, October 11th. They issued a neutral rating and a $108.00 target price on the stock. JMP Securities lowered their target price 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 note on Friday, December 1st. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a sell rating on the stock. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada lowered their target price on shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities from $163.00 to $138.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, October 10th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has assigned a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Alexandria Real Estate Equities currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $142.11. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on ARE Alexandria Real Estate Equities Price Performance NYSE:ARE opened at $127.75 on Friday. The company has a 50-day moving average of $107.66 and a 200-day moving average of $112.08. The company has a market capitalization of $22.20 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 91.91, a PEG ratio of 2.73 and a beta of 1.04. Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. has a 52 week low of $90.73 and a 52 week high of $172.65. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.49, a quick ratio of 0.22 and a current ratio of 0.22. Alexandria Real Estate Equities Increases Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 12th. Investors of record on Friday, December 29th will be issued a dividend of $1.27 per share. This is an increase from Alexandria Real Estate Equitiess previous quarterly dividend of $1.24. This represents a $5.08 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.98%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 28th. Alexandria Real Estate Equitiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 365.47%. 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. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Alexandria Real Estate Equities Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Alexandria Real Estate Equities and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. State of Alaska Department of Revenue cut its holdings in American Express (NYSE:AXP Free Report) by 5.3% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 78,971 shares of the payment services companys stock after selling 4,460 shares during the period. State of Alaska Department of Revenues holdings in American Express were worth $11,781,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the business. BlackRock Inc. boosted its stake in American Express by 0.9% in the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 45,899,776 shares of the payment services companys stock worth $7,571,168,000 after purchasing an additional 423,300 shares during the period. State Street Corp boosted its stake in American Express by 1.7% in the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 30,320,053 shares of the payment services companys stock worth $5,281,753,000 after purchasing an additional 507,042 shares during the period. Wellington Management Group LLP boosted its stake in American Express by 0.8% in the 1st quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 22,000,787 shares of the payment services companys stock worth $3,629,030,000 after purchasing an additional 182,753 shares during the period. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC boosted its stake in American Express by 118,198.3% in the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 13,732,068 shares of the payment services companys stock worth $2,028,913,000 after purchasing an additional 13,720,460 shares during the period. Finally, Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich boosted its stake in American Express by 87,430.5% in the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 12,697,168 shares of the payment services companys stock worth $2,211,847,000 after purchasing an additional 12,682,662 shares during the period. 83.08% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get American Express alerts: Insider Transactions at American Express In other news, Vice Chairman Jeffrey C. Campbell sold 21,008 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $168.33, for a total transaction of $3,536,276.64. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 125,646 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $21,149,991.18. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. In other news, Director Walter Joseph Clayton III purchased 1,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, October 24th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $143.93 per share, with a total value of $143,930.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 2,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at $287,860. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, Vice Chairman Jeffrey C. Campbell sold 21,008 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $168.33, for a total value of $3,536,276.64. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 125,646 shares in the company, valued at approximately $21,149,991.18. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Corporate insiders own 0.12% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth AXP has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Barclays assumed coverage on American Express in a research note on Wednesday, November 15th. They issued an overweight rating and a $184.00 price target for the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their price objective on American Express from $192.00 to $167.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, October 17th. TD Cowen assumed coverage on American Express in a report on Wednesday, November 1st. They set a market perform rating and a $158.00 price objective on the stock. Piper Sandler raised American Express from an underweight rating to a neutral rating and upped their price objective for the stock from $150.00 to $151.00 in a report on Tuesday, October 24th. Finally, Oppenheimer decreased their price objective on American Express from $190.00 to $175.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, October 11th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have assigned a hold rating and nine have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, American Express currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $171.78. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on American Express American Express Stock Performance Shares of American Express stock opened at $185.57 on Friday. The stocks fifty day moving average is $161.32 and its two-hundred day moving average is $162.78. The company has a market capitalization of $135.24 billion, a PE ratio of 17.41, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.15 and a beta of 1.23. The company has a quick ratio of 1.60, a current ratio of 1.60 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.70. American Express has a 52 week low of $140.91 and a 52 week high of $186.37. American Express (NYSE:AXP Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 20th. The payment services company reported $3.30 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.96 by $0.34. The company had revenue of $15.38 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $15.36 billion. American Express had a return on equity of 30.60% and a net margin of 13.61%. American Expresss quarterly revenue was up 13.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $2.47 EPS. As a group, analysts expect that American Express will post 11.22 earnings per share for the current year. American Express Announces Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 9th. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 5th will be given a dividend of $0.60 per share. This represents a $2.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.29%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, January 4th. American Expresss payout ratio is 22.51%. American Express Profile (Free Report) American Express Company, together with its subsidiaries, provides charge and credit payment card products, and travel-related services worldwide. The company operates through three segments: Global Consumer Services Group, Global Commercial Services, and Global Merchant and Network Services. Its products and services include payment and financing products; network services; accounts payable expense management products and services; and travel and lifestyle services. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for American Express Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for American Express and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. State of Alaska Department of Revenue lowered its holdings in shares of Stryker Co. (NYSE:SYK Free Report) by 3.7% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 44,018 shares of the medical technology companys stock after selling 1,705 shares during the period. State of Alaska Department of Revenues holdings in Stryker were worth $12,028,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the business. BlackRock Inc. boosted its stake in Stryker by 4.8% during the 2nd quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 25,862,485 shares of the medical technology companys stock worth $7,890,386,000 after purchasing an additional 1,188,957 shares during the period. State Street Corp boosted its stake in Stryker by 2.4% during the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 14,393,817 shares of the medical technology companys stock worth $4,402,083,000 after purchasing an additional 340,114 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in Stryker by 3.0% during the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 6,135,106 shares of the medical technology companys stock worth $1,865,989,000 after purchasing an additional 181,068 shares during the period. Morgan Stanley boosted its stake in Stryker by 21.7% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 5,978,782 shares of the medical technology companys stock worth $1,461,753,000 after purchasing an additional 1,066,751 shares during the period. Finally, Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich boosted its stake in Stryker by 95,685.2% during the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 4,942,516 shares of the medical technology companys stock worth $1,507,912,000 after purchasing an additional 4,937,356 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 76.24% of the companys stock. Get Stryker alerts: Stryker Stock Performance NYSE:SYK opened at $297.50 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 1.48, a quick ratio of 0.83 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.58. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $282.60 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $284.53. Stryker Co. has a twelve month low of $239.62 and a twelve month high of $306.93. The company has a market capitalization of $113.02 billion, a P/E ratio of 44.14, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.75 and a beta of 0.94. Stryker Increases Dividend Stryker ( NYSE:SYK Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, November 2nd. The medical technology company reported $2.46 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.44 by $0.02. Stryker had a net margin of 13.00% and a return on equity of 22.62%. The firm had revenue of $4.90 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.87 billion. During the same period last year, the firm posted $2.12 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 9.4% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, research analysts expect that Stryker Co. will post 10.41 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, January 31st. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 29th will be issued a dividend of $0.80 per share. This is an increase from Strykers previous quarterly dividend of $0.75. This represents a $3.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.08%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 28th. Strykers dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 47.48%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other Stryker news, CAO William E. Berry, Jr. sold 573 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $292.28, for a total transaction of $167,476.44. Following the sale, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 2,909 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $850,242.52. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In other Stryker news, CEO Kevin Lobo sold 56,483 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $287.91, for a total transaction of $16,262,020.53. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 81,034 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $23,330,498.94. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CAO William E. Berry, Jr. sold 573 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $292.28, for a total transaction of $167,476.44. Following the sale, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 2,909 shares in the company, valued at $850,242.52. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 58,306 shares of company stock valued at $16,791,134 in the last ninety days. Insiders own 5.90% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities analysts have commented on SYK shares. Truist Financial upped their price objective on shares of Stryker from $300.00 to $320.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Friday. Morgan Stanley upped their price objective on shares of Stryker from $300.00 to $320.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Monday, December 4th. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Stryker from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Monday, November 6th. Roth Mkm restated a buy rating and set a $345.00 price objective on shares of Stryker in a research report on Thursday, November 9th. Finally, Citigroup cut their price objective on shares of Stryker from $342.00 to $330.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Monday, October 2nd. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $315.90. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Stryker Stryker Company Profile (Free Report) Stryker Corporation operates as a medical technology company. The company operates through two segments, MedSurg and Neurotechnology, and Orthopaedics and Spine. The Orthopaedics and Spine segment provides implants for use in hip and knee joint replacements, and trauma and extremities surgeries. This segment also offers spinal implant products comprising cervical, thoracolumbar, and interbody systems that are used in spinal injury, deformity, and degenerative therapies. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Stryker Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Stryker and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cristina Ramirez Gonzalez and Juan Carlos Hernandez Cortez and their three children watch as cookies bake in the oven at their home in Napa on Dec. 11. The family of five struggled to make rent and buy groceries after an uninsured, unlicensed driver smashed into their car. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle This past January, life was looking up for Cristina Ramirez Gonzalez and her family of five. A longtime contract home health care worker, the Napa resident had just taken a full-time job at an assisted living facility. Her husband, Juan Carlos Hernandez Cortez, was racking up overtime at the wine and distribution warehouse where he had worked for five years, often putting in 12-hour days to build up savings. The couples three kids, all under 10, were thriving in Napa public schools. Unable to afford to buy in Napa, where the median home costs $900,000, the family was looking at houses in Fairfield, where property is about 35% cheaper. Advertisement Article continues below this ad We wanted to buy a house, Ramirez Gonzalez said. We were preparing ourselves. Working our full-time jobs and a lot of overtime and saving as much as we could. That all changed on a Saturday in late January. Cristina Ramirez Gonzalez greets husband Juan Carlos Hernandez Cortez as he comes home from the store with their kids Melanie, 10, and Leylah, 7, at their home in Napa on Dec. 11. The couple were saving up to buy a house in Fairfield before an accident kept them from working for some time. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle The family had spent the afternoon visiting Ramirez Gonzalezs parents nearby and were heading home about 6 p.m. so she could prepare for a night shift. At West Imola Avenue and South Jefferson Street in Napa, they were cruising through a green light when an underage driver in a Lexus blew through a red light, swerved left and smashed into the front of the familys Honda sedan. The impact was enough to plow the family across the busy intersection into a power pole. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Ramirez Gonzalez, who was driving, shattered her left leg in the crash, while Hernandez Cortez was left with a concussion and a head gash that required 15 stitches. The familys oldest daughter, Melanie, 10, broke an arm and thumb, while Diego, a year younger, had a fractured wrist and lacerations on his forehead. While four of the family members were treated at Providence Queen of the Valley Medical Center, the youngest child, Layla, was airlifted to UCSF Benioff Childrens Hospital in Oakland, where she underwent surgery for nasal fractures. Cristina Ramirez Gonzalez helps scoop cupcake batter with daughter Leylah at their home in Napa on Dec. 11. After a car accident, Laylah was airlifted to UCSF Benioff Childrens Hospital in Oakland, where she underwent surgery for nasal fractures. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle The driver of the Lexus, a juvenile with no license or insurance, took off on foot and was arrested about an hour later. The accident upended the familys life in both expected and unexpected ways. Once out of the hospital. Ramirez Gonzalez and Hernandez Cortez had to face the reality that they would be out of work for months. Because the other driver was unlicensed and uninsured, and the accident was his fault, its still unclear whether insurance will cover the hospital bills, which have now topped $350,000. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Its hard because we dont know what is going to happen, Ramirez Gonzalez said. It hangs over our head and there is nothing we can do until it gets resolved. But, the more pressing issue was the fact that they still had to pay rent. Facing a future with no income and unsure how they were going to be able to cover their expenses, the family sought help through the Chronicle Season of Sharing Fund, which works throughout the year to prevent homelessness and hunger in the Bay Areas nine counties. The fund covered 3 months of rent for the family. Being able to get that assistance helped us a lot in trying to catch up, Ramirez Gonzalez said. We were just constantly worrying. How are we going to pay for this? How are we going to pay for that? Groceries are so expensive. It was a big help. Diego, 9, does a handstand in the living room of his family's Napa home on Dec. 11. He was among the family members who were injured when an unlicensed, uninsured driver ran a red light and struck the car Diego was riding in. Every time we are in the car my kids are scared if there is a car stopping in front of us they freak out, said Cristina Ramirez Gonzalez. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle Leticia Gonzalez, a social worker with the Neighborhood Initiative, which operates school-based resource centers in Napa County, helped the family with its Season of Sharing application. Advertisement Article continues below this ad When I heard about their situation it really broke my heart, she said. They didnt have any income to pay their rent. They didnt know where to turn. Sometimes things happen that we have no control over and we need assistance. I am very grateful Season of Sharing was able to help. Meanwhile, both Ramirez Gonzalez and Hernandez Cortez work physically demanding jobs and neither has 100% recovered. Hernandez Cortez loads cases of wine onto pallets and forklifts them onto trucks. He has been back at work for a few months but still gets frequent headaches related to his head injury. He has not felt well enough to pull all the overtime shifts he used to work. Ramirez Gonzalez had a metal rod inserted into her right leg and still doesnt have the doctors approval to return to work as she waits to find out if the injury will require another operation. She just started driving again. More about Season of Sharing Since its inception in 1986, the Chronicle Season of Sharing Fund has raised and distributed $192 million to help house, care for and nourish Bay Area residents. All administrative costs are covered by the San Francisco Chronicle and the Evelyn and Walter Haas Jr. Fund, so 100% of donations go directly to help people facing crises. For more information or to donate, visit www.seasonofsharing.org/donate. The psychological impact from the accident is also still present. Melanie, the oldest daughter, suffers from related nightmares the familys insurance just finally approved therapy for her. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Every time we are in the car my kids are scared if there is a car stopping in front of us they freak out, Ramirez Gonzalez said. Meanwhile, the familys dream of homeownership in Solano County is going to have to wait. Right after the accident that all went up in smoke, Ramirez Gonzalez said. I cant help Juan Carlos any more right now, because Im not able to work, and he doesnt make enough to qualify on his own. We need more income. State of Alaska Department of Revenue lessened its position in shares of The Charles Schwab Co. (NYSE:SCHW Free Report) by 4.1% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 176,682 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 7,480 shares during the quarter. State of Alaska Department of Revenues holdings in Charles Schwab were worth $9,699,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Rothschild Investment LLC IL raised its position in shares of Charles Schwab by 7.2% during the 3rd quarter. Rothschild Investment LLC IL now owns 18,901 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,038,000 after buying an additional 1,271 shares during the period. LexAurum Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Charles Schwab during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $570,000. Herbst Group LLC raised its position in shares of Charles Schwab by 2.8% during the 3rd quarter. Herbst Group LLC now owns 47,350 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $2,600,000 after buying an additional 1,300 shares during the period. Legacy Capital Wealth Partners LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Charles Schwab during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $428,000. Finally, Independence Bank of Kentucky raised its position in shares of Charles Schwab by 4.9% during the 3rd quarter. Independence Bank of Kentucky now owns 11,875 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $652,000 after buying an additional 550 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 81.61% of the companys stock. Get Charles Schwab alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In other news, General Counsel Peter J. Morgan III sold 7,162 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, November 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $60.72, for a total transaction of $434,876.64. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. In other news, CFO Peter B. Crawford sold 4,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, November 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $60.56, for a total transaction of $242,240.00. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 41,611 shares in the company, valued at $2,519,962.16. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. 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 shares were sold at an average price of $60.72, for a total transaction of $434,876.64. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 33,402 shares of company stock worth $1,945,960 in the last ninety days. 6.60% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of brokerages have issued reports on SCHW. Jefferies Financial Group cut their target price on Charles Schwab from $66.00 to $62.00 in a research report on Tuesday, October 10th. JMP Securities reissued a market outperform rating and issued a $77.00 target price on shares of Charles Schwab in a research report on Tuesday, October 17th. Redburn Atlantic began coverage on Charles Schwab in a research report on Friday, December 1st. They issued a sell rating and a $52.00 target price on the stock. UBS Group boosted their target price on Charles Schwab from $72.00 to $82.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, December 15th. Finally, Raymond James boosted their target price on Charles Schwab from $72.00 to $76.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 17th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating and eleven have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Charles Schwab has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $69.44. Get Our Latest Research Report on Charles Schwab Charles Schwab Trading Up 0.6 % Charles Schwab stock opened at $68.58 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.66, a current ratio of 0.66 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.87. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $58.01 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $58.25. The firm has a market capitalization of $121.50 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.86, a PEG ratio of 3.41 and a beta of 0.99. The Charles Schwab Co. has a 52-week low of $45.00 and a 52-week high of $86.63. Charles Schwab (NYSE:SCHW Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Monday, October 16th. The financial services provider reported $0.77 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.75 by $0.02. Charles Schwab had a net margin of 30.14% and a return on equity of 24.58%. The company had revenue of $4.61 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.62 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $1.10 EPS. Charles Schwabs revenue was down 16.3% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts expect that The Charles Schwab Co. will post 3.14 earnings per share for the current year. Charles Schwab Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 24th. Investors of record on Friday, November 10th were issued a $0.25 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, November 9th. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.46%. Charles Schwabs payout ratio is currently 33.33%. 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. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Charles Schwab Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Charles Schwab and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Venture Visionary Partners LLC increased its holdings in shares of Exxon Mobil Co. (NYSE:XOM Free Report) by 3.2% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 110,844 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after buying an additional 3,462 shares during the quarter. Exxon Mobil comprises approximately 0.8% of Venture Visionary Partners LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 28th biggest holding. Venture Visionary Partners LLCs holdings in Exxon Mobil were worth $13,034,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in XOM. KB Financial Partners LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Exxon Mobil during the 1st quarter worth $27,000. Financial Connections Group Inc. grew its position in Exxon Mobil by 105.4% during the second quarter. Financial Connections Group Inc. now owns 306 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $32,000 after acquiring an additional 157 shares during the period. Trivant Custom Portfolio Group LLC acquired a new stake in Exxon Mobil during the first quarter worth about $38,000. IMA Wealth Inc. increased its stake in Exxon Mobil by 720.0% during the second quarter. IMA Wealth Inc. now owns 369 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $40,000 after acquiring an additional 324 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Country Trust Bank increased its stake in Exxon Mobil by 64.1% during the second quarter. Country Trust Bank now owns 384 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $41,000 after acquiring an additional 150 shares during the last quarter. 58.53% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Exxon Mobil alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In related news, Director Jeffrey W. Ubben sold 2,077,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $104.06, for a total value of $216,132,620.00. Following the sale, the director now owns 13,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,352,780. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In related news, Director Jeffrey W. Ubben sold 2,077,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $104.06, for a total value of $216,132,620.00. Following the sale, the director now owns 13,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,352,780. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, Director Jeffrey W. Ubben purchased 250,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 6th. The stock was bought at an average cost of $105.97 per share, for a total transaction of $26,492,500.00. Following the acquisition, the director now owns 2,077,000 shares in the company, valued at approximately $220,099,690. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Company insiders own 0.06% of the companys stock. Exxon Mobil Trading Up 0.2 % NYSE:XOM opened at $101.91 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.08, a current ratio of 1.42 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.18. The businesss 50 day moving average is $104.37 and its two-hundred day moving average is $107.36. Exxon Mobil Co. has a 52 week low of $97.48 and a 52 week high of $120.70. The company has a market cap of $403.86 billion, a PE ratio of 10.12, a P/E/G ratio of 3.68 and a beta of 1.01. Exxon Mobil (NYSE:XOM Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Friday, October 27th. The oil and gas company reported $2.27 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.36 by ($0.09). Exxon Mobil had a return on equity of 20.72% and a net margin of 11.56%. The firm had revenue of $90.76 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $93.41 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $4.45 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was down 19.0% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts predict that Exxon Mobil Co. will post 9.18 EPS for the current year. Exxon Mobil Increases Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 11th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, November 15th were issued a dividend of $0.95 per share. This represents a $3.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.73%. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, November 14th. This is an increase from Exxon Mobils previous quarterly dividend of $0.91. Exxon Mobils dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 37.74%. Analysts Set New Price Targets XOM has been the subject of several research analyst reports. Wells Fargo & Company upped their price target on Exxon Mobil from $127.00 to $130.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, September 22nd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price target on Exxon Mobil from $134.00 to $127.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Friday, December 8th. TD Cowen dropped their price target on Exxon Mobil from $118.00 to $115.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a research note on Monday, December 11th. Truist Financial upgraded Exxon Mobil from a hold rating to a buy rating and upped their price target for the stock from $110.00 to $131.00 in a research note on Thursday, October 12th. Finally, Erste Group Bank reiterated a hold rating on shares of Exxon Mobil in a research note on Friday. Ten analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $128.70. Get Our Latest Analysis on Exxon Mobil Exxon Mobil Company Profile (Free Report) Exxon Mobil Corporation engages in the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas in the United States and internationally. It operates through Upstream, Energy Products, Chemical Products, and Specialty Products segments. The Upstream segment explores for and produces crude oil and natural gas. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding XOM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Exxon Mobil Co. (NYSE:XOM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Exxon Mobil Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Exxon Mobil and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Creating memories that last a lifetime. Thats what Heavens Kitchen Harrisburg says happened at their Breakfast with Santa event on Friday morning, where with help Laborers Union Local 773, Dollar General, ReaderLink Distribution Services, Little Chapel Church, and others they served over 500 people. Santas sleigh landed at Heavens Kitchen yesterday morning and it was more than we ever imagined, the nonprofit said in a social media post Saturday. Heavens Kitchen said the event was about more than just pancakes and presents It was about the magic in those wide eyes, the warmth in Santas jolly belly laugh, and the joy of creating memories that will last a lifetime. Heavens Kitchen says children who attended the event were showered with gifts, and they werent the only ones. Laborers Union Local 773 delivered a trailer filled with toys they collected for the event. Tonyi Patton of Mitchellsville Dollar General also collected toys in her annual toy drive, and ReaderLink Distribution Services, LLC donated pallets of books and DVDS. And according to Heavens Kitchen, two volunteers Beth Ashby and Bethany Shaw Barnes collected gifts for the moms in attendance, creating what the nonprofit said was a wonderful display of love. There was a table of gifts for dads, too. Heavens Kitchen also thanked Egyptian Health Department volunteers, Heavens Kitchen regulars, and Little Chapel Church, which the organization said did a fabulous job sponsoring and cooking the breakfast, bringing a large group of volunteers to help. The organization said it was overwhelmed with the success of the event, and it hopes the community felt the love weve poured on them this week. Created in 2018, the Heavens Kitchen program is an initiative of the Fowler Bonan Foundation, a nonprofit organization working to provide clothing, shoes, and hot meals in southern Illinois with a focus on assisting children in need. There are two Heavens Kitchen locations, where volunteers serve hot meals once a week, in an effort to supplement established community feeding programs. The Harrisburg Heavens Kitchen is located at the First Presbyterian Church of Harrisburg annex at 21 West Locust St. and serves meals from 5-6 p.m. on Tuesdays. The Marion Heavens Kitchen is located at the Ministerial Alliance Center at 103 East Calvert St. and serves meals from 5-6 p.m. on Thursdays. (TBTCO) - Gia ca phe hom nay (11/1) tai thi truong trong nuoc noi dai chuoi ngay i len. Ghi nhan cho thay, muc giao dich cao nhat trong cac ia phuong uoc khao sat la 70.500 ong/kg. Trong khi o, gia tieu dao ong trong khoang 78.000 - 80.000 ong/kg sau khi uoc ieu chinh giam ong loat. oi voi cao su, gia ky han tren hai san giao dich uoc ieu chinh tang duoi 2% trong phien sang nay. 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. My general vintage computing projects, mostly microcomputers, 6502, PalmOS, 68K/Power Mac and Unix workstations, but that's not all you'll see. Be kind, REWIND and PLAY.Old VCR is advertisement- and donation-funded, and what I get goes to maintaining the hardware here at Floodgap. I don't drink coffee, but the Mr Pibb doesn't buy itself. :-) Thanks for reading. 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. It was one of the best tributes (eulogies) I saw or heard, and perhaps the best speech Presi A holiday decoration known as the Santa Tracker shines in Mariposa during the holiday season. The owner of the spotlight said some photos circulating online appear exaggerated. The resident who provided this photo said it has not been edited. Courtesy of Beth Pratt In the skies above the small town of Mariposa, about 40 miles southwest of Yosemite, a holiday light show has divided the community. Its not ordinary Christmas lights, but a bright white spotlight beamed into the night sky, acting as a bat signal for Santa, which neighbors say is visible for miles. Some in Mariposa and neighboring towns love the spotlight, which for years has projected from a familys home on a hill from 5:30 to 10 p.m. each day from Thanksgiving. Its fun and festive, they say. But others believe that the light dubbed the Santa Tracker by the family is too intense, and potentially harmful to wildlife. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Bootjack resident Karen Mentzer is one of the fans. Seeing the light reminds her of her childhood in Mariposa, and the excitement children feel about Christmas. I think that theyre trying to bring joy to Christmas, and I think thats awesome, Mentzer said. Beth Pratt disagrees. Were on the border of this national park where dark skies are important for wildlife, said Pratt, a Midpines resident who serves as the regional executive director of the National Wildlife Federation, a conservation group. The Walker family has put up the spotlight since moving to Mariposa in 2018. Mashawn Walker said she and her husband want to re-create some of the Christmas spirit they remember feeling as kids when seeing holiday lights. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But this year, as photos of the light circulated on a private community Facebook page and X, drawing negative comments, the family temporarily pulled the spotlight down about two weeks before Christmas. They lent it to a nearby friend, but plan to take it back on Christmas Eve, to continue their tradition though they are unsure whether it will return next year. Walker said she hears only the positive feedback that everyone loves it. She said no one has ever contacted her personally with criticism of the decoration, and she was shocked to find out people didnt like it. The Santa Tracker spotlight shines from Mashawn Walkers home on a hill in Mariposa. Courtesy of Mashawn Walker Online commenters were being cruel and saying really ugly things, Walker said, including calling her family members entitled and accusing them of flaunting wealth. She does not believe the spotlight takes away from the starry night sky but has not looked into the impacts on wildlife. As a quiet compromise, her husband, Rich Walker, said they ran the spotlight at one-third of its power last year. He said the family cares about the environment and the town. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Its unfortunate that anyone thats negative is only on social media, Walker said. Pratt, a Mariposa County resident since 1999, said shes disheartened by online commentary accusing her of a lack of holiday spirit because she disapproves of the spotlight. The debate is really frustrating to me, she said. I love Christmas. I dont know how not wanting a spotlight that harms wildlife is against Christmas. When Pratt first saw the spotlight years ago, she thought it was odd but assumed it must belong to a business. A lot of people were puzzled over what it was, she said. Once it was identified as a Christmas or holiday decoration, I was even more surprised. Advertisement Article continues below this ad She fears that the light could harm animals vision and navigation. She also noted that the wildlife and natural landscape are large draws for many of the countys roughly 17,000 residents. Youre in an area that does not have as much light pollution as others, and then you throw this really intense and excessive spotlight there, she said. Mentzer understands there are concerns about the impact on animals but was not familiar enough with the science behind it to weigh in. I can totally understand how children could get so excited about this every year and have it be an integral part of their Christmas, she said. Rich Walker said that if looking at the lights can make kids forget lifes hardships for just a moment, he will have achieved his goal. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Pratt can see the spotlight, which moves back and forth throughout the evening, from the back deck of her home, about 10 miles from Mariposa. Tucson continues to be the busiest border sector with Mexico for migrant encounters, the latest figures from U.S. Customs and Border Patrol show. Agents here encountered 64,638 migrants in November. Thats more than the record-setting 55,226 migrant encounters the sector reported in October, the start of the federal fiscal year. Across the southwestern border, CBP says it encountered 191,113 migrants in November, compared to 188,780 the previous month, the data show. Authorities with the CBP continue to plead for more operational funds as the number of migrants coming into Arizona and other border states continues to rise. Earlier this month the agency closed the Lukeville-Sonoyta port of entry, saying it needed to do so to assign agents to other duties to help process the influx of migrants. Lukeville-Sonoyta is the main crossing Arizonans use to get to Puerto Penasco, also known as Rocky Point, the popular beach resort town in Sonora. Earlier this week, the U.S. Consulate recommended Americans avoid travel to Rocky Point. This weekend, No More Deaths volunteer Bryce Peterson said he and his band of desert aid volunteers are seeing the increase in migrant numbers first-hand, and its a hard pill to swallow. It was a scene of sheer distress, he said of what occurred Friday evening along the border wall east of Sasabe. Had we not been there, a lot of people would have died. According to No More Deaths, about 300 men, women, children and babies were stranded in Fridays winter storm, soaking wet, recovering from sickness, and without food or water. With Border Patrol no where in sight, Peterson said it was up to his organization, and others like it, to help keep this group alive. We went in treating it as a mass casualty incident, he said. We had nurses and EMTs. The fact is, we succeeded in letting no one die, but my fear is nobody will know about this horrible thing that happened. The dire situation took its toll on each volunteer, Peterson said. All of us there sat down and took turns crying, Peterson said. Through the night and into the early morning, volunteers drove the sickest of migrants to the Border Patrol substation for treatment and processing. Thirty minutes later, someone else woke up screaming for medical help. We would all much rather be doing literally anything else, an exhausted Peterson said on Saturday. But for the past month theres been a really bad situation at the wall. Clearly, Border Patrol isnt doing anything about it he said. We shouldnt be out here doing the most insane triage ever. But if you saw the situation, youve have no choice but to help as a human. Border Patrol officials, on the other hand, say theyre doing the best they can with the resources theyve got. It is a challenging situation that requires more staff and resources, which is why the administration requested supplemental funding from Congress to ensure we have what we need to carry out our mission, the agency said in a news release announcing the latest border figures. CBP officials said this extra funding would allow for supplemental funding for projected shortfalls and the hiring of additional personnel, as well as 1,300 Border Patrol agents. Fifty-five years ago, on Christmas Eve of 1968, Tucson astronaut and hometown legend Frank Borman and his Apollo 8 crew maneuvered into lunar orbit. As they circled the moon, they read from the Book of Genesis in a live telecast from the orbiter: In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. Borman ended the broadcast with, And from the crew of Apollo 8, we close with good night, good luck, a Merry Christmas, and God bless all of you all of you on the good Earth. It was on the crews fourth of 10 orbits that astronaut William Anders snapped the iconic Earthrise photo showing a blue and white Earth rising above the gray lunar landscape. Its arguably the most iconic photograph of the 20th century: the Earth rising above the Moons bleached and desolate horizon, a breathtaking jewel of color, Smithsonian magazine has written. Borman later wrote about how the Earth looked from afar: We were the first humans to see the world in its majestic totality, an intensely emotional experience for each of us. We said nothing to each other, but I was sure our thoughts were identical of our families on that spinning globe. And maybe we shared another thought I had, This must be what God sees. The mission commanded by Borman paved the way for the first moon landing the following year. Borman, who grew up in Tucson, died this year, on Nov. 7, at the age of 95. Close Frank Borman Frank Borman, January, 1966. Frank Borman Retired NASA astronaut Frank Borman speaks with children from Mission Manor Elementary School Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2010, in Tucson, Ariz. about his trips to space. Col. Borman served as commander of the Gemini 7 and Apollo 8 missions in the 1960s. (Mike Christy / for the Arizona Daily Star) Frank Borman This Lunar Sample was given to astronaut Frank Borman, who led the first team of American astronauts to leave Earth's orbit and circle the Moon on Apollo 8, by Astronaut and Senior NASA representative Mark Polansky, during Pima Air & Space Museum's 30th anniversary celebration, Monday May 8, 2006 in Tucson, Ariz. Photo by James S. Wood Arizona Daily Star Frank Borman Trevor Stramler, 4, shakes the hand of astronaut Frank Borman, who led the first team of American astornauts to leave Earth's orbit and circle the Moon on Apollo 8, while trevor's parents Edward Stramler, and Kerrie Stramler, look on during Pima Air & Space Museum's 30th anniversary celebration, Monday May 8, 2006 in Tucson, Ariz. Photo by James S. Wood Arizona Daily Star Frank Borman Retired NASA astronaut Frank Borman signs fifth-grader Derek Contreras' arm Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2010 in Tucson, Ariz. after speaking with students from Mission Manor Elementary School about his trips to space. Col. Borman served as commander of the Gemini 7 and Apollo 8 missions in the 1960s. (Mike Christy / for the Arizona Daily Star) Frank Borman Photo taken Jan. 10, 1966. Frank Borman Astronaut Frank Borman is an old Tucson High Badger. He was a quarterback on the championship football team of 1946 and was made an honorary member of the championship Badger team of 1965 yesterday at Tucson ceremonies hailing his epic space flight. But up to yesterday Borman had never seen a live Badger. He was introduced to this badger by Hal Gras of the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum staff. Photo taken Jan. 10, 1966. Frank Borman Astronaut Frank Borman presents an Arizona flag that "may not be the biggest, but surely has traveled the farthest" to Gov. Sam Goddard. Norman had carried the flag with him on his two-week Gemini 7 space voyage. Frank Borman Tucson astronaut Frank Borman and Frank Mendez hold Tucson High School's 1965 championship game football yesterday which the spaceman signed after being named an honorary team member. Mendez played linebacker for the THS grid squad. Mendez drew laughter from the University of Arizona stadium audience when he said Borman signed the ball "to encourage other THS graduates to attain the heights you have reached." Frank Borman Left to right: Frank Borman, commander of 3-man Apollo 8 crew, William A. Anders and James A. Lovell, Jr., Dec. 21, 1968. They will attempt an orbital flight around the moon during the Christmas holidays. (AP Photo) Frank Borman Astronaut Frank Borman in commanderis seat during mission of Apollo 8 in Shuttle simulator in an undated photo. (AP Photo) Frank Borman President Richard Nixon ushers Frank Borman to a White House microphone in Washington, on Jan. 30, 1969 after announcing that the moon-circling astronaut and his family will make an eight-nation goodwill tour of Western Europe. Wither them are the other two Apollo 8 astronauts are James Lovell, and William Anders, right. The Borman's will leave Sunday for visits to Great Britain, France, Belgium, The Netherlands, West Germany, Italy, Spain and Portugal. (AP Photo/ Harvey Georges ) Frank Borman A December 1968 file photo picture shows the Apollo 8 crew, from left: commander Frank Borman, command modul pilot James A. Lovell, Jr., and lunar module pilot William A. Anders. Dec. 21, 2008 sees the 40th anniversary of the launch of the Apollo 8 mission bringing Mission Commander Frank Borman, Command Module Pilot James Lovell and Lunar Module Pilot William Anders as the first humans ever to another celestial body. The mission during which the Apollo 8 crew became the first humans to see the far side of the Moon, paved the way for later missions including Apollo 11 to land the first man on the Moon in 1969. (AP Photo/Stf, File) Frank Borman Astronaut Frank Borman, left, with astronaut James Lovell, right, as they move into their space capsule for lift off of Gemini 7, 14 day flight on Dec. 4, 1965. (AP Photo) Frank Borman Rollin Gridley (right) and Frank Borman, January 10, 1966. Star file photo by Jack Sheaffer. Frank Borman Astronaut Frank Borman waves during a parade in his honor Jan. 10, 1966 in Tucson. Photo by Jim Stith/Jack Sheaffer Studios. Frank Borman Retired astronaut Col. Frank Borman poses on the wing of his 1944 vintage P-51 Mustang Sunday, Dec. 20, 1998, in his hanger at the Las Cruces International Airport in New Mexico. Borman, now 70, was one of three astronauts on the Apollo 8 mission that flew around the moon Dec. 21, 1968. Monday marks the 30th anniversary of the launch of that mission. (AP Photo/Dale Fulkerson) Frank Borman Retired NASA astronaut Frank Borman signs fifth-grader Angelita Munoz's arm Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2010 in Tucson, Ariz. after speaking with students from Mission Manor Elementary School about his trips to space. (Mike Christy / for the Arizona Daily Star) Tucson legends: Frank Borman Frank Borman, well-known astronaut who went to the moon 50 years ago in Apollo 8, though he didn't get to land there, grew up in Tucson. Frank Borman Frank Borman, January, 1966. Frank Borman Retired NASA astronaut Frank Borman speaks with children from Mission Manor Elementary School Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2010, in Tucson, Ariz. about his trips to space. Col. Borman served as commander of the Gemini 7 and Apollo 8 missions in the 1960s. (Mike Christy / for the Arizona Daily Star) Frank Borman This Lunar Sample was given to astronaut Frank Borman, who led the first team of American astronauts to leave Earth's orbit and circle the Moon on Apollo 8, by Astronaut and Senior NASA representative Mark Polansky, during Pima Air & Space Museum's 30th anniversary celebration, Monday May 8, 2006 in Tucson, Ariz. Photo by James S. Wood Arizona Daily Star Frank Borman Trevor Stramler, 4, shakes the hand of astronaut Frank Borman, who led the first team of American astornauts to leave Earth's orbit and circle the Moon on Apollo 8, while trevor's parents Edward Stramler, and Kerrie Stramler, look on during Pima Air & Space Museum's 30th anniversary celebration, Monday May 8, 2006 in Tucson, Ariz. Photo by James S. Wood Arizona Daily Star Frank Borman Retired NASA astronaut Frank Borman signs fifth-grader Derek Contreras' arm Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2010 in Tucson, Ariz. after speaking with students from Mission Manor Elementary School about his trips to space. Col. Borman served as commander of the Gemini 7 and Apollo 8 missions in the 1960s. (Mike Christy / for the Arizona Daily Star) Frank Borman Photo taken Jan. 10, 1966. Frank Borman Astronaut Frank Borman is an old Tucson High Badger. He was a quarterback on the championship football team of 1946 and was made an honorary member of the championship Badger team of 1965 yesterday at Tucson ceremonies hailing his epic space flight. But up to yesterday Borman had never seen a live Badger. He was introduced to this badger by Hal Gras of the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum staff. Photo taken Jan. 10, 1966. Frank Borman Astronaut Frank Borman presents an Arizona flag that "may not be the biggest, but surely has traveled the farthest" to Gov. Sam Goddard. Norman had carried the flag with him on his two-week Gemini 7 space voyage. Frank Borman Tucson astronaut Frank Borman and Frank Mendez hold Tucson High School's 1965 championship game football yesterday which the spaceman signed after being named an honorary team member. Mendez played linebacker for the THS grid squad. Mendez drew laughter from the University of Arizona stadium audience when he said Borman signed the ball "to encourage other THS graduates to attain the heights you have reached." Frank Borman Left to right: Frank Borman, commander of 3-man Apollo 8 crew, William A. Anders and James A. Lovell, Jr., Dec. 21, 1968. They will attempt an orbital flight around the moon during the Christmas holidays. (AP Photo) Frank Borman Astronaut Frank Borman in commanderis seat during mission of Apollo 8 in Shuttle simulator in an undated photo. (AP Photo) Frank Borman President Richard Nixon ushers Frank Borman to a White House microphone in Washington, on Jan. 30, 1969 after announcing that the moon-circling astronaut and his family will make an eight-nation goodwill tour of Western Europe. Wither them are the other two Apollo 8 astronauts are James Lovell, and William Anders, right. The Borman's will leave Sunday for visits to Great Britain, France, Belgium, The Netherlands, West Germany, Italy, Spain and Portugal. (AP Photo/ Harvey Georges ) Frank Borman A December 1968 file photo picture shows the Apollo 8 crew, from left: commander Frank Borman, command modul pilot James A. Lovell, Jr., and lunar module pilot William A. Anders. Dec. 21, 2008 sees the 40th anniversary of the launch of the Apollo 8 mission bringing Mission Commander Frank Borman, Command Module Pilot James Lovell and Lunar Module Pilot William Anders as the first humans ever to another celestial body. The mission during which the Apollo 8 crew became the first humans to see the far side of the Moon, paved the way for later missions including Apollo 11 to land the first man on the Moon in 1969. (AP Photo/Stf, File) Frank Borman Astronaut Frank Borman, left, with astronaut James Lovell, right, as they move into their space capsule for lift off of Gemini 7, 14 day flight on Dec. 4, 1965. (AP Photo) Frank Borman Rollin Gridley (right) and Frank Borman, January 10, 1966. Star file photo by Jack Sheaffer. Frank Borman Astronaut Frank Borman waves during a parade in his honor Jan. 10, 1966 in Tucson. Photo by Jim Stith/Jack Sheaffer Studios. Frank Borman Retired astronaut Col. Frank Borman poses on the wing of his 1944 vintage P-51 Mustang Sunday, Dec. 20, 1998, in his hanger at the Las Cruces International Airport in New Mexico. Borman, now 70, was one of three astronauts on the Apollo 8 mission that flew around the moon Dec. 21, 1968. Monday marks the 30th anniversary of the launch of that mission. (AP Photo/Dale Fulkerson) Frank Borman Retired NASA astronaut Frank Borman signs fifth-grader Angelita Munoz's arm Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2010 in Tucson, Ariz. after speaking with students from Mission Manor Elementary School about his trips to space. (Mike Christy / for the Arizona Daily Star) ATLANTA 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 presidents 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 campaigns 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 reelect 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 partys biggest donors and top strategists, including those running Bidens 2024 campaign. One of Bidens top campaign aides, Quentin Fulks, managed Warnocks campaign, a point Tyler noted in his response to the report. 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 Whitmers 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. Brian Miller is a fixture at Charles W. Harris School in Phoenix, a familiar face kids and parents encounter four days a week. Mornings and afternoons, the school resource officer is in the parking lot directing traffic and sometimes, he notes, defusing a little road rage. Before lunch, hes on the playground herding students toward the cafeteria, or in classrooms where teachers have requested help. In between, hes walking the campus or in his office, on standby for serious disciplinary incidents or lockdowns prompted by crimes nearby. What he doesnt do, Miller acknowledges, is provide comprehensive mental health services to the many students who need them. Thats where Cartwright Elementary Districts counselors and psychologists come in. District officials believe both types of positions are essential for a secure campus, which is why they asked the Arizona School Safety Program to fund one officer and one additional counselor at 19 of their schools, including Harris, this year. In all 19 cases, the state paid for only the officers, the result of a 2022 legislative requirement forcing the Department of Education to prioritize requests for campus police over mental health positions. In fact, more than 100 schools throughout the state received officer funding while a counselor or social worker request went unfulfilled this year, as Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne embraced the strings Republican lawmakers had tied to the grant money. In another 130 cases, schools that asked only for mental health positions did not receive them, according to an AZCIR analysis of School Safety Program data. Overall, district and charter schools requested funding for 857 counselors and social workers and 301 campus officers, citing problems with bullying, trauma, suicidal ideation, truancy and more in the hundreds of applications reviewed by AZCIR. About a third, or 291, of those mental health positions went unfunded after the grant program ran out of cash. The apparent mismatch between what schools need and what certain state leaders want to give them reflects an ongoing clash over which types of positions actually make a campus safer. In the wake of tragedies like the Uvalde, Texas elementary school shooting, proponents of campus police say officers are the professionals best equipped to respond to dangerous situations, while advocates for expanded mental health services argue counselors, social workers and psychologists could help stop many of those situations before they start. In interviews with AZCIR, officials representing districts and charter schools in both rural and urban areas across Arizona were hesitant to criticize the School Safety Program, worrying they would be perceived as ungrateful for needed funding. But they indicated it should be up to school leaders, not politicians, to determine which positions are best suited to tackle the post-pandemic surge in mental health issues theyre observing among students. The schools know better what is needed, said Monika Fuller, director of Prescott Valley School, a K-9 charter that received money for police but not a counselor this year. Pointing to the breakdown of funding requests, she said the numbers dont lie. Arizona leaders expanded the School Safety Program, initially created to fund school resource and juvenile probation officers, to cover counselors and social workers in 2019. At the time, the state had the worst student-to-counselor ratio in the country 905:1, nearly four times the recommended 250:1 as schools continued to confront Recession-era cuts that had decimated the ranks of campus-based mental health professionals. The program, which awards funding on a three-year basis, could not meet the resulting appetite for counselors and social workers, leading to a waitlist nearly 90 schools long. That demand only grew after COVID-19 swept the state, leaving students to cope with new sources of grief, anxiety and anger. In 2021, the state Department of Education dedicated $21 million in federal pandemic relief dollars to unfunded campus counselor and social worker positions. The move eliminated the waitlist, which had continued to grow, and further reduced the states student-to-counselor ratio to 651:1. But, with the federal dollars 2024 expiration date in mind, schools expressed a desire for a more stable, permanent funding source for mental health staffing. Instead, the GOP-controlled Legislature decided to prop up the School Safety Program for another three-year cycle and stipulated the additional $50 million had to go toward requests for school police first, before officials could consider counselor and social worker needs. Though schools could technically apply for up to two School Safety Program positions of either type this year, Horne warned applicants that schools with no armed presence would not receive a recommendation from this Department to the State Board of Education if they didnt request an officer. In some cases, this led schools to rank their requests for SROs as higher priority than their requests for counselors or social workers, in an effort to make sure they got at least something. Yet campus officers are not interchangeable with school counselors or social workers, even if some of their responsibilities overlap. Fundamentally, school resource officers are taking more of an enforcement approach and often are viewing behaviors through a lens of threat, said Angela Kimball, senior vice president of advocacy at national mental health policy coalition Inseparable. School mental health professionals, meanwhile, are viewing behaviors as a manifestation of challenges a youth may be having in terms of their thoughts, their feelings, their perceptions and giving them coping skills, she said. Fuller, the Prescott Valley School director, is hopeful that whoever fills the charters School Safety Program-funded officer position can back up administrators on heavy-duty disciplinary issues. But she said the roughly 450-student school, which has been relying on a virtual counselor because its all we can afford, still needs in-person mental health support both to provide targeted interventions for kids with emotional disabilities and to help educators address students pandemic-related trauma more broadly. Kids who missed years of in-person schooling during critical developmental windows now cant even function socially, according to Fuller, who is holding on to the possibility the state will reconsider her counselor request if other schools forfeit their grant funding. You cant do virtual counseling for all situations, she said. It just doesnt work. Cottonwood-based Mingus Union High School District, which has just one physical school, is much better off when it comes to campus mental health professionals: Its high school has counselors for each grade level, as well as one psychologist. But even that team has struggled to fully meet what Superintendent Mike Westcott described as the mounting needs of the students around social-emotional health, particularly as the rural school finds itself having to step up in ways that maybe schools in larger areas dont. Like Prescott Valley, the district sought funding for both officer and counselor positions, with Westcott envisioning the additional counselor working as a liaison with area mental health agencies. The district also hoped a new counselor could help implement suicide prevention efforts, trauma-informed teaching strategies and grief management services, so the states decision to grant only the SRO request has left Mingus Union in a bit of a lurch. Westcott also expressed concern over the patchwork of limited-term grants and relief funds districts have largely relied on to pay their mental health professionals, as did several other school officials interviewed by AZCIR. He urged the Legislature to view campus counselors and social workers not as extras but as integral components of what we do, and to fund them in a way that can be sustained. Uncertainty about the positions staying power, as well as shortages of available law enforcement officers and mental health providers, has made it difficult for some schools to hire at all. As of October, more than 130 School Safety Program-funded SRO posts remained open, according to ADE, as did 148 counselor and social worker spots. That month, the states School Safety Task Force unveiled a plan to fill campus police vacancies by shifting more than $18 million in grant funding for full-time SROs to part-time school safety officers. It offered no comparable plan to assist schools with counselor and social worker vacancies. After the task force presented its final report on Dec. 7, Horne doubled down on his commitment to the police-first approach, saying he had very little patience for criticism. Ive encountered opposition from people who say they dont want a school-to-prison pipeline, Horne said, referring to those whove questioned whether boosting the ranks of campus officers would ultimately push already marginalized students out of the classroom and into the criminal justice system. What theyre really saying is people should be able to violate the law without consequence. Under the part-time officer staffing plan, off-duty police sign up to work school safety shifts as their schedules allow, a change that has reduced vacancies but sacrificed the kind of continuity districts like Cartwright believe have made their officers successful. Ema Jauregui, the deputy superintendent who oversees the districts SROs, said officers ability to have a consistent, visible presence at a specific school has been an essential part of building trust and goodwill with students and families in the Maryvale area. Our community, they value the SROs because they see them out on the playground. They see them out during (pickup and dropoff) traffic. They see them talking to kids in a positive way, she said. When Uvalde happened, you would not believe how many kids did not want to come to school because they were scared, and I think the police presence made our families and kids feel safer. Jauregui acknowledged not every school system has had the same experience, calling Cartwright very lucky. Nationwide, school resource officers have made headlines for using excessive force against children, disproportionately arresting students of color and for contributing to what civil rights organizations have described as a threatening, rather than safe, school environment. Arizona School Safety Director Michael Kurtenbach has repeatedly emphasized the importance of officer training when it comes to preventing such controversies. Kimball, the national mental health policy advocate, said she has seen training in adverse childhood experiences and trauma-informed care help school police shift their focus from rigid enforcement to understanding and prevention elsewhere in the country. Still, she believes its better to hire mental health professionals directly versus hiring people that you have to train to be like mental health professionals. Harris School Resource Officer Miller, for his part, promotes a collaborative approach that involves school police and mental health staff working closely while deferring to each others areas of expertise. To make the arrangement work, he said, police must adopt a different mentality when shifting from patrol work to a campus setting and not every officer can do it. The bureaucratic knife fight over immigration continues in and between Congress and the Biden Administration and the state of Texas, which this month audaciously conferred upon itself federal immigration enforcement powers which will, like so many other moves that razor-wire-wielding state government has made, produce fine political theater and crummy policy and outcomes. In the meantime, on the Arizona-Sonora border, lives are in the balance. A surge in asylum seekers has created a desperate situation. To call it a humanitarian crisis somehow devalues the slow-motion tragedy that plays out every day for migrants in the Arizona-Sonora desert, but it certainly meets the definition of one. The CBP has reacted by closing the normally busy Lukeville border station to divert agents to deal with the surge as it plays out elsewhere partially, at a spot 10 miles or so east of cartel-plagued Sasabe, where hundreds of migrants have arrived in recent days. Closing the Lukeville station is an inconvenience for Tucsonans who want to hit the beach at Rocky Point, yes. But its much more than that. It affects business and trade, and the communities on both sides of the border that depend on the ability to cross in an orderly fashion at a convenient location. With an annual budget exceeding $17 billion, it is not unreasonable to expect U.S. Customs and Border Protection to be able to walk and chew gum at the same time. The politics of immigration should not be allowed to cause paralysis. But that is exactly what has happened. The issues here are much larger than Lukeville. They have to do with the fact that despite outsized budgets for enforcement and border wall-building, not enough has been added to the asylum adjudication system. With a backlog now exceeding three million cases, the legal infrastructure necessary to process asylum claims has descended into chaos largely because politics has ruled over process in every aspect of our difficult immigration situation. That situation has been much exacerbated by world events and the impact of technology. A decade ago, most of the asylum-seekers in the unaccompanied minors surge were Central Americans fleeing gang violence. There are still some, but now they are joined by asylum seekers, and those seeking the economic promise the United States offers, from everywhere in the world China, Russia, Africa, South America. Part of the reason: Technology, cheap air travel and the internet have taken the friction out of traveling long distances to seek economic or safety benefits, according to Aaron Reichlin-Melnick of the American Immigration Council. The surges a decade ago, and a decade before that, gave us fair warning that our system is, if not broken, insufficient to the task of handling such huge human migration to our borders. Its a warning we have largely disregarded. Even as we gnash teeth about open borders, we have not reacted seriously and realistically to the logistical problem of processing asylum requests. Twenty years ago, most who crossed illegally tried to evade Border Patrol officers. Now, most simply line up to turn themselves in but were still prioritizing enforcement. Even as the Trump Administration spent $17 billion on border wall construction, to little or no discernible effect, budgets for the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services asylum-determination infrastructure have stayed relatively minuscule. Even though more immigration judges have been hired recently, a huge need remains for asylum officers who can quickly determine whether a migrant is likely to have any asylum claim. The Biden Administration, it its hefty border supplemental request, is finally seeking to triple the number of asylum officers, but that funding is still in doubt and will be of no help in the short term. And it is an immediate crisis were faced with here in Southern Arizona. The Lukeville closure has created an untenable situation that must be dealt with now. If that werent crystal-clear before, the shooting death in an American car on a Sonoran highway this week part of one of the detour routes to Rocky Point certainly should make it so. If Customs and Border Protection cant open Lukeville, the National Guard must be deployed to do so. The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer: Since my first days on campus in 2017, I have fully appreciated, and never taken for granted, the immense and ingrained support the University of Arizona enjoys from the Tucson community. Coupled with the steadfast backing of alumni near and far, it is a source of continual inspiration for me and my faculty and staff colleagues. Of course, this unparalleled support brings with it the uncompromising responsibility, and our unwavering commitment, to steward and to do what is best for this tremendous university that serves tens of thousands of students every year as well as the city at the center of Wildcat Country. The areas largest employer, we develop leaders and public servants who contribute greatly to our vibrant, one-of-a-kind community. With this in mind, the past several weeks indeed have been challenging for all of us at the University of Arizona, as we have delved into the root causes of budget shortfalls and accelerated reductions in reserve funds. Knowing the institutions financial health is paramount to continuing the success we have cultivated in recent years via strategic investments and collective diligence, the university has mobilized its shared governance entities to immediately identify and activate solutions both for near-term gains and for long-term sustainability. We will focus on accelerating the necessary course corrections to maintain our momentum as an academic, research, arts, and innovation powerhouse of which all of Arizona should be proud. After all, in the past few months alone, the University of Arizona has seen: Recruitment of the most accomplished and most diverse incoming student cohorts in our history; The successful culmination of the OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample return mission; A continuing stream of stunning deep-space images and insights resulting from our facultys key contributions to the James Webb Space Telescope; An increase in research activity, reaching a record $954 million in the past year; Major improvements in retention rates and other measures of student success, as well the opening of our modern Student Success District; The graduation of our first cohort of publicly educated veterinarians in Arizona; The further development of our Center for Advanced Molecular and Immunological Therapies, with significant state and private philanthropic support; The spectacular launch of our Fuel Wonder campaign, which is well on the way to its $3 billion fundraising goal; National attention for our student-athletes as our teams have continued to excel on the field, on the court, and in the classroom; and Next-level musical, dance, and theatrical performances and museum exhibitions that remind us how lucky we are to be a hub of the citys arts scene. The University of Arizona has been serving and benefitting this community for more than 138 years, and I assure you, we will drive progress marked by world-leading discoveries and extraordinary accomplishments for decades to come. As we proved during the COVID-19 pandemic, we are entirely capable of navigating complex and unforeseen challenges together while continuing to advance the critical work and bold missions for which the university is known. Witnessing the thoughtful and spirited engagement of our faculty, staff, student, and administrative leaders during this admittedly difficult period has elicited great pride. Similarly, I have appreciated the encouragement of friends and neighbors throughout our region as we developed a Financial Action Plan (www.arizona.edu/financial-updates) in coordination with our internal experts including members of a special Faculty Senate-charged financial recalibration committee and those from our Eller College of Management and with the support of the Arizona Board of Regents. With the plan in place and undergoing further refinement in parallel with its implementation, I am confident the factors that contributed to our structural deficits and suboptimal expense patterns will be reversed, with the resulting positive trends evident, improving, and lasting. We all have a stake in the success of the University of Arizona and, by extension, the success of our beloved Tucson. I, for one, am 100% committed to both and I am so thankful to know we are not alone in this passionate commitment. Bear Down, and Go Cats. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has suggested South Koreas Hana Micron Vina Company, which owns a semiconductor manufacturing factory carrying a price tag of nearly US$600 million in Vietnam, keep considering the Southeast Asian nation its long-running investment base. The Vietnamese government leader on Saturday afternoon paid a visit to the South Korean firms semiconductor production factory at Van Trung Industrial Park in Viet Yen District under Bac Giang Province, northern Vietnam. He called on the firm to closely cooperate with its partners to expand its operation in the country. PM Chinh also expected the South Korean tech enterprise to ramp up its localization rate, accelerate technology transfer, and employ more Vietnamese workers. Expressing high regard for the company's presence in Vietnam, PM Chinh emphasized that the firm has played a crucial role in the country's semiconductor manufacturing expansion, making a significant contribution to its growth. The prime minister affirmed that Vietnam is stepping up efforts to attract foreign investors and build a strong ecosystem, including design, chip production and packaging aspects, to spur the semiconductor sector. The entrance of Van Trung Industrial Park in Bac Giang Province, northern Vietnam. Photo: Ha Quan / Tuoi Tre PM Chinh also underlined that the Vietnamese government always garners recommendations and suggestions from investors to adjust policies and remove obstacles facing them, while creating favorable conditions for foreign investors to do business in Vietnam. Hana Micron Vina Company is operating two factories in Bac Giang and Bac Ninh Provinces. The Bac Giang-based facility, worth almost $600 million, is the largest semiconductor production base in northern Vietnam. Its revenue in 2023 is expected to reach $300 million. The factory is set to increase its total capital to over $1 billion, generate $800 million in revenue, and create jobs for more than 4,000 employees in 2025. This year, Bac Giang Province has 345 operational projects, with South Korean investors taking the lead in the number of projects and ranking second in registered capital. South Korean firms account for some 25 percent of Bac Giangs total industrial production value among foreign-invested companies, while representing 30 percent of the provinces export-import value, and contributing 21.3 percent to the state budget. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Japan said on Friday it would prepare to ship Patriot air defence missiles to the United States after revising its arms export guidelines earlier that day, in the pacifist nation's first major overhaul of such export curbs in nine years. The announcement comes as Japan, which had long adopted a stance of not allowing exports of deadly weapons, seeks to boost its defence industry amid an increasingly tense security environment in the Indo-Pacific. "This holds significant meaning in terms of further strengthening the Japan-U.S. alliance. It will contribute not only to Japan's security but also the peace and stability of the wider Indo-Pacific region," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said following the announcement. Although Japan's new export controls still prevent it from shipping weapons to countries that are at war, it may indirectly benefit Ukraine in its war with Russia as it gives the United States extra capacity to provide military aid to Kyiv. The United States welcomed the move, saying it would replenish U.S. inventories. "This decision will contribute to the security of Japan and to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region by ensuring that U.S. forces, in close cooperation with the Japan Self-Defense Forces, will continue to maintain a credible deterrence and response capability," White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said in a statement. A Japanese government official, who declined to be named because of the sensitivity of the matter, said the missiles would be used to re-stock the U.S. military's arsenal for the safety and security of the Indo-Pacific. The Patriot system is one of an array of sophisticated air defence units supplied by the West to help Ukraine after Russia attacked. Under previous rules, Japan could only export components of arms and was prohibited from delivering completed products. The revised guidelines now allow Tokyo to export completed products to countries where patent holders are based. Any re-export to third countries would require permission from Tokyo. Japan produces Patriot missiles under licence from U.S. firms Raytheon and Lockheed Martin. Tokyo is also considering exporting 155mm artillery shells, manufactured under BAE Systems' licence, to the United Kingdom, the Financial Times reported on Thursday. The Japanese government official said exports are considered once the country where the license holder is based makes a formal request, adding that the United States has so far been the only country to make such a request. U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel, in a post on X, called it a "historic decision" and a "significant example of Japan's shared commitment to deterrence," adding: "Japan is undertaking a once-in-a-generation defense modernization." Japan's ruling party has been mulling various changes to export controls for several months, as the rules potentially stand in the way of the ability to export next-generation fighter jets in development with Britain and Italy. The Vaticans appointment of Archbishop Marek Zalewski as its first resident papal representative in Vietnam will contribute to further promoting the relationship between the Holy See and the Vietnamese Catholic Church, according to the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The ministry made the statement after the Vatican on Saturday announced the Pope Franciss appointment of Archbishop Zalewski as the first resident papal representative in Vietnam. Zalewski, 60, who is currently non-resident papal representative to Vietnam, is expected to arrive in Vietnam at the end of January 2024 for the new position, according to Archbishop Nguyen Nang, president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Vietnam. Archbishop Zalewski once worked at the Holy Sees Secretariat of State before being appointed Apostolic Nuncio in Zimbabwe in 2014. In 2018, he assumed the role of Apostolic Nuncio in Singapore and non-resident papal representative of the Holy See in Vietnam. During his time as non-resident papal representative to Vietnam, Zalewski, in coordination with Vietnamese authorities, visited and carried out pastoral activities in most dioceses of the Catholic Church. He also contacted representatives of ministries and local authorities throughout the country. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vietnam-Vatican relations have experienced notable advancements, particularly since the establishment of a regular dialogue mechanism through the Vietnam-Vatican Joint Working Group in 2009. Over the past years, there have been many meetings between senior leaders of Vietnam and the Holy See. Notably, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, State President Nguyen Minh Triet, and Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong held meetings with Pope Benedict XVI in 2007, 2009, and 2013, respectively. Furthermore, National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung had a meeting with Pope Francis in 2014, and State President Tran Dai Quang also met with Pope Francis in 2016. Archbishop Marek Zalewski, the Vatican's first resident papal representative in Vietnam. Photo: Catholic Bishops' Conference of Vietnam The latest bilateral contact was the meeting between State President Vo Van Thuong and Pope Francis in the Vatican on July 27 this year, when the two sides concluded and announced the Agreement on the Status of the Resident Papal Representative and the Office of the Resident Papal Representative in Vietnam. In a joint statement issued the same day, State President Thuong and Pope Francis assessed the agreement as an important step in the context of the positive development of Vietnam-Vatican relations. The resident papal representative will be a bridge to advance relations between Vietnam and the Holy See, the statement concluded. The flourishing relationship between Vietnam and the Vatican is the outcome of a constructive exchange process marked by a spirit of respect, cooperation, and mutual understanding, as remarked by the foreign ministry. This also demonstrates the State of Vietnams policy of respecting and ensuring freedom of belief and religion, the ministry said, adding that the Vietnamese government always creates favorable conditions for activities of all religions, including Catholicism, in the country. Pope Francis as well as his predecessor Benedict XVI have issued teachings, messages, and letters to the Vietnamese Catholic Church, emphasizing the spirit of good Catholics are good citizens, advising and encouraging Catholics to accompany the nation and actively contribute to its socio-economic development, the ministry stressed. Among the current 16 different religions in Vietnam, Catholicism has the second-largest number of followers with over seven million Catholics, after Buddhism with more than 14 million, according to the white paper 'Religion and Religious Policy in Vietnam,' released by the Government Committee for Religious Affairs. The other religions include Protestantism, Caodaism, Hoa Hao Buddhism and Islam, to name a few. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! A fire drill took place on Saturday morning at the Ben Thanh metro station, the central station for Ho Chi Minh City's inaugural metro line project in District 1. The exercise involved the mobilization of nearly 5,000 people and 205 vehicles. The municipal administration joined forces with the Ministry of Public Security to hold the fire drill. The hypothetical situation for the drill was that a transformer station at the underground station burst into flames and exploded at 10:00 am. At the time, thousands of people were shopping and dining at the station. The T1 metro trains automatic doors malfunctioned, leaving 300 people trapped with 30 of them passing out. The fire spread rapidly and toxic smoke billowed out, causing many people to get into a state of panic and about 50 to be injured in a stampede. Some people were also stuck as structures collapsed at the underground station, while 10 others in an elevator faced a lack of oxygen. Smoke spread throughout the Ben Thanh Station. People stampede as a transformer station at the Ben Thanh metro station exploded in the hypothetical scenario for a fire drill at the Ben Thanh metro station, the central station for Ho Chi Minh City's inaugural metro line project in District 1, December 23, 2023. Photo: Minh Hoa / Tuoi Tre At the same time, a collision between car and a truck carrying medical chemicals happened at the nearby intersection of Tran Hung Dao, Le Loi, Ham Nghi, and Le Lai Streets, trapping four people inside the vehicles. A fuel leak from the truck caused a blaze. Ho Chi Minh City police officers detached firefighters and rescuers to the scene. The city also received support from firefighting units in neighboring Binh Duong and Dong Nai Provinces. The fire drill took place safely as planned within two hours. Passengers on a metro train get into a state of panic in the hypothetical scenario for a fire drill at the Ben Thanh metro station, the central station for Ho Chi Minh City's inaugural metro line project in District 1, December 23, 2023. Photo: Supplied Lieutenant General Le Hong Nam, director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Public Security, said the Ben Thanh metro station has a total floor area of some 22,000 square meters. The station with four stories and six entrances is built underground at a depth of about 32 meters. The facility is one of three subterranean stations set to serve the Ben Thanh-Suoi Tien metro route, which runs 19.7 kilometers from Ben Thanh Market in District 1 to Suoi Tien Theme Park in Thu Duc City, including 2.6 kilometers of underground railways and 17.1 kilometers of elevated railways. Carrying an estimated price tag of VND43.7 trillion (US$1.8 billion), the route is now over 96 percent complete and will be put into commercial operation in July 2024, according to the Ho Chi Minh City Management Authority for Urban Railways, the project investor. Rescuers save people trapped on a metro train in the hypothetical scenario for a fire drill at the Ben Thanh metro station, the central station for Ho Chi Minh City's inaugural metro line project in District 1, December 23, 2023. Photo: Supplied The High Command of Guard Police under Vietnam's Ministry of Public Security was also mobilized to take high-ranking leaders in nearby buildings to safe places in the hypothetical scenario for a fire drill at the Ben Thanh metro station, the central station for Ho Chi Minh City's inaugural metro line project in District 1, December 23, 2023. Photo: Minh Hoa / Tuoi Tre The municipal firefighting and rescue police send a smoke exhaust fire truck to the scenen in the hypothetical scenario for a fire drill at the Ben Thanh metro station, the central station for Ho Chi Minh City's inaugural metro line project in District 1, December 23, 2023. Photo: Minh Hoa / Tuoi Tre A double-headed fire truck was also used in the fire drill at the Ben Thanh metro station, the central station for Ho Chi Minh City's inaugural metro line project in District 1, December 23, 2023. Photo: Minh Hoa / Tuoi Tre Rescuers carry injured victims out of the underground station in the hypothetical scenario for a fire drill at the Ben Thanh metro station, the central station for Ho Chi Minh City's inaugural metro line project in District 1, December 23, 2023. Photo: Phuong Nhi / Tuoi Tre A firefighter helps a customer of a hotel near a metro station reach the ground in the hypothetical scenario for a fire drill at the Ben Thanh metro station, the central station for Ho Chi Minh City's inaugural metro line project in District 1, December 23, 2023. Photo: Minh Hoa / Tuoi Tre Firefighters use a ladder truck to save people in the hypothetical scenario for a fire drill at the Ben Thanh metro station, the central station for Ho Chi Minh City's inaugural metro line project in District 1, December 23, 2023. Photo: Minh Hoa / Tuoi Tre Firefighters save victims in a collision of three vehicles in the hypothetical scenario for a fire drill at the Ben Thanh metro station, the central station for Ho Chi Minh City's inaugural metro line project in District 1, December 23, 2023. Photo: Minh Hoa / Tuoi Tre Cars burst into flames in the hypothetical scenario for a fire drill at the Ben Thanh metro station, the central station for Ho Chi Minh City's inaugural metro line project in District 1, December 23, 2023. Photo: Minh Hoa / Tuoi Tre Firefighting robots were mobilized for the fire drill at the Ben Thanh metro station, the central station for Ho Chi Minh City's inaugural metro line project in District 1, December 23, 2023. Photo: Minh Hoa / Tuoi Tre Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Giang Jill Nguyen packs sourdough for customers at home in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 5. Shuran Huang/Special to the Chronicle WASHINGTON Patrick McHenry was doing what he normally would on a Tuesday evening after work: bringing his two daughters to pick up their favorite sourdough bread. The girls argued over who would get to be the first to hold the bread as they waited outside a townhouse on a quiet street in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington, D.C. They were waiting for Giang Jill Nguyen, known to her customers as Capitol Jill. The trio had already ripped into the bag by the time they returned to their car. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Giang Jill Nguyen takes out a freshly made chocolate cranberry sourdough loaf at her home in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 5. Shuran Huang/Special to the Chronicle McHenrys family is among Nguyens most loyal customers. Nguyen even knows when his mother-in-law is in town because their order will include her favorite loaf. For most of that time, Nguyen thought of him as another regular. Then she found out that he was a House lawmaker from North Carolina and chairman of the powerful Financial Services committee. Nguyens sourdough is a rare point of bipartisan agreement on Capitol Hill: Her customer list includes White House staff, members of Congress and lobbyists. In an era where were all online shopping and sometimes experiences can feel a little less personal, buying bread from Nguyen feels intimate, said Tori Taylor, one of Nguyens regulars whose day job is leading political outreach for President Joe Biden. Not only are you getting this cool treat and something that youre gonna be able to share with loved ones but you also feel like youre building a relationship with the person thats making it. Nguyen makes a variety of treats in addition to the sourdough theres focaccia, cinnamon rolls, bomboloni (an Italian filled doughnut), cookies, biscuits and the list is constantly getting longer. Everything has the telltale tanginess of her sourdough starter, named Scarlett Doughhanson. Shes also known for her unique flavors, some of which are inspired by her background. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Giang Jill Nguyen delivers packed sourdough to her customers at her home in Washington, D.C. on Dec. 5. Shuran Huang/Special to the Chronicle Nguyen immigrated by herself from Vietnam in 2008 for high school. I dont think of myself strictly only making Asian-style things. I do put Asian ingredients in a very familiar format. I make a lot of yuzu curds or I make milk bun with black sesame, ginger, coconut, she said. Nguyen is always adjusting her recipes to improve them feeling for the familiar fresh marshmallow and Styrofoam texture of a properly proofed dough, increasing the number of chocolate chips in her chocolate cranberry loaf for proper distribution or changing the number of times she sprays the bread with water before it goes in for its bake. In July, she decided to teach herself how to bake cakes. By December, she was fully booked with custom cake orders and had to turn down five requests. Her unique flavors and the quality of her goods have given her a cultlike following among some of the most influential people working in politics. Food is a natural part of how Washington does business Advertisement Article continues below this ad Nguyens setup couldnt be further from the buttoned-up halls of Congress. Customers who knock on the door of Nguyens unassuming home are welcomed by her cat, Walter, sitting in a chair in the living room. During one pickup when Walter was a kitten, Nguyen met customers while wearing him in a baby wrap. They know her husband, Micah Spangler, and her dog Suzy, and comment on changes to the houses decorations. Giang Jill Nguyen stands on her porch on Oct. 7, 2022, wearing her cat Walter in a baby carrier. Shira Stein/The Chronicle Despite the casual atmosphere, though, theres an element of cutthroat competition to securing her goods. McHenrys wife, Giulia, discovered Capitol Jill Baking first, he said. Since then, she has been completely systematic about getting bread because theres a very, very as you know a very narrow window when Jill posts and when shes sold out. I mean it goes in minutes. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Nguyens bakery is classic in the D.C. way that Jill only has her kitchen. So theres always a limited amount, Margaret Dougherty, a senior staff member for the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said. Theres a little bit of a competition in making sure that you can grab something when the ordering goes live. Nguyens fans spread the word about her baked goods in rooms across Washington. McHenry said hes told Reps. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., and Guy Reschenthaler, R-Pa., about Nguyen but they havent been able to pull the trigger fast enough to get one of the coveted loaves. Giang Jill Nguyen packs sourdough orders for customers at her home in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 5. Shuran Huang/Special to the Chronicle During the chaotic three-week period in October when McHenry served as temporary speaker of the House following the ousting of then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy, McHenrys wife would be the one to pick up their bread. But McHenry did swing by late one night on my way home with the security detail to pick up bread which, for her little street, had to be a little bit of a rumble, he said. Its not surprising that so many of Nguyens customers work in politics, Bob Scher, former assistant secretary of defense during the Obama administration, said. Food is a natural part of how Washington does business, Scher said. Anytime youre involved in government work that deals especially with foreign policy or other things, you have many a meal together with your counterparts. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Food is a calming agent and it takes what feels high stakes and makes people more comfortable, opens them up. And thats a special thing, McHenry said. Giang Jill Nguyen rolls a sourdough loaf in a bowl of sesame seeds to make her honey sesame spelt sourdough at her home in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 5. Shuran Huang/Special to the Chronicle McHenry was one of the two Republicans negotiating with the White House to reach a deal to prevent the U.S. government from defaulting on its debts in the spring. After the first meeting, McCarthy found out his team hadnt been fed and said he wouldnt allow that to happen again, McHenry said. If we had a breakfast meeting, we had breakfast. And most of these meetings went long, so we would have lunch, wed have dinner, McHenry said. I had more meals during that period of time with the White House negotiating team than with my family. And it helped. Meals and receptions provide a less fraught environment frequently to talk about things. They are necessarily a little more casual. Its sort of seen as off the clock time, if that exists in Washington, Scher said. A baking sabbatical that became a business Nguyen had very little experience baking before the pandemic hit. She was feeling restless working from home and spending her free evenings making complicated foods like baked Alaska and beef Wellington. In April, her husband challenged her to make bread. At first, we would go on walks or bikes all over the city with a backpack full of bread and just throw it to friends from the sidewalk. Nguyen said. Then she started to sell it by posting in a local Facebook group. That first Sunday, she made and sold 19 loaves. The couple bought a home in the Capitol Hill neighborhood shortly thereafter, and she brought her burgeoning business with her. She used their existing equipment two stand mixers and one oven and kept baking as a side hustle. Later, she used some of her profits to buy a second refrigerator. Giang Jill Nguyen packs sourdough orders for customers at her home in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 5. Shuran Huang/Special to the Chronicle Nguyen kept working her tech industry job during those first two years. Her plan had been to stay there and continue baking during other hours, but eventually she didnt feel like there was a place for me there anymore. She decided to quit in March 2022 and take what she called a baking sabbatical for three months. I kept giving myself three more months, three more months. And then by Christmas of that year, nine months in, I was telling Micah, Ill reevaluate after Christmas, for real this time, she said. He told me right away, Stop saying that, nothing will change. You love baking, people love your baking. Youre making money. Our lifestyle hasnt changed, so dont feel like you have to reevaluate. Theres nothing to reevaluate, she said. Nobody thought I would ever go back to an office job except for me. Scher thinks Nguyen has been so successful because her bread is great and she has a compelling story. The fact that Jill said, If I wasnt doing what I was doing, Id be baking, and decided to actually do it is a great story that everybody can get behind and many people secretly wish they could do, too. Nguyens first time selling cake to customers was the same day that Florida Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz introduced a motion to remove McCarthy from his position. Giang Jill Nguyen makes sourdough at her home in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 5. Shuran Huang/Special to the Chronicle She wasnt sure if people would even want to buy cake, so Nguyen made 12 slices. And then within a minute, it was gone, she said. One person had bought seven slices for her co-workers the staff of a House Democrat. Nguyens bread has been weaved into our lives and in the most emotionally wrought times weve made it a priority to still feed ourselves well with the best bread around, McHenry said. Read what is in the news in Vietnam today: Society -- Ho Chi Minh City needs about VND231 trillion (US$9.5 billion) to develop 59 key traffic infrastructure projects in 2024-30, excluding metro lines, with 67.8 percent of the capital sourced from the citys budget, according to the municipal Department of Transports statement submitted to the municipal government. -- A fire drill took place on Saturday morning at the Ben Thanh metro station, the central station for Ho Chi Minh City's inaugural metro line project in District 1. The exercise involved the mobilization of nearly 5,000 people and 205 vehicles. -- The administration in Thu Duc City, under Ho Chi Minh City, on Saturday opened a revitalized Saigon River bank section from the Ba Son Bridge to the Saigon River Tunnel, with a highlight being a sunflower field. -- Rescuers on Saturday found the body of a 47-year-old worker who was earlier reported missing in the wake of an accident at a coal mine in Quang Ninh Province, northern Vietnam on Thursday evening. The accident left two dead and five others injured. Business -- On Saturday, the administration in Binh Dinh Province, located in south-central Vietnam, issued investment approval decisions and certificates to 22 projects. These projects collectively represent a committed investment exceeding VND12.7 trillion ($521.8 million). -- The Department of Planning and Investment of Quang Tri Province in north-central Vietnam is consulting ministries and agencies over a Singaporean firms proposal to acquire a 100-percent stake in two local companies which are operating a total of five wind power projects in the province, according to a source of Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper. Lifestyle -- More than 100 kite surfers from 18 countries across the world are gathering in Ninh Thuan Province in south-central Vietnam to participate in the Open Ninh Thuan - Binh Thuan Kitesurfing Tournament 2023, which takes place on Saturday and Sunday. World News -- Chinese regulators announced on Friday a wide range of rules aimed at curbing spending and rewards that encourage video games, dealing a blow to the world's biggest games market, which returned to growth this year, according to Reuters. -- An earthquake of magnitude 6.3 struck Taiwan early on Sunday, Reuters reported, citing the GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The Ministry of Transport joined hands with the authorities of Tien Giang and Vinh Long Provinces in Vietnam's Mekong Delta region to organize inauguration ceremonies for My Thuan 2 Bridge and My Thuan-Can Tho Expressway on Sunday. The two key traffic infrastructure projects, part of the big-ticket Eastern North-South Expressway project, will officially be opened to traffic at 7:00 am on Monday. Located 350 meters upstream of the existing My Thuan 1 Bridge, the new bridge over the Tien (Front) River links the two provinces, starting from an intersection with Trung Luong-My Thuan Expressway in Tien Giang and ending at an intersection with My Thuan - Can Tho Expressway in Vinh Long. The project, comprising both the bridge and its associated approach roads, covers a total distance of 6.61 kilometers and comes with a cost exceeding VND5 trillion (US$205.4 million). The bridge alone is 1.9 kilometers long, and has six lanes and a designed speed of 80 kilometers per hour. The cable-stayed bridge project, with a 650-meter-long main span, got off the ground in August 2020. Meanwhile, work on the My Thuan-Can Tho Expressway project started in January 2021, with a total investment of over VND4.8 trillion ($198.3 million). The expressway starts from My Thuan 2 Bridge, connects with Trung Luong-My Thuan Expressway, and ends at an intersection with the existent National Highway 1 in Binh Minh Town, Vinh Long Province. The 23-kilometer-long My Thuan-Can Tho Expressway runs across Vinh Long and Dong Thap Provinces. The newly-inaugurated expressway features four lanes and allows a speed limit of 90 kilometers per hour. The expressway, together with Ho Chi Minh City-Trung Luong Expressway, Trung Luong-My Thuan Expressway, and My Thuan 2 Bridge, is expected to ease the traffic burden on National Highway 1, while shortening the time to travel between Ho Chi Minh City and Can Tho City by nearly two hours. My Thuan 2 Bridge (L), 350 meters from the existing My Thuan 1 Bridge, connects Tien Giang and Vinh Long Provinces in Vietnam's Mekong Delta region. Photo: Mau Truong / Tuoi Tre Addressing the inauguration ceremony for the two projects, Lu Quang Ngoi, chairman of the Vinh Long Peoples Committee, underlined the significance of My Thuan 2 Bridge and My Thuan-Can Tho Expressway for the regions socio-economic growth. Both projects played a crucial role in enhancing the traffic infrastructure network and bolstering the logistics system in the region. The two traffic projects will help the province boost its economic development and attract more investors, Ngoi said. Besides, Tuyen Quang-Phu Tho Expressway, which links the two northern provinces of Tuyen Quang and Phu Tho, as part of the Western North-South Expressway, was inaugurated on the same day. The opening of My Thuan-Can Tho Expressway and Tuyen Quang-Phu Tho Expressway helped raise the total length of expressways nationwide to 1,900 kilometers, said Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. The country is set to develop some 3,000 kilometers of expressways by 2025. Regarding the My Thuan 2 Bridge, PM Chinh emphasized that the project was entirely designed, constructed, and supervised by Vietnamese entities. He emphasized that the country possesses several robust contractors with advanced technology capabilities, well-equipped to undertake the construction of cable-stayed bridges like My Thuan 2 Bridge. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The maiden double-decker water bus started operating along the Saigon River in Ho Chi Minh City on Saturday, captivating both tourists and dwellers. The double-decker boat service is the latest tourism product of the city to bring a thrilling river cruise to visitors. Late on Saturday afternoon, residents of Ho Chi Minh City were wowed by the appearance of a double-decker boat floating down the Saigon River. The boat, named Saigon WaterGo, stands out for its distinctive and appealing design, featuring an open, roofless upper section that allows passengers to enjoy panoramic views of the southern metropolis. Passengers feel excited to see the picturesque Saigon River while being seated on an open-top double-decker boat. Photo: Phuong Nhi / Tuoi Tre As one of the first passengers aboard the open-top double-decker water bus, Tran Thi Phuong Thao, a resident of Binh Thanh District, said that the river cruise was so exhilarating. This is my first time to admire the entire city at sunset on such an open-top boat, Thao said. Nguyen Kim Toan, director of Daily Company, which manages water buses and double-decker boats, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that the concept for the double-decker boat service was inspired by the desire to provide residents and visitors with an opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Saigon River. The introduction of the open-top double-decker boat service coincided with ongoing beautification efforts along both banks of the river. The aim is to bring residents and tourists closer to the waterway, fostering a deeper appreciation for both the river and the city. Passengers photograph the entire city at sunset and take selfies from an open-top double-decker boat floating down the Saigon River. Photo: Phuong Nhi / Tuoi Tre Tran Thi Phuong Thao poses for a photo on an open-top double-decker boat on the Saigon River in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Phuong Nhi / Tuoi Tre An open-top double-decker boat runs along the Saigon River in Ho Chi Minh City at night. Photo: Phuong Nhi / Tuoi Tre Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Two Vietnamese photographers, Chim Oanh and Dang Hoai Anh, have claimed the first and third prizes at the 2023 Chromatic Photography Awards, an international competition of color photography open to both professionals and amateurs worldwide. At the awards ceremony held recently, Chim Oanh was honored with the first prize for the work Tren song Nhu Y (On The Nhu Y River), which features fishers pulling nets to catch fish on the Nhu Y River in Hue City, central Vietnam. Her colleague Dang Hoai Anh earned the third prize for his photo Chang vang (Twilight), with the description twilight in the cold fog, workers picking tea early in the morning. Both the winning photos were in the category of People in the professional section of the competition. All photos in the annual contest were classified into 20 different categories, which were then divided into the professional and amateur sections, including abstract, architecture, cityscapes, conceptual, culture, environmental, fashion and beauty, fine art, landscapes, nature, nudes, people, photojournalism, photomanipulation, and others, according to the contest organizer, Chromatic Awards. The winners of the first, second, and third prizes for each category in both the professional and amateur sections were given the winner badges and certificates, while their winning works will be exhibited in the Gallery of Winners and the Official Book of Chromatic Awards. In addition, there were two grand prizes each of which was given to the work Memoire Habillee by French photographer duo Pierre Larose and Florent Darthout in the professional section, and to the photo Playground by artist Sebastian Piorek from Poland in the amateur section. With such prizes, the two French photographers co-earned the title Chromatic Photographer of The Year 2023, while the Polish artist bagged the title Chromatic Discovery of The Year 2023. Besides, cash awards of US$2,000 and $1,000 were given to the two title winners, respectively. The yearly event is aimed at providing artists the opportunity to share their passion and stories through their photographs, promoting the world's top photographers, and discovering new, emerging talents, the organizer said. The photograph Memoire Habillee, for which Pierre et Florent from France claimed the Grand Prize and the title Chromatic Photographer of the Year 2023 in the professional section at the 2023 Chromatic Photography Awards The work Twilight, for which Vietnamese professional photographer Dang Hoai Anh won the third prize in the category of People at the 2023 Chromatic Photography Awards The work Playground, for which Sebastian Piorek from Poland earned the grand prize and the title Chromatic Discovery of The Year 2023 in the amateur section at the 2023 Chromatic Photography Awards Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Sulawesi is a hub for the production of nickel in Indonesia (AFP via Getty Images) At least 13 people have died and 46 were left injured after an explosion at a Chinese-funded nickel processing plant in Indonesia. Local authorities confirmed that the accident happened at around 5.30am local time on Saturday in the Morowali Industrial Park on the island of Sulawesi. The fire was extinguished just after 9.30am. The island is a hub for the countrys production of nickel, a base metal used to make electric vehicle batteries and stainless steel. A total of 13 people died, including nine Indonesian workers and four workers from China, a spokesperson for Morowali said. The furnace was shut off the day before to prepare for maintenance, they said, but during the maintenance process excess iron slag flowed from the furnace. The furnace walls then collapsed and the remaining iron slag flowed out, causing a fire and resulting in some workers at the location suffering injuries and even fatalities, spokesperson Dedy Kurniawan said in the statement. He added: We sincerely apologise for this incident and we are working closely with authorities to investigate what caused the accident. Local police chief Agus Nugroho said the blast was so powerful it demolished the furnace and damaged parts of the side walls of the building. It was the latest in a series of deadly incidents at nickel smelting plants in Indonesia that are part of China's ambitious transnational development program, known as the Belt and Road Initiative. In January, two workers were killed at a nickel smelting plant in the same industrial park after a riot broke out in protest over safety conditions. Data collected by the Mining Advocacy Network, an Indonesian watchdog, showed that at least 22 workers from China and Indonesia have died in nickel smelting plants in Central Sulawesi province since 2019, including two Chinese nationals who committed suicide. HCM CITY Cross-border e-commerce is booming in many countries and helps companies expand to other markets, a workshop heard in HCM City late last week. Speaking at Cross-border e-commerce: Global expansion opportunities for Vietnamese businesses, Nguyen Nguyen Phuong, deputy director of the city Department of Industry and Trade, said while many businesses have faced difficulties amid the current hard times, some still achieved growth thanks to their innovations and utilisation of e-commerce channels to promote sales of their products in the domestic and overseas market. Pham Trang ai, senior account manager at Amazon Global Selling Vietnam, said e-commerce has grown steadily and rapidly in the country. With an annual growth rate of 20 per cent, Viet Nam is in fact among the five fastest growing e-commerce markets in the world, she said. Many Vietnamese companies are ready for online exports to take their products to the world, she said. Vietnamese selling partners on Amazon achieved solid results during the 12-month period ending August 31, 2023, selling 17 million products to Amazon customers worldwide, she said. Their value was up 50 per cent, and with thousands of Vietnamese enterprises seizing global expansion opportunities, the number of sellers rose by an impressive 40 per cent, she said. The bestsellers were houseware, kitchen utensils, health and personal care products, apparel, and beauty items, she said. Prominent Vietnamese firms such as Minh Long, Sunhouse, Lafooco, Thiep 3D, and Equo have successfully exported their products via Amazon, she added. Emphasizing its commitment to supporting Viet Nams online export growth, Amazon Global Selling Vietnam outlined strategic priorities for 2024. They include enhancing cross-border e-commerce readiness, accelerating local supply chain integration and elevating Vietnamese selling partner competencies and successes. Phuong highlighted the untapped potential of e-commerce, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises and local manufacturing establishments. The workshop took place as part of the 2023 Supply-Demand Connection conference at the Phu Tho Gymnasium in District 11 from December 21 to 24. In addition to this workshop, the department also collaborated with Tiki and Alibaba to organise two others, Solutions to increase sales and business opportunities on Tiki e-commerce platform and "Promoting the export of Vietnamese products through the e-commerce platform Alibaba.com on December 22. Delegates expected these workshops to help firms understand market trends, encourage investment in e-commerce platforms and boost product promotion, brand awareness and customer outreach. VNS Reps. Barbara Lee, Adam Schiff and Katie Porter are Democratic House members running for the Senate seat held for decades by Dianne Feinstein. Gabrielle Lurie/Russell Yip / Scott Strazzante / The Chronicle There is no shortage of politician-written memoirs. There is, however, a shortage of good ones. Ask Rep. Katie Porter, who published one earlier this year shortly before announcing her Senate campaign. The Irvine Democrat told me she had trouble finding a good political memoir to emulate when she was putting hers together. Advertisement Article continues below this ad I finally gave up, Porter said. Then she dug into former Minnesota Sen. (and founding Saturday Night Live writer) Al Frankens 2017 Al Franken: Giant of the Senate. She appreciated that, unlike most memoirs, one thing that he does try to do is be much more honest. I think this is something that Im very frank about, Porter said about writing her I Swear: Politics Is Messier Than My Minivan. I dont pretend that its all roses. Most people see through that. They just want to know, What is Congress really like? Because most people dont think Congress works very well and one of the things they want to know is, why? Like Porter, I have read too many political memoirs, as one of the perks of this gig. Typically, theyre self-aggrandizing (because politicians wrote them), scrubbed of anything that makes the author look even remotely bad (see above) and devoid of anything resembling authentic self-reflection (occupational hazard). But thats not to say that they arent entertaining. And, yes, some do offer some personal revelations and share vulnerabilities. Advertisement Article continues below this ad And that brings us to the books written by the leading Democrats in Californias Senate race. They are as different as the candidates in the race. Porters memoir is full of self-deprecating humor about growing up on a farm in Iowa, single-parenting three children and life as a Washington newcomer. She also gets real about more serious experiences, including domestic violence. Rep. Adam Schiffs 2021 Midnight in Washington: How We Almost Lost Our Democracy and Still Could, is more specifically tethered to the Donald Trump impeachment trial, and is therefore lighter on the laughs and biographical points, though it does include backstage moments during the era when he became a national counterpoint to Trump. (We discussed the book extensively on my Its All Political podcast.) Rep. Barbara Lee wrote Renegade for Peace and Justice: Congresswoman Barbara Lee Speaks for Me in 2008. It is a somber mix of biographical material about her experiences growing up in Texas and California. It includes descriptions of her traveling to Mexico as a teenager to have an abortion and her history as a survivor of domestic violence. It gets insidery, too, as she explores the background behind her historic 2001 vote to oppose giving the president virtually unlimited power to wage war. (We also discussed her book and a documentary about her on my podcast.) Nearly one-third of voters remain undecided in the Senate primary, according to polls. Ballots will start being cast in early February for the March 5 primary. Some of you undecided voters may be thinking that reading their memoirs will help you settle on a favorite. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Before you do, you can test your knowledge of the candidates with this quiz based on some of the tidbits gleaned from their books: 1. Match the candidate to the inspirational quote in the beginning of their book: A. For truth is truth/To the end of reckoning. William Shakespeare, Measure for Measure B. Never think that you are alone when you are alone because God is with you. We are very proud of you. It makes us feel good that you are a Congressional Member. Rosa Parks C. No opening quote Advertisement Article continues below this ad 2. Celebrity name-check: Name the candidate who thanked U2 frontman Bono in their opening acknowledgements. 3. The therapy meter is running: Name the candidate whose father told them during a career talk after college: You say that you are interested in politics; that just makes me nauseous. 4. Childhood feelings run deep: Name the candidate who wrote that I always remember feeling very self-conscious about my appearance and I lacked self-esteem. 5. Early family bonding memories: Which candidates younger siblings stole their first bra and waved it around while describing themselves as members of what they called the My First Bra club? 6. The therapy meter is running, Part 2: When this candidate told their mother they were running for Congress, she asked me why I was running for the House instead of the Senate. Which candidate wrote that? Advertisement Article continues below this ad 7. Unusual Jan. 6 recollections, Part 1: Which candidate loaned Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez one of their staffers running shoes in case she had to flee the Capitol during the Jan. 6 coup attempt? 8. Unusual Jan. 6 recollections, Part 2: After seeing a Republican House member brandishing a wooden post with a hand sanitizer dispenser attached like a club as they were escorted out of the chamber during the insurrection, which candidate quipped to their GOP counterpart, Its not always like this? 9. I was so nerdy in high school that : Which candidate listened to recordings of John and Robert Kennedy, Winston Churchill and or Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during high school? 10. I was so nerdy in elementary school that : Which candidate did more than 100 4-H projects as a child, including ones involving quilting, basket-weaving and woodworking? 11. Calling out your fellow Democrats, Part 1: Name the candidate who was incensed after their exhausting first few weeks in office when an unnamed fellow California Democrat told them, My job is to be Vote 217. Your job is to be Vote 218. Vote with the Democrats. Get re-elected. Thats your job. 12. Calling out your fellow Democrats, Part 2: Which candidate said it was hurtful when former Assembly Member Audie Bock congratulated them after a controversial vote, then switched gears and briefly ran against them on a campaign with the tagline Its OK to Love America? 13. Kids do the darnedest things, Part 1: Which candidates child stole a yard sign from a neighbor who was backing a rival House candidate? 14. Kids do the darnedest things, Part 2: Name the candidate who told their teenage son that the president had called them sleazy. When the son asked if he, too, could call the candidate sleazy, this candidate said, Not unless you want me to call you Sleazy Jr. 15. Sorry, I thought you were the help: Which candidate said that while they were leaving a fundraiser together, then-fellow Democratic House member Harley Rouda asked them, Could you have my car brought around, too? confusing them for the parking valet. AN GIANG Saigon Co-op on December 23 opened a new Co.opmart supermarket in An Giang Provinces Cho Moi District, its fifth store in the province and 129th in the country. It cost more than VN100 billion (US$4.1 million) to set up, has an area of 3,000sq.m, and sells more than 30,000 items, including fresh and processed foods, cosmetics, clothes and household utensils. Nguyen Ngoc Thang, Saigon Co.ops marketing director and Co.opmarts operations director, said Co.opmart is a long-standing Vietnamese supermarket brand, and is a popular shopping destination among consumers, especially in big cities. Saigon Co.op accelerates expansion of Co.opmart chain to rural districts, bringing Vietnamese high-quality products and price-stabilised goods to serve consumers here, while contributing to the local economy. Like other Co.opmart supermarkets in An Giang, Co.opmart Cho Moi has a separate area for local OCOP products such as Chau oc fermented fish, young green rice, products made from rattan, Palmyra palm products, and others. The supermarket also offers online shopping via Facebook and Zalo. At the opening ceremony, the store donated VN50 million to the district Viet Nam Fatherland Front Committee. It is offering inaugural discounts of up to 50 per cent on over 5,000 products, and customers with bills worth over VN300,000 can take part in a lucky draw with prizes valued a total of VN100 million like Honda Vision scooter, Panasonic fridge, and Samsung smart TV 4K 50. VNS HAI PHONG The fourth event as part of the "Ha Noi Agriculture Fair 2023" is taking place from 21 to 24 December 2023, at AEON MALL Hai Phong Le Chan. The primary objective of this event is to bolster businesses by facilitating the introduction and promotion of consumer connections, exploring potential cooperation opportunities, and expanding market reach. It seeks to tap into the modern retail distribution network of the AEON Group, promoting outlets for agricultural products, processed foods, OCOP-certified products, handicrafts, and exemplary traditional villages from Ha Noi and other provinces and cities. Additionally, the fair aims to disseminate and promote safe agricultural products from Ha Noi to provinces, cities, and businesses across the country. It aims to enhance consumer awareness in choosing clean and safe agricultural products, providing access to reliable information about safe agricultural products. This fair showcases nearly 1,000 agricultural products, processed foods, OCOP (One commune One product) certified products ranging from 3 to 5 stars, handicrafts, and traditional exemplary villages with export potential. Products include items such as lingzhi mushrooms, various teas, dairy products, bird's nests, vermicelli, noodles, coffee, spices, dried goods, beef sausage, agarwood, honey, and more. All participating products must meet quality standards, have clear origins, and come with complete packaging and labelling. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr. Bui Duy Quang, Deputy Director of HPA, emphasised the continuity of the success of three previous fairs at AEON MALLs in Ha Noi. The fair contributes significantly to the development of the cooperative relationship between Ha Noi City and AEON Corporation, as well as between Viet Nam and Japan. As the organiser, HPA carefully selected representative products and specialities from the regions, showcasing the strengths of Ha Noi and other provinces and cities to potential partners and visitors. The organisers prioritise products with export potential, OCOP products rated 4 to 5 stars, equipped with QR codes for source tracking, and having beautiful and well-labelled packaging. Every booth must be neatly arranged, and products must be clearly labelled, packaged, and priced transparently. Ha Noi Despite the severe cold in the capital, a hundred art lovers have flocked to the centre of Ha Noi to enjoy the new painting exhibition by painter Thuy Huong, entitled 'Journey to Live & Love...', which will continue until the last day of 2023 at 16 Ngo Quyen Street. The exhibition aims to present viewers with beautiful landscapes and an insight into how locals live and love. It also seeks to welcome the approaching New Year 2024, said Huong. Painter Truong Linh, speaking at the opening ceremony of the exhibition, commented that Huong's paintings are rich in emotion and possess a surreal sense of humour, as well as a diversity of topics, creating lively and beautiful works that have garnered great interest and impressions from art lovers. Ngo Thu Hang, an art enthusiast from Ha Nois Hai Ba Trung District, expressed her admiration for all of Huongs paintings. They bring new looks and a bright future to people, she said. She noted her favourites among the 18 new paintings on display at the art house: the traditional lacquer painting 'White Lotuses (Giai Nhan - Quan Tu)' measuring 100cm by 80cm; 'Forever Green (Mai Xanh Tuoi)' measuring 150cm by 90cm; 'Vietnamese Bamboos (Tre Viet)' measuring 50cm by 70cm; 'Red River Cheers (Song Hong Reo)' measuring 210cm by 130cm; and 'Revival (Hoi Sinh)' measuring 140cm by 90cm. Painter Huong stated that her significant responsibility to the local community involves engaging in charity work to aid disadvantaged individuals. She has allocated a substantial amount of the proceeds from her sold paintings towards assisting hemodialysis patients, mothers of martyrs, and pupils experiencing difficulties. This year, she donated 1.3 tonnes of sticky rice to the hemodialysis patients residing in what is locally known as xom chay than (hamlet of hemodialysis) near Bach Mai Hospital. "Every year, painter Huong donates things to us at the hamlet. We all are very thankful to her for her kindness and love towards disadvantaged patients like us," said Mai Anh Tuan, who is referred to as the head of the hamlet. Tuan has been undergoing hemodialysis for nearly 30 years. Artist and teacher Nguyen Thi Thuy Huong, born in 1977 in the midland province of Vinh Phuc, is a graduate of the University of Fine Arts. She previously taught at the Department of Fine Arts Pedagogy at the Ha Noi College of Arts and currently lives and works in Ha Noi. Huong has been passionate about painting since she was a young girl and has devoted her time, enthusiasm, and passion to both education and painting. Creating paintings, for her, is a way to convey her message of love for life. Her works include depictions of the Red River, Long Bien Bridge, lotus ponds, banana bushes with withered leaves, among others. The 9-day exhibition, located at 16 Ngo Quyen Street in Hoan Kiem District of Ha Noi, will conclude on December 31. VNS HA NOI His Holiness Pope Francis has appointed Archbishop Marek Zalewski as the permanent Vatican representative in Viet Nam. The decision was announced on Saturday evening (Viet Nams time). Archbishop Marek Zalewski was born on February 2, 1963 in Augustow, in the omza diocese, Poland. He studied philosophy at the Major Seminary of omza (1983 - 1985) and Theology at the Major Seminary of Florence, Italy (1985 - 1989). On May 27, 1989, he was ordained a priest at the Cathedral of St Michael the Archangel in omza. From 1989-1991, he was assistant priest of St. Mary Parish of the Archdiocese of Florence. After that, the Archbishop studied at the Pontifical Gregoriana University and graduated with a doctorate in Canon Law in 1995. He also attended language courses of the Holy See Diplomatic School. In July 1995, Archbishop Marek Zalewski began participating in the diplomatic service of the Holy See and went through many missions such as Holy See nunciature in the Central African Republic (1995-1998), diplomatic mission to the United Nations in New York (1998-2001) and Apostolic Nunciature in England (2001 - 2004). Pope Francis on March 25, 2014, appointed him titular Archbishop of Africa (now Tunisia) and apostolic nuncio to Zimbabwe. In 2018, the Archbishop was appointed as Apostolic Nuncio to Singapore concurrently holding the position of the Holy See's non-resident Special Envoy to Viet Nam. During his time as non-resident Special Envoy to Viet Nam, in coordination with Vietnamese authorities, Zalewski visited and carried out pastoral activities in most dioceses of the Catholic Church in Viet Nam and met with representatives of ministries, branches and local authorities throughout the country. On the same day, Archbishop Joseph Nguyen Nang, President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Viet Nam, sent a letter to the Catholic community announcing the good news about Archbishop Marek Zalewski. Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong visited the Vatican July this year and the two sides agreed on the working regulations of the Holy Sees Resident Representative and office of the Holy Sees Resident Representative in Viet Nam. VNS HA NOI Red Sunday, a nationwide blood drive initiated by Tien Phong (Vanguard) newspaper, took place on Sunday at universities, companies and youth union chapters across the country. Lasting until March 2024 in 45 cities and provinces, the campaign is expected to receive 45,000 to 50,000 blood units for medical treatment as the Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday approaches. Speaking at the 16th annual Red Sunday event at Hanoi University of Science and Technology, deputy health minister Dr Tran Van Thuan expressed his appreciation towards blood donors and their advocacy for blood drives. I hope that Red Sunday, with its noble meaning, will continue to reach more people for the sustainable development of the blood donation movement," he said. On this occasion, the National Steering Committee for Voluntary Blood Donation and the Ministry of Health call for healthy people to join the blood drive, and particularly medical workers to be the pioneers in this blood donation movement." Le Xuan Son, Tien Phong editor-in-chief and head of the campaign organising committee said that the Red Sunday, which was started in Ha Noi, has now reached other northern localities, HCM City, Mekong Delta provinces, across the central region and the Central Highlands. Everywhere it goes, Red Sunday is a festival that fulfils its two missions: Mobilising as many blood units as possible to better respond to blood demands in medical treatment, especially during the Tet holiday; and spreading the spirit of voluntary blood donation, said Son. VNS HA NOI In 2024, Bac Giang plans to produce 160,050 tonnes of lychee (with domestic consumption accounting for 45 per cent and export accounting for 54 per cent). The northern province also expects to produce 30,500 tonnes of oranges (of which uong Canh orange will be 18,000 tonnes), and 40,500 tonnes of grapefruit (of which Dien grapefruit will be 22,800 tonnes). Additionally, Bac Giang is expected to produce 261,000 tonnes of livestock products (pigs, poultry, buffalo, cows and goats); 54,000 tonnes of fish; 554,700 tonnes of rice; 19,340 tonnes of peanuts; and 495,504 tonnes of vegetable crops. According to Deputy Director of Bac Giang Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Ba Thanh, the total consumption of lychee in Bac Giang province in 2023 surpassed 201,600 tonnes. Of which, early ripe lychee consumption was over 55,600 tonnes while main season lychee consumption was nearly 146,000 tonnes. Bac Giang lychee is consumed favourably in the domestic market and mainly exported as fresh fruit. The rest are processed products like canned lychees, dried lychees and frozen lychees. In 2023, the province exported nearly 111,200 tonnes of lychees, which were mainly prioritised for going through the green channel with favourable customs clearance to the Chinese market (accounting for about 98 per cent of total exported lychees). The remainder was sent to over 30 other countries and territories, such as the United States, Japan, Korea, Australia, Europe, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar and some countries in the Middle East. Also in 2023, the entire Bac Giang province has a total area of 5,469 hectares under grapefruit, with an estimated output of 40,500 tonnes (Green Skin, ao, and Dien Binh grapefruit); 3,485 hectares of oranges, with an estimated yield of 35,000 tonnes (including Vinh uong Canh oranges). Bac Giang's oranges and grapefruits are mainly consumed in the domestic market, mostly in Ha Noi and neighbouring provinces. The area under vegetables in Bac Giang province in 2023 is approximately 26,204 hectares, producing an output of 469,098 tonnes. About 50 per cent of vegetables is consumed in the province (of which 10 per cent is supplied to the four fruit and vegetable processing facilities in the area). The remaining 50% of vegetables is supplied to such localities as Ha Noi, Hai Phong, and Quang Ninh. Bac Giang's supply capacity in the last months of this year is set to reach about 115,000 tonnes of vegetables of all kinds. To date, the amount of all types of meat produced in Bac Giang is estimated at 211,635 tonnes. Egg production is estimated at 200 million eggs. The province's livestock products are mainly sold to Ha Noi, Hai Phong, Quang Ninh, Hung Yen, Lang Son, Cao Bang, Bac Kan, ong Nai, Binh Phuoc, Hue, and a Nang (accounting for up to 80 per cent). The remaining 20 per cent of livestock products are for intra-provincial sale. In the last months of 2023, Bac Giang province is able to produce for the market a total of about 47,565 tonnes of meat of all types. VNS By Luong Thu Huong Historical landmarks nationwide are attracting multiple visitors who wish to pay tribute to the fallen heroes and learn about the nation's history ahead of the anniversary of the founding of the Vietnam Peoples Army (December 22, 1944). One such must-see destination is the Safety Zone in inh Hoa Commune in the northern province of Thai Nguyen. In the commune 76 years ago, the then President Ho Chi Minh, along with the Communist Party and the new government of independent Viet Nam, established the Safety Zone, or An Toan Khu (ATK) in Vietnamese, for housing the leadership of the war of resistance against the return of the French colonialists. Embarking on a journey to the historical relic sites within the zone, tourists are transported back in time, immersing themselves in a glimpse of the nation's history. The first impression upon setting foot in the former inh Hoa Safety Zone is the tranquillity and fresh atmosphere of a half-mountain half-plains area, where rolling hills and forests intertwine with crop fields, streams, and the peaceful villages of the Tay ethnic community. The Cho Chu Valley is embraced by towering mountain ranges, resembling steadfast fortresses. When President Ho arrived there on May 20, 1947, he recognised the advantages of the terrain for covert military operations. He said, With good people and a good political foundation, we can advance when it is feasible and retreat if necessary." When choosing Tin Keo Hill in Na Lom Village as the base, President Ho said, "Above, there are mountains; below, there are rivers. We have land to cultivate and open spaces to enjoy. The houses of government staff are spacious, clean, and well-protected, close to the local people but away from the main roads." As the hub of the Safety Zone for the offices of the central government and the Party Central Committee, ATK inh Hoa witnessed important decisions made by President Ho. These included strategic military campaigns such as the Viet Bac counteroffensive, Northeast and Northwest campaigns, the Border campaign, and approving the battle plan and initiating the historic ien Bien Phu campaign. The historical value of the ATK inh Hoa relic site was announced by the state as a Special National Historical Relic site in May 2012. According to Nguyen Khanh Ly, a tour guide at the site, after the National Resistance Day on December 19, 1946, inh Hoa District, along with ai Tu and Phu Luong districts (in Thai Nguyen Province), Cho on and Cho Moi districts (in Bac Kan), and Son Duong and Chiem Hoa districts (in Tuyen Quang), became the Central Safety Zone within the Viet Bac resistance base. Among these, inh Hoa was considered the 'capital city' of the resistance government. Twenty among hundreds of historical relic sites in the Safety Zone recognised as National Relics were closely associated with the images of President Ho and other high-ranking party and government leaders during the arduous resistance war years, such as Khau Ty Hill, Tin Keo Hill, and Khuon Tat Waterfalls. President Ho's first residence in the Safety Zone was located in Na Tra Hamlet, iem Mac Commune on Khau Ty Hill. He lived and worked here until mid-October 1947 and then moved to the foot of the Hong Mountain to continue leading the resistance to victory. "The scenic landscape of the area inspired President Ho to write his famous poem Canh Khuya. It describes a bright moonlit night in the Viet Bac resistance zone in the early years of the anti-French war, thereby expressing his love for nature, sensitive soul, deep patriotism and optimistic attitude," Ly said. "And it was also here that President Ho wrote the book Improving the Way of Working under the pen name X.Y.Z and signed a decision to designate July 27, 1947 as the national War Martyrs and Invalids Day." The remaining relic of the 'Presidential Residence' of President Ho with its immense historical significance was classified as a national historical relic site in 2006. The former Safety Zone enchants not only history enthusiasts but also nature lovers thanks to its pristine landscape and fresh atmosphere. Tourists could visit De Pass and Hong Mountain, which have become famous in poetry and history, or immerse themselves in the natural beauty of palm forests, tea hills, and especially, the magnificent seven-tier Khuon Tat Waterfalls. Tourism In recent years, local authorities have been actively building plans to preserve, restore, and enhance the significant historical value of the special national historical relic site in inh Hoa in association with tourism development. The former war zone has long been a historical relic site to educate young generations about patriotism, as well as a much-loved tourism destination. It is located on a tourism route that encompasses various provinces in the northeastern region of Viet Nam, such as Lang Son, Tuyen Quang, Cao Bang, and Bac Kan. The region offers diverse, rich, and unique experiences by combining historical tourism with ecological beauty, community-based activities, and ethnic cuisine. "The promotion of the historical relics and scenic landscapes in inh Hoa Commune is one of the key tasks of Thai Nguyen Province's tourism development project," said Le Ngoc Linh, deputy director of the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of the province. "We are focusing on upholding the meaning of our historical relics by integrating them with educational activities, in addition to developing community-based tourism to better serve tourists." VNS Since Catholicism was first introduced to Viet Nam in the early 16th century, many churches with unique architecture have been built throughout the country. According to the Viet Nam Catholic Church, there are over 5,400 churches across the country, and many magnificent new ones are being built or have been completed, attracting not only Christians but also tourists near and far. Prominent among the newly built cathedrals are Lang Van in the northern province of Ninh Binh, Tam Toa in the central province of Quang Binh and Song Vinh in the southern province of Ba Ria Vung Tau. Lang Van: the biggest cathedral Lang Van Cathedral, located in Gia Lap Commune, Gia Vien District, Ninh Binh, within the Phat Diem Diocese, has been under construction since 2014 and is almost complete. Nguyen Huu Rong, a local Catholic, told the Dan Viet newspaper: "Lang Van has around 3,800 Catholics. The cathedral, under construction since 2014 will be 40m wide, 94m long and have a 1,000sq.m basement. Its most notable structure is the bell tower, including the cross, measuring 110 metres high." "The main bell tower, with piles of up to 1.6-metre in diameter, penetrates multiple layers of soil down to the bedrock, reaching a depth of 40-50 metres. There are two additional towers with a height of up to 60 metres," he said. Once completed, the cathedral will accommodate about 5,000 people at a time. Beneath the main sanctuary, there is 15m-deep basement with a capacity of 700-800 guests, providing convenience for organising large social events. Established in 1885 under the title of uc Me Vo Nhiem (Immaculate Conception), Lang Van is a devoutly Catholic parish. The original Lang Van Cathedral, an ancient architectural structure, was built around 1933. It was designed with a seating capacity of 1,000, but couldn't accommodate all the parishioners, especially during extreme weather conditions. The new Lang Van Cathedral has therefore been constructed to meet the needs of worship and conduct the rituals of the Holy Mass of local Catholics. Tam Toa: cathedral of stone Located in Nam Ly Ward of ong Hoi City in the central province of Quang Binh, the recently inaugurated Tam Toa Cathedral not only serves as a place of worship for Catholics but also attracts many tourists due to its unique architecture, predominantly constructed with stone. The building began in April 2016 and finished after seven years, having a spacious campus covering an area of 2,000 square metres. One distinctive feature of Tam Toa Cathedral, which sets it apart from many other churches in Quang Binh, is its primary construction materials consisting of 1,000 blocks of granite and marble stone. The interior of the cathedral is designed in the Romanesque architectural style, which was prominent in medieval Europe. It has three spires, and inside, there are three bells imported from France, with a total weight of about one tonne. Currently, in addition to regular religious activities and worship services, the church also opens its doors to visitors who wish to explore and appreciate its beauty. About 3km away from the new church, there are relics of the first Tam Toa Church located in ong Hai Ward by the picturesque Nhat Le River. It was built in 1886 by priest Clause Bonin but was destroyed by US bombardment in 1964. Only the bell tower stands as the last remaining relic of war, and now it has become a tourist attraction in ong Hoi City. Song Vinh Cathedral Officially opening on December 12, 2022 after 11 years, one month, and one day of construction, Song Vinh Cathedral is a remarkable architectural landmark in the southern province of Ba Ria Vung Tau. The building, located on National Highway 51, attracts attention with its grand and elegant appearance. The majestic cathedral embodies the Gothic architectural style. The cathedral is built on a foundation of 82 metres long and 35 metres wide. The striking feature of its Gothic architectural style is the presence of two tall towers on either side, along with the classic pointed arches. The construction has multiple large windows compared to traditional Gothic architecture, allowing ample natural light to flood the interior of the building. The cathedral's structural system, with load-bearing frames, ribbed vaults, and high columns, creates a spacious and airy interior. In addition, the use of carefully crafted stone bricks throughout the construction, including the window frames and statues, enhances the durability and resilience of the building against the harsh environmental elements such as wind and salty moisture in the coastal region. "Everyone hopes the cathedral will endure for generations to come, hence the attention to detail and craftsmanship in every aspect of the building," the local parish priest said. At night, it becomes enchanting and ethereal, illuminated by characteristic golden and white lights emanating from its large and small windows. During the Christmas season, the cathedral is adorned even more splendidly, shining brightly and standing out from afar, attracting believers and non-Christian visitors alike. VNS By Thu Ngan A young woman from Ha Noi, To La, has shared her experiences of a solo visit to four European countries over three weeks on a big fanpage. For the first time I put aside the fear of loneliness. I decided to pack my suitcase for a three-week trip wandering around France, the Netherlands, Italy, and Vatican City, she posted. The post received thousands of likes and comments, most of them admiring and surprised. Solo travelling is not rare in western countries, but in Asian countries including Viet Nam it is somewhat of an oddity. La tells Viet Nam News that as an introvert she really wanted to travel alone but it was not an easy task. Waste of money and time is what people dub solo travelling, she said. Nevertheless, it has become increasingly popular among young Vietnamese in recent years. La says travelling alone helped her more confident and make friends from all over the world. Travel booking online platform Agoda says it has seen more people travelling solo this year. Going on a solo trip is arguably one of the best gifts one can give oneself. Whether it is to explore new cultures, to make new friends, or to reconnect with those across the globe, going on a trip alone often requires stepping out of ones comfort zone. But those who set out on an adventure of their own are usually rewarded with the creation of the most special memories, Vu Ngoc Lam, country director, Vietnam, Agoda, says. In Asia and the Pacific, the top three destinations for single travellers on Singles Day on 11 November were Tokyo, Bangkok and Seoul in that order. For Vietnamese however the order was Bangkok, Seoul and Tokyo, Agoda says. It also reveals the list of foreign and domestic destinations Vietnamese solo travellers will visit between December 23 and 31 based on bookings they made. They include Bangkok, Seoul, Tokyo, Taipei, and Sydney. The top five domestic destinations are HCM City, Ha Noi, a Nang, a Lat, and Phu Quoc Island. Southeast Asian travel platform Traveloka also confirms a surge in search for single travellers. Solo travel encompasses a diverse group of individuals, spanning various age groups and genders. It is not limited to a specific demographics but rather attracts a broad spectrum of travellers seeking independent adventures," Caesar Indra, president of Traveloka, tells Viet Nam News about the trend. In the third quarter of 2023 we observed a remarkable surge in the search for flights for single people. This surge reflects a growing inclination among solo travellers to explore destinations independently, relying on single-flight bookings to tailor their journeys to personal preferences. "On the Traveloka platform, there is a notable interest in solo travel experiences," he says. "The top tours for which customers buy only one ticket per transaction, mostly outbound, include snorkelling and fishing in the south of Phu Quoc, SUP rowing during sunrise in Nha Trang, Komodo tour packages, Phu Quoc island camping, Ha Noi Old Quarter cyclo tours. Recognising the significance of this trend, the tourism industry must prioritise specialised and personalised services tailored to the preferences of solo travellers. Catering to the needs of solo travellers, who typically value flexibility, entails providing services that align with their distinct preferences. Personalised services can include tailored itineraries, solo-friendly accommodations, and activities that promote a sense of independence. In its seven predictions for travel in 2024, Booking.com said recently: When things are falling apart back home amid global instability and an ever-hectic world, dishevelled travellers are booking one-track trips that are focused on self-improvement to bring themselves back to the life they truly want again. For those who are used to sleeping solo, 62 per cent of Vietnamese travellers said they would be willing to make time for a matchmaking holiday. On the flip side, frazzled parents are surprisingly seeking solace through completely solo holidays, with the majority of APAC parents (66 per cent ) planning to travel alone without spouses or kids in 2024, Booking.com said. The study sought to explore how travel will transport people out of autopilot and into unleashing their best life. Booking.com polled more than 27,000 travellers in 33 countries and territories, and combined it with its insights as a digital travel platform. For safe solo travel One reason preventing people, especially women, from travelling alone, is apprehension about safety. Seeking advice from people who have travelled solo is also recommended and travel insurance is imperative. La suggests looking up and reading various reviews about the destinations you want to visit, not only in Vietnamese but also in English where possible. Professional western travellers are more knowledgeable about independent travel than many of us Vietnamese, La remarks. She suggests making detailed and meticulous plans and itineraries, and booking accommodation and transportation to feel confident and at ease. "Solo travellers must choose hotels with good reviews about location, service and safety and always research and steer clear of areas considered unsafe in cities," she says. At a time when information is available everywhere, solo travelling is no longer all that difficult. Many companies offer products designed specifically for solo travellers. Traveloka says it collaborates closely with local partners to promote destinations for lone travellers, and these have proven effective in driving solo travel interest. "Travelling teaches you wisdom, La says. By stepping out and experiencing the world, you will gain wisdom, courage and maturity. VNS The city of Waco will seek loan funding that could help property owners protect themselves against toxic lead in drinking water caused by lead pipes. The Waco City Council was set Dec. 19 to approve a loan application for $15.9 million through the Texas Water Development Boards Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, but the item was pulled from the agenda. City Manager Bradley Ford said the city could potentially receive additional funding from the loan program up to $20 million. The loan would assist with removing and replacing lead service lines on both the city and customers side of the water meter. An item will come back to city council on Jan. 16, with a Jan. 29 application deadline. The idea is to get any lead out of the entire system, and thats everything, water utility spokesperson Jessica Emmett Sellers said. Lead is known to cause brain damage and developmental problems in children when ingested, and its use in plumbing and paint has been outlawed for decades. Its unclear so far how the money would be distributed or how many households would benefit from the funding, though property owner eligibility for loan funding could depend on some of the same standards that exist for other citywide assistance programs offering home rehabilitation funds, Sellers said. The housing and community development department uses federal funds to assist those at or below 80% of the area median income with home rehabilitation, including water line replacement and lead paint remediation. Some people already qualify for those kinds of programs through the housing department, so thats where weve been sending them so far, Sellers said. And then this gives us a little bit extra money and hopefully will cover potentially more people than those programs were already covering. The Environmental Protection Agency originally published its Lead and Copper Rule in 1991 to regulate the metals in drinking water. The most recent revision to the rule requires water systems to develop a publicly available service line inventory, identifying lead pipes, galvanized pipes requiring replacement and other types, by October 2024. The city is currently in the process of inspecting each of its more than 50,000 water meters to identify the type of service lines leading to the water main and to each house. Anything from the meter to the house and indoor plumbing is the owners responsibility, with total replacements typically costing some $5,000 or more, Sellers said. Public safety is the highest priority obviously, so when youre talking about the average replacement is going to be in the $5,000 range, not everybody has $5,000 lying around, she said. So far only one lead service line has been found on the customers side, after 75% of the meters have been checked. Lead pipes throughout the city for the most part have been eradicated, especially in older parts of the city, as they are replaced during maintenance and line breaks, Sellers said. We dont dig holes just to dig holes, she said. So when something breaks thats when we fix it. Even before the EPA mandated it, any time we found lead in the system we replaced it. She said the remaining meters to be checked lie in the China Spring area, but since many of those houses were built after Congress banned the use of lead pipes in 1986 there is less of a chance of finding them. The next step will be to go back to identify galvanized pipes that have ever been connected to a lead pipe. Galvanized pipes are susceptible to corrosion and could form lead deposits if theyve ever been downstream of a lead pipe, offering another source of potential lead in water. The loan would also cover the replacement of galvanized pipes, which are more common than lead. Whats going on right now is identification and public education, Sellers said. So if we find a lead service line at your house we go to you and say, We found a lead service line, heres what you should do, because there are ways, even if you have a lead service line at your house, to avoid consuming any water that potentially has lead in it with filters and pipe flushing. The EPA in November proposed another revision to the rule that would require providers to replace all lead service lines within 10 years. Though thought to be a potentially massive undertaking for smaller systems, replacing the lines as theyre found is an initiative the city has taken before its mandated, Sellers said. The proposed rule would also lower the lead action level, the level of detectable lead that would require mediation, from 15 micrograms per liter to 10 micrograms, and require tap water sampling in places with known lead lines. Due to its repeated acceptable testing levels, the city been put on a reduced testing schedule, Sellers said. However, a change to the EPA rule would require different kinds of testing to ensure the detectable lead is still below the decreased action level. If lead is detected above the acceptable level because a homeowner has lead pipes in his or her house, the city would have to warn them of the dangers of lead yearly and provide them with options for a replacement. The improvements to the rule are currently in a public comment period, with a virtual public hearing set for Jan. 16. Rain is expected in the Bay Area on Wednesday and Friday. Weather models predict a little under an inch in San Francisco and Oakland. Baron/Lynx UPDATED FORECAST: Storm to bring strong wind and rain to the Bay Area After several inches of rain last week, the Bay Area dried out leading up to Christmas, but wet weather is set to return for the final week of December. The rest of Christmas Eve will be overcast in the Bay Area, with highs in the upper 50s and lows in the upper 30s to mid-40s. Folks heading up to Tahoe may even see some slow flurries Christmas morning. Monday and Tuesday are expected to be mostly cloudy around the Bay Area, with only a slight chance of drizzle in northern Sonoma County on Christmas. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Two separate systems are forecast to hit the Bay Area this week. The first rainmaker comes Wednesday and the second on Friday. While the storms will target different areas with the heaviest precipitation, around an inch of rain is forecast in San Francisco and Oakland through Saturday, with half an inch in San Jose and around 2 inches in Santa Rosa. Gusty winds are expected Wednesday and Friday, up to 45 mph on the Peninsula. Coastal flood advisories are expected all week in San Francisco Bay due to the astronomical king tides. A beach hazards statement is in effect for the coast Monday due to large breaking waves of 10 to 12 feet and sneaker waves. Christmas forecast Clouds from a distant storm over the Pacific are moving over the Bay Area on Sunday, keeping temperatures 5 or more degrees cooler than Saturday. Highs are expected to be in the mid-50s. Overcast skies will prevent temperatures from dropping as far Monday morning, but Santa Rosa and other inland areas could still drop to the mid-30s. Partly to mostly cloudy skies are expected Christmas morning, with a few light drizzle showers possible in Bodega Bay and Point Reyes. Patchy morning fog is expected near the bay, but filtered sun should prevail by midmorning. Highs will be in the upper 50s to lower 60s and lows in the upper 30s to mid-40s. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Rain chances this week Multiple storm systems are expected to spin toward the Pacific Northwest this week, draping their moisture south toward the Bay Area. On Wednesday, a cold front will move west to east across Northern California, bringing moderate to heavy rain, a chance of lightning and gusty winds up to 40 mph to the coast. The North Bay will take the brunt of the rainfall, with an inch or more in Santa Rosa, while San Francisco and Oakland receive up to half an inch. Southerly winds are expected to increase ahead of a cold front Wednesday, gusting between 30 and 40 mph along the coast. Baron/Lynx A few lingering rain showers are possible Thursday, but the next storm comes Friday, this one probably stronger. Gusts up to 45 mph are possible along the coast, and three-quarters of an inch of rain could fall in San Francisco and Oakland. An inch or more of rain is possible in the North Bay and Santa Cruz Mountains. Sunday through Tuesday breakdown San Francisco: Residents heading out for Christmas Eve festivities can expect temperatures in the lower 50s in the evening, dropping to the mid- to upper 40s overnight. Some fog is possible near the Embarcadero, downtown and Mission Bay. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Christmas Day is expected to be quiet around the city, with passing clouds and highs near 60. Overcast skies are expected Monday night, including areas of fog and drizzle in the Sunset District and around Twin Peaks, West Portal and Mount Davidson. Lows will be in the upper 40s. Skies may briefly clear out midday Tuesday, but should return during the evening. Highs may reach the lower 60s in the Mission District. Southeasterly gusts will pick up Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, up to 25 mph. North Bay: Christmas Eve is shaping up to be one of the chilliest days since the spring in the North Bay, with highs reaching only the lower to mid-50s. Overnight lows will drop to the upper 30s to lower 40s. Light drizzle is possible along the coast Monday, but it should be only temporary. Highs will be in the mid- to upper 50s. More fog and drizzle is expected Monday night, especially in Solano County, with lows around 40. Tuesday will be a bit warmer, in the lower 60s. Southerly winds will increase overnight, along with the chance of rain showers for the Wednesday morning commute in Sonoma and Marin counties. Minor coastal flooding is possible all week in Sausalito and other cities near the bay shoreline due to king tides. Advertisement Article continues below this ad East Bay: Conditions should be mainly quiet the next few days. Christmas Eve will be a bit cooler than recently, in the mid-50s. Overnight lows will fall to the upper 30s inland to lower 40s near the bay shoreline. Christmas Day will feature a mix of sun and clouds and highs in the upper 50s for all areas, while overnight lows stay a bit warmer, in the lower to mid-40s. Tuesday will be warmer, in the lower to mid-60s. Lows will be in the mid- to upper 40s with southeasterly winds increasing. Coastal flooding is possible along the bay shoreline due to king tides this week. Pacific Coast and Peninsula: While the coast wont be stormy the next few days, skies arent expected to be crystal clear either. From Sunday to Tuesday, Half Moon Bay, Pacifica and Daly City will be mostly cloudy with highs in the upper 50s. Some fog is possible in the mornings Monday and Tuesday. Beaches will be hazardous this week, particularly Monday, due to king tides, large swell and sneaker waves. Waves of 10 to 14 feet are expected Monday. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Along the bay shoreline, a mix of sun and clouds are expected Sunday through Tuesday, with highs in the upper 50s to lower 60s. Lows will be in the lower 40s. Breezy winds will increase Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, gusting up to 25 mph. South Bay and Santa Cruz: Pleasant weather is expected across Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, with highs in the upper 50s to lower 60s. Skies will be partly to mostly cloudy. Lows will be around 40 for most areas, and some fog is possible in the Santa Clara Valley. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. CEDAR FALLS The removal of railroad tracks in downtown Cedar Falls is still planned at some point, regardless of the pending sale of the Iowa Northern Railway, officials say. Iowa Northern Railway General Manager Bill Magee and Cedar Falls City Administrator Ron Gaines both say plans to remove the tracks are still being pursued. Canadian National Railway announced plans to acquire Iowa Northern earlier this month. The transaction is pending regulatory review by the U.S. Surface Transportation Board next year. I think we should still be good to proceed, said Magee. Iowa Northern is taking a common sense approach to taking out the tracks, once used to deliver coal to Cedar Falls Utilities. Magee said Canadian National is aware of the local plans. Daniel Sabin, Iowa Northern chairman, said the future parent company is on board with the plans. The CN deal is necessary because Iowa Northern will be losing significant equity from an expiring fund of Trive Capital, a Dallas, Texas-based private equity firm, at the end of the year, according to Sabin. A CN spokesperson refused comment over email and referred The Courier to the press release announcing the acquisition of Iowa Northern. The announcement did not address the situation in Cedar Falls. Grant sought Magee was among the officials on hand during a debriefing with the Federal Railroad Administration earlier this year after the city was denied a $9.76 million grant for the project. The general manager called it a good application for the Railroad Crossing Elimination Program, but noted the city was victim of a very competitive program, which Gaines called a fair assessment. We were told it was a good, eligible application. We just did not score high enough and were encouraged to apply again, Magee added. Only one Iowa project, in Davenport, receiving funding. More than $570 million in grants were awarded to 63 projects in 32 states from the 209 applications received for the program authorized by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The city applied for the grant with intentions of providing a $1.22 million match for the projects estimated $12.2 million cost for the 11,642 linear feet of track. The railroad company would have paid $1.22 million. Cedar Falls Utilities was involved in the effort. Magee said theres a possibility it may bring aboard other partners in the effort to remove the tracks. He declined to name them. The track runs near the intersection of Iowa and West First streets, next to the First Street McDonalds, and through the downtown area, to Cedar Falls Utilities and an area near Pfeiffer Springs Park off Grand Boulevard. Iowa Northern operates approximately 275 track miles in Iowa connecting to CNs U.S. rail network. It serves upper Midwest agricultural and industrial markets covering many goods, including biofuels and grain, according to the news release. Magee expects another round of Railroad Crossing Elimination funds will be granted, but nothing has been announced yet. The City Council will need to approve submitting a new application, he said. The funding amount could change. Russian Defence Ministry report on the progress of the special military operation (23 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 helicopters and artillery inflicted losses on AFU manpower and hardware near Sinkovka, Petropavlovka, Kupyansk, and Terni (Kharkov region). The AFU losses amounted to up 15 Ukrainian troops, two motor vehicles, and one D-30 howitzer. In Krasny Liman direction, units of the Tsentr Group of Forces repelled two attacks launched by assault detachments of the AFU 63rd Mechanised Brigade and 12th Special Operations Brigade close to Torskoye (Donetsk Peoples Republic) and Chervonaya Dibrova (Lugansk Peoples Republic). In addition, aviation and artillery inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the AFU 67th Mechanised Brigade near Serebryansky forestry. The AFU losses amounted to up 150 Ukrainian troops, one tank, two armoured personnel carriers, and one D-30 howitzer. In Donetsk direction, units of the Yug Group of Forces supported by aviation and artillery repelled 11 attacks and inflicted losses on AFU manpower and hardware close to Krasnoye, Dyleyevka, Kirovo, and Georgiyevka (Donetsk Peoples Republic). The AFU losses in this direction amounted to up to 200 Ukrainian troops, four tanks, including one German-made Leopard 2 tank, one U.S.-made Bradley infantry fighting vehicle, and three motor vehicles. Moreover, in the course of counterbattery warfare, one Polish-made Krab self-propelled artillery system, two Msta-B howitzers, one Akatsiya and one Gvozdika self-propelled artillery systems, and two D-30 howitzers were neutralised. In South Donetsk direction, units of the Vostok Group of Forces supported by helicopters and artillery repelled three attacks of the AFU 79th Air Assault Brigade near Novomikhailovka (Donetsk Peoples Republic) and inflicted losses on AFU manpower and hardware near Paraskoveyevka and Makarovka (Donetsk Peoples Republic). The AFU losses amounted to up to 65 Ukrainian troops, three pickup trucks, one Akatsiya and one Gvozdika self-propelled artillery systems, and two D-30 howitzers. In Zaporozhye direction, units of the Russian Group of Forces supported by aviation and artillery inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the AFU 82nd Air Assault Brigade, 33rd and 117th mechanised brigades close to Malaya Tokmachka, Verbovoye, and Rabotino (Zaporozhye region). The AFU losses amounted to up to 90 Ukrainian troops and five motor vehicles. In Kherson direction, as a result of cohesive actions of units of the Russian Group of Forces supported by aviation and artillery, the AFU losses amounted to up to 100 Ukrainian troops, three motor vehicles, one Msta-B howitzer, and one D-30 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 110 areas during the day. Air defence units intercepted six HIMARS and Uragan MLRS projectiles over the past 24 hours. Moreover, 36 unmanned aerial vehicles were shot down near Kotlyarovka (Kharkov region), Verkhnekamenka, Svatovo (Lugansk Peoples Republic), Gorlovka, Mariynka, Pobeda (Donetsk Peoples Republic), Novaya Mayachka and Gornostayevka (Zaporozhye region). In total, 554 airplanes and 261 helicopters, 9,991 unmanned aerial vehicles, 442 air defence missile systems, 14,279 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,189 combat vehicles equipped with MLRS, 7,462 field artillery cannons and mortars, as well as 16,618 units of special military equipment have been destroyed during the special military operation. Tags: WtR Netflix Movie The 'Deadpool' actor felt 'real lucky' to land a role in 'Rebel Moon: Part One - A Child of Fire' where everyone could do 'everything' they wanted without the studio's interference. Dec 24, 2023 AceShowbiz - Ed Skrein has commended Netflix for granting Zack Snyder complete creative control on "Rebel Moon: Part One - A Child of Fire". The 40-year-old actor features in the new space opera film as Atticus Noble and explained how he and fellow cast member Sofia Boutella were grateful to the streamer for giving Snyder "the keys to the castle." "I feel like historically as well, me and Sofia were real lucky to be on this one and to be like the leads on this one particularly. I kept thinking, 'Where's all the Netflix people telling him what to do? He's got the keys to the castle.' They just said, 'Take the keys, bro. Go for a drive.' We were able to do everything we wanted to do," Ed said to Screen Rant. The "Deadpool" star continued, "And I'd say things to him, 'Yeah, I had this crazy idea about Noble.' He's like, 'I like it.' Then we'd come a week or so later to the day we're filming it, and he'd have done even more stuff, even darker and more crazy. And I'd be like, 'We are getting away with this?' And it really felt like he was supported here, obviously by (his wife) Debbie and the other producers." Ed added, "But I think I have to give a shout-out to Netflix for giving him that space and freedom. And I also feel like if you've got Zack Snyder, you give him the keys to the damn castle, man, you let him run with it anything he needs, yes, sir. Then I think you can see on screen, this is Zack Snyder doing Zack Snyder and the most Zack Snyder he's ever been in a Zack Snyder film." You can share this post! by Xinhua News Agency More than two decades after Western Balkan countries embarked on their journey of accession to the European Union (EU), their progress remains slow. We and I include here Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), Montenegro, North Macedonia and Albania remain as a kind of hole in the middle of the EU. Because only when you leave Serbia do you see that there are no more borders in the EU, and that we are the ones who are surrounded by walls, Slobodan, a 52-year-old resident of Serbias capital Belgrade, said. This photo taken on Nov. 15, 2023 shows part of the European Commission building in Brussels, Belgium. (Xinhua/Zhao Dingzhe) I would like my country to join (the EU), but I am skeptical that it will happen soon, he said, lamenting the blocs lack of political will to expand and the lengthy waiting time. ENLARGEMENT STAGNATION Starting with six founding members in 1951, the EU has witnessed several rounds of enlargement, multiplying its membership nearly five times to become the current 27-member club. It officially declared the Western Balkan states potential candidates for membership in June 2003 following the EU-Western Balkans summit in Thessaloniki, Greece. However, no country has joined the bloc since 2013, when Croatia joined. EU enlargement is the process whereby states join the bloc after they have fulfilled a set of political and economic conditions. Currently, nine countries, including the above-mentioned five Western Balkan nations, have candidate status the first major step toward EU accession. However, each follows different processes of rapprochement with the EU. One typical case here is North Macedonia, which had been an EU candidate for more than 17 years before its accession negotiations were launched last year. Previously, the country had been unable to enter the negotiations due to blocking from EU member countries over various disagreements. According to the EUs enlargement policy, the opening of formal accession talks requires the unanimous agreement of all member states that all requirements have been met. Even if candidate countries have managed to open accession talks with the EU, the negotiations could be complex and frustrating. Serbia and Montenegro both started their accession talks some 10 years ago, but they have seen little progress in their membership bids, which analysts have attributed to the EUs reluctance to advance and to the hard reforms the candidate countries must undertake. The EU members do not agree on whether to continue the enlargement process. Declaratively, it is constantly said that the EU should expand to the Western Balkans, but in practice, this is not supported by several large and important countries, Mark Cigoj, a Croatian political analyst, told Xinhua. NEW MOMENTUM In the wake of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the EUs drive for expansion has gained momentum. The membership bids of most Western Balkan countries have once again been brought to the forefront of the agenda after years of stagnation. The EU granted Ukraine and Moldova candidate status in June last year, and in December 2022, BiH became the fifth Balkan nation to be given candidate status. Debates on enlargement have intensified this year, with EU leaders multiplying meetings with countries knocking on the blocs door. In a declaration adopted after an informal summit this October in Granada, Spain, the EU leaders underlined that enlargement is a geo-strategic investment in peace, security, stability and prosperity, noting that the future of our aspiring members and their citizens lies within the European Union. At their December summit, the EU leaders agreed to open accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova. They also granted Georgia candidate country status, and agreed to open accession negotiations with BiH once the necessary degree of compliance with the membership criteria is achieved. However, there has been internal discord as the agreement to open Ukraines accession talks was not unanimous. The EU bypassed Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbans objections by getting him to leave the room. Professor Iain Begg from the London School of Economics and Political Science told Xinhua that the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the effort to assist Ukraine have become major political factors in the decision on whether or not Ukraine should lead the way for new members coming into the EU. For the time being, it seems to transcend usual procedures of assessing the countrys worth and whether its got a strong enough case to become a member. So thats going to play out both between the European level and candidate countries and between the European level and the member states of the EU, he said. MULTIPLE CHALLENGES Given the new momentum, the EU is facing many delicate political challenges to push enlargement forward. A persistent question is how to incorporate new members without undermining the blocs efficiency and development. Theres concern that applicant states might absorb a substantial share of the EU cohesion funds shortly after joining. Public opinions are also divided on the benefits of EU enlargement. A survey of six EU countries released earlier this month by the European Council on Foreign Relations think tank showed that there is no clear majority support for any of the current candidate countries joining the bloc soon. For a further enlarged bloc, both the EU and future member states need to be ready. Aspiring members need to step up their reform efforts, but the complexity of the EU accession process itself poses a challenge in the first place. Starting negotiations is not necessarily a recipe for membership as there are various hurdles to be cleared before they conclude an agreement. The EU also has its own homework to do. How to reform the EU institutions to ensure they continue to function effectively? And how to reform the voting patterns to ensure that there is more flexibility in decision-making? Neither will be easy. Over the next decade, I think well see a difficult set of negotiations. Some are already underway, some depend on particular things being met, and some will depend on perceptions in EU member states, like, is it going to cost us too much? All these things are components of the very complicated jigsaw that has to be put together to make enlargement possible, said Begg, whose country left the EU some three years ago. Cover Images/John Rainford/Dutch Press Photo Celebrity The 'Crown' actor weighs in on the 2020 controversy that arose after he was spotted kissing 'Pam and Tommy' actress despite being married to Catherine FitzGerald. Dec 25, 2023 AceShowbiz - Dominic West feels like he's able to better understand how the late Princess Diana felt after his "gossip incident" with Lily James. "The Crown" actor sparked a scandal in October 2020 when paparazzi photographs of him kissing the "Pam and Tommy" star while on holiday in Rome were published and he admitted it made him feel sorry for the high-profile women who have their every move scrutinised. "Obviously, I had a gossip incident, badly timed when there was no news during Covid, so it ran and ran," Dominic - who has been married to Catherine FitzGerald since 2010 - told The Times' Saturday Review magazine. Asked if the scrutiny had given him an understanding of how Diana felt, he said, "It probably did. But I think everyone understands what she went through. You see a film like Amy about Amy Winehouse - young, beautiful women are who they really go for." The 54-year-old actor plays Prince Charles in "The Crown" and while none of the now-king's friends would speak to him as part of his research into the role, a number of people who had met the royal over the years were happy to oblige. Dominic said, "None of [his friends] would talk to me. The reason they're friends is because of their discretion. But I did talk to a lot of people who had met Charles, like farmers, fence layers. I bought a dog off a woman who is on a Duchy of Cornwall farm. The King has met more people than anyone in history except for his mum and dad. None of them had a bad word to say. Well, one did - it was very funny as well." However, his co-star Olivia Williams - who plays Camilla Parker Bowles, who is now Queen Camilla - thinks the royals approve of the show. Discussing the on-screen wedding between her and Dominic's characters, which was filmed at York Minster in place of Windsor Castle, where the couple actually wed, she said, "I'm going to give you a scoop." "The orchestra who played Handel's music in York Minster played at Charles and Camilla's wedding. The orchestra's patron is Charles, so if they hated us I don't think they'd have let them play." You can share this post! Can a city council regulate its own police department? Its an overriding question Mobile officials will spend the first part of 2024 trying to answer, and one that could loom large over policing concerns continuing in cities throughout Alabama. The Mobile City Council, comprising of seven elected members, is contemplating a vote on two ordinances, both which address police policy on the release of body camera footage and prohibiting no-knock warrants and pre-dawn raids. Supporters of the ordinances say they do not go above and beyond an existing state law regulating body cam footage or a policy adopted last month by Mayor Sandy Stimpsons office calling for an end on most pre-dawn raids. Opponents, including the Police Department, say the council has no authority to pass ordinances telling police what to do. We create ordinance and policy, said Mobile City Councilman Cory Penn. But now the concern is that in creating ordinances and policies (addressing policing), could we be arrested for creating the ordinance? Thats a major concern. Said Councilman William Carroll, I think the councils strength is in its legislative ability. Its our job to produce policy and its up to public safety departments to produce procedures to uphold the law. State power The issue is also likely to put Alabamas lack of home rule authority back into the forefront as city governments continue to contend over the frustration of having authority centralized in the halls of state power. Alabama is one of only nine states whose constitutions do not directly delegate police power to local governments. Alabamas Constitution was written 123 years ago. Alabama is considered a Dillions Rule, state, which means local governments are limited to the powers granted to them by the Legislature. Politically in Alabama, the lack of home rule authority gives an enormous amount of governing power on criminal justice matters to Republicans, who at this time control all levers of state power and hold supermajority status in the Legislature. That issue is at the heart of a debate over body camera footage access in Mobile and Decatur, two cities where a police-involved killing of a Black man this year is roiling activists and concerned citizens. State lawmakers approved a new law that provides a guidance on the release of body camera footage but does not require law enforcement to state a reason for denying requests to view the footages. The law also does not require body cam footage to be released publicly. The two cases that have consumed the two cities include: Bishop William Barber II, president and senior lecturer of Repairers of the Breach, was joined by members of Jawan Dallas' family and their attorneys, for an emergency community meeting on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023, at All Saints Episcopal Church in Mobile, Ala. The meeting's purpose was to demand justice and call for action in the aftermath of devastating details surfacing of late about Dallas' death after a fatal encounter with Mobile police on July 2, 2023. Attorneys and Dallas' family members got to watch the police-worn body cam footage of Dallas' death, and claimed that the 36-year-old Mobile man was brutally killed by police officers.John Sharp/jsharp@al.com People march along Lee Street in downtown Decatur, Ala., Friday, Oct. 6, 2023, during a protest against the killing of Steve Perkins by police a week earlier. (Jeronimo Nisa/The Decatur Daily via AP)AP In Decatur, the family of Steven Perkins was formally denied a request by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency to view the body cam footage from a Sept. 29 shooting by police. The agency cited an ongoing investigation. But earlier this month, Mayor Tab Bowling fired three police officers and placed one on administrative leave; all connected to the deadly encounter with Perkins. The three officers have since appealed Bowlings decision. Handcuffing councils Mobile City Council President C.J. Small speaks during the Mobile City Council meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023, at Government Plaza in downtown Mobile, Ala. The meeting featured impassioned remarks from residents over the future of policing in Mobile less than one week after attorneys for the Jawan Dallas family spoke about what they saw from the video of a police-worn body camera. The family's attorney has likened Dallas' death to George Floyd in 2020 in Minneapolis. Dallas died that day after his encounter with police, and family members and supporters have since called for the release of police-worn body camera footage.John Sharp/jsharp@al.com In both cities, council meetings have been dominated by residents demanding immediate action. But aside a politically risky move of cutting police budgets, what can the city councils do? The councils, at times, appear to be handcuffed in coming up with a solution. Decatur City Councilman Carlton McMasters said there is little his city can do to pass ordinances regulating police, adding its my understanding that is dictated by state and federal law. The Decatur council is looking at one ordinance related to the Perkins case that would ban nighttime vehicle repossessions. A repossession effort led to the police shooting and killing Perkins. Our legal department has been researching municipal ordinances across the country to see if that is feasible, McMasters said. If enacting an ordinance isnt feasible, that would be a good example of where we discuss with our PD to enact a policy. In Mobile, City Attorney Ricardo Woods is recommending the council forward the proposed policing ordinances to Attorney General Steve Marshall to consider, and to ensure they do not violate a state law from 1985 that created the citys current form of government otherwise known as the Zoghby Act. Some council members are concerned with Marshalls involvement, citing political aspirations. Council President C.J. Small said on Tuesday that he would prefer a judge weigh in on whether the council has the authority to pass ordinances addressing police policy. Robert Clopton, president of the Mobile County NAACP, speaks during the Faith in Action Alabama Mobile Hub gathering on Monday, April 17, 2023, at Mt Zion Primitive Baptist Church in Mobile, Ala. Th meeting was held to discuss strategies toward action in ending gun violence in Mobile, and to seek action in attaining justice following the policing shooting death of 25-year-old Kordell Jones on March 7, 2023. (John Sharp/jsharp@al.com). Robert Clopton, the head of the Mobile chapter of the NAACP, said he does not like the idea of state politics getting involved in a Mobile matter. I feel as if it goes out of Mobile, and if they sent this up to Montgomery for guidance and approval, it will be shot down, Clopton said. The more things change, the more they stay the same sometimes. The Zoghby Act gives the council legislative ability to set policy, but also limits how much authority elected officials have over subordinates of the mayors administration. The police department falls under the mayors purview. Carroll said he doesnt believe the council is overstepping its authority, saying that they are not attempting to tinker with police procedure. Councilwoman Gina Gregory sees things differently. She said during a recent council meeting that she felt the two ordinances were unlawful and urged the council to table consideration of them until Marshalls office had a chance to review. I cant recall any ordinances the council passed or attempted to pass to regulate any day-to-day operations of a city department, said Gregory, who has been on the council for 17 years. I dont know what other cities do, but our form of government is set up under the Zoghby Law and it makes us a litter different than other cities our size. Home rule Mobile and Decatur aside, the issue about how far city councils can go in directing policing matters strikes at the heart of criminal justice reform measures destined to be heard during the spring legislative session starting in February. One issue headed for likely hearing in the Alabama Legislature is whether to make body cam footage a public record. The Alabama State Supreme Court ruled via an 8-1 decision in 2021 that the footage is exempt from the states open records law. Alabama State Senator Merika Coleman, D-Birmingham, is flanked by supporters of the Jawan Dallas family as she introduces proposed legislation requesting that police-worn body camera and dash cam video footage be considered a public record in the State of Alabama during a news conference on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023, in downtown Mobile, Ala.John Sharp/jsharp@al.com Alabama State Senator Merika Coleman, D-Birmingham, who is sponsoring legislation requiring the footage to be public record, said there is nothing the cities can do about making substantive changes, referring to the lack of home rule authority cities have in Alabama. I often tell young people when talking to them I say that you are looking at a very powerful woman, said Coleman, who is also a candidate for the 2nd congressional district seat in 2024. I say that because the power (in Alabama) is centralized in Montgomery. She added, We dont have home rule in Alabama, thats why many of the city officials dont have the ability to pass (criminal justice reform measures). They will be passing them in name only just to say this is something we want in our city. Its not always so clear cut. In Huntsville, the City Council adopted an ordinance in October that goes above and beyond a state law adopted a year ago prohibiting people to hold their cell phones while driving. The state law considers it a secondary offense, but Huntsville lawmakers OKd a provision backed by their police department that makes it a primary offense and gives police more authority in regulating it. It will be interesting to see if its contested, said former Republican state Rep. Mike Ball of Madison, a former Alabama State Trooper. Ball said he was unaware of any city council adopting an ordinance directing police on a specific policy that the agency might oppose. He doesnt believe a council is overstepping its authority in doing so. (A city council) doesnt have the authority over the State Police or the local sheriff, but the police department is under the city government, Ball said. I know police officers feel like this hampers them and their ability to do the job, but their power is derived from the local government they work for. They can argue it hampers their ability to enforce laws, but the city council is the one who answers to a vote of the people they represent. Thats called a representative republic. Alabama State Rep. Allen Treadaway, R-Morris, and a former assistant police chief with the Birmingham Police Department, speaks on the floor of the Alabama House of Representatives on Thursday, June 1, 2023, in defense of legislation that adds enhanced penalties against people who commit crimes while associated with a criminal enterprise. (John Sharp/jsharp@al.com). State Rep. Allen Treadaway, R-Birmingham, who served over 30 years in law enforcement, also said he cannot recall one instance in Alabama in which a city council voted to adopt an ordinance that established a policing policy. I dont know of any case where a council passed anything that has had an effect on a police department or an oversight of a police departments policies and procedures, said Treadaway, the current chairman of the Alabama State Houses Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee. But Treadaway said he would have a concern with city councils adopting permanent ordinances regulating policing, such as whether to release body cam footage. Mobile is also contemplating permanent ordinances restricting the use of pre-dawn raids or no-knock warrants. The ordinances codify into city law the order Stimpson made in November following a pre-dawn raid that resulted in a police officer killing a 16-year-old boy who was not the intended target of the raid. I just think when you have elected officials who come and go, we have to be careful with emotions when a tragedy occurs in a community that they somehow want to mandate changes to procedures, Treadaway said. There needs to be more listening and understanding on their point as to why there are procedures and policies in place as to body worn cameras and if the (footage is) released, how that might affect a criminal who is on the loose or eventually when they are brought to trial. We have to be careful about that. Matthew Valasik, associate professor in the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of Alabama, said police generally do not like being scrutinized, and that reform measures often take a long time to implement. Historically, police departments are out of the purview of the public and generally, when there is a reform of any kind, it takes them a while to adapt to it, Valasik said. You really need everyone moving in the same direction. If one of those institutions isnt, then it becomes a challenge. Disproportionate statistics Decatur Police officers politely ask protestors to leave the median and move to the sidewalk for their own safety as a crowd gathers along Wilson Street in front of the Doubletree by Hilton hotel in Decatur, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023, to protest the killing of Stephen Clay Perkins by a Decatur police officer last week. Alabama governor Kay Ivey was speaking at an event in the hotel. (Jeronimo Nisa/The Decatur Daily via AP)AP The differing viewpoints on policing authority could be headed to a classic urban-vs.-rural debate in Alabama, with racial undertones where a mostly white GOP that runs state government and has the power to preempt local ordinances in cities that are majority Black, and where Black residents continue to deal disproportionately with violent encounters with police. According to a Washington Post database, police killed 1,096 people in 2022. It was the highest number of deaths of people by police in a single year since the Washington Post began tracking the data in 2015. The 2023 figure is closing into 2022s high number, with 1,089 deaths. Black Americans, who account for 14% of the U.S. population, are killed more than twice the rate by police than white Americans, according to the Post. Mobile has been a majority Black city for quite some time, with a majority Black voting-age population even after a July 18 annexation vote that brought in more white voters. There have been several high-profile violent encounters involving Black men and police in 2024, fueling the concerns in Alabamas Port City and the spirited commentary at council meetings. Council members hope what they do next isnt viewed as a challenge against police officers, even though 50 uniformed police showed up to a recent meeting to oppose the ordinances. I think you are going to have your challenging moments, Penn said. But even with the ordinances that are presented, its nothing against police officers. Its not an attack. I think they are supportive and helpful toward protecting the officers. So hopefully people can see that. An investigation is underway after a man was killed late Saturday in Birminghams Huffman community. The Jefferson County Coroners Office identified the victim as David Wayne Nicholas. He was 43 and lived in Birmingham. East Precinct officers were dispatched just before midnight to a report of a person shot in the 1400 block of Lake Lane N.E. Officers arrived to find the victim wounded, said Officer Truman Fitzgerald. Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service pronounced Nicholas dead on the scene at 12:53 a.m. Fitzgerald said investigators believe Nicholas was assaulted at a home in that neighborhood. He was then able to leave the house and seek help from nearby residents. The suspect remains at large. Fitzgerald said they dont believe the assault was random. The Jefferson County Coroners Office said Nicholas was shot. He is Birminghams 133rd homicide this year. Of those, one was an officer-involved shooting by an outside law enforcement agency and nine others have been ruled justified. In all of Jefferson County, there have been 188 homicides, including the 133 in Birmingham. Anyone with information is asked to call homicide detectives at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777. A 27-year-old woman was killed in an Interstate 65 crash that snarled traffic for several hours Saturday. The wreck happened at 4:45 p.m. on I-65 near Fultondale. The Jefferson County Coroners Office identified the fatality victim as Gayla Joy Ingle. She was 27 and lived in Florence. Authorities said Ingle was the driver and lone occupant of a vehicle that left the interstate and crashed into the rear of an 18-wheeler that was parked on the shoulder of the interstate. The Peterbilt tractor-trailer was driving by 32-year-old Kayeaun Jenkins of Fairfield. Ingle was not using a seat belt at the time of the crash, said Trooper Cpl. Reginal King. She was pronounced dead on the scene at 5:13 p.m. Portions of the interstate remained closed until nearly 8 p.m. The crash remains under investigation by Alabama State Troopers. A federal lawsuit that could determine the future political leadership of Alabamas largest county will go to trial, a judge has ruled. Judge Madeline Haikala this week issued her decision to allow the case to proceed. A coalition of plaintiffs say the commissions current five-district map illegally packs Black voters into two districts, unfairly reducing their influence elsewhere in Jefferson County. Plaintiffs argue that current Jefferson County commissioners gerrymandered district lines to dwarf the voting rights of Black residents. The plaintiffs want the current map tossed out. While she agreed to allow the case to proceed over the objection of the county, Haikala also denied a request by plaintiffs for a special election. Plaintiffs argued that the current terms for county commissioners elected in 2022 should be shortened and a special election called for 2024 at the same time voters go to the polls for the presidential primary. Still, Haikala agreed that it was important for a trial to occur quickly to address lingering issues. A court must act promptly to eliminate racial classifications if they are proven, she wrote in her Dec. 19 order. Therefore, the Court will expedite the proceedings in this matter to resolve the constitutional questions presented as quickly as possible so that, if the plaintiffs prove their racial gerrymandering claims, the Court may order a remedy well before the 2026 Commission election. Birmingham activist Cara McClure, a plaintiff in the case, celebrated Haikalas green light for a trial. The courts decision to swiftly move forward with our case and to reject attempts at blocking our access to justice fills me with hope, she said in a statement. Its crucial that the voices of every member of our community are not only heard but also genuinely reflected in Jefferson Countys redistricting. A status hearing is scheduled for January 11. Some of the arguments in the Jefferson County case are similar to the Alabama case that was decided by the U.S. Supreme Court which ruled that states previous congressional map was unfair to Black voters. Voting rights advocates in the case say that current maps deny Black and other minority voters the chance to select their preferred candidates for other districts. The current five-member county commission is composed of three Republicans and two Democrats. The three white members are Republicans, while the two Black commissioners are Democrats. New district lines could lead to a political swing that gives Democrats a majority on the dais and the commission presidents gavel. The five current districts are solidly partisan on either side. The division is largely delineated by race with Black residents voting overwhelming for Democrats and White voters favoring Republicans. The plaintiffs claim that the commission had two other alternative maps that would have been more equitable. Instead, they argue that county leaders packed Black voters into two districts and even split municipalities to achieve this. For example, the predominately Black neighborhoods of Oxmoor and Rosedale in Homewood were taken out of the majority white District 3 and placed in the majority Black District 2. Likewise, they argued the current map divides the city of Irondale three ways and places the section with the highest Black population in District 1 and places the other two sections in majority white Districts 4 and 5. Race was a predominant factor. Race was the commissions predominant motive, Brenda Wright, an attorney with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund said during the last hearing in August. Its a fiction to say that the commission hasnt done anything here. On the county side, attorney Taylor Meehan defended the maps as a continuation of lines that were drawn as the result of a 1986 consent decree. Meehan said plaintiffs must prove that race was the criteria when the commission drew the lines. The question is what the intent was, she said during the last hearing. Thats the standard; was race considered? The latest map version, Meehan said, included minor adjustments needed to make district populations even and other changes for the convenience of voters. Meehan said any changes could have been based on political preference, but not race. Theres a difference in having a district in place because the commission likes it and keeping a district in place because of race, said Meehan, whose Chicago-based firm, Consovoy McCarthy, was hired by the county for the defense team. Birmingham attorney Richard Rice, who is a member of the plaintiffs team, has said new map lines would maintain the two current majority Black districts, but would allow for a crossover district, that would be politically competitive with a 40 to 45 percent Black population. The new district would force commission candidates to think more broadly about policies that affect the entire county, rather than exclusively pandering to a political majority, he said. Plaintiffs in the case include McClure, the Alabama State Conference of the NAACP, Metro-Birmingham Branch of the NAACP, Greater Birmingham Ministries, and residents Alexia Addoh-Kondi, Cynthia Bonner, JaNelle Brown, Eric Hall, Michael Hansen, Julia Juarez, Charles Long, William Muhammad, Fred Lee Randall, Tammie Smith, and Robert Walker. This is an opinion column Todays guest columnist is Beth Shelburne. Birmingham has more than enough stories about injustice. I know its exhausting. But Ive got a doozy you may not know about. Why do you need to know about this one? For starters, this miscarriage of justice happened right under our noses, not that long ago, and on our dime. The victim was a veteran deputy sheriff named Bill Hardy who was murdered behind a Birmingham hotel in the dark of night. But perhaps more urgently, the man at the center is at risk of being killed for a crime he did not commit. I dont expect you to just take my word for it. Heres what Alabamas former attorney general, Bill Baxley, said after reviewing this case. No question in my mind, this guy was not guilty of this crime. Its a unique absurdity that I have never seen before. This is a situation that should not be allowed to exist another minute. Baxley is a lifelong defender of the death penalty, but after he read through the case against Toforest Johnson, he was so outraged, that he went out on a limb and began advocating for Mr. Johnsons release. In 2020, Jefferson County District Attorney Danny Carr also reviewed the case and filed an extraordinary motion in court asking for a new trial. Thats not all. The original trial prosecutor the same man who stood before a jury and urged them to sentence Toforest Johnson to death joined the District Attorneys call for a new trial. Thats as rare an occurrence as Auburn and Alabama fans joining arms at the Iron Bowl and singing Kumbaya. In other words, it never happens. And yet, as you read these words, Toforest Johnson still sits in a cell on Alabamas death row. And the state of Alabama, represented by Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, is still seeking Mr. Johnsons execution. I spent almost 9 years working as a news anchor and investigative reporter at WBRC Fox 6 in Birmingham. During that time, I covered a lot of stories involving crime, punishment and justice. But this story takes the cake. It is, hands down, the most absurd example of injustice that I have ever encountered. Thats why I decided to spend two full years reporting on nothing else. The result is a podcast series called Earwitness that tells the story of how the state convicted a man of murder with no physical evidence and no eyewitnesses. Instead, prosecutors relied on the testimony of a single witness, who admittedly didnt see or hear the murder, and wasnt even at the crime scene. Not an eyewitness, but an earwitness. This earwitness claimed she overheard Toforest Johnson discuss details of the murder on a jailhouse phone call. And there was no way to verify that she told the truth, because the jail didnt record the phone calls that she claimed she overheard. If thats not bad enough, the state paid this earwitness $5000 for her testimony, then denied it for 17 years. And my reporting in Earwitness reveals other shocking facts about this witness and the practice of prosecutors hiding reward payments in at least one other Jefferson County case that resulted in a death row conviction. Half a million people around the world have listened to Earwitness since its release. One critic called it an instant classic. I am thrilled and humbled that so many people have discovered the podcast, and find it so compelling. But only a small percentage of listeners live here in Alabama. Is that because fewer people here listen to podcasts? Or is it that the uncomfortable truths about this complicated place we call home are too much to bear? I made Earwitness because I wanted to explore how an innocent person from right here in Birmingham ended up on death row. It is also a story thats tailor-made for an in-depth podcast: incredible characters, jaw-dropping twistsdid I mention that police ignored Mr. Johnsons alibi?and more than a few moments that have moved listeners to tears. While Toforest Johnson is still alive, his life might be spared. Earwitness is a chance for you to go on an investigative journey with me into this case from your hometown. Then you can decide if you agree with Mr. Baxley and me, and join the chorus of people from around the world who are calling on Alabama to fix this mistake before its too late. Additional note: You can listen to Earwitness on all podcast platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Audible. Greater Birmingham Ministries put together a website called Justice for Toforest Johnson. Click on how you can help to sign up for updates. Beth Shelburne is a Birmingham-based journalist and writer. People can find her work on substack: https://bethshelburne.substack.com/ and her landing page: www.bethshelburne.com David Sher is the founder and publisher of ComebackTown. Hes past Chairman of the Birmingham Regional Chamber of Commerce (BBA), Operation New Birmingham (REV Birmingham), and the City Action Partnership (CAP). Click here to sign up for our newsletter. Invite David to speak for free to your group about how we can have a more prosperous metro Birmingham. dsher@amsher.com Donna Rae (Hoopes) Clark was born November 27, 1944, to Raymond and Dorothy Hoopes in Anthony, Kansas. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones on December 16, 2023, at the age of 79 years and 19 days following a short battle with lung cancer. She grew up as an only child on the family farm in Anthony, Kansas. Donna always had a deep love of animals and as a child, would often sneak her cat through the window and into her bed. In 1964, Donna married the love of her life, Kenneth Clark, thanks to a divinely orchestrated blind date. Donna and Kenny moved to Alva in 1964 after Kenny closed his eyes and put his finger down on a US map. Their children, Brian and Lynette, were both born and raised in Alva. They have many fond memories of watching her raise various farm animals on their land north of town. Donna worked tirelessly as an X-ray technician at Share Hospital for many years. She was then employed as deputy county assessor at the Woods County Courthouse until her retirement. Donna was a beautiful, quiet and classy lady. She often kept her opinions to herself and left others wondering what was going on behind those pretty blue eyes. "Good grief!" was her go-to response to nearly everything. Donna was mechanically gifted and could fix anything from an electric razor to a hot water tank. She was also a talented quilter, decorator and fabulous cook. Donna participated in the Kindred Sisters, Alva Quilters, Salt Fork Square Dancers, Card Club, Supper Club, Red Hat Society and was a long-term member of the Alva Friends Church. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband of almost 59 years, Kenneth. Donna is survived by her son Brian Clark (wife Lisa), and a daughter Lynette Brown (husband Jimmy), grandchildren: Taylor Wilson (husband Wade), Trevor Clark, Brendan Brown, Austin Clark, Raegan Brown and two great-grandchildren Kasen and Kally Wilson as well as a devoted dog companion, Izzy Rae. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends. The family will announce a Celebration of Life at a later date. Burial will take place in Forest Park Cemetery in Anthony, Kansas. Wharton Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made at http://www.whartonfuneralchapel.com. Memorial Contributions may be made in her memory to the Alva Friends Church. Politically involved nonprofits and committees without contribution limits spent $2.3 million to influence Oklahoma voters in 2023, rivaling the $2.95 million candidates put toward campaign expenses. State ethics rules cap candidate committee contributions at $3,300 per election. In contrast, outside groups are allowed to accept and spend unlimited amounts to advocate for or against a candidate or issue so long as they dont coordinate with candidates. State and federal law does not require politically involved nonprofits to disclose their donors. Approximately 90% of the outside money was spent to support or oppose State Question 820, a ballot initiative proposing legalized recreational marijuana and streamlined expungement of some marijuana-related convictions that appeared before voters on March 7. More than 60% of voters statewide rejected the question. The Yes on 820 campaign spent $2.07 million in the first quarter of 2023, Ethics Commission records show. Several local and out-of-state groups that support criminal justice reform, including Action Now, Inc., the Just Trust for Action and Schusterman Family Philanthropies, contributed upwards of $100,000. The Protect Our Kids No 820 campaign spent just $273,000 and relied on donations from individuals and local business advocacy groups. The vast remainder of outside money was poured into the Oct. 10 Republican primary for State Senate District 32. Several groups spent upwards of $225,000 to air advertisements and send mailers opposing Dusty Deevers, an Elgin pastor and businessman who won the primary and, two months later, the general election. Dark money spending was not prevalent in the Senate District 32 special election or House District 39 special primary, both held Dec. 12. Ethics commission records show independent expenditures totaled just $2,500 in both races combined. As outside spending in state elections has accelerated, the Ethics Commission has compiled evidence of outside groups intentionally misleading voters, outgoing director Ashley Kemp told Oklahoma Watch in June. She said persistent underfunding of the commission could cause campaign violations to go unchecked during the 2024 election cycle. The agency has operated on a flat $687,000 annual budget since Fiscal Year 2017. You have people coming in and spending a million dollars, which is more than our annual appropriation by a lot, Kemp said. To take a campaign finance case to trial would eat up a significant portion of our budget. Gov. Kevin Stitt signed an executive order on Nov. 1 establishing the Campaign Finance and Election Threats Task Force. The nine-member group of election officials, gubernatorial and legislative appointees will issue a report of reform recommendations to the governor by Jan. 15, three weeks before the start of the 2024 legislative session. Stitt was a frequent critic of dark money advertisements targeting him during the 2022 gubernatorial election. In an October 2022 interview with Oklahoma Watch, he said hed support federal legislation to require politically involved nonprofits to disclose their donors. I would love for Congress to change those laws, or at least make it transparent, Stitt said. If you want to get in and try to influence an election, lets let em know who they are. Seven election dates are set for 2024, including the March 5 presidential preferential primary election. Candidate filing for legislative seats up for reelection is set for April 8-10. Oklahoma Watch, at oklahomawatch.org, is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that covers public-policy issues facing the state. In the very tiresome battles over whether one religious element can be in the public realm without being accompanied by other religious elements that someone, somewhere, claims to value, a simple point is missed: We do have the right to freedom of religion. But this does not equate to the right to equal government showcasing of religion. The issue at hand is that cultural devolutionaries have for years now applied a religion-focused Cloward-Piven strategy, through which they seek to eliminate all public-square religious expression by inundating the system with equal-time requests for religious expression ranging from the evil to the asinine. For example, the Satanic Temple has an after-school club thats set to start in an elementary school near Memphis in January and also has holiday displays at the Iowa and Michigan state capitols (and no doubt elsewhere). Interestingly, after the first Iowa satanic display was destroyed, authorities charged the man responsible, a Navy veteran. Unlike when mobs tore down Confederate statues, they didnt turn a blind eye and Nancy Pelosi didnt say People will do what they do. As for asininity, other Christmastime displays have included a Festivus pole in tribute to a holiday created on Seinfeld that satirizes the commercialism of Christmas, related Fox News in 2014, and a display by the Church of The Flying Spaghetti Monster, which mocks beliefs that a god created the universe and argues instead that the universe was created by a plate of pasta and meatballs. Is this what the Founders, those 18th-century giants who sometimes wore powdered wigs, envisioned? Before answering, consider that the men who crafted the First Amendment, who birthed the Establishment Clause, opened the very first Congress in 1789 with exclusively Christian prayers. This practice continues to this day and the prayers are still mainly Christian. In other words, anyone supposing the First Amendment means that religion must be kept out of government is essentially saying that the men who wrote that provision didnt know what it meant. (If thats the kind of thinking secular reason gives us, Ill stick with religious mysticism.) Note, too, that our first president, George Washington, stated in his farewell address (1796), [L]et us with caution indulge the supposition, that morality can be maintained without religion. And our second president, John Adams, said in 1798, Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other. Clearly, they considered faith a prerequisite for the American experiments success. What they didnt want was a national church and thats what the First Amendment forbids. It reads, Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof (emphasis added). If the Founders had intended for the prohibition to apply to all levels of government, they would have written government, not specified Congress. They clearly meant to constrain only the central government with the provision, not the states. This said, most states have constitutions with language mirroring the First Amendment. Yet forbidding establishment means just that: prohibiting an official government churchs creation. Framers could have written that no law shall be made respecting the expression of religion. But they didnt and in the Founders case wouldnt, as, again, evidenced by their official religious expression in Congress. Nonetheless, weve long been operating under the idea that allowing one religious element in the public sphere but not others is, somehow, a constitutional violation. This positions folly can be illustrated with an analogy. The First Amendment protects freedom of speech as well as that of religion. So, question: If state-funded, faith-oriented elements in the public sphere violate freedom of religion, wouldnt state-funded, speech-oriented elements violate the freedom of speech? We do have state-funded, speech-oriented displays, too, such as at the Lincoln Memorial, where the 16th presidents Gettysburg and Second Inaugural addresses are inscribed. The former includes the words that our nation was conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. Theres also the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, which includes the quotation, Our loyalties must transcend our race, our tribe, our class, and our nation. Now, another question: Should it be mandated that such speechs display be privately funded and restricted to private land, lest the government be guilty of infringing upon speech? Whats more, should the same anti-infringement imperative also dictate that insofar as such speech is represented in the public sphere, contrary opinions must be displayed alongside Lincolns and Kings words? How about the 1619 Project proposition that our nation was not conceived in liberty but in slavery? How about a Nazi belief that racial chauvinism should be encouraged? Of course, its quite preposterous to equate government display of speech with its infringement upon speech. Yet is it any less silly to equate government display of religion with the infringement upon exercise of religion? Public-sphere Christian elements dont force a person to attend church any more than public-sphere equality-dogma displays compel him to espouse equality. Again, the principle here is simple: The right to freedom of religion does not equate to the right to the equal government showcasing of religion. Asserting otherwise creates a situation in which we conceivably could be asked to showcase thousands of conceptions of religion, which would likely lead to the purging of all faith from the public square. To reiterate, this is precisely certain cultural devolutionaries goal, too. Really, all this reflects a childishness. Its much as with schools that pander to students who identify as animals or dress as furries: It wouldnt be happening were the grown-ups actually adult and not just chronologically so. Were simply not a serious country if we have to argue about whether a boy can become a girl just by willing it or if we grant a Church of The Flying Spaghetti Monster or sitcom-origin display equal footing with a Nativity Scene. Of course, some of us revel in this as sophistication, liberation or love of liberty, but all it means is having an old heart, a childs soul and the gravitas of a toddler. Unfortunately, though, the kid that is America is as decrepit as he is immature and, barring a spiritual renewal, is not long for this world. Contact Selwyn Duke, follow him on MeWe or Gettr or log on to SelwynDuke.com Image: Screen shot from Inside Edition video, via YouTube It seems clear to me that Jack Smith was appointed for the purpose of besetting Donald J. Trump and finding a means to keep him from running for president again. If Im right, Smith's many strategies have come to naught this week and it is extremely unlikely that the cases he instituted in the District of Columbia and Florida (meritless as I think they are) will ever be resolved before the election. The case in the District of Columbia is being heard before Judge Tanya Chutkan. She indicated she wants to hear the case this coming March and has been firm about sticking to that. In one of her rulings in that case, she denied Trumps motion to dismiss on the ground that he had presidential immunity from the crimes with which Smith is charging him respecting his objections to the 2020 election. That issue could have in the ordinary course of things been appealed to the next highest court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. Such an appeal would have made it unlikely that the case would return to the District Court for trial and disposition before the election, so, in a Hail Mary move, Smith sought action by the Supreme Court to rule on the issue, bypassing the normal procedure. This week, without dissent or explanation, the Court rejected his request and the matter will be heard by the Court of Appeals. That court is predominantly Democrat and its more likely than not that it will sustain Judge Chutkans order. But it will take time for it to be heard and disposed of. Bill Shipley, the criminal lawyer who is handling a number of the January 6 cases (Shipwreckedcrew is his online moniker), predicts that Judge Karen Henderson on the panel will write an opinion -- whether concurring or dissenting -- and she will not go out of her way to speed up the decision, having already objected to the manner in which oral argument was set. Whenever that opinion is done, Trump has the option of seeking within 45 days a rehearing en banc (that is by the whole court, not just the present three-judge panel). Once the government has responded to that motion, the Court must decide whether to grant it, and that decision will take some time. If it is granted, a date for the rehearing will have to be set, arguments heard, and an opinion written. If the rehearing is denied, Trump has 90 days to seek certiorari -- that is a request to the Supreme Court to hear the case. This Supreme Court term ends in June, which would further delay the matter, probably to the fall of 2024. During all this, Judge Chutkan has no jurisdiction to handle the case. You can see that the March 4 plan for a trial is not in the works. Indeed, the chance of a trial taking place before the election is more than unlikely. Further complicating matters, the Supreme Court just granted certiorari upon a petition by a person charged with obstructing an official proceeding on January 6 -- the Fischer case. And much of the case before Judge Chutkan uses the same arguments against Trump that are at issue in that case. Oral arguments in that case probably wont be heard until sometime in March or April, and surely it will take time for an opinion by the Court, an opinion which has significant bearing on a great deal of Smiths case. If the government loses that case, there will not be much left for Smith to prosecute should he, by some miracle, gets a trial before the election. At the same time, Smith has a case pending in Florida before Judge Aileen M. Cannon in which Smith has charged Trump with mishandling classified documents. Judge Cannon already expressed doubt respecting Smiths assurances that the D.C. trial would not overlap the May 20 trial date in Florida and has suspended all pretrial matters regarding Trumps access to classified evidence -- a very lengthy process. As you can see, by taking his time to press charges and then going hog-wild on prosecuting Trump, Smith was hardly nimble and is now ensnared in a jumble of impossible deadlines and the kind of dilemmas a reasonable person would have expected had he sat for so long before trying to interfere with the election by instituting multiple cases. His strategy was weak and obvious, and he could not have reasonably expected the court would go along with this. Indeed, when asking the Supreme Court to bypass normal procedures, he tipped his hand that his concern was election-based. If all this was not sufficient, theres another problem of prosecutorial overreach that he and Attorney General Merrick Garland may well have difficulty overcoming. On November 18, 2022, when Garland appointed Smith as special counsel, Smith was not a U.S. Attorney, nor was he appointed to assist one. He was not holding a position that required and got Senate confirmation as required by the Constitutions Appointments Clause. He was outside the government, a private citizen. Last Wednesday, former U.S. Attorney Edwin Meese and law professors Steven Calabresi and Gary Lawson filed a friend of the court (amicus) brief with the Supreme Court which asserts Jack Smith was improperly appointed special counsel and therefore lacks any authority to represent the government in federal court. In short form, the gist of their argument, which conforms to my reading of the statute and the Constitution, is this -- and its what sets him apart from prior special counsels like John Durham: What federal statutes and the Constitution do not allow, however, is for the Attorney General to appoint a private citizen, who has never been confirmed by the Senate, as a substitute United States Attorney under the title 'Special Counsel. [snip] Not clothed in the authority of the federal government, Smith is a modern example of the naked emperor. Improperly appointed, he has no more authority to represent the United States in this Court than Bryce Harper, Taylor Swift or Jeff Bezos. Steven Calabresi, no fan of Trump, details in full the trios arguments. For those hoping that lawfare would give President Biden his best chance at reelection and pinned their hopes on Garland and Smith making the magic happen, this has been a no good, awful, terrible week. The Saudi armed forces have potential tribal problems as well as a shortage of able volunteers. Despite that they have eventually, after several generations, moved away from an emphasis on tribal affiliation and loyalties to a more nationalistic attitude. The current population is 32 million, with a per-capita income that is among the highest in the world, and an unemployment rate under ten percent. Recent generations have become more concerned with national security in an increasingly hostile world, especially when it comes to the Iranians. More Saudis are willing to serve in the military and such participation has now become more socially acceptable. This is especially true for those Saudis who join the more technical services, like the air force or navy. Saudi Arabia is a major destination for foreign weapons, especially high-end warplanes, and warships. The Saudis devote eight percent of GDP to the military, which has about 250,000 active duty personnel, many of whom are needed to operate the many warplanes, warships, and high-end weapons systems for the ground forces. There are finally enough qualified volunteers to operate and maintain all the military aircraft and warships the huge defense budget can purchase. Now the Saudis are finally expanding their small navy, which has about 10,000 naval personnel and 3,000 marines. The navy also has to divide its forces between the Eastern Fleet in the Persian Gulf and the Western Fleet in the Red Sea. The navy has 11 new frigates in service or on order, as well as 11 smaller corvettes. There are 39 patrol boats. Naval aviation consists of 19 helicopters. The Saudis are planning to expand naval aviation to include six American P-8A maritime patrol aircraft that are on order. The Saudis work closely with the American naval forces stationed in the Persian Gulf, especially when it comes to dealing with Iranian aggression and threats to the many tankers entering and leaving the Gulf each day. Currently the Iranians have no major warships but depend on the IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) and its force of small speedboats armed with ATGMs (Anti-Tank-Guided-Missiles) machine-guns. This is a harassment force but capable of damaging small ships and even large oil tankers. Iran also depends on large tankers taking their oil exports out of the Gulf and uses its small gun and missile boats for harassment. The Saudis maintain two quite separate ground combat forces, the regular army and a national guard which is quite different from the American one. The Saudi National Guard occupies a special place in Saudi Arabia and is the main reason the king does not have to worry much about a rebellion in the army. A lesser reason is a system of foreign technicians, trainers, and advisors who are largely immune to any revolutionary thoughts. One army (the National Guard) exists mainly to protect the royal family and its grip on power, the others (the usual three services) are there to protect Saudi Arabia. The Saudi National Guard is organized into eight brigades. Three are mechanized and five infantry, and the force contains a total of 32 battalions. There are also another 24 battalions of National Guard reservists. About 75 percent of the National Guard troops spend most of their time guarding oil facilities and other important government assets. The rest provide security for the royal family and key government officials. The most loyal, and able, members of the royal family hold senior commands in the National Guard. This is an organization that puts a lot of emphasis on loyalty. The National Guard is well armed and trained, all of it. But most of all, they are loyal to the royal family. But being that the country is called Saudi Arabia, after the ruling Saud family, the National Guard also protects the government. Since the Sauds see themselves, first and foremost, as the protectors of the most holy places in Islam (Mecca and Medina), the National Guard also serves God. The National Guard is far more than tribal warriors loyal to a wealthy and generous family. The National Guardsmen are holy warriors, who serve the protectors of the Islamic holy places. That's a big deal in Arabia and the Islamic world. While the National Guard recruits first for loyalty, next comes bravery and willingness to die for the cause, which is protecting the royal family and Islam. Then comes military aptitude. This often bothers the foreign trainers brought in to show the guardsmen how to use new equipment or carry out new tactics. But foreigners who have been in the kingdom for a while come to understand the need for loyalty above all. Foreign trainers also note that many of their students are not well educated but nearly all are eager to learn new ways to fight. The National Guard gets the best equipment and gets it quickly. The National Guard is supposed to fight internal enemies, not foreign ones. It has no tanks or jet fighters. It has lots of wheeled armored vehicles, some artillery and helicopters plus light recon aircraft. The National Guard is equipped to get where they are needed quickly and suppress any unrest before it can grow. The communications of the National Guard connects directly to the royal family and is set up to coordinate with the regular army. There is a paid tribal militia of 25,000 warriors, who are armed and equipped by the king. This is considered a National Guard reserve. These militiamen are organized into 24 battalions and are basically light infantry. Nearly all the National Guardsmen troops are Bedouins, usually from tribes that have been historical allies of the al Saud family. The king considers the Guardsmen his kinsmen and takes good care of them. If a Saudi needs a favor from the king, he's much more likely to get it if he is, or was, a National Guardsman. About a third of the National Guardsmen are especially selected from the most loyal to the royal family tribes. This is called the White Army because of the traditional white robes of the Bedouins. The most loyal force is the 2,000-man Royal Guard Regiment. These, as the name implies, are responsible for the day-to-day security of the king and his immediate family. When Saudi Arabia was put together in the 1930s, many tribes were encouraged to join the new kingdom by force or lots of verbal coercion. These groups continue to hold a grudge (a venerable Middle Eastern custom), and the most hostile of these are not recruited for the National Guard. The National Guard has been called out several times and has always managed to get the job done. In 1979, it was the National Guard with French special forces who took down the Islamic radicals, some of them ex-National Guard officers, that had invaded the Grand Mosque in Mecca. In 1990, it was the National Guard that went in and chased Iraqi troops out of a Saudi border town. During the battle with al Qaeda from 2003-6, it was the National Guard that was called out when large numbers of troops were needed, usually to blockade an area terrorists were believed to be in. The loyalty of the National Guard was one reason al Qaeda was never able to make a successful attack on an oil facility. Al Qaeda often relies on bribes to penetrate heavy security. The National Guardsmen protecting those sites were largely incorruptible. The current unrest in the Middle East has not manifested itself in Saudi Arabia in part because Saudis realize that the National Guard will fight to the death to protect the royal family. The National Guard has about a thousand wheeled armored vehicles and some artillery. About $9 billion was spent on new wheeled armored vehicles and lots of neat gadgets, like night vision gear and new communications equipment. Bedouins love this stuff and adapt quickly to it. The National Guard commanders noted the experience of American troops in Iraq and have requested, and generally been able to purchase, all the weapons and gear Americans used successfully in Iraq. If the National Guard goes to war it will be against Islamic radicals similar to those encountered in Iraq. The National Guard troops have also noted how Iraqi troops adopted American weapons and techniques and been successfully fighting terrorists. On Friday, December 22, the Oval Office issued a full federal pardon to all Americans who have ever used marijuana. The media coverage pretends to be thorough by talking about this blanket pardons obvious limits: it pardons people for only the federal violations, so it doesnt get them out of state violations, and it applies only to possession and use, not to such commonly related crimes as dealing, gang involvement, weapons charges, and robbery. This therefore sounds reasonable, moderate, even harmless. Its not picking a fight with the states, just dealing with federal prosecutions, not committing obvious overreach. It sounds like just a harmless Christmas present to private individuals, the stoners who just smoke in the basement but dont commit other crimes. Unfortunately, as usual, appearances are deceiving. First, by simply pardoning everyone for a crime still on the books, the Biden-Harris regime is flouting long established federal law. There have been federal laws for generations against the possession and use of pot. Generally speaking (though this is not universal), Democrats are for erasing such bans (on the grounds that there are worse drugs out there), and Republicans are for keeping the bans (on the grounds that no countrys problems were ever solved by getting their population strung out on dope). If they campaign for Congress to lift the ban, and succeed, they could then have a case for issuing retroactive pardons (subject to points two and three below). But by doing it before Congress agrees to lift the ban, they are just repeating their frequent habit of acting as if the Executive Branch is unbounded by either the specific laws of the nation or the overarching checks and balances of our three federal branches system. For this reason steamrolling all standing congressional and judicial action like this it is an impeachable offense. Second, everything is precedent. There are a few states that have decriminalized marijuana, and there are many others that are considering doing so. Even though this blanket pardon doesnt literally apply to state law at all, the fact of it will put more than a thumb on the scale, on the side of those state-by-state decriminalization efforts. In each state, the advocates for leaving the ban in place have federal law on their side. But now that they can point to a federal pardon on the matter, theres an undeserved claim to federal precedent that the decriminalization side can use in their arguments to counter it. The White House has no business meddling in state law this way, in direct contradiction to longstanding federal law. What happens if states use this pardon as the final winning argument that flips their states from the ban column into the decriminalization column? Then the White House will have successfully used its position to drive yet another wedge between federal and state law, disrupting what ought to be a harmonious relationship, more than ever. Third, most importantly, and probably most complicatedly, we must discuss the issue of the plea bargain. In the United States, whether at the federal level or the state, whenever someone can be charged with multiple different violations and criminals usually can be prosecutors usually weigh the odds and costs involved in a trial, negotiate with the defendant and his attorney, and settle on a reduction of counts down to the one that gets a guilty plea and an acceptable amount of prison time. A criminal might commit a number of crimes in a night say, robbery, drug possession, reckless (pot-affected?) driving, and maybe a couple of weapons charges and the prosecution will agree to waive the rest of the charges if they settle on the one thats easiest to prove and has an acceptable sentencing range. As a result, all those thousands of people who are in jail for possession of marijuana are really not in jail just for having pot at all. It only looks like it, because thats the one listed. That doesnt mean they didnt do all those other things. They are usually in jail for multiple crimes, ranging from brawling to rape, from gang activity to weapons charges, from selling drugs to robbery. But some crimes are harder to prove than others, and if you can put the criminal behind bars for five years for a plea to the pocketful of dope, its a win for society. The criminal goes to jail, and our overworked law enforcement officers can move on to the next case. What happens when a president (or governor) disregards all this background information, waves a magic wand, and makes the one crime for which they were convicted go away? Now, all of a sudden, these criminals are back on the streets. Or if theyre already on the streets, because they did their time in the past, now the other conditions of their release are likely to be washed away, too. Maybe they were forbidden from being near children, or banned from handling cash at a bank, or their licenses to work in a medical or dental office were revoked. With a pardon, they can reapply to such positions and again work as bus drivers or dental hygienists or preschool teachers or nannies. There you have it. We had a system that worked; it locked up people who should be locked up, and it kept them out of certain jobs that would hold temptations for them, or held other risks, when they got out. And now the Biden-Harris regime, once again, is ripping up a system that worked. If the prosecutors had known, back when they negotiated the plea bargain, that some autocrat-in-chief would issue a blanket pardon on the drug charge one day, they might have made different choices. Maybe they would have just settled on the robbery charge or the brawling charge or the molestation charge. But they didnt know then. Five, ten, fifteen years ago, nobody would ever have dreamed that a candidate who was tossed out of the primaries twice before, for plagiarizing speeches and lying about his own resume, would one day end up in the Oval Office with the power to do a stupid thing like this. You cant blame the prosecutors who negotiated those plea bargains in good faith, assuming that no future executive order would someday pull the floor out from under them. Once again, the Biden-Harris regime has disregarded established law to shake up the system, siding with the criminal against the law-abiding citizen, disrupting the American system in every way it can. Disruption is what these people do, without a care in the world about the amount of damage that results. The inauguration of the next sane president cannot come soon enough. John F. Di Leo is a Chicagoland-based international transportation professional and trade compliance consultant. A one-time Milwaukee County Republican Party chairman, he has been writing a regular column for Illinois Review since 2009. Read his book on vote fraud (The Tales of Little Pavel) and his political satires on the current administration (Evening Soup with Basement Joe, Volumes I and II, and the brand new Volume Three). Image via Pexels. An unjust law is no law at all, and the more that injustice becomes the law of the land, the more likely that chaos comes, too. Why? Because injustice begets more injustice. Most humans have an antenna that can distinguish right from wrong, but most humans also ignore this antenna to their detriment. It is far easier to accept the world as it is even when it is drenched in depravity than to rebel against majority opinion. It is far safer to stay silent in the sight of outrageous sin than to stand alone and say, This is wrong. As everyday wrongs pile up high, though, human antennae even ones that have gone unused for too long begin to twitch uncontrollably. Why are so many people today afflicted by sadness? Because sins are a heavy burden to carry. The mountains of evil rising in our world torment every soul. And only by actively fighting the resulting chaos can we hope to one day find salvation. That idea that the struggle against evil is worth any cost is easier said than done. How can the actions of any one person make any meaningful difference? As Christians all over the world celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, it seems more logical to ask: how can any person dedicated to making a difference ultimately not succeed? Christ came to Earth to seed a message of hope and redemption and died for our sins. His disciples spread that message across the world, suffering torture and death, so that we might live. Christians have been persecuted, imprisoned, and slaughtered ever since, so that we might be saved. Next to their sacrifices, our hardships pale. I admit that there is a rebellious streak in me. I am fond of rule-breakers who stand unafraid against evil. Rebellion for rebellions sake can be just as detrimental as injustice. Yet rebellion against injustice so that one may remain obedient to God is surely righteous. And when you say it out loud in that way will you choose mans laws or Gods? the answer is obvious. So, I have always had a soft spot in my heart for Gods devout and indefatigable troublemakers. As evidence that any one of us can make a difference in the fight against evil, I want to recognize the efforts of Bible smugglers around the world. Did you know that men and women routinely risk imprisonment and execution by secretly delivering Gods Word to populations forbidden from receiving Christs message? Just as the apostles did two thousand years ago, followers of Christ still risk life and limb to spread His message today. In fact, the last century has been a busy one for Gods smugglers. They have navigated the Soviet Unions Iron Curtain, the Chinese Communist Party, and Islamic supremacists intent on Christianitys eradication. Yet Gods smugglers have persevered. For decades, two Finnish men named Antti and Esko smuggled Bibles into the Soviet Union and throughout the Eastern Bloc. They moved through Finnish forests in the dead of night, hid Bibles in secret compartments within their vehicles gas tanks, and eventually began manufacturing prefabricated housing components that allowed them to move tens of thousands of Bibles through Leningrad, Moscow, Tula, Oryol, Kiev, Kishinev, Romania, and Bulgaria. They survived many security checks and many impossible situations, and several of their collaborators were imprisoned. Through all those years of danger, though, Antti and Esko found strength through Scripture: The Lord will protect your going and your coming, now and forevermore. In an ongoing operation today, there are Christians printing and smuggling Bibles into Middle Eastern countries that torture followers of Jesus Christ. [T]hey tried to kill me five times, one smuggler recounted, who shared the story of a Believer so thankful for their covert operations that the man embraced his new Bible as the most important book on Earth. A supporter of these perilous missions takes inspiration from the Book of Joshua: Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Perhaps the most well-known Bible smuggler was Andrew van der Bijl (known by most as Brother Andrew, he died just last year), a fearless Christian from the Netherlands who risked his life on innumerable occasions to bring light into the darkness of totalitarian regimes. As he operated a kind of Christian spy ring with clandestine missions to deliver Gods Word, he developed a prayer: Lord, in my luggage I have Scripture I want to take to your children. When you were on earth, You made blind eyes see. Now, I pray, make seeing eyes blind. Do not let the guards see those things You do not want them to see. That prayer saw him through nerve-racking encounters with Cold War border guards, Chinese communists, and Islamic security services. In an operation codenamed Project Pearl, he helped coordinate the delivery of a million Bibles for a Chinese Christian woman known as Mama Kwang and her small team of rebels to unload from a barge off the Southern coast in a single night. That night of miracles forty years ago has been credited with the explosion of Christian fellowship in China today. As Brother Andrew was fond of noting, The Bible is full of ordinary people who went to impossible places and did wondrous things simply because they decided to follow Jesus. Inspiring others with his courage, he was always on the hunt for new rebels and radicals willing to go to the darkest places on earth, at the risk of death, to change the world. You do not have to become an international spy in order to be one of Brother Andrews rebels and radicals for Christ. God blessed us each with special talents, and with these talents, we each have special obligations. It is up to each one of us to do what we can when we can with steadfast determination. Rebelling against the evils of this world requires no additional invitation. Among his many sermons on the importance of sacrifice and hard work, English greengrocer and lay preacher Alfred Roberts attested: There is no promise of ease for the faithful servant of the Cross, and there is no bypass round Calvary. You will have to be a man of humble heart and paradoxically also a man of authority. God wants no faint hearts for his ambassadors. He wants man, who having communed with heaven, can never be intimidated by the world. Thats invaluable advice. No matter how small we may feel, when we act with God in our hearts, we have nothing to fear. We become the rock around which those with no resolve must move. Roberts knew that humanitys salvation depends on humanitys character and, therefore, he spent a great deal of time forging in others indestructible souls filled with virtue, tenacity, and perseverance. By many measures, he was successful, but he is remembered most for the moral strength of his daughter known all over the world simply as the Iron Lady. You never know when your seemingly mundane words or actions might light a flame of courage in someone else. You do not know how your good example might affect anothers future. So speak bravely and live your life as if curious eyes are constantly watching. Be a person of both gentleness and authority. Be one of Gods valiant ambassadors. Be fearless, while others quiver. Be rebellious against injustice and defiant against evil. And remember this: no matter what tyrant rises or what iniquity spreads, Gods faithful children have nothing to dread. Merry Christmas, friends. Image via Pexels. Living through most of the 20th century has made me acquainted with the power of words to distort reality, twist the truth, and make people do what in their right mind they would not do, including things that could harm them, often tragically. Was it not the words of Hitler in his 1930s public rantings that roused Germans to action that led to the killing of millions of people in a world war? The trouble with words is made forcibly clear in the film We Are Not Alone in which an innocent man (played by Paul Muni) accused of murder and facing death by hanging says, in a moment he steals to speak in his defense: Words can be true and still have no truth in them. The mindless and often malicious use of words can make what is false appear true, what is fake appear real, what is wrong seem right, and what is right seem wrong a misuse of words that is familiar to anyone whose brain has not been washed by those cunning enough to make information serve as propaganda, the kind frequently sending innocent people to jail or to an early grave. Speaking truthfully telling it like it is, even over intimidation is a necessary part of fighting falsehood. Sounding off with truth punches holes in what is fake, dishonest, and insincere. Silence, let us always remember, gives consent to actions that can harm people. Time is past-due in todays America for the silent majority to shout. Who by this late date are not aware of the leftist hatred of reality, including what defines human life? Who havent noticed that defending human life by speaking the truth about it has become hate speech to leftists? Arent the real finger-pointing haters those who stand with their backs to a mirror they should be facing? Are they not the ones who despise what is most precious to human beings? That list is topped by the right to live and the freedom to think and act according to ones inner lights. That is a requirement that calls for a respect for human life that leftists do not possess, indicating a profound self-loathing that words cant hide. Not even a dispassionate, neutral, middle-ground approach to dealing with the most important issues of human life can penetrate to the core of what is essentially a spiritual matter. When Pontius Pilate asked the prisoner Jesus Christ, who claimed to bear witness to the truth, What is the truth? he, like todays liberals, expected an answer in words. But if words cant even explain what life is, let alone the many intangibles that science chronically fumbles with outside its field, how was an adequate answer to Pilates question possible in words? Words that convey factual information are no match in effectiveness for words that spread false information and lies. Applied to lifes greatest puzzles, words at best provide hints not solutions. Blind to the spiritual dimension of human life, Pilate relegated Jesus to a humiliating death for lack of the right words. Though words are essential to human life, it is equally essential that they be connected to the truth about the first things regarding the spiritual as well as the material wellbeing of humans. This is beyond the power of words to handle perfectly, as with trying to express the joy of having a baby or describing a beautiful sunset or sunrise. Evidence is plentiful that total reliance on words for essential information gives mischief-makers and rebels their ticket to scheme and act against the public. Where the connection to a divine absolute is missing, words can be used to justify any atrocity. That connection is faith in God, not in Man, a link that provides the needed supplement to human inadequacy in acting consistently in the best interest of the public. It is a familiar link, even to agnostics who suddenly rely on a faith in God when facing imminent death. Leaders who forget the shortcomings and deficiencies of being human, including the wisest among them, make their own traps into which they frequently fall. Failure to resist the dark side of human nature continues to stain the otherwise great track of human history with the spilled blood and the countless loss of life of innocent people. In the end, no one gains any real benefit and happiness by disregarding the dark side of human life instead of resisting it full strength, a habit that needs to begin in childhood and maintained through life. Yet today we see heads of state and religious leaders continue to aid and abet the insane attack against the civilization that led our ancestors out of the savagery and brutality of past ages, thinking they are promoting progress instead of regression. To the point: Swallowing without thinking the words that routinely parade in politics disposes people to acceptance of party propaganda. And such inattention to reality tragically misses the fact that truth is not political, it does not take sides, it is independent of opinions, it does not change or bow to political passion. All who believe that truth is irrelevant in todays world need to be ready for a sobering lesson in realty. All who deal in falsehood and in hiding the truth are surely aware that the words they wont divulge to the public could swiftly end their work and make people remember that it is the power of truth, not of words, that sets us free of tyranny [ref. John 8:32]. Image: Picryl / public domain Unfortunately, history is replete with instances where human beings and human waste become nearly indistinguishable. The Gazan killers who perpetrated the October 7th all-out assault on decency certainly fit that category, and just as certainly felt the same way about their helpless victims. Now, persons who aspire to operate within the constraints of some moral or religious code are faced with the daunting dilemma of how best to eliminate this sickening blight called Hamas, without copying their sins. This evil creed and the worldwide enablers who dissemble on their behalf have made it plain that there can be no living with them; and sadly, theres no way to rid the world of this plague that doesnt involve a good deal of death and destruction. But every life lost in this struggle and every building toppled is credited to the Palestinian side of the ledger. The Gazans have once again chosen the path of oblivionand lets be accurate by calling a spade a spade, because this is the group of civilian men who elected Hamas to govern, these are the women who waved their brothers and husbands good-bye on October 7th praying for a successful jihad, and these are the children who talk of killing Jews. Having eschewed the opportunity to turn their advantageous strip of Mediterranean coastline into the showplace of prosperity, independence, and comfortable living it might easily have been, they instead committed tremendous sums of seemingly endless aid money and other needed construction resources into creating an extensive sewer system that under normal circumstances might have been the envy of any teeming metropolis. The human waste of this incredible subterranean network yields rifles, grenades, and other deadly implements of warfare, and now it has swallowed innocent hostages within its threatening vastness, under the most hideous of conditions. Its an artery for the spread of implacable hatred, murder, and corruption of the human spirit. It offers nothing but the promise of death. Its been well over two months since the terrible events of October 7th, and were still waiting for a leading Muslim religious figure, or major political leader of a Muslim majority nation to unequivocally condemn this breathtakingly cruel event. The same could be said of the despicable Secretary General of the United Nations, and the leaders of other associated organizations. The International Red Cross has shown itself utterly indifferent to torture and humiliation when it comes to the sufferings of Jews. Demonstrators in the Westto a great extent hired rabble-rousers calling for an immediate cease-fireact as if the atrocities that provoked the Israeli response never occurred; that Israels leaders woke up one fine October morning and decided it would be a good idea to invade Gaza. Even the Pope, well-meaning though he may be, doesnt seem to recognize the threat to human existence this atrocity represents. After watching the disgraceful reaction of so many to this incredible outrage, one cant help thinking that maybe the climate change kooks we conservatives ridicule with almost gleeful contempt nevertheless have hit upon a valid point: The human race, despite our pretensions, conceits, and vainglorious trumpeting of progress, is indeed poisoning the planet. Not however with the greenhouse gas emissions were incessantly hounded about, or the loudly-shouted damaging effects of fracking for oil and other drilling practices our petroleum- dependent society employs. Not even the growing deluge of human-created, non-degradable refuse is the real culprit. No, the events emanating from that man-made sewer of existence called Gaza suggest the depressing possibility that human characteror the lack of development thereofis the toxin that dooms us all if we allow this behavior to stand unopposed and unaddressed. Perhaps its not killing the earth per se, but still assaulting it, insulting it, and afflicting it with a growing tumor of savagery. If this cancer of cruelty goes untreated, un-excised, it will prove the human race to be nothing more than an intolerable malignancy of which G-d or nature will inevitably rid itself. Such callous savagery, like cancer, cannot be allowed to spread without killing everything around it. Alas, weve progressed very little from the days of our cave-dwelling ancestorsthe lower species we presume to term other living things sharing this planet could not be capable of the calculated, filmed-for-instant-circulation cruelty we witnessed on October 7th. On that terrible morning, Hamass murderous intent mixed with an unhealthy dose of Israeli complacency and self-congratulation amidst the heady atmosphere accompanying the long-anticipated (but not as yet realized) peace agreement with Saudi Arabia, brought about a breathtakingly brutal effusion of blood and violation. Innocent Jewsall too often historys usual suspectswere once more chosen to suffer the barbarism of which humans are still capable, despite our pretensions to civilization. The ongoing development of all sorts of new-fangled gadgets and appliances designed to make human interactions easier, more global in natureostensibly creating greater understanding amongst peoples of the worldhave only succeeded in creating more efficient means of amplifying and distributing acts of murder and cruelty; making bestial behavior an electronic game, available to an ever growing audience of like-minded savages, digitally anesthetized to brutality. The actions of these nihilists force the sad realization that there are large swaths of humankind that will not live in even a cold peace with those with whom they disagree. They cannot be persuaded; they are not subject to reason, or compromise, or even patent self-interest. Their fuel, what energizes and sustains them, in fact validates their very existence, is hate and hate alone. If we accept the fatuous rationalizations of a shockingly strident group of people the world over, insisting that this barbaric assault on everything we cherish as human is nothing more than an expression of political resistance, a natural and expected reaction to prolonged occupation, could there be any further hope for the future of the human race? Will we not thoroughly deserve the extinction that will ultimately be our rewardmost likely at our own handsif we bow to this abasement of values, calculated to shock us into silence and submission? Thats the real risk: abiding Hamass terms, accepting their actions as norms, shrinking from declaring their unquenchable hatreds as pathological; in effect, pulling the rest of humanity towards them. Therefore, the powerful Israeli incursion into Gaza intended to destroy Hamas must continue, despite the much fretted possibility of it expanding into a regional conflict, or even the opening phase of World War III. The need reaches beyond the exigencies of warfare between peoples or the interests of nations. It must be carried through to its stated end; the evil thats been wrought must be eradicated. It will not be a pretty process, but neither was blasting Nazism out of Germany. But its every bit as necessary for the salvation of the human race. So let it come to pass that when Operation Swords of Iron is finally concluded, the name Hamas will be spoken favorably only in hell. Perhaps then we can keep the rest of humanity out of sewers of our own making. Image generated by AI. As America enters the 2024 presidential campaign this time, it is not the economy, stupid, but foreign policy that should take precedence, since the list of international conflicts and risks of a doomsday scenario is constantly growing. The Middle East and Ukraine are already on fire, and, as historian Niall Ferguson writes in The Times, an ideological as well as geopolitical division between the countries of the Rimland (the Anglosphere, Western Europe, and Japan) and those of the Eurasian Heartland threatens to become the next crisis in a cascade of conflict that has the potential to escalate to a Third World War especially if China seizes the moment perhaps as early as 2024 to impose a blockade on Taiwan. Add to this pack the reports about potential major Washington-Moscow conflict escalation due to the Biden administrations intentions to seize more than $300 billion in Russian central bank assets stashed in Western nations and hand them to Ukraine. Nowadays, we hear that the recent advances in artificial intelligence could accidentally cause a global conflict. Eric Schmidt, the former Google CEO, told the Axios AI+ summit in Washington that there are not sufficient safeguards on A.I. and that it is only a matter of time before humans lost control of it which could pose a risk to humanity on the scale of a pandemic or nuclear war. So is there a way out from these horrors, or we are doomed? As the saying goes, it is not over until it is over, and if any elements of democracy in the U.S. still exist, then hope is with the results of November 2024 elections. We and the world need a new team of American leaders with the geostrategic vision capable to navigate U.S. foreign policy in these turbulent times. The current Magnificent Seven team Joe Biden, Tony Blinken, Jake Sullivan, Victoria Nuland, Lloyd Austin, Chuck Schumer, Ben Cardin obviously is the problem, not the solution. Former Democrat congresswoman and presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard speaks of Bidens betrayal since during his inauguration: he promised to bring our country together, to be a president for all Americans, no matter who they voted for, and he promised to get us closer to peace. Instead he is tearing our country apart, pouring fuel on the fire of divisiveness, and leading us to the brink of world war and nuclear annihilation. Biden, who portrayed himself as a defender of democracy around the world, has largely contributed to the degradation of American democracy . A recent report by Law Forward, A Democracy Crisis in the Making, presents numerous examples of the increasing attempts to undermine U.S. democracy. Surprisingly, one doesn't see the names of Donald Trump or Vladimir Putin listed as responsible for these misdeeds. The report analyzes the nationwide trend of state legislatures considering and, in some cases, enacting laws that would increase the risk of election subversion. These laws could contribute to an election outcome that doesnt reflect the will of voters. The recent decision by the Colorado Supreme Court to remove Trump from the ballot is seen by many experts as unconstitutional. According to Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Colorado Supreme Court ruling makes America look like a Banana Republic. Why doesnt every American understand that if they can do this to a former U.S. President, EVERYONE is vulnerable to punishment for crimes with which they have never been convicted? There is a reasonable expectation that the U.S. Supreme Court will overrule this decision, but even if it does, and even if Trump wins, this doesn't guarantee that he will be Americas and the worlds savior. So far, we havent heard his clear peace agenda. He did say that he will stop all the war, but he hasnt explained how. In conclusion, here is my version of the Magnificent Seven team of experts, in alphabetical order, who have enough knowledge and expertise to design and implement a peace agenda: Tucker Carlson; Tulsi Gabbard; Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.; Douglas McGregor; John Mearsheimer; Rand Paul; Jeffrey Sachs. Anyone who wants to add names to this list is welcome to do it. Image: Gage Skidmore via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0. Has Pope Francis stepped in it? After putting out a document calling for the blessings of people in "irregular" marital situations and gay marriage, Africa's Catholic bishops aren't taking this well. One after another, they are putting out statements of their own condemning the idea: Bishops in Malawi have prohibited the implementation of the Vatican declaration on the blessing of same-sex couples and couples in other irregular situations, Fiducia Supplicans, which the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith released Dec. 18. https://t.co/4sr3nVPiOq Catholic News Agency (@cnalive) December 20, 2023 Cameroon's bishops issue 1 of strongest statements rejecting #PopeFrancis' Fiducia Supplicans: we formally forbid all blessing of homosexual couples in the Church of Cameroon. Differentiating between liturgical/non-liturgical contexts for such blessings is hypocritical. pic.twitter.com/j5STEfqfKH Michael Haynes (@MLJHaynes) December 22, 2023 The Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference (ZCBC) on Fiducia supplicans : pic.twitter.com/g09fE6RseW Luke Coppen (@LukeCoppen) December 22, 2023 Here's a map: Yes, there is pushback from Western liberals: Already I'm seeing progressive Catholics, both laymen and clerics, accusing Africans of being "backwards" for not mindlessly accepting Fiducia supplicans. Which only goes to prove my longheld suspicion that, deep down, liberals and progressives are more racist than anyone else on https://t.co/TS8gkcZpHh LB236 (@thelb236) December 23, 2023 And while there is confusion about what Pope Francis meant by these blessings, with the Vatican saying it's not the same as gay marriage, while his critics say it looks an awful lot like it, given this kind of "historic first" coverage in the news, it's pretty obvious the Africans want nothing to do with this, whether by appearance or claims to continuity. That's important because Africa is the big growth area of the Church, the continent where the largest numbes of priests are being called to vocations and where converts are multiplying daily -- and in a place where the population is young and growing, not old and shrinking. These people are the future of the Church and it's very likely that in coming years, they're going to be running it. Here is some insight on the numbers and what's happening: A Christmas gift of hope to my Catholic brothers and sisters The growing Church in Africa A century ago, sub-Saharan Africa had fewer than 2 million Christians. Today it has more than 130 million. Thats a growth rate of nearly 7,000 percent. We are blessed with many great pic.twitter.com/9erS6iEbwF Sachin Jose (@Sachinettiyil) December 23, 2023 That's a pretty strong reaction, and other regions of the Church -- in the eastern rites, East Asia, and in the U.S., are also at least partially following suit. Now there seems to be some walking back of the document coming from the Vatican: Cardinal Fernandez on bishops prohibiting implementation of "Fiducia Supplicans": "[P]rudence and attention to local culture could admit different ways of application, but not a total denial of this step being asked of priests." https://t.co/HTDyVVTcCl James Martin, SJ (@JamesMartinSJ) December 23, 2023 That sounds like the pope recognizes that he's alienated a critically important part of the Church. That doesn't sound like a very well-managed or thought-out move. Image: Twitter screen shot Americas greatest economist ever was Milton Friedman. (Incidentally, the second greatest, a living treasure, is Thomas Sowell, who learned from Milton Friedman.) In an era before terrorists traveled across national borders, Friedman was a believer in the free movement of people. However, he was not a believer in giving immigrants welfare or votes, for he understood that combining these things would break the system. So, would it surprise you to know that a significant majority of people entering America under Bidens illegal open border policy are on welfare? Wall Street has always liked the idea of open borders because it sees people chasing jobs, thereby increasing wealth. A certain sector has also liked the idea of unlettered immigrants who can easily be exploited, but thats another subject entirely. Another group that likes open borders is leftists. As this UMinn professor made clear, they loath America, and a country without borders isnt a country at all. Image: Americas non-existent border. X screen grab. This is great for Biden because his illegal open border caters to both demographics, Wall Street and the hard left. Its not often that you get a political two-fer quite like that. Milton Friedman, who believed in the free flow of capital, also liked open borders. However, he had a very firm caveat: Its just obvious you can't have free immigration and a welfare state. More than that, as Robert Rector explained (and Mitt Romney inartfully tried to explain, too), theres a problem when those receiving welfare vote: There is a rough one-to-one fiscal balance between low-skill immigrant families and upper-middle-class families. It takes the entire net tax payments (taxes paid minus benefits received) of one college-educated family to pay for the net benefits received by one low-skill immigrant family. Even Julian Simon, the godfather of open-border advocates, acknowledged that imposing such a burden on taxpayers was unreasonable, stating, "immigrants who would be a direct economic burden upon citizens through the public coffers should have no claim to be admitted" into the nation. There is also a political dimension to the transfer state. Elections in modern societies are, to a considerable degree, referenda on the magnitude of future income redistribution. An immigration policy which grants citizenship to vast numbers of low-skill, low-income immigrants not only creates new beneficiaries for government transfers, but new voters likely to support even greater transfers in the future. The grant of citizenship is a transfer of political power. Access to the U.S. ballot box also provides access to the American taxpayer's bank account. This is particularly problematic with regard to low-skill immigrants. Within an active redistributionist state, as Friedman understood, unlimited immigration can threaten limited government. So weve got open borders and a leftist push for non-citizen voting (along with child and felon voting), meaning were two-thirds of the way there. But what about that welfare component? Well, were almost two-thirds of the way there, too, according to a study from the Center for Immigration Studies: The 2022 SIPP indicates that 54 percent of households headed by immigrants naturalized citizens, legal residents, and illegal immigrants used one or more major welfare program. This compares to 39 percent for U.S.-born households. The rate is 59 percent for non-citizen households (e.g. green card holders and illegal immigrants). Compared to households headed by the U.S.-born, immigrant-headed households have especially high use of food programs (36 percent vs. 25 percent for the U.S.-born), Medicaid (37 percent vs. 25 percent for the U.S.-born), and the Earned Income Tax Credit (16 percent vs. 12 percent for the U.S.-born). Our best estimate is that 59 percent of households headed by illegal immigrants, also called the undocumented, use at least one major program. We have no evidence this is due to fraud. Among legal immigrants we estimate the rate is 52 percent. At this rate, in a very short time, well have achieved the broken borders dream of Wall Street and the left. Wall Street will be fine because its members are globalists and because, to the extent the government keeps growing, theyve already entered into a partnership with the government (i.e., fascism). And, of course, leftists will have their dream of Americas collapse. Meanwhile, ordinary Americans will soon find themselves living out that leftist dream, which will inevitably result in a failed state. If you want to know what that looks like, it wont be a socialist paradise. It will be South Africa, Uganda, or another of the earths desperate, famine-ridden, violent hellholes. The Supreme Court, in an utterly misbegotten decision, said anyone in America must get welfare. I suggest that the next sane government cut off all that welfare and let the court revisit it. And while that process is grinding on, lots of those illegal households will self-report. The upcoming election is our last chancemore of the same or a sharp U-Turn. Nikki Haley, incidentally, is more of the same. She talks tough but caves whenever the left comes calling. Trump and DeSantis have both followed through on their promises, and Vivek Ramaswamy truly is saying all the correct things about saving America. Weve got choices. Dont mess this up. Joe Bidens handlers announced yesterday that he is an example of bipartisanship and unity. I laughed until I realized that his handlers actually believe this. Then I understood that what he said is par for the course for a party thats based on denying reality and is grounded in an ideology that fits Tacituss description of conquering Romans. The White House message came via a tweet: When I came to office, most Americans assumed that bipartisanship was impossible. I never believed it. This year, we've made real progress Together. President Biden (@POTUS) December 23, 2023 Bidens handlers then listed all of his unifying accomplishments over his three-year presidency: The first accomplishment is getting suicide hotlines and mental health professionals in schools, which sounds good until you realize that students are suicidal because Democrats have given them a nihilistic world framed by an apocalyptic vision of the earths imminent destruction. Meanwhile, mental health professionals are as likely as not to tell the students that becoming transgender will make all the bad feelings go away. The second accomplishment is more money for cancer research, a perennial D.C. project that is as automatic as brushing your teeth in the morning. The third accomplishment is to expand care for veterans, especially (of course) women. I am 100% in favor of supporting our veterans. However, this is small potatoes and comes as Biden has so devalued the military that its facing a dangerous recruiting crisis, while his economy sees huge numbers of homeless veterans, even as illegal aliens get shipped to hotels across America. The fourth and final accomplishment is making it easier to treat opioid addiction. And again, that ignores the fact that thanks to Bidens open border policies, which allow Fentanyl to flow into America like water over Niagara Falls, we have an unprecedented opioid problem. Having delivered the proof of his incredibly bipartisan administration, which sees the administration create terrible problems that Congress occasionally tweaks around the edges, Biden takes a victory lap as a unifier: This year is proof that there's much more that unites us than divides us. But there is so much more to do. Here's to delivering more progress in 2024. President Biden (@POTUS) December 23, 2023 United? Bipartisan? You have to ask, in what universe do Democrats operate? After all, this is the same administration that: has been relentlessly persecuting Donald Trump and his supporters since the moment Biden entered the Oval Office, has described Trump supporters (and, currently, over 50% of Republicans, who are about half the population, are Trump supporters) as the worst national security threat in America, and has enthusiastically supported efforts to remove Trump from the ballot, depriving Americans of their ability to elect their preferred president. Ironically, though, in a weird way, Biden and his team probably believe what they say. There are two pieces of evidence supporting my contention. First, Democrats have generally parted ways with reality. Most obviously, they no longer believe in biological sex. While homosexual impulses (a behavior) are allegedly fixed at birth (or, as Lady Gaga sang, Baby, I was born this way), biological sex, which is built into every cell in our body, is utterly malleable and fluid. There are no actual men or women; there are only people who claim to be men or women. Another sign of delusion is the fixation on alleged anthropomorphic climate change. The three-billion-year-long history of the earths endlessly changing climate, the immense power of the sun, the fact that all their models are deeply flawed, and the reality that none of the climatistas predictions have come truethose are all irrelevant. What matters is that they believe. Of course, I understand that the power brokers at the WEF, the UN, and the White House probably dont believe. Instead, they cynically know that, if you control CO2, you control everything. (In that regard, check out this X thread from James Lindsay.) But the leftist masses do believe, and no facts will turn their minds away from this hideous faith, one without morals, repentance, or redemption. Instead, its a death cult all the way, in which only forcing others to sacrifice will save a small band of survivors. Second, Democrats understand bipartisanship and unity differently from conservatives. Conservatives believe in a small government that lets people go their own way if they stay within the parameters of a system that has few rules, but unbreakable (to quote the wisdom of a headmaster in one of my favorite books). In that system, because there is limited governance, elected representatives can readily agree on those sensible few rules: a strong military, a strong border, a safety net for widows and orphans (but not a welfare lifestyle), good roads, rules against murder, assault, and other crimes destructive of the peace and individual liberty, etc. Democrats, in contrast, are like the Romans. In The Agricola, Tacitus quoted Calgacus, who fought against the Romans, in terms youll probably find relevant (emphasis added): These plunderers of the world [the Romans], after exhausting the land by their devastations, are rifling the ocean: stimulated by avarice, if their enemy be rich; by ambition, if poor; unsatiated by the East and by the West: the only people who behold wealth and indigence with equal avidity. To ravage, to slaughter, to usurp under false titles, they call empire; and where they make a desert, they call it peace. The notions of bipartisanship and unity are the Democrats peaceful desert. In November 2024, vote as if your life depends on itbecause it does. Or at least, the American life youve come to know and love depends on your vote. If Biden gets a second term, South Africa, here we come! Image: Biden gives his Reichstag speech. YouTube screen grab. Of the three great religions, Jews have been disinterested in converting people; Christ urged his disciples to spread his message through words and good deeds; and Mohamed told his followers to conquer the world with fire and sword. Since October 7, while were not seeing fire and sword in the West (yet), were certainly seeing standard Islamic efforts to intimidate the West into accepting Islams genocidal antisemitism and overall colonialist impulses. Islam burst out of the Saudi desert in the 7th century A.D. Within one hundred years of Mohameds death, its reach had tripled in size, encompassing large parts of the modern Middle East and the northern coast of Africa, while making inroads into Spain. It increased all that territory in the next hundred years. One thousand years after Mohameds death, it controlled the entire Middle East, all of North Africa along with a sizable stretch of East Africa, along with large swaths of Central Europe, India, parts of Russia stretching into southern China, and the Malayan peninsula: Almost none of this happened peacefully. Contrary to the myriad websites purporting to explain Islamic values of persuasion, Islam did not persuade, it conquered. A decade ago, Mike Konrad put together a tally of the death and destruction left in Islams wake: 80 million in India 110 million African blacks lost to the Muslim-controlled slave trade 1 million Europeans enslaved or slaughtered Uncounted millions in the Balkans and Southern Italy. Uncounted numbers during the conquest of Malaysia And thats just a partial list. If youre wondering why Im bringing up whats probably a familiar laundry list to our readers, its because of this tweet: This is the largest annual charity event for an organization dedicated to helping blind kids. What kind of evil maniacs would ruin that and terrify the kids on stage? https://t.co/sYH6CacIRv Chaya Raichik (@ChayaRaichik10) December 24, 2023 Raichicks question, of course, is rhetorical. We already know what kind of evil maniacs would ruin an event and terrify children: People who use fear as their weapon of persuasion. A good example is ISIS burning recalcitrant women alive (although, as readers note, the image on the right is of ISIS burning a Jordanian pilot alive in a cage, not the girls): - When in the past ISIS burned alive 19 Yezidi girls, no Muslim marched or demonstrated for them, the UN Human Rights & UN Women did not condemn it. - When Hamas-ISIS slaughtered raped & burned Israeli women - silence, no UN condemnation! Selective hypocritical biased world view! https://t.co/3vLYPQePCN Joseph The Guardian Of Truth (@Joe10616924) December 23, 2023 The whole COVID panic reminded us that people are very vulnerable to fear. When dealing with Westerners who are used to peace, prosperity, and comfort, you need much less effort and violence to inculcate fear. The old mafioso tactic of implied violence (Nice little family ya got here. Itd be a shame if something happened to it) works just fine. That brings me to those wondering what benefit pro-Hamas protesters are providing for their cause by blocking airports or interfering with celebrations, actions that irritate people: Pro-Palestinian protestors in Chicago have shut down the entrance to O'Hare International Airport. The only way to deal with these criminals is to prosecute and jail them. That or deport them. Theres no reasoning with people like this.pic.twitter.com/PWjO6Zv0qE Paul A. Szypula (@Bubblebathgirl) December 24, 2023 Pro-Palestinian protesters ruin and disrupt a Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Ypsilanti, Michigan. The protesters disrupted the event attended by families with their children and chanted Palestine will be free. @BGOnTheScene pic.twitter.com/l9D5HnCJDy Oli London (@OliLondonTV) November 27, 2023 WATCH: Pro HAMAS protesters have ruined the family friendly Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City today. Violent protesters who showed up in white outfits that say colonialism and imperialism with fake blood splattered all over them are attacking police, and https://t.co/wvcjnEFzMh pic.twitter.com/Cbw7Ey6sCy Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) November 23, 2023 Pro-Palestine protesters attack NYPD officers as they try to shut down the Christmas tree lighting event at the Rockefeller Center in Manhattan. Video by @ViralNewsNYC: pic.twitter.com/4S5cksKgUo Andy Ngo (@MrAndyNgo) November 30, 2023 People need to accept that these protesters arent trying to persuade. They are giving you a foretaste. Indeed, this is a standard totalitarian tactic. Fascists in Germany, Italy, and England specialized in it, and their ideological descendants in Antifa embrace the same approach Most people are not fighters. They will do anything to avoid the things they fear and gain a semblance of peace. Sadly, few understand that, when their avoidance allows the monsters to win, the only thing that remains under monster rule is perpetual fear. The reason October 7 resonated so much for many people, especially Jews, is that it burst their it cant happen here bubble. Weve gotten used to Muslims engaging in mass slaughter in Africa, Asia, and various parts of the Middle East. Those places are there. Israel, an extremely Westernized country, is closer to here. And as these protests are meant to tell us, it can happen here, too. Image: X screen grab. The explosion of antisemitism across America is not, as many people insist of the Big Bang, the sudden appearance of something from nothing. Instead, its the product of decades of carefully inculcated anti-Israel thought into childrens minds, with that thought inevitably morphing into Nazi-esque antisemitic tropes. Francesca Block at The Free Press exposes some of the vicious toxins being dripped into childrens mindsa toxin that, throughout history, has resulted in murderous assaults against Jews, culminating in the Holocaust. Heres just a small part of what Block exposes. If youre concerned about rising antisemitism in American education, I urge you to read her entire report and then share it with others: Last fall, Siriana Abboud put a new poster on the wall outside her pre-K classroom at a public school in Midtown Manhattan that, she claimed, would teach her four- and five-year-old students about the human body. The poster showed four sketches of differently shaped nosestwo small, one hooked, and another with a nose ring. Why do people have different noses? a headline above the drawings asked. [snip] One senior educator in the district, who is Jewish, told The Free Press she was appalled by the poster. Its clearly connected to the ethnic tropes of Jews having big noses. Quite frankly, it reminded me of Nazi comics. I had a visceral reaction to it. It was antisemitic. But Abboud, a twentysomething who teaches pre-K at PS 59, Beekman Hill International School, wasnt punished or disciplined by the Department of Education for the poster, a source who knows Abboud told The Free Press. In fact, last December, she won the Big Apple Award, the highest distinction for a city teacher, for being a liberation-inspired educator who raises societal expectations of the critical work of young children. Abboud, who did not respond to The Free Press for comment, posts regularly on her Instagram account, which has nearly 7,000 followers and includes a Lebanese flag in her bio, about her education mission statement: Centering Arab narratives the way my schooling never did. In it, she shares collective action guides on how to Speak with your child about Palestine and how to Decolonize your teaching. [snip] Take California, where a 10th grade history course, approved by the Santa Ana Unified School District, includes readings that call Israel an extremist illegal Jewish settler population and accuses the country of ethnic cleansing. Or the Jefferson Union High School District near San Francisco, which teaches about the Palestinian dispossession of lands/identity/culture through Zionist settler colonialism. The root of these lessons stems from Californias new Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum (ESMC), which passed in 2021 and mandates lessons on the marginalization of black, Hispanic, Native American, and Asian American peoples, emphasizing how they are oppressed by a white oppressor, says Brandy Shufutinsky, the director of education and community engagement for the Jewish Institute of Liberal Values. [snip] Meanwhile, more than one million secondary school students in all 50 states are learning about history and the Middle East from the Brown University Choices Program, which openly accepts funding from Qatar, the wealthy Arab state now harboring leaders of Hamas. A strong pro-Palestinian bias shines through in Browns teaching materials. Israel, according to multiple lessons, is a Zionist enterprise in Palestine, an apartheid state, a settler colony, and a military occupier. [snip] On October 25, a public school teacher from Brooklyns Urban Assembly Institute of Math and Science for Young Women skipped class with a group of about 20 high school girls to attend a pro-Palestine protest in Washington Square Park. One student at the demonstration, who had a Palestinian flag painted on her face, held up a sign with two hands that read Please Keep the WORLD Clean and showed the image of a blue Jewish star in a trash bin. Theres so much more, and its all sickening. There are four sources for Americas rising antisemitism: First, leftism, which, as Block repeatedly demonstrates, has decided that Israel, the victim of almost two millennia of colonization, most of it by Muslims, is, in fact, the colonizer and, therefore, inherent evil. Moreover, to the extent that leftism still hates capitalism (despite the fascist bent in America that sees government and capital work in tandem), leftism accepts Karl Marxs antisemitic tropes about Jews and capitalism. Second, Islam, which has a Holy Book that sees its prophet, the perfect man, says that all Jews must be killed because they are inherently evil. For leftists, despite Islams habit of murdering women and gays, the worlds most brutal, colonizing ideology is a victim and must be supported in all respects. Third, lots and lots of money, with its sources and effects detailed in this important X thread. And fourth, stupid, lazy teachers. Before womens lib, the most academically gifted women went into teaching. Since womens lib, the most academically gifted women (which doesnt mean the smartest; it just means the ones good at book learning) have gone into the professions. While there will always be men and women who are genuinely dedicated to knowledge and to passing on that knowledge, no one can deny that most teachers nowadays are dodos, drawn from the bottom third of college classes. The profession is also incredibly attractive to the LGBTQ+ cadre, whose members are leftists dedicated to passing on their sexual ideas to children. Teaching real knowledge is hard. Teaching ideological garbage is easy. You dont need facts, knowledge, or wisdom to repeat antisemitic tropes or gender garbage. Its all about feelings and waving your BLM, Hamas, or pride flag around the classroom. Any moron can do that, and we have way too many morons in American education today. As Glenn Reynolds always says, public school is child abuse (and so are most private schools). If you want to raise decent, moral, well-educated children, homeschool them. Image: A classroom in Los Angeles in 2021, showing every leftist flag prominently placed on the wall, with the American flag sloppily draped over a screen in the background. X screen grab (and you can read more about it here.) Oman Electricity Transmission Company (OETC) is implementing projects worth RO183 million ($474 million) under its strategic scheme 'Rabt' across the sultanate. These include construction of 5 grid stations as well as laying of 400-kilovolt overhead power lines. This comes as part of OETC's commitment to enhancing the reliability and security of the electricity network and supply across various regions of the sultanate. The Phase One includes the construction of 5 grid stations: Nahida grid station with a voltage of 400/132 kilovolts, Suwayhat grid station with a voltage of 400/132 kilovolts, Barik grid station with a voltage of 400/132 kilovolts, Duqm grid station with a voltage of 400/132/33 kilovolts, and Mahout grid station with a voltage of 400/33 kilovolts. Additionally, these projects are connected through 400kV overhead lines covering 670 km. Commenced in October 2023, the total cost of the first phase of this project has exceeded 183 million Omani rials. The official inauguration of Phase One of Rabt was held under the patronage of Sayyid Bilarab bin Haitham Al Said at a key ceremony held in Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC). The first phase includes the construction of 5 grid stations: Nahida grid station with a voltage of 400/132 kilovolts, Suwayhat grid station with a voltage of 400/132 kilovolts, Barik grid station with a voltage of 400/132 kilovolts, Duqm grid station with a voltage of 400/132/33 kilovolts, and Mahout grid station with a voltage of 400/33 kilovolts. Additionally, these projects are connected through 400kV overhead lines covering 670km. As the song goes, Merry Christmas, darling were apart, thats true. Once again, thousands of families will spend Christmas away from their husbands, wives, daughters, and sons. In our case, our third son was in the U.S. Army and spent four holiday seasons away from home. So we know the feeling. We appreciate these families. I remember how emotional it was to salute the young people in our church who made it home for the holidays. It was quite an impressive scene with all of those elegant uniforms as well. We appreciate the ones serving the country. They are doing very important work. Here a few details about military families: Remember that more than 52,000 U.S. service members have been wounded in action since 9/11! Many more have suffered from combat-related stress, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Often, the military family is impacted directly by this. It goes without saying that the world is safer because our armed forces are defending freedom. If you can, salute a military family in your neighborhood. They will appreciate it a lot. PS: Check out my blog for posts, podcasts, and videos. Image via PIckPik. Illegal migrants are surging the border in record numbers and the Border Patrol's agents are not going to get a Christmas holiday because of it. According to this statement from the Border Patrol union: NEW: Statement from Border Patrol union re: more agents assigned to work Christmas than ever before. While our agents are more than willing to sacrifice the holidays to protect fellow Americans, thats not what they will be doing. They will be processing the illegal border Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) December 22, 2023 While our agents are more than willing to sacrifice the holidays to protect fellow Americans, thats not what they will be doing. They will be processing the illegal border crossers for release into the US while large parts of the border will be left wide open to exploitation by organized crime. These will not be happy holidays for the hard working men and women of the Border Patrol. Which is more than a little outrageous. Border Patrol agents should "process" illegal border crossers for entry into the U.S. on bankers' hours as much of the rest of the government does, and only those who are engaged in boots-on-the-ground border protection should be out on patrol protecting the country from drug dealers and other criminal invaders. "Processing," is filling out paperwork. Migrants, nearly all of whom have junk asylum cases that will be rejected in courts five or ten years from now, need to be told to wait outside so the Border Patrol agents can enjoy their Christmas holiday, same as Joe Biden and his cronies do. Various news reports say that the agents are exhausted, "processing" illegals in six-hundred strong batches of unvetted illegal border crossers at a time, only to look up and see another six hundred waiting to be "processed" before becoming free to move about the country. In what universe is this sane, or fair? Migrant convenience comes before humane working conditions for Border Patrol officers? Many of these people have made 3,000 mile journeys through crocodile-infested swamps to get to the U.S. border -- you bet they can wait an extra day for the Christmas holiday. The migrant buildup that happens might just persuade Mexico to quit helping the migrant inflow along and stop it as befits a proper sovereign nation. The sheer disrespect within this Biden administration command for Border Patrol agents to work through holidays processing migrants is of a piece with the Biden administration's contempt for the lawmen. Isn't this the same administration that falsely accused overworked Border Patrol agents on horseback of using "whips" in their efforts to keep illegal migrants out of the country -- and then refused to apologize when an investigation found them wrong? It most certainly is. It's sad the Border Patrol can't stage a wildcat strike over this inhumane situation. If anyone deserves a Christmas holiday, it's the Border Patrol, and Joe Biden refuses to give it. Migrants first, border protection last. Image: U.S. Customs and Border Protection, via Flickr // government work The aviation sector has been the key driver of Dubai's GDP growth in recent prints, and ongoing government investment will ensure it remains an important sector in the coming decades, says Emirates NBDs senior MENA economist, who covers markets in North Africa and the Levant. The aviation sector has become an increasingly important component of Dubais economy over recent decades, bolstered by the development of the emirates airports, and by the rapid growth of the national carriers, said Daniel Richards. In recent quarters, aviation has been the key driver of GDP growth in Dubai. With global air travel set to maintain a solid pace of growth over the decades to come, and Dubai well-positioned to take advantage of this (through not only its geographical location at the meeting point of three continents, but also the governments determination to invest in the sector), we expect that it will continue to fuel economic expansion over the coming years. Global Air Travel Continues to Grow Global air travel has averaged annual passenger growth of 5.4% y/y over the 46 years from 1974 to 2019 according to World Bank data citing the International Civil Aviation Organization, Civil Aviation Statistics of the World, and ICAO staff estimates. This has far outpaced global population growth which averaged 1.0% over the same period, as growth in real disposable incomes around the world, combined with an ongoing fall in the real cost of air travel (down 1.7% per year on average since 1970 according to IATA) has led to a steadily growing aviation sector. The global Covid-19 pandemic upended markets in 2020, leading to a 60.2% y/y decline in global passenger numbers, but the industry has been recovering rapidly in the subsequent years. As of October 2023, air passenger traffic as measured by revenue passenger-kilometres (RPKs) was just 1.8% off 2019 levels, while seat capacity was at 97.0% of pre-pandemic, according to IATA data. Once the final reopening gains have been realised, global passenger growth is likely to continue at a slower pace in the coming years and decades. This is thanks in part to a level of market saturation in some localities, rising environmental concerns around the carbon footprint of air travel, and taxes related to that that could slow the decline in the real cost of travel in some countries. However, there remain significantly large growth markets in the developing world that will generate whole new customer bases eager for leisure travel as they move into the middle-income bracket, and aggregate global demand will continue to rise as more people around the world see their disposable incomes expand. IATA projects annual global growth at 3.4% annually over the period to 2040, which would double current traveler levels. In the near term, the return of Chinese passengers to international travel in a more meaningful manner will support growth. Dubais Airlines Emirates airline was launched in 1985 as it began its first services between Dubai and Karachi and Mumbai. Its first owned aircraft was not delivered until two years later and from there on the airline expanded rapidly, operating to 14 different destinations by 1989. By the 1999-2000 financial year 10 years later, Emirates was carrying 4.7 million passengers on its fleet of 32 aircraft and was the first airline in the world to order the new jumbo Airbus A380 double-decker aircraft, underscoring its ambition to be a key global transit airline and to help make DXB a major global hub for long-haul travel. Today, Emirates connects 134 passenger destinations in 76 countries around the world, carried on its fleet of 249 passenger aircraft. The fleet is set to continue growing rapidly as there are presently 305 passenger planes scheduled for future delivery, reflecting the ambitious expansion plans of the airline. At the Dubai Airshow in November, Emirates made a $50 billion order for 95 new Boeing aircraft. The recovery from the pandemic has been swift, and in the first half of 2023, Emirates announced profit of AED 9.4 billion (up 135% y/y) as it carried 26.1 million passengers over the six-month period, up 31% from H1 2022. In addition to Emirates, FlyDubai also operates out of Dubai. Launched in 2009, the airline now flies to 120 destinations spread over 54 countries with its fleet of 80 Boeing 737s. Over the first nine months of 2023 the airline handled carried over 4mn passengers on y/y growth of 30%, and the airline ordered 30 new Boeing 787 aircraft at the Dubai Airshow. Dubais Airports Both airlines have Dubai International Airport (DXB) as their hub, and here too growth has been rapid, driven not only by the national carriers but also all the other airlines that operate through the facility, including majors such as Singapore Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, and British Airways. The biggest facility in the world for international traffic, DXB connects over 240 destinations around the world. It is on track to handle 86.8 million visitors this year, just shy of the record 2018 figure, a remarkable feat with international Chinese passenger traffic yet to fully recover. The airport still has spare capacity of around 30 million visitors annually but given Dubais plans to continue focusing on the aviation sector to drive GDP growth, the ambition is to grow far beyond this. In the near term, DXB is set to see a $1.6 billion-2.7 bn expansion over the next seven years that will turn it into a smart airport, with design optimisations to streamline operations. This will help it reach its capacity of around 120 million passengers a year over the next decade or so, but the longer-term focus will be on Dubais newer airport, Dubai World Central (DWC, or Al-Maktoum International). DWC can currently handle around 7 million passengers but there is potential to expand this to 130 million passengers over Phase 1 and a massive 250 million travellers and 15 million tonnes of cargo annually once Phase 2 of the development plan is completed over the course of the next several decades. The airport will have five runways and 400 gates spread across 65sq km. GDP Contribution The individual contribution of the aviation sector to Dubais national accounts is not available, but the component to which it belongs, transport and storage, has been the major driver of Dubais economic growth in recent quarters. Transport and storage, which accounts for 14.0% of real GDP, expanded 10.5% y/y in H1 2023, contributing 42.8% of total growth, far exceeding second-placed trade which generated 12.9% of the expansion. The communique from WAM highlighted the role played by the aviation sector, stating that the travel & tourism sub-sectors performance was positively impacted by the increase in the demand for the services of national carriers With the expected ongoing growth in global air travel, and heavy investment planned into Dubais airlines and airports, we anticipate that the sector will continue to be a major contributor to the emirates economic growth over the coming years. This will be supported by growth in the domestic population: there are plans to grow the population of Dubai to 5.8 million by 2040, from around 3.6 million presently. Given that this will largely entail people moving here from abroad, this will in and of itself generate growth in aviation numbers as the new inhabitants travel home or on holidays. The ongoing growth in Dubais tourism sector will also underpin aviation: there were 13.9 million overnight visitors to Dubai over January to October 2023, exceeding the pre-pandemic record of 13.5 million set in 2019. The aim is to hit 40 million visitors by 2040, with the vast majority of these visitors set to come by air. Finally, the focus by Emirates and Dubai Airports on linking the worlds biggest and busiest destinations will mean that transit traffic continues to grow. This will likely come at the expense of other traditional hub airports such as London, where the desire or ability to expand capacity through building new runways or terminals is lacking. Dubai is not alone in looking to secure this growing business Saudi Arabia is also looking to build up its aviation sector, launching a new airline Riyadh Air and aiming to serve 100 destinations globally by 2030. The expansion of Air India, with the worlds largest ever aircraft order for 470 new planes made this year, could also impinge on Dubais growth given the large number of passengers traveling to or from India that pass through DXB. The launch of ultra-long flights might also challenge DXBs hub model over the coming decades as airlines look for more efficient smaller aircraft that can go directly from the UK to Australia, for instance. Nevertheless, the size of the growth market in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia in particular, alongside Dubais first-mover advantage, will likely mean that growth in transit traffic remains robust. TradeArabia News Service An arrest has been made after two people were killed and a teenager was seriously injured in a crash in Oldham. Police were called to the two-vehicle crash on Ripponden Road, Oldham, towards Denshaw, at about 4pm on Saturday. A 42-year-old woman and a 15-year-old travelling in one of the vehicles died at the scene, Greater Manchester Police said. #APPEAL | Police were called at 4pm on 23/12/23, to reports of a serious road traffic collision between two vehicles on Ripponden Road. Any footage, dashcam, mobile phone or CCTV please get in touch with officers on 0161 856 4741 More https://t.co/a5OLnj3PBw pic.twitter.com/GrheXib6Fx Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) December 24, 2023 A 13-year-old child suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital. A 35-year-old male driver, the sole occupant of the second vehicle, was arrested at the scene and remains in custody for questioning, the force said. The serious collision investigation unit is appealing for anyone who may have seen the car, described as a Black BMW X5, or the crash to make contact. Officers are particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have footage, including dashcam, mobile phone or CCTV/doorbell footage from the area in the moments before the collision. Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 4741 quoting incident 2304 of December 23. Details can also be passed via the LiveChat function at www.gmp.police.uk or anonymously through independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Cleverlys date rape joke the latest time he has talked his way into trouble James Cleverly has found himself in hot water over unguarded comments for the third time in just six weeks as Home Secretary. He faced calls to resign after an ironic joke at a No 10 reception about using a date rape drug on his wife was made public by the Sunday Mirror. The Home Secretary apologised as he had previously been forced to do in November after swearing in the Commons. He admitted calling a Labour MP shit in a Commons heckle, but denied describing Alex Cunninghams Stockton North constituency as a shithole. Mr Cleverlys colourful use of language was also highlighted when shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper claimed he had privately described the Rwanda asylum plan as batshit a term he said he did not remember using. The Home Secretary was given the crucial law and order role by Rishi Sunak in the reshuffle which saw Lord Cameron replace him as Foreign Secretary in November. It is an honour to be appointed as Home Secretary. The goal is clear. My job is to keep people in this country safe. James Cleverly (@JamesCleverly) November 13, 2023 He had been viewed as a confident operator, adept at handling the media and is seen as a potential future Tory leader. The senior Conservative has shown loyalty to Mr Sunak since the Prime Minister decided to keep him on as foreign secretary when entering Downing Street just over a year ago. Mr Cleverly was a staunch backer of Liz Truss before her short-lived stint in No 10. Ms Truss rewarded Mr Cleverly by making him foreign secretary, with Mr Sunak re-appointing him in October 2022. Home Secretary James Cleverly at 10 Downing Street (James Manning/PA) During his time leading the Foreign Office, he dealt with a series of international crises, including the start of the Israel-Hamas war in the wake of the October 7 atrocities. The 54-year-old visited China in August, becoming the first British foreign secretary to make the trip in five years a move criticised by Tory MPs who want Mr Sunaks administration to take a more hawkish approach to relations with Beijing. The MP for Braintree also played a central role in the evacuation of UK nationals from Sudan when fighting broke out between two separate factions in the central African country in spring 2023, while being one of the main UK Government spokesmen on the Ukraine conflict. Before his Foreign Office stint, he briefly held the position of education secretary making him the third person in that role in 48 hours as Mr Johnsons premiership collapsed around him in July 2022. He has also been co-chairman of the Conservative Party and held lower ranking ministerial positions in the Cabinet Office, Foreign Office and the defunct department for exiting the European Union. Mr Cleverly is the son of a midwife and a businessman, and was born in Lewisham, south-east London. James Cleverly with his wife Susie (Victoria Jones/PA) He spent much of his childhood with family in Chelmsford, Essex, and joined the Army when he left school. But his ambition hit the rocks when injury struck, and he returned to education to get a business degree. He then signed up for the Territorial Army, where he has served for about 20 years. Mr Cleverly, married to Susie and a father of two, had a career in magazine and digital publishing, and says he worked on a number of market-leading titles before setting up his own company. He ventured into the world of politics, with an unsuccessful bid to serve on Lewisham council in 2002. He also stood for the Lewisham East parliamentary seat in 2005, but lost to Labour. James Cleverly has been rewarded by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak after dealing with a host of international crises while in the Foreign Office (Leon Neal/PA) Mr Cleverly was elected to the London Assembly as the member for Bexley and Bromley in 2008. In 2012, Boris Johnson, then mayor of London, made him chairman of the London Fire Authority. Mr Cleverly stepped down from that role in 2015 after being selected to run for Parliament at the next general election, and secured his Braintree seat for the first time that year. While serving as a Brexit minister, he joined the Tory leadership race to replace Theresa May in 2019 but pulled out, saying his fellow MPs were not comfortable with the idea of picking a relatively new colleague. A fleece from Dolly the sheep, the worlds first mammal cloned from an adult cell, has been acquired by National Museums Scotland. The fleece has been donated to the national collections by Dr William A Ritchie, an embryologist on the team that created Dolly who was named after singer Dolly Parton. Dolly the sheep was born in 1996 at the Roslin Institute just outside Edinburgh, where she spent her entire life, gave birth to six healthy lambs and died in 2003 aged six. Her coat of wool has been gifted to National Museums Scotland along with laboratory equipment, including sharpened glass pipettes, a microscope and an electrical fusion machine. The tools were crucial to the success of the the Roslin Institutes groundbreaking cloning procedure which captured the public imagination and transformed scientific understanding of biology and medicine. Dolly the sheep at the National Museum of Scotland (National Museum of Scotland/PA) The fleece and tools join a range of material on display at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh associated with Dolly, including her preserved body, death mask and fellow preserved cloned sheep Morag and Megan. Preserved on a custom-built fibre glass frame, Dolly has been on display at the museum for nearly 20 years and remains one of its most popular exhibits. Sophie Goggins, senior curator of biomedical science at National Museums Scotland, said: We are delighted to add Dollys fleece and these remarkable instruments to the national collections, thanks to the generosity of Dr William A Ritchie. Dolly the sheep represents one of the most important scientific advances of the 20th century. Her fleece will now be available to researchers, ensuring Dollys remarkable contribution to science continues for generations to come. Dr Ritchie said: When Dolly the sheep was introduced to the world the scientific community went wild. The impossible had been achieved, and to make the story even more remarkable, some of the equipment used to produce this breakthrough was handmade in the Roslin institutes workshop just outside Edinburgh. It is only fitting that the equipment and the fleece are reunited with Dolly in Scotlands national collections to add to the story of this extraordinary scientific achievement. Dollys fleece and the lab equipment were recently featured on an episode of the Antiques Roadshow and were valued at between 20,000 and 30,000. Presenter Cristian Beadman said of the collection: Its almost impossible to value, I think its well into five figures at auction. I think you could be looking at 20,000 to 30,000. The items are expected to feature again on an Antiques Roadshow Christmas special being broadcast on Sunday. UK banking rules are in the midst of a shake-up after a turbulent year which saw former Ukip leader Nigel Farage spark a crisis at one of Britains largest banks. The so-called debanking row led to a clampdown on unfair closures of customer accounts. The issue came to the fore after Mr Farage claimed Coutts, a high-net-worth bank owned by NatWest Group, moved to close his account because they disagreed with his political beliefs. NatWest said it found no evidence of discrimination at its high-net-worth subsidiary Coutts (Yui Mok/PA) The row culminated in the resignation of former NatWest chief executive Alison Rose, who admitted to a serious error of judgment when she discussed Mr Farages relationship with Coutts with a BBC journalist. NatWest appointed lawyers to conduct a review following the debacle. It admitted to serious failings in its treatment of the politician and issued an apology. But the bank said the decision to shut down his account was lawful and had been made predominately for commercial reasons. It also said the investigation found no evidence of discrimination at Coutts. Banks must give 'clear and tailored' explanations to customers if they decide to close an account Banks must give customers 90 days' notice before closing their account - up from the previous two months Banks must treat UK Politically Exposed Persons as lower risk than those overseas Meanwhile, the Government has intervened to change the law so that politicians are treated more leniently by banks. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said people should not be debanked for having the wrong political views. It is already illegal for financial institutions to discriminate against customers on the basis of lawful freedom of expression. But the changes mean UK politicians and their families must be treated as lower risk than those from overseas. Furthermore, banks will be forced to explain and delay any decision to close an account under new rules which the Government says protects freedom of speech. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said people should not be debanked for having the wrong political views (James Manning/PA) Customers will need to be given 90 days notice, increased from the existing two months, and must receive a clear and tailored explanation for the decision except in cases where it is unlawful to do so. In the wake of the saga, some of Britains largest banks maintained that they do not discriminate against customers, and that most account closures relate to cases involving financial crime such as fraud. But the debacle raised questions over the level of trust customers have in their bank amid a time of greater financial uncertainty for many households. Consumer group Fairer Finances latest poll of around 10,000 banking consumers found a slight increase in the number of customers who said they do not trust NatWest, rising from about 3.8% to 5.3% between February and August. A tenth of the dissatisfied respondents said they were unhappy because they had heard bad stories about the bank in the news, up from 3% who said so in February. Nevertheless, the survey revealed that overall trust in the banking sector was at the highest point since polling began eight years ago, with 80% of people saying they trusted their provider across current accounts, credit cards, mortgages, loans and savings accounts. James Daley, the managing director of Fairer Finance, said: The combination of sharply rising mortgage rates and much slower increases in savings rates has taken a toll on trust in the banking sector over the past year. The ongoing drip, drip of branch closures, and the Farage debanking scandal, have also had a negative impact on trust levels. He added: Banks will have to handle this difficult time with care not least because they are now bound by the FCAs (Financial Conduct Authority) new Consumer Duty rules which require them to prove they are working to deliver good outcomes for their customers. Life-saving camouflage nets made by Ukrainian refugees in Scotland are playing a starring role in a special nativity display. Shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine last year, St Cuthberts Church of Scotland in Edinburgh hosted the Edinburgh Spiders, a team of volunteers who make camouflage nets that are sent to Ukraine to help protect Ukrainian soldiers. Despite limited numbers and resources, the group has now created more than 100 nets. And this year, St Cuthberts nativity scene is centred around the plight of Ukrainians who have been affected by the war. Parish minister Rev Peter Sutton stands alongside the Nativity scene in St Cuthberts Church, Edinburgh, which has been made using camouflage nets (Jane Barlow/PA) The nativity scene is shrouded with camouflage netting created by the spiders, and Hanna Tekliuk, co-organiser for the Edinburgh Spiders, encouraged people of all faiths and none to visit the display as a reminder that, like many Ukrainians today, Jesus, Mary and Joseph were also displaced and persecuted during their lives. She said: When people celebrate Christmas they remember Jesus and his mother, how they were travelling and that they themselves were refugees and needed shelter. So when people come and see the nativity covered with camouflage nets, it symbolises shelter. The Spiders also operate from the Morningside United Church and the Heart of Newhaven Community, both of which are also in Edinburgh. Ms Tekliuk says the idea to make the nets came from her daughter, Sofia. Having fled Ukraine themselves following the invasion, the pair and the team of dedicated volunteers wanted to do anything they could to help Ukraine in any way possible. The nets provide cover from planes, drones, and infantry, and are often used to cover vehicles, people, medical shelters and more. Ms Tekliuk said: Even civilians are using them now because theyre often targeted, so they use the nets for camouflage and they are saving a lot of lives. Its a very important thing for us to make them, and we are taking orders from lots of different people. She added: We are looking for more volunteers. We are more or less fine at the Morningside location, but we need more people at the other locations and need some more funding to buy materials to make the netting. The Spiders have members from many countries, Ms Tekliuk said, including Poland, Georgia, the UK, America and more. She encouraged anyone who wants to help to get involved, stating they are now receiving so many orders they cannot fulfil them all as they need more bodies on board. She also said the situation in Ukraine, from what she has seen, is worsening. Its definitely not getting any better because hundreds of people are being killed every day, she said. Unfortunately we lack weapons and people, and Russia is way too powerful to be defeated quickly and easily because its one of the biggest countries in the world. They have limitless resources and over 140 million people so they have many soldiers and could continue this war forever. If people dont help us around the world, I dont think Ukrainians will cope. Ms Tekluik also helps run a Saturday school for Ukrainian children who have fled with their families to Scotland. Held at George Heriots School in Edinburgh, it offers the children a place not to feel isolated and to remember their language, traditions, culture and heritage, she said. Reverend Peter Sutton, parish minister for St Cuthberts, is no stranger to the horrors of war. Before serving as a clergyman in the Church of Scotland, the reverend was in the Black Watch in the British Army. He has worked closely with Edinburghs community of Ukrainians who have fled the war since they first began coming to the city. Reverend Sutton is to host a service at 10.30am on Christmas Eve at St Cuthberts, centred on the plight of the Ukrainians who have suffered due to the war. He said: What they are doing is unreal and they also have a deep appreciation for this time of year. If you want to see Christmas from the perspective of vulnerable people, this service allows us to come together around the Holy Family. Ukrainian people need protecting and this service will talk about protecting them. People of all faiths and none are welcome to attend the service or view the nativity display. To donate or volunteer for the Edinburgh Spiders, contact St Cuthberts on 0131 229 1142. Strong winds may cause flying debris and power cuts, and ruin last-minute Christmas getaway travel plans, forecasters have warned. Gusts as high as 70mph are due to hit much of Scotland and northern and central areas of England on Christmas Eve. Two separate yellow wind warnings have been issued by the Met Office, saying people should expect travel disruption, damage to buildings and power cuts, while the rest of the country may see showers during the day. Forecaster Jonathan Vautrey said: Obviously there will be quite a lot of people travelling and wanting to get home for Christmas itself. A cloudy and wet #ChristmasEve across England and Wales Blustery showers in Scotland and Northern Ireland, with some sunny spells Mild but very windy pic.twitter.com/mcKNOPclru Met Office (@metoffice) December 23, 2023 Particularly with these strong winds we could see some flying debris thrown on to particular roads or railway services, so if you get a tree down then thats going to cause cancellations and delays. Theres the potential for isolated power cuts which will again lead to the risk of some disruption at times. If youve got a particular train that youre catching make sure youre looking ahead of time if there have been any cancellations. Just make sure youre driving carefully, theres the potential that high-sided vehicles could get hit by strong gusts of wind which has the potential to cause impacts, so we might see bridges closing as well. Meteorologist Liam Eslick said there may be snow on December 25 on mountains in Scotland but it is not looking likely that there will be a white Christmas in England. He added that Christmas Day is expected to be a lot milder than usual, with the average December temperature between 7C and 8C, but the top temperature that could be seen this December 25 is 14C. The warmest Christmas Day on record was 15.6C in 1920, so there is a small chance of it being a record, Mr Eslick added. Most of the country will be damp on Monday, with heavy rain possible in Wales, though it is expected to brighten up after lunchtime. A yellow warning for rain is in force covering much of Wales, with forecasters warning that flooding and travel disruption is possible, and will last until 6pm on Christmas Eve. Between 20mm to 40mm of rain is expected widely and 60mm to 80mm on higher ground. Sophie Faldo has held on to her Great British Bake Off crown after winning the 2023 Christmas special. The Christmas Eve special of the Channel 4 show saw six previous contestants return to the tent to take on a signature challenge of mince pies, a technical task of cinnamon snowflake loaves and a showstopper redemption cake. After the three festive rounds it was announced that Faldo, who won series eight of the competition in 2017, had maintained her reign. Following the presentation of her winners dish, she said: What a lovely way to start Christmas. Im going to take this home and enjoy some mince pies on it. The special opened with a sketch which paid homage to Charles Dickenss A Christmas Carol as judge Paul Hollywood was awoken from his sleep in a bed outside the tent by host Alison Hammond saying: Ebenezer Hollywood. She revealed he would be visited by six bakers from previous series, with co-host Noel Fielding adding that they were the ghosts of Bake Off past. For the first challenge, the bakers had to make 12 mince pies with any pastry but the mincemeat had to contain flavours which had held festive memories for them. Carole Edwards from series 13 opted for a tropical variation on the Christmas classic with orange flavoured pastry and a tropical fruit filling which received high praise from Hollywood who said: Fantastic, what a great way to start Christmas. A number of bakers went for a Cherry Bakewell inspired batch with George Aristidou from series 12 utilising almond lacquer, cherry and pistachio in his mincemeat with orange and cinnamon pastry, which Hollywood said was delicious. Sophie Faldo, who won the competition in series eight, added frangipane to her cherry and almond pies which impressed judge Dame Prue Leith who said she loved the combination of flavours. Dan Beasley-Harling, who got three handshakes when he competed in series nine, had some difficulties with his cherry and almond pies as Hollywood said he was not overly keen on the filling. Elsewhere, Linda Rayfield, from series 11, went for a traditional shortcrust and mincemeat with 3D marshmallow snowman piped on top. Hollywood noted that she was so petrified about overdoing the pastry that she had underdone it while Dame Prue said the combination of flavours was delicious. Amelia Le Bruin from series 10 went for a panettone-infused pastry and spiced apple mincemeat which Hollywood said was rough and ready but felt the zest in the flavour was perfect. For the technical, the bakers were tasked with creating an intricately-shaped cinnamon snowflake tear-and-share loaf. Faldo came out on top with Hollywood praising her bake for having consistency throughout, good height and great flavour. While Edwards came last with Dame Prue describing it as the worst of a very good bunch and noted that her shaping of the loaf was a bit all over the place. The showstopper task allowed the bakers four hours to make a cake which was inspired by a themed week or bake which previously let them down in the tent. Faldo sought to redeem her lack of experience in bread week by making a chocolate, hazelnut and spiced pear loaf in the shape of a wreath with a Russian honey cake in the middle. Hollywood said the bread was dry as it was overbaked but felt the cake was exceptionally good. Edwards opted for a five-tier plum and ginger cake in homage to her failed steamed pudding which Dame Prue said looked absolutely sensational and that the flavour was very nice. Beasley-Harling remade a spiced pear and chocolate cake, which previously melted on him, that Hollywood branded as delicious. Rayfield attempted an elaborate creation of a pineapple opposite-down-cake and a chocolate, chilli and ginger cake which were put on top of a lemon cake alongside choux pastry swans, having previously struggled with a number of components. Dame Prue said the design was effective and simple and Hollywood felt the cake redeemed her from her previous bakes. Aristidou improved on the mini-rolls which melted in her series by creating a vertical, ginger swizz-roll topped with a spiced apple cake. Hollywood said the presentation was a bit wonky but effective and that he had never had the flavours before but he enjoyed them. Le Bruin hoped to redeem her chocolate biscuit bars which previously did not set with a pistachio and orange cake decorated in ganache, with Hollywood describing the taste of the final outcome as beautiful. Editors Note: Find the latest coverage of the Ocala mall shooting here. One man is dead, and a woman is injured after a shooting inside an Ocala, Florida mall Saturday afternoon, according to Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken. Balken said police received 911 calls about multiple shots fired inside the Paddock Mall. He added the call came in describing an active shooter scenario, so they responded with a heavy police presence. Officers immediately made entry into the mall and ultimately discovered this was not an active shooter situation, Balken said. Police respond to a shooting at the Paddock Mall in Ocala, Florida. - Joan Ivette Serrano Police instead characterized the shooting incident as a targeted act of violence, Balken said. The chief confirmed one adult male was found dead inside the mall from gunshot wounds. He was later identified as 40-year-old David Nathaniel Barron, according to police. Balken said one woman suffered a gunshot wound to her leg. He said she was transported to a hospital, adding she is expected to survive. Police on Saturday night were still searching for the suspect, who was described as a Black male wearing a black hoodie, black pants and a black mask over his face, Balken said. The parking lot has reopened for residents to retrieve their vehicles while the mall remains closed, the Ocala Police Department said in an updated Facebook post. Syriah Williams, 18, told CNN she was shopping with her mother at the mall when the shooting happened. We heard one shot then a pause then 3 other shots rang out and chaos erupted, she said in a message. Williams said mall employees opened the back storage area and instructed everyone to run. Williams made her way through the storage area and down a hallway that led to a back exit, she said. WPG, owners of the Paddock Mall issued a statement Saturday night following the shooting: We are deeply saddened by this tragedy. Our thoughts are with all those involved. The safety of our guests, retailers and employees is our top priority. We are working closely with the Ocala Police Department as they investigate this incident. Gun violence deaths are approaching 42,000 for the year, according to the Gun Violence Archive. Communities large and small across the country are searching for ways to curb the violence, as state-level efforts to regulate firearms in California, New York, Maryland and elsewhere have failed in court. The shooting occurred at a shopping mall on one of the busiest shopping days of the year, second only to Black Friday, analysts said. With the holiday falling on a Monday and online orders unlikely to arrive by Christmas Day, in-person shopping at brick-and-mortar stores was expected to be up sharply from past years. This story has been updated with additional information. Emergency responders rushed to the scene of a shooting at the Paddock Mall in Ocala, Florida. - WKMG For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com One person is dead and four others are wounded from a shooting that stemmed from an apparent altercation outside a Houston club, according to police. After the "shootout," which erupted at about 3 a.m. local time Sunday, one man tried to run away to a service road "where he collapsed from his wounds," Houston Police Assistant Chief Megan Howard said during a news conference. Police did not name the club. PHOTO: Police press conference after the shooting on Glenvista St., Houston, on Dec. 24, 2023. (KTRK) When officers responded, they found citizens trying to give first aid to the man, who was lying in the road, Howard said. The man, in his 20s, was pronounced dead at the scene, Howard said. MORE: 1 killed in Florida mall shooting, police release photo of person of interest Five young men fled from the shooting in a truck they apparently stole, according to Howard. Four of the men were dropped off at a hospital with gunshot wounds, Howard said. Three have apparent non-life-threatening injuries and one has more serious injuries, Howard said. The driver and the truck have not been found. Police described the vehicle as a 2015 blue Toyota Tundra with license plate JLX0756. Officials believe the club was holding an event Saturday night, and authorities are working to determine whether those involved in the shooting were at the event, Howard said. ABC News' Victoria Arancio contributed to this report. 1 dead, 4 injured in shooting outside Houston club originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Germany's Scholz 'surprised' by Attal's appointment as French PM 11 Jan 2024 | 7:33 PM Berlin, Jan 11 (UNI) German Chancellor Olaf Scholz was "quite surprised" by the appointment of 34-year-old Gabriel Attal as France's new prime minister, German government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit said on Thursday. see more.. Israel banned from ice hockey world championships for security reasons 11 Jan 2024 | 6:21 PM Jerusalem, Jan 11 (UNI) Israel's men's and women's ice hockey national teams were restricted from participating in the upcoming 2024 World Championships, Israeli media reported on Thursday, citing the decision of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF). see more.. Magnitude-6 0 earthquake hits parts of Pak, no damages reported 11 Jan 2024 | 5:43 PM Islamabad, Jan 11 (UNI) An earthquake of 6.0 magnitude rocked several cities in Pakistan on Thursday, the country's National Seismic Monitoring Centre said. see more.. Earthquake shocks Afghanistan's Kabul, adjoining areas 11 Jan 2024 | 5:30 PM Kabul, Jan 11 (UNI) An earthquake jolted Afghanistan's capital Kabul and adjoining areas on Thursday, with no immediate reports of casualties. see more.. While most of the country won't have a white Christmas, a handful of states in the Midwest and Rocky Mountains are expected to get heavy snow this weekend, forecasters say. Several states from Arizona to the Dakotas will likely get snow Saturday and Sunday, AccuWeather meteorologists said, potentially complicating travel in the region leading up to Christmas. This weekend, snow is expected in Colorado, and mountainous areas in the western half of the state were bracing for up to a foot-and-a-half of snow, forecasters said. Travel in the region will be "extremely treacherous" or impossible over the weekend, AccuWeather forecasters warned. The storm will migrate north, bringing heavy snow and potentially "treacherous" conditions to Nebraska and South Dakota, Accuweather reported on Sunday. Parts of both states were placed under a blizzard warning early Sunday. In parts of Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma, heavy thunderstorms expected Christmas Eve could also complicate holiday travel. Christmas travel plans in danger? Live updates on flight delays, cancellations and traffic Elsewhere in the country, travel conditions ahead of Christmas are expected to be favorable, AccuWeather said. While the Great Lakes region and much of the northeast will have a dry Christmas, a swath of states stretching from Michigan to Virginia could get rain starting Tuesday, forecasters say. On Christmas, storms are also expected to bring rain later in the day in the Pacific Northwest, after weaker rain on Sunday. More Americans will travel for this month's Christmas and New Year's holidays compared to last year, according to AAA. Fair weather across most of the country means there likely will be less travel disruptions for many, forecasters predict. This month, AAA estimated more than 115 million Americans will travel 50 miles from their homes or more around the holidays, representing a 2% increase from last year. Course workers shovel snow out of the finish area in Avon, Colorado on Dec 2, 2023. Parts of Nebraska, South Dakota under blizzard warning A winter storm could unleash heavy snow and even "all-out blizzard" conditions in parts of Nebraska and South Dakota beginning the holiday weekend and stretching through Tuesday, AccuWeather reported. Forecasters warned the storm could disrupt holiday travel plans in the last week of December. A large portion of the region will likely be getting a white Christmas, and the snow's timing could also complicate plans for millions traveling through Denver, as well as Kansas City, Omaha and Minneapolis. Winter weather advisories were also in place across Colorado, and forecasters warned of slippery road conditions through Sunday because of the snow, the National Weather Service said. Much of Colorado was expecting 5-10 inches of snow through Sunday, and AccuWeather meteorologists anticipated localized maximums of as much as 28 inches. Through Sunday night, snowy weather will stretch northeast across a mid-section of the country, AccuWeather forecasters say. Early Saturday, the Four Corners region comprising parts of Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Colorado was the first to get snow. Thunderstorms in Dallas, Houston, Louisiana Parts of the Gulf Coast region, including East Texas and Louisiana, up through Missouri, are expecting heavy rain Christmas Eve,as thunderstorms roll across the region, bringing much-needed rain, AccuWeather said. Rain showers in the Mississippi Valley were expected to continue through Sunday. Flooding was possible in major cities including Dallas and Houston, and storms unloading inches of rain over a short period could complicate travel for those driving along interstates 10, 20, 30, 35, 40, 49 and 55, AccuWeather said. Excessive rainfall on Sunday is most likely in north-central Texas and southern Oklahoma, the National Weather Service said Saturday. Rainstorms across Northeast after Christmas The eastern U.S. is expecting a dry and snow-free Christmas, but rainstorms will likely bring some moisture to the region beginning late Monday and Tuesday. Beginning Monday evening, the same storm that brought snow to the High Plains was expected to deliver rain to cities including Detroit and Columbus, Ohio, AccuWeather forecasters said. On Tuesday, the storm system was expected to continue slowly moving east, spreading rain to the entire East Coast by Wednesday, including states stretching from Massachusetts down to North Carolina, AccuWeather said. Christmas Day rain in Pacific Northwest A little bit of rain and mountain snow was possible in the Pacific Northwest on Christmas Eve, the National Weather Service said. The likelihood of rain in the region increases on Christmas Day there is a 100% chance of rain Monday night according to the National Weather Service. Rainfall totaling half an inch are possible, the weather service said. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Weather forecast for Christmas Eve, Christmas day: Who will see snow? The strike hit a chemical products tanker, like the one shown here in a file photo A chemical tanker in the Indian Ocean was hit by a drone launched from Iran on Saturday, the US military says. A fire on board the Chem Pluto was extinguished. There were no casualties. Iran has not commented. Houthi rebels in Yemen - who are backed by Iran and support Hamas in its war with Israel - have recently used drones and rockets to target vessels in the Red Sea. But this event is the first of its kind so far away from there, according to maritime security firm Ambrey. The same company also said the vessel was heading from Saudi Arabia to India, and was linked to Israel. The Houthis have claimed to be targeting Israel-linked vessels over the conflict in Gaza. The US said the Chem Pluto was hit by "a one-way attack drone fired from Iran". It is believed to be the first time the US has publicly accused Iran of targeting a ship directly. It has previously accused Iran of being "deeply involved" in planning operations against commercial vessels in the Red Sea - a charge Tehran has denied. However, Iran's Revolutionary Guards have warned they could force the closure of waterways other than the Red Sea if "America and its allies continue committing crimes" in Gaza. The Pentagon statement said the Chem Pluto, "a Liberia-flagged, Japanese-owned, and Netherlands-operated chemical tanker", was struck on Saturday at 10:00 local time (06:00 GMT). The hit caused structural damage. The incident took place 200 nautical miles (370km) south-west of the city of Veraval in India's Gujarat state, according to United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). Ambrey said the event fell within an area considered a "heightened threat area" for Iranian drones. The Indian navy sent an aircraft and warships to offer assistance. The BBC was not able to independently verify the incident. A BBC map shows the Red Sea, Indian Ocean, Iran and India - with the city of Veraval marked in the latter country In a separate development, the US Central Command (Centcom) said that on Saturday "two Houthi anti-ship ballistic missiles were fired into international shipping lanes in the Southern Red Sea from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. No ships reported being impacted". It also said the USS Laboon warship patrolling the area "shot down four unmanned aerial drones originating from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen that were inbound" to the American vessel. Later that day, a crude oil tanker reported being hit by a Houthi drone in the southern Red Sea, while another tanker saw a near miss. Many global shipping groups have suspended operations in the Red Sea due to the increased risk of attacks. The UK government has vowed to ensure the route's safety. Defence Secretary Grant Shapps told the Sunday Times newspaper that the UK was committed to repelling attacks on vessels - and would not allow the Red Sea to become a "no-go area". Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary David Cameron described Iran as a "thoroughly malign influence in the region and in the world". He said the Iranian leadership and its proxies needed to be sent an "incredibly clear message that this escalation will not be tolerated". Chris Farrell from Neptune P2P Group, a UK maritime security company, described nervousness in the region and observed that container ships were proving more likely to reroute than larger vessels."Nobody really knows the situation out there," he told the BBC World Service's Weekend programme. "Because of the lack of stability, that's creating the uncertainty with the clients and the shipping companies which are putting their assets within that region." GUATEMALA CITY (AP) International and regional leaders have rejected the latest attempt by Guatemalan prosecutors to prevent progressive President-elect Bernardo Arevalo from taking office on Jan. 14. Prosecutors asked a court Friday to strip Arevalo of his legal immunity and alleged that minutes seized during a raid of electoral offices showed that results from the presidential runoff vote he won in August had irregularities and were therefore void. Arevalo said the prosecution was seeking to undermine his ability to govern. Guatemala's high electoral court, the Organization of American States and officials from the United Nations, the British Foreign Office and the European Union echoed his sentiment. Fridays announcements, aimed at nullifying the outcome of the general elections and questioning the constitution and existence of the Movimiento Semilla party, are extremely disturbing, U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said in a statement issued Saturday. The Organization of American States and the EU were among a number of entities that sent observers to monitor the election and confirmed that voting adhered to democratic standards. The victory of Arevalo and his Seed Movement party posed a threat to those who have long wielded power in Guatemala. The anti-corruption crusader has been a target of legal salvos for month, including arrests of party members, raids and repeated court requests to lift his immunity so prosecutors can investigate him directly. Turk said he was encouraged that Guatemalans have been standing up for their rights by protesting prosecutors' efforts to invalidate the election. He called on federal authorities to preserve and respect human rights, including freedom of expression and freedom of peaceful assembly. Meanwhile, European Union foreign policy chief Josep Bornell said Friday that the EU was contemplating sanctions on those attempting to reverse the vote by Guatemalans. These latest actions and statements of the Public Prosecutors Office of Guatemala represent an attempt at a coup detat, spearheaded by politically motivated prosecutors," Borrell said in a statement. They show contempt for the clear will of Guatemalas citizens. The Organization of American States announced it would hold another discussion about the political crisis on Tuesday and potentially sign a resolution on the actions putting a democratic transition of power at risk. The Guatemalan government has tried to disassociate itself from the actions of the prosecutors office by highlighting the country's separation of powers. But many also blame the current president, Alejandro Giammattei, for agreeing to moves by Attorney General Consuelo Porras, whom he has called his friend. The U.S. government has sanctioned Porra twice for undermining democracy in the country and hindering the fight against corruption. Amid the mounting criticism of the attempts to nullify the election, the presidency issued a statement rejecting what it dubbed hasty pronouncements by some actors in the international community. We're calling on the international community to be prudent before issuing statements that could generate internal polarization and to see for yourself the will by the government to carry out the transition and passing on of presidential power, which has already begun, the presidency said. Toxic people quotes At some point or another, we have all dealt with a toxic person infiltrating our lives. Whether it's a problematic family member, friend or romantic partner, relationships with toxic individuals can severely impact our mindsets and quality of life. Even with that, ridding ourselves of these relationships can be a daunting task. Parade formed this epic list of 105 toxic people quotes to empower you in ridding yourself of the negativity in your life. Life is too short to spend it around narcissists and drama-filled people who weigh you down and make you feel less about yourself. It's crucial to surround ourselves with individuals who uplift, nurture and inspire our well-being. Manipulators and gaslighters will slowly start to poison you, and in a world that's demanding enough, who needs more turmoil? It takes courage to remove people with bad behavior from your life and set the boundaries you need in order to thrive. But, your future self will thank you for ridding your life of the unnecessary stress. Keep reading for the best toxic people quotes. Related: 8 Types of Toxic Friends You Should Cut Out of Your Life, According to Psychotherapists 105 Toxic People Quotes 1. "Toxic people will pollute everything around them. Dont hesitate. Fumigate." Mandy Hale Canva/Unsplash 2. "A healthy relationship will never require you to sacrifice your friends, your dreams or your dignity." Dinkar Kalotra 3. "Toxic people are like black holes, they suck out your positive energy." Karen Salmansohn 4. "Life is short. Dont waste it with negative people who dont appreciate you. Keep them in your heart but keep them out of your life." Unknown 5. "The less you respond to negative people, the more powerful your life will become." Robert E. Baine, Jr. 6. "Toxic people create chaos, point fingers, shift blame and avoid taking responsibility." Dr. Anne Brown 7. "Some people are in such utter darkness that they will burn you just to see a light. Try not to take it personally." Kamand Kojouri 8. "People who are not happy with themselves cannot possibly be happy with you." 9. "Your life is too valuable to waste on people who don't appreciate you." Turcois Ominek 10. "A toxic person only changes their victims, never themselves." Unknown Canva/Unsplash 11."It's crazy how toxic people can manipulate others into thinking you're a bad person." Tamuda Bianca Related: 35 Phrases To Set Boundaries Firmly and Fairly, According to Mental Health Pros 12. "Don't waste yourself in rejection, nor bark against the bad, but chant the beauty of the good." Ralph Waldo Emerson 13. "Don't associate yourself with toxic people. It's better to be alone and love yourself than to be surrounded by people that make you hate yourself." Robin Williams 14. "Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions." Mark Twain 15. "People appear like angels until you hear them speak. You must not rush to judge people by the color of their cloaks, but by the content of their words! Israelmore Ayivo Related: Boost Your Confidence (And Change Your Life) With These 50 Positive Affirmations 16. "Letting go of toxic people in your life is a big step in loving yourself." Hussein Nishah 17. "Drama is for fools. The wise stay calm." Maxime Lagace 18. "Don't waste your words on people who deserve your silence. Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can say is nothing at all." Unknown 19. "Its amazing how quickly things can turn around when you remove toxic people from your life." Robert Tew 20. "Pay no attention to toxic words. What people say is often a reflection of themselves, not you." Christian Baloga Canva/Unsplash 21. "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." Eleanor Roosevelt 22. "Because at some point you have to realize that some people can stay in your heart but not in your life." Sandi Lynn 23. "May you reach that level within, where you no longer allow your past or people with toxic intentions to negatively affect or condition you." Lalah Delia 24. "The only way to deal with a toxic person is to not play their games." Unknown 25. "Do not waste your time on things you can't change. Know when to walk away from toxic people and hopeless situations." Unknown 26. "Hanging around the small-minded eventually makes us small-minded. The plant only grows as big as the environment its in." Torron-Lee Dewar 27. "You lift your spirits by moving away from what upsets you. If the stove is hot, you cant ask how to touch it but be happy about it." Queen Tourmaline 28. "Toxic people attach themselves like cinder blocks tied to your ankles, and then invite you for a swim in their poisoned waters." John Mark Green 29. "The idea is quite simple: stay a lightyear away from people who make you feel less about yourself." Mohith Agadi 30. "If you spend your time hoping someone will suffer the consequences for what they did to your heart, then youre allowing them to hurt you a second time in your mind." Shannon L. Alder Canva/Unsplash 31. "Handling toxic people is not an art, they will be the victim of their own toxicity." P.S. Jagadeesh Kumar 32. "I have found the best way to deal with a toxic person is to not respond in any other way than monotone voice and a businesslike manner." Jen Grice 33. "People who try to bring you down every day arent important in your life, so you better treat their opinions as such." Terry Mark 34. "Whoever is trying to bring you down is already below you." Ziad K. Abdelnour 35. Respond intelligently even to unintelligent treatment." Lao Tzu Related: 8 Signs You Have a Toxic Mother and How To HealAccording to Psychologists 36. "Letting go doesnt mean that you dont care about someone anymore. Its just realizing that the only person you really have control over is yourself." Deborah Reber 37. "People inspire you, or they drain you. Pick them wisely." Hans F. Hasen 38. "Toxic people have no concept of boundaries." Sarah Regan 39. "You cannot expect to live a positive life if you hang with negative people." Joel Osteen 40. "Stop letting people who do so little for you control so much of your mind, feelings, and emotions." Will Smith Canva/Unsplash 41. "Losing negative people to gain your inner peace is always a fair tradeoff." Unknown 42. "Avoid people who complain about everything." Mackenzie Smith 43. "Protect your peace. Get rid of toxicity. Cleanse your space. Cultivate love." Thema Davis 44. "The quality of your life is the quality of your relationships." Anthony Robbins 45. "We all get it wrong sometimes, but toxic people will make sure you know it." Karen Young 46. "You are not a garbage dump for other people's issues." Bryant McGill 47. "Not everyone you lose is a loss." Unknown 48. "Toxic people don't like when people see through them, so they'll do all they can to make everyone else look like a monster." Nitya Prakash 49. "If you accept the expectations of others, especially negative ones, then you never will change the outcome." Michael Jordan 50. "Stay away from negative people. They have a problem for every solution." Albert Einstein Canva/Unsplash 51. "Don't let toxic people infect you with the fear of giving and receiving one of the most powerful forces in this world love!" Yvonne Pierre 52. "We dont get to choose our family, but we can choose our friends. With courage, we can weed out narcissistic people. We can focus on those who do appreciate us, love us, and treat us with respect." Dana Arcuri 53. "The wrong person will give you less than what youre worth but that doesnt mean that you have to accept it." Sonya Parker 54. "Cutting toxic people out of your life doesnt mean you hate them, it simply means you respect yourself. Not everyone is meant to stay." Unknown 55. "Beware of those around you who subtly sow the seeds of doubt." Wayne Gerard Trotman 56. "If your friends laugh at your goals and dreams, they are not your friends." Dan Go 57. "When dealing with toxic people, always choose distance over disrespect." Germany Kent 58. "The minute she rid herself from toxic people, she started glowing like a beautiful sunset in Barbados." Charmaine J. Forde 59. "Keeping bad company is like being in a germ-infested area. You never know what youll catch." Frank Sonnenberg 60. "If you walked away from a toxic, negative, abusive, one-sided, dead-end low vibrational relationship or friendship, you won." Lalah Delia Canva/Unsplash 61. "People who create their own drama deserve their own karma." Unknown 62. "If you allow people to make more withdrawals than deposits in your life, you will be out of balance and in the negative. Know when to close the account." Christie Williams 63. "If they do it often, it isnt a mistake; its just their behavior." Steve Maraboli 64. "The best defense is to keep off the radar of negative people." Steven Redhead 65. "You will find that it is necessary to let things go; simply for the reason that they are heavy. So let them go, let go of them. I tie no weights to my ankles." C. JoyBell C. 66. "Entitlement is an expression of conditional love. Nobody is ever entitled to your love. You always have a right to protect your mental, emotional, and physical well-being by removing yourself from toxic people and circumstances." Dr. Janice Anderson and Kiersten Anderson 67. "Its very possible and very okay to forgive someone and still not want to spend time with them." Karen Salmansohn 68. "I burned my bridges so the devil couldnt follow me." L.M. Browning 69. "I am worth more than excuses. I am worth more than an inconsistent, unhealthy, disappointing dynamic. I am worthy of finding someone that is never going to allow us to settle into this toxic, distorted version of love." Liz Newman 70. "I will not allow anyone to walk in my mind with dirty feet." Gandhi Canva/Unsplash 71. "Toxic relationships are like a good pasta that has been overcooked." Asa Don Brown 72. "Ive found the most tragic aspect of losing loved ones wasnt the big boom of the fallout, but realizing later how much healthier I was without them." Maggie Young 73. "Save your skin from the corrosive acids from the mouths of toxic people. Someone who just helped you to speak evil about another person can later help another person to speak evil about you." Israelmore Ayivor 74. "Toxic people like you more when you dont challenge them. They prefer to have an upper hand over you." Mitta Xinindlu 75. "Surround yourself with positive people who will support you when it rains, not just when it shines." Unknown 76. "If you do not respect your own wishes, no one else will. You will simply attract people who disrespect you as much as you do." Vironika Tugaleva 77. "To be of good quality, you have to excuse yourself from the presence of shallow and callow minded individuals." Michael Bassey Johnson 78. "While you cant control someones negative behavior, you can control how long you participate in it." Unknown 79. "If you attach to the negative behavior of others it brings you down to their level." Guru Singh 80. "Protect your spirit from contamination. Limit your time with negative people." Thema Davis Canva/Unsplash 81. "You are not a rehab. Its not your job to fix everyone." Unknown 82. "Surround yourself with the dreamers and the doers, the believers and thinkers, but most of all, surround yourself with those who see greatness within you, even when you don't see it yourself." Edmund Lee 83. "There are people who break you down by just being them. They need not do anything. Dissociate." Malebo Sephodi 84. "You create more space in your life when you turn your excess baggage to garbage." Chinonye J. Chidolue 85. "People who love themselves, dont hurt other people. The more we dislike ourselves, the more we want others to suffer." Dan Pearce 86. "Theres folks you just dont need. Youre better off without them. Your life is just a little better because they aren't in it." William Gay 87. "Love yourself enough to set boundaries. Your time and energy are precious. You get to choose how you use it. You teach people how to treat you by deciding what you will and wont accept." Anna Taylor 88. "As important as it is to learn how to deal with different kinds of people, truly toxic people will never be worth your time and energy and they take a lot of each. Toxic people create unnecessary complexity, strife, and, worst of all, stress." Travis Bradberry 89. "Its one thing if a person owns up to their behavior and makes an effort to change. But if a person disregards your feelings, ignores your boundaries, and continues to treat you in a harmful way, they need to go." Daniell Koepke 90. "When I stop eating certain things, I feel so much better. I notice the same when I stop dealing with certain people." Steve Maraboli Canva/Unsplash 91. "Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher." Oprah Winfrey 92. "We all have those toxic people around us that make our lives miserable. The day we take them out from our lives, we will all become better people; including them." Rodolfo Peon 93. "You don't ever have to feel guilty about removing toxic people from your life. It doesn't matter whether someone is a relative, romantic interest, employer, childhood friend, or a new acquaintance you don't have to make room for people who cause you pain or make you feel small." Danielle Koepke 94. "The only relationships that exist are based on truth. Everything else is just a mutual and isolating delusion." Stefan Molyneux 95. "Sometimes the people around you won't understand your journey. They don't need to, it's not for them." Joubert Botha 96. "Letting go means to come to the realization that some people are a part of your history, but not a part of your destiny." Steve Maraboli 97. "How you choose to feel today should not be dependent on others." Anthon St. Maarten 98. "Never waste your time trying to explain yourself to people who are committed to misunderstanding you." Unknown 99. "Don't let toxic people rent space in your head. Raise the rent and kick them out." Zig Ziglar 100. "Weeding out the harmful influences should become the norm not the exception." Carlos Wallace Canva/Unsplash 101. "Let negative people live their negative lives with their negative minds." Moosa Rahat 102. "If somebody is looking for a bin to throw all their trash into, make sure its not in your mind." Dalai Lama 103. "Don't excuse toxic traits by trying to highlight the loving ones." Jenny Winbladh 104. "The only thing more exhausting than being with a toxic person is pretending they're not toxic." Germany Kent 105. "Every day you must unlearn the ways that hold you back. You must rid yourself of negativity, so you can learn to fly." Leon Brown Next: The 8 Communication Red Flags To Work on in Your Relationship Before Its Too Late, According to Divorce Attorneys OSAKA, JAPAN - MAY 06: Millie Bobby Brown speaks during the celebrity talk event at Osaka Comic Con 2023 on May 6, 2023 in Osaka, Japan. (Photo by Jun Sato/WireImage) Millie Bobby Brown is spending the holiday season somewhere warm. Or, at least, that seems to be the case according to the Stranger Things star's latest Instagram upload. On Saturday, Dec. 23, Brown took to the social media site to share a couple of makeup-free photos while she posed in a tropical locale in a colorful bikini. While the 19-year-old actress didn't specify where she was vacationing, she did caption the update, "Santa tell me." Now, before you start reading into the captionwhich is a lyric from Ariana Grande's Christmas classic about heartbreak, "Santa Tell Me"Brown's fiance Jake Bongiovi already expressed his love for the update in the comments. "Angel ," Jon Bon Jovi's son, 21, noted. Of course, Bongiovi wasn't the only person singing the former child star's praises. One fan commented, "She aint a 10 she 11." Another top comment read, "Summer girl on Christmas." A third chimed in, "the most gorg! ." We're sure Brown is getting plenty of rest and relaxation before production for the fifth and final season Stranger Things begins in January. On how she feels about saying goodbye to Hawkins and the rest of the cast, Brown said in her October Glamour cover story, "Stranger Things takes up a lot of time to film and its preventing me from creating stories Im passionate about. So Im ready to say, Thank you, and goodbye.'" She added, "When it ends, Im going to be able to still see these people. Catch up on seasons one through four of Stranger Things, which are now available to stream on Netflix. Next: 'Stranger Things' to Resume Filming, Everything to Know About Season 5 Iran threatened Saturday that the Mediterranean Sea could be closed if the U.S. and Israel continued crimes in Gaza, state media reported, according to Reuters. The Iranian government has showed support for the militant group Hamas in its war against Israel, while the U.S. has strongly backed Israel despite growing criticism of the Israeli militarys war effort. They shall soon await the closure of the Mediterranean Sea, [the Strait of] Gibraltar and other waterways, state media Tasnim quoted Iranian Brig. Gen. Mohammad Reza Naqdi as saying. Iran has accused the Israeli military, and the U.S. as its close ally, of committing war crimes in Gaza. More than 20,000 Palestinians have died in the conflict since early October, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The Biden administration has pressed the Israeli military to step back from major military operations amid the rising civilian death toll and international pressure. It is unclear how Iran would follow through on such a threat, as the country has no direct access to the Mediterranean Sea and no major naval presence outside the Persian Gulf. Naqdi suggested attacks on Gibraltar would be an escalation of Red Sea attacks on shipping from Houthi rebels in Yemen. The Iran-backed rebel group launched attacks on cargo ships and U.S. warships near the Horn of Africa last week, stepping up operations in the years-long Yemeni civil war. Yesterday, the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz became a nightmare for them, and today they are trapped in the Red Sea, Naqdi said, referencing the Houthi attacks, according to state media. The Biden administration has faced pressure to strike back at the Yemeni group over the attacks. A Navy task force will be deployed to the region to protect shipping, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced Monday. Irans proxy groups in the eastern Mediterranean, Hezbollah in Lebanon and an allied group in Syria are not believed to have the capability of long-distance strikes. Tansim reported that an Iran-backed group in Iraq attacked an Israeli natural gas facility off the coast of Israel earlier this week. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. By Ahmed Hagagy KUWAIT (Reuters) -Kuwait's Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah, in his first speech as emir since the death of his predecessor last week, criticised lawmakers and the government on Wednesday for decisions he said had damaged the national interests of the U.S. allied state. Sheikh Meshal, 83, castigated decisions to appoint people to positions that were "not consistent with the simplest rules of justice and fairness" and objected to pardons granted by his predecessor. The new emir did not say which pardons he objected to. His predecessor issued a series of amnesties, including to dissidents and critics as well as some who were sentenced for spying for Iran and Lebanese Shi'ite Muslim group Hezbollah. "Today, as we are going through a delicate historical stage, we must review our current reality in all its aspects, especially the security, economic and living aspects," he said, and stressed the importance of government oversight and objective accountability While he had disagreed with some of the previous emir's decisions, he had abided by them out of loyalty, he said in the speech that was unusually critical of the government and lawmakers for a new emir. Sheikh Meshal was the day-to-day ruler for much of the reign of his predecessor, half-brother Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah who died on Saturday, aged 86, due to his ill-health. "The emirs speech underscored a heightened focus on strengthening governance and enhancing accountability, reflecting a deep commitment to combating corruption in the pursuit of effective governance," said Reconnaissance Research Chief Executive Abdulaziz Al-Anjeri. He straightforwardly criticized the executive and legislative bodies, signalling a willingness to undertake radical, albeit necessary, reforms." Kuwait, which neighbours Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Iran, holds the world's seventh largest oil reserves and is an OPEC member. It is a close ally of the United States, which in 1991 liberated Kuwait from Iraqi occupation, and stations troops in the state. Kuwait would maintain its Gulf, regional and international commitments, Sheikh Meshal said Kuwait academic Bader Al Saif said the speech showed that existing foreign policies and an effort to drive out corruption within the government sector would be maintained by the emir. But it also suggested that national priorities of meeting the people's needs, security and economy had not been properly addressed by the government or the parliament, he said. That could lead to radical changes in the next government, after the current cabinet tendered its resignation as is custom when a new emir assumes power, according to Al Saif. Sheikh Meshal later accepted the resignation. Kuwait bans political parties and candidates run as independents, but its legislature has more influence than similar bodies in other Gulf monarchies, including the power to pass and block laws, question ministers and submit no-confidence motions. Frequent political deadlock in Kuwait, the Gulf region's oldest and most lively legislature, has for decades led to cabinet reshuffles and parliament dissolutions. (Reporting by Ahmed Haggagy in Kuwait, Ahmed Elimam, Clauda Tanios and Nayera Abdallah, Alexander Cornwell in Dubai; Writing by Yousef Saba, Pesha Magid & Alexander Cornwell; Editing by Jason Neely and Alison Williams, Kirsten Donovan) On most days, the people living in tents along Northwest 17th Street in Miami go unnoticed. Cars coming from Jackson Memorial Hospital zoom by as dozens of people living along the freeway become another fixture of Miami. But on Friday evening, just a few nights before Christmas, 17th Street was bustling with holiday music, volunteers passing out home-cooked meals and delivering wagons of pastelitos and bottled water. People experiencing homelessness, for at least one night, were shown respect, asked their names and listened to. It was all a part of an effort organized by non-profit Hermanos de la Calle to bring food and camaraderie to the homeless. The faith-based group helps connect Miamis unhoused population including freshly-arrived migrants who may be seeking asylum with affordable housing, employment and spiritual guidance. The goal of tonight is to bring the joy of Christmas to the streets, said Narciso Munoz, founder and president of Hermanos. These people that are living in the streets, sometimes they feel rejected by society, he said. For us Christians, its super important; this is where we find Jesus. Unhoused man Jeffrey Redding, 53, and Hermanos de la Calle volunteer Carolina Montoya, 46, during a Christmas food distribution event on NW 17th Street in Miami, Florida, on Friday, December 22, 2023. The faith based organization Hermanos de la Calle and members of various local congregations helped feed the unsheltered and assisted people with finding shelter. D.A. Varela/dvarela@miamiherald.com The organization recruits volunteers from local churches including St. Augustine Catholic Church, Iglesia Apostolica Fuente De Vida and Lagoinha Miami Church to donate food and supplies and conduct outreach efforts every other Friday. After a quick huddle and prayer at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Key Biscayne, the volunteers, young and old, headed to 17th Street, right outside of the Missionaries of Charity of Mother Teresa homeless shelter, and got to work. They set up buffet-style tables where people grabbed what they wanted pasta salad, chicken and rice, coffee, Christmas treats. Some operated from the trunks of their cars, unveiling boxes of clothes, shoes and sleeping bags. Volunteer Vanessa Joyce of Lagoinha Miami Church, a Christian church with Brazilian roots in Little Haiti, said that providing homeless Miamians with food and clothing is important, but that they are also in need of another vital resource: love. People think that Christmas is just for giving gifts. And this is not part of what Christmas means. This is the birth of Jesus, said Joyce, who is the team leader for her churchs ministry called WeCare. The most important gift we have, its love. Its not about a new bike, a new perfume .. its about love. Hermanos de la Calle executive director Malena Legarre speaks with Venezuelan immigrants Enderson Reano, 27, and his son Jefferson, 4, to assist with shelter during a Christmas food distribution event on NW 17th Street in Miami, Florida, on Friday, December 22, 2023. D.A. Varela/dvarela@miamiherald.com The volunteers go beyond distributing food and goods, taking their time to get to know people and learning about their struggles. Hermanos Executive Director Malena Legarre explains that the food is just an ice breaker. The most important thing is spending time with people and talking to them, connecting, asking their names and looking into their eyes, she said. We try to find more permanent solutions for them. By the end of the dinner, Hermanos found temporary shelter in a nearby hotel for 11 people, including a father and son who had recently arrived from Chile. A Hermanos de la Calle volunteer takes down the information of a unhoused man in hopes of getting him into a shelter during a food distribution event on NW 17th Street in Miami, Florida, on Friday, December 22, 2023. D.A. Varela/dvarela@miamiherald.com Enderson Reano, originally from Venezuela, said he and his 4-year-old son Jefferson have been sent all over the United States since arriving. Reano said they are applying for asylum and have been relocated from shelter to shelter from Texas to Chicago, then New York and, finally, Florida. The journey hasnt been easy. Its weighing on him and his son, who was recently hospitalized with a fever. I feel depressed, Reano said in Spanish. It took three months just to get here. Its been a struggle. Reano sat on the sidewalk outside the shelter as his son ran around their suitcases in circles, cupcake in hand. When the little boy saw a man dressed as Santa Claus riding a scooter nearby, he shouted gleefully, Santa! Santa! Hermanos relocated Reano and his son to a hotel for the short term. The organization plans on buying them a plane ticket to California, so they can stay with friends. Before they leave, two teenage volunteers give Jefferson a toy to play with. We dont forget them Hermanos is a partner of Miami-Dade Countys Homeless Trust network, the county-backed agency responsible for leading the charge on ending homelessness in Miami. They are what I consider to be my emergency valve for sensitivity and compassion, Ron Book, longtime chairman of the Homeless Trust, said about Hermanos. Their physical hearts are the size of a large watermelon. Book said around Christmas time, when many people arrive from the colder states, the Trust and its partners double down on their efforts to find shelter for the unhoused. He reminds people that the problem isnt just with people living on the streets. I got a little under 2,500 sheltered individuals. They want to have a holiday too, but always are considered least, last, lost and forgotten. We dont forget them, he said. For individuals who want to help the cause, Book suggests volunteering at a shelter or donating to a Homeless Trust partner instead of feeding homeless people directly. If you feed people on the streets, your message is, its okay to live on the streets, he said. An unsheltered person sleeps on the sidewalk off NW 18th Street in Miami, Florida, on Friday, December 22, 2023. D.A. Varela/dvarela@miamiherald.com While the overall number of unsheltered people has decreased over the past year, the charitable holiday dinner comes at a time when some cities are cracking down on homeless encampments. Miami Beach police, for instance, arrested 20 people for camping in the city the week before Art Basel, per a new law that makes it a crime to sleep outdoors. The city ordinance requires police to give people the opportunity to relocate before an arrest takes place, but homeless advocates say there are many reasons why someone might be hesitant to go to a shelter. We do not ever support criminalizing homelessness, period, Book said. Doing it this time of the year is a bit insensitive to say the least. READ NEXT: Miami Beach police begin arresting homeless people under stricter camping ban Humanizing homelessness At the end of the night, a young woman who migrated from Venezuela, Erika Avila, was so moved by the groups generosity and love, she was brought to tears, hugging the volunteers. As others gathered, volunteer Andres Papa from St. Thomas the Apostle, lead the group in prayer. At 26-years-old, Papa is a little over two years into his journey to becoming an ordained priest in the Catholic Church. He said its his calling from God to help those in need. Hermanos de la Calle volunteer Andres Papa hands an unsheltered man a meal during a food distribution event on NW 17th Street in Miami, Florida, on Friday, December 22, 2023. D.A. Varela/dvarela@miamiherald.com One thing that drew Papa to this work, he said, was the joy he feels from understanding someones struggles especially those who are looked down upon in a culture centered on wealth. Its such a beautiful experience, because people that are just ignored by society, treated like trash, now you sit next to them, you ask their names, and then their eyes change and shine, he said. Its like you return the dignity to them, just by giving a little bit of our time. Joyce, of Lagoinha Miami Church, said doing this work has opened her eyes to the myriad struggles homeless people face. People, they judge too much people in the streets, she said. They always think its drugs, they always think its alcohol, but sometimes its just that they lost the opportunity. This seemed to be the case for a woman named Cliche, (yes, like the word she said), who currently lives in a tent with her husband and dog under the overpass. As Papa offered her some baked goods, she explained that she fell into homelessness after her last landlord tried to evict her. I chose to go this route to keep from getting an eviction on my record, she said. Its easier for me to save money because hotel rates are so high. It wasnt because I wasnt paying my bills or had a drug problem. Its complex situations like these that Munoz, founder and president of Hermanos, says are important for people to understand. We are also helping our community, our people, that live in a bubble, he said, referring to the teenagers and children who volunteer as well. Listen, this is reality, this is real life. Many of the volunteers with Hermanos also had a rough start. Guillermo Gamez with Iglesia Apostolica Fuente De Vida, for instance, came to Miami from Nicaragua as an immigrant 30 years ago. He now shows up frequently with his church to help others. Im thankful I now know Jesus Christ, he said in Spanish. He said hes grateful that hes able to give back and help people who are in situations hes familiar with. After reading scripture to the group, he wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Hermanos de la Calle volunteer Susana Alvarez prays with Amaranta Gomez on NW 17th Street in Miami, Florida, on Friday, December 22, 2023. Hermanos de la Calle and members of various local congregations helped feed the unsheltered and assisted people with finding shelter. D.A. Varela/dvarela@miamiherald.com To reach Hermanos de la Calle, call (786) 565 - 7827 or email info@hermanosdelacalle.org This story was produced with financial support from Trish and Dan Bell and from donors comprising the South Florida Jewish and Muslim Communities, in partnership with Journalism Funding Partners. The Miami Herald maintains full editorial control of this work. Workmen prepare to replace older water pipes. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that there are 9.2 million lead service lines carrying water into homes and businesses across the U.S. An alarming health statistic to experts, as scientists say "there is no safe level of lead exposure." In November the EPA announced a proposal that looks to replace all lead pipes leading to households in the U.S. within the next 10 years. It would also improve sampling protocols used by public water systems. All of this, a monumental task, especially for cities like Chicago. "We're number one in the country, 400,000 lead service lines. And I think this it's incumbent upon this administration, as well as this city council, to take the lead on this and finally address this issue that's been plaguing our community for decades," said Gilbert Villegas, the alderman of Chicago's 36th ward. Villegas says finding the money to make this happen is going to be a challenge. Nearly $50 billion has been allocated by Congress to upgrade the nation's drinking water and wastewater infrastructure. Of that $50 billion, $15 billion has been dedicated to replacing lead service lines. "However, the problem is, is that we're talking for Illinois alone or for Chicago, it's going to be anywhere between 12 to 15 billion alone for us. So obviously, there's more money that's needed from the federal level for the state level to here locally as well," Villegas said. So, where does Chicago stand in accomplishing its goal to replace lead service lines? City officials say they are working towards removing 10,000 lines a year. At that rate, it could take the city up to 40 years to replace all of the lines. "We have a lot more to figure out still, particularly in financing. But I think, you know, we've really made a lot of progress over the last few years," said Andrea Cheng, Chicago's commissioner of water management. Cheng says her department is working to increase the number of lead service lines replaced each year. "Our goal for this year is 4,500. We are over 4,200 right now. So, we're right on track to meet that goal in the next year of 8,000," Cheng said. But, she says getting folks committed to the construction that is required in order to replace a line can be hard. "Most people don't even know what their water service line is, right? And that's the small pipe that connects your water main that's running down the street over to your home. And most of those in most cities are partially owned by the city, partially owned by the homeowner," Cheng said. "We want to get in there, do the whole thing for free is our goal with our programs." But it's a critical problem Chicagoans say needs to be addressed sooner than later. SEE MORE: Man freed from hole on California cliffs after 'treacherous' rescue "When I was buying my home, my inspector was like, 'You have a lead service line. We all do, you know, no big deal.' Like there's this kind of like ... there's a lot of desensitization. Like people are desensitized from the extremities of lead service lines. But we know from health officials that there's no safe level of lead," said Gina Ramirez, the Midwest outreach manager for Natural Resources Defense Council. Ramirez, a third generation Chicagoan, says her mistrust of old pipes goes back to her childhood. "So, I grew up drinking bottled water in my home. My house, my parents' house, is 100 years old. So, my parents never trusted the tap. There was four of us. They spent a lot of their time and money shopping for water, you know, cooking with bottled water, preparing their coffee, you know, giving us bottles of water to take to school," Ramirez said. As a parent now herself, Ramirez says she doesn't want her children to grow up facing the same water concerns. "We don't need another generation drinking out of a lead straw," Ramirez said. Having helped her parents navigate the process of getting their lead service line replaced, she know it can be done. "It was such a long kind of burdensome process, but they're so excited now that they can, like, drink water out of the tap and like, prepare soup and make coffee. It's just like a lot more easily. And, you know, they're on a fixed income. They're older. And like the $3 or $8 they spend a week on water adds up," Ramirez said. While the issue is water under the bridge for Ramirez's family, many Chicagoans will likely be waiting awhile for their lines to be replaced.